Classy Chaos Reviews

Little Shop of Horror tickets.

2009-06-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: random.org picket out comment #5. Congrats to Blessings from Above!!!

Next up on my THANK YOU for voting for me CLEVELAND tour is:

2 tickets (total value $61)
for Little Shop of Horror
performed at the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood
from June 26th through August 2, 2009.

"From the producers of Hairspray and The Producers, comes the biggest MONSTER hit about a nobody kind guy, the girl he loves, and the man-eating plant that changes their lives forever."

Leave me one comment and please include your email. Good luck! And don't forget to vote for your favorite Cleveland parenting blog here, there are many good ones. You can do so daily here.

Spruce up your blog with a new design!

2009-06-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: random.org pulled comment #21. Congrats to Jaina!!!

I am giving away one (1) custom blog design from This, That & Your Blog to one (1) lucky winner!

This giveaway is valued at $35 and includes the following: a two OR three-column template, a custom blog header and background, a signature to include at the end of every post, a button to share with readers, category labels for the sidebar(s), a custom post title font and the design installation! For BLOGGER platform blogs only.

*This giveaway does not include covering the cost of digital kits or stock photos.

This giveaway ends at midnight on June 20th, 2009. One entry per person. Good luck.

My Father's Day Gift for the Husband

2009-06-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been bombarded with emails regarding Father's Day in my inbox. PR pitches from companies hoping to spread the word about THE most perfect Fathers Day gifts.

Heh. Delete all without even reading is my tactic.

You see. This year I totally have THE best Father's Day gift evah! My husband and son have been working on our remodel since March and I have been documenting the very slow but loving progress being made by my two special fellas. I knew that I wanted to do something special with the photos.

I started at picnik and made a collage. Which is as simple as uploading photos and dragging them into your chosen collage pattern. I saved the collage to my hard drive. I then uploaded my collage to winkflash (who, by far, have some of the lowest prices online and the quality is super) and decided I wanted the collage to be printed on stretched canvas for a more professional look.

The final product:

Globe sticker is covering my house & the tiara is covering my gray hair.

I am very happy with the final product (which I paid for myself - these companies have no idea Im blogging about them). The collage will hang in our newly remodeled mud room and it will be a constant reminder of the hard work that has been poured into our loving home.

Winkflash is currently running a sale on posters. 40% off of poster prints. Use the code 40POSTERS. Make a picnik collage and suprise your husband/father/grandfather/father-in-law.

Rock and Roll...

2009-06-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: random.com picked out number 9 out of 15. Congrats to Courtney!!!

Next up on my THANK YOU for voting for me CLEVELAND tour is:

Four tickets to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
expires 12-31-09

All you need to do is leave me one comment per person. Please leave me your email address. Contest ends 6-10-09. Good luck!

And don't forget to vote daily for your most favorite Cleveland mommy blog here. XOXO friends.

BlogHer meet-up!!!

2009-06-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Are you going to BlogHer 09 in Chicago and live in the Cleveland/Columbus area? Aren't attending BlogHer but would like to meet with local bloggers?

Here's your chance. Please consider attending this BlogHer meet-up. A great chance to relax, eat yummy food and meet people from Ohio that blog. I will be there. Thanks to the Chef's Widow for organizing the event.

Date: Saturday June 13th, 2009

Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm

Place: The Greenhouse Tavern 2038 East 4th Street Cleveland, OH

Menu: Chef’s Selection of Appetizers & House Cocktail (Port Punch)

Price: $20 pp

RSVP Required: Please call 216.443.0511 to reserve & mention you are with the BlogHer Happy Hour event.

Hope to see you there!!!! Leave me a comment if you plan on attending. So excititng.

Mary Poppins at Playhouse Square

2009-05-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: random.org pulled out number 2 out of 16. Congrats to MeKeil for winning the tickets!!!

Some days ago, I mentioned that I will be thanking you properly for helping us win the "Hastily Made Video Contest" by posting some of the prizes here to share with you.

Whether you are a reader, a friend, or a neighbor... I encourage you to log in and and comment on these next couple of posts in which I am literally am giving away 100s of dollars worth of awesome Cleveland entertainment. Please remember to leave me a email address that you can be reached at.

This post is for:

2 tickets to see Mary Poppins at the State Theatre
on July 24, 2009 at 7:30
INCREDIBLE SEATS!!! (Row 3 - worth $67.95 per ticket)
Includes a parking pass.

All you need to do is leave me one comment per person and include your email address. I will be using random.org to pick a number on June 6th, 2009. Good luck, friends!!! And thanks for supporting Classy Chaos.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Cleveland blog here.

"The home of homestyle"

2009-05-26T18:50:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: Random.org pulled out number 34. Congrats to Tracey, the winner of the Bob Evans gift card.

My in-laws took me took my very first Bob Evans years ago. Since then I have been purchasing their breakfast sausage links and it's a taste that my children will grow up knowing. Try and give my kids a generic breakfast sausage and they'll complain that it doesn't taste like ~~Bob Evans~~ moms.

"The home of homestyle" Bob Evans. Yum. My in-laws still occasionally treat us to breakfast and in this day and age I can log onto their website.

I can figure out the nutritional value of my food before dinning, which I love now that I am actively working out each morning and hate empty calories. Their kid's menu, check it out, everything that a child would eat is listed in a chart before you broken down with nutritional values and ingredients. The website even has a free recipe section that includes 20 recipes for under 2 bucks. I've made stuffed peppers before but never Inside Out Stuffed Peppers for under 2 bucks. My kids are loving the kid's page where they all signed up for the birthday club and even printed out some fun games.

I have no problem promoting something that I really like. And I like me some Bob Evans breakfast sausage. Heh.

Here's your chance to try it out. I have one FIFTY DOLLAR gift certificate to feed your family some homestyle yumminess. I'm sure you'll love. One comment/entry per person. Unless.... you Tweet about the giveaway for your second entry. Are you my FaceBook friend... add me or let me know you already are for another entry. In total you have three entries to win. Good luck friends!!!

"Animal Planet" Emergency Vets DS game

2009-05-16T19:59:00.000-07:00

UPDATED on 5-26: random.org pulled out #3 out of 21 comments. Congrats to: Managed Chaos!!!

The first thing my son said about this game, five minutes into playing it, was "This is sooooo stupid!"

He isn't really into gaming; however, he is really into animals so I was shocked at his statement. I immediately grabbed his DS away from him and started to play my very first Nintendo DS game. As I effortlessly passed each "task" I explained to him that the player needed to complete 15 "tasks" to move up a level.

"Oh. I was getting bored with only 5 games." He admitted.

As I hogged the DS and continued through each level.... picking fleas off of animals, brushing teeth, washing dogs, memorisizing medicines for each pet, and conducting xrays I showed him how one advances to the next level and in the end is able to interact with each animal.

Once I was done He was in love. He, my six year old son, was movtivated to complete the tasks in order to move forward. Which, I thought, was a pretty good lesson in the long run. A much better choice of a DS game then so many others on the market.

"Based on the popular Animal Planet series “Emergency Vets,” kids can play as an up-and-coming veterinarian that helps the other vets at the Alameda East Hospital perform veterinary procedures on a variety of different animals, like teeth cleaning, medicating and operating with the Nintendo DS stylus. After performing successful procedures, players will have the opportunity to interact with each animal and see their reactions."

I have ONE to giveaway. Leave me one comment. Tweet this giveaway (leave me the tweet in your comments) for your chance for a second comment entry. Giveaway ends May 20th, 2009.

Salon Goregous Sans Salon Prices...

2009-05-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

This glamorous giveaway includes a shampoo, conditioner, and styling aide from Suave.

I have a couple of sets to giveaway to you all. One comment per person. Tweet about the giveaway for your second chance. Contest ends on Mother's Day 2009. Good luck!!!

Get Salon Gorgeous this Mother’s Day Sans the Salon Price Tag

If you’re planning a fun day or night out to celebrate Mother’s Day, Suave Celebrity Hairstylist Luke O'Connor has some simple tips to help anyone recreate some hot lock-looks. While we may not all have Hollywood budgets, you can still look like you do! Suave® Professionals® offers salon-quality products that help you create your desired ‘dos at affordable prices.

The Look: Stunning and Simple Side Bun

Take your regular bun from blah to WOW with a chic side bun, a popular red carpet look. It's easy to achieve this classy, modern take on the Hollywood tradition that will have your style turning heads wherever you go.

To re-create at home:

For smooth and frizz-free locks, prep hair with Suave Professionals Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner.
Next, give hair body and control by applying Suave Professionals Extra Hold Styling Foam to damp hair.
Gather the top layer of hair and pin up at the crown. Blow-dry the rest of hair in sections using a medium round brush to lock in volume. Unpin hair at the crown and blow dry in 1 inch sections using the round brush.
Blow dry bangs by rolling the hair around the brush away from the face and directed to the side for swooping bangs. Keep side-swept bangs locked in place with Suave Professionals Extra Hold Gel.
Next, take a 1.5 inch curling iron to curl the large sections of hair.
Finally, gather hair into a pony tail and loosely twist down to create a low chignon off to the side. Secure with pins and let loose pieces fall naturally for a look that's effortlessly chic.

The Look: Glamour Curls on Cue

Everyone loves the look of loose, gorgeous curls. Structured curls with a middle part gives the look a modern edge – and you can make it happen in the comfort of your own home.

To re-create at home:

Stock your shower with Suave Humectant Shampoo and Conditioner so curls will have added shine and brightness.
Next, apply Suave Professionals Extra Hold Styling Foam to damp hair to give body and control. Be sure to blow dry hair upside down to achieve maximum volume.
Once hair is completely dry, flip back up and create a center part. Take 1 to 1.5 inch sections of hair and spiral wrap around a 1 to 1.25 inch curling iron to create neat curls.
For superior style and control, lock in the look with Suave Professionals Freeze Hold Hairspray.

The Look: The Half-Up for 100% Style

A fun look that gives the best of both worlds, try wearing your hair half-up. This method is a sophisticated update to the traditional look, giving hair a gorgeous volume.

To re-create at home:

Use Suave Damage Care Shampoo and Conditioner in the shower to condition, revitalize and protect hair from over-processing.
Take the top section of hair and blow dry back with a medium round brush.
Then, pull bangs forward with the round brush and point blow-dryer at hair from underneath, curling bangs up with the brush. Part hair on the side. Blow dry the rest of hair until dry and then curl with a one-inch curling iron (for looser curls, use a larger curling iron).
Next, tease the crown of the hair with a comb, using a downward motion to create beautiful volume on top. Smooth teased crown with a comb and secure this section of hair in the back with bobby pins or sparkly barrette for a little extra glam. Use Suave Professionals Freeze Hold Hairspray to keep hair in place all night.

Just in time for Mother's Day....

2009-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: Since I am nearly blind and unable to see I am picking the 1st two Mother & Daughters commenters and the first two Mothers & Sons commenters. Jessica and Jessica won the daughter books and Stephanie and Tara won the Sons books. CONGRATS!!!!

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms & Sons

Two great books for your mother/mother-in-law/sister/yourself of stories about the special bond between mothers and their sons and or daughters. I am giving away TWO COPIES of EACH BOOK. That means there will be FOUR WINNERS. Just leave me one comment per person and included the title you would like to have.

Want another chance to win? Tweet about the giveaway for another chance to win (leave me tweet in comments) and/or leave this link on your FaceBook page (copy and paste and leave it in the comments). Contest ends May 6th.

Turning into your mother? You’re not alone

Mothers and daughters dish their uncanny connections in Chicken Soup for the Soul

COS COB, Conn. – From borrowed outfits to goofy mannerisms, there is a time when most women must sheepishly admit, “I’m turning into my mother.” But while mother-daughter duos like Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn, Gwyneth Paltrow and Blythe Danner, or Jamie Lee Curtis and Janet Leigh are all notable examples of passed-down female genes, you don’t have to look to Hollywood for special mother-daughter bonds. The magical similarities that mothers and daughters share are among the most heart-warming – and often amusing – features of any family.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter (Chicken Soup for the Soul, September 30, 2008, 978-1935096-07-8, $14.95) is a collection of stories written by moms and daughters on their mutual admiration for one another. It is part of the “101 Best Stories” series by the new publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. With refreshed cover designs and interior layouts, books in the “101 Best Stories” series offer the Editor’s favorite tales and poems submitted in the 15-year history of Chicken Soup for the Soul, reflecting the brand’s excitement and new energy on this memorable anniversary.

Divided into sections ranging from “Learning from Each Other” to “Saying Goodbye,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter offers stories on maternal wisdom, raising teenage girls, becoming friends with Mom, grandmothers, granddaughters, and more.

“My mother and I have always had a very special relationship, a bond that few people can comprehend,” writes Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter contributor Nicole Plyler Fisk. “Ever since I was a little girl, I remember her teaching me about a mother’s love: constant and unconditional. She would remind me of an old Polish proverb: The greater love is a mother’s, then comes a dog’s, then a sweetheart’s.”

Inside Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter, you’ll also read about:

How contributor Lizanne Southgate was reunited with her daughter after nearly 20 years
How cyclist Peggy Newland recreated her mother’s cross-country bicycle ride
How contributor Shana Helmholdt battled – and survived – leukemia, with her mother by her side
Why contributor Sylvia Rosa-Casanova describes the period that her mother moved in with her as a time of “the most grief and the most joy”

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Like Mother, Like Daughter (Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Amy Newmark) releases September 2008. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold over 112 million copies, with titles translated into over 40 languages. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing also licenses the right to use its famous trademark to high quality licensees through IMG, the world's premier licensing agent. The company is currently implementing a plan to expand into all media, is working with TV networks on several TV shows and is developing a major Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support and inspiration. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. For more information visit: www.chickensoup.com.

Mama’s boys – and the mothers who love them

New Chicken Soup for the Soul collection celebrates eternal bond between mothers and sons

COS COB, Conn. – As numerous mothers know, raising boys can be an adventure. From baby blue blankets to first wedding dances, sons provide their mothers immeasurable amounts of joy – not to mention bruised knees to clean, rambunctious friends, and good-natured teasing. And while many men might bristle at the term “mama’s boy,” most mothers consider it high praise for their beloved sons.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms and Sons (Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC., 978-1-935096-16-0, September 2008, $14.95) is a collection of stories from mothers, grandmothers, and sons about their special relationship. It is part of the new “101 Best Stories” series by the new publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul books. With refreshed cover designs and interior layouts, books in the “101 Best Stories” series offer the Editor’s favorite tales and poems submitted in the 15-year history of Chicken Soup for the Soul, reflecting the brand’s excitement and new energy on this memorable anniversary.

With topics ranging from “Being a Sport” to “Raising Wonderful Men,” Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms and Sons offers glimpses into the touching – and often funny – interactions between mothers and their boys. Grateful sons, single moms, and loving grandmothers all chime in to add their voices to this new collection.

“What more could a son ask from his mother than her continued support and love?” writes Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms and Sons contributor Johnny N. Ortez. “Nothing can compare to a mother’s love, and being a mama’s boy is a good thing. My mom has been the rock of my life.”

“Unity, love family – these are the things that saved my sons and will save many more sons to come,” writes Falaka Fattah, who adopted the members of a Philadelphia gang and became their surrogate mother. “There is no limit to this love. My own name, Falaka, means “new day.” Every day for me is another opportunity to be a mother to these boys who, more than anything, simply need love.”

Inside Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms and Sons, you’ll also read about:

How Connie Hill’s son honored her for being a working mom
The meaning behind Cheryl Costello-Forshey’s “no hug” rule – and how a son decided to break it
Why Kirk Hill took his mom out on a date
Why dinnertime is the favorite time of day for Lynn Fredericks, single mom of two sons

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Moms and Sons (Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Amy Newmark) releases September 2008. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold over 112 million copies, with titles translated into over 40 languages. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing also licenses the right to use its famous trademark to high quality licensees through IMG, the world's premier licensing agent. The company is currently implementing a plan to expand into all media, is working with TV networks on several TV shows and is developing a major Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support and inspiration. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. For more information visit: www.chickensoup.com.

Family baseball fun. Cheaper then a ticket to a movie.

2009-05-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

I have a hard time avoiding the back aisles of Target where the shelves are packed with mis-matched clearance items. I slow down and access the merchandise, none of which we really need and all of which is on sale. It's like putting candy in front of a baby.

On my latest Target run, I noticed a "Pop A Pitch" baseball setup that was marked down 50% to just a little over $8.00. Cheaper then a ticket to a movie. And so the setup found refugee in my cart since baseball season did just start and who couldn't use another summer backyard fun activity? Upon arriving home, my SKYPE was ringing on my computer and my father (on his webcam) witnessed me unpacking my latest clearance item.
"What a piece of plastic junk."

"Okay. Dad... "

"In my days we tied a ball to a string and hung it up on a tree." He sighed out loud through the computer screen.

Today. We had the chance to try out our new "piece of plastic junk" for $8.00. And... it was a huge HIT! Pun intended, teehee. It is easy to set up, requires no batteries, and works perfectly. The ball shoots up at the same location every time and is great practice.

It was a nice ego booster for a boy that just started playing baseball on a real league.

And equally as nice of an ego booster for a father that hasn't played real baseball since his college days.

It kept our entire family busy on a lazy Saturday and was well worth the $8.00.

(Not being compensated for this post. Might be adding a lot more of my Target run finds here. If Target is reading.... call me, mkay?)

Everyone is a winner!

2009-04-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

UPDATED ON 4-28-09
So many awesome videos! Here is a list of the three winners:
1. Natalie Jane said...Sweet! I am waiting to actually post this to my blog since I did a little anniversary tribute to my hubby, but you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dNNRopXBh4
2. Managed Chaos said... http://mymanagedchaos.blogspot.com/2009/04/love-you-forever.html A spin off of my favorite children's book "Love You Forever"...dedicated to my children.
3. Jeannie said... Ok...I hope I posted this right? Here you go... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqZahBwhgso

Once in a while, I stumble across something SO great I just can't wait to share it with all of you. If you are a regular you know I take a gazillion photos. The last time I put a collage of photos together was for Lola's 5th birthday I stayed up past 2am, I cried in defeat, I swore at my computer, I yelled at youtube, I poured my sweat and tears into that video and never realized that there was a much easier way of putting together a slideshow of photos.

I am head over stilettos in crazy love with Animoto.com . A website that makes completely professional music videos to your photo collages. And. The best part is.... it's so incredibly easy. You upload your pictures, pick a song, and it creates the video for you in mere minutes. Seriously it took me no more then 30 minutes to upload, edit, and post on youtube.

Where were you Animoto? When I needed you the most?

Have no fear my classy readers. Animoto is here for you. Just in time for Mother's Day too. The people over at Animoto are offering each and EVERYONE of you a FULL ALL-ACCESS week long subscription to their site. Just follow this link that has been specially designed just for Classy Chaos readers, like you. Every other random person online can only access the 30 second trial. With that link you can create full length video collages all week long for one week. The FREE all access pass ends on April 24th so go ahead and start working on your full length feature today! You can save your video to your hard drive, to a DVD, to youtube or FaceBook, or email it to anyone. I can not even describe to you how easy the process really is. Use your free week long membership now. Do it.

More good news....

I am very certain you will love your week long trial and so are the people at Animoto. I am giving away THREE full-year full-access memberships to their site. What do you need to do to win this awesome giveaway?

1. Make a video with your free week long trial. Use this link: http://animoto.com/sign_up?promo=ClassyChaos09
2. Upload it to youtube or your website.
3. Leave me the url to the video you created, in the comments below.
4. I will hand pick the three best videos and post them on my blog on April 25th.
5. Twitter/Blog about your video and also my giveaway, leave me that URL in the comments below to further your chances of winning.

Recap:
Make video with your free week long access. Pimp your video out online for everyone to see. Leave me the URL (once on youtube, once on your blog, once on twitter.... three chances of furthering your winning in total.... leave me all urls in comments below)

I am so excited to share this with you and can't wait to see what you create. Now... go on... create. You have only until April 24th to use the FREE full-feature trial designed just for Classy Chaos readers.

Here is my video:

Easy-Bake Contest & Giveaway

2009-04-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: The winner of the easy bake oven is #22 Kari!!! Congrats.

This past school year, while the baby is asleep in the afternoon, Lola and I have spent a lot of afternoons in our kitchen. She loves to cook and bake so much that I think I have put on an extra five pounds from our afternoons together. Heh. But I digress. She, like so many little girls, really enjoys cooking.

Easy-Bake oven is having a contest. Each month, one winner will win a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida in May 2009 to compete for the Grand Prize and Title of "Baker of the Year". See website for details.

I have ONE EASY-BAKE Oven to giveaway. Contest open until Wednesday April 15, 2009. One comment per person. Tweet/blog about the giveaway and you can leave me your second comment (please include your url).

EASY-BAKE Oven & Snack Center

(Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 09)

The beloved EASY-BAKE Oven & Snack Center is back in its original aqua color. The classic side-loading oven that bakes with a light bulb returns to let bakers-in-the-making whip up tasty snacks for friends and family, including cakes, brownies, cookies, and much more. The oven comes with three different mixes, two baking pans, two utensils, a pan pusher, two warming cups and recipes/instructions. One 100-watt standard light bulb is required but not included. Available at most major toy retailers nationwide and on HasbroToyShop.com.

Classy Baby blankets...

2009-04-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

UPDATED: The winner of the blanket giveaway is #9.... SweetLily. Please email me.

"Aden + Anais was formed by Australian mothers who moved to the United States and found that the swaddling cloths made of the muslin fabric they wanted were too small for their babies, Aden and Anais. Further, every swaddling blanket that was large enough was made with fabric other than the muslin cloth that is so readily available for swaddling a baby in Australia. So they began making their own, adding baby hooded towel designs and baby washcloths to their soft muslin creations. Before long, they were being asked, "where did you get that great swaddling cloth?" by doctors, friends and mothers out and about who all wanted these muslin swaddling baby items for their own babies. Hence, the company "Aden + Anais" was born."

One l lucky reader will win a Australian muslin baby wraps from Aden & Anais. Please leave me one comment. Tweet about the giveaway and leave me your tweet as a second comment. GOOD LUCK!!! You have until April 10th, 2009.

Winter Warmth Swaddles on sale for $29.95 - normally $49.95
Dream Blankets on sale for $39.95 - normally $59.95
Visit adenandanais.com and enter promo code "wintersale” to receive the discount.

Wii: Backyard Baseball 2010

2009-03-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Winner is #25.... Kelly!!!!

To be very honest, my children aren't big gamers. We have a Nintendo DS that we use for travel and a Wii that is gathering dust. We aren't ready to purchase violent games for either system so the children have used the Wii for the occasional bowling game.

Since they have not shown an interest we have not purchased any new games and the Wii has been tucked away in our media consul.

This past weekend, we had a chance to play Backyard Baseball 2010. It was the perfect time to introduce a baseball game since our two eldest ages 6 and 5 are starting T-Ball next month. The video game had realistic baseball action which even announced the kid's names. My daughter spent most of the time picking her team and changing the player options and my son got really into the batting. I thought it was easy to bat as the Wii-mote was pretty accurate. Even our youngest, age 2, had her chance to swing a couple of times before it was ripped out of her hands, by the eager older siblings.

I thought the graphics were incredible, the stadiums were so realistic. There are many options which leaves the opportunity for endless amounts of play time. It was a nice video game for children ages 5+ that are bored with the standard bowling/tennis the Wii comes with. I have a feeling that our Wii might get used a little more on future rainy days. Backyard Baseball was a big hit!

Backyard Baseball will be released April 7th, 2009. I have ONE COPY to give away to one of you. Leave me one comment before April 2nd and you can have it in your hands before anyone else!!! You can tweet about the giveaway and leave me your 2nd comment with the tweet. Good luck.

Naturally, I loved it.

2009-02-19T18:09:00.000-08:00

My best friend called me last week, "I know you blogged about how much you loved it. But did you really? Love it?"

"Yes!" I screamed over the phone. "Head over stilettos LOVED it."

When my best friend questions my authenticity I begin to wonder. When I find something I love I want to shout out and let everyone in on the good news. The latest things I have stumbled across that I love: watching Netflix movies online (my husband sits *so* close to me), www.bookit.com (our vacay was 30% cheaper on their site), J brand cigarette jeans (I could sleep in them), and Honest Tea (omg I could drink it all day long).

When Nora, from Naturally Nora, emailed me asking if I would like to try out her all-natural cake and frosting mixes I told her that we were "obsessed with baking and anything natural is worth a try." A week later my daughter, the self proclaimed family chef, screamed out loud when she opened up a FedEx box of cake/frosting mixes.

I did not tell my children that the products contained no hydrogenated oils or artificial ingredients of any kind and are so natural that a kindergartner can actually read all the ingredients. What I did tell them was the truth: that someone on the dot com wants us to try them out and see what we think. I had all three children in on our baking project.

I explained that they needed to be brutally honest and let me know if the cupcakes were difficult to make, instructions hard to read, and whether or not the final product was deemed yummy.

Jay was the first to admit that the frosting was hard to mix. And Lola said that her arm was faster and it was fine for her. And Fifi licked the frosting spoon and said, "Yum, Yum, Yummy." We love to bake and I thought that the directions were easy to follow, fun to prepare, and a delight to eat.

Seriously.

People. These cupcakes are bakery quality. You need to give them a chance. They are delish... much better then my fancy organic grocery store brought ones I usually buy ~~and try to pull off as my own at bake sales.~~ I have a new brand of cake mixes I will use for upcoming bake sales and can now boast about the fact that they are much healthier then their competitors.

The cupcakes that we made were freaking fantastic. So fantastic that I took 30 minutes out of my day to let you in on this good news. You can find them at Whole Foods and here. And yes, BF "These are freaking fabulous. You have my word as always."

And. I would have included a final picture of the baked goods however they were all gone before I could take a picture. Seriously.

Lil Palm giveaway

2009-02-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!!!!! according to random.org # 42 is the winner:

Steve, Monica & Ashley said...: So totally cute!!! I love it. My Ashley would be so stylin' in this!; February 10, 2009 7:54 PM

Please email the owner of Lil Palms to claim your prize. CONGRATS!!!!!

I won this absolutely adorable Lil Palm t-shirt from the equally as adorable McMommy some time last month. After looking through all the Lip Palm products I realized that I needed more then just a shirt and so I ended up buying the matching pants. I am so glad I did.

So stinking adorable!

I have washed both pieces at least a dozen times since it's one of the only things that Fifi owns that isn't a hand-me-down, and it has help up very well. Not only is it really good quality but it's just so cute. I get stopped each time she wears it. I heart the touches of blue on the stitching of the letter and her pant ruffle.

Lil Palm, handmade products for stylish kids, is giving away one product: an initialed tank or initialed long sleeve tee. Bubbles for girls and Camo for boys.

Boy Camo

Girl Bubbles

Please visit Lil Palm for the full collection here.

Leave me one comment before this Thursday (Feb 12th) night before midnight for your chance to win!

XOXO

2009-02-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

UPDATED 2-10-09/ WINNERS: Random.org #'s 2, 8, 25, 37, 41
Congrats to Kash, Lisa (take 90 west), Courtney, Jania, Reagan. Please email me asap for I am leaving to Mexico this weekend and won't be around for some time. XOXO and Congrats again!!!

********************

My favorite people over at Picnik, the photo editing website, emailed me to inform me that they have added new valentines day designs. I immediately logged on and started to play around. I had a bunch of recent photos I took of Lola with a new hand-made valentines day bow we received from a sweet bloggy friend, megryansmom. xoxo by the way! she loves.

This design took me less then two minutes to upload and create:

I even added Lola's name to the design. So sweet, isn't it?

The best thing about Picnik is that you can save the design to your computer's hard drive and print. And the best thing about my favorite people at Picnik... they want YOU to try it out too. I have a total of FIVE PREMIUM 3-month memberships to hand out.

Just leave me ONE comment before Wednesday, Feb 11th. Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

xoxo
OHmommy

ItzaBitza

2009-01-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

The kids had the opportunity to review a computer game last week.

"Who sent us this, Mama?"

"Someone on the dot com and they want you to be honest and tell people if you like it. Let's play it together."

And played, they did. All three of them! ItzaBitza is a drawing game in which children use a mouse to draw pictures that come alive and create stories. Children can scroll over words and they are read out loud for them, the feature that I loved most.

"Look at my sun!" Lola screamed. "I draw beautiful suns. Look at it sparkle... it's moving, Mama!"

"I see one of my star words from school, Mama. Look the boy read one of my star words." Jay observed.

USA Today wrote:

What makes this game so revolutionary is that it introduces the concept of "Living Ink," which means kids draw a requested object and when they do, that drawing comes alive through animation and it is incorporated into a story. Because it is so cool to watch their drawing come to life, kids are motivated to read the next part of the story so that they can find out what they get to draw next.

And to help new readers, all words in the game can be read aloud in a child's voice by moving the cursor over a word. When you do, the world turns red, gets bigger, and then is spoken aloud so that it is easy to follow along.

Not only did all three of my children take turns drawing and reading and anticipating their next moves... they were QUIET. For a very long time. This game was perfect for their age groups 2 to 7, even the baby played around with the mouse scrolling over words and giggling.

We have lots computer games at home. Some educational and some fun. I can honestly say that this is a game that is both. It is well worth the $20.

I have TWO ITZABITZA game codes to give out to you guys so you can try the game. (You need a mouse) Please leave me ONE COMMENT before Wednesday Jan 28th, 2009.

Bloomin' Babes Bows

2009-01-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

"How do you get that bow to stay in her hair? My daughter always rip hers out." A mother approached me at mommy-and-me gym class envious of Fifi's bow in place.

Both of my daughters love hair accessories. They are very much girlie girls and every time I spy a new bow I become obsessed. The bigger the better. The more colorful the more they want it. Don't get me started on sparkles and jewels....

It's safe to say that we have a rather large collection.

Bloomin' Babes contacted me to try out their new collection. I am so glad they did because the girls have found their new favorites. They are very well made. The alligator clips stays in, even in Fifi's thin toddler hair. I packed them on our trip to Chicago and got stopped at least a dozen times. They are simply the sweetest things I have seen in a long time.

So sweet, no? I might have to re-order duplicates of each style because they both want to wear them at the same time.

Leave me ONE COMMENT for your chance to win TWO BLOOMIN' BABES BOWS. I will announce the winner of this sweet giveaway this FRIDAY the 23rd of January. You can tweet this giveaway for your chance to comment for the second time (please copy your tweet).

Yummie Tummie

2009-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Every time I mention my muffin top online, someone always comments.

"Whatever. You have no idea what a muffin top really looks like."

"What muffin top OHmommy?"

"If you have a muffin top you sure do hide it well."

It is true. I, OHmommy, have a muffin top. Another thing is true. I, OHmommy, hide it well.

I have an obsession with cropped jackets, layers, and camis. I have a nice collection of form fitting camis in different colors and patterns and rarely leave the house without one on. I just feel better in an outfit knowing that I have some extra support holding things together.

Imagine my delight when I found out that you can get the same tummy control in a basic T? Yummie Tummie has a number of products that have a control panel. And, they are cute... as like... very cute and sassy and young and not like your grandmother's shirts.

I picked the basic scoop neck shirt in black which I plan on wearing under sweaters, cardigans, and my coveted cropped jackets. The fabric of the shirt is very high quality and I would compare the feel of it to a Michael Stars shirt.

"A classic. An everyday basic made better.

The Yummie Tummie Basic T is the perfect short sleeve tee shirt with a flattering scoop neck and our secret slimming panel that will smooth away unsightly lumps and bumps and trim the waistline of all body types."

Yummie. Tummie. Want one?

So cute. And they have offered one of their products to one of my readers. One of you can win a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE to www.yummietummie.com visit the site and tell me what style you would pick out. $100 will cover one product and shipping.

Leave me ONE comment with the style you like.

Giveaway ends this Saturday the 10th of Jan at mdnight EST.

What another chance to win? Just, leave me another comment with your tweet about the giveaway (please include your tweet).

If you win, you have to promise me that we don't wear our yummie tummie tees on the same day. Okay?

Pay it Forward: Suavenomics

2009-01-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I like expensive things. The perfume I wear costs more then some people's monthly car payments and my everyday purse costs more then some monthly mortgages. I won't tell you how much a pair of Louboutins set me back. I am totally aware that I overpay for quality.

Why?

Maybe it is my European frame of mind, being born over seas where fashion is everything and people have very small closets filled with very nice things. From an early age I was taught to purchase things of quality and preserve them. And. That is precisely what I have done.

My everyday purse is three years old and I haven't purchased another one nor plan on doing so for many years. It was an investment.

I like to invest. I like quality.

So, when Suave contacted me and asked if it was okay for them to send me a package I said, "Sure." They did not mention what they were sending or that I had to review it or offer any money.

Several days later I arrived to a heavy package filled with goodies:

Dear OHmommy,
We wanted to share some good news about the economy. That's right, we said good news. You can look gorgeous even when the economy looks ugly.

Now we're asking YOU to put Suavenomics to the test!

Your friends at Suave.

In the package I had 6 Suave products and 6 more expensive brands. I was challenged to try them side by side. Now, I'll be honest with you. I did not try the more expensive brands that they sent... those have already been packaged up for a donation to a women's shelter in Cleveland.

I love my Aveda shampoo and my Caldrea lotions. I already know what expensive products feel like.

Tonight I had a date with Suave products. I put the children to bed and filled the tub with Suave's "Sweet Pea & Violet" and immediately my bathroom was fragrant. Now, I am not a big fan of scented products but this really smelled fresh. It suddenly put me in the mood to relax and enjoy the quiet time I had to myself.

The "Humectant" shampoo promised to be of salon quality and leave my hair soft and manageable. How can a $2.00 bottle of 14.5 oz shampoo do this? I have no idea but I kid you not my hair smells better then it does after an Aveda wash and it's very soft. And so thick, I keep running my hands through my hair.

The "Therapy Advanced Therapy Lotion" was missing from the box and I was most excited to try that out because I still believe that thick, luxurious, moisturizing lotions are the best thing ever.

The "Sweet Pea & Violet Deodorant" is typical deodorant. Hold on. Let me smell myself. Yeah, it smells clean and fresh and does what a deodorant is supposed to do. And the price is a dollar cheaper then my usual choice.

All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised with what I tried and that's the only reason I am taking 30 minutes out of my precious Friday evening to write this. I will, most definitely, be purchasing more Suave products for my entire family. They even have a money back guarantee.

Suave proved that it's time for me to stop overpaying for beauty products. Oh my gawd... what's next? Me trying on stilettos from Target and comparing them to Manolos? Now, that will be the day.

For every comment left on this post, between Jan 3rd through the 10th, I will donate $1.00 per comment to a women's shelter in Cleveland (Emergency shelter for women and their children who are affected by domestic violence). "Pay it forward" is my 2009 mantra and this is my very first stab at it. I will be donating all the "expensive" products Suave sent me along with my personal money donation.

Just tell me in your comments... have you tried any Suave products?

Classy Collages

2008-12-20T11:59:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite websites is www.picnik.com because it's free, fun, and an easy way to play around with your photographs.

The people at Picnik added a new feature some weeks ago. You can now make collages. There are a gazillion formats. It is easy to upload photos and drag them into place. You can also add fun text and when when finished you can save your project to your hard drive as a jpg image.

I will be adding this collage feature into many upcoming posts.

Happy Holidays!

Beethoven's Big Break review

2008-12-17T19:55:00.000-08:00

For a family that doesn't watch a lot of TV, a family movie night is a very special treat.

Since we have three children under the age of six, we usually watch cartoons movies, on family movie night. We make some popcorn, drag the kid's pillows down to the family room, and snuggle closely as we tune in.

Last weekend we watched Beethoven's Big Break which I thought everyone would love because it involved a lot of animals. What I learned... that Jay, a mature 6 year old, LOVED venturing out of cartoons and into a more realistic film. The girls, 4 and 1, not so much.

Jay sat throughout the entire movie laughing at the pet lizard, on the edge of his seats during the skateboard scenes, and laughed out loud at all of Beethoven's mishaps. He. Loved. It. And so did we, in the midst of running after the girls.

So, all in all, Jay gives this movie two thumbs up for making him laugh. Here is one of his most favorite clips of how Beethoven gets his name:

Which he wants to watch over, and over again, the kid is in love with the dog and in love with filling his home with animals like the main character has.

Cute movie. Classy. Cute. A very nice family movie night for children 6+

Holiday Cards

2008-12-04T08:11:00.000-08:00

My Christmas cards are mailed out, so it's safe to reveal them to all of you.

This year I am so head-over-stilettos in love with my card. I photoshoped the picture to perfection and sent it to Pear Tree Greetings. It is a small company that uses recycled paper and their prices simply could not be beat.

I shopped around for weeks looking at designs, quality, and prices before making my decision. The Chef's Widow told me about Pear Tree Greetings. They by far, had the lowest prices on "designer" photo cards.

The end result is nothing short of perfection! The quality is much better then my last year's card that I paid double for.Isn't it sooooo me? It is! I love it.

I contacted them for you and they are offering a $25 gift certificate to one of you.

Thank you Pear Tree Greetings.

You have until this Saturday the 6th of December to leave me one comment. That means you could possibly finish your cards by Sunday and have them in your hands to mail out next week!!!

Disney on Ice

2008-11-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, is coming to the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland Dec. 17-22.

I have 4 tickets to giveaway to one Classy Chaos commenter. Please leave me one comment, HERE IN MY COMMENT BOX BELOW, before Wednesday December 4th, 2008 for your chance to win!!!

Come experience a magical Disney fantasy on ice!
Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the 'Circle of Life' with The Lion King. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

Special Bonus! Disney Princess Pre-Show: Arrive up to one hour early to tour our dazzling display of gorgeous gowns. Complimentary to all ticket holders.

Bringing sisters closer...

2008-11-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

Swingset Mamas newest DVD entitled "Swing, Dance and Sing" was a huge hit at the OHmommy family. It was fun, upbeat, colorful, and very entertaining. So entertaining that it was the first time ever that two sisters sat this close to one another for the entire duration of the DVD.

We give Swingset Mamas FOUR thumbs up. Two from each sister.

From the website:

The Swingset Mamas blend terrific musicianship and heartfelt parenting tips with an eclectic style ranging from rock to reggae. Their new music DVD "Swing, Dance and Sing" won a 2008 iParenting Media Award, a 2008 National Association for Parenting Publications Honor Award and more. It is a 15-song DVD, featuring the Mama's Sirius Radio hit "Buckle Up" and the EPA-honored "Sunscreen Dance". NICKJR.COM says, "Preschoolers will have so much fun singing and dancing to these songs, they won't even realize how much they're learning!"