Hit any sales this weekend? We went skiing but I decided I wasn't brave enough to face the crowds and each year I do more and more online shopping.
I love being able to have things delivered to my door without having to find a parking space.
If you're starting into your shopping list VTech Toys have got gadgets for the munchkin on your list--check out the Jungle Gym Ride and Learn Giraffe Bike where kids can ride their "bike" and practice their shapes and other learning activities while they ride. Or the Cyber Pocket where you kids can play games with the touch panel and flip up LCD screen on the go.
Electronic games and toys that work to teach while kids play--and if you're interested in some tips, the VTech site has a handful of tips for stress-free holiday living. And I think the last one said something about online shopping . . .
And this weekend, courtesy of VTech, I have a Cyber Pocket to give away to a random winner! Talk about starting your holidays off on a good foot. Good luck!
Here's how to win:
Before 12 am Monday morning go to the giveaway entry form on this page and enter your name and email. I will pick one of the names at random, contact the winner via their email and publish the winner's first name and home town in next Tuesday's post. See the bottom of the entry form for more details.
This giveaway is open to all readers! Good luck!
Saturday, November 28, 2009
VTech Toys Giveaway
Friday, November 27, 2009
Someone I'd Like You to Meet: Amanda from Oh Amanda
Our Write-Away Contest guest judge this month was Amanda from Oh Amanda, a wonderful person who writes about her two children, her home, her creativity and her religion with a comfortable openness that invites you in.
When I interview people sometimes I'll focus my questions on things that interest my guest and then sometimes I'll focus on things I'm thinking about myself and you can tell by a few of my questions where some of my thoughts have been lately . . . Christmas is right around the corner!
Amanda, I hope you're having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!
You’ve been blogging for several years now, how do you deal with the ups and downs of blogging?
I've always said I love the ebbs and flows of blogging. It's MY blog and MY life so I can kinda do with it what I want. When I'm busy, my blog reflects that. When I'm focused and inspired, my blog reflects that, too. I also think it's the ups and downs that spur me on. When I feel blaze about my blog or my readers or stats or "influence" it makes me want to push harder and do better.
Have your goals with your blog changed? How?
When I first started my blog I thought it was a creative writing outlet. But I remember my very first post and I can hear that I also hoped someone would read it. And I'm continually surprised that people do! I think this all goes back to the ebbs and flows...at one point my goal was to get 3 comments. Then to make a couple of bucks. I think now my goal is to influence people--I try to post things that will be encouraging, insightful or helpful. (I don't think I always get that accomplished, but I try!)
What has been the most fun part of your blog? What makes you want to keep with it?
The most fun part of blogging by far is the people! I've met so many different types of people. People I'm pretty sure would have never spoken to me (or vice versa) in real life--are now dear friends to me. My whole world has opened up in a new way since I've really gotten into the blogsophere. I couldn't NOT stick with it--like that old blinkie says, "I love my computer. My friends live in it."
Do you have any advice for people trying to get their blog noticed?
I wish I was an expert on this. My only advice is to be a part of the community . . . read and comment, play along with carnivals and fun parties, email your comment-ers back, respond on facebook or twitter. If you want your blog to be out there--put yourself out there! Oh, and it doesn't hurt to be cute and normal, too.
You do a lot of product reviews, what advice would you give for people who’d like to do reviews on their own blogs?
Don't take everything that comes your way. I just got an email about tissues. And although I think it would be fun to get a big box of tissues in the mail . . .what am I really accomplishing? I saved $1.42 and now I have to spend an hour or more writing a post about tissues that my readers don't even want to read. Just make sure you pick stuff you really like and would have blogged about for free. (Uhm, like Disney or chocolate.)
If you've never received a PR pitch, try signing up with a network like One2One or MomSelect. They send out emails about lots of different opportunities. You can pick and choose and not worry if it's a good company or not!
What changes, if any, have you seen in the world of blogging—especially mom blogging?
I think my blog has mirrored the blogging world as far as changes. I went from I'm-in-the-cool-geeky-crowd to wow-someone-likes-me to i-can't-believe-this-company-
I love that blogging has mushroomed. I have to admit, sometimes I feel like it's passing me by. I am in awe that I get to be a part of your Write Away contest--you are a bloggy hero to me! But I am also feeling the "age" of my blog. I feel comfortable in my blog and I think there are many people who are recognizing the amazing platform that blogging is. I want to take full advantage of it and use it to make a difference in the lives of others. So to make a long answer even LONGER, I think the biggest change is that blogging is LOUDER. Moms have seen that a blog can be more than a journal or a way to win free stuff. Blogging can be a vehicle, a tool and an agent for change.
What are your favorite holiday traditions your family has?
As a semi-new mom (my kids are 3 and 1) I feel like our family "traditions" are all forming. And I think that's exciting. My daughter has had 3 Christmases and doesn't remember any of them. So, every year is a new sparkly treat for her. I love discovering family "traditions" with her and now with my son. I'm inspired by so many traditions and crafts and books that I think I try to many at one time!
What do you do to make the holidays more meaningful?
I'm the kind of person that likes to make events special. I want the candles lit, the music playing, the food ready to go and a few little extras thrown in. But besides the actual celebration, I want my children to know the meaning behind the holiday. I have worked hard at helping Lydia understand what it means to be thankful. We spend weeks focusing on the details of the real Christmas story. I feel like I've got a fleeting opportunity to get to her heart before the media and the craziness of the season gets it's chance--and I want to impress her first!
Do you have favorite holiday books or movies your family enjoys? I know you recently posted about Thanksgiving traditions, what about Christmas or New Year’s?
Oh my goodness, books! I could list 50 Christmas books I love. My very favorite story ever is the Gift of the Magi. I have started collecting as many different editions as I can. It's the most beautiful story of sacrifice, love, gratitude and thankfulness. It is set at Christmas time but I think the lesson is appropriate at any season. My newest favorite tradition is the advent calendar. I can't get enough of them. This year my daughter will probably be opening five advent calendars a day while we make another one! Like I said, I get excited about traditions and special events!
What kinds of things are you looking forward to in 2010?
My son will be in his first year . . . I mean his first year that he's NOT an infant! This 14-20 months age is so exciting to me because I can see a little peek into his real personality. Everything will be new and fun for him. Everything is a first. My love grows with my children and I'm excited to see how he grows and my love with him. Also, on a personal note, I'm a new Disney Mom, so I'll be on the Disney World website as part of the Disney Mom's Panel this year--a dream come true for me!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Andrew pulled this out and had us read it as a family this week. It's Washington's official declaration of the first national day of Thanksgiving from 1789 and I thought you might also enjoy it, Happy Thanksgiving.
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requsted me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
George Washington
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mini Cornucopias
These are cute little favors my mother made when I was little and they're still as fun as they were twenty years ago.
Tiny little cornucopias that can be used as place settings or favors or table decorations.
To shape the horn, just gently steam a sugar cone until it softens (about a minute, be careful not to burn yourself in the steam) then bend the tip up. Hold it in place until it hardens again (just a moment or two) and then fill it with treats.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your holiday is wonderful.
Sponsored by Beau-Coup for unique baby shower favors.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
The Write-Away Winner
Thank you to Amanda at Oh Amanda for judging this month's writing contest, she's terrific and you'll get to read more about her later this week as I interview her.
Thank you also to Bath and Body Works for the prize package from their new antibacterial line.
But the greatest thanks to the entrants who shared their feelings on being Grateful. I hope you enjoy the entries.
The Chocolate Chip Waffle with Gratitude: Seeing It
Our judge said: "This was beautiful. As good as any novel I've ever read!"
Mozi Esmé with To Be Grateful for More
"I think she really answered the question, if there was one. Such a great perspective."
Such the Spot with Whispered Reminders
"Oh, i needed this reminder today!"
Glacier Racing with Thanks to Joey
"They deserve this for the sheer volume written about a dog!! Plus, it was so articulate!"
Here are a list of the entries in the order they were received:
1. Glacier Racing with Thanks to Joey
I'm mourning this dog more than any of the people I've lost in the past ten years. Earlier today the grief leaked out, my body making sounds I didn't know it could. It doesn't help there's no shoulder near to cry on, or that night shift makes emotions tougher to control. Perhaps weeping is weakness, but I'm just now realizing the weight of the role he played in this simplified life I've made, and the hole that's left, and I am weak, and so I weep.
2. Lifenut with My Thanksgiving with Mick Jagger
The turkey and the stuffing were diced into tidy brown blocks. They sat side-by-side, looking like bricks for a dainty but foolhardy construction project. The mashed potatoes were scooped by hand like ice cream. Someone four floors below, in a basement kitchen, released the dull white lukewarm globe over a tray with a flourish of a tired wrist. There were stubby grey green beans and a short glass of milk with a paper lid to prevent sloshing.
3. The Time for Change with Gratitude
It's sitting there in the paper robe, staring at the ceiling, wondering, as always, what would happen if the fire alarm went of at that exact second, that it all crept up on me. While waiting in the lobby for forty-five minutes, I had worked myself up into a state of anxiety and worry. It's routine, but routine for something I try to deny, as if by denying its existence, it will suddenly disappear and never haunt me again.
4. Mozi Esmé with To Be Grateful for More
The overcast skies didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd on Wednesday as we applauded the marching bands, the Scout groups, the fire trucks, the branches of services, the veterans, and most importantly to many there, the flying candy. It felt good to be an American!
5. Blog o' Beth with Gratitude
Sometimes an argument over a toy can lead me to say ugly words, causing my bottomless patience to vanish in a flash. Sometimes the simple sound of Max’s heavy breathing at night can awake worry and concern. Sometimes the smell of Lucy’s hair as it is nestled tightly under my nose can be comforting.
6. In the Mom Zone with A Lot to Be Grateful For
There's a challenge circulating around Facebook to post one thing you are thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. Two weeks and they call it a challenge? That's only 15 things you're thankful for. Surely there's more than that to be grateful for...
7. The Holly's Family with Gratitude
9. School Teacher by Day, Super Hero by Night with How Sweet the Sound
Gratitude and grace go hand in hand. It takes grace to have gratitude for all that's in your life, even in those hours where you might feel lost. Truly, there is so much in my life for which I am grateful. I am grateful that even though I don't want to work outside of the home, I have a job. I am grateful for this in a tough economic time when so many would give so much that have a full-time job with good health insurance.
10. Such the Spot with Whispered Reminders
I lead a blessed life. This much I know is true. Well, most of the time anyway. Admittedly, I’ve been known to forget from time to time. If I’m being honest I will tell you that there are days when my four young blessing from above seem particularly heavy.
11. Me and Mine with I Have a Few Wrenches If You Need to Borrow One
I'd like to think of myself as the kind of person that's grateful for her trials. I was thinking about this yesterday and wondered, "Am I really grateful for them?" It's easier said than done, really. Sure, hindsight is a wonderfully safe place to be grateful for one's lessons through adversity, but what about when you're actually in the process of "learning"? Whenever my life starts to make sense and seems reasonably steady, I know it's only the calm before the storm.
12. The Chocolate Chip Waffle with Gratitude: Seeing It
I think I began to grasp the concept of gratitude when I was seventeen. The summer of 1989, before my senior year in high school, I was dumped by The Boy Friend of my young life who was going to become my husband and the father of my future children. I was sure of it.
13. Food for the Soul with Give Thanks with a GRATEFUL Heart
For the last few days I have been contemplating the theme on everyone's mind as we approach Thanksgiving Day. No, not turkey (although I have contemplated that quite a bit as well!) I'm talking about the theme of giving thanks.
14. Paula May with Gratitude to the Rescue
I've been focusing on gratitude all month. Partially because the Thanksgiving season is a perfect time to reflect on the gifts we have in our lives. Partially because I have been having a hard time coming to terms with the reality of my life as compared to where I think it should be.
15. The Mommy Machine with Grateful
When I say my in-laws live a few towns away, I'm not talking about an hour's drive through the suburbs. Because we reside in Alaska, a visit to Grandma's house involves a half-day's journey over 370 miles and a trek across the marsh, up the mountain, into the pass, over the river, and through the woods. Service stations are few and far between—even if we manage to make it to a gas station, the restrooms aren't always working.
16. Fractured Toy with One More Day
I wished that she would not see tomorrow. I wished my mother's life away. I dressed in the dark and I drove there in the darkness. I quietly put the key in the lock and entered her house, praying that I wouldn't awaken her. I knew she would be asleep in the back bedroom and yes, I could see the night light from the living room. Would tonight be the night? Would tonight be the night I'd watch my mother die?
Sponsored by K & M Studios and photographer Megan Burgess
Monday, November 23, 2009
How Much Is Enough?
This time of year we're given a paradox: Thanksgiving is the season for gratitude yet before the turkey is even cold we're bombarded by advertisers telling us we can't make it through the holiday celebrations without buying things. Lots of things, and the more the better.
So we're supposed to be grateful but not so grateful that we don't want lots more.
Which brings me to the subject of contentment. I'm not one to say that there is virtue in always being satisfied with who or what we are because that's what sets us apart as human beings. We want to do better, to be more, to reach higher, to discover new things and strive for greatness but there is a difference between being complacent and being content.
Complacency inspires laziness by convincing you that doing better isn't important or that being more is worthless. Contentment is the ability to ignore what someone may be telling you need so you can focus on what's truly necessary. Being content is to look at the place where you live and not become agitated if it isn't decorated in the latest style, it's being able to accept what you've been given and not look at what your neighbor has instead.
It's the perfect week to share an article I recently read on Being Content with Our Homes and it could apply to so many of the toys and treats we're supposed to desperately crave nowadays. Electronics, vacations, clothing, fame, prestige and cars--not just homes.
If we learn nothing else from the economic destruction we've experienced this year let it be contentment. To be happy with the abundance we've been given and not to exceed our means looking for more because to be truly grateful starts with being content--you can't feel gratitude until you're content with what you've been given.
Sponsored by Pak Naks--decorate your stuff!
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dijon Chicken Stew with Kale
This recipe was from an old Cooking Light and it thrilled me for a couple reasons. First, it is probably the best-tasting chicken stew I've ever had and second it had kale in it.
I'd never cooked or eaten kale before (shocking I know) but greens have never been my thing. I'll eat spinach if it's pureed in ravioli or chopped very finely as an ingredient. But straight up wilted leaves? Never.
But I was in the mood for something new and being well aware of how healthy kale is for you I decided to give it a whirl and I was pleased by the results.
It got a round of thumbs up and I made an extra large pot to last for several meals. LOVED it.
6 teaspoons olive oil, divided
2 sliced leeks, green parts only
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, divided
2 pounds cubed chicken
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
6 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
4 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled white potato
6 cups loosely packed torn kale
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek and sauté 6 minutes or until tender and golden. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Set aside.
Place 1/3 cup flour in a bowl with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Roll chicken in flour, scooping it out of the excess. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil over high heat. Add half of chicken cubes. Cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Then brown remaining chicken and add to leek mixture.
Add 1 cup of broth and vinegar to pan, scraping bottom to loosen browned bits. Transfer to a stock pot. Combine 1 cup broth and remaining flour, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add to stock pot with remaining broth, water and mustard to pan. Stir in chicken mixture and potato, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes more or until potato is tender. Stir in kale; cover and simmer 10 minutes.
Sponsored by Beau-Coup for unique baby shower favors.
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Saturday, November 21, 2009
HP TouchSmart 600 Giveaway
Biggest giveaway ever! Got your attention? Good, because the rules are a little different from previous giveaways so read all the information carefully.
The HP TouchSmart 600-1055 is a desktop PC where, as the name implies, you can touch the screen to manipulate information. It comes with all the stuff you desperately covet with the bonus of being able to pinch, rotate and drag things anywhere you want with your own little fingers. Is that not completely fun?
Windex not included.
However, there are other spiffy features that it does include:
- built-in adjustable webcam, wireless modem, microphone and premium speakers
- wireless keyboard and mouse
- HDMI gaming console so you can play your Playstation, X-box or Wii in HD
- 23" HD 16:9 screen plus HDTV tuner with a remote
- capabilities for viewing Blu-ray discs plus viewing or burning DVDs
- 750 GB hard drive
- TouchSmart Live TV, Windows Media Center and Windows 7 software
It also comes with a bundle of five Microsoft Surface programs that teach you to use the new TouchSmart screen to full potential so you can easily run sites like Twitter, Pandora or Netflix. Gives a new meaning to poking people on Facebook, doesn't it?So if you think about it, you're not just getting a regular old PC to manage information, you're also getting a command center for your entire entertainment and social media system.
And if this doesn't get you drooling I noticed that on the HP site you can get about $200 worth of extras, including free shipping, a $120 rebate and $60 off one of HP's wireless printers. Good deal.
I'm so excited because HP has generously offered to give one of these snazzy new machines free to one of you just in time for the holidays so read all the directions carefully for your shot at this beauty.
Here's how to win:
Before 12 am, the morning of Saturday November 28th (you get a full week for this one) go to the giveaway entry form on this page and enter your name and email. I will pick one of the names with a random number generator, contact the winner via their email and publish their first name and home town on Tuesday December 1st.
You can only enter once via the form. However, if you share this giveaway or the HP link to the product through Twitter, Facebook, by emailing this post to a friend (see envelope icon at the bottom) or by putting up this button on your site please leave me a comment letting me know that you did so and I will gladly enter your name a second time.
Code:<a href="http://scribbit.blogspot.com/2009/11/hp-touchsmart-600-giveaway.html"><img alt="HP TouchSmart 600 Giveaway" src="http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e98/amitton/x-1.jpg" title="HP TouchSmart 600 Giveaway" border="0" /></a>
When you click on the entry form link there are even more minute details at the bottom if you have questions. This giveaway is open to all readers so good luck!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Ugliest Animals on Earth
We've had our share of animals around here--hamsters and parakeets, frogs and fish, but these guys are pets for people who want to be just a little different than your average animal lover. To be honest, these are the animals that make a pretty good case for natural selection.
1. sphynx cat
These guys inspire nothing but pity in me--they didn't grow this way they were specifically bred not to have any hair which of course makes them rather cold and eager to cuddle with other animals and humans. Poor things.
They were bred in the 1960s and now there are several different strains including Mexican hairless. Why Mexican? Not sure. All the Mexican people I know have plenty of hair.
2. proboscis monkey
Proboscis means "nose." Not sure why someone thought that was appropriate but for whatever reason it's stuck.
Living in Borneo, only the males have such large facial characteristics and when they get angry their noses swell with blood and get all red. I'm really, really glad that humans don't have this particular characteristic as well. Really glad.
3. warthog
The animal world's answer to body piercing.
I actually don't know much about these guys, I had to look it up and found that they live in Africa (obviously I haven't seen The Lion King enough or I would have figured it out on my own). What The Lion King doesn't tell you is that they can run and jump pretty well and sometimes kill lions with those tusks of theirs. Take that Simba.
4. California condor
The rush to save these birds from extinction was the most expensive conservation effort in history and I won't say anything more about that. I think the picture speaks for itself. Condors are one of the longest living birds, surviving fifty years. Seems that I heard parrots last forever too--but condors are one of the rarest with only about 300 alive.
Because the world needs all the gigantic, bald, hideous, meat-eating flying scavengers it can get.
5. Irish lord
We catch these periodically out in Resurrection Bay when we're halibut fishing, they're a deep-water fish that are truly hideous in a way that deserves a round of applause.
Spiny, big mouthed, bulging and nasty the only thing that makes these guys uglier is if you pull them up too fast and they kind of explode from the change in pressure. Not pretty.
6. axolotl
I'm not a fan of salamanders in general, they're slimy and rather creepy with their underwater thing and the gills and the not-quite-fish-yet-not-quite-lizard issue. The axolotl lives in Mexico and is facing problems from shrinking habitats and polluted waters (I'm trying to feel some sympathy here) but in Japan they've got an enormous salamander cousin that is something like four feet long.
Can you imagine swimming in some quiet pool and coming across a four foot salamander? I know they're not dangerous but I would completely flip out if one of those bumped up against me.
7. elephant seal
Whenever the word "elephant" is used as an adjective you know the results aren't going to be pretty.
And this is even the guy's good side.
8. star nosed mole
You kind of have to take your hats of to this one, he's so ugly, so freaky-looking, so artistically disturbing that he really deserves a prize.
I've never seen one in real life, never seen a regular mole either, and I guess keeping this one buried in the ground isn't a bad idea.
9. naked mole rat
I guess it really means something that all of the animals on the list are hairless, not one has a good covering except maybe the condor though it's the naked head that gets him noticed.
Naked mole rats really couldn't be uglier if you painted them green with pink spots, heck that would probably be an improvement. I've seen these at the zoo in a huddled pile and it kind of makes you question things when something so strange can survive like that.
Oops! I take that back--the monkey has hair.
10. blob fish
I think fish are over-represented in the category of Ugliest Animals, there are so many out there that you could fill three or four lists but this one really takes it.
It looks--forgive me--like a big pile of lard or a big stomach or something. Like a pile of Playdough with eyes.
I think they're a deep-water fish as well--all the ugly stuff lives way down deep--and I'm kind of glad. It's not exactly a candidate for the aquarium at the dentist's office is it?
Sponsored by K & M Studios and photographer Megan Burgess
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