Wordless Wednesday 7/28 One to show the ladies!

I swear he did that on his own. Mommy snapped picture THEN told him how icky it was!

Bloggers On Bourban Trip Overview

I recently got to participate in what was, for me, a trip of a lifetime. July 22-25th I got to spend the weekend with no kids, no hubby's (okay not mine), and 30 bloggers from around the country. This was a meet-up put together by Trisha from MomDot and Leah from Mamavation. Thank you ladies for such a wonderful weekend!

I can not wait to tell you all about my trip and over the next week or so will be going into details every couple of days. If your looking for a vacation spot please come back and read up and why New Orleans may be just the spot for YOU. Also if your a blogger I urge you to come read up as Trisha has promised more of these trips to come.... Maybe the next one can include you!

Meet-ups like these can only happen with the help of fantastic sponsors! Our trip to New Orleans was one for the blogger history books! Take a look at who helped make this trip not only possible but FANTASTIC!

Arts Cow New 200pcs Photo Puzzle - $9.99 shipped

Have fun spending time with your partner whilst putting together your very own personalized photo jigsaw puzzle. Our easy to design editing software offers you the flexibility to either collage the puzzle with various heart-melting photos and you can create a full spread that encompasses your memorable moments together.

Our new 200-piece puzzle makes the perfect gift for lovers, families and friends. “Fitting” for all types of occasions, you can get your puzzle on offer today for only $9.99/each including free international shipping.

Coupon :

Coupon code: NEWPUZZ Expiry Date: 08/13/2010

Use your inspiration and create a perfectly fitting photo gift.
http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/Puzzle/Large-Jigsaw-Puzzle-637

Arts Cow Fans Favorite – 2 pcs Dog Tags for $2.49 includes free shipping

Gather around for one of our fans favorite in the shape of these personalized dog tags. Ever since the start of ArtsCow, dog tags have always been a popular item, with its easy-to-design surface, accompanied by its lightweight chain and tag. Not only can you use it as a fashion statement, but also treat it as an accessory, wrapped around your handbag or even your in-car rear view mirror. Today’s promotion starts at only $2.49 for two single sided dog tags and twin sided variations just an extra dollar for a pair, with free international shipping. Coupon :   Coupon code: JULTAGS249 Expires on: 08/12/2010 Note this offer applies to complete range of dog tags, including heart and bone shapes editions. http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/dog-tags TIP: when placing your order, please set the quantity to the total number of items required. For example, if you would like to purchase 2 dog tags, please set the quantity to 2.

MIA~ An Explanation

Since winning Mamavation I have been so busy and I am so sorry I have been missing. Now I am at Bob. What is BOB? Bloggers on Bourbon is a trip planned by momdot and Leah from Mamavation. So here I am in New Orleans with 30+ bloggers and I will update you as I can!

Arts Cow~ 5"x7" Prints – 20 pcs for $1.99 includes shipping

Get those special captured moments developed into 5" x 7" prints with a bumper deal that will get our photo-loving members queuing up (well, metaphorically speaking). With another free shipping offer on the table, the latest promotion is set to get the pulses racing.

For only $1.99 with free international delivery for 20 prints, you can afford to dig out photos from your hard drive and developed on 5” x 7” sized prints.

Coupon :

Coupon code: 57PRINTS20 Expires on: 07/31/2010

Offer applies to first 3,000 customers only and can be used with both gloss and matte finish.
http://www.artscow.com/photo-printing

Mamavation Monday Week One as a Mom (17)

(posted on mamavation.com on Wed) So today was my second day as a Mamavation Mom. It is very interesting that in two short days my thinking is already changing. First off I think about everything in terms of how can this raise my heart rate or make this activity into a work out. I loved meeting with Leah yesterday and hearing about this journey I have begun. We were sent workouts for the EA Active and EA Active More Workouts so last night I sat down and set up my workout.

25 Free Photo Cards from See Here

Please allow up to 5 days for production plus the timeframe of your selected shipping method. Above offers valid only on specified merchandise. Orders must be placed between July 12, 2010 and July 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST to qualify. Shipping not included. One usage per promo code. One per person, per household. Promo code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Discounts have no cash value. Noted cost does not include shipping and tax charges.

What could you do with $5,000?

Love winning great prizes? Then don't forget to enter the Solo Cup Company second annual online photo contest with a grand prize of $5,000 for the best photo featuring Solo products!  You'll be able to enter your favorite photos at www.SoloCups4ever.com until August 6th.  In addition to the grand prize, two $1,000 runner-up prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest. By entering, you'll also have the chance to win daily and weekly prizes of gift certificates and Solo products- a great way to extend the fun of summer well into the fall!

I did not receive compensation for this post but was entered into a drawing for a visa gift card. All thoughts are mine and mine alone.

Where does the time go?

So it honestly feel like just the other day that Ken and I brought Caleb into this world. That was the day Ken had his first birth experience, Aaron became a big brother, and I became a mom of TWO boys! That day our world changed was July 10, 2009!

Blog Layout Missing?

Please bare with me. I do not know why my layout is missing pieces. I am trying to figure it out and get back to normal!

I'm A Mamavation Mom! Are you a Winner?

So on Monday night it was announced I was one of the next Mamavation Mom's! I can not tell you how excited I am. You can follow my journey through this seven week boot camp at the Mamavation website on Wednesday and Friday's. I want to thank each and everyone of you that voted for me and supported me each day of nominations and voting!

Baby BeeHinds Review & Giveaway

I just love Eco Mom and if you follow my blog at all you know I think very highly of the products that you can find on this wonderful site. I had the privilege to host a review and giveaway for their Plum Organics line. If you missed that one then head here to check it out.

Recently I was given the chance to try out Baby BeeHinds Hemp one size diaper on Caleb. I tried to get Ken to do cloth diapering this time but he was completely against it. I think in his mind was still the old school idea of folding and pinning a baby into this white cloth that was no bigger than a hand towel. See when Ken is home I become one of those moms that pace the diaper changing buck to dear daddy. Ken is a sport about it and therefor I have to let him help me decide on diapers and that whole duty.

Wordless Wednesday 7/14 Happy Birthday 1 year old!

  

Link you YOUR Wordless Wed posts here. Leave a comment on mine and I will visit yours!

Arts Cow~ Photo Key Chains – 2 pcs for $6.99 shipped from ArtsCow

Dear Jessica Bolin,

Photo gifts are a great way to remind yourselves of the people you love. With our range of custom key chains, you can put your photos on these quality-built accessories and take them with you anywhere. Images are held in place with a tough enamel coating and the key chain itself is stylized with a metal chrome finish. Our offer today is perfect for couples with a pair of key chains for only $6.99 with free international shipping. Ideal for a gift to give your other half, whilst holding onto the other yourself, you can be sure your partner will take your keychain with them wherever they are. Coupon : Coupon code: 2KEYCHAIN Expires on: 08/04/2010 Create personalized key chains for your loved one now. http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/key-chain-sale Please note the pair of key chains can be of different design and shape. TIP: when placing your order, please set the quantity to the total number of items required. For example, if you would like to purchase 2 key chains, please set the quantity to 2.

Arts Cow Self-designed Doormats from $12.99 Shipped

Our homes are the place of warmth and security and what better way to illustrate this with your own customized doormat. The first thing you see as your enter your house/apartment can be self-designed with images and personalized messages. Using a unique heat dye sublimation technique, the colors are truly represented and fade-resistant. So get your thinking cap on and start creating a welcoming doormat for your visitors to envy over. Today’s promotion has the 24” x 16” mat on sale for $12.99 and its larger version 29" x 19" only $16.99, both with free shipping. Coupon : Coupon Code: LOVEMATS Expiry Date: 07/31/2010 Take your first “steps” to personalized photo gifts from ArtsCow. http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/doormats

Arts Cow $1.99 for Two Handbag Hangers – free shipping of course!

To a girl, her handbag should be all the rage and is an essential extension in terms of fashion wear. Look chic with your latest designer bag on the high streets and shopping malls while out we with the girls. Accompany your bag with an accessory to match in the form of these sturdy handbag hangers so you can put your bag anywhere, anytime. Print anything you want on the face of these trendy bag hooks and share with a friend on this fabulous buy 1 get 1 free deal for only $1.99 including free international shipping. Coupon : Coupon Code: HANGHOOK Expiry Date: 07/16/2010 Don’t “hang” around much longer while stocks last only. http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/handbag-hangers

Arts Cow Mini Coin Purses: 2pcs for $3 & free shipping

Cute little coin purses have been leading the line ever since its release over a year ago. It’s easy to why this essential accessory has been so popular amongst our members with the craftsmanship to match its quality in build and design. With so many fans of this mini coin purse, we are pleased to announce this latest offer.

Limited to first 2,000 orders only, design your own pair of mini coin purses for $3, buy 1 get 1 free offer which includes free international shipping. Put on your running shoes and get moving now.

Coupon :

Coupon Code: B1G1FMCP Expiry Date: 07/31/2010

Don’t wait any longer and act now.

http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/Mini-Coin-Purse/Mini-Coin-Purse-445

TIP: when placing your order, please set the quantity to the total number of items required. For example, if you would like to purchase 2 mini coin purposes, please set the quantity to 2.

This one is a nail biter #mamavation (top 4 sooo close to each other)

The title of this post is what Leah aka @bookieboo tweeted out 18 minutes ago! Now I may not be in the top four; I have no way of knowing but I am sending out a personal plea to all of my readers and friends! Please vote; you have till 9pm Est to vote.

All you have to do is go to Mamavation and vote for @all_about_savin

Thank You everyone this means the world to me! Also please look for two new giveaways to be added sometime tomorrow!

Giveaway Monday Roundup 7/12

I will no longer be posting the giveaways I enter here. Instead I will be updating my new blog, It's All about Entering Giveaway's, as I enter.

Want me to enter some of your giveaways or reach my readers here. Then enter your link in this linky. Please be sure to link to your giveaway page not to your homepage. If this is not followed I will remove your link; thank you!

Link up your giveaway's here but please leave a comment when you link up :) Following me would be nice but not mandatory :)

One Last Push till the End?

Mamavation has been the utmost center of my life this past 7 days! I have talked to more people about my weight loss journey and this wonderful support/ guidance network; than I have ever talked to anyone about my weight. Tonight marks the start of the 5th campaign for two moms on mamavation. There are 6 (including me) wonderful mom's all vying for these two spots. In the end everyone of us deserve and could benefit greatly from being chosen as a mom.

I am so thankful to each of you that have voted, whether you have voted in secret or let me know, I am forever indebted to you. I pledge this to all of my readers, friends, supporters: No matter what happens tonight I will continue to work as hard as I can and try to be an inspiration in your life!

You can still vote today (Just make sure you get your votes in before 8pm). Just go to Mamavation and vote for all_about_savin! This last push is so important and I thank each of you! I know I have focused on me me me this week but today I wanted to share with you the 5 other ladies that are running for the 2 mom spots.
Good Luck each of you and know you make so many people proud @IamSucceeding @jennydecki @ljenator @chobysauce @rachelsteffan

Mamavation Monday Sixteen~ 1 yr Anniversary

Wow I am amazed when I think Mamavation is One year old. I am more excited because my baby turned one on the 10th! SO officially HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you both. I truly wish I had been a part of Mamavation since the beginning. I mean Leah and all the Sistas are amazing and the greatest thing in my life since sliced WHOLE wheat bread!!!!

Your Comments Mean the world to me!

I will admit I often feel like everything I blog, unless it is a giveaway, is important to know one except me. My Mamavation posts get the comments from the same sistas each week and although they mean the world to me I just did not feel like I was reaching people.

Over this week with the voting of the Mamavation Finalists I have been shown just how WRONG I was. I will admit I usually hate being wrong but this time I will accept it graciously! I have received so many comments and emails of people telling me what my posts mean to them and how inspirational I am to people.

Winners 7/09

Silk Pure Almond Milk Review & Giveaway

First winner drawn wins milk and bag and second winner drawn wins the milk.

Thrify Thursday~ Are you ready for Back to School?

Yesterday when i was in Walgreens I was amazed at all the Back to School product they had out. Well Ken uses alot of mechanical pencils at his work and he was needing a pack. I noticed they had Penway and Papermate products on sale for .19! You can get a 10 pack of Penway yellow pencils, 5 pack of Papermate mechanical pencils, or 10 pack of Papermate pens! 

I got 7 packs of yellow pencils, 6 packs of mechanical pencils (they had two kinds) and 6 packs of Papermate pens. I will be going back today to get more! What a great thing to take on the first day of headstart and donate to the school. Don't have kids in school? Find out if your community will be holding a stuff the buss event or anything else. 

Total spent was: $3.61

Want to read a post on even more back to school deals? Then head on over to Melissa's Bargain Blog!

Saying Goodbye to the Garbaage Mamavation Style

Today I was sitting in the kitchen drinking my pot cup of coffee and I looked up at the top of my fridge. I was applaud at what I seen. I mean it's not that I don't look up there, it's not real dirty, its just that it was covered in normal unhealthy foods. Foods is not even the correct term actually garbage and body wreckers is more like it. These were not my items; worse they were things I bought and fed my four year old son. So I took down the baskets and gathered up all this garbage into one large basket. 

Honestly how horrible is that! The sad part is this is nothing compared to what used to be lurking onto of the fridge that has since found it's way into my son.

Bluju Creations Review and Giveaway

Now all of you know I have two little boys but deep inside I truly want a girl someday. I love my nieces but it is not the same. I love looking and shopping for little girls stuff all the time. Of course my nieces benefit from my addiction lol! Bluju Creations is a shop my online friend has on Etsy and let me tell you her things are so adorable. Labell offers so many things and welcomes conversations to help you find the perfect accessory for the little girl in your life.

Help me be the next Mamavation MOM

Hey everyone so this is day two of voting and I am so excited! I am so thankful for all the wonderful comments you have left. They truly touch my heart; and yes I read every one of them. I truly hope you will keep spreading the word about voting and entering to win the faboulous prizes. I really do want to give away a Wii, Ipod Nano 16gb, or an Amazon Kindle. I chose to give away the Wii because its what first started me on my fitness journey, the IPod because it helps me get my steps in everyday, and the Kindle.... well because its cool!

So don't forget to vote today and tell EVERYONE you know to vote for me too. Head on over to the giveaway and enter to win one of these great prizes! As long as my name is announced as a mamavation mom I will choose the winner on the 13th. Yes I know it will be announced on the 12th but if I win I will faint so need time to come around ;)

Please note I know blogger is having some issues posting comments. They are working on this and it is pretty widespread. DO NOT FEAR!!! All comments you make are emailed to my blog email and I am keeping a log. If once this glitch is fixed your comments do not appear I will manually add them all. SO please keep entering and voting!

From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU!!!

You Know You are Living In 2010 When...

 My husband was sent this and I don't know who wrote it but I laughed so hard I HAD to share it with all of you! How may can you relate to? I must say I am pretty close to all of them. I hope you enjoy!

Arts Cow 4 Pack Personalized Drinks Coasters $2.99 Shipped

Weather is really warming up to top temperatures so nothing should hold you back from guzzling a refreshing chilled drink. With the soaring heat around us, you’ll need to knock back a few beverages to keep you cool inside.

To prevent the condensation from dripping onto the table surface, make a set of 4 personalized photo drinks coasters.
For a bargain offer price of $2.99 with free shipping, you can create your set drinks accessories that can be individually designed to your liking.

Coupon :

Coupon Code: SUMDRINKS Expiry Date: 07/27/2010

Offer applicable to all shapes including square, round and heart-shaped.
http://www.artscow.com/photo-gifts/summer-coaster-sale

TIP: coupon code only applies to single drink coasters. If you want a pack of 4 identical coasters, please set quantity to 4.

I need your help! Win a Wii or 2 other prizes!!!

Hey everyone so since April I have been a sista of Mamavation. You have read my weekly posts, watched as I participated in the Move It and Lose It Challenge where I lost over 10% of my body weight, and you have since watched me apply to be the next Mamavation Mom. Well late last night I found out I was chosen as a finalist by Leah and now the chips fall into YOUR lap! I need your help if I want (and OH how I want) to be the next Mamavation mom. All you have to do is vote every day starting NOW and tell all your friends. You can vote for me by going to http://www.mamavation.com and voting for all_about_savin. The voting box is right under the @Earthfootwear ad.  How this works is you can vote every 24 hours on every computer, phone, internet connection you have. So if you have access to 2 forms of internet then vote from both every 24 hours; same if you have 50.

I really need this so I can continue to get on track with a healthy weight and lifestyle for my kids, husband, and self. Ok so what do you get out of this??? I will love you forever isn't that enough? NO??? Okay Okay:


WIN IT: One Voter will win their choice of a brand new Wii System, IPod Nano 16 GB, or an Amazon Kindle.






MANDATORY ENTRY: Vote for me to be the next Mamavation mom. This is on the honor system as there is no way for me to check you voted. If I don't win no prize will be awarded so please truly vote! Open to Us and Canadians (though anyone can vote) because of shipping no International.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Vote Daily (1 entry each time you vote on each computer, phone, etc)
  
• Follow my Blog (1 entry)
• Subscribe to my blog and verify  (1 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway, up to 2 times daily (must wait an hr between tweets)  Help @all_about_savin be the next #Mamavation Mom and Win a Wii or two other great prizes  http://ow.ly/274yJ  PLS RT!  
• Blog about this giveaway. Must include a link. (1 entry)
   
  
  
  
  
  

  Please note the prizes are being awarded by me. Nintendo, Amazon, and Apple are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. I am sorry I can only award if I win as the cost is high. If you participate and I don't win a smaller prize will be given out to be determined on the 13th. Can you help me to spread my news and need for votes? Do you have a media outlet you would be willing to share my story with? Please let me know! Thank you so much!

This giveaway will run from 7.5.10 until 7.12.10, please leave separate comments for each entry, winner will be selected via Random.Org  & emailed. They will then 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be drawn. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways! U.S. & Canada residents only please.