Friday fill-ins: family, dance floors, good meals and hairy legs.

Happy Labor Day weekend to all who celebrate it. And...here we go!

1. Family can be the only thing you need, or it can break your heart and change you forever. I am choosing to overcome the past and make my family with my husband and children be a warm place to fall, an escape from the world, and an unbreakable bond.

2. How things change. Way back when, in school, we would fight with our friends and then go back and forth on our latest BFF. In College we spent time going back and forth from the bar to the dance floor. When we met our special someone we went back and forth from their place to ours. A few years later we went back and forth, pacing the floor waiting for the contractions to be close enough to go to the hospital. And now, we shuttle those kids to and from their things, constantly going over in our minds the decisions we have made for them, back and forth, back and forth.

3. I love a good book, a good meal, and the giggles floating from my children's room.

4. Good conversation, family and friends, and a few glasses of wine makes a good meal.

5. I've got the hairiest legs I have ever had, hair in a desperate need of  coloring, weight that needs to be lost, a body that desperately needs sleep...........and a husband who needs all of this so he can be happier, too :)

6. Don't get me wrong, I love my reality shows....but have you seen the lineup for dancing with the stars? Apparently all you need to do to be a "star" is be a teenage mom, get drunk and party on T.V., again, get drunk and party on t.v., or just in general like to drink: wth!!!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleep (we have a family movie-in-bed-early-night....I don't think I will make it past the credit) tomorrow my plans include a VIP tour of Sniagrab to give you all a sneak peak of the craziness and a big family reunion for a 60th anniversary and Sunday, I want to take my kiddo to get his very first big-boy backpack and scissors so he can do his first mini-homework assignment!

Avoid fussiness and help colic! Coddlelife Bottle Review and GIVEAWAY!

Don't hate me for what I am about to say. I had extremely happy babies. Other than the son's sleep apnea (which meant I didn't sleep more than an hour at a time for two years.....do you feel better?) there were no major issues. My mom used to talk about my sister's colic all the time......and I was TERRIFIED one of my children would have it. But really, my kids seem to be the type that can hang upside down while drinking.

However, I have been paid back. I have been watching a baby that DOES have colic. Not only that, but this baby prefers mommma to ANY bottle. And I am not momma. I was pretty excited when I was given the opportunity to review the Coddlelife Bottle. I was desperate for anything this sweet baby would like.

First of all, how cute is this little thing?

May sound silly, but the first thing I noticed was the curved sides. I MUCH prefer this as it is not only easier for ME to hold (hello, I am a blogger with carpal tunnel!), but also for the baby.

The gist of the bottle is that The Coddlelife peristaltic nipple is made to simulate breastfeeding via shape, texture, and the way the milk is delivered into the baby's mouth. The venting system incorporated into the bottle prevents the infant from swallowing too much air by redirecting it through an opening at the bottom of the vent. Perfect for the little one I was watching. Less air, which meant less crying and grumpiness and also she felt like she was feeding with momma. It was perfect. An added benefit that I do not personally have experience with is that it helps reduce ear infections!

The final benefit is cleaning. With my kids, I had a bottle system that took FOREVER to clean a bottle. I swear I was cleaning 50 different things by the end of the day. But with Coddlelife, there are only 3 pieces to clean. Quick and easy!

Best part is Coddlelife knows the best way to prove how great their bottles are is to let them speak for themselves! So, enter for your chance to win your own!

Get Ready for Kindergarten with PBS--and dinosaur filled GIVEAWAY!!

This is my son's second year in preschool, and he has one year left. Things are more hectic in the class this year as it has double the kids it had last year, and as much as I love the social skills he is learning, I am sometimes worried that I need to keep up the learning portion at home as well. August was "get ready for kindergarten month" and although it is over....the training doesn't stop there. The Jim Henson Company has offered some great tips to prepare our kids, as well as some fun examples of the awesome activity ideas they have on the Dinosaur Train website.

There are many things that can be done to help prepare children for kindergarten, including working with your child on basic academic skills such as writing his/her name and reading letters; teaching critical thinking skills by encouraging them to ask “Why” questions; working on arts-and-crafts projects to get your child more comfortable using scissors, markers and other supplies he/she will see plenty of in kindergarten; and making shopping for school supplies a fun experience by letting your child make some choices of their own, like the color of his/her backpack or pencil case.

At The Jim Henson Company, the immersive and compelling DINOSAUR TRAIN website at www.pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain offers parents (and teachers) a wealth of activities to encourage basic scientific thinking skills for pre-school children.  Here are a few examples:

• Help your child practice the letters of the alphabet while learning about the diversity of dinosaurs that once lived on Earth with the “Dinosaurs A – Z song.”  Basic supplies needed include 26 index cards (4x6 or 5x7), a thick marker, crayons, lyrics to "Dinosaurs A to Z" song  http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/pdfs/dinosaursatoz-lyrics.pdf  and the Printable page of all 26 dinosaurs in the song.  http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/pdfs/dinosaursatoz-chart.pdf  For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/dinosaursatoz.html

• Help your child learn some basic insect anatomy by creating a model of a dragonfly, and learn that some animals seen in the world today also lived at the time of the dinosaurs.  Basic supplies needed include  construction paper, wooden popsicle sticks, strong tape, pipe cleaners, colored markers, glue and glitter (and photographs of real dragonflies from books or the Internet).   For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/dragonfly.html http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/dragonfly.html

• Help your child understand and apply the term "hypothesis,"  investigate and make predictions about the science of color, using household basics including food coloring, clean food jars/containers, colored markers and a cookie sheet.   For instructions go to: http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/activities/handson/colorfulhypothesis.html

DINOSAUR TRAIN embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. This top-rated, award-winning series, which airs on PBS KIDS®, encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. The stars of DINOSAUR TRAIN are Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family who board the DINOSAUR TRAIN to embark on whimsical journeys to prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans.

Jim Henson Company isn't going to leave you without appropriate accessories, however! Here are some of the great products they will have to offer beginning in August and September

DINO TRAIN T-REX BACKPACK FROM ACCESSORIES 22: The DINOSAUR TRAIN 16” backpack features our favorite T-rex Buddy.  It also features adjustable padded shoulder straps and 3 easy zippered compartments making it great to carry DINOSAUR TRAIN toys and school supplies as well as mesh side pockets for markers, pencils, etc. The glossy Buddy appliqué makes Buddy virtually come alive on both the blue and brown styles.  This is a definite back-to-school must have for any DINOSAUR TRAIN fan!

DINOSAUR TRAIN I AM A T-REX FROM GROSSETT & DUNLAP: Buddy has spent his whole life in a pteranodon nest. He knows he's not a pteranodon, but he's not sure what he is. When his family decides to visit a new stop on the DINOSAUR TRAIN, Buddy finally learns the truth. He's a T-rex! This simple storybook is the perfect introduction to the world of DINOSAUR TRAIN! Ages 3 and up.

TRICERATOPS FOR LUNCH BY GOLDEN BOOKS; ILLUSTRATED BY CALEB MEURER
A Little Golden Book about Dinosaur Train! The Triceratops are coming over for lunch. Do you serve them plants or fish? That's what Buddy and his dinosaur siblings need to figure out before Tank and Trudie Triceratops arrive at the train station. This Little Golden Book retells an episode of the new PBS Kids animated series Dinosaur Train. It explains to young readers the difference between herbivores and carnivores—so that the next time you're dining with a dino, you'll know what to expect! Ages 2-5

DINOSAUR TRAIN TAKE ‘N’ PLAY ANYWHERE™ GO FISHING™ MAGNETIC ACTIVITY FROM PATCH PRODUCTS:  Now kids can help Buddy and his family catch fish! They’ll practice hand-eye coordination and matching skills as they use the magnetic fishing pole to grab fish and try to land them in just the right spot. DINOSAUR TRAIN Go Fishing teaches cooperation, trial and error, or listening to and following instructions. Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere activities feature big magnetic pieces that are easy for kids to use and hard for kids to lose! Ages 4 and up

 

DINOSAUR TRAIN DINOSAUR COLLECTIBLE 3-PACKS FROM LEARNING CURVE:  Perfect for hours of imaginative dinosaur play, these 3-packs feature three detailed DINOSAUR TRAIN character figures and a special collector card. The 3-pack figures can be enjoyed separately or can fit inside train cars (sold separately) for more role play fun.  The 3-packs are currently available in the following sets:  Mrs. Pteranodon, Shiny & Derek; Mr. Pteranodon, Don & Velma; Boris, Annie & Pete; Dolores, Ollie & Oren. Ages 3 and up

DINOSAUR TRAIN ALL ABOARD GAME FROM PRESSMAN TOY CORP:  Join Buddy and his friends on the DINOSAUR TRAIN!  Choose a character – Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don, Cory, Tank or Mr. Conductor – and try to move the fastest along the tracks.  Speed through the three dinosaur eras: Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous along the beautiful scenery.  Special Stopwatch spaces will help you get closer to the nest, while Dinosaur Crossing spaces will send you back.  The first player to reach the nest area in the center of the board wins.  For 2 to 6 players; Ages 4 and up

WIN IT! Get your own new DINO TRAIN T-REX BACKPACK packed with some of the great toys, games, and books we mentioned above!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Follow me via GFC (on right sidebar), and let me know the top way you prepare your kiddo's for school! Please be sure that you either leave your email or have it visible in your profile!

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• Add one of my new buttons to your blog and let me know where to find it! (5 entries!)
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Giveaway is open to US residents only, and ends on 9/19. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 

All opinions are my true opinions of the product, and no monetary compensation was received.

PHOTO CREDIT - © 2010 The Jim Henson Company. JIM HENSON’S mark & logo, DINOSAUR TRAIN mark & logo, characters and elements are trademarks of The Jim Henson Company. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday Wickedness!

Today we picked Marilyn Monroe. Here's Wednesday Wickedness!

1. "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." When are you are at you’re best?

I am at the best when I am patient and understanding with my children. When I count calmly without losing my cool. When we make it through an "errand day" without yelling involved. And I am ALWAYS my best when my my family is having our family weekends, and the only focus is US!

2. "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." Do you ever think that you are boring?

Yes. Every time I write a post. And in crowds. Yep.

3. "A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left." Did you ever break off a relationship because you wanted to be the one to do it?

Why would you WANT to be the one to do it?

4. "It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone." Do you feel that she is correct?

Absofreakinglutely . As a matter of fact, I said this to someone just today.

5. "Ever notice how 'What the hell' is always the right answer?" What was the last thing that you didn’t plan on doing but then thought, “What the hell!”?

HA, last night. Thought "what the hell, I don't work tomorrow. I will have another drink" I regretted it. Apparently this is a new trend with me.........

6. "We should all start to live before we get too old. Fear is stupid. So are regrets." Do you have any major regrets?

I don't regret anything I have done. I only regret the things I didn't when I had the chance.

7. "What do I wear in bed? Why, Chanel No. 5, of course." What do you wear to bed?

On old t-shirt and two clingy kids

8. "It’s better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what your not." Have you ever pretended to be someone you are not because it was easier?

Please. I was a teenage girl once. Yes.

9. "I am invariably late for appointments - sometimes as much as two hours. I've tried to change my ways but the things that make me late are too strong, and too pleasing." Are you usually on time for events or appointments?

I used to be on time. All the time. I used to HATE when people were late. Now I am always horribly late. Even if I wake up early. I have actually woken up two hours early....and was STILL late!

10. "Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about." What makes you smile?

Really? My kids. Hands down. And a nice romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant. I think nookie used to make me smile.I'm not sure anymore. Sorry, babe!

Yoplait Splitz prize pack review and GIVEAWAY!

I am up late blogging or writing for Macaroni Kid quite a bit. And I am a night eater. I hate it, but I am. So I am always looking for a new snack that is low on calories as well as healthy. And I found a new one!

Mmmmm yummy! Here's the lowdown for you:

Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves. For an even "cooler" experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. 

Yoplait Splitz is available in three flavor combinations

• Strawberry Sundae
• Strawberry Banana Split
• Rainbow Sherbet

I ate my first one non-frozen and my second one frozen. I actually really like it both ways, but the nice frozen one was perfect on that 90 degree day. 

BUY IT: Visit your local grocery store, but first visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/7b3a/ to download a printable coupon for $0.75 off any flavor Yoplait Splitz!

WIN IT! Yep! But you will get more than just the Yoplait Splitz! You will also receive a pack of YoPlait Splitz yogurt, insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket. And I have to tell you, I LOVE my carry tote. It fits absolutely everything I need AND kept the water super cold!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Subscribe to this blog, and in the comment let me know that you do along with what flavor of Splitz you want to try! Email must be easily found or left in comment.

Optional entries: please leave one comment for each entry (if it says it is worth 3 entries, please leave 3 comments) 

• Follow Yoplait on Twitter
• “Like” Yoplait on Facebook
•  Add one of my new buttons to your blog and let me know where to find it! (5 entries!)
•  Subscribe via email
•  Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)
• #GIVEAWAY:  Win a Yoplait Splitz Prize Pack – Yogurt, Blanket, Picnic Tote Bag! @frugalvicki (Ends 9/19) http://www.miniurl.com/52370 
• “Like”Frugal Mom knows Best on Facebook
• Enter any of my other giveaways (1entry per giveaway)

Giveaway is open to US residents only, and ends on 9/19. Winner will be chosen by random.org and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. 

Yoplait provided me with the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my true opinions of the product, and no monetary compensation was received.