Have you swapped out your sweetener yet?

November 1, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Reviews/Giveaways  |  1 Comment

I have!  I am doing the “Truvia” 30 day swap out your sweetener challenge.  I started my challenge on October 20th, so that makes me on day 12 now, almost half way through my challenge.  I decided to go on the Truvia challenge because I am a-sugar-aholic from way back.  Sugar is so bad for you and yet I would be buying a 5lb bag of it a month.  I had tried to curb my taste for sugar so many times and I always came back.  I had also tried all the other sugar substitutes and could never stand the taste of them…until Truvia.

Truvia is not like sugar.  Truvia has no calories and it is sweeter then sugar so you need barely half of what you would normally need if you used sugar.  Yes, it has a different taste then sugar but it took me only a day or two to get used to, and to find just the right amount to add to my coffee to get the flavor the way I liked.  But just think of all the calories I am saving considering I was using 3 very full teaspoons of sugar in my coffee at least 2-3 times a day.

I think I feel better too.  I remember after having my morning coffee (that was suppose to “wake me up”) and feeling sluggish from my 5am sugar overload.  I am hoping to start incorporating it into my holiday baking too for some guilt free treats. I’ll let you know how it goes.

* As part of my 30 day SOYS (swap out your sweetener) challenge I received a 40-ct carton of individual packets and one spoonables container from Truvia and Lisa Douglas – community leader for Truvia on Collective Bias*  Any and all opinions are mine and no one else’s.

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Special offer from premiere on Line Lingerie Company

October 27, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Reviews/Giveaways  |  No Comments

The holidays are approaching and Sophia’s Closet is pleased to offer you a 15% off discount on any purchase you make at www.sophiasclosetinc.com All you need to do is put in coupon code KMR15 when you make your purchase. The offer is good for US residents only.

New York, NY (October 27, 2010) – Long before Lady Gaga and the scantily dressed women of “Lady Marmalade,” it was Madonna and her infamous cone-shaped bra that made underwear sexy again. Seen on recent runways from high-end designers such as Zac Posen and Cynthia Rowley to shopping malls and local boutiques, corsets, bodysuits and bras are once again enjoying a revival on the main fashion stage.

“Lingerie has evolved from women wearing heavy taut contraptions with laces and pulleys to what we typically see today – sexy, silky and lacy,” says Joyce Hankins, Co-Founder of Sophia’s Closet, a premier on-line lingerie retailer that makes women feel confident, beautiful and sexy in what they put on, not what they take off. “The lingerie industry has changed drastically over the years and is being driven by the advent of modern technologies and fabrics that help in designing innovative products. From laser-cut seamless bras and molded T-shirt bras, designers are putting greater emphasis on quality fabrics, laces, embroideries and more daring colors. From bras and bustiers to camisoles and corsets, women have more options on style, design and fabric than ever before.”

Adding a Little Romance to an Ordinary Day
Lingerie is no longer reserved for special occasions, but has become part of a woman’s everyday wardrobe. “Some women wear sexy lingerie under their everyday clothes to give themselves that extra boost of confidence,” says Joyce. “Women are beginning to rediscover their femininity and sensuality through lingerie. The stigma that lingerie is scandalous and seedy has been lifted. Our collection of intimates offers women styles that are beautiful, elegant and sexy all in one.”

Sophia’s Closet offers a variety of lingerie from babydolls to teddies and every style in-between to flatter different body shapes and sizes. Below, Joyce recommends styles that are the most flattering for every body type. “The secret is to pick pieces that conceal the body’s flaws and accentuate its features,” Joyce notes.

Athletic Body
For toned and slender figures like workout guru Jessica Biel, stick with bustiers, halters and camisoles that show off sculpted bodies and enhance the bust line. “Slim necklines and padded bras boost the bust while the sexy lace shorts add definition to curves, accentuating a great butt,” says Joyce.

Petite Body
As see on starlet Kristen Bell, a small frame is a key feature that characterizes a body as petite. Joyce urges women with small figures to steer clear of pieces that leave the entire torso exposed. “Garments that fall past the hips help to visually elongate the body while keeping its sex appeal,” says Joyce. Styles including babydolls, chemises and camisoles are ideal to flaunt a small shape.

Tall Body
Tall and lean figures comparable to Hollywood’s Cameron Diaz look best in pieces that accentuate their long figure. “Corsets and garters, as seen below, create a horizontal line across the belly drawing attention to the body’s length and curvature,” Joyce says. Babydolls, corsets and gowns are styles that show off a tall woman’s figure.

Full on Top
When it comes to tops, all full-chested women would agree they need as much support as they can get. For women with bodies similar to A-lister, Scarlet Johansson, Joyce recommends corsets and bustiers to enhance the waist’s curve, flatten the stomach and support the bustline. “These styles bring out great cleavage while providing women with a slimmer look to their overall appearance, pushing their breasts into an upward position,” she says.

Small on Top
Women with little curves and a small top, like Kate Hudson, look to styles that draw attention to the shape and elegance of their body lines. Light and delicate styles with lace compliment the bustline while showing off a thin body figure. Joyce recommends seeking thin straps and little clasps so accents are in proportion with her cup size. “This will help to accentuate her top,” she adds.

Curvy Hips
Recently, reality star Kim Kardashian has become a style icon for every woman with defined and curvy hips. “The trick is to pick robes with belts or fitted teddies that highlight curves but whittle the waistline,” says Joyce. Although these styles may not bare as much skin as others, they are very flirty and sensual.

About Sophia’s Closet
Sophia’s Closet is a European influenced on-line retailer of women’s lingerie that honors and explores romance with grace, elegance and sophistication. From flirty designs to demure styles, the company sets a new standard in the lingerie industry with pieces that flatter individual shapes and sizes. Sophia’s Closet caters to every woman that is seeking a variety of unique romantic styles. The collection includes babydolls, bustiers, camisoles, chemises, corsets, gowns, robes, shirts and teddies. To view the full collection of pieces, please visit: www.sophiasclosetinc.com

*Information for this post was provided by premiere on Line Lingerie Company and KMR Communications, Inc.  I did not receive any compensation in exchange for this post.*

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Halloween Pumpkin Carving

October 23, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts  |  1 Comment

This is what my boys and I did last night.

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Are you ready for Halloween?

October 16, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts  |  1 Comment

I know some one out there is ready but I am surely not.  See the problem with me getting the kids costumes early is they want to wear them from the day I buy them till it is Halloween.  I end up having to put the costumes in the trunk of my car so they can’t get to them.  However where my kids are concerned, out of mind does not mean out of site.  They constantly hound me daily for them and I literally go insane lone before Trick or Treating ever gets here.  I am though looking at the Halloween costume options out there this year.  My kids, I think (so they say TODAY anyway) each want to be a different Star Wars character.  So far my youngest has picked 3 different people from Start Wars so who knows which one he will actually be *sigh*.  Obviously if you want to order online, since I have found a much bigger selection online then in stores your time is running out.  I have found a site for you to check into so get moving all!! Just click on the graphic below.

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Wordless Wednesday – Who sleeps like this?

October 13, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Wordless Wednesday  |  1 Comment

I think only a 5 year old could find this even remotely comfortable.

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“Life As We Know It” Movie Review

October 6, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Reviews/Giveaways  |  1 Comment

“Life As We Know It” – The Must See Move This Weekend!


I was offered the opportunity to go see a pre screening of “Life As We Know It” starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel.   This move is about Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) an up-and-coming caterer and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) as a promising network sports director. After a disastrous first date, the only thing they have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world, Holly and Messer are forced to put their differences aside. Juggling career ambitions and competing social calendars, they’ll have to find some common ground while living under one roof.

“Life As We Know It” is a romantic comedy with a great cast including the supporting cast.  I really enjoyed this movie.  During this movie you will giggle, laugh out loud, cry and cheer.  As a mom I could relate to everything they have to go through with “Sophie”, their goddaughter that is put into their care when she loses her parents.  Katherine and Josh’s characters are thrown into this situation with no warning and no parenting experience and that makes for some frustrating, crazy, happy and uncertain times for them.  This is a funny and wonderful movie (but bring at least one kleenex with ya) and definitely worth seeing.  I was able to take a guest with me for the pre-screening and after several busy friends declined I took my 15 year old son Alex.  He said he really liked it.  I am not sure how many romantic comedies appeal to teen boys but my son gave it 2 thumbs up.

“Life As We Know It” opens everywhere Friday, October 8th.

Go to http://lifeasweknowitmovie.warnerbros.com/ and you can see the movie trailer, get wallpapers and buddy icons, play games, hear the soundtrack and so much more.


*I attended a complimentary screening of this movie to facilitate my review and received a gift card from Mom Central as a thank you for my time. My review is my opinion and mine alone.  I make no claims as to what your opinion should or will be*

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General Mills Monster Cereals Giveaway (Closed, Winner Announced)

October 4, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Reviews/Giveaways  |  293 Comments

Congratulations to Jennifer, winner of the Monster Cereals Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Do you remember these guys? They used to visit me all the time when I was a child.  Now they are right here on my blog, just in time for Halloween.  Presenting Boo Berry, Franken Berry and Count Chocula!  These are those colorful blueberry, strawberry, and chocolate flavored cereals with those spooky-fun mini marshmallows in them.  For more than 40 years, General Mills’ Monster Cereals have provided spoonfuls of spooky traditions and created Halloween memories all over the country. From September 26-October 31, head to your local Target® checkout aisle to check out the new look and pick up some to fill your favorite breakfast cauldron this year!  Each serving of the playful, monster-themed cereal is low in fat with no cholesterol or saturated fat, providing a good source of calcium, whole grain and nine other essential vitamins and minerals.

My kids were excited when the cereals showed up at our house.  Gee, which to try first? How about all them them, cause I am pretty sure that is what they had for dinner that night, and breakfast every morning since.  They are still as good as I remember but I do think they have given them more color cause the Franken Berry is the pinkest cereal I have ever seen (which is pretty cool looking actually).

I also received a real nice tote bag, just perfect for trick or treating or for using everyday the rest of the year.  The picture above is on the tote bag (pictured below).  I have 2 trick or treating aged boys and of course they both want to use the bag for their own candy. Rumor has it, it’s mommy’s bag.  The Monster Cereal tote is sturdy and feels very well made.  It has a large packet on the outside also.  Want me to see if I can get you one?  I know, how about a Giveaway!

Before we get to the giveaway though I have some fun stuff to tell you about.  If you go to http://www.grocerysavvy.com/ and click on the “What’s Halloween Without Monsters” graphic you will be able to watch the fun “Monsters Go Disco” video, download a desktop background of your favorite Monsters character and/or vote for your favorite monster.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a Monster Cereals prize pack which includes one box each of Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry® cereal, a special trick-or-treat tote bag and a $10 Target® gift card to purchase Halloween goodies or more cereal.

Giveaway will run from Monday October 4th  and end at 11:59pm (EST) on Friday October 22nd

Mandatory Entry – Which is your favorite monster cereal?

Additional Entries - Please leave a separate comment for each entry!!

  1. Tweet this giveaway daily and leave the link for the tweet each day you tweet it.
  2. Follow my blog on GFC
  3. Subscribe to my blog
  4. Follow me on Twitter @ 1mom3kidsanRV
  5. Follow my blog on Networked blogs (under GFC widget)
* I  received  a Monsters Cereals prize pack and relevant information from General Mills through MyBlogSpark.  Any opinions or experiences given by me for this review are strictly my own and mine alone.
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I got a new computer, an iMac

October 1, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts  |  3 Comments

Wow, is thing thing awesome or what?? Why yes, yes it is! I actually started on a Mac many many moons ago. You know, before there were any programs for a Mac. But as a result quickly went to a PC. You would hear people say “oh, you don’t want a Mac, you can’t figure them out and there is no programs for them etc..” Well no days that is so not true. This computer (for me anyway) had only a very small learning curve. Sure daily I am still figuring out all the nifty things it does but it was good to go right out of the box. Nothing to load, nothing to do, it was fabulous. I have a nice 21.5″ screen and although I thought the tiny keyboard was going to be an issue, I actually type better on it then I did my laptop. The “magic” mouse is pretty cool too. It does take some getting used to but once you figure it out, it is a total breeze.

My family thinks I have gone to the dark side, but whatever… I did want the Macbook Pro laptop but they are pretty expensive. So I got the iMac desk top instead, and really I couldn’t be happier. I know a Mac may not be for everyone but if your not trying it because your afraid of it, there is no reason to be.  I have only had my Mac for a couple of weeks but so far I must say it is the best computer I have ever owned.  I am hooked.  If this is what it is like to be on the dark side, then I am perfectly okay with that.

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Wordless Wednesday – Birthday Girl

September 22, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Wordless Wednesday  |  6 Comments

My niece Mackenzie had her birthday party last weekend.  Boy, did she ever dig in to her cake!


One years old

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BrytonPick – A new way to floss – Review

September 20, 2010 |  by Susan  |  All Posts, Reviews/Giveaways  |  1 Comment

I am a flosser.  I have plenty of dental work and it seems (to me anyway) the more dental work you have done the more nooks and cranies you have to get food stuck in.  I assure you, there is nothing I hate more then having food stuck in my teeth.  Even worse is being out somewhere public without floss (very awkward using in public) and tooth picks just don’t do it for me.

So when I was offered the chance to try something new for flossing teeth I said yes.  This new fangled looking teeth flosser is called BrytonPick.  This is what BytonPick has to say…

BrytonPick is a dentist-approved technology with a thin body and stylish case to ensure both sterility and convenience. BrytonPick is a simple, string-free flossing device that comes in a thin credit card sized case, making it an ideal companion for Teens, Adults and Seniors. It comes in many different colors and is so versatile and portable it can be used anywhere and anytime.

I think they are really cool.  BrytonPicks are made of flexible stainless steel. They are very discrete, and you really can use them anywhere.  Each BrytonPick lasts for 30 days, which right there will save you money.  They come in cool colors, and can fit in your pocket, purse, wallet etc…  I always have floss in my purse and these are way more convenient, and with it’s carrying case there are no worries about your BrytonPick getting dirty and unhygienic in your purse or where ever you keep it.

*BRYTONPick is available @: Meijer Stores, A&P, Pathmark, Winn Dixie, C&S, Kinney Drugs, Save Mart, CVS.comDrugstore.com, Pearson Dental Supply & Others.*

**I was given this review by The Moms Network and BrytonPick. I received 2 BrytonPick flossers in exchange for this review.  Anything I said in my review of BrytonPick was my own opinion and no one elses**

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