Summer Giveaway HOP

Chicken Soup for the Soul has two new books out Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers

101 Stories of Inspiration and Support for Teens

Teenage years are tough, but this book will help teens as they journey through the ups and downs of adolescence. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Teenagers provides support and inspiration for teenagers as they grow up, reminding them they are not alone, as they read stories from teens just like themselves about the problems and issues they face every day. The stories in this book serve as a guide on topics from the daily pressures of life and school to love, friendships, parents, and much more. This collection will encourage, inspire, and amuse teens, showing that, as tough as things can get, they are not alone!

The teenage years are some of the hardest and this is a great book of stories that teens can relate too.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens

101 Stories of Inspiration and Support for Tweens

Being a preteen is harder than it looks! School is more challenging, bodies are changing, relationships with parents are different, and new issues arise with friends. But preteens can find encouragement and inspiration in this collection of stories by other preteens, just like them, about the problems and issues they face every day. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Just for Preteens will help readers as they navigate those tough preteen years from ages 9 to 12 with its stories from others just like them, about the highs and lows of life as a preteen. It's a support group they carry in their backpack!


2 winners will win a copy of each book

SO EXCITED (I had To Share)

NOT to Jump the Gun but WE SOLD OUR HOUSE

It obviously not a done deal till closing at the end of August but we are super excited.

Looks like Arizona is in our near future :)

New Kitchen Table and Formal Dining Set

As we are getting closer to moving I am getting more worried about what furniture we will need for our new house. I know the move itself is going to be pretty big and a bit stressful, so if I can have some of my furniture picked out, that would be a huge help when we are trying to set up our new house.

Given that we will be purchasing a larger house (around 3,000 square feet). I am pretty sure we will have an eat in kitchen area that will need a kitchen table and chairs as well as a formal dining room.

I always liked the high top table and chairs for eat in kitchen and I am not to picky on those so I think I will let hubby pick out the one he likes best since I will have the final say it most everything else.

Since there will be 5-6 people living in our house we will be looking at 7 piece dining sets. That way everyone can sit together for dinner and there will still be room for a guest or two as well.

So far I really like this set

It is formal enough to go into a formal dining room yet very modern which is very much my style.

My husband has suggested we get an antique buffet table. He knows how much I like to entertain and says it would be a really nice place to store all of our nice tableware we received at our wedding shower.

He likes this one

He says it matches to the dining room table I picked out above but I'm not to sure.
I never really thought how much work it would be to furnish a house. I want to pick out things that will last a while that I won't get tired of and that are not overly expensive.

101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 minutes

I am a huge cupcake fan and have been very interested in learning how to make my own gourmet cupcakes because buying them from a bakery is pretty expensive. So I was pretty excited to review the book 101 Gourmet Cupcakes in 10 minutes by Wendy Paul.

There are so many yummy cupcake recipes in this book. On my list to try is the

-banana split
-give me smore
-peach cobbler
-orange creamsicle
-key lime pie

Available on Amazon for $16.99 and well worth all the great Gourmet cupcake recipes


LIKE CAKEBITES?

If you like cake bites you'll be excited to learn Wendy has a new book "101 Gourmet Cake Bites" that will be out August 8th (available for pre order on amazon today at $12.94).

EdenFantasys Adult post 18 and older

I know I have told you before how much I love EdenFantasys. They carry a large selection of Adult toys but did you know they also carry sexy lingerie including Bra and Panty sets. I have been wanting to surprise hubby with a new bra and panty set and after looking through all the great options I found the perfect one.

I really love this Lace bra and panty set and I know hubby would love to see me in it also :)

It's only 25 dollars and looks so much more high end. The black and lace is very sexy and I love that EdenFantasys carries such high quality lingerie at such reasonable prices. They are my one stop shop for everything adult. They are always adding new products so I find myself checking their site a few times a week.


 Last week I found this Pink champagne dress. I have to have it. It is so popular that it is out of stock in almost every size including mine so I am waiting for it to come back in stock in my size so I can grab it.  EdenFantasys has a great feature on their website that will notify you when an item comes back in stock. So I will get an e-mail as soon as it is available.

                                                                    Just gorgeous!

ToiletTree Oral Irrigator Review and Giveaway

I am a huge fan of my ToiletTree Fogless shower mirror and so I was very excited to be contacted when their newest product was released the Oral Irrigator.

I have always hated flossing so I was excited to see a product by a company I loved so much that cleaned in between my teeth and reached even where my floss could not I had to try it.

The Oral Irrigator is awesome. Here are some of its features

- Waterproof and cordless (can be used in the shower)

- Tank can be filled water, mouthwash or anti-bacterial rinses

- 2 separate tips ( replacements available to purchase)

- 3 operation modes with LED indication: Normal, Soft & Pulse

- water pressure of 40 to 80 PSI with 1700 pulses per minute

Want to try it?

TolietTree has offered one of my readers an Oral Irrigator

Last night's amazing dinner including Recipe

As many of you know I cook 5 nights a week and am always looking for new recipes. Many of the new recipes are good but the one I tried last night (Chicken With Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce) was Amazing. Everybody here loved it.

Recipe courtesy of www.mygourmetconnection.com

Chicken With Creamy Cilantro-Lime Sauce

Ingredients ~
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1/3 cup flour
1-1/2 tablespoons spicy seasoning blend (see below)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon sugar (or agave nectar)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1-1/2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Spicy seasoning blend ~
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation ~
In a shallow dish, combine the flour with 1-1/2 tablespoons of the spicy seasoning blend. You should have about 1/2 teaspoon of the blend remaining - reserve this for finishing the sauce. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning frequently, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and cover to keep warm.

Add the chicken broth and sugar to the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir until the sugar dissolves, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan as well. Add the lime juice, green onions and the 1/2 teaspoon reserved seasoning blend. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, just until the onions soften. Whisk in the heavy cream, add the cilantro, then pour over the chicken. If desired, garnish with a sprig of cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Makes 4 servings

I will be making this frequently. It's soooo good!

BBQ SEASON

This week the weather has been in the 90's with lot of humidity. There is no way I am turning on the oven or even the stove in this heat. My air conditioner is already working at maximum capacity. I am already ready to pass out even with the air on. I can't imagine adding to the heat with the stove or oven.

I still do need to put dinner on the table for my family. Having a home cooked meal on the table when my husband comes home from work is something I pride myself on and that is why bbq season is in full swing here. I am really hoping our small older portable grill will make it through the rest of the summer. I plan to use it a lot if this heat continues.

When we originally bought our current portable grill I had thought we would have been to Arizona by now so I didn't buy one that I expected to last a few years. I bought the cheapest portable one that I knew would get us through a year till we moved. Little did I know the move would take much longer than I expected.
It makes me wish I would have thought harder and purchased a nicer grill. I really like hibachi grills and charcoal is a must. Nothing beats the taste of food grilled on a Charcoal grill. Gas has its advantages also but I just have to have charcoal.

This grill would be perfect about now

and while I am dreaming about a better grill I would really love a nice Bradley Smoker. Another great way to give your food amazing flavor.

can you see how much cooking has taken over my life. I think I am bordering on obsessed. LOL

Marika Activewear a must own!

Lately I have been running with my husband. I have realized the benefit and importance of activewear. Regular clothing is not good for running.

I have been looking for quality pants and shirts designed for running and other activities. I stumbled upon Marika clothing and am very excited I did. after chatting with them I was offered a chance to review their most popular Tec Short Sleeve Wik Tee. This isn't your average t- shirt but one that has been crafted in high tech fabric for moisture wicking capabilities.

Basically this shirt repels sweat and is extremely breathable and lightweight so it almost feels like your not wearing a shirt. When its hot out that is really Important.

Yesterday it was 90 degrees and we went running. In this shirt I have no sweat marks and it was so breathable I barely knew I was wearing it. It is PERFECT. I swear this is the most worn shirt of all my current activewear pieces. I plan on ordering 4 more so I have one for each day I run a week.

Marika also makes tanks/camis, sports bras, leggings, capris, shorts and pants and jackets.

Check them out HERE
YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.

Sore Feet from high heels? Kushyfoot can help

I remember after my wedding my feet were so sore from wearing dress shoes all night. I am not much of a dress up kind of girl and wearing high heals bothers my feet rather quickly.

Recently I have discovered a very affordable option to help with my feet. Kushyfoot are foot covers (flats to go )designed with padding that you can carry in your purse and use when high heels are driving you crazy. They come in a ton of different designs and are so comfortable.

I was lucky enough to get two pairs to review and I love them. I have a wedding shower and a wedding this year and I know these will come in very handy and save me from aching feet.

I cant think of any women who wouldn't want a pair. You can see and purchase all Kushyfoot products HERE.

Spot Shot Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

Who wouldn't like to have a new living room? spot shot has a new sweepstakes where you can win a new living room. Hurry and enter it ends 8/8/11!

Spot Shot, leading carpet stain remover and odor eliminator, was a sponsor of the 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards and to celebrate award show season, they have launched the $5,000 Living Room Makeover sweepstakes! We all love the suspense of award shows but no one likes the drama of carpet stains – especially if we want to host an award show party!

Soap opera star and award show veteran Austin Peck is getting in on the action with Spot Shot by encouraging YOU to enter the sweepstakes.

Enter online HERE for a chance to win the $5,000 grand-prize (awarded via check) or a prize pack of coupons for Spot Shot, 2000 Flushes, X-14 and Carpet Fresh – all products that will help get your home sparkling clean! For the latest news about Austin and the Living Room Makeover sweepstakes, visit the Stain Fighting Community Facebook page.

WIN IT
Spot Shot would like to offer one of my readers a $25 Wal-Mart gift card to begin your living room makeover.

JJ COLE CAR SEAT CANOPY REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

I am very excited to introduce you to a great product by JJ cole. The Car Seat canopy. This product is awesome.

About the Car seat Canopy

Stylishly protect your baby from the elements! The canopy's front closure releases (held together by velcro), allowing you to put baby in the car seat without having to remove product.

• lightweight, breathable fabric
• elasticized outer band conforms to car seat for
perfect fit
• machine washable

This is such a great product because it provides protection from the sun, rain and even snow while providing easy access to baby. It comes in six adorable designs. The fabric is a medium weight so its not too hot or too cold. It attaches super easy to car seats and is machine washable. I can't wait to use mine with my next baby.

Win it

JJ Cole has offered one of my readers a Car seat canopy in their choice of fabric.

Kolcraft Preferred Position™ 2-in-1 Bassinet and Incline Sleeper Winner

Kimberly said... 171

daily tweet #4
http://twitter.com/Aerated/status/90410756121702401
kirbycolby at gmail dot com


Congrats you have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be picked!

Bagel Bites Snack Simply Pledge and Giveaway

We are huge Bagel Bites fans here. Especially my husband and son. Bagel Bites are a quick and filling snack they love and eat often.

This Summer Bagel Bites brand of frozen pizza snacks is asking parents and kids to make snack time more meaningful with an online “Pledge to Snack Simply”. The Bagel Bites Snack Simply Pledge asks parents to adhere to three guiding principles for snacking this summer, which include:

Keep it Simple – Choose simple, easy-to-prepare snacks with wholesome ingredients.
Keep it Tasty – Serve snacks kids will love to encourage lots of smiles around the table.
Keep it Fun – Take the time to connect with your child and incorporate some simple, family-friendly activities during the daily snack-time routine.

By taking the online pledge at www.snacksimplypledge.com, parents commit to a few small steps that have a big impact on a child’s daily snack-time nutrition. For each person who takes the pledge, Bagel Bites snacks will donate $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, up to $50,000.

My family has taken the pledge and now its your turn.
Go over to Bagel Bites and take the Bagel Bites ‘Snack Simply’ Pledge, you’ll receive $1 coupon good for your next purchase of Bagel Bites pizza snacks.


WIN IT

Bagel Bites has offered one of my readers with 4 coupons for FREE Bagel Bites.

In need of new exercise equipment

So our treadmill is on its last leg. We have gotten some really good use out of it but its definitely time to replace it and get some new exercise equipment. Since hubby and I have a difficult time sharing anyways I have been looking at both treadmills and exercise bikes. I figured that if we get one of each there will be no fighting and we will be able to work out together which will be really nice and motivating.

I really love many of the features my current treadmill has. It has a nice incline, measures pulse, calories burned and distance. It also folds up really nice to make room when we are not using it. One of the features it doesn't have that I would really like in our new treadmill is an mp3 jack and speakers. I really enjoy listening to music when I workout and It would be great to be able to connect my ipod to the treadmill.

I found this BH Fitness one on clearance that looks like it has everything we are looking for and is very similar to our current one.



As for a new exercise bike after some research I keep coming back to this recumbent exercise bike by Stamina Magnetic Fusion.



I have never owned an exercise bike before and the choices have been quite overwhelming. I think I might go to our local gym and talk to a few of the trainers there to get their opinion on if the Stamina Magnetic Fusion would be a good option for us or not. It is just one of those decisions that I need help with by someone who has some experience with exercise equipment.

Today is my 4 year wedding Anniversary

4 years ago I married the most amazing man. I am such a lucky girl. I realized today after my husband said we still have a lifetime together that some of the best days of our lives haven't even happened yet. I can't wait to share those days with him.

It's just awesome to think how many great times are still in our future, how many great times we have already shared together and how lucky I am to have found my perfect match.

Happy Anniversary Phil My love for you grows deeper everyday :)

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension Movie

I'm excited to tell you about The Disney Channel, a Disney Channel Original Movie, “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension” That will premiere on Friday, August 5th at 8pm ET/PT and on Saturday, August 13 !0 am EP/PT on Disney XD.

Phineas and Ferb has been TV's #1 animated show among Tweens for the past Three years.

Along with the new movie On Monday July 11th, In new York City, Disney is launching " Perry The Platy-bus On Tour" featuring a 27' long. customized, rounded aluminum airstream trailer outfitted stem-to-stern as Phineas' and Ferb's teal- colored Pet Platypus.

Perry The Platy-bus will be on a coast to coast journey from New York to San Deigo's Comic-Con International (July 21-24) and the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim (August 19-21)


Also available this summer

The soundtrack Phineas and Ferb Across the 1st and 2nd Dimensions.
A 2 disk ultimate fun Pack including DVD, digital copy of the movie, 8 digital tracks, 8 deleted scenes, a bonus episode and more.

Also be on the look out for A video Game Inspired for the movie and a live tour to play in more than 80 hometowns!

For more information You can check out This Disney Link.


I was provided with a Phineas and Ferb package from Disney Channel for Sharing this information.

Honey Nut Cheerios Prize Pack Giveaway

Have you heard the BUZZ? Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal is America’s Favorite Cereal! (Based on Nielsen sales data, 52 weeks ending 1/1/2011).

To celebrate their loyal legion of enthusiasts, Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal is giving you exactly what you want: more Honey Nut Cheerios®.

As a special thanks for making Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal America’s #1 choice, they are hosting a "Billion 'O' Giveaway" providing free samples of Honey Nut Cheerios® cereal to fans beginning July 4, 2011, available while supplies last. Zip on over to www.FavCereal.com for your sweet sample.




WIN IT

CLUE: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS EDITION

Who doesn't like Harry Potter? I know a lot of people are sad that on July 15th Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley will grace the big screen for the last time.


Don't worry the Fun doesn't end there. There is a New Clue Game out from Hasbro for all the Harry Potter fans out there.



Take the action of the movie home with Clue: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Edition – a bewitching mystery that has players exploring the halls of Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest, the Ministry of Magic and beyond. A Hogwarts student has gone missing and it’s your job to uncover the mystery – Where did the attack occur? Who did it? Which weapon or spell did they use? Players take on the identity of their favorite “Harry Potter” character and then race to decipher clues, uncover secrets and solve the mystery of the missing student!

My husband and I played for 3 hours last weekend. It is really fun. A great twist on an old favorite game.


CLUE: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS EDITION is available at major retailers and on amazon.com for $37.49.

Wham-o Slip n Slide Review and Giveaway

One of my favorite things to do with friends in the summer when I was younger was Slip n Slide. We used to spend hours in the front yard sliding. We even figured out that if you use a little dish soap you slide much better.

When I owned a slip n slide they were a basic slide. Now they have pools on the end, double wave riders and really cool game ones.


Shane is finally old enough to do Slip n Slide so I was super excited when given the opportunity to review one. My husband is a huge bowler so I though it would be great to review the Splash 'n Bowl Slip 'n Slide.


Shane had a blast on this on several occasions. He asks to play on it all the time.


It is great because it is good for just him or when he has friends over. It keeps him cool in the heat and is super easy to clean up and store.

WIN IT
Wham-o has been kind enough to offer one of my readers a Splash 'n Bowl Slip 'n Slide.

1. You Must be a public follower of this Blog.
AND
2. Follow Wham-o on facebook OR Twitter @WhamOTweets and @WhamOWiley. Tell me which way you follow

*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 Slip n Slide @theethertons http://tinyurl.com/5u9e528 #giveaway

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 07/29/11 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!

Winners

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies prize pack

Michelle said... 19

1. http://twitter.com/MrsMChappell/statuses/87353219315015682

Tweet
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com


TOM AND DREW CLOTHING

Anonymous said... 56

Newsletter
debbiecathy@yahoo.com

Baby Gear

Since we hope to be pregnant here soon with baby number 2, we have been looking at what baby gear we can keep from Shane and what baby gear will need to be replaced.

Most of our baby stuff is in great condition. It is even gender neutral. one of the baby items that need replacing is our Travel System. The car seat is expired and the stroller has taken quite a lot of abuse. In fact the travel system stroller has been run over by my car. Hubby left it in the driveway and I backed up on it on accident.

I think I would also like a new Umbrella stroller so we have been spending a lot of time looking at and researching baby strollers. Surprisingly we both have agreed that it is important that we narrow it down to light weight strollers.

I don't fin it fun to lift a heavy stroller in and out of the car especially when recovering from a c-section.

I really like this iCandy Apple Lightweight Stroller.



I love that it is Lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminium chassis, has 3 position forward facing and rearward facing seat modes and still functional with an Extra large shopping basket.

As for travel systems we both really like the Graco Flip It Travel System.
Like this one but in a different print.



I really like having baby facing me when he or she is so young and then having the option to turn him or her around as they get older, so he or she can see what is going on around him or her.

What travel system or stroller do you own that you love?

Baby Names Help

As most of you know we are trying for baby #2 which means a lot of our time is spent looking at Baby Names. With our first we had a girl name picked out and agreed upon form before I was pregnant but we had a very difficult time with boy names. Of course I ended up with a boy.

I really liked Irish names and the meaning of Shane's name (a gift from God) was so perfect. It took hubby a while to like Shane but it eventually grew on him.

We have spent several hours discussing names for our future child(ren). We still love that girl name that we were going to use if Shane was a girl but have been searching for boy baby name ideas.

We just can't agree on boy names yet we both like the same girl names. I think part of it is I like very uncommon names and he likes a little more traditional names.


what are your favorite Baby Names?