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Take A Look At This Little Doll!!!

I have always loved dolls and remained a collector all my life.  I have large dolls, small dolls, all kinds of dolls.  I have the original Peter Play Pal Dolls, the Reproduction Peter Play Pal Dolls, Madame Alexander, Lee Middleton, Corolle and so many more.  I have to tell you though, I am blown away by the doll I received yesterday.  She is from Master Piece Dolls and she is a 39″ Artist Doll, 1 of only 350 in the US limited edition. She was sculpted by Monika Levenig and has 11 joints, gorgeous eyes and a beautiful head of blonde hair that can be styled in so many ways.

She is for the collector and these dolls go up in value as their limited editions sell out quickly.   Master Piece Doll Collectors adore these vinyl kids.  I can totally see why after I opened her.  She is absolutely stunning!  She looks so real and the way she is jointed let’s you pose her in so many ways.

Many collectors redress the dolls and display them throughout their home.  I have seen gorgeous displays of the dolls dressed in Christmas dresses or Easter.  The dolls are made so it’s easy to find children’s clothing to fit them well.  Miss Cutie Patootie wears a size 4T and a size 7 shoe.  I plan to post a video of her soon that I will add but here are some pics you may enjoy, that is, if you like dolls.  If you don’t, you might want to jump to another post.

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This is the outfit she comes with and her stand, she can stand and sit and be posed on her own too.

This is the outfit she comes with and her stand, she can stand and sit and be posed on her own too.

 

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These are her official pics on the catalog and website.

These are her official pics on the catalog and website.

Another catalog/website picture

Another catalog/website picture

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ReusaWool Dryer Balls From The Willow Store, Review & Giveaway!!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. willowstore_logo

I do not like to use chemicals in my home and so I’m happy to do a review for ReusaWool Dryer Balls.  I do use a dryer sheet that is not filled with toxic chemicals but I know many people still use those nasty, toxic dryer sheets.  If you are, please stop!  There is no need to expose your family to that toxic brew anymore and there are alternatives that don’t use those chemicals.

Dryer Balls

One of the options are ReusaWool Dryer Balls.  The natural wool felted balls actually reduce drying time while they soften your laundry naturally and without chemicals.  Reusa balls are mad in the USA by hand and they can be used with all types of laundry, just toss 2-3 balls in with your wet clothes and dry.  After that load just leave them in the dryer and reuse for each load.

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Wool_Dryer_Ball_Colors

wool ball

ReusaWool Dryer Balls will not harm your clothes and the colors are natural and safe for any color clothing.  The dye used on the balls is fiber reactive and will not bleed or run onto your laundry.  The balls last for years and can save you money since you would use them in place of dryer sheets.  I would say if you do large loads like I do you might want to up the dryer balls to 5-6 and I have read you can add a few drops of an essential oil like lavender if you like that smell or any other to scent your clothes naturally.

Would you like a chance to win some ReusaWool Dryer Balls?  If so enter our giveaway below using the Rafflecopter widget.  Good Luck!!!  Open to US residents.

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Master Lock “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Sweepstakes” To Benefit American Red Cross!!! #MasterLockProtects 3

Master Lock Logo Thin

Recently, I was thinking about what the American Red Cross means to me.  When I think of the American Red Cross, I think about a warm blanket being placed on the shoulders of a disaster victim.  That simple gesture is what the American Red Cross embodies; caring, compassion, relief and assistance for those in need.

The Red Cross is there to help Americans affected by disasters, support members of the military and their families, to facilitate  collection, processing and distribution of life saving blood, provided health and safety education and development and to provide international relief and development.  My daughter started volunteering  in high school  for the Red Cross blood drives in our community.   She enjoyed working with them so much that it ignited a spark for community service she has to this day.

American Red Cross Helping Victims

The American Red Cross is one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations that was started by Clara Barton in 1881.  Clara Barton led the Red Cross for 23 years.  After disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, I always see the Red Cross responding immediately to provide victims with their basic needs. The efforts of this organization helps to give those affected  a bit of security, comfort and care while  always treating them with the dignity they deserve in the wake of unspeakable loss.  Just the Red Cross symbol alone is a vision of hope, a symbol of love and  commitment to relieve suffering to those in need.

As a parent, I know the protection of my family is paramount in my thoughts and actions every day.  It gives me security knowing that companies like Master Lock  have been providing individuals the most innovative security solutions for homes, autos, bikes, storage security and more since 1921.  I remember my first experience with Master Lock was the combination lock on my gym locker.  I used that lock from elementary through high school and that made an impression even then about the quality of their products.

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 Master Lock is the recognized leader in padlock and security industries and is always setting the bar higher and producing the best products to help families live as safely and securely as we can.  In an uncertain world Master Lock helps us keep our belongings safe and secure with products that we can put our trust in.

Master-Lock-Love-Sweeps-Logo

Master Lock has a “Protecting All That You Love and Care About” Sweepstakes: Master Lock is helping consumers protect all that they love and care about in 2014, whether a precious pet, certain someone or prized possession.

Master Lock is kicking off a year-long initiative by asking consumers to tweet what they most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects in exchange for a $1 donation to the American Red Cross and entry into their sweepstakes for the chance to win one of 28 great prize packs!

Master Lock will make an initial $10,000 donation to the American Red Cross and will donate up to $10,000 in additional funds based on consumers participation in the sweepstakes.

Master Lock’s generous donation will support the urgent needs of the American Red Cross mission, whether it is responding to a disaster, collecting lifesaving blood, teaching skills to save a life, or assisting military members and their families during emergencies.

I would like to invite you to join me at a Twitter party, kicking off the campaign on Tuesday, February 18th.   If you would like to attend, click HERE!

Sweepstakes period: February 17th – February 28th

See the Sweepstakes Rules HERE!

Sweepstakes Prizes Include:

3   Grand Prize Winners: 

$100 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

25   First Prize Winners: 25

$50 Visa Gift Card

Master Lock 5422D Portable Key Safe

1547DCM Backpack Lock

5900D SafeSpace

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit

 So please share a tweet to raise money for the American Red Cross and let Master Lock know what you most want to protect using the hashtag #MasterLockProtects. You just may be a winner in the sweepstakes for doing your part to help such a great organization!!!

 This is a sponsored post on behalf of Master Lock but as always the opinions expressed are 100% my own.

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Kind Healthy Grains Bars, Perfect For Superheroes & Everyone Else! #kindawesome

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

kind bar pb

With the launch of Kind Healthy Grains Bars, I was asked to recognize my own personal super hero.  That’s easy for me, my real super hero is my son Michael who fought and won the battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  He had surgery and went through PET scans, CAT scans, and nearly 3 weeks of radiation treatment without complaining and was an inspiration to all around him including the doctors, nurses and other patients.

That was quite an ordeal, but you would never know if judging from his sense of humor, great attitude and champion spirit.  It’s hard being a teenager but to add a cancer diagnosis to what should be carefree, fun years really ups the ante.  Just like a superhero that saves the day and pummels the bad guy, Michael did just that and beat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with a TKO punch!  For my son and all the other superheroes who have fought a fight they never wanted  to be in, know that you are stronger than steel and braver than any man in tights could hope to be.

For superheroes and everyone else, Kind has healthy grain bars that pack a punch of taste and goodness.  Each bar contains 18-22 grams of whole grains sourced from a blend of 100% unique whole grains including amaranth, quinoa, gluten-free oats, millet and buckwheat making them the perfect snack for any super hero’s healthy lifestyle.  Great to pack in a lunch box, keep in your purse or take with you for a nutrition packed snack during hiking, walking or other activities.  Flavors of the new bars are Dark Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Vanilla Blueberry, Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt and Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut.

Kind Bars

 #kindawesome

I recently had the chance to try these and they were perfect for that healthy snack when you did not want to eat something bad but needed a boost.  Satisfying and delicious, so much that even my little ones liked them.  A great alternative to that time when you want to run to the vending machine at work for something you will regret after.  Try them today and get your snack on!  You can also follow Kind on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 


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Share the Love this Valentine’s Day with New Treats from Nestlé!

Valentine’s Day is upon us!  If you are looking for some tasty ideas to celebrate with the ones you love, then read on.  Nestlé has some great Valentine’s Day themed candy you can use to create some scrumptious holiday treats.  I was recently sent some  SweeTarts Hearts, SweeTarts Heart Gummies and an assorted bag of ready to give Butterfinger, Baby Ruth and Nestle Crunch bars.

The candy bars are all ready for Valentine exchanges, so you can give a Valentine and a tasty chocolate treat in one neat little package.  Great for kids and classroom exchanges with friends and classmates.  The SweeTarts hearts looked so great on the strawberry cupcakes with the chocolate buttercream frosting I made.  They really dressed them up and let everyone know they were a sweetie!

Follow Nestlé on Facebook and Twitter to stay up on the latest news and product information!!!

Nestle

 

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All ready for Valentine's Day exchanges!!!

All ready for Valentine’s Day exchanges!!!

 

Yummy, Tangy and Sweet!!!

Yummy, Tangy and Sweet!!!

 

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Warner Bros. Valentine’s Day Giveaway!!!

February is the one month of the year where everyone has love on their minds! It’s can be romantic, it can be love for your children or parents or you could just be a movie lover! Whatever you love, this February Warner Bros. has you covered with some amazing DVDs perfect for the whole family!

If you’re a love lorn poet, there’s the Peanuts Collection! If you want to smother your significant other with kisses we have the Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection, and if you want to solve some madcap mystery, I’ll bet Scooby-Doo is the one for you!

 

Who is Your Cartoon Crush? – Everyone has had a crush at some point in their lives, but do you know who your cartoon crush is? Is it Scooby-Doo? Charlie Brown? or maybe Bugs Bunny? Find out who you would be romantically perfect with!

Valentine’s Day Recipes! When I think of movie night, the first thing I want to know is… What are the snacks? Here are three easy and fun recipe’s perfect for your Valentine!

 

Want to win  one of the DVDs below chosen at random?  If so enter our giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition
A Charlie Brown Valentine
Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers
Happiness is… Peanuts: Friends Forever
Elmo Loves You
Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection
Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: For The Love Of Snack

Rules:
Giveaway open to the U.S. only. Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Valentines Day DVD Chosen at Random via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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T.G.I. Friday’s Frozen Snacks Are Perfect To Team Up With Game Day Entertaining!!!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser.

TGI Friday's Frozen Snacks-#tgifgameday-#cbias-#shop

With our large family and my older kid’s friends always over, it’s like a party every day at our house.  I sometimes feel like we have a revolving door and you never know who’s going to pop over.  With older boys and their friends, I can tell you that we always have hungry people in our house.

Now, when you add an event like the big game to the agenda, you can be sure there better be plenty of great snacks and tasty food for the sports fans to munch on.  They say go big or go home, that’s how we feel about a lot of things but certainly how we plan when entertaining during game time!  My husband likes to cook especially when we have friends and family coming by to relax and enjoy a big game day with us.

My husband can be found making his signature chili and serving it with cubes of cheddar cheese for an unbelievable hearty bowl of comfort food.  Chips and dips of all kinds, cold drinks, and we always like to have some finger foods like wings too.  T.G.I. Friday’s has some amazing appetizers available in the freezer section of your local Walmart store now!

Choose from Frozen Snacks of Delicious Wings with Honey BBQ Sauce, Loaded Cheddar & Bacon Potato Skins,Boneless Chicken Bites with Honey BBQ Sauce, Mozzarella Sticks, Jalapeno Poppers and much more.  These appetizers are easy to prepare and let you spend time with your family and friends watching the game without sacrificing taste or quality.

I picked some up recently from the well-stocked freezer section at Walmart.  There are regular and even value sizes of some varieties to choose from, and  you better believe  when the value size was available, I chose that and loaded up my cart.  I checked out and drove home and my husband put the treats in our extra freezer.

Walmart Store- T.G.I Friday's- Frozen Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

Walmart Store- T.G.I Friday's- Frozen- Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

 

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Walmart- Store- T.G.I Friday's- Frozen- Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

Imagine my surprise the next day when I went to get the boxes and found considerably less then I purchased.  Apparently, my older boys found the stash while getting some ice cream.  Enticed seeing the colorful T.G.I Friday’s packaging and even more intrigued by the pictures of their favorite Friday’s foods, those snacks never had a chance.  Needless to say, there was quite a dent put in my stash.  Oh well, what are you going to do, the story of living with teenagers!  I never need to worry about my little ones doing that yet, give them time though.

So I took what I had left and prepared a sampling buffet for us to try so we could get a feel for our favorites.  I cooked what was left of the wings, boneless chicken, loaded potato skins and poppers.  I left some of the chicken uncoated for my little guys but they ended up wanting the sauce.  I think it’s nice though that you can keep some plain for those who prefer that.  Everything cooked very quickly and disappeared just as fast which is a testimony to how good it tasted!

T.G.I Friday's- Frozen- Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

T.G.I Friday's-Frozen -Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

T.G.I. Friday's- Frozen- Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

 

I even managed to get a plate of goodies and have to tell you everything was great and felt like it was delivered from T.G.I Friday’s right to our house.  If you are in need of appetizers to enjoy with your family and friends during big games, parties or any other occasion, try Friday’s in your freezer.  I even found a coupon at for $1.50 off 3 T.G.I Friday’s Frozen Snacks, click HERE to get one!

Cheddar- Bacon- Potato Skins- T.G.I Friday's- Frozen Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop

Poppers -T.G.I Friday's -Frozen Snacks- #TGIFGameDay- #Cbias- #Shop


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Margery Williams’ “The Velveteen Rabbit”, Deluxe Gift Edition Review & Giveaway!!!

Random_House_logo

A few weeks ago the little ones and I began to add Spring and Easter bedtime story books to our routine.  Experiencing an Arctic blast here in the Northeast, I found it very promising to read stories about springtime.  Many of the stories were about bunnies, ducks and the rebirth experienced each spring.

Along the bunny theme we recently were sent the beautiful Deluxe Gift Edition of The Velveteen Rabbit.  The first time we read it, my little guys were all ears (no pun intended). They wanted to know why all the boys things needed to be burned because of germs, and wondered why they couldn’t just wash them.  They were very glad to know the Velveteen Rabbit was not burned and was made real because he had been so special to the boy.  This is a delightful story to share with your children or to give as a gift.  Would make a beautiful addition to put in an Easter basket!

The Velveteen Rabit Gift Edition Random House

 

A deluxe gift edition of one of the most beloved children’s stories. With illustrations remastered from a 1922 first edition and a beautiful cloth binding with gold accents, this lovingly reconstructed classic is the ideal collectible gift for baby showers, birthdays, and holidays throughout the year. Includes a book plate for personalizing your gift.

At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes “Real,” a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity. Treasured for generations, here is a timeless tale about the magic of boundless love, newly available with the luminous color of the original edition.

The Velveteen Rabbit Inside of Book

Excerpt From The Book:

“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room.  “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”

“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse.  “It’s a thing that happens to you.  When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.

“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful.  “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”

“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”

“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse.  “You become.  It takes a long time.  That’s why it doesn’t often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.  Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby.  But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”

Random House is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win their own Deluxe Gift Edition of The Velveteen Rabbit!  Thank you to Random House for the review book and for sponsoring this beautiful giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Deluxe Gift Edition of The Velveteen Rabbit Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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K12 Inc. Launches EmbarK¹², A Comprehensive & Online Pre-K Program For Kids 3-6!!! Limited Time 50% Off Discount Code Available Now!!!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of K12, the leader in online education for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a mom of five, I know the importance of preparing our kids for kindergarten with a strong foundation of key concepts and fundamentals.  Children need to master basic skills and have a strong understanding of key concepts in order to succeed in school.  A Pre-K program that prepares them for kindergarten with the fundamentals and concepts they need to know will allow kids to keep building on that strong foundation and let them soar through kindergarten and beyond!

EmbarK¹² is the leader in online education for grades K-12 has launched EmbarK12 Comprehensive- Online and hands-on preschool program for your early learner. 

  

EmbarK12 Online – Over 830 interactive activities to engage your preschooler. and encourage self-guided and independent learning for children ages 3-6.  This supplemental Pre-K program was developed by educational experts and is designed to make learning fun, enriching and dynamic.  

Children will learn basic concepts such as mathematical reasoning, early literacy, scientific observation, investigative skills and so much more through stimulating engagement.  

EmbarK¹² Comprehensive is an award-winning and standards aligned Pre-K program that is designed to fully prepare 3-5 year olds for Kindergarten.  Over 1200 engaging, interactive online and hands-on activities are available that will encompass 18 thematic units covering 6 subjects; Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Music and Art.

Over 750  hands-on activities support EmbarK¹² themes and promote creativity among eager learners through math manipulatives, children’s storybooks, art supplies and other learning aids. Kindergarten readiness programs by K12. Try a sample activity today.

Right now you can take advantage of a special 50% Off Discount on EmbarK¹² Online. This promotion is only valid for the next 7 days so don’t delay!  Use promo code EmbarkSpecial and pay only $29.50 for a 12 month subscription which is half off the regular price of $59! 

 

 


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Walmart Family Mobile Has The Lowest Priced Unlimited Plans!!!

I am a member of the Collective Bias®  Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias and its advertiser. #CollectiveBias #FamilyMobile

Walmart Family Mobile -Lowest Priced-Unlimited Plans-#FamilyMobile #Cbias-#Shop

I am one of those moms who has kids ranging from young adults to preschoolers.  When your older kids start driving, believe me, you’re going to want to know you can reach them and that they have the capability to call if anything happens.

However, it can be very costly for everyone to have a smart phone not to mention an unlimited family mobile plan. That’s why I am so excited about Walmart Family Mobile, it’s the lowest price unlimited talk, text & data/web plan!

Family Mobile In Store 2 #FamilyMobile  #Shop #cbias

You can purchase a variety of smart phones for under $100 with some under $50 right now!  I went to Walmart today to purchase a gift from my son for Valentine’s Day!  I bought him the Evolve Smart Phone and it was just $79.00!  Walmart’s lowest priced unlimited  plans for talk, text and web are just $39.99 a month!  There’s no contract and you just pay monthly.

The low price gets lower when you add a line because you save $5 when you add other family members to the unlimited plan.  That’s a great value and much less than we are paying with our contract service.

Family Mobile In Store #FamilyMobile  #Shop #cbias

 

With phones and unlimited plans this affordable, staying in touch with everyone is easy and the peace of mind it gives me is priceless.  Since many families are now receiving their tax return, this may just be something you want to consider using it toward. Unlimited plans are so great because you don’t need to worry about anyone going over their minutes or data/web allotment and then being slapped with huge fees you didn’t plan on.

It couldn’t have been easier to buy the phone and the start-up for the Family Mobile Plan.  As I made my way to the electronics department, I immediately saw the display with the phones and signage about Walmart’ s Lowest Priced Unlimited Plan.

Walmart-#FamilyMobile-#Cbias-#Shop

 A very nice young man immediately approached me and was very knowledgable about the phones and plan.  I told him I wanted to buy the OneTouch Evolve and he picked the phone for me, then I asked him how it works with setting up the unlimited plan and he told me I needed the start-up pack,  picked the right one and told me I could activate it online or on the phone.

That was it, I paid and was on my way.  Of course I picked up a Valentine’s gift bag for the gift that keeps on giving.  When I got home I wrapped it up and put it in the gift bag and now to wait and see his reaction.  I know he will just love it! I will update with his reaction.

Walmart Family Mobile -#FamilyMobile-#Cbias-#Shop

Walmart Family Mobile-Unlimited-Lowest Priced-#FamilyMobile-#Cbias-#Shop

Walmart Family Mobile-Unlimited-Lowest Priced-#FamilyMobile-#Cbias-#Shop

Family Mobile Gift

 


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