2010 July

Elmer’s “Bag It Forward” for REAL and Virtually

July 19, 2010 By Angie 3 Comments

Collective Bias and Elmer’s (as in Elmer’s glue) have joined forces in order to help families in need as the next school year approaches and I couldn’t be happier to be involved in the movement. “Bag It Forward” provided my family with the opportunity to help another family collect school supplies for their children, and it couldn’t have been easier. While I was buying school supplies for my children, I just grabbed a few extra with the intent to donate to someone in need. It didn’t “cost” me any extra time, made me feel good about doing something positive for someone else, and provided my children with the opportunity to learn an important lesson. We can help make the difference in others lives without much effort, and it feels pretty darn good.

If you are looking for a way to give back, why not “Bag It Forward” too? It’s painless and oh-so-rewarding!

If you don’t have the means, why not help virtually?

The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward is charity blog meme, bloggers are able to raise $10 per blog post for Adopt-A-Classroom by writing a blog post and donating a virtual bag of school supplies . Elmer’s will donate $10 per each post written to Adopt-A-Classroom, up to $10,000.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? It’s easy.

Participate in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward and by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom.
You can give as many virtual bags as you want.
The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on August 12, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted.
The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
In addition copy and paste the following text into your blog post:

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES

Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

Here is the photo you can use for your virtual bag or create your own!

Elemer's Walmart, charity

I’m giving a virtual bag of school supplies to:

Laura of Better in Bulk

Amanda at Parenting by Dummies

Francesca at SITS

Kathy at Mama Kat’s Losin’ It

Jill at Scary Mommy

In the spirit of disclosure, I should tell you that Collective Bias provided me with money to help buy supplies for the “real” Bag It Forward but that’s not why I participated. I participated because it’s for a cause I feel strongly about. Additionally, it felt great to spend my own money as well as theirs on school supplies for another family.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Advocacy Groups, Child, Children Youth and Family, Collective Bias, Elmer, Family, People, Philanthropy

Personal Microderm System Review

July 17, 2010 By Angie 4 Comments

A little exfoliation goes a LONG way. I know this, I understand this, I DO exfoliate yet my face always seems to need a little MORE exfoliation. I’ve tried just about every product out there to combat this problem, but with mediocre results.

All it took was one home dermabrasion treatment with the Personal Microderm System to rock my world, and FINALLY give my face the finish I’ve been wanting.

Microdermabrasion or dermabrasion is basically a term that means exfoliation of the epidermis. When done (microdermabrasion) in a salon or medical facility, a laser is used which shoots out crystals which used in conjunction with gentle suction exfoliates the epidermis leaving smoother, younger, healthier looking skin. It also stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen.

There are also in-home microdermabrasion creams and scrubs on the market that are not mechanical. They usually come with a scrub/cream (imbedded with those crystals) for the exfoliation along with a serum or lotion to be used after the cream/scrub to revitalize/rejuvenate the skin. I’ve used a bunch of these products, but have never come close to getting the results I got with the Personal Microderm System. I’ve come to the conclusion that the microdermabrasion creams and scrubs are best used after a professional microdermabrasion treatment.

I have not had professional microdermabrasion performed on my skin for comparison, but based on my research, the Personal Microderm System by SkinCareRx is very similar. It uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as those used in professional machines, with the gentle suction motion to peel the outer skin layer.

I keep talking about Microdermabrasion for exfoliation, but the Personal Microderm System is also great for people with smooth skin but have fine lines, age spots or imperfections that they’d like minimized.

The Personal Microderm System retails for $179.00 which a first seemed a little steep to me. However, one microdermabrasion treatment in a salon or medical facility costs between $75 and $300 so the price is very competitive. It can be used as often as weekly. The system includes 1 personal microderm, 3 exfoliating discs (2 green and 3 blue), 1 electric cord (Standard U.S. Outlet), 1 facial cap, 1 body cap, 1 reusable filter, Instructional CD and Pamphlet.

It is recommended that for best results when using the Personal Microderm, a cell renewal or gentle skin resurfacing cream be used in conjunction with the tool. I used M2 Skin Refinish also by SkinCareRx because I had it on hand.

It is also recommended that one follow the directions included with the kit. I watched the instructional DVD and chose to ignore the cautionary note to not overwork any surfaces of the skin. I thought my nose area could use some extra work and….you guessed it, I got a little over zealous. That area had a slight burning sensation for a few days, so it is best to remember that the Personal Microderm System is mechanical and results are dependent on the operator. Follow the directions and you’ll get amazing results.

When my Personal Microderm System arrived in the mail my husband asked me “what I hoped to achieve by using the tool” in an obviously skeptical tone. I told him that I just wanted my skin to look better. After only one treatment I can tell you that my skin DOES look better. It looks younger, softer and smoother. HE even agrees! I’m totally a believer in the necessity of mechanical microdermabrasion for better looking skin and love that I can now do this at home with the Personal Microderm System by SkinCareRx.

Disclosure: SkinCareRx sent me a Personal Microderm System for Review and I’m so glad they did!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Beauty, Dermabrasion, Health, Microdermabrasion, Review, Shopping, Skin, Skin Care, Treatments

Twisted Silver Review-EUREKA!

July 16, 2010 By Angie 8 Comments

My love affair with Twisted Silver continues with my newest piece, Eureka.

The Eureka necklace, a newer addition to The Renegade Trip Collection is one of Twisted Silver’s more versatile pieces.

I’m assuming the name of the necklace was “born” because of the three aurora borealis crystals captured in a triangular mesh medallion that is just one part of the necklace that makes it unique. AND versatile. This necklace really can be worn in daytime or at night. Casually, or for a more dressy occasion.

I’ve worn my necklace with shorts and flip flops, and also for a night out with the girls. It looks particularly fantastic with stacked Twisted Silver bracelets.

The necklace retails for a mere $50.00. It’s made up of:

Element: Brass
Length: 18″
Weight: .4 oz
Design size: 2.5″

And is one piece that you’ll definitely want to invest in this summer.

Disclosure: Twisted Silver sent me the Eureka Necklace to review and are gearing up to give one of you $150 worth of Twisted Silver Merchandise in August.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Aurora, Flip-flops, Jewelry, Necklace, Personalized, Precious Metal, Shopping, Silver

Rules for Children at Table

July 15, 2010 By Angie 19 Comments

I found a genealogical gem a few years which I just recently re-uncovered. It’s aptly titled “Rules for Children at Table” and was written by my great-grandfather (I might need to add a great or two in there), Ezra Martin.

Once again I’m struck with an “if only”. IF ONLY I had paid attention to this when I first found it. Had I taught my children these rules our dinners would be:

Silent. There would be no whining, complaining or bickering, and wouldn’t that be wondrous? I just might miss the noise though. I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll give this a try and let you know.

I like this list. I really do. I just feel it’s lacking. I mean, where is the part about clearing the table and washing the dishes without a gripe?

Rules for Children at Table

Gently I must take my seat, and give thanks to God before I eat.

I must not scold or whine or pout, nor move my chair or plate about.

I must not speak a noisy word: for children may be seen not heard.

I must not talk about my food nor fret if I don’t think it good.

I must not say, “that bread is old”, the “milk is hot”, nor the “water too cold”.

Nor while I am eating speak aloud, nor with the food my mouth to crowd.

The table cloth I must not spoil, nor with my food my fingers soil.

When told to rise I must not push my chair away with a noisy rush.

Nor bang the door, and what is more must give my thanks to God above for all his kind and wondrous love.

Signed,

This is how I was taught, Ezra F. Martin

P.S. My most embarrassing moment is up for a Parent’s Pick Award at Nickelodeon’s Parent’s Connect. I’m assuming I can use all the votes I can get. So, if you have a moment, hop on over. My moment of glory is first, under jagelees.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Cooking, Food, Grandparent, Health, Home, Milk, Nutrition, Water

Wordful Wednesday-My Newest Swimmers

July 13, 2010 By Angie 93 Comments

Welcome to Wordful Wednesday……for more information, see “WW” in my handy dandy tabber box in my right side bar.

You didn’t think I’d forget to follow up my last post without a picture, did you?

Now, I do realize that lately I’ve had a lot of swimming pictures. But that’s all I’ve got. So bear with me.

Filed Under: Wordful Wednesday

I have 5 swimmers…..

July 13, 2010 By Angie 29 Comments

There. I’ve said it.

All of my kids know how to swim. In the deep end.

It’s a beautiful thing.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

What do YOU have in your Tool Bar?

July 12, 2010 By Angie 19 Comments

The other day Jeff was using the/my laptop and in frustration asked me, “What is all this crap in your toolbar?”

My answer of course, was, “stuff”. Stuff I need. You know, for blogging.

After thinking about his question for a few days, and evaluating exactly what is in my toolbar, I’ve come to the conclusion that everything in my toolbar is NOT important. Like, say for example the My Heritage application. Do I really need this application in my toolbar so that I can determine which celebrity I most resemble? I’m going to have to go with a NO on this one. I also never use my Wisestamp (used for customized email signatures) application.

Some of the other applications I have though, are important….like:

Google. Who doesn’t have Google?

The Alexa Tool bar. This allows me to see the Alexa rating of every website I visit. I do use this all the time.
I also use the SEOmoz application frequently. It allows me access to all kinds of information about websites (like MY OWN) that I’d never search for if it wasn’t so easily accessible. Potentially, I can check the sites traffic using 4 different sources. I can Tweet the sites URL, or even shorten it. If I were super interested in SEO then I’d be impressed with the GeoTargeting, Top Pages, Term Target, Trifecta information pages. And that’s only the tip of the iceberg. There is so much information available it’s insane. Now, I promise you that I use all of this information for my site only. I am WAY to lazy to look at yours.
Swag Bucks. I use this as a search tool. For each search I complete I get points that can be redeemed for stuff like Amazon gift cards. So far I haven’t redeemed them for anything, but someday I will.
Zemanta. Have you heard of it? It helps one “blog smarter” by “dressing up postings with related content links, images, audio, and video”. I’m not sold on the whole package because the images and suggestions have a tendency to distract me when I’m writing a post, however, I can’t sing enough praises about the tag suggestions it provides as well as In-text links.
StumbleUpon. I don’t use this as much as I should, but it’s handy when I find a site that I want Stumbled.

After much thought, I decided to delete a few things from my toolbar that really were not necessary. Thank goodness for an internet search that told me how. Who knew how important that “TOOLS” icon is in the toolbar? A few clicks (Tools, Add-Ons, Extension, and then select applications to disable or uninstall) and my toolbar is a little cleaner.

And now I have to know. What applications do YOU have in your toolbar?

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Alexa Internet, Browsers, Clients, SEOmoz, Toolbar, Website, Wisestamp, WWW

Photo Shoot Giveaway-$450

July 10, 2010 By Angie

I am SUPER excited about this Giveaway.

Strike that.

I am SUPER excited about these Giveaways.

That’s right! TWO photo shoot giveaways are up for grabs, and they are being given away by none other than MY PHOTOGRAPHER. That’s right. Mine. She’s taken my families photos for a few years now and always does a fantastic job. Tammie is FABULOUS with my children. Totally patient and kind and you know how rare that can be when group photos are trying to be shot.

Here’s the skinny on Tammie. Tammie has triplets (which, I’m pretty sure is where her patience was learned…….or maybe she has always been patient and that’s why she was blessed with triplets) and her own photography business. She specializes in family portraits and weddings. Her work has been mentioned in Entertainment Weekly and Handmade News. Her style is “a blend of family portraiture and photo journalistic photography”, which means you are not going to get the stuffy stuff from her. Thank goodness.

Two prizes are up for grabs, but here’s the catch. YOU or the person you are planning on gifting it to should you win MUST LIVE in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. The photo shoot will be shot by Tammie of Tammie Halcomb Photography.

The GRAND PRIZE is valued at $300 and includes:

Photo shoot at location of choice within Southern CA (indoor or outdoor, with backdrops or without). The photo shoot typically lasts about an hour. The photo shoot can be individual, or a family shoot including up to 5 family members. I’m pretty sure though that if you have 7 family members like I do, she’ll let you slip them in.
Disk of all photos taken during the shoot.

The second PRIZE is valued at $150 and includes:

Photo shoot at location of choice within Southern CA (indoor or outdoor, with backdrops or without). The photo shoot typically lasts about an hour. The photo shoot can be individual, or a family shoot including up to 5 family members.

Entering is Easy:

Just tell me WHY you think you should be selected to win either of these photo shoots.

For additional Entries (separate comments please):

Visit Tammie’s Facebook page and check out her Cutest Kid Contest. (Feel free to vote for MY kids while you are there).

Tweet this giveaway. Each Tweet is worth one entry, but you have to tell me about each one is a separate comment.
join my BlogFrog community (widget in my sidebar)
follow me on whatever platform (s) you use most….Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Winners will be selected by random drawing and will be contacted by email. Contest ends July 25th (the contest is running two weeks since it’s exclusive to Southern CA) at 11:59 PDT.

Disclosure: I was not compensated in any way for this giveaway.

Filed Under: Giveaways, Uncategorized Tagged With: Business, Entertainment Weekly, Facebook, Photo shoot, photography, Portrait, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Twitter

This Summer is NOT quite what I expected…..

July 8, 2010 By Angie 35 Comments

Not only has the weather been absolutely wacky with incredibly mild days (high’s in the low 80′s) and chilly nights (dipping down to the 50′s), it hasn’t been nearly as relaxing as I had anticipated.

By the end of the day, we all kind of look like this: