The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation - DVD Giveaway

Giveaway is CLOSED! Congratulations to Heidi McMahon!

Here's a super cute DVD for the whole family to enjoy. Take a look at the following information and, if you like, enter to win your very own copy. This is a DVD that can start holiday traditions.

It’s ‘Puppy Love’ as Paris Hilton makes voice talent debut alongside Mario Lopez as two playful pooches!

A hilarious and heartwarming family romp and the “paw-fect” sequel to the hit ABC Family original movie, The Dog Who Saved Christmas, the festive new release features Paris Hilton, in her first-ever voiceover role as the prim and proper poodle “Bella” alongside Mario Lopez, who returns as the voice of mischievous yellow Labrador “Zeus.” The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation takes a bow(wow) at retail stores nationwide, December 7, 2010, just in time to help kids and families celebrate the holiday season together. 

The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation (SRP $19.98) follows the Bannister family to a beautiful Rocky Mountain ski lodge for their long-awaited holiday vacation. Upon their arrival, however, it soon becomes clear that this trip will be no dog walk in the park! 

Obnoxious relatives and their prissy poodle Bella (voiced by Paris Hilton) are staying at the house too, and they want little to do with the Bannisters or Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez), despite his growing “puppy love” for the cutest new pooch in town. 

Meanwhile, the hooligans who attempted to ruin the Bannister’s Christmas last year are up to their old tricks. They’ve made their way to the ski resort too – with plans to snatch a diamond necklace from a resort guest. When the necklace is mistaken for Bella’s dog collar the cantankerous crooks kidnap the pampered poodle and it’s up to Zeus to once again save the day. 

Showcasing a pack of terrific talent, The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation stars Gary Valentine (“King of Queens”), Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman,” Abandoned), Elisa Donovan (Clueless, “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”), Casper Van Dien (“Watch Over Me,” The Curse of King Tut's Tomb), and Mindy Sterling (“iCarly,” the Austin Powers trilogy), Adrienne Barbeau (Fly Me to the Moon). Kayley Stallings (“Monk”), Brennan Bailey (My Sister’s Keeper) bring two fresh young faces to the cast as the Bannister children. 

Giveaway:

So, you're still with me, huh? I can't blame you! This is a great choice for the holidays. Now all you need to do is leave a comment for each of your entries. I will draw a winner Sunday, December 19th, at 11:59 CST. 

Unfortunately, I cannot promise that it will arrive before Christmas but I know they will get it out to you the best they can.

Mandatory Entry:

You must be a public follower of my blog thru Google Friend Connect.

Additional Entries:

1. What holiday traditions do you have in your family?

2. What is your favorite ABC Family holiday movie?

3. Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments

4. Subscribe to my blog. (2 entries)

5. Tweet about the giveaway with a link to post. Comment with Twitter link. (2 entries)

Good Luck and Thanks for Entering!

Disclaimer:

I did not receive any form of compensation for this post. Opinions are my own or a press release from ABC Family and/or its PR group.

$55 Gift Code Giveaway to CSN Stores

Giveaway is CLOSED. Congratulations to Annalene!

It's Christmas Time! That means we all have lots of ideas dancing around with our Sugar Plums. So much planning, decorating, shopping.... all to get ready for, what I consider to be, the greatest time of year.

We are a mere 9 days and a wake-up from Christmas. Are you ready? The gifts bought, presents wrapped, menu planned....? Are you procrastinating and hoping for a little 'push' to get you off the couch and into the spirit?

Funny how, as we get older, it sometimes becomes a job, if we let it. We forget to enjoy this wonderful time of year. We forget the spirit of giving..... and receiving.

Our children can rattle off a list a mile long without taking a breath but US, no way. We expect everyone to just naturally know what we want, right? Especially spouses and significant others. How rude that they are asking what we want! I mean, I can go into any store or on any website and find thousands of things to buy for my Boyfriend but he asks, every year. I will say, this year, I gave in to his inquiries. But, in my defense, I only did so because he is doing a job out in Connecticut and is going to be lucky to even make it home for Christmas. (This is whole new story that I will not put you through. Suffice it to say that I will be very 'upset' if he can't come home.)

So.... what do I want? Seriously, it took me a bit to to make him a list. I'm not very 'needy'. I really don't ask for much. This was hard for me. I finally listed a few things that I wouldn't mind having but, at the top of my list, was a new TV stand. Last year for Christmas, this sweet man got me a 42" LG LED Flat Screen TV and a Blu-Ray disc player for Christmas.... ALL ON HIS OWN! Proof that he really doesn't need my help to shop for me. Also proof that he's a lot more generous with his money than I am.

I was kind enough to even locate a few suggestions for him from CSN. They have a nice selection of  TV stands for flat screens.

This is what I dream of having but it's a bit out of my price range and no way I would let him get this. Isn't it nice though?

Pretty!

But, I suggested more along this line. Which I really like.

This one is in the same size category as the really expensive one but looks a little retro and much cheaper.

So, I guess I have to wait and see what I get. He may go with this suggestion or one of the others. I ended up with about 6 things on my list. Of course, with Ollie, I could get something totally different. I mean, he asks what I want each year and this is only the first time in 5 1/2 years that I've given him a suggestion, so you just never know with him. I do know that it will be great and very much appreciated. He's my love and all I really want is for him to come home.

Now, to you! CSN wants to give one of you a Gift Code for $55 that can be used at any of their stores. How did you get this gift code? By doing this:

Mandatory Entry:

You must complete the mandatory entry to be eligible for additional entries. This contest will run until Sunday, December 19th at 10:00 PM CST. Thank you and good luck!


You must be a public follower thru Google Friend Connect to enter.

Additional Entries:

1. Follow CSN on twitter: @CSNStores

2. Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments

3. Go to CSN and tell me what you would buy with your Gift Code.

4. Tweet about the giveaway with a link back to this post. Leave link in comment. (2 Entries)

I must say that I cannot guarantee that your item of choice will arrive before Christmas. You will have the gift code on the date the winner is chosen, however I cannot control the rest.

Disclaimer:

I was not provided any type of compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. I will briefly receive the gift code to pass on the my winner. Winner will be chosen through Random.org.

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.

Breezes Resort and Spa - Nassau, Bahamas

Stay tuned for more information about the trip Ollie and I took to the Bahamas plus a lot more pictures!

Photo album created with Smilebox

$31 Days of Summer Sale

Yes, you read that right! $31 Days of Summer is going on right now at Precision Time! Throughout the month of August, Precision Time is offering a variety of watches for just $31!

Technical Stuff:

The $31 Daily Deal will be available for 24 hours while supplies last and will change at 12 NOON Mountain Standard Time. Limit one purchase per customer. Must use the daily coupon code to receive the $31 sale price. Orders can only be made to the United States. Promotion valid 8/1/10 - 8/31/10.


And, if that's not enough, every Tuesday in August is 2 FOR TUESDAY! Yep, 2 fabulous, high quality watches for just $31! Can you believe it?

The retail on all of the watches will be between $80 - $400 with 18 of the watches retailing over $100. There will be mens, ladies and kids watches spread out during the month so there is a good mix for everyone. The kids watches are most of the 2 For Tuesday deals so they make great Back to School accessories. Make sure you sign up for the newsletter and insure that you find your perfect watch at this incredible price.

Says ME:

I can assure you that these watches are not cheapos either. I got in on a fabulous sale last Christmas from Precision Time, in which they were selling all their Disney watches 5 for $25! Isn't that awesome? I ordered them as Christmas gifts. I even got myself one of the Vintage Mickey Mouse watches in a tin! I love it!

Here's a little Sneak Peak of some of their fabulous deals:

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Precision Time and see what fabulous deal you can find! Remember to sign up for the newsletter because these deals go really FAST!

Rayovac Summer Promotion and Twitter Party

Are you ready for a little Fun in the Sun? Rayovac sure is and they want to help YOU by giving you chances to win online and thru a special Twitter Party hosted by Rayovac and 5 Minutes for Mom:

Moms and kids just want to have fun and Rayovac has the power to make it happen!

The first 99 bloggers who promoted the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion won a Rayovac prize pack: www.rayovac.com/PowersyourSummer

From June 21st through July 20th, we are empowering families to have fun through the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion.


First, show us you "like" the brand and products on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RayovacFans and together with expert moms at 5MinutesForMom, we will offer up great daily summertime family tips and a chance to win great prizes.


Then access and complete the entry form on Rayovac's website at www.rayovac.com/PowersYourSummer. Simply tell us how you'll power your fun this summer each day for a chance to win prizes ranging from Cameras and Bikes to Camping Supplies and a Summer Supply of Rayovac Batteries!

No trick questions here! There is no correct answer to how you and your family add the Power of Fun to your summer!

Must be a US resident and 18 or older at the time of entry to enter this Promotion, the Twitter Event or the Blogger Promotion.


Rayovac Powers Your Summer Twitter Event


Join Rayovac and 5MinutesForMom for a Twitter Event to support the exciting Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion. The Twitter Event will feature more than 20 fun giveaways from Rayovac ranging from a summer supply of Rayovac Batteries to $50 Target Gift Cards.


Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Summer Promotion Twitter Event

Date:  Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Time:  7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST

Location:  #rayovac

Follow:  @Rayovac_Battery, @5minutesformom, @CirclePRMary



Disclosure: Part of a promotional campaign for Rayovac.

Through the Looking.... Glasses?

Have you ever noticed that it seems nearly everyone wears eyeglasses or contacts? Is it that we don't take care of our eyes, put them under too much strain or do we pass it on from one family member to another?  I'm sure it's passed on through families. Both my Parents, Grandparents on both sides, both brothers and both sisters wear eyeglasses. Isn't that strange? I have 20/20 vision with both eyes open and 20/25 in my left eye. It's been that way for several years without changing. The doctors say that I'll eventually need eyeglasses to correct it but, for right now, I don't have to have them. Now, I did turn 40 this year so, from what I understand, the body changes quite a bit in this age group so it may not be much longer.

It just seems so strange that those not wearing  prescription glasses or contacts are the minorities. I know many people struggle with prescription glasses. They have to be bothersome. I always played sports and I cannot imagine having to deal with keeping the glasses on my nose, especially when you get to running and sweating. I think it'd be hard for me even with contacts. Sweat gets in your eyes and the first instinct is to rub them. Then there's the yearly exams to see if you need to adjust the prescription and what about the cost?

I know, growing up, glasses were almost 'cool'. It seemed everyone had them. I can even remember the 'trend' of wearing frames with no glass in them. Honestly, and this is not to offend anyone, but I thought those people were nuts. I always treasured my good vision. Was proud of it. I could read things really far off. The best part though was when we would go out at hunting rabbits and things. I could spot them long before the offers. I was known for my 'eagle eyes'.

Well, overall, I guess it can't be too awful bad. I mean, it's got to be worth it to be able to see. I know its become so much easier the past few years because you can get glasses online. You don't have to make trips back and forth to the doctor's office. You can just send in the prescription, pick your frames and they'll send them right out to you.

Speaking of ordering online, did you know that you can get 10% off your next purchase of prescription glasses by going to Glasses USA and using the code mommy10.

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.

Popsicle Giveaway - Sweet Treats for 20 Winners

Who doesn't like Popsicles? Okay.... maybe someone doesn't but it sure isn't me. Especially in the summer. I can eat one right after the other and it seems to really cool me down.

Well, my friend, Josh, over at Popsicle says "Lets cool you down, too". So, that's what I am going to do. I am going to pick 20 of you to win a box of Popsicles of your choice. I'm even going to make it easy for you to win.

Just make sure you complete the mandatory entry before doing the extra ones and leave a comment for each entry. I'm going to run the giveaway until May 19th at 11:59 PM, CST.

Mandatory Entry

Tell me your favorite flavor of Popsicle

Extra Entries

(1) Follow Popsicle on twitter

(2) Follow me on twitter: @SereneMoments

(3) Follow my blog or tell me if you already do

(4) Want even more chances? Head over to my Girls With Goodies blog and enter to win 1 of 10 boxes of Popsicles then let me know you did (2 entries)

Tiny Prints Greeting Card Giveaway

Contest is closed. Congratulations to:  

 Angela at The Children's Nook

I just love cards. Honestly, I think I enjoy sending them even more than I like getting them. I can stand in the card aisle forever, reading cards and trying to pick out the perfect .... one, yeah, right. Usually the perfect handfull.

Press Release

TINY PRINTS REVOLUTIONIZES THE ART AND TRADITION OF SENDING
GREETING CARDS

WITH THE CONVENIENCE OF ONLINE TECHNOLOGY

Tiny Prints Greetings Makes it Easier than Ever to Be Thoughtful

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA —April 12, 2010—Tiny Prints (www.tinyprints.com), a leading online retailer of premium, personalized stationery, announces today that it is expanding its highly successful product and service line with the launch of Tiny Prints Greetings, a new line of stylish printed greeting cards users can personalize, schedule and send online. The new service combines the power of Tiny Prints proprietary web technology with the trendsetting design sensibility the brand has always delivered.


Tiny Prints Greetings seeks to preserve and enhance the delight of sending and receiving greeting cards in the mail by revolutionizing the age-old practice with modern technology. Key benefits of the new service include:


§ Personalized Greeting Cards: Users will find the vast selection of stylish and creative designs that they have come to expect from Tiny Prints, only now they can also match their favorite designs with one of the thousands of verses from a library of options. Plus, since every aspect of a card can be personalized, users have the option to easily include a recipient’s name, edit the verse and upload photos to truly personalize their cards to express their exact sentiments. As a result, no two Tiny Prints cards will ever look exactly the same.

§ A Better Way to Shop: Not only can users easily personalize their cards online, they can address the envelope, add a stamp and pay for the card with just a few clicks. Customers have the option of sending cards to themselves to sign or save even more time by having Tiny Prints mail their cards directly to recipients. The end-to-end process can be completed in minutes, and all cards can ship within 24 hours.



§ Enhanced Convenience: For those who wish to avoid a mad dash to the store right before a special occasion, the service even allows users to set up automatic event reminders for birthdays, Mother’s Day, anniversaries and other occasions. Users can even schedule a queue of personalized greeting cards to be sent automatically up to a year in advance.

“The innovation made possible by Tiny Prints Greetings will help us further realize our vision of enhancing intimate human connections through the tradition of sending paper greetings,” said Ed Han, CEO of Tiny Prints. “By combining our design strength with user-friendly web technology, we hope to make sending greeting cards much more thoughtful and less time consuming for the next generation.”

For this convenient service with a personalized touch, users can pay per greeting card or sign up for a membership plan to enjoy special pricing on every card they send, starting as low as $1.99 each. As an added bonus for the launch, the company is waiving the first year's membership fee and offering the first three greeting cards absolutely free of charge when customers sign up.


Six years ago, Tiny Prints set out to create a more thoughtful world by enhancing the tradition of receiving high quality stationery in the mail. With the introduction of Tiny Prints Greetings, the company is making it easier than ever to reach out on special birthdays, holidays or even just to say hello. Combining the convenience of online shopping and advance scheduling, Tiny Prints Greetings will help you never miss an important occasion again. Visit http://www.tinyprints.com/greeting for more information.

About Tiny Prints


Tiny Prints, Inc. is a web-based company comprised of two brands offering premium, personalized stationery, Tiny Prints and Wedding Paper Divas. Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from photo cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards and business cards. Offering exclusive designs from the nation's top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities.

Isn't that exciting. All this time as a stationery company and now CARDS! You can imagine my excitement when I was chosen to bring you this fabulous information about Tiny Prints. (Disclaimer) Not only do I get FREE cards for posting this but I get a great selection to choose from. And, if you read the press release, you see that I also get to give YOU free cards, too. That's right, everyone receives 3 FREE cards just for signing up for one of Tiny Print's membership plans and, as they said, the first year's membership fee has been waived!

If that's not enough, I'm also going to give one lucky reader a chance to win 25 FREE Tiny Prints Greeting Cards.

Giveaway Time

This giveaway will run until May 17th at 11:59 PM, CST. Make sure you leave a seperate comment for each entry and you MUST complete the mandatory entry to be eligible for the giveaway and additional entries.

Mandatory Entry

Make your way to the Tiny Prints Greeting Cards, choose your favorite design and bring me back a link to it.

Additional Entries

(1) Follow TinyPrints on twitter

(2) Follow me, SereneMoments on twitter

(3) Sign up for the Tiny Prints newsletter

(4) 'Like' Tiny Prints on Facebook (2 entries)

(5) Enter any current giveaway, telling me which one (2 entries)

(6) Grab my Button (2 entries)

(7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me the link, can be done daily (2 entries per day)

(8) Follow this blog publicly

(9) Follow any of my other blogs for 2 entries each:
     
      Girls With Goodies

      Relax and Enjoy all your Serene Moments

      Visions of Life

**This giveaway is sponsored by MomSelect. I received 15 free cards of my choice in exchange for my honest review and post.**

Sun Tent and Supplies - Spring Time Giveaway

Thanks for all the entries! Some of you really tried hard to win and I appreciate your dedication. A winner has been chosen:  

Congratulations kenziesmum 

Okay, I have lots of goodies to bring you, so where do I start? How about with Precision Time? They've sent me a few items that are just perfect for kicking off Spring and enduring the rainy and warmer days that it brings.

First, a little about Precision Time:

A Rich Legacy of Excellence

As a young boy in Argentina, Hugo Fraga was fascinated with timepieces and especially the intricate motors that lay at the heart of every watch. For more than 30 years he perfected his skills as a watchmaker and technician, training his young sons along the way. After immigrating to the USA in 1977, Hugo turned his passion for watches into the American dream by opening the family's first full-service watch store in 1982.
Over the years, the family realized there was a growing need for accessible, high-quality watch repair and the first Precision Time was born. Their plan to combine the convenient location of mall kiosks with the technical expertise the Fragas are known for quickly became a huge success. Today there are nearly 100 locations across the country and Hugo's sons and grandsons continue to share their craftsmanship and passion for watches with ever our growing Precision Time family.

Expertise and experience are part of our heritage. When we say we're “The Watch Experts,” we mean it!

My Two Cents:

I was first introduced to Precision Time through Twitter. They were giving away some items there and I was entering to win. As I do with companies before entering their giveaways, I went to their website to "check them out". What I found there was amazing. They have such a huge selection of high quality watches from brands you will recognize:

Bariloche Pocket Watches

Hurlingham

London Underground

Lucien Piccard

Nexus

Ollie

Rave

Skagen

Sottomarino Italia

Toxic

Disney Snap Kids 


Giveaways at Precision Time

Not only does Precision Time love to host giveaways on twitter and on blogs at random, bu they also giveaway a watch each month to a member of the Precision Time Club (email subscribers) and they send out awesome coupons and special offers through email subscriptions. Which leads me to my next point:

Purchasing from Precision Time

That's right! I'm a customer, too. I can talk all day long about Precision Time and what they have to offer but I think it may mean more to you know that I am also a customer. Although they've sent me items for giveaways and I've won some of their promotional items, I had not tried one of their watches. That all changed around Christmas. I had joined the Precision Time Club and received a special offer during their Christmas Celebration: 25 days for $25, which I could purchase 5 Disney watches for $25. I couldn't pass it up, especially at Christmas time. I ordered 5 watches, one of which was for myself. The watch I ordered myself was the watch I received to giveaway during my Christmas Bash, the Vintage Mickey Mouse watch in collectors tin. I must say, had I had the extra cash, I would have ordered more of the Vintage Mickey watches for my sisters/niece/niece-in-laws. If you followed the link, you saw that they are TOO CUTE and, although it's a Mickey Mouse watch, it's very stylish and perfect for teens and adults.

I really liked that, once I ordered the watches, the were sent out immediately. I had them in less than a week and they were the exact watches as pictured. No surprises.

Coupons

Precision Time almost always has on-site coupons available that you will want to watch for. They're always a great deal and can be found HERE.

Giveaway

Sorry to be misleading. The giveaway will be for (1) Sun Tent, an Invicta Sun Visor and a Fossil Vintage Tote, all courtesy of Precision Time.

This is a perfect way to start your warm weather weekends. You have your sun protection with the tent and the visor and a cool tote to carry all your supplies in. Nice, huh?

This giveaway will run until May17 at 11:59 PM CST. Make sure you first do the mandatory entry for all other entries to be valid and leave seperate comments for each entry.

Mandatory Entry

Visit Precision Time and bring me the link to your favorite watch that they offer.

Additional Entries

(1) Follow Precision Time on twitter (doing so also gives you a chance at winning other giveaways)

(2) Follow the Precision Time blog

(3) Sign up for the Precision Time Newsletter (They have GREAT deals you won't want to miss and they give away a watch to a subscriber each month)

(4) Tell me today's Ebay Daily Deal from Precision Time

(5) Follow my blog or tell me if you already do.

(6) Follow me on twitter: SereneMoments

(7) Grab my button and post it on your blog or tell me if you have it.

(8) Subscribe to my blog.

(9) Blog about this giveaway, leaving me the link (5 entries)

(10) Tweet the giveaway, can be done daily (2 entries):  "Win Sun Tent and Supplies from @PrecisionTime and @SereneMoments  http://ff.im/j5J5x "

(11) Follow my other blogs  and get 2 entries each:

Relax and Enjoy all your Serene Moments

Girls With Goodies

Visions of Life

**This is a sponsored giveaway for Precision Time. I did not received compensation of any kind in exchange for this post and giveaway. I was shipped the giveaway items for my winners.**

I'm Here and I have Springtime Giveaways!

Let me say how much I appreciate all of you for stopping by and hanging out with me. I cannot thank you enough. Some days, you just need a friendly comment or two to make things a little better. You know how it is.......

So, as I've said before, I am behind! I have all these giveaways to post and I'm drowning in them. Ha!Ha! But, for those who are interested, I'd like to give you a "summary" of what's been going on and why I'm behind:

As many of you know (and for those of you who don't) I was injured on the job in February, 2008. It was a hip injury, a very complicated one so I won't go into details, but I ended up having surgery in August, 2008 to repair the "tear in my hip joint". After surgery, I was much worse. The pain was horrible and has progressed every moment since then, even with me taking very powerful pain medications. Since the surgery, I've had test after test, mostly eliminating other problems but not showing exactly what the problem is. The doctors have decided that it's nerve damage from the surgery. Maybe 2 or 3 nerves, at best guess. The tests I need start at $10,000.00 and Workers Comp is refusing to pay it: Of course! I've had about 4 doctors confirm it's nerve damage but I need those tests to show which ones specifically.

So, I've been battling Workers Comp basically since October, 2008 to get the tests that I need and get them to pay for it, as well as paying my weekly benefits. In February, 2009, I hit my one year mark for the injury and Workers Comp stopped paying me and my medical bills. To them, they have done all they can and, now, they're basically saying, "SUE ME". Which is what I've done.

I won my first battle with Workers Comp in mid-2009. I was able to obtain a 'change of physicians' which allowed me a one time exam from a doctor of my choice to do an unbiased examination of me and present the results to Workers Comp, in the hopes that WC would get confirmation that it's still the same case and related to the same injury, therefore; giving them evidence as to my medical needs.

In September, 2009, I went to a Pain Management doctor who confirmed that I appeared to have nerve damage and that it was a continued result of the surgery. That's where I learned of the $10 grand price tag for the tests I need, plus additional costs depending on what the tests showed. I was quoted a $20,000 price tag "to start" and go from there.

With all this in writing and presented to WC, they said "NO". So, on to the next battle.

In January, 2010, we appeared in court to present evidence for my case. Again, all of it was obvious: same case, same injuries.... Still a "NO". Now, we're waiting for our first appeal.

With all this going on, I continue to get worse. I have very little mobility. The pain is unreal. And I wait...

I also had my first hearing with Social Security disability in January, 2010 and am waiting for their decision.  They have 90 days to decide my case which will be up April 25th. Hopefully, I can at least get this and have some type of money coming in. My BF, Ollie, has been supporting me and my son since WC stopped my checks. Thank GOD for him and his love. I don't know what we would have done without him. GOD finally sent me a wonderful man who loves me dearly, as I do him, and as GOD always does, it was at the perfect time in my life. We've been together a few months short of five years and, LORD, he didn't know what he was going to get, did he? But, he stuck around. 2 1/2 years into our relationship and this is what he got. GOD knew what HE was doing.

Moving on, I'll finally be eligible for Medicaid in August, 2010. You must be off work for 2 1/2 years to get Medicaid.....

Something else I was told by the Pain Management doctor was that I was running out of time. If I don't get something started, FAST, some of the damage will be irreparable.

I am SCARED! I was 38 when I got hurt. Now, at 40 I am facing the possibility of being disabled. Not to mention a life full of severe pain, discomfort, depression...... you name it.

Well, my Ollie and I fussed and discussed over this and decided to try a chiropractor to see if I could get some kind of relief or help of any kind. After lots of xrays and other tests that we can afford, he has discovered, too, that I have nerve damage but there's something more.... He discovered that the doctor
CUT MY NERVE(S). Can you believe it?! No wonder I have so many problems. Now what?

I'm hiring another attorney. One that handles this type of case and, with the assistance of my chiropractor and all my documents for the past 2 1/2 years and statements, assessments and so on from all the other doctors, we are going after the orthopaedic surgeon who did this to me.

That's where we are. That's where I've been. That's why I'm behind.

So, I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I continue going through this. I know that blogging has saved me from myself, so to speak, and given me a means to express myself but, most importantly, it has kept me sane. It gets me off the couch. It helps my depression and keeps me from sitting around dwelling on this horrible mess. I know this. So, I'm back. Through all this, I "slacked" on something that brings me joy, occupies my mind and gets me through my most horrible days. Why did I slow down, stop posting and return to my horrible thoughts......... well, the Devil made me do. Honestly.

I can't do that. So, help me out, my online friends. If you don't see me post after a couple days, tell me about it. Remind me of what keeps me sane. I read all my comments plus here is my twitter and e-mail accounts:

@SereneMoments
ubrewme@yahoo.com

If ever you need me, I'll do the same. We have to stick together.

Thank you for listening.

Spring Time Giveaways start today!

Luscious Lemon Fruit Dip

I thought maybe I could sweeten you up a little to apologize for my absence. I have so much to tell you and so many wonderful items to tell you about, not to mention all the fantastic things I have to "SHARE" with you.

Luscious Lemon Fruit Dip
2 cups sugar

2/3 cup cornstarch

1 cup cold water

4 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup lemon juice

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

Assorted fresh fruit

Directions

In a large heavy saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.

Stir a small amount of hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in lemon juice and vanilla.

Transfer to a bowl. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Cover surface of mixture with waxed paper; refrigerate until cooled. Fold in whipped cream. Serve with fresh fruit. Yield: 5 cups.

Layla Grace - GOD Called HIS Angel Home

My thoughts and prayers are with the Marsh family as they endure the loss of their beautiful, baby girl, Layla Grace. She's no longer in pain and is resting in the arms of our FATHER.

They could still use our help with expenses. If you are able to assist them, they would greatly appreciate it.

Cards and letters can be sent to:

LAYLA GRACE MARSH

12320 BARKER CYPRESS RD, SUITE 600 #264

CYPRESS, TX 77429

Layla Grace - Can you help the Marsh family?

My prayers go out to the Marsh Family and their dear, sweet

Layla Grace.

May GOD give them strength, courage and peace.

I am sharing with you this e-mail from Simply faBOWlous. Please help this family in their time of need, if at all possible. Their needs are HUGE, as is their burden. There are many other opportunities available. Others are contributing from sales and, of course, DONATIONS can be made as well.

Thank you.

In honor of precious Layla Grace and in an effort to try to help the Marsh family with their medical bills we have named the Layla Grace Hat.




We know Shanna, Layla's mom, because she reviewed a couple of our products on a blog she used to have blog, Baby Wears Prada, just before Layla became ill in 2009. One of the items she chose to review was our White w/ Pink Peony Crochet Hat.



So, we have decided to donate $5.00 from every Layla Grace Hat sold on-line to the Marsh family for the rest of 2010 (beginning March 1, 2010).



If you need this hat in an INFANT size you may order that size as well...View Infant Size Layla Grace HAT.



We will be sending the money to the family via PayPal Donations at the end of each month as the Layla Grace Hats are sold.



Follow our donations each month on our faBOWlous® blog...Or, for more frequent updates become a of FAN of Simply faBOWlous® on Facebook.

Our fundraiser is running the rest of 2010 so there is no rush. We truly appreciate you considering spreading the word about our fundraiser, and if I can answer any questions you may have I would be happy to do so.




View Layla Grace Hat

http://www.fabowlous.com/Child-Crohet-Hat-White-Pink-Peony.html



View our blog posts about Layla Grace

http://simplyfabowlous.blogspot.com/search/label/Layla%20Grace

Bad Start to Year but Pushing Forward

I know...... I've been missing in action. I have had a difficult start to the new year with my son, Cody and his (then) Girlfriend losing their baby. She was about 8 weeks. It was very upsetting for us all. I think it was worse because we had already seen our first ultrasound picture of Baby Ellis. I guess it just wasn't time for our treasure so we must move forward. I have been really down about this and just haven't wanted to post but I know that it is best for us all to continue pushing forward and to go on with our lives. God has his own plan for us.

Baby Ellis is so missed but is safe with our GOD.