I Cried Today…

I’ve been a nurse for almost 9 years and most days I feel like I’ve come to this place in my career where I can be empathetic but not get emotionally wrapped up in situations and circumstances.  It’s not that I’m cold or uncaring…I used to cry at everything when I was a new nurse.  But as I matured in my profession I learned that this is what leads to burnout.  So I learned how to detach myself…to leave work at work.  Today was a difficult day.  It was too close for comfort…too close to home…too much like a situation that is happening right now in my family.  I had it together…at least I thought I did…but at the end of the day I broke down and I cried.  And I think that it was appropriate for me to do so.  I think it means that I haven’t come to the end of my career.  I never want to get to a point where I feel nothing.  Today just reminded me how much I love what I do despite the stress and long hours away from my son and my husband.  Today I made a difference in a family’s life.

Fashionable, Affordable Glasses At the Click of a Finger!

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Peggy Gorman (thanks for subscribing!).  Congratulations!

I have ALWAYS worn glasses!  I don’t even remember when my mom figured out that I couldn’t see distance, but it was definitely at a very young age since all of my school pictures are taken with me wearing glasses.  It will probably come as a shock to you that I’m actually not fond of glasses.  I wear contacts 90% of the time and that is because I have yet to find a pair of stylish AND affordable glasses that actually compliment my face.

I was recently offered the opportunity to check out EyeBuyDirect.com and I ordered a very chic pair of prescription glasses (Heart style in pink).  Check them out:

Here is a little more information about EyeBuyDirect from the site:

EyeBuyDirect.com, the world’s leading online optical retailer offering full prescription eyeglasses for as little as $7.95.  Their vision is “to empower vision for anyone, anywhere”.  Forbes magazine recently dubbed EyeBuyDirect as “an efficient and easy-to-use prescription eyeglasses site, that provides fashionable, quality eyeglass frames and prescription lenses starting at only $7.95; significantly lower than the leading eyeglass chains.”

I never imagined I’d be ordering a pair of glasses that would sit on my face, for all to see, from a website without trying them on.  But…they fit perfectly and they look amazing on me!  The site has a service called EyeTry where you upload and image and choose the style that you’d like to try to see how they would look on your face.  It’s as close to trying on a pair of glasses as you can get without going into a physical store.

Every time I’ve ordered a pair of glasses from my eye doctor, it’s  a very long process with me trying and re-trying every frame in the store until I find the perfect one.  This also results in me choosing the most expensive frame. I think it’s been at least 4 or 5 years since I’ve bought a pair of glasses and I plan on changing that! EyeBuyDirect prides itself on making online prescription eyeglasses an affordable reality for everyone.  They guarantee you’ll save at least 70% on your new glasses (prescription eyeglasses start from just $7.95).

I have a little boy who loves to play with everything (including glasses) BUT his toys and because I’m not the most careful, quality was really important to me.  The glasses I received  are as durable as my present pair (which I have just retired to a drawer!) and they even come with a very cool clear carrying case and cloth to clean your glasses with.

The actual process of ordering was really simple once I had my prescription in hand (all of those numbers they ask for can get quite confusing).  If you’re like me, you may need to learn how to read your prescription.  The site has a step-by-step guide on how to buy prescription glasses online (ingenious!) including what you need.  I followed the directions precisely and had no difficulty ordering or receiving my glasses.  I was really fortunate to receive a few upgrades like Ultra Thin lenses, Anti-Scratch, Anti-Reflective, and UV coating.  None of these upgrades made the lenses look any thicker (I don’t want to look like granny yet!).  Overall, my experience with EyeBuyDirect was pleasant.  Their prices are reasonable (even if you upgrade), the selection is comprehensive (ranging from simple and fashionable to designer-like), and the ordering process uncomplicated.

Be sure to check out their special deals page.  Right now you’ll receive free shipping with orders over $99.  Don’t wear prescription glasses?  Any frame can be fitted with a blank lens for a smart, fashionable look!

Profuse thanks to EyeBuyDirect and  the Family Review Network for finally giving me the incentive to replace these out-of-style glasses this review opportunity!

Win It!  One of you very, very lucky readers will win a coupon code good for one free pair of eyeglasses of any sort (not including sunglasses and designer frames) including any upgrade up to $100 and 100% free shipping.  Wow!!!  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with the name of your favorite frame.  Comments will close on March 14, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Upload your photo and try on glasses or review someone in the “Wall of Frame“.

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Remi-D

I’m a mom and a neonatal intensive care nurse which means I can be pretty paranoid about germs.  Our entire household has finally gotten over weeks of being sick (we just kept giving it to each other over and over again) but cold and flu season is not over yet.  I carry hand sanitizer and wipes with me everywhere (they’re in my purse, the diaper bag, the car) in order to keep the bugs away but I mostly use them on myself.  I prefer to wash my son’s hands rather than using alcohol-based hand sanitizers because he is still young and I don’t want him to accidently ingest the alcohol in the sanitizer.  Unfortunately washing his hands as regularly as I would like is not a feasible option.  

We recently tried Remi-D All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Mist, an all-natural, alcohol-free alternative to hand sanitizers.  Here is a little more information about Remi-D from the site:

Remi-D All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Mist is a portable spray that kills 99.99% of germs.  Remi-D moisturizes as it sanitizes with a refreshing mist.

I love the fact that it doesn’t contain alcohol but is still effective against potentially harmful bacteria like MRSA and Staph.  The active ingredient is Benzalkonium Chloride which we use in the hospital as an antimicrobial.  It is free of parabens and triclosan but I still wouldn’t recommend having your child ingest it!  Remi-D contains moisturizers like lanolin to protect your skin from becoming dry and irritated.  It’s small enough to tuck anywhere, even in my pocket and it is available in three pleasant scents (we tried Cucumber Tea Tree).  

We tried using this instead of antibacterial wipes or hand gel and I noticed a difference in how my skin felt.  It was much smoother after repeated use.   My hands didn’t feel dry and I didn’t feel like I had to wash off any sticky residue.  The initial scent is mild but noticeable  and wears off almost immediately, leaving behind a subtle cucumber scent.  And…we haven’t gotten sick yet!  The flip top assures me that it won’t spill in my purse (which has happened on numerous occasions).  

Remi-D is available for purchase at a wide variety of food and drug stores for approximately $3.00.  

Profuse thanks to Remi-D and Mom Fuse for this review opportunity.  

 

Martina McBride: Playlist

I’m a country girl at heart.  You probably wouldn’t have guessed it but I grew up listening to country music, thanks to my dad!  He is the ultimate country music lover and instilled within me an appreciation for all genres of music.    One of my all-time favorite country music artists is Martina McBride.  Honestly, it’s been some time since I’ve had the opportunity to listen to what I want to listen to.  I have a husband who does not like country music and a little boy who wants to listen to Barney.  So receiving Martina McBride’s latest CD entitled Playlist was a treat for me!  I’ve been listening to it on my way to work and while I know almost every song on the CD, it’s been fun thinking back to the days when I used to belt out her tunes with my girlfriends.  She is the kind of artist you can listen to when you want something fun and upbeat or when you’re in a more serious mood.  Her music is inspirational and she talks about life and love.  Her voice is so beautiful and I just love the three new songs on the CD.  

 

Playlist is a compilation album featuring 14 previously released tracks and 3 unreleased songs.  My favorites?  The ballads of course…There You Are, I Love You, and Wrong Again!  You can purchase the CD directly from the Walmart site.  

Be sure to head on over to Walmart’s Souncheck to watch her perform songs from this latest release, download a free track and watch her exclusive interview.  

P.S.  No trees were harmed in the packaging of this CD (it’s derived from 100% recycled and recyclable materials).  There is no CD booklet but the disc is enhanced so you can access all of the information from your computer.

About Soundcheck:

Soundcheck is an original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets – all filmed exclusively in HD. Log on to www.walmart.com/soundcheck for headlining acts, noteworthy new artists and all the latest music releases.

Profuse thanks to M80 and the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.  

Let’s All Go To the Circus

Finally! The circus is coming to the OC and we are so there! I have fond memories of going to the Big Top as a little girl and I can’t wait to bring my son to the circus for the very first time! Mom Central conducted a national survey to find out how moms across the country viewed the circus. 88% of them regarded Ringling Bros. as a “not to be missed” childhood experience. This spring and into the summer, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey bring you their latest production, called Zing Zang Zoom. Here is a little more information about this production from the site:

Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.

So it sounds amazing right? Well, thanks to Mom Central you can order tickets for a performance in your home town for a very discounted price. Enter the code “MOM” to purchase 4 tickets for $44. And if you need more than 4, you can order additional tickets at $11 each (it’s a steal!). Please note that this offer is not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers. Here is a list of the cities where you can see Zing Zang Zoom!

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC

March 5-April 13

Offer not valid on performances from April 10-12 at Madison Square Garden

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Zing Zang Zoom

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Phoenix
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Dallas/Ft Worth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 29-August 16

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Kansas City
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

The circus is a tradition that I definitely want to pass on to my son. Zing Zang Zoom will wow you with music, dancing and outstanding illusions featuring Alex Ramon. Most of all it gives families an opportunity to get together and interact with each other while doing something memorable.

By the way…if you have a child under the age of 1, be sure to check out the Baby’s First Circus program where your child will receive a free ticket to a Ringling Bros. performance!

Cart-Stopper Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Erica G.  Congratulations!

Remember my review of the Cart-Stopper? Well, the sponsor loved the reviews so much she decided to give one of you a Cart-Stopper!

Win It! Head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back and leave me a comment telling me why you need a Cart-Stopper. Maybe you have a funny story…. Comments will close on March 12, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Elmo and Friends Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winners are Sandy, Michele, Sandra, R Hicks, and Amanda K.  Congratulations!

Elmo is the furry red monster my son calls over and over again when he doesn’t want to go to sleep. He is the adorable 3 1/2 year old monster I interviewed not too long ago. And he’s starring in another film entitled Elmo and Friends: Tales of Adventure! scheduled for release on March 3. My son is going to love it! Here is a preview of this upcoming release:

Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure with Elmo, Telly, and Big Bird in Elmo and Friends: Tales of Adventure! The latest Sesame Street DVD is action-packed with three incredible stories filled with mysterious clues, heroic monsters, and lots of dramatic music! Join Telly as he searches for the Golden Triangle of Destiny, cheer on Elmo as he races against the clock in Elmo’s Amazing Alphabet Race, and help an ant-sized Big Bird alert his friends about his dilemma in the Adventures of Little Big Bird.

Elmo and Friends will be available for purchase $12.95.

Win It! I have 5 copies to giveaway! Head on over to the site and take a look around. Come back here and leave me a comment with something you like or learned. Comments will close on March 12, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

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Pizza Hut Tuscani Lasagna Giveaway

*Update*

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  Janelle won with her tweet!  Congratulations!

I’m the lucky girl that didn’t have to cook the other night! Oh wait…I’m the lucky girl that doesn’t have to cook most nights because I have an awesome husband who comes home from work and enjoys cooking! So I guess he is the one who had respite a couple of days ago when Pizza Hut delivered their new Tuscani Lasagna and breadsticks to our home.

If you’re like me, you’re probably thinking…”I didn’t know Pizza Hut made lasagna?” Well…they do! And it’s good! For $14.99 you can get enough lasagna and breadsticks to feed an entire family of four and still have leftovers. At present, they only have one variety but I am really hoping that they offer a vegetarian option because I know that would be a success. Here is a short description of the Tuscani Lasagna from the site:

“With layers of lasagna noodles and real ricotta, Parmesan and Romano cheeses smothered in Italian-seasoned meat sauce and freshly oven-baked with a layer of melted cheese, you’ll get the taste of Italy, delivered right to your door.”

My husband and I love Italian food and we make lasagna from scratch about once or twice a month. It’s labor intensive and time-consuming so actually having it made fresh and delivered to our door was a treat. So we sat down at the table like a good family (all three of us) and of course we all grabbed for the breadsticks…because we’re a bread-eating family! When we finally tried the lasagna we all agreed that it was yummy! Even my very picky son who only eats half of the meals we prepare or buy for him was signing “more.” Sometimes when I eat lasagna, I find myself wishing it either had more cheese or less sauce. This had a nice blend of both! And if you don’t want to take my word for it…you surely must trust the Italians right? Pizza Hut brought their new Tuscani Lasagna all the way to Italy where it received rave reviews

I know that I can’t go out and feed all three of us for less than $20 (particularly if it’s an Italian meal) and while I love going out, it’s so much easier to stay in with a toddler. Ordering in is the perfect alternative! Head on over to your local Pizza Hut (sorry…CALL your local Pizza Hut) and try it out!
Win It! One of you very lucky readers will receive an e-gift card so that you can try Pizza Hut’s all-new Tuscani Lasagna and breadsticks. Head on over to the site and check out their entire line of pastas. Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite (other than the lasagna). Comments will close on March 12, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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I’m Totaly Vlogging This!

I recently joined Mom Vlogger Program at Newbaby.com and I am so excited….Guess what I’ll be using?

Stay tuned!!!

Seal Soul Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is M. E.  Congratulations!

Remember my review on Seal’s latest CD entitled Soul? Well…thanks to One2One I have a signed copy of Soul to give away to one luck reader! Seal recently appeared on PBS Soundstage but the concert will re-air throughout the month. If you’d like to check out what you missed, head on over to the site for airing dates.

Here is a summary of the concert that recently aired:

In a stunning performance, Seal evokes an era when music vividly captured emotion and romance. Joined by Foster, as well as a choir and string section, Seal takes on Ann Pebbles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes’ “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.”

Win It! Head on over to the site and listen to excerpts from Seal’s latest CD, Soul. Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite. Comments will close on March 8, 2009 at 10 pm PST.  One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

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