All {Gussy}eeed Up - A Giveaway

Ryan and I went to the wedding of a dear friend last Friday.


And I did get all {Gussy}eeed up, for the first time in a very long time.

I had the dress and the jewelry and I said to myself,

but I still need a {Gussy} bag. I really do.

I would have enjoyed this little wristlet for the wedding...

Yeah, I'm gonna have to get one, dontcha know?

And also, I shall purchase this cutie patootie for my computer-toting...


Now, won't you come along with me to Mama Manifesto, and I'll give you a chance to win some {Gussy} for yourself.

One last time. Say it with me....{Gusssssy} I love. Now let's go! (click click win win)

~COMMENTS ARE CLOSED HERE, BUT TOTALLY OPEN AT MAMA MANIFESTO~

LIFE AFTER YES by Aidan Donnelly Rowley (I love that name)

A long long(ish) time ago, in a cyber-land (exactly) like this one, two young(ish) mothers of two came to know one another through their words.

One is me, the other, Aidan Donnelly Rowley of Ivy League Insecurities. She left a comment or two, and I, in my usual eager curiosity to meet new friends, visited her space.

And I was intimidated.

(Aidan, stop laughing.) (It's true. Your writing astounded me and also, you're reeeaaal pretty.)

Later, I would come to find out, through an email, that she had felt "like a rock star had visited" when I left my first comment. (This made me laugh and say WHY?) We simply admired one another's writing (and I could not be more humbled by the fact that a woman with such a writing gift as Aidan's would find my words appealing at all.)

And today, friends, is a very good day. Because today is the day that I have the distinct honor to ask you to say YES to Aidan's debut novel, Life After Yes. That's right, this is release day and I get to tell you about it!

Aidan, this isn't one bit forced...I loved your book. I got lost in your book, and it's a true gift to me to tell my readers to run to the store on this very first day that the book is available and scoop it right up. I love your characters, the broken Quinn and all the rest. This book resonated with me, and will with anyone who has ever felt that nagging confusion after making a big change, a big decision in their lives. So, this book, will resonate with everyone. It speaks to the many layers of the human spirit with raw honesty, while grappling with issues of grief, humility, and love. Thank you for writing this book. Thank you for saying YES to your dream, you are a true inspiration to me. I really mean that.

Aidan was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of Life After Yes, and I promptly devoured it. Honestly, it's been a long time since that's happened. If a novel does not completely grab my attention in the first pages, I don't finish it. This did not happen with this book. Not even close. And now I'm going to give it away! (No worries, I will promptly purchase more than one copy for myself and friends.)

To win Aidan's book, all you have to do is leave me a comment. No commitment, no hoops to jump through, just a comment. I will choose a winner this coming Friday the 21st at 5pm through random.org. Easy peasy. (United States only, please.)

Good luck!

This post is part of the final installment of Five for Ten at Momalom.

And lastly, once you get your copy of Life After Yes, please join us for a discussion among friends at the Motherese book club! If you don't know Aidan already, you want to, believe me. And then together, when this book hits the big time and everyone has heard of it, we'll get to say, I know her!

Shining Stones

I've been doing a handful of things I haven't done in a long time since I quit drinking. Like thinking straight after 8pm. (I know, hilarious.) I've been doing jigsaw puzzles, as nerdy as that may sound, they help me think about shapes and colors and how things fit together rather than how they don't. They keep me from ruminating on the fact that all of this is happening, that it happened.

Instead of hiding in another room, apart from my husband (like I would before so he wouldn't know how much I was drinking), we work on the puzzle together or continue our Friday Night Lights marathon. (The best show on TV if you ask me. No, it is not just about football, it's about community and relationships and mistakes and redemption. You should totally get it on Netflix or watch it online and get addicted...er I mean, into it.)

The rough part of the day for me starts around 3 or 4 pm and hits a true funky slump around 5 or 6. I struggle during that time, sometimes walking in circles and sometimes crying. At this point, I simply need distraction. I need to not think that drinking would be the best cure for what ails me, because it's not.

That brings me to Ellie...



Ellie is an online friend, one of the lovely women who has stepped forward in this dark time and shed some light on me by saying I am you and you are me and we're going to make it.

Last night, I couldn't handle the noise in my head and my home, the shrieking and the demands. I looked at Ryan and because he rocks, he gave a nod that said go somewhere and shut the door. So I hid in the den/office/guest room and looked at Ellie's Etsy shop.


Four months into sobriety, Ellie discovered what she calls her "latent creative love," making jewelry. (She's also an excellent writer. Reading her blog moved me closer to sobriety. I'm forever thankful for her words.)

I'm so glad Ellie discovered this jewelry-making gift of hers because she's really really good at it, and I know it helps her like writing does for both of us, or a jigsaw puzzle does for me. Something to get lost in, something feeding us grace while our hearts and minds slowly whir to a stop...resting.


Would you like to win something from Ellie's shop?

Thought so...

Here's what you can do. Browse the images below. Click on an image at some point, and that will take you to Ellie's Etsy shop, Shining Stones. There are over 160 items in the shop, so browse around a bit and then come back and tell me what one of your favorite items is. That's all you have to do! (I'm planning on getting something for myself, what I call a sobriety ring, actually. Perhaps you could help me narrow it down. I love everything.)

You could win the item of your choice, $40 or under (the majority of the items are under $40) if the number of your comment is chosen by a random number generator when the giveaway closes!

Ellie gives away an item every two weeks through her blog, One Crafty Mother. So head on over there often, for many chances to win.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
The giveaway will end on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 5pm central and the winner will be announced here that evening.
Don't forget to be sure to include a way to contact you (such as an email address) in your comment so I can let you know if you win.

What are you still doing here? Go Go GO. And then come back and tell me what you want for Valentine's Day.

Peace out.

THE GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED.
THANK YOU!

Dan Zanes and friends - The Fine Friends Are Here - A Giveaway

Saturday~December 5, 2009

Yes, you're right. This is my second post in one day. I've decided I need cheering up. Would you believe I have both H1N1 AND bronchitis? It's not super fun. But giving something away IS super fun, so that's what I'm going to do for the cheering up.

You know Dan Zanes and friends, right?

When I was contacted about reviewing this 2 disc combo, The Fine Friends Are Here I was more than happy to do so, since I'm already a huge fan. This combo comes with a 16 song DVD and a bonus audio CD with 5 songs. (The bonus 5 song CD is perfect for playing in a child's room at bedtime. It's soft and beautiful, the perfect peaceful night time groove.)

Dan Zanes and friends are such a talented group, I'm not sure there's an instrument they don't play. (I'll also admit that they make me feel like I could dance around in a flowy dress any old way I'd like to dance and still feel cool.)

What I love most about this band and their music is that it's all about expression, being yourself, and having a great time.

There is something so unique and intriguing about the way this DVD was shot, with lighting and colors that capture. You feel like you're right there in front of the stage, dancing in the costume clad crowd. This DVD keeps the attention of even my boys, and I could really use that right now while I cough in bed and they dance around, making me feel all happy.

I love to see my boys enthralled with good music, and that's exactly what they get when they watch this DVD. I love that a band on a stage can deliver such a performance with so much variety, from style of music, to the flow from Spanish to English, to the myriad of instruments used. It's so much fun to watch, a truly eclectic experience filled with inspiration and joy.

So get out your crazy thrift shop costumes and dance along!

I have an extra copy of The Fine Friends Are Here with bonus CD to give to one of you. Just in time for the holidays! All you have to do is leave a comment, any comment.

If you aren't a blogger and don't know how to comment, it's easy and safe. Simply click on 'comments' at the end of this post, then click 'Anonymous' and leave your name and email address so I can contact you if you win.

I will choose a winner on Monday, 9pm (CST) and announce the winner in Tuesday's post.
(This giveaway is not limited to the U.S.)

Good luck!

(I was not paid for this review, but I was sent one copy to review and one to give away at no charge for taking the time to write this review. The End.)


“True children’s music, but executed with such sweet (and un-gooey!) humor, casual multiculturalism and shambling groove that you can call it your own.”
the new york times (taken from the Dan Zanes and friends website)

The Jimmies: Trying Funny Stuff

Tuesday~November 10, 2009

Before I just head off into the wide blue yonder of telling you about something cool, I do want to mention that I did update my last somewhat whiny-bordering-on-complainy post with good news. You know...just so you know.

NOW, moving on to something that'll make you feel all happy (unlike my last post)...

If any band could teach your kids a bit of Spanish and how to cover their cough and sneeze, it's The Jimmies. Really. They're just that cool. Your kids will be saying "a cow with a hat" in Spanish WHILE sneezing into their elbow "wrunkles" in no time.

The best word for this 2 disc DVD/CD combo is fun. If you like to rock out with your kids, The Jimmies are for you. (OK and maybe I was sold the moment I opened the package and found a whoopie cushion, but I'm not saying.)

This band definitely has their own unique kind of sound and silliness, the kind that won't drive the grown-up involved in the listening absolutely crazy, but will possibly bring said adult back to the 80's with it's rockin' guitar riffs.

The DVD is full of truly well done music videos, and the CD has you listening to a live concert with a whole lot of hilarious audience participation. This is the perfect DVD/CD for the tiniest of kids, who will enjoy the silly lyrics. It's also perfect for kids who may be starting to grow out of children's music because the style is definitely cool enough for them. I myself kind of want to be like lead singer, Ashley. She's a funky kind of cool, while still having enough endearing quirkiness for kids to fall in love with her.

You can take a listen and learn more about this ecclectic group by visiting The Jimmies official website. They are truly an original, hilarious, and creative group of people...





The Jimmies CD/DVD combo is available HERE and HERE OR NOW EVEN HERE!



The Jimmies Trying Funny Stuff is definitely the perfect gift idea.

We love it here at our house so much that Miles would even like me to tell you that his favorite song is the "crazy hair one." You can see why:

See? Totally rockin' cool. Thanks for checking it out here with me.
Peace out.

(I did receive this CD/DVD for free, but I was not compensated for writing this review. The End.)

The insides of my cheeks are really fat (and other mysteries)

Tuesday~August 11, 2009

The insides of my cheeks are really fat. I can hardly rest my top teeth on my bottom teeth because I end up biting my fat cheeks. It's annoying. Just last night I bit my cheek while I was sleeping and it woke me up.

Apparently I feel that this is exceptionally interesting blog fodder.

While I'm at it...

I only grow hair in one armpit. I've never grown hair in the left. No idea why. Sometimes I wonder if it's growing and growing and growing under the surface. (Yes, I've asked the doctor. Something about no hair follicles in that part of my body.) It does save shaving time, which is how I see the silver lining around being this weird.

I broke the middle toe on my right foot once, right after I saw that Charlie's Angels movie with Cameron Diaz in it. I was trying to do a high kick and smashed my toe into someone's hand. I can't believe that was nine years ago.

I say word 'em up in casual conversation far too often. It's my way of agreeing.

I don't feel like I'm 34 most of the time. More like 23.

Except I did feel 34 while at the library this morning. I took my scattered self and my two small people on an adventure, looking for your book recommendations. Except I had no real plan, no rhyme or reason to my search. I had my list with many book titles, a number of them with no author. So I would run back and forth to a computer, doing searches and making notes to myself that made no sense. Then I would crawl around and scan every shelf up and down in no particular order. All the while, Miles and Asher took turns yelling Mommy! for various reasons. It was tiring, but also totally worth it...



I'm only part-way through the list, but this was all I could carry. Wouldn't it be nice of me to compile a list in alphabetical order for you? Maybe I'll do that. I'm not making any promises though, even though I do promise to try. Then you could bring the list to the library with all of these great suggestions without being quite as frazzled as I was.

If you missed the chance to tell me what your favorite children's book is, and therefore be entered in a giveaway for one of TWO Billy Jonas albums (THEY ROCK. WORD 'EM UP), you can click HERE for my last scattered post and your chance to win. I'd love even more book suggestions to take on another library adventure. Frazzled or not, we love us the library and it's books.

P.S. I'm not that weird. It doesn't mean you're normal just because you have skinny cheeks and grow hair in both your armpits. Don't forget about that weird thing about you. You know the one...

What Kind Of Cat Are You? (In which I give away some very good music)

Monday~August 10, 2009

What kind of cat is your favorite chocolate bar? KIT KAT!
What kind of cat is connected to the engine of your car? CATALYTIC CONVERTER!
What kind of cat hangs out with Batman? CAT WOMAN!
What kind of cat facilitates a chemical reaction? CATALYST!
What kind of cat is a great big disaster? CATASTROPHE!

Those are just a few of my favorite lines from a song called What Kind Of Cat Are You.

I wrote a post a few months ago, asking what non-crazy-making children's music you listen to. The comment box filled with excellent ideas and I thought, Oh yes, another reason I love blogging, a never-ending sea of information from smart and lovely people, right at my fingertips.

Anyway, I printed out all the suggestions and the boys and I went to the library. We had such a good time looking for all the new music that we'd learned about, but I was probably even more excited than the boys, looking forward to escaping the terrible music we had on hand at the time.

And then it happened.

I was scanning the titles, my finger running along disc after disc on the shelf, mostly ignoring names that weren't on my printed list, until I saw this one...

Billy Jonas

I thought, He's not on my list but I can't stop myself. Or, This looks interesting. Or something like that. No matter what I thought, I'm so glad we checked out Billy's music that day because our entire family is more than enjoying this music. We listen to it nearly every time we get in the car and blast it from the speakers while we clean and dance too. This music is smart, funny, and expresses the genius that is Billy Jonas in a unique way that leaves our whole family singing and laughing. (Even Uncle K, who is only a child at heart, requests Billy Jonas when we get in the minivan.)

There are songs with soul, like Eyes Wide Open, silly songs that inspire the imagination like Nine-Foot Dragon & a Four-Foot Boy, and many songs that have Miles asking questions like, "What other animals are nocturnal?" and "Why are there germs when you're sick?" Yes, we have all kinds of great conversations on subjects that arise because of the hilarious and endearing songs that teach something like Old St. Helen, Alien In My Lungs, and Vitamin Alphabet.

There are a variety of sounds and styles to be found across Billy's albums, including folk, a touch of rock, and a bit of Jazz, all with Billy's signature drum beat.

I was so impressed by the album we picked up, What Kind Of Cat Are You? and then promptly purchased, that I went to Billy's site and sent off an email, letting his manager know that I was going to rave about him on my blog. I talked about how I'd been given a whole lot of great suggestions, but no one had mentioned him, and I wanted my readers to know about him. I received a grateful response with an offer to send me not only that album, but also Billy's latest, Happy Accidents for you to have a chance to win!


To learn more about Billy Jonas, you can read a Bio here.

Billy's music is inspiring, fun, and even moving. It quickly becomes obvious that there's a very special person behind the music with a heart for children, creativity, and learning. I'm honored to spread the word about Billy Jonas, a man who is obviously passionate about music and the world around him. I'm so glad that our trip to the library resulted in this extra treasure, carried home with many of your other great suggestions.

So ready? Here we go:

There will be TWO winners, one for each album! I'll keep the giveaway open until Thursday, August 13th, 2009 at 4pm (central time). All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me what your absolute very most favorite children's book is. I want to go on another library adventure with your suggestions.

(This giveaway is NOT limited to the U.S. I have too many out-of-this-country blog friends to make that limitation.)

(If you're not familiar with commenting, it's safe and easy. You click on 'comments' at the end of the post, and if you don't have a blogger profile, you simply click 'Anonymous' and type your email address for contact and your children's book suggestion. Easy Peasy).

Both albums would make a great gift if you don't have kiddos, but remember, this is music for all ages, just ask Uncle K. I mean, if you know him...

After you've left your comment, go listen to What Kind Of Cat Are You?! (Click 'play' next to the song title when you get there. You won't be sorry, it's hilarious, brilliant, and just plain fun.)

Happy listening! (and happy winning!)

(Photos courtesy of Google Images.)

Comments are now closed!

The Noggin toots his own horn (and a giveaway winner!)

Wednesday~July 1st, 2009

Asher is especially fond of a toy trumpet we found at a garage sale. (Yes, I bought a second-hand toy a child puts his or her mouth on and then blows saliva into. Sure, it probably has many foreign germs embedded inside of it, but I bought it anyway, just because Asher liked it so much. Ahem.) Anyway, my favorite parts of the video are when he plays the trumpet through his nose (brilliant), and then studies where to put his fingers very closely (brilliant), and then lastly, how he blows and blows and blows and then answers, "Uh huh!" when asked if he's dizzy. (which is hard to hear, but it's at the very end-the part where he looks a little drunk from all that light-headed tootin' of the horn.)

I can't even really describe what it's like for me to watch Asher enjoy life, his little personality blossoming in ways it just couldn't before. His pain and discomfort were stealing his ability to just have fun before his surgery and recovery. Now look at 'em! Oh how I love this boy...Enjoy!

(He rocks.)

And now for the Crocodile Creek water bottle giveaway winner
chosen by random.org

RACHEL of IN HIS HANDS!!!

Rachel, shoot me your address and I'll mail off your prize!
Josiah won the bottle! :)

Peace out.

A picture story and a giveaway!

Monday~June 29th, 2009

This has to be one of my favorite picture stories ever. It begs for a witty title, but I just can't think of one....

Oh, how I love this Asher guy!

At first he just couldn't get the water gun to spray...

So he tried harder (opening his mouth wide while
moving his tongue around really helped)...

He then mastered the spray!

A little too well...

The End.

Can you give me a title for this picture story?
Give me your idea in the comments!

(Or, if you aren't feeling creative, just go ahead and leave any old comment.)

Either way, since this picture story is about water, I thought it was only right that your comment should count as an entry to win one of these:

What is that, Heather?

Why, it's a metal water bottle from
Crocodile Creek, of course!

In the summer, Miles and Asher and I don't go anywhere without them. I love this product and know you will too. That's the whole point of giving one away, you know. Spreading the love, friends. Just spreading the love. What's not to love about an eco-friendly, easy to use and easy to clean water bottle? My kids drink more water than they would normally because they love their "big kid bottles" so much. In the summer, that's priceless!

(The bottle pictured may or may not be the actual bottle sent to you, depending on what's available. You can check out the great variety of designs here.)

If you don't know how to leave a comment to be entered for your chance to win, it's very easy and safe. Just click on Comment below and choose Anonymous. You don't have to be a blogger to play along. This giveaway is open to anyone. (Except if you live outside the U.S.. I'm sorry to exclude you, please forgive.)

(Remember to leave an email address with your comment so I can contact you if you win!)

Comments will close Tuesday, June 30th at 4p.m. (central)

I'll post the name of the winner (and their picture story suggestion if they gave me one) on Wednesday, July 1st after choosing a comment number/winner through random.org. Thanks for playing along!

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED.