The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep by Harvey Karp, M.D.

 

Finally, kids do come with instructions!

Surprisingly simple steps to boost your little child's sleep fast!
Dr. Harvey Karp made doctors applaud and parents cheer with his brilliant solutions to centuries-old problems such as colic and tantrums. Now, in THE HAPPIEST BABY GUIDE TO GREAT SLEEP: Simple Solutions for Kids from Birth to 5 Years (William Morrow Paperback; On-Sale: March 19, 2013; $15.99; ISBN: 9780062113320), Dr. Karp stuns the world again by solving the #1 problem plaguing new parents: exhaustion.

Dr. Karp's surprising insights include:

How to train brand new babies to sleep better: Infants can be taught to sleep at least one extra hour from the first weeks of life! Dr. Karp shows how to safely boost baby sleep in just days.

What’s the best white noise (and which ones worsen sleep): The right white noise (low pitched and rumbling) is the key to good sleep—even through teething—for all babies. Plus, it even gives parents a more restful sleep

Why parents should always wake a sleeping baby: For good sleep, babies must learn how to self-soothe. The best way to teach babies how to fall back to sleep—when they rouse in the middle of the night—is to wake them just as they’re being put into bed.

How to enjoy the benefits - and avoid the risks - of swaddling: Swaddling dramatically improves a new baby’s sleep. Yet, many states are shockingly banning this ancient parenting tool. Smart moms should do it and Dr. Karp will teach them how to do it properly and safely.

The importance of powering down: Staring at bright screens at night (TVs, computers, phones) can wreak a toddler and a parent’s sleep.

Easy "no-cry" tips that end infant and toddler bedtime struggles in just days!

With THE HAPPIEST BABY GUIDE TO GREAT SLEEP, no longer will new parent have to suffer months of sleep deprivation and no longer will babies have to cry themselves to sleep. Backed by compelling science, common sense and decades of experience, Dr. Karp’s landmark guide will revolutionize how millions of children drift off to dreamland.

MY REVIEW

Where was Dr. Karp when I was raising my Son? As a first time Mom and single parent since my Son was 2 (20 years ago), I learned quickly that children, especially babies, do not come with instructions. Nor do they stick to any particular guidelines that we think should be inbred into them. I mean, Lord help us, baby is here... NOW WHAT?

I think most parents learn to rely somewhat on advice from their parents and other family and friends who were blessed with their bundle of joy before us, while others, who may not have those connections, just have to take it day by day.

I was thrilled to receive Dr. Karp's book. It is full of so much quality information, ideas and solutions... I was just amazed. Many items seemed so simple, such as swaddling. But, for new parents, they may not understand that baby needs that extra security and comfort. Dr. Karp calls swaddling the 'cornerstone' of calming and sleep. Stating that it "keeps babies from waking with every twitch and startle." Adding also that "swaddling helps them sleep longer and safer." Dr. Karp also goes step by step in describing how to swaddle.

Going through this book, you'll find step by step instructions on many other tried and true solutions for helping your little one to sleep. He's very detailed and explains things in a manner that anyone can understand. His book begins with explaining the sleep process, the stages of sleep and why sleep is so important to all of us. Dr. Karp then has chapters broken down into age groups and he discusses the main sleep issues for each, so that you can progress as your child grows. He shares ideas that begin early in the day and lead up to bedtime, things to look for, things to avoid and steps to lead to that better sleep pattern.

It's very important that I mention Dr. Karp's discussion on safety. He explains the do's and don'ts of shared sleeping, preventing SIDS and other sleep complications. Also, at the back of the book, he includes information for babies and children that may suffer from medical problems and how to deal with those situations.

I could go on and on about this book. It's just so full of great information. I'm really excited about passing this book to my Nephew and his wife. They're a young couple who's expecting their first child in August. I think this will be a great asset for them as new, first time parents. They'll get a bit of a head start on making baby and parents happy, healthy sleepers.

I strongly recommend Dr. Karp's "The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep" to all parents-to-be, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents... anyone dealing with baby and young child's sleep. I'd also recommend checking into his other books:  The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block.

About the Author

Dr. Harvey Karp is a nationally renowned pediatrician, child development specialist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine. He completed medical school training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, pediatric residency at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles and fellowships in ambulatory pediatrics and child development at UCLA. In pediatric practice, for almost 30 years, Dr. Karp has taught thousands of parents, from working moms to superstars like Madonna, Michelle Pfeiffer and Pierce Brosnan his secrets for soothing colic, boosting infant sleep, reducing tantrums, promoting patience and …making parents and children happy.

You can find out more about Dr. Karp, his books, DVDs, and other helpful information by going to The Happiest Baby website.

Final Note

Please, do yourself and others a favor and provide them this or other book selections from Dr. Karp. Not only can it explain and help with many issues of baby and child, but, in my opinion, it'll make a difference in a child and parent's life that will have a positive impact on all of you for years to come.


I am participating in a book review campaign with One2One Network. I received this book from Harper Collins for the purposes of reviewing it. I have not received compensation. My participation in the campaign enters me into a drawing for a gift card. All opinions stated are my own.

UNREAL Candies are the Life of the Party

I had the wonderful opportunity to try a new candy product just before Halloween as part of my membership in The Global Influence Network. The candies are from a company called UNREAL. Their message:  UNJUNK your Halloween with UNREAL candy!

UNREAL™ exists because a thirteen year old boy asked one Halloween why candy needs to be so unhealthy. After an argument with his father, he did a bit of research only to find that candy is filled with bad things like hydrogenated oils and artificial colors and flavors. And what’s worse, he found out that those ingredients don’t make candy taste better, they simply make it cheaper to produce.
Nicky believed that candy without the junk could be made and that it would taste better. And he and his father and brother decided to prove it.

And they did.

UNREAL™ provides many of the great flavor combinations we love in our treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average. The key ingredients are responsibly sourced, and the candy is available in the stores we all shop, at a price point we can all afford.

UNREAL uses real cane sugar, real milk, more cacao and more protein and fiber. This leaves you with a great tasting, unjunked candy that you can feel good about giving your kids... or yourself.

Now, I know you're asking, "But how do they really taste?". Right?  As part of the review process, I invited over friends and family for a little gathering and taste test. What did they have to say?

"Much better than I was expecting."

"I love the peanut butter cups." (Actually heard this quite a bit. They seemed to be the favorite.)

"Definitely have a different taste but you get used to it."

"That's really different."

Everyone had their favorites. Again, the peanut butter cups seemed to be the most liked. Definitely my favorite. There was a little hesitation and uncertainty, at first. With some of the candies, they weren't as happy with the flavor of the sweetening but most either ended up liking it after a few tastes or liked certain candies over others.

It seemed, overall, they all agreed that their children would approve. Most importantly, the parents were approving! Who can argue with UNREAL's "treats, but without the corn syrup, without the partially hydrogenated oils, without the GMOs, without the artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and with 40% less sugar per serving on average"?

For me, I'll be purchasing these for my Halloween but I'll also be using them for birthday parties and definitely in the stockings this Christmas.

UNREAL is available as Peanut Butter Cups, Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bars, Chocolate Peanut Caramel Nougat Bars, Candy Coated Chocolates and Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts. They're similar to other candies on the market.

Find UNREAL candies at Target, CVS, Kroger, Fred Meyers, BJs, Staples.. 30,000+ UNJUNKED stores coming soon.

Mompact Blog Hop - Bunchee Giveaway

The #Mompact Blog Hop has come to an end. The WINNER is Christyn McKenna. Thanks to everyone who entered. Please Visit again, Read some posts and try your Luck at other Giveaways! - Gena

I am so excited to be taking part in the Mompact Blog Hop with 120 other blogs. Isn't that amazing? Well, it gets better. This fabulous blog hop consists of 150 prizes and a GRAND PRIZE that will be given away by Mompact. Even better is that each product was invented by a Mompreneur: 

MOMS SUPPORTING MOMS

This blog hop will begin September 12th at 12:01 a.m. and will end on Sept. 17th at midnight!

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!



BUNCHEES Baby Bottle Bibs

Invented (patent pending) by Ritzy Bitzy's founder, Monica Jones, BUNCHEES Baby Bottle Bibs are a new, convenient and innovative way to keep your baby comfy and dry during bottle feedings. Having given birth to two messy yet adorable eaters, Monica decided to take action on her big idea and the Baby Bottle Bibs were born. Way better than the standard bib, they were created to absorb dribble that trickles out of babies’ mouths while they are feeding from a bottle. They are made with ultra soft and highly absorbent plush microfiber and the absorbent collar not only holds it in place, it soaks up bottle leaks too! The Baby Bottle Bibs™ fit on baby bottles of all brands and shapes, they can even be used to keep the mess away when your baby learns how to drink from sippy cups. Their compact size allows for easy transport--just toss them in your diaper bag and go! Most importantly, they keep you and your baby dry!

Hey, you're not done yet. You are just getting started! Head on over to Eco Baby Mama Drama and check out her review of Zatswho.

This blog post is part of the Mompact Blog Hop. Make sure you visit all 120 blogs and Enter to Win. You can find the entire list of giveaways at Mompact

Adopted Ed Book Review

This simple and beautifully illustrated story is about an adopted little boy and his journey through his early years. Sensitive and likable, we’re with Eddie the moment he learns he’s adopted. At school when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom coaches him through the situation, which ultimately sets the course of his life with personal empowerment. Over time, Eddie feels a strong "void" and becomes curious about his biological parents, which ultimately leads him to find out more. ADOPTED ED concludes with a section of famous people who were adopted.


Such a lovely book that helps children understand adoption and the trials that sometimes go with it. It is approached with love and honesty and helps to reassure the child that they are where they belong, regardless of where they started.


Did you know that November was National Adoption Month? What an important, life-changing event to celebrate. Adoption has become a topic that's been brought to our attention the last few years by so many celebrities who have adopted children into their homes. But, adoption has been a part of our culture for many years. I have always been so proud and fascinated by those who can put so much time and energy into pursuing adoption. There are so many children, of all ages, needing homes. They long for a loving family to take them in and 'give them a life'.

I applaud those who have the resources to be able to adopt. I absolutely adore children and would have a house full of them, if it were possible.

I thank each of you that has taken in a child or children and those who are planning to adopt. I wish you well and ask that God bless you and your family.

About the Author

DARREN MADDERN

ADOPTED ED bio

Darren Maddern is just one of the many millions of adopted people throughout the world today.
Born in England, Darren was adopted when he was only 10 days old by Don and Dolly Maddern, an American military couple who were stationed at an American Air Force base just outside of Oxford.
After spending three years in England, the Madderns were transferred to Tehran, Iran where they settled for the next five years and where Darren attended first and second grades. When Darren completed second grade, the Madderns were transferred again, this time to Fayetteville, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, Darren was naturalized as an American citizen. Three years later, the Madderns moved one last time to Colorado, where Darren spent the rest of his formative years.
The Madderns made the decision to tell Darren he was adopted at an early age.
Like many adoptees, Darren became curious about his birth parents. Sympathetic to the feelings of his adoptive parents, when Darren turned 18, he secretly hired a private investigator to learn the address of his biological grandparents, who were still living in the Oxford area of England. He contacted them through a letter and enclosed a separate letter with the request that it be passed along to his biological mother. Shortly thereafter he received a phone call, and knew immediately who it was from the accent on the other end. This was the first contact with his birth mother.
During the emotional phone call, a plan for a reunion was discussed. However, after giving it serious thought Darren just felt he wasn’t emotionally ready. It would be another four years before Darren would make his fateful trip overseas.
A 22 year old more emotionally mature Darren flew back to England to meet both his biological mother and grandparents. The reunion was everything he could have wished for.
At 26, Darren found his biological father and went back again to England to meet him. During this visit he discovered he has two half-brothers.
To this day, Darren still enjoys a close relationship with his British family. He also had an extremely close relationship with his adoptive parents, who always encouraged his journey through life.
Throughout his life Maddern has been asked about being adopted. Through candidly sharing his story, he’s helped many adoptees, parents of adopted children and parents considering adoption.
ADOPTED ED is dedicated to both his adopted and biological parents with a special dedication to his mom, Dolly Maddern who passed away in 2000 and his pops, Don Maddern who joined her in 2009. It’s also dedicated to every adopted man, woman and child to remind them that they too are indeed – SPECIAL.


I was given the opportunity to take part in the National Adoption month by reviewing this book. It was provided to me, as a member, by the One2One Network. All opinions are my own.

Sylvania SilverStar Ultra Headlights Review and Giveaway

Do you have trouble driving at night? Does it seem like you just can't see?

This is how its been for me for years. I cannot enjoy the luxury of a newer vehicle with their high-tech headlights so what am I to do? I've found a solution.... well, actually, it found me: Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA Headlights.

As you can see in the photo, the Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA headlights are up to 50 percent brighter, increase down road visibility by up to 40 percent and side road visibility by up to 50 percent when compared to worn standard bulbs. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and provide better roadside viewing.


 To get an even better idea, take a look at the VIDEO or their COMMERCIAL

So, what do I think?

Upon receiving the Sylvania SilverStar Ultra Headlights, I had my son, Cody, put them in for me. I was anxious to see the difference. Cody was actually the first to use them. He came back and reported an overall improvement to visibility and he was just driving in town. He drives a 'low rider' with all the 'bells and whistles', including those fancy headlights that hurt to look at so I was impressed that he would like the Sylvania's.

Next, it was my turn. I was also driving here in town but could tell quite a difference in the lighting. Everything seemed so clear. Not foggy or hazy as I sometimes got with my other headlights.

Then, the true test: a trip to my boyfriend, Ollie's, house. Ollie lives in a remote area in the hills. The roads are dark and curvy. His road is gravel and unlit. Visits to Ollie's, particularly at night, can be scary. There's so much wildlife on the roads and they're hard to see until they jump on it.

That's not the case with the Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA headlights. I could see clearly and for a good distance in front of me but the best part was I could now see the shoulder and then some. I could see them in advance, too, making it easy to spot all those four-legged creatures, lurking to the side. Even the curves where lit up much better. I felt so much safer with the Sylvania SilverStar ULTRAs on board.

I've been driving with them for a couple months now and they're still performing magnificently. I've even been able to try them in rains, both light and heavy, and they rose to the occasion. I'm very pleased and I recommend them to you all, particularly if your kids are driving. Get these in their vehicles. They don't pay enough attention as it is so give them all the help you can.

Tips from Sylvania

Accidents are three times more likely to occur at night than during the day. Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe on the road:

· Consider replacing standard halogen headlights with headlights that produce a brighter and whiter light. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and provide better roadside viewing.

· Don't wait for your headlights to dim and burn out before you replace them. Most headlights will dim up to 20 percent over time so evaluate them every year to ensure the best lighting performance.

· Replace your headlights in pairs to avoid uneven illumination, which can diminish driving visibility.

· Clean your headlight lenses and windshield to help you see better at night and in poor weather conditions.

· Ask your auto service person to make sure your headlights are properly aimed. Headlights can be knocked out of alignment by rough driving and, if not properly aimed, can be distracting to other drivers.

· Periodically check all your car lights to make sure they are in good working order. Ask a family member or friend.

Giveaway

Sylvania would like to make one of you the proud owner of your very own set of Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA headlights.

This giveaway will run until June 15th at 11:59 PM, CST.  Please, complete the mandatory entry first so that you are eligible for additional entries. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Make sure your e-mail is either in your comment or available at your blogger profile so I can contact you when you win.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Sylvania and tell me about another High Performance headlight they carry. Give me the name of the product and tell me something about it.

Additional Entries

(1) Follow Sylvania on Twitter:  @SYLVANIA

(2) Follow me on Twitter: @SereneMoments

(3) Tweet a special 'Hello' to Sylvania and let them know I'm working: (2 entries)

"Hey @SYLVANIA thanks for the giveaway at http://ff.im/l2LTp"

(4) Blog about this giveaway, bring me the link to it: (3 entries)

Good luck to you all!

This is a sponsored giveaway provided through Mom Relations. I received a set of Sylvania SilverStar ULTRA Headlights to review. The opinions here are my own and my son, Cody's.

Glade Fragrance Collection Giveaway - 25 Winners!

Thanks so much for all your entries. This contest is now closed. Good luck!

It's true! Glade has come through for all of you again and is offering to give 25 of my readers a (2) multi-wick candle set in their latest Holidays scents, Fresh Pine & Cedar and Pomegranate & Cranberry.

Fresh Pine and Cedar

Rekindle fond memories of family, friends and loved ones with the clean, woodsy scent of Fresh Pine and Cedar. Majestic holiday pine mingles with a touch of cedarwood, vanilla and warm amber to form a fragranceat lifts the mood and brightens the spirits.

Pomegranate and Cranberry

A fruity and festive fragrance that blends the sweetness of traditionally-harvested cranberries with the distinctive tartness of frosted pomegranates. Cheerful, modern and deliciously different.

These wonderful new scents are available for the Holidays only, so grab them while you can. I will help by giving 25 of you, one of each scent, or, if it's like the last contest, even more. We had 8 people win 2 sets, so keep tweeting daily!



Giveaway



As I said, I'll be choosing 25 winners to get one of each scent. Make sure that you complete the main entry or all other entries will be null and void. This contest will end on Dec. 13th at 10:00 PM CST. 


Main Entry

Visit Glade and tell me the daily indulgence for your entry day.



Extra Entries

(1) Follow @SereneMoments on twitter


(2) Grab my Christmas Bash button for 2 extra entries


(3) Follow @indulgealittle and Tweet about the giveaway. May be done once daily.


(4) Follow my blog.

(5) Enter any contest within my Christmas Bash and take 2 extra entries for each.



(6) Blog about this giveaway and take 5 extra entries.

Where Is The Heart of Your Home?

The Heart of your Home is a special place where family and friends gather. It is where memories are made and shared. It is the place where you come together as a family.

For my family, it is the kitchen.

You know what I'm talking about?! Every family gathering we have ends up with everyone standing around the kitchen, laughing and sharing. Holidays are especially crowded in the kitchen, between the conversations and the great food, which everyone has to grab a nibble of, the kitchen is full. With an "immediate family" of about 31 and growing, that is one CROWDED KITCHEN.


Samsung wants to know, "Where is the Heart of your Home?" That's right, they are asking us TwitterMoms to reach out to YOU and find out Where the Heart of YOUR Home is!

So, what are you waiting for? Leave me a comment here, please, then run by TwitterMoms and find out how you can participate in the Samsung's "Where is the Heart of Your Home" contest and have a chance to:

WIN a Samsung Washer and Dryer

About Samsung Home Appliances:
Need Home Appliances that help run your home? Bring It On. Whether it’s one of the largest French Door Refrigerators, or the quietest Washer in its class,* you’ll discover that Samsung Home Appliances bring the perfect balance of innovation, convenience, and savings to your home.

Text-A-Thon For a Cause

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa Kick Off
"Text-a-Thon for a Cause"

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa remain committed to raising money and awareness to support this worthy cause. Together, they are launching another exciting campaign that utilizes a form of communication that many of us use every day - texting! During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux and Kelly are holding a "Text-a-Thon for a Cause" to help raise support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.



Throughout September, you can donate $5 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) - or logging on to
www.kelly-confidential.com. Also, every time you log on to the Web site, you'll be entered for a chance to win an amazing contribution to your home - a luxury front load washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color inspired by the teal ribbon of ovarian cancer awareness.

Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual t-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. Fashion-forward Moms can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

House of Jerky Review

This is the most perfect time of year to think of jerky. The temperatures are starting to drop and, although most men I know eat jerky year round, it seems that deer season brings on massive jerky buying sprees.

Earlier this year, I met Janie on twitter. Janie is with the House of Jerky and is a super nice lady. Janie was kind enough to send me a "bundle" of jerky to try out and write a review about. On the day the package arrived, my son, Cody and his friends, Chris and Eddie were hanging out at the house which is sometimes rare. They were more than happy to "test" the jerky with me and give their opinions of each flavor. So, this review has the honest opinions of Me and 3 young men.

Here we go:

Beef flavors:

Natural - Our natural flavor is rich in the natural taste of top quality beef. With just a hint of spices and natural smoke flavor, this treat is hard to beat. Our unique recipe is always moist and fresh.

Us: Well liked by us all, but my favorite. It had the perfect blend of flavors. Not spicy, not sweet, just a good smoky, jerky flavor.

Sweet & Spicy - A great treat for those who like sweet and spicy foods. Formulated with honey, brown sugar, and pineapple juice for the sweet taste and tabasco sauce, white pepper and cayenne pepper for the spicy tang. Real zip!

Us: This selection was left to the boys to taste. I cannot do spicy, even in small doses. This flavor was clearly a top pick and the favorite for Cody and Chris. A perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavoring. The heat nor the sweet was overpowering. Once it was gone, they wanted more!

Teriyaki - Our Teriyaki Flavor is one of our best sellers. If you have ever tried Teriyaki beef jerky and didn't like it, we guarantee you will love this. With a compliment of just the right amount of sweetness and spices, this unique recipe can not be duplicated anywhere.

Us: This was the 2nd most favorite for us. It was really good. It was not too sweet or too spicy, just a pleasant combination of seasonings.

Black Pepper -Our Black Peppered flavor is a perfect recipe for those who like a certain zing to their beef jerky. Made with crushed black pepper, this tasteful snack is hard to put down. This treat is great for all occasions and will be one of your favorites.

Us: This was the favorite for Eddie but we all liked it. It has just the right amount of black pepper to enhance to the flavor of the beef. It was really good.

Hot - Our Hot flavor is for those who dare! Made with habenero peppers, this treat requires lots of refreshments. Not exactly a "Chernobyl" type of hot, but just enough to appreciate the numbness of your taste buds with an incredible flavor!

Us: I left this one for the boys to try. I can't eat anything with even a little "zip" to it. The boys liked this one, but could only eat a little at a time. It is not for the "faint of heart" and was, to them, just almost too hot to eat.

Turkey flavors:

Black Pepper and Teriyaki - I must admit, the turkey flavors were a "NO" for us all. They weren't horrible by no means. I think it was probably just new flavors that you would need to get used to, as far as jerky goes. We have had the venison jerky, but, outside of that, it's been just the traditional jerkys. Lord knows, I love turkey and eat it year round, so that's my best explanation.

Black Pepper - Our Black Peppered flavor is a perfect recipe for those who like a certain zing to their beef jerky. Made with crushed black pepper, this tasteful snack is hard to put down. This treat is great for all occasions and will be one of your favorites.

Teriyaki - Our Turkey Jerky is available in Teriyaki flavor. The teriyaki seasoning is just the right flavor to compliment the natural taste of turkey. For those who are health conscious or just appreciate the unique recipe we have developed over the years to make the best Turkey Jerky in any house.

About House of Jerky:

House of Jerky® products are always made fresh with no preservatives or MSG added. Our superior flavor comes from our seasoning and marinating process.

Gourmet Jerky
House of Jerky's® unique recipes ensure exceptional taste and quality
No Preservatives
No Artificial Colors
No Nitrites
No MSG
No Flavor Enhancers
High Protein - Low Fat
Our Jerky is made from Grade A, USDA inspected meats
USDA approved, licensed and daily inspected facility
Free shipping with every order

Overall, I will highly recommend House of Jerky to you. When it comes to jerky, they have it down to an art. The customer service is great. Janie is great. She is friendly and, after months of dealing with her I can tell you, it's not all about business. She is a genuine person who cares about you and likes sharing her life with her "virtual friends" on twitter. This alone would make me buy from House of Jerky. What an added bonus!

I also want to point out their program for Soldiers:

Jerky for Soldiers Angels

Soldiers' Angels currently supports tens of thousands of American Service Members stationed wherever we raise our nation's flag, and the number continues to grow daily. Soldiers Angels are dedicated in supporting our military during and after their deployment. With our partnership with Soldiers Angels, we are helping them raise funds. If you would like to help support our troops through Soldiers Angels, we donate $10, whenever you place an order on this "Operation Beef Jerky Page. This is not about politics, this is about not forgetting our soldiers in harm's way.

Send hero packs to your favorite soldier. All orders include free shipping and a personalized note from you.

Contact Information:

Janie would love to hear from you or assist you with ordering this high quality jerky. Here's how to find her:

Twitter: House of Jerky
Website: House of Jerky

While you're there, sign up for their Newsletter. You don't want to miss any great deals, especially this close to Christmas.

Thanks again, Janie!

Glade Fragrance Collection Giveaway - 25 Winners

Contest is Closed! Thanks to all who entered! All 25 Winners have been contacted.

I love coming home to a clean, "yummy" smelling home and, with Glade's Fragrance Collection, you are going to, EVERY time.

Glade's Fragrance Collection consists of:

· Jasmine & Wild Orchid Multi Wick candles

· Jasmine & Wild Orchid Reed Diffusers

· Lotus Bamboo Multi Wick candles

· Lotus Bamboo Reed Diffusers

· Currents & Acai Multi Wick candles

· Currents & Acai Reed Diffusers

The Jasmine and Wild Orchid is the newest scent to be added to the Fragrance Collection.

What is the Fragrance Collection by Glade?

It is a new line of boutique-quality home fragrances offering fine specialty-type products at affordable prices.

Jasmine and Wild Orchid:
A fragrance that summons echos of the exotic East. The freshness of rain-drenched wild orchid petals intermingles with hints of jasmine, pink peony and night blooming orchid to create a lush, floral scent that is relaxing and uplifting.


Currants and Acai
Give yourself over to pure fruity bliss with the delicious scent of Currants and Acai. It's a delightful combination of tart red currants, tangy acai berries and sweet red fruit currants, which is positively bursting with energy, enthusiam and a love for life.


Lotus Bamboo
A fragrance inspired by ancient symbols of purity and good fortune. Lotus bamboo marries beautiful lotus with a touch of citrus, giving way to a creamy bamboo base that turns any room into your personal sanctuary.


Glade carries many products in addition to the Fragrance Collection:

Air Fresheners
Plug Ins
Scented Oil Candles
Flameless Candles
Fabric and Air Odor Eliminators
..... and many more!

Where can you find Glade Products?

You can buy Glade at mass merchandise locations, supermarkets and drug stores.

Or, you can get them Right Here!

Glade has graciously offered to give 25 of my readers, (nope, it's not a typo), a gift pack consisting of a Candle and a Reed Diffuser in their newest scent: Jasmine and Wild Orchid.

Isn't that exciting?

How to Enter:

This giveaway will run through October 5th at 11:59 CST and is open to EVERYONE! You must make sure to leave your contact information if you do not have a blogger link. If I cannot locate you, I will have to draw a new winner.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

Main Entry:

You must follow me publicly. How easy is that? The more followers I have, the better the opportunities that I can bring you.

Extra Entries:

(1) Follow the Fragrance Collection on twitter: Indulge a Little

(2) Tell me your favorite Glade product and in what scent.

(3) Follow Mary from Glade's PR team on twitter: Mary Horvat

(4) Grab my new button and tell me where you put it so I can verify.

(5) Read my post about Grandparents.com, leave a comment there, then come back here and let me know you did.

(6) Follow me on twitter: Serene Moments

(7) Tweet about this giveaway and leave the link so I can find it. You can tweet for one extra entry each day. Just remember to come back and comment that you did.

There you go! That is eight initial entries, plus one extra per day until October 5th.

Have fun and Good Luck to you all!

A Little Something Special

Special Note: Don't miss the Grandparents.com/MomSelect Twitter Party - Sept. 10th, 8-9pm ET w/host @MomTalkRadio. Assisted by @ResourcefulMom #grandparents


This has got to be one of the simplest and BEST ideas I have seen in a long while.



In celebration of Grandparents Day on September 13th, I bring you Grandparents.com, a website honoring the relationship between the Grandparent and the Grandchild.

Many families over the years are forced to be separated from their loved ones for one reason or other. I have a lot of family that lives in other states and it seems like the distance between us grows further each year. My boyfriend, Ollie, has five grandchildren ranging in age from 8 to 14 and, because he travels for work, he doesn't get to see them for months at a time. It's sad and many years get wasted. You miss out on all the joys of their growing up. Sure you get your pictures, maybe an occasional phone call, but you miss them and miss hearing their voice.

Grandparents.com has found a way to bridge the gaps in families and bring them back together through a FREE program called "Your Voice" that enables the Grandchild to record a message to send to their Grandparent(s) through an e-mail.

Here are the simple steps:


Click on "Try it now!" and you are taken to this page:

Not sure what to say? Get some ideas. (Great to have ideas for people who aren't sure what to say and it also has recording samples you can listen to.)

Some ideas for what to record:

• Tell a story about your childhood
• Read a book they love
• Sing a song to make them smile (and sing along!)
• Tell them how much you love them
• Make them laugh with jokes
• Anything you want — it's your voice that matters!

Listen to some examples:

Example 1

Example 2

Continue »

1.

Dial 1-585-295-6784

2.

Enter Secure PIN (8 numbers +#)

3.

Record.

When you've finished recording, press # or simply hang up and click the button below to continue

Once you complete each step (long distance fees apply at your regular rate) and click on the "I Have Finished Recording" button, you are then taken to the next page where you enter your name and e-mail address and the e-mail address of the recipient. There's also a box so you can enter a personal message. Then, press SEND.

They receive this in their e-mail:

You have received a recording from Gena A recording was made for you by Gena using YourVoice at Grandparents.com. Keep this e-mail in a safe place so you can listen to this recording again and again.

Home | Activities | Vacations | Expert Advice | Food | Toys & Gifts | Video | Columns

The Grandparent simply clicks the "Listen to your recording" button and it will connect them to the "Your Voice" page and the player. At that time, just click the "Play" button and your are good to go. Simple, huh? They also get the option to download the recording to their computer so they can listen to it any time they want. Can you imagine, your child is grown and, along with those embarrassing photos, they have this heartfelt recording from their youth. How precious to hear their sweet little voice again.

I LOVE THIS!

This fabulous website is also full of fun ideas of things that Grandparents and Grandchildren can do together. The website is broken down into groups based on the child's age to make it even easier.

I encourage you to sign up for the newsletter, too. It is full of ideas for activites to do together, what type of gifts to buy, recipes... Lots and Lots of interesting items that can help families, not just Grandparents.

Please, join me in celebrating Grandparents Day on September 13th. Utilize this fabulous, FREE tool and give the Grandparent(s) a memory to last a lifetime.



Note:

I also asked them if they would be adding additional programs so anyone can use it and was told to GO AHEAD. Although it is set up for Grandparent and Grandchild to communicate, they welcome ANYONE to use it to open the lines of communication.

Since Ollie is so far away at times, what a pleasant surprise I can send him to remind him that I love and miss him!


This review is possible due to my membership in MomSelect.