Twix Halloween Survey

Halloween is right around the corner, and of course that means lots of candy.  Before I became a parent, I would conveniently raid the stash of candy that was due to be handed out to little ghosts and goblins.  I am exercising great will power this year, however, and both of my hand out bags of candy have remained successfully sealed.  Stealing candy from a baby?  I am sheepishly admitting that this is what I do after the boys go out trick or treating.  Personally, I don’t want them having all of that candy and luckily they aren’t old enough to notice, but I am sure those days are numbered.

I am overprotective about my chocolate, and I have been known to hide it in a location where I know only I would look.  Some of my favorites include cold Twix bars (I hide them in the vegetable drawer), and m&m’s.

Just in time for Halloween, Twix did a survey that uncovers the treat behaviors and preferences of adults ages 18 to 34.

Survey results include:

• The 30 year-old trick-or-treater: Nearly 7 out of 10 adults (69 percent) ages 18 to 24, and half of adults ages 25 to 34 said they would do it if they could. Trick-or-treating, that is. The only thing holding them back is dirty looks from the neighbors.
• Hide and seek: More than half of all adults surveyed (52 percent) admit to hiding a treat from their loved ones to keep the treat for themselves. Most hide their treat stash in their room (41 percent) or in another “super-secret place” (41 percent).
• Fruit-flavored non-chocolate Halloween treats get no respect: Only 3 percent of all adults surveyed listed fruit-flavored non-chocolate treats as their Halloween favorite. The winning treat combination? Chocolate with peanuts or peanut butter topped the list at 39 percent, followed by a chocolate and caramel combination as a close second (30 percent). Phew, good thing TWIX bars come in classic TWIX^® Caramel and TWIX^® Peanut Butter.
• Men seek the crunch; the ladies prefer something they can chew on: When it comes to treats, women prefer chewy treats more than men do (42 percent to 33 percent), while more men than women seek out treats with a crunch (33 percent to 23 percent).
• Taking candy from a baby: One quarter of all adults surveyed (26 percent) admit to taking candy from their child’s Halloween stash or a friend’s or co-worker’s candy dish and denying it.
• Sweets are social: Two out of three adults (64 percent) would rather enjoy treats with others than alone.

Most of these results definitely hold true for myself and I would definitely be trick or treating if someone wouldn’t give me a dirty look.  What are your deep dark secrets when it comes to indulging in your favorite treats?  Do you do the post trick or treating raid of your kid’s haul?

Thank you to Twix for providing these fun survey results!  Hope you all have a safe and wonderful Halloween!

Patrick Dempsey It’s My Dream You Don’t Get To Choose

Thanks to Cheryl and Rhea, I am now having dreams of mass proportion because of all the Grey’s Anatomy I am watching.  Half the time, my dreams almost never make sense and I don’t think this one does either  lol. Grey’s is usually the last thing I watch before going to bed, so the fact that it occupied my dreams is no surprise.  Plus, I like looking at Patrick Dempsey so, if he wants to occupy my dreams, he is more than welcome.

I was very happy till the end, when he chose Ellen Pompeo over me, because of some stupid book he was reading. In my dream, he was reading Lionheart.  I am not even sure that  book exists in the real world, but he was talking in code.  Somehow, we were on a tour bus on our way to a football game, so he could profess his love for Meredith.  The driver didn’t want to make a left hand turn onto a busy highway so, he turned around in a Ford (Im busy working on a review for the Ford Flex) dealership parking lot so he could turn at a light. Next thing I know we are trying to hide so Mickey Mouse doesn’t find us.

Firstly, I don’t know what Mickey Mouse is doing in my, up until now perfect dream about Patrick Dempsey.  Secondly, I don’t like football, and I would have broken the tour bus so he’d have to look at me all day, instead of chasing after Meredith  LOL.  There was a swimming pool in which he and I discussed something about choosing people, when I noticed the book Lionheart in his hand.  This was my dream and no way would he see me in a swimming suit either!

So, hello!   Next time you want in my dreams Patrick, you don’t get to choose, just sit there and smile at me ok???   Damn Grey’s anatomy  LOL.

Bissel Stomp ‘N Go Review

If you have kids, pets and carpet in your home, then you are bound to be cleaning up some sort of stain or spill from it.  I have had our carpets professionally cleaned numerous times, and it looks great for a few weeks then slowly, stains begin to reappear.  Often times they are just stains that seem to resurface.

Recently, I was given the chance to review a new product by Bissel, called Stomp ‘N Go.  Naturally, this peaked my interest for two reasons.   Firstly, it sounded way too easy and simple of a product, and two I am constantly looking for “at the ready” carpet stain removal products, that I can use to get a stain that is fresh or one that I have come across.  In our home there are our most common stains, like dirt, spilled juice, always the blue candy or popsicle, and usually the cat that inevitably throws up.

About Bissel Stomp ‘N Go

BISSELL^® Stomp ‘N Go^®

Innovative one-of-a-kind pad cleans carpet messes with just one STOMP

Forget about scrubbing out spots and stains on carpet, stomp them out! BISSELL’s new Stomp ‘N Go^® stain lifting pad is unlike any cleaning product available. Using a powerful oxy-based formula, the pre-moistened pads make cleaning easy and fun. Simply place the pad on a spot or stain and stomp on it.  Upon stomp, the pad begins working, lifting and removing the mess. You can actually see the stain being absorbed into the pad. There is no need for scrubbing or using other cleaning tools – the pad does all the work.

 

Stomp ‘N Go^® pads are great for permanently cleaning tough set in stains like red wine, food, fruit juice, coffee/tea, pet messes, blood, mud/dirt and more. The pads leave carpet smelling fresh and come in convenient, individually wrapped packages.

 

The stain lifting pads can also be used on rugs. Additional features and benefits include:

 

• Pads are portable and safe for use on all carpets including nylon, wool and stain resistant carpet
• Spots and stains are gone in about 30-minutes; tough stains may take up to 24 hours

• No scrubbing or manual work required

 

BISSELL Stomp ‘N Go^® pads are currently available at Kmart, grocery stores and select Wal-Mart stores for $4.99. Each package contains five individually wrapped pads.

 

I was  particularly interested in trying Bissel Stomp ‘N Go on this one stain that I have been wandering by in the main traffic area of our living room.  It was driving me crazy, and I had not yet had the time to get out my little handheld spot removing machine, because I didn’t think anything else would get it out.

The not so lovely stain

The product is incredibly easy to use. I opened up one sheet of the Bissel Stomp ‘N Go, placed it over the stain wet side down, and stepped on it, and left it there for about thirty five minutes.  My initial thought was, “how the heck is that going to take anything out of the carpet, without scrubbing or using a machine to extract it?”   After about fifteen minutes, I walked by and could actually see some of the stain being picked up by the sheet on the opposite side.  When I removed it, the stain was literally gone.  Not only was I thrilled, but I was happy I didn’t have to walk by that stupid stain anymore and better yet, there was no scrubbing at it with an arsenal of products I had on hand.  I love it!  I even reused the sheet (*note: It says to not reuse, to throw away after use) but  I tried it on a smaller nearby stain and it got that one as well.  It made me want to search my house for other stains just so I could use it.

Wahlah!   No more stain!

As with any carpet care product, the manufacturer states that you should always test for color fastness before using Bissel Stomp ‘N Go on your carpet.  But, what I can say, is that you will want to have a few of these handy  sheets in your home!  They come in packs of five for about $5, and take up a whole lot less space than all the carpet cleaning product in your arsenal.

 

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of BISSELL and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Activia Selects

Nutritious eating habits for my family has always been a priority, as well as for myself.  Recently, I have been trying to get more physically fit and lose some pounds in the process.  Watching calories and reading labels, have become a part of my every day life.  Food is something that we eat every day, so nutrition should be a top priority.

We have always been a big fan of yogurt as one of our go to healthy snacks.  It is a fast and easy snack and we all love it.  Recently, I was given the chance to try Dannon’s Activia Selects-French Fruit On The Bottom yogurt and at first, I was hesitant because I am a little picky about yogurt.  Some yogurts can be either too sweet, or too sour and sometimes, the fruit chunks can be overpowering, but this was really tasty with just the right amount of fruit.  I was worried about it tasting  different since I didn’t even know what on Earth Activia was.  What is so helpful about yogurt containing  Activia?  Well, Activia Selects yogurt has the probiotic culture called Bifidus Regularis that is supposed to help regulate the digestive system when consumed daily for 2 weeks.  Probiotics are  known by many as “the beneficial bacteria,”  which many people believe if carried in the intestinal tract in significant amounts, are thought to help ease some digestive concerns.

Anything, that can give me a leg up in nutritious eating habits and that I can quickly and easily add to my diet is definitely something that I will keep on hand.  I love that Activia Selects are a quick and easy way to get some of these good things that my body needs.  I will definitely buy these in the future.  And speaking of your health…

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

In support of Dannon’s ongoing commitment to health and wellness,Dannon is going pink in support of national breast cancer awareness month.  Dannon will donate at least 10 cents for each under-the-lid code entered at www.cupsofhope.com before 12/31/11 – up to $1.5 million – to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF). Dannon is committed to a $500,000 guaranteed donation to NCBF, including retailer-specific programs.

Each specially marked package of Dannon yogurt contains an under-the-lid code. Participating in Give Hope With Every Cup is as easy as entering the code from the lid at www.cupsofhope.com.

NBCF is committed to spreading knowledge and fostering hope in the fight against breast cancer. With support from Dannon, NBCF will fund free mammograms for women who could otherwise not afford them and will support research programs in leading facilities across the country.

So keep an eye out for the pink lids and help give yourself a leg up in your nutrition and overall health and help others who are in need.  If you want to learn more about Activia Selects you can go to http://activia.us.com/products/enjoy_activia_selects.aspx

 

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dannon Activia Selects Yogurt Series and received a coupon to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.”

 

Steve Jobs Has Died

I have always been fascinated with Apple products and the sheer genius behind them.  Even today, I cannot live without my i-touch and my Ipad with me by my side.  My kids have a love for all the crazy apps and I just love the technology and how easy Apple products are to use.  I always stare at them like they are the puppy in the window and I love when there is an announcement about the newest product.  Apple products are just really so cool!

I am deeply saddened to know that Steve Jobs has passed away.   I knew that when he resigned, that clearly he was a very sick man at the time.  My deepest sympathies go out to him and his family because letting go of such a brilliant mind is so difficult, the loss for his family is even greater.

I know that Apple will continue to make wonderful products, that carry that little apple logo and a memory of someone who had made them great.  I will be keeping him and his family in my prayers, as well as all his friends and fans all over the world, who support his great contributions to technology.

Grey’s Anatomy

So I haven’t been on my blog much because I am addicted to Grey’s Anatomy.  Thanks Cheryl and Rhea!  I had never even seen an episode of Grey’s Anatomy but everyone is always talking about how good the show is, and I felt like I was beginning to miss out.

So in the past four days, on trips to the bathroom, watching the boys ride their bikes, after they go to bed, and every spare moment I get, I have been watching episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.  I am currently deep into season two, and I only have 6.5 seasons to go before I am caught up and I can discuss the happenings.

I love the show and better yet, I have something to do while the husband has football occupying the tv screen.  I love hulu.com too because I can watch episodes of Grey’s to my heart’s content.

To say I am addicted is an understatement.  I was heartbroken when ER ended and remember my days in nursing school and watching the very first episode with my fellow nursing students.  Grey’s is reminiscent of those long days walking the halls of the hospital during clinicals, and even though I am not a doctor, I can surely get all the humor.

Love, love, love Grey’s Anatomy!

 

Weight Loss Is Like Being A Mom

I have taken up running, as part of my effort to lose weight.  I haven’t been on here much because I have been trying not to sit at my computer throughout the day, in order to stay active and busy.  Weight loss isn’t easy, and neither is being a stay at home mom.  Both are some of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  Somehow you manage to get through them both, but not without disappointments, frustrations and moments you feel successful.

I have been having a horrible week, where everything is purely up and down, including my weight.  My husband is trying to convince me it is me gaining muscle, but with my age, I am not so sure.  I guess hormones can play a part in how we lose weight, once we get into our thirties.  I have been having some horrendous battles with one of my boys, the ones where you are at your wits end wondering how you need to revamp your parenting style.  For all those “perfect” parents out there who say they don’t have problems with their own kids, you are lying to yourself and you aren’t fooling me.

The boys are now 5, and they still nap, well usually.  One of my sons has always been difficult to get to sleep.  He can go without a nap, but I instantly notice behavior problems when he hasn’t slept enough.  He hasn’t napped once this week and every day around the same time, it’s like I’m putting on my battle gear, and going to war.  Naturally, I am crabby as a result.

I have been running on the treadmill, and I am on a program that eventually will lead to me running for a full 30 min.  It has to be one of the hardest things I have done.  My goal and part of my bucket list is to run a marathon.  But, like parenting, losing weight and exercising can be harder than anything you do.  The scale hasn’t moved in a few days and it has even went up and then down and then up withing a pound or two.  Meanwhile, I am up running to Beyonce, Train, and Lady GaGa, saying things like “dear God, I think I’m about to die.”  When you are out of shape and have never ran in your life, running for one minute is doable, two minutes, you start to watch the time on the treadmill and say things like “crap, it’s only been fifteen seconds?”  At three minutes, you are thinking about how the hell you can possibly stay on this thing without being rolled off into the closet behind you, along with curse words, and intermittent crying.  I haven’t even reached the point in my running program where I am running four full minutes.  The way it works, I run for 3, or 2 minutes and then walk for one. I am on day ten of the program and eventually at the end you will be able to run for thirty full minutes.  Then when you step on the scale and it says you’ve gone nowhere, it is a recipe for quitting.  The only positive is that running is getting easier, but I am convinced the scale may be broke.

It isn’t all a bed of roses. weight loss or parenting.  But, in either case, you have to just keep going, as I here Dory in Finding Nemo saying “just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”   What keeps you motivated and positive?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Favorite Childhood Books

There are always fond memories of traditions and things that you remember most when you were younger.  I know with having my own children, I have always tried to carry down all the special things that I remember doing when I was little.

Some of my favorite things were Christmas time at my grandmother’s house when me and my mom would come over in the days prior to the big shindig and helping her decorate the nearly 15 dozen sugar cookies for the event.  She made cookies and could cook like nobody’s business.  I come from a huge family and I am one of nearly 30 grandchildren, and family was always a big deal when my grandmother was still here.

My husband and I read to our boys nightly before bed and it has become one of their favorite times in their day.  They also have some favorite books that they repeatedly pick up for us to read.  They love the Llama Llama series by Ann Dewdney, and we also read the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne.  Even though they have outgrown the Llama Llama series, they still love to hear them read and look at all the whimsical pictures.

When my mom read to me it was a favorite time for me, and there was one book that I still remember and still love even as an adult.  It was The Big Tidy Up by Norah Smaridge.  It was about a little girl who had a messy room and her mom refused to touch with a mop or broom from now until Christmas Day.  I still remember the words “Jen picked up stuff, blew away fluff, shook out the mats, and hung up her hats.”  Eventually we had read it together so much, that the binding and cover virtually disintegrated off the book and the pages began to tear.  So, I went on a search to find it.  I began to get disheartened when I saw that the available copies were selling up into the $300 range.  Eventually the reprinted the book in 2008, but today, when I went to look they are no longer in print again!  So, I started looking on ebay, because I wanted something from my childhood, that I could sort of hang on to.  Luckily, I came across the original book, in good condition, from the first 1970 printing and I got it!

Now, the trip to the mailbox has new meaning for me.  I can hardly wait to get it and read it to my boys.  I will of course be hiding this book safely out of the boys’ hands, but I am looking forward to sharing a little piece of my childhood with them.

What are some of your fondest childhood memories or books?

Wordless Wednesday

Oh this face!  This is what I get when I say no or he is mad at me  LOL!  I still love it though   🙂

VueZone Personal Video Network System

 

As a busy mom, I often wish I had eyes in the back of my head so I can see what is always going on in my house.  I can think of one instance in which the VueZone Personal Video Network System could come in handy.  We are having a problem with the twins where one says one did something and the other denies it.  Wouldn’t it be cool to actually know who did what?  Sometimes it isn’t always easy to know exactly what happened.

When we leave on vacation, a wireless video camera would be useful because, we leave our cat by herself and I would love just to check up on her.  My husband and I are without family here and will eventually have to rely on a babysitter for our boys to enjoy time out, and I would love to peek in on how things are going.  Also, I would love to see what’s happening going on outside my house.  I love that VueZone is discreet and better yet no wires everywhere and it seems really easy to install, minus the headaches.

How it Works

VueZone lets you check in on your life anytime…from anywhere! Create your own personal video monitoring network – with multiple battery-operated wireless video cameras that easily install with no wires or power cords.  It also has motion detection.

Install in minutes – no software to load, no cords to run.

Place cameras anywhere – wire-free technology lets you easily position or move cameras in seconds.

Add more cameras anytime – simple one-button sync lets you add up to 25 cameras to your personal network.

Check In From Anywhere

View your cameras from any computer browser and most smartphones. Just log into your private, secure account at my.VueZone.com.

This is something that as a mom, I would definitely use.  I can think of many uses for a camera both inside my house and outside.  It would give me some assurance about the safety of my children and my home.  And since I am not terribly tech savvy anything that is easy to use, would be a great benefit to parents.

 

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