Helping with a Backyard makeover

One of my really good friends just moved back to Michigan due to a job transfer. She didn't bring any outdoor furniture because everything was so expensive to ship. She has a really nice backyard and has been looking to get it furnished and decorated so she can enjoy it with her friends and family. I guess she was getting pretty overwhelmed with all of her options because she called last week and asked for my help and input. I love shopping and decorating so I was very excited to help her make her backyard a great gathering space.

I knew we needed to start with SunDeck Furniture. If you are going to have family and friends over for bbq's and gatherings you need seating and a place to eat. A dining set is a really important piece that I think is a must for any backyard space.

I suggested this beautiful Dining set
/>

I also felt that this wood club sofa in white




and two of these wood adirondack chairs would be a perfect fit for her patio space in her backyard.



I am a big fan of wood. Wood is a sturdy and very attractive option for outdoor spaces.
I know she is getting the wood adirondack chairs and club sofa. Who doesn't like adirondack chairs? I am still working on convincing her to get that wood dining set.

I also had to suggest she look at gazebo kits. I know they can be quite expensive but they are so beautiful and functional. They really make a backyard look sophisticated and are a great option for providing Shade.

What do you think of my suggestions? What furniture do you have in your backyard?

Baby's First 100 Days Review

For all the new mom's to be there is a great new book out called Baby's First 100 days



About the Book
Each newborn is a little bundle of mystery. Baby's First 100 Days sheds light on your baby's behavior by explaining how a baby behaves and why, offering simple and authoritative advice on everything from burping to breastfeeding, recognizing signs of fatigue, dealing with tears, establishing a sleeping pattern and, most important, looking after yourself and enjoying time with your little one.


This is a great little book to help new mom's. Wish I had read this book before I had Shane. It would have helped me understand what to expect and ease my fears about being a new mom.

If you interested in this book it should be in stores July 4-15.

Heidi Part II for iPad and iPhone

I always like having books on my phone and iPad for Shane. When we are waiting at a doctors office or out and about it is nice to be able to read to him and keep him occupied.

Tired of the Same old books I cam across a great new Book in the App store Called Heidi Part II developed by JustKidsApps.



Heidi Part II just came out and is available Here for an introductory price of 1.99 (iPad) / .99 (iPhone) until June 30th, after that the developer will raise it to 3.99 / 2.99.



The 2-d part story focuses on the titular Heidi, and the challenges she’s faced with after being taken from her quiet mountain home to the streets of Frankfurt by her Aunt Dete.

Shane really liked this story. He has asked me to read it on more than one occasion.

There is a Part I that he also likes.
Take a look at part one's video demo HERE.
Part I is available for 0.99 (iPad and iPhone version)as well.

Also become a JustKidsApps Fan on Facebook and/or follow them on Twitter to keep up to date about the progress and release of Part III.

Butterflies at the Zoo

We took Shane to the Detroit Zoo yesterday. He loved the Penguins and Giraffe. I was most excited about the Butterflies.

BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES






Lucky for us the zoo is only 15 minutes from where we live. I am sure we will go back again this summer.

Easy way to earn extra entries into all of my Giveaways

I am offering 10 extra entries into all of my giveaways if you sign up for NOMORERACK HERE. It is 100% free to sign up and its a really great site that sends daily deals once a day at noon.

They offer name brand products at very discounted prices usually over 60% off. They are daily deals and each day at noon there are new deals. I have been using this site for months now and Love it.


If you sign up for their daily e-mail's that will alert you of their daily deals you can earn 10 entries into all of my giveaways. Again it is 100% free and only takes a minute to sign up.

SIGN UP HERE

Just leave the comment

NMD and your e-mail you signed up with (so I can verify) 10 times in any or all of the giveaways you would like extra entries into.

Perfect Clothes for Boys Review and Giveaway

I always love when I find a company that sells clothing for boys. There is a lot more clothing stores that specialize in girls so its really nice to find some good quality boys clothing.

I have found a great Site that sells some trendy clothing for boys. Its called Tom and Drew and its a must for a boys summer wardrobe.


I was beyond excited when given the chance to try some Tom and Drew shirts for Shane.
Their spring summer Line was inspired from different animals; ducks, striped bass and sharks.
I just love their designs and the shirts are quality made. I can't wait to do more shopping at Tom and Drew and get some more clothing for Shane.

Check out some of the Great Shirts Tom and Drew Make


WIN IT

Tom and Drew has been kind enough to offer one of my readers the Same 2 shirts I received. (shirt colors may very)!

MANDATORY

1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. Tell me who these shirts would be for!
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (5 entries)

2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. (5 entries)

3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)

4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (2 entries)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
RT #Win 2 really nice Boys Shirts from Tom and Drew @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/6cqwnvv #giveaway

6. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)

7. Follow my Photography Blog on GFC HERE(2 entries)

Contest ends 07/08/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US only!

Playdate at Jungle Java

About a year ago I started talking to a girl that I went to High School with on Facebook. We Have become really Good friends and our kids really like each other.

She lives an hour away so we don't get to hang out as much as we would like but we try to get together once a month.

Yesterday we got together for the afternoon. We had lunch and then took our Kids to a really neat indoor playscape place called Jungle Java.

I swear Shane is in love with her daughter. All he does is talk about her for days after they see each other.

Here is a couple quick snap shots from yesterday



Shane was chasing her all over the place. It was soooo Cute!





Checking to make sure He still looks Good...LOL



Playdates are so much fun!

Baby Cribs

We have decided to Start trying for baby #2. When I was pregnant with Shane I had looked at many Baby Cribs. after many weeks of looking and research I feel in love with and bought a crib that I thought would last through all my children.

Boy was I wrong. Around the Time Shane turned two the crib I picked was recalled. The bottom rails that hold the mattress were collapsing and babies were getting limbs stuck inside and injured. I was so Mad.

The positive that came out of the situation is that I was given a full refund for my crib.

Because we are going to start trying my husband and I have been discussing crib options. We really liked the convertible feature in Shane's crib and have decided to try and find a few convertible cribs that we like and then do research and narrow it down from there.

I really like this DaVinci Parker


It seems really well built and I like the curve in it. I am not very tall so I would think that would help me bend over the crib easier to lay the baby down more safely.


My husband on the other hand really likes the DaVinci Kalani


First he is a big fan of the cherry wood. He said the front and back look very thick and sturdy and he loves that there is a Metal mattresss support that can be adjusted to 4 levels.

I have to do some research still before we make a final decision. Do you have a crib you love that you would recommend?

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

New from Chex Mix Muddy Buddies offered year round



Chex Mix Muddy Buddies offers a unique combination of Corn Chex cereal, peanut butter, and chocolate, dusted with a powdery sweet coating. It’s the same delicious snack you’ve been making at home for years, now conveniently packaged and sharable for all occasions. Plus, it’s made with 50% less fat than regular potato chips so you can enjoy the taste without the guilt. Yum!

We love the New Chex Mix Muddy Buddies. Its a great snack for when we are on the go. My husband and son are especially excited and they both love anything with Peanut butter and chocolate. My husband has been keeping snack bags of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies in his desk at work for a quick snack and I always have a bag in my purse for Shane when we are on the go.



WIN IT


Chex Mix has offered one of my readers a Chex Mix Muddy Buddies gift pack that includes a bag of Chex Mix Muddy Buddies, an airtight sealed container, a snacking bowl, and a magnetic clip.


MANDATORY

1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. Tell me where you plan to take/snack on chex mix muddy buddies now that it is available year round?
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (5 entries)

2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. (5 entries)

3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)

4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (2 entries)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
RT #Win a Chex Mix Muddy buddies Prize Pack @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/44rqjyd #giveaway

6. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)

7. Follow my Photography Blog on GFC HERE(2 entries)

8. Like Chex mix on Facebook HERE (2 entries)

Contest ends 07/08/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US only!


Chex Mix Muddy Buddies and gift pack were provided to me from Chex Mix through MyBlogSpark

WINNERS

Boon Giveaway

Chris said... 199

http://twitter.com/#!/sunshyne1977/status/80019658463379457 #3
christina.brundick@gmail.com


Daddy Hop

Anonymous said... 72

twitter #2

jackielb3@gmail.com


congrats to the winners you have 48 hours to respond :)

I Love my Daddy Hop

Welcome to the I love MY Daddy Hop.



Thanks for stopping by The Ethertons


Up for grabs is a $50 gift card to Amazon so that Daddy can pick his own gift.



Mandatory

Follow my blog on GFC



EXTRA ENTRIES


1. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (2 entries)

2. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
RT #Win a $50 amazon Gift card @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/3ttldvg #giveaway

3. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)

4. Follow my Photography Blog on GFC HERE(2 entries)

Contest ends 06/19/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US only!

Energizer Helps save us money on Gas this summer ( Giveaway)

Every summer it seems the Gas prices raise and with Gas already way way to high its nice to find ways to help get gas cheaper. Energizer wants to help :)

Energizer would like to help you to save a few dollars at the gas pump this summer. When you purchase two specially marked packages of Energizer Ultimate Lithium or Energizer Advanced Lithium AA or AAA batteries and enter a special code found on the package. you will receive a $10.00 gift card. Here is how it works:

Visit www.Facebook.com/Energizer

- Click on tab for the Lithium Gas Reward and follow the instructions to input your battery pack codes.

- A $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards card will then be mailed to you from the fulfillment company.

- The last day to redeem codes is 1/31/12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

What a great deal as we all can use batteries! In our house with all the modern gadgets and kids toys we go through a lot of batteries. I am very excited to be able to get the batteries I need and get help with gas this summer.

About Energizer® Lithium Batteries:

§ Lightweight and perform well in extreme temperatures, from -40° F to 140° F (-40° C to 60° C).

§ Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries last up to 8x longer** in digital cameras for up to 8X less waste.

§ Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries last up to 4x longer** in digital cameras, 20 hours longer** in wireless gaming accessories and up to 30% longer** in personal audio devices.


Win IT

Energizer has been kind enough to offer one of my readers two of their specialty marked packages of AA or AAA Batteries with prize codes so that you can redeem 2 $10 Prepaid Discover Gas Rewards cards.


MANDATORY

1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. Tell me your favorite electronic/product that uses AA or AAA batteries.
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (5 entries)

2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. (5 entries)

3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)

4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (2 entries)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
RT #Win 2 packs of Energizer batteries that include codes for 2 Gas gift cards @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/6kpjjra #giveaway

6. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)

7. Follow my Photography Blog on GFC HERE(2 entries)

Contest ends 07/01/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US only!

New Bunk Beds for Shane

We are going to be moving in the near future across state to Arizona. After looking at the cost of shipping and almost passing out in shock, we have decided not to take any of our furniture.

It will be cheaper to buy all new furniture. A lot of our furniture is old and needs replacing so it is not really a bad thing. Shane also needs new bedroom furniture. He has outgrown his toddler bed and has been asking for a bunk bed. One of his friends has wooden bunk beds in his house and shane wants the same.

I don't want to spend a lot on a bunk bed for him because I know how kids are and I know in a few years the furniture will be destroyed. At this age he just doesn't understand the value of money and the importance of how to treat your furniture.

I was looking at Pine bunkbeds and really liked this one. It looks sturdy and strong and the storage underneath is a huge plus. The price is also within what we wanted to spend.



But now I am confused on what to do because hubby found this Young America loft bunk bed that comes preassembled which for him is a big bonus because he claims he will have enough with all the moving and assembly of the other furniture. It still has all the features of the first bed including the underbed storage.



It is more expensive but I think I have to agree the extra price is worth it to save us the hassle of assembly.

Kolcraft Preferred Position Bassinet & Incline Sleeper Giveaway

I am a huge huge fan of Kolcraft. They make amazing products for babies and toddlers.
Kolcraft makes mom's and dad's lives so much easier.

When I was asked to review the Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper I was beyond excited.





We plan to have another baby soon and when Shane was a baby he had severe acid reflux and colic. I wish I had this bassinet when he was a baby. I was told by the GI specialist it was important that he sleeps at an incline to minimize the vomiting and help him be more comfortable. That is hard to do with a standard bassinet or crib mattress.

The Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet & Incline Sleeper is amazing.

Kolcraft thought of everything when they created this bassinet. It's perfect for all babies. It was super easy to put together (20 minutes) and has such great features.

"The Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet and Incline Sleeper is the only traditional bassinet that offers an option to help babies sleep when they suffer from colic or congestion. Developed in conjunction with medical professionals, the inclined surface helps alleviate congestion to give both mom and babies a peaceful sleep. The incline sleeper attachment is easily removable when your baby no longer needs it. This bassinet easily converts to a rocking bassinet and it includes a Light Vibes® electronic unit with classical music, nature sounds, vibrations, and soft-glow check light."



Features

- Position infants on Incline Sleeper attachment to help alleviate colic and congestion
- Easily remove Incline Sleeper attachment for use as a traditional bassinet
- Conveniently converts to a rocking bassinet
- Light Vibes electronic unit includes 10 classical songs and lullabies, 4 nature sounds, and 3 vocal recordings with volume control
- Light Vibes electronic unit includes soft-glow light to check on your baby
- Soothing Vibrations with variable speed control
- Canopy mobile with three plush-bear toys provide visual stimulation
- Large storage basket for baby’s clothes, diapers, or other necessities
-Convenient locking wheels for room to room mobility
-Mattress comes with washable fitted sheet
-Adjustable 3-tier canopy

This is a MUST HAVE for the special baby in your life.

The Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet and Incline Sleeper is $139.99 and can be found at Babies "R" Us Stores and Babies "R" Us.com.

WIN IT

Kolcraft has offered one of my readers a chance to win the New Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet and Incline Sleeper.

MANDATORY

1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. Visit Kolcraft and Tell me another product you would love to have.
*You MUST include your e-mail so I can reach you if you win*

EXTRA ENTRIES

1. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your post so I can check it out. (Facebook does not count as a blog post) (5 entries)

2. Sign up/subscribe to my newsletter (Click the subscribe button on my right side bar above the word sponsors where it says sign up for my newsletter.) If you already subscribe just say so. (5 entries)

3. Grab my button and tell me where to find it (5 entries)

4. Follow me on twitter @theethertons or click on the follow me button on my right side bar and leave me your twitter name. If you already follow just say so that counts as well. (2 entries)

5. Tweet about this Giveaway (can be done twice a day) Must wait at least an hour between tweets. Leave the link to your tweet. (5 entries)
RT #Win a Kolcraft Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet and Incline Sleeper 139.99 @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/3p7tkph #giveaway

6. Follow Kolcraft on Twitter Here ( 2 entries)

7. Like/fan Kolcraft on Facebook Here ( 2 entries)

8. Enter one of my other current giveaways (2 entries each giveaway entered)

9. Follow my Photography Blog on GFC HERE(2 entries)

Contest ends 07/15/11 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen at random and will be contacted by email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. US only!

Winner

winner of The Boy's store gc

Breanne said... 60

I follow and I'd get the Hay Day Lined Pants and Striped Shirt Set by le top

bmweida at yahoo dot com

congrats you have 48 hours to return my e-mail!

Wahl Clippers

Hair cuts can be quite expensive especially for men who really don't have that much hair.

Our family has found a way to get great hair cuts without spending a fortune.

Wahl 2-in-1 clip N trim clippers



23-piece complete haircut kit perfect for hair cutting at home
2-in-1 device great for trimming around ears and necklines and touching up sideburns
Self-sharpening, high-carbon steel blades stay sharp longer
5-year limited warranty

Features



Blades
Precision Clipper BladePower Source included
CordedFeatures
PowerDrive Technology
Built-in TrimmerAccessories
Cleaning Brush
Blade Oil
English / Spanish Instructions
Scissors
Medium Comb
Barber Comb
CapeCase
Hard Storage Case with Handle

Guide Combs
1/16" (1.5mm)
1/8" (3mm)
1/4" (6mm)
3/8" (10mm)
1/2" (13mm)
5/8" (16mm)
3/4" (19mm)
7/8" (22mm)
1" (25mm)
Left Ear Taper
Right Ear Taper
Ear Trim Guide
Brow Trim Guide


I love the Wahl Clippers. They are an easy do it yourself option that gives a great cut and saves tons of money.

These Clippers run only $25. The cost of one hair cut can cut your whole families hair many many times.

Wahl clippers are available is major retail stores and online at Amazon and Wahl.com.

I Need a New TV Stand

Having a kid that takes up much of our family room with his millions of toys we are looking for ways to add space so our family room doesn't seem cluttered and small. Right now with all the toys and TV and furniture there is not a lot of room to walk.

My husband had the great idea of looking at new TV stands. Our TV stand is old anyways and very outdated. It has broken drawers and it definitely needs to go, so I am very excited to be getting a new one. After looking around online at different stands and much thought, we have decided to look at Corner stands only, as a corner stand would be the best for Space Saving in our family room. There are so many great corner stands it is hard to pick just one. After looking for several hours I have narrowed it down.


Right now I have narrowed it down to these 2 stands




The only problem I am having is I prefer dark wood like cherry but my husband says a TV stand in Oakis a must. I guess oak would match better with our other furniture but I really like the look of dark wood. I have tried to convince my husband to give the dark wood a chance but he won't agree to it so I Guess I'll be starting my search over again and finding an Oak Stand!