Playskool Review and Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory Giveaway US only

When it comes to shopping for toys for my boys, I have to admit, I generally do not pay attention to the name brands.  I am more concerned with the features, if it is educational, fun and something they will enjoy.  Also if it can grow with them, I hate spending money on something that will last 2 months and then have to pass along to someone else.  Sure there are things that is necessary for, but with toys I want some longevity if possible.

As part of my 2011 resolutions list, I made a list of products that we have that I want to review.  In most cases I have also contacted the companies to see if they would be interested in working with me.

While looking thru some of our things, I started noticing a common theme, PlaySkool!  Also, Hasbro (which is the parent company of PlaySkool)!  Who doesn't have at least one of their products on hand?  Here is what we have, or wish we had LOL:
Alphie - my oldest wants this!
Barrel of Monkeys - There is a toddler version we bought for our middle son
Bop It - we bought this for my nephew, and he loves it!
Chuck and Friends - We have several of these lol! They love talking chuck, and then my middle son had to have a little one that he can hold in his hand.
Little Einsteins - We have 2 rocket ships!  They had to have the same thing
Memory - We have a couple of versions of this
Mickey Mouse - I will get into more about this in a minute ;)
Potato Head - the classic Mr. Potato Head!  My boys got a ton of these from my nephews and adore them!!Play-Doh - who doesn't love play doh??? We don't get to use it that much right now as the baby likes to eat it and the other 2 make a bit of a mess for the baby to eat :P
Playskool - many many many things we have are under this category!
Puzz 3D - Hubby and I had a bunch of Coca-Cola ones of these for a very long time
Rubik's Cube - Oh gracious! We have a bunch of these: 2x2, 4x4, 5x5, Rubiks Revolution, Rubiks slide, hubby is loving these.

Tonka - I have 3 boys in the house, you have to know we have every shape of Tonka Truck we can get our hands on LOL

Wheel Pals - the baby has one of these from Christmas!  Which he adores, when the 2yo lets him play with it!

Ok I promised more on the Mickey Mouse, well it's a Mickey Mouse Playskool game we have!

This is what the box looks like, so you know which one to buy ;)

This is my 2yo playing it. It is for 3 + but if your child knows their letters and numbers, or how to match it works for younger kids.  He loves this game and makes us play all the time!

This is the number side of the game board (there are 2 sides to each one, and 2 sides to each tile)



 All 3 of my boys love this game!  The 2 older ones love to play with it, so the 3 of us play during the day all the time.  The youngest loves picking up the boards and dropping all the pieces on the floor, and watching the commotion LOL I usually end up playing with him on my lap.

Santa gave the  Playskool Glide to Ride Bike Boy (pictured above) to my 2 yo for Christmas.  What we loved is that at first you don't put the pedals on and it's a glider bike!  Then as he grows and gets balance, and learns to pedal we can put the pedals on and have a regular bike!  If you add up the cost of a glider bike (which I've seen for $90), plus the cost of a regular bike with training wheels (we paid $90 for the one for our oldest) that is $180 much more than the $139 that Amazon  has it for!  Also Santa bought ours at the Samco Sale for a crazy cheap price of $45!!!  He is a bargain shopper for sure!

I am sure you all know the benefits of the Playskool and Hasbro brands, but I hope I highlighted 2 products you might not have known about!

I really feel that playskool makes great products for kids, and everything we have owned has been durable and worth the money!

I contacted them, and they said that I could host a giveaway for the Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory!!!  We don't have one, but I know both my hubby and I loved the versions we had as kids!!

I have been super excited about this since I found out!  I just wish it was open for Canadians too, but alas I couldn't get ahold of the Canadian Playskool people (although if they want to get a hold of me, I have a lot more products I can highlight!! LOL).  So the kind people at the US company said they would happily do a giveaway for anyone in the US, as they cannot ship to Canada.

Mandatory Entry: (Must be done for any other entries to count) This is open to US only.


Let me know what is your favourite Hasbro or Playskool product!  It can be one you have, or one you would love to have!

Bonus Entries:
1 Entry: GFC Follower of this blog
1 Entry: Click the share this on twitter button! Please ensure that you add @KnitWitShair, or leave the link to your status in the comment so I can verify.
1 Entry: Follow me on twitter on the sidebar.
1 Entry: Follow Playskool on twitter
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: "Like" The Knit Wit on Facebook on the sidebar (please leave me you FB name to verify your entry).
1 Entry: "Like" Playskool on Facebook
1 Entry: Update your Facebook status notifying people of this giveaway (link @the knit wit and @Playskook with a link to the giveaway) or just use the share button under this post.
1 Entry: Post my button on your blog (let me know where I can find it).
1 Entry: Blog about this giveaway with a link back here.

Open to US only, and ends Feb. 16, 2011

Disclosure: I purchased playskool products and contacted the company for a giveaway as I loved their products, no money or products were received. The opinons are my own.



Mummi Quilts Winner

So I get to announce today's winner of the Mummi Quilts Personalized bib.  The lucky winner is number 80:

Congrats Donna!  I will be contacting you shortly :)

Featured Blogger: Daily Organized Chaos

This is a blogger I just recently met through Canadian Bloggers! 

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I am 40-something mom of two boys (8 and 13) married to a man with the biggest heart. We live in British Columbia.

I was born and raised in Slovakia.Growing up my father was a general manager of a large hotel so when I turned 14 I was send to a boarding to school to study "family business". I have a business degree in Hotel, Travel & Restaurant Management. I think being away from home (in safe environment) gave me my independence early on.That's why it's very important to me to teach my boys independence, self reliance and believing that with hard work you can accomplish just about anything. I believe in Karma and in paying it forward.I believe that universe have funny way of correcting itself and if you do something bad it will eventually come back and bite you in your behind.

2. How long have you been blogging?
I started blogging in March 2009 few months after my husband lost his job and our only income. I did not get serious about blogging till October 2009 when I was at the lowest point of my life and I needed to do something to turn our life around.

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
I love blogging because I love writing and sharing my life experiences whatever they might be with supportive audience. I love the support and encouragement from fellow bloggers.

4. What is your main line of work currently? (e.g.: SAHM, Accountant, etc.)
I am WAHM ever since my oldest was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005. I am also part time caregiver/daycare for my autistic nephew. I dabble into eBay and baking. Recently I opened Bailey Boyz Brownie Co.I am working on a cookbook based on my grandma's meals I grew up with as well as My Life Story book.And of course I am a blogger.

5. Do you have any blogging pet peeves?
Yes, of course. I think we all do.Bloggers are like everybody else. Nobody is perfect (some think they are) and we all make mistakes or behave badly from time to time. I think my biggest pet peeve would be the selfishness of some bloggers in returning the support they get. I think no matter how big and popular you are you need to acknowledge the bloggers who take their time reading your posts and adding to your content with caring comments. Lately many bloggers who suddenly gotten big forgot who made them big.....the little bloggers and their comments and I don't mean comments like: "I am following you, please follow back" (another pet peeve)

6. Do you have any giveaways? If so, what's the most exciting one you have going right now?
I am not big on giveaways.I do like giveaways. I enter giveaways, but I do not want to be known as a giveaway/review blogger. There is so many great ones out there and they are doing great job. I have some here and there when company contacts me and I like their product. I also like doing my own giveaway as a thank you to my supporters. I do have a giveaway right now for Canada only from BlueWater Seafoods company.

7. What led you to name your blog the name you gave it?
I have three blogs and each name represents me and my family in some way. Queen of Average explains itself in the header when you visit. Frugal wannabe cooks name came from me trying very hard to become frugal (never was) and cook delicious meals on a small budget. Daily Organized Chaos is pretty much my daily life....I did take a vote on this one. I had 5 choices and my family and blogger friends took a vote. Daily Organized Chaos won.

8. What are all the ways my readers can find you?
You can find me at one of my three blogs
Daily Organized Chaos http://www.dailyorganizedchaos.com/ is a family friendly site full of tips, ideas and helpful advice for everyday issues families face today.
Frugal Wannabe Cooks http://www.frugalwannabecooks.com/ - cooking blog
Queen of Average http://www.queenofaverage.com/ - my personal blog

Bloggy Moms January Blog Hop

Welcome to all the Bloggy Moms blog hoppers!  I have a few great giveaways on my side bar that I hope you would enter.  Also if you have any giveaways with 100 or less entries please add it to my Low-Entry Giveaway linky you can find that on the Giveaway Linky Tab.

Every Monday I do a featured blogger interview, if you would like to be interviewed and feaured on my blog please email me at theknitwitbyshair at hotmail dot com.  I also do a small business/etsy shop Tuesday Feature, if you have one of those you would like featured please email me at the same email address!

Thanks for stopping by.

Book Review: The Nativity Story

Every week (if at all possible), I go to a Mommy and Me group at my church.  The boys have so much fun romping around playing with the other kids, and I get to sit and relax and have a nice chat with other Mommies.  We also get awesome food!!

On special occassions the Children's Pastor (Pastor A), does a special party up for us Moms with prizes, and each one of us gets a gift to bring home, usually a book so that we can take sometime for ourselves.

This past Christmas she handed out the book The Nativity Story - A Novel.

I had 2 other books to read first, so I just got to it now.....

The synopsis of the book is:

Based on the major motion picture, The Nativity Story is the very human, very dramatic, and uniquely inspiring saga of a journey of faith. Best-selling author, Angie Hunt, focuses on Mary, the mother of Jesus in this adaptation of the movie screenplay. This powerful historical novel tells the extraordinary story of two common people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, an arduous journey, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. Brought to life with an unprecedented attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy, Hunt tells how from humble beginnings, great things can come.

One thing I loved about this book is that the chapters were generally quite short.  Some were 1-2 pages, which fit perfectly into my schedule.  I could easily read a chapter while nursing the baby.

I loved the book, as the author really went into Mary's story.  What Mom doesn't get scared when having a baby, and wonder if you are going to do a good job raising the baby.  Mary had the weight of all of that, and her child being the Son of God.  What an awesome responsibility.

The story really came alive for me.  I had to stop and laugh at myself several times when I was worried about Mary's plight.  Would Joseph marry her?  Would she get safely to Bethelehem in time to have the baby? I literally was on edge reading quickly to find out what happened next.  Then I would remember...I know this story, I've read it and heard it all my life!

That's how I knew it was a great book!  I totally recommend it!  You can buy it for a great price at Amazon.

2011 Resolution List Update

I thought since we are getting close to the end of the first month of 2011, I would update where I am on my 2011 list.  I am quite proud of what I've accomplished so far!  I would love to see any updates you may have on your goals.

get 500 gfc followers (started out at 303) - I am at 424
get caught up on DS#1s scrapbook
get caught up on DS#2s scrapbook
get caught up on DS#3s scrapbook
get 2000 twitter followers (1310 - Dec. 31/2010) - I am at 1766
get 1000 fb fans (453 - Dec. 31/2010) - I am at 503
get 10 sales on etsy (1 - Dec. 31/2010) - still at 1, but I have a bulk order off of etsy that I am excited about.
have 50 items for sale in etsy shop (10 - Dec. 31/2010) - I am at 20
have 100 items for sale in etsy shop (10 - Dec. 31/2010)
earn set amount of $ for 2011 - I am setting a decent pace.
write boogie wipes review - DONE
write sportline review - DONE
Read Queen Latifah Book - DONE
Write Queen Latifah Book review - DONE
Read Nativity book - DONE
Write Nativity book review - DONE
blog about earning $ online - swagbucks - DONE
blog about earning $ online - hotspex - DONE
blog about earning $ online - crowdcloud- DONE
blog about earning $ online - globaltestmarket - DONE
blog about earning $ online - survey savvy - DONE
blog about earning $ online - pay4click
blog about earning $ online - sponsored ads
blog about earning $ online - mylikes
blog everyday for 2011- on track
Meet step goal for year: 3,650,000 - was ahead, but have been a little slowed down due to sickness, still ahead though
declutter our room
declutter boys room
declutter baby room
declutter craft shelves - started a destash challenge, in hopes to clear some of it out while I am focused on other things
declutter office area
declutter storage room - 1 item gone :)
write review: limited190
write review: eyeQ
write review: CSN stores - DONE

write review: kitchen aid mixer
write review: sony tv
write review nintendo wii
write review wii fit
write review super mario bros
write review mickey game - going to pair with awesome US only giveaway - awesome I tells ya!!
write review diego great dino rescue
write review scentsy warmer
write review discovery toys motorworks - DONE
write review samco richmond hill
write review tetris party deluxe
write review weller photography
write review picture weavers
write review the boy store- DONE
work on will
get family passports

I think I have made a fair dent so far, and am hoping you all are on track as well :)

The Sad Truth

My baby will be 1 on March 2nd, and the sad truth is I barely started planning his birthday party yet.  It's just over a month to go, and really it's quite sad. 

However, with Boy 1 the party was planned 6 months in advance, and Boy 2 it was completely done 3 months before.  Everyone says "well it's your 3rd, and your busy", I hope they tell him that when he is older and his party consists of us in a bare room with a muffin from tim hortons as his birthday cake :P

Must follow Tweeps

I am terrible at follow friday on twitter.  I swear I have good intentions, but I never remember to do it.  But I do have tweeps that I love, and think you should follow them!!

I will do several sets of these.  Here is the first category I will do.
Awesome People: Ok so I didn't know what to call this category, but I will explain it here.  I have had a rather rough month, and the following tweeps have cheered me up, given me advice, basically kept me going during a time when I've been feeling down.  They are all funny, interesting and engaging. 

@DrRus - Movie Critic-Frame by Frame: A Family-Friendly Guide to Movies; Encouraging and Empowering Others; News Director; Talk Show Host, Photographer - He is a blogger (check out the post I did about General Sarge), and always there to cheer me up and lead our rag-tag group of tweeters!  Although he does instigate my hubby into Mustang toy purchases.
@DeebieDeeNJ - Marketing Services. Ancient Roman History nut. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.  Her profile says she is in Marketing services, which I totally believe b/c she is always rting for me, and telling me I need to get my etsy shop out there more.  She is even giving me tips on getting my business going and making sure I take care of myself.

@SVUgirl -  Pediatric oncology & ER RN; I love kids, animals & helping others! I believe in giving to others & in the Joyful Heart Foundation! I'm a survivor! - Seriously I don't know how I would've made it thru without her and her constant advice on what to do for the boys, and myself!  When my baby wouldn't stop throwing up she was tweeting with me constantly on what I could give him, and b/c we have different stuff in Canada than she has, she would look it up or tell me to ask.

@croneandbearit - red-headed stepchild, blogger, student, believer, likes sci-fi & ufos, writer, Baby Boomer, mom to fur-child EmmaLou, Golden Destroyer - She has a great sense of humour, and we have been laughing our way thru both being sick!  I have already introduced you to her thru the featured blog post.

@Jen_nifer - Wide-eyed cynic. Cautiously pessimistic. US/Kiwi/European roots.  Fascinated by the world & all the people in it. Lover of all things chocolate. Motorsports fan - The night Wesley got the stitch no one from my posse was on but Jen and she was amazing to cheer me up! 

@PVarga - Morning Radio Show Host/RolePlayer for 93.3 WSLP Lake Placid NY, Marketing Consultant, Thinker, Semi-blogger, little bit goofy, Curry College Alum. - He is funny, quirky and loves Snuggies, what more is there to say?? LOL He and I sometimes have pretty deep convos for twitter :)

@Allybu - Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, Accountant by day, Purse Designer by night, Gardener, Decorator, Lover of power tools! Is that random enough?? - Ally is an awesome sweetheart who i chat with all the time about anything, and everything.  I recently purchased some of her purses, and will write a review shortly on them :)

Today's Found Giveaways

1. Community Coffee Giveaway: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/01/review-and-giveaway-community-coffee.html, Ends Feb 3, 2011

2. Fat Quarters Book: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/01/review-and-giveaway-book-5-10-15fat.html Ends Feb. 5, 2011

3. Scarf: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/01/review-and-giveaway-affordable-scarves.html Ends Feb. 5, 2011

4. Chalkboard shirts: http://the-winfields-7.blogspot.com/2011/01/chalkboard-tee-review-and-giveaway.html, 1/31

5. Monogrammed Towel: http://www.oneincomedollar.com/2011/01/review-and-giveawaymiss-lucys-monograms.html#comment-form 2/6

Kids Say the Darndest Things

I wanted to share something funny that happened at our house, recently.

My 2yo was feeling very sick with a high fever and in some pain.  I gave him some tylenol, and all of a sudden he hopped up and started talking and running around.  Clearly feeling better, so I was happy about that.

So he gets his baby brother's plastic car, and then he starts kicking it around the living room.  Seriously?? So I said to him "Stop, this is unacceptible." 

His response??

He throws out his hand in a stop sign, and yells "It's going to be all right!!"
 
I started giggling and still had to tell him not to do that, but clearly I was laughing pretty hard.  Silly kid.

Eden Fantasys Featured Product

I've decided to do a featured product for EdenFantasys for my bi-weekly posts.  This weeks is the: Mesh babydoll with g-string (Babydoll and panty set by Coquette):

I think it is super cute, and sexy.  Here are the details:
It is pink with 2 layer ruffle mesh and has lycra binding shoulder straps, bow and lace trim detail.  It also comes with a matching G-string panty.  What a great set for a romantic evening?  It comes in plus sizes, and one size fits most.

Did you know that EdenFantasys also has a blogger program, where you can post blog posts bi-monthly to earn gift certificates for free products?  I am a member of their program!  Check it out here:  Reviewer Program

Disclosure: I received a $30 gift code for writing up this blog feature.

Wordless Wednesday January 2011

The infamous stitch incident

The poor sick baby when he had a 101 fever and kept vomitting, here he was resting on Momma.

Book Review: Put on Your Crown by Queen Latifah

A while back I won this book called "Put on Your Crown" by Queen Latifah. 

It took me a while to get around to reading it for any reasons.  But one was because I was reading another book already when it arrived, and couldn't get thru the book.  So I did something I don't normally do, I gave up on that book!

Anyways, I then picked up this book, and would read when Ihad some spare time.  I found it quite interesting.  She talks alot about how a lot of times as women, we get beat down and we don't really realize that we are all Queens! 

She touches on different things that can bring us down, and not all of them I could relate to, but she does give some great universal advice and try to apply the advice to every woman. 

She talks openly about some tragic events in her life, and what we can all learn from them.  Even if you haven't been thru those exact tragedies there are good lessons learned.  I also firmly believe in learning from others mistakes rather than making them yourself, if possible. 

She talks about knowing where your money is, and not letting others take advantage of you.  I think that those are great principles for all of us, especially woman, who have a tendancy to put everyone before us.

I did find some parts of the book a little dry, but it isn't supposed to be a story, it's supposed to be more like advice from a big sister.  So I think it is a good read overall.

So that's why I am tired....

Things have been a little rough around here since Jan 1st, and this latest round of colds has prompted me to head to the doctor this am.   Yesterday the 2 older boys had high fevers, and were laying on the couch all day. 

They seemed really really sick, so I called the doctor's office in a panic.  B1 had a really high fever in the night and than all day yesterday it was between 100-102.  B2 had an ear infection.  They both woke up this am and seemed fine, thought about not going, but figured as soon as i cancelled they would both get sick again.  Plus I am about at my wits end with us all being sick.

The doc checked out B1 and said he has the starting of pnemonia, so he was to get antiobiotics, b/c his ears were a little red too, so before he gets a repeat ear infection we should stay on top of it.

Next, B2 does have an ear infection, so antibiotics for him.

Even though B3 wasn't scheduled I asked if he would check him out for me, just to be sure, and so he did.  Well he said his ear is a little red, and there is the possibiliy he could get pnemonia.  But b/c I have been giving him antbodies from nursing and already having the cold, he wrote a script but said not to fill it for a day or two just to see if he gets bad or not.  He hasn't had the fever the rest of us has had.

While he was checking the other 3, I was telling him what was going on and he says "You sound terrible", then I started coughing.  That's when he decided to check me as he said that cough sounds really bad.

Well he said that I have pnemonia, and said "Aren't you tired???"

Well Yes I have been very tired, but I figured it was because I hadn't been getting any sleep, who knew it was because I had pnemonia.  BTW - I am sorry for the spelling, but I have no idea how to spell Pnemonia!!

Better rest up, and hubby is  going to pick our meds after work. 

Featured Shop: JennTRC

I would like to introduce you to a new shop I just discovered myself! 

1.Tell us about yourself.


Hi I'm Jenn and I'm a Graduate Student in my mid 20s. I'm currently pursuing a Masters in Fine Arts with a concentration in Printmaking and Drawing. I teach drawing to Freshmen and Sophomores in college. Anytime I'm free outside of my studio or not teaching, I make things with beads ;) My boyfriend and I also have a one year old pug named Annie, who keeps me active!

2. Tell us a little about your shop.

I make brightly colored beaded earrings, owl stud earrings, rings and necklaces. I'll also be adding bracelets soon, just waiting on a bead shipment to make them ;)

I tend to always have some sort of promotion going, usually involving a free surprise gift with any purchase :)

3. What got you started with your craft,and selling your items?

You know when you find things you like, but wish they were slightly different (perhaps maybe a different color or size), that happens to me a lot when I'm looking for accessories. So I started collecting beads with the hope that I would do something with them. I had a professor tell me I should find a creative hobby outside of my Drawing, so that was the first push into starting to make my own jewelry (since some metal work I had done when I was younger). I got a really good response from friends and family, so I listed some earrings on etsy and immediately sold four pairs. It was great!

4. What makes your products unique?

Many of my pieces are one of a kind. I might make variations of a piece, but for the most part you'll only see one! I also don't sell things that I wouldn't wear personally, so each piece is made with love!

With the owl earrings I sell, I made the mold for the polymer clay myself, so each owl is handcrafted and shaped by me.

I collect beads from all over, and not just by buying online. When I was traveling on a road trip last year, I had to stop at bead shops :)

I recycle mail packaging when I can, I'm eco-friendly ;)

5. Where can we find you? (e.g. etsy, Facebook, twitter, blog, etc)

My blog: http://jenafur.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennrach
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JennTRC

6. What would be your criteria for a "successful" etsy shop?

My shop doesn't make a lot of sales, but continues to supplement my interest in beading. I can buy new beads/findings and keep experimenting with supplies. I think a successful etsy shop is one that's updated often, has great customer service and original products!

In the summer, I try going to craft shows which is more exposure and you get to personally meet your customers which is a lot of fun ;)

7. How did your shop name come to be?

JennTRC is one of my nicknames. TRC stands for "The Rubik's Cube," my male best friend thinks women are a lot like rubik's cubes...bright but complicated at times. The idea of a Rubik's Cube applied to my jewelry makes sense...I love working with vibrant pops of color.

8. What product are you most proud of?

I think I'm equally proud of all of my earrings, otherwise I probably wouldn't list them! Sometimes I'm unsure of how beads look together but then I'm usually presently surprised with the strange color relationships I sometimes make.

9. Do you have any tips for bloggers or other etsy shop owners you would like to share?

With etsy: Be patient, it might take a while for a new etsy shop to get going. Also, practice your craft...I've made plenty of earrings that have just turned out "ugly," but like I tell my students in my drawing class, you make a lot of mistakes before a masterpiece and that's okay because you'll learn more that way!

Also, every once in a while you might have a disgruntled customer, just be understanding!

With blogging: I always tend to blog more when I plan out posts before. The other thing I love is visiting the blogs whose writers leave comments on my blog :)

10. Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Thanks for the Interview Shari! And thanks to whoever just read this interview, feel free to check out my blog or Etsy and let me know what you think! ;)

Book Review: The Faith of Ronald Reagan

Thank you to Book Sneeze for the opportunity to review the book: The Faith of Ronald Reagan by Mary Beth Brown

I have to admit I didn't know a lot about Ronald Reagan when I started reading the book.  I remember when he was President as I was in Kindergarden to Grade 8 when he was in office.

I am not an overly political person, but I do like biographies and knowing about political figures, and their ethics and beliefs, as it greatly effects who you are and your policies.

Here is the book description:

Explore the life and personality of President Ronald Reagan through the lens of his deep-felt Christian beliefs.

With warmth and insight, Mary Beth Brown delves into the spiritual journey of America’s 40th president and offers profound stories of God’s providence in Ronald Reagan’s life—from first making it as an actor to winning the presidency, from surviving an assassination attempt to eventually changing the face of world politics. With the support of Reagan’s own words and writings and firsthand interviews with his family, friends, and co-workers, Brown weaves a magnificent story of Reagan’s quiet, strong devotion to God, sure to both inform and inspire.

Timed for the Reagan centenary in 2011 and released in a season of intense political unrest, The Faith of Ronald Reagan is strikingly relevant for today’s reader.

I really really loved this book.  Mary Beth has a wonderful way of opening up "Ronnie's" life, using his own letters, friends and families.  She also is a friend of his families so she has a unique perspective.

I barely could put the book down and read it within a week.  That is saying alot with the week that I've had (but that's a story for another time).

I would suggest this book to other because this was a very engaging read, about a wonderful man and a great leader.

Introducing General Sarge

So today I would love to introduce you to a friend of mine, General Sarge.  Ok, I don't know General Sarge myself, but I know his photographer very well.

My Twitter friend @DrRus is a Canadian and living in the US.  He has 3 sons (you know I like that LOL).  Two of his son's are in the US military. Ryan is in the Reserve, and Ben is in active duty.  You can read all about it here and see pics of the boys with their proud parents.

General Sarge is Ben's Bear.  I am going to quote the story here in DrRus' words, which I got from here (with full permissions of course ;) ):

At the age of 10 we gave our son, Benjamin, and my Mom, Nana Helen Jeffrey, Christmas Gift Certificates for Build-A-Bear. For as long as we can remember, Ben has always wanted to join the Army so it really came as no surprise that his Build-A-Bear was the Sarge bear. On his 18th birthday in August 2010, he joined the Army as an active duty soldier. He headed off for Basic Training at Fort Benning, GA in January 2011 with an MOS of 11-Bravo Infantry Division.

Of course through the years what was the original Sarge bear from the Build-A-Bear collection saw a lot of wear and tear. For Christmas 2010 my wife and I decided it was time for Sarge to get a new uniform. Little did we know when we bought the new uniform outfit, Sarge was receiving a promotion from just plain Sarge to General Sarge.

Ben instantly recognized the promotion!

Ben and I then decided it would be fun to chronicle the daily life of General Sarge while he’s away.

Here is the pic of him with the promotion outfit:

This is Ben and General Sarge

So since Ben went off to Basic Training Dr Rus has been taking daily pics of something General Sarge has been doing while Ben has been gone.  He always tweets out the pics, and I know that for me personally I always wait for my General Sarge pic.  I always get a RT of the pics, but I am special, ya know LOL  Today I got a tweet saying that General Sarge has his own blog now!  YAY 
 
Please visit the blog, and help support Ben and his family.  We all know what an important job our military guys and girls do, and as US & CDNs lets face it we fight together.  Here's the blog link, and let's give them some love: http://generalsarge.godlaughs.net/
 
Be sure to go back and check out all the pics and the stories that go with them.  Here is a small smattering of my favs from the first 13 days:
 
Day 13 Mail Call - First letter from Ben! I so appreciate that they were willing to share this special moment in their family with us:
 

Day 12: Sipping Coffee - Ya must know how much I like my coffee so of course this is one of my favs:

Day 6: Digging out Stella - Ok had to put in the one of the Mustang for all the Mustang lovers I know:

Day 5: Snow Angels - This is my favourite LOL

Let me know what you think, and a thank you to all our military families (both Canadian and US), who sacrifice so much for our freedoms, and to our soldiers who are willing to fight to keep the rest of us free, and safe. 

Featured Blogger: Crunchy Beach Mama

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm a mama to 3 boys ages 8,6, and almost 1. I grew up in the Midwest but moved to the coast a couple of years ago. I'm a beach girl now and loving it! My husband is a chiropractor and so with our baby we have become more "natural" and it has been wonderful!! I breastfeed, cloth diaper and cloth everything in our home, don't vax / no medicines if possible, etc. Living as healthy as possible is our goal :)

2. How long have you been blogging?
Only since July 2010

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging? The networking. I love chatting and making new friends. Well and some of the free stuff I've received is kind a nice :)

4. What is your main line of work currently? (e.g.: SAHM, Accountant, etc.)
I work part time as an assistant for a golf instructor from home and also do after school daycare.

 5. Do you have any blogging pet peeves?
oh golly. One of my biggest ones I guess is Blog Hops. I do them but don't really like them because people come over and just say 'I follow you now come follow me' without even looking at my blog and comment in an area that may have been inapporiate.

6. Do you have any giveaways? If so, what's the most exciting one you have going right now? Yummy Food Week is the whole week of Janurary 10th (Editor's Note: they end tomorrow go enter now!!!)

7. What led you to name your blog the name you gave it?
I was talking it over with Hubby and I mentioned I like Crunchy since my blog is eco-friendly and learning how to be more natural and he said how about Crunchy Beach Mom. Well us mom's call each other mama's online right? So Crunchy Beach Mama it is!

8. What are all the ways my readers can find you?
http://www.crunchybeachmama.com/
www.facebook.com/crunchybeachmama
www.twitter.com/crunchybchmama

Making Friends Monday Blog Hop

I am so excited to share this this week:  Please join us as there is a special spotlighted blogger you might just like ;)

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 1/23/11 This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents, The Thrifty Things, Reviewed By Mom , and Coupons are Great.

<a href="http://www.livingonloveandcents.com/" mce_href="http://www.livingonloveandcents.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/happygirlivy/untitled-3-1.jpg" mce_src="http://i406.photobucket.com/albums/pp142/happygirlivy/untitled-3-1.jpg" /></a>

SPOTLIGHT/ GUEST HOST OF THE WEEK

This week's spotlight is The Knit Wit by Shair. This blog is #5 on the linky this week. Stop by and tell her hello! Here are some things she wanted to share.

I am the Mother of 3 young boys: 4, 2, and 10 months, and the wife to a wonderful, helpful, awesome hubby! I love to knit, sew, and blog. My oldest son has a speech delay that we are working on, and started school this year. My 2nd son refuses to potty train, but wants to go to school. The 3rd one is learning new things every day! This year I have decided to focus my energies on working on my blog and etsy shop, so that I can hopefully generate an income from home, as I am a SAHM, for the last 2 1/2 years. I love it very much! I enjoy promoting other people’s blogs, giveaways, and products. I also have a lot of giveaways, and am so excited to be hosting a huge Mother’s Day event, where we are trying to get as many bloggers involved as possible!

Would you like to be our spotlight? Follow these rules and leave a comment! We will randomly choose one blog to be spotlighted! Then you will be added to our linky! Will it be you?

1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts publicly(Listed as # 1-4) We WILL follow you Back! LEAVE A COMMENT so we can follow you back!

2. Grab our Making Friends Monday button and include it in a post on your blog. Grab our linky code to for even more followers!

3. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!

Speech Therapy Update

On January 20th, DS#1 and I went for our latest speech assessment to see where he is at and what should we do next.

So here is what was discussed, and what we need to work on now.

DS has come a long way since he started school, and our last session. His comprehension is improving quite a lot.

1. We need to as the doctor for a hearing test.  There is a possibility that he is having trouble hearing certain sounds, so she wants us to get a comprehensive test.

2. Try to introduce flexibility to his day, gradually as much as possible.  i.e. change the colour of cups, change the way home from school, etc. - He is pretty stuck in his routines b/c he takes cues from them to know what happens next.  If it doesn't happen a certain way he gets confused and frustrated.  Also when something happens and he needs to change his routine, he doesn't know how. We need to get him to think outside of his box.

3. Question Comprehension - try to focus on one at a time.  One activity per question form.  Give visuals when needed, and gradually fade the gestures away.  We want him to be able to understand without any helpers i.e.: visuals, repetition, etc. - he has come a long way, but he still doesn't know his who ?s consistently, where is a tough one too.

4. Try some novel 2 step directions at home - will help with his comprehension, listening skills, and flexibility she wants us to tell him to do some silly things and see if he can get it.  e.g put the cup under the table, put a shirt on your head and see if he understands and does both.

We start our next group sessions in March, and we will be working on the question comprehension the most.

Stash Reduction Contest 2011

So I was browsing some tutorials on this awesome blog, when I noticed something called "Stash Reduction Contest", and thought a contest that reduces my stash??  This is something I need to know more about!

If you are interested check out the post here: http://www.rostitchery.com/2011/01/stash-reduction-contest-2011.html

So the basic idea is you use up your stash,  and give yourself points as to what you think it is worth.  I think I will do what the hostess does, and decide the points as I go. 

Be sure to check out her blog, she has some great tutorials!  Listed on the sidebar, are her most popular ones.  There are a few I think I want to try :)

Memories, Precious Memories

Shortly after we got engaged my hubby and I got a digital camera.  Since then we have replaced it a couple of times, but have always archived all the photos.

When most ppl take digital pictures, they may erase some if they are bad.  Well my DH likes to keep them all archived, so that they are in number sequential order, so that if one gets moved or deleted by accident, we will know, an can find it.  It actually has saved us from losing some important pictures.

However this also means we have some (insert sarcastic tone) "great" pics.  Here are some just to show you what we've archivd for years:

We saved this dozy from November 2003.  We were taking pics of our kitties with

Christmas hats, and this one is blurry and I am still in the way and setting up a cat.

Ok so sometimes I tease hubby when I am looking at the old pics.  There are a lot of where I walked in front of the camera to set up a pic and we have a nice shot of my rear!  Thanks for the memory of that.

This year for Christmas we got an ipad from Santa.   Hubby wanted to have it set up for DS to see what a gift it was, and put a bunch of pictures on it in a rush.  He just took all the pics from last year and put them on the ipad. 

We have it set up on our mantel and decided to use it like a digital frame when we aren't using it. Hubby has a lot of electronic or car projects he does and takes pics.  I have a lot of sewing projects, or just plain bad pics  I take. 

So the other day DS#1 made me turn on the slideshow....here are some of the precious memories from last year that we get to watch:

Precious Precious Memories!  The problem?  DS loves these pics!  He gets so excited! "Mommy It's Yarn!!"  He even goes through all the picture files and looks thru the wheel album, on his own.  It seems like these may be up for a while.

Making Money Online - Survey Savvy

Today's highlighted way to make money on-line is Survey Savvy!

This is another survey company, with easy to fill out surveys.  Once you sign up and fill out their profile surveys the will start sending you surveys to fill out!  You might not always qualify for them, but it its better to try to fill them out, and see if you qualify or not.

One thing I love about Survey Savvy is you can ask for payouts at an time.  Just to make sure they actually paid out, I requested payment of $1.50, and guess what?? It came!!

Another thing I like about it is their referral program.  You get paid for your referrals completed surveys, and even their referrals completed surveys!!

I haven't made a lot of money off of them yet, but it's because I haven't really done as many surveys as I could.  I am trying to focus a lot more time and energy at increasing my income, so I will be anwering more surveys from them.

Join now!

What have you done for me lately?

I have been blogging since May 2010, and the longer I blog the more companies I work with or get to know.

Something I hear a lot from bloggers is that companies don't get that we are working and we aren't just after free stuff.  Believe me, I get that.  I've actually had some marketing "professionals" say that to me.  But, there is also a feeling from companies that they do give us a free product, plus one for us to giveaway and there are bloggers out there who take advantage of it.

I have also read blog posts from companies, (and other bloggers) about bloggers who take advantage of companies, by taking the product and not posting.  Or pretending to be a big named blogger and aren't!

I think there can be a lot of distrust there.  So what is a blogger to do? 

In life before I was a Mom/Blogger, I was an Office Admin who worked directly with clients.  When I would leave a company, go away on vacation, or go on maternity leave, my clients would usually start having panic attacks.  We had built up relationships.  They would tell me that sure they knew others could do it, but they trusted me, and they knew I would do what I could to please them.

So I take that mentality to my blogging.  I think as bloggers we need to build up relationships.  I notice the bloggers I look to as mentors (or I strive to achieve what they have), have repeat sponsors, or their sponsors will ask them who they recommend.

I am a people person to begin with so I believe in networking and being myself first and foremost.  Next, I build relationships, with other bloggers, and also contacts.  Some of the contacts are sponsors, some are just new friends, but because of these relationships I have had friends become sponsors, and I've had some repeat sponsors.  I've even had sponsors turn me down, but because I recommended others that might suit them better, or we just started chatting about life ended up working with me.

Now may I caution you, don't just fake a friendship to get a sponsorship, that is not real and people will see through that.  Just be yourself, make connections, and see where it leads. 

Build relationships, not just ask for free stuff, and I think everyone benefits.  We all need each other and can benefit each other.  Sponsors need bloggers for the exposure, and marketing, and bloggers need Sponsors to help them market their blog, get their name out there and grow as well!  If we all focus on that we need the other than we all win.

Found Giveaways

These were sent to me by the blog owner!  If you have any, be sure to send them and I will add them :)

Auric Blends Choice of 2 Perfumes - 2 winners US and Canada (excluding Quebec) 01/21
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/03/aurics-blends/

Together as One Jewelry and Sculpture US and Canada (excluding Quebec) 01/21 (value up to $99!)
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/04/together-as-one/

Tick Tock by James Patterson US and Canada (excluding Quebec) 01/21
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/tick-tock-james-patterson/

Customized Care Package from This Box Rocks! CANADA (excluding Quebec) 01/28
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/this-box-rocks-followup-giveaway/

Something to Prove (memoir) US and Canada 01/28
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/something-to-prove/

The Frugalista Files US and Canada (excluding Quebec) 02/04 (which is an awesome book and you might like it as it's fun and I could relate to it a lot as a blogger)
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/the-frugalista-files/

Hell's Corner audiobook- 2 winners US and Canada (excluding Quebec) 02/04
http://mylittlereviewcorner.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/hells-corner-review-and-giveaway-us-and-canada/

Here are ones I found:
Mouthman Hoodie Giveaway - US/Canada 2/11 - MouthMan Hoodie

Make Money Online: GlobalTestMarkets

Today I want to tell you about a survey company that I do a lot of reviews for GlobalTestMarket.
For each survey that you attempt to fill out you get entries into their cash prize drawings, including ones you complete.  Also they will tell you before your start how many points you get forthe survey.

You do need to get 1000 points before you get paid.  And there is no longer a referral program, so that is a downside.

Although any company I can get paid for filling out surveys, is good in my book!

Featured Business: Damn Heels (as seen on Dragon's Den)

My hubby and I love this show called "Dragon's Den"!  We love finding out about new products, and also laughing at some of the most ridiculous ones as well.  Every once in a while when I watch that show, I come across a product that is just so amazing, and cool, that I get excited about it.  I jump on-line right away to find out where I can find it.  Today I want to introduce you to the creator of one of those products! 

I don't wear a lot of heels these days, but whenever I do, I utter the name of this company "Damn Heels!"  I thought that was a clever name for her company, and I love that she was professional, spunky, and cute as a button!  Check out the interview I did with her:

1.Tell us about yourself.

I'm that girl who's always smiling or laughing, even before the punch line. I love people watching. I love figure skating. I love traveling. I love strolling through markets and stumbling upon fabulous cafes. I'm the suburbanite who's become a city girl.

My bio:
  

Graduating in a recession felt like a curse for most students, but at just 23, recent Ryerson University marketing grad, Hailey Coleman, managed to launch a booming business based on women's sore feet. Hailey launched Damn Heels – a line of fold-up ballerina flats tucked into an expandable, reusable bag to save women from their beloved stilettos – in December 2009. In the same month, Hailey won the Ontario Partnership for Innovation and Commercialization Business Plan Competition, and in April 2010 she won the $25,000 grand prize at the Slaight Communications Business Plan Competition.

Hailey’s Damn Heels have quickly made their mark on Toronto’s fashion, beauty and social scene with appearances at trend reports including ELLE Magazine’s and the Red Carpet Room’s; Fashion Week events, non-profit benefits including motionball for Special Olympics Canada’s annual gala and high-profile events including the official Sex and the City 2 Canadian Premiere after party, where guests were gifted with Damn Heels and Swarovski Crystal items.

Hailey has been praised for her ingenuity and savvy business sense by some of Canada’s most prominent media outlets including The Toronto Star, National Post, The Globe and Mail, The Canadian Business Journal, ELLE Canada, FLARE, FASHION, LOU LOU, Breakfast Television, Global News, and CityLine. Hailey and Damn Heels were featured on the 5th season of CBC Television’s Dragons' Den. Most recently, Hailey was awarded the 2010 Committed Entrepreneurship award.

2. Tell us a little about your business.

Damn Heels is saving women from their (beloved) damn heels. It’s my mission to make sure that no woman has to walk home with her heels in hand ever again.

WHY: Because every woman has sworn off her heels whilst walking home barefoot in a minidress.

WHAT: We’ve introduced sexy, fold-up ballerina style flats small enough to pop in a clutch. Women simply slip their sore, blistered feet into the soft-sided flats and their beloved stilettos into the cute expandable tote bag. Available in black, gold and silver in S-XL.

3. What got you started with this business?

After an excruciatingly painful, hour-long post-party walk home, I decided that hobbling the streets barefoot was a faux pas that could - and needed - to be prevented.

4. What makes your products unique?


I wanted to develop something that was convenient, comfortable and most of all, fashionable. I wanted the product to be thin enough to be super-compact but also durable enough to cushion one’s feet. Damn Heels come in a tiny, barely-there pouch about the size of a large sunglasses case which completely expands into an extendable tote to put your heels in afterwards.

5. Where can we find you? (e.g. etsy, Facebook, twitter, blog, etc)

http://www.damnheels.com/

6. What would be your criteria for a "successful" business?

My criteria for a successful business is doing what you love and being proud of what you do every day. It isn’t strictly monetary. I have learned and accomplished so much since launching in December of 2009. I remember getting my very first Damn Heels sample and thinking holy shit this is actually made for me! I absolutely love seeing people use my product.

7. What about your product are you most proud of?

I absolutely love everything about the product. The shoes, the pouch, the tote bag, the design, the packaging, and most of all the name – DAMN HEELS. (We’ve all said it).

8. Do you have any tips for us you would like to share?

Two things:
1. You are capable of anything you put your mind to. It’s about overcoming your fear, and just doing it!
2. In my opinion, failure does not exist. No matter what you’ve done, even if you think you’ve “failed” you’ve learned something from it.

9. Is there anything else you would like us to know?

When can the Damn Heels be used?
Partying, working, traveling, at weddings and events, and make great gifts! After a day or night in heels, what woman isn't dying to take her beloveds off? Damn Heels are perfectly compact so you can pop them in your clutch when out on the town or at an event, have them in your desk at work, or tucked away in your luggage when travelling.


I just want to thank Hailey for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions!  I think that every woman could use this product, if they have ever worn heels, or even dress shoes! 

What's in a name?

When I had my first son, we had a lot of discussions about what to name him.  We talked about the name Jack, but one of our concerns was we didn't like the name "Jackie" for a boy. 

My dad always points out that "Jackie Robinson" was a very famous talented baseball player.  But I always think of it as a girls name.  I think of Jackie Onasis, or a girl I used to know named Jackie. 

When DS was born, and someone called him Jackie, I would say make sure I used his name the next chance I got and just said Jack.  People got the message, and I didn't have to do what some people told me to do: "Just say It's Jack!! NOT Jackie!!!"  That seemed harsh.

Anyways, flash forward to DS going to school.  His friend at school's name is "Frankie".  So yup you guessed it!  Frankie started calling him Jackie, and now he likes to be called that.  Even DS#2 started calling him Jackie.

Well DS#2 is Wesley, and we used to call him Wes, but DS#1 said it's not his name!  Now he says "That's Wes, and I am Jackie".....it gets worse :P

We were positive you couldn't shorten B#3s name of Justin.....WRONG!! He calls him "Jus" LOL

The best laid plans can fall apart, but the best thing to do is have someone to blame.  I blame Frankie.

Boogie Wipes Review and Giveaway

If you have been around blogs lately, I am sure you have noticed Boogie Wipes around.  I even saw them on Breakfast Television in Toronto one day.  I have to confess though, I doubted them.  I mean what is the difference between a tissue, or a wet ones and these things?

So, I entered a low-entry giveaway on a blog, and tried these out.  It was a good test because I had 3 sick kids in the house!  The oldest isn't too bad, we have trained him to use a tissue, so he doesn't really get too nasty. But the 2yo seems to think tissues are highly over rated, and uses his hands to smear it across his face.  He also has ecsema and very sensitive skin, so it gets chapped where he wipes it!  The baby of course just lets it all crust while he is napping, and sees a tissue coming and frantically wipes his face on your shirt!

As soon as I got them, I opened them up, and was very skeptical. 

I went right over to the nose of the baby that was think with crust, and wiped it clean!  No scrubbing, no rubbing, and no screaming angry baby!!!

On to the next one!  I wiped DS#2s face, and low-and-behold no freak out!  He always freaks out when we try to wipe up his face!  So this was huge!  It is gentle and soothing on their super sensitive skin!

Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments.

Extra soft, alcohol, phthalate and paraben free, Boogie Wipes are available in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol and Simply Unscented. Recommended by pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue

They have a great promotion going on right now called Save The Sleeve! It's a great way to teach kids to not use their sleeves!  If they take the pledge they get free tattoo, or a backpack badge!  And Mom's (hopefully) get less snotty clothes/children!!

So, what did I think?  I fell in love with them, and became a believer right away!  I immediately contacted them, and told them I was doing a review of their wonderful product!   To which they offered to do a giveaway!!!

BUY IT:  Boogie Wipes are available on Amazon.com! 

WIN IT:   Enter below for your chance to win (2) packs of 30-count wipes (fresh, grape, menthol, or unscented– combination varies).

MANDATORY ENTRY: This must be done for any other entries to count. Please leave your email address with each entry so I can easily contact you. Be sure to put 1 comment per entry.

Go to their website, and tell me something you learned.
BONUS ENTRIES: To qualify for extra entries you MUST complete the MANDATORY entry and please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1 Entry: Join The Boogie Bunch
1 Entry: Follow them on Twitter
1 Entry: Like them on FB
1 Entry: Tweet about this giveaway using the button at the bottom of this post.
1 Entry: Blog about this giveaway from on your blog with a link to this giveaway, or add to your linky.
1 Entry: Follow Me on Networked Blogs on the sidebar.
1 Entry: Share this on FB by using the button at the bottom of this post.
1 Entry Per Giveaway: Enter any of my other Giveaways located on the right side bar.
1 Entry: GFC follower of my blog.
Good Luck! This giveaway is open to Canada & USA only. Giveaway ends on Feb. 2, 2010 at 10 am.
Disclaimer: Please note that I won this package in a giveaway, and no payment was received. The opinons are my own.

Featured Blogger: Crone and Bear It

I have 2 twitter accounts, 1 is more of a personal account, and the other is for my blog.

Usually at around 6:30 am I get up each day with B#2, and opne up tweetdeck.  It seemed that there was always a group of us on at the same time,so we became a #posse.  Here is one of my #posse members, she is super sweet and funny!  Check her out here:

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

If you could see me you would notice I have on my sticky badge “Hello My Name is : ”. I wear one everywhere; saves time and effort. I pen in different names depending on my mood that day. As I write these interview answers, the sticky on my Ohio State Buckeye Hoodie says my name is Linda so we’ll go with that one for now. My address is on the Fruit of the Loom sticker in the back of my tee shirt should someone find me wandering about the streets looking confused, which is entirely possible.

Actually, I’m just a middle-aged redheaded stepchild, who loves to write, slogging her way through the more ridiculous moments of life. I’m a voracious reader and consume books like junk food. UFO’s fascinate me (having seen one many years ago) and I’d love to be involved in UFO field work. I have a degree in Business Management and a few graduate courses under my belt. Currently, I’m working on compiling a book containing the “best of” my blog and hope to self-publish one of these days since no publishing house in their right mind would accept me. I participate in the usual activities of life; gardening, crafting, cooking, travel; none of which I do well. Contrary to popular belief, I am actually the inventor of “blackened” food – my first meal for my husband was a “blackened” grilled cheese sandwich. Paul Prudhomme, eat your heart out. My main talent seems to be the ability to make people smile so I make that my mission on a daily basis.

2. How long have you been blogging?
My blogging venture began in late 2007. While not good at math, I believe that brings me into my fourth year. Since I started late in 2007 and it is now early in 2011, it’s fractional and I don’t do fractions. Therefore, I’m sticking with four years.

3. What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Blogging is a wonderful outlet for my personality. It allows my sense of humor to run rampant. The blogosphere is a safe haven where I can comment on the world around me and be as silly or serious as I please. Plus, there are already enough comic strip writers in the world and the position of President is currently filled. On the serious side, blogging has afforded me the opportunity to meet many new friends. What a blessing!

4. What is your main line of work currently? (e.g.: SAHM, Accountant, etc.)
I quit my day job as a contract analyst for the government because I was bored to tears and my husband was retiring. I wanted to join him and have some fun. Then I suffered a catastrophic accident on a nasty stretch of ice and am now unable to return to work even should I want (how convenient). So if you mean paying jobs, technically, I am retired. I do, however, spend a portion of my time usefully – volunteering in ministry. When not being useful, one can find me frittering away on social networks (I’m on Twitter as @Croneandbearit), or with my head in a book. I have recently taken up photography and am always in search of old, interesting architectural wonders to capture. My pics show up on my blog often during a day known in Bloggy Land as “ Wordless Wednesday”. I spend a good deal of time extracting various items from the mouth of my dog, EmmaLou, aka The Golden Destroyer. And, if I’m truly bored, I clean my house. I don’t bore easily these days.

5. Do you have any blogging pet peeves?
Blogging Pet Peeves? No, not really. I take issue sometimes with the occasional commenter who will leave me a scathing comment showing he or she has no idea my blog is intended to be humorous or satirical. I’ve found the “trash” button comes in handy for those not deserving of a reply. I do reply to all other comments. If people take the time to comment, the least I can do is take the time to reply. And, never let it be said I didn’t do the least I can do.

6. Do you have any giveaways? If so, what's the most exciting one you have going right now?
After the other day’s fiasco w/a Christmas ornament, there is a good chance The Golden Destroyer may be up for grabs. (Just kidding.) Otherwise, no, my blog doesn’t contain giveaways.

7. What led you to name your blog the name you gave it?
The name Crone and Bear It is a take-off on the phrase Grin and Bear It – substituting the word Crone for Grin because I found a definition of a crone as a wise woman (contrary to the definition of old hag) and voila the name was born. Sadly, the longer I write this blog, the closer I get to the other definition.

8. What are all the ways my readers can find you?
If you are in West Virginia go west; if you find yourself in Indiana, go east. From Michigan I am south and from Kentucky I am north. Just kidding – I truly have no clue how many blogging venues have me listed. One could probably Google “Crone and Bear It.” I believe I’m listed in AlphaInventions, Blogger, Blogged, Blogarama and various other blogging engines. Truly I don’t keep up with them. I’m on Twitter: @Croneandbearit and I usually post my latest blog entry there. Or you can simply access me through my website which I imagine you’ll be kind enough to include: http://www.blogger.com/goog_1277911611

Monday Blog Hop

Welcome to my blog!  Check out my great giveaway for a personalized bib.   Also,  I have a giveaway linky on my "Giveaway Linky" page.  

Have you checked out our upcoming HUGE Mother's Day Event?  It's going to be an awesome event, and we would love to have you involved!!  Check out all the info HERE.