Google+ Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas: November 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Maytag Ice20 French Door Refrigerator = LOVE! #MaytagMoms

Do you LOVE your refrigerator? I can honestly say that my entire family LOVES our Maytag Ice20 French Door Refrigerator!


This fridge has so much SPACE! Seriously, it is awesome. I don't know how we ever managed without it but I know that I can never go back. ALL my bottles fit - and while they are standing up. That was a huge problem with my old fridge. I used to have to screw caps on tight and lay our juice down. I can not tell you how many spills we endured over the years. Yuck!


Seriously, look at all those shelves and they are adjustable too - swoon! There's even a wine bottle holder, though currently I see I have some salsa in there. Never mind that, the option is pretty cool and we have made use of it.  You know how difficult it can be to store wine in a regular refrigerator. The bottles are usually too tall for the shelves. That problem is solved here because it's an open space - perfect for even those tall wine bottles. 

Take another peek at the photo above. Do you notice that even the shelves on the doors are spacious? We have so many bottles - condiments, syrup, jellies, cream cheese, etc. It all fits and having them there provides super easy access. I don't have to hunt in the fridge.  This also means that the food in the refrigerator is fresh. Yeah, I am loving that. No more forgotten about and expired food. I literally used to lose food in the fridge. Piling things up, moving them to the back - whatever it was, I always ended up with so much food that went to waste. No more! We can see everything so we actually remember to eat it and I don't buy doubles of things I didn't see but end up not needing. 

This year, we hosted Thanksgiving. I used to have to keep food in my mom's refrigerator in years past whenever we had a large gathering. Food and extra drinks simply did not fit. Not the case this year. I was actually showing off how many things I could pack in our fridge. I had soda cans, iced tea bottles, water bottles, sangria, beer and dozens of juice boxes and that was just the liquids. I was able to fit all of our food in the refrigerator over night - turkey, pork, salads & sides and desserts. I'm actually worried now that it went too well. My mom may never want to play host again. 

Are you falling in love too? To think, this is just the top of my swoon worthy refrigerator. I still have 2 more drawers to share with you and some cool features. I am seriously giddy with excitement.


One of my favorite features of the Ice20 French Door Refrigerator is the easy access drawer. All our fruits, veggies, yogurt, cheeses and even some juice boxes get stored there. This means no little hands trying to open the fridge drawers all day long. When the Lil Divas want a snack, they head straight for this drawer. Confession - so do I! This is such a great way to store snacks, fruits and other small items that get used often. It also conserves energy by keeping the main refrigerator compartment closed while still allowing access to those frequently requested food items. Another energy saver - it even has LED interior  lighting. 


Did you see the freezer? Since I'm being brutally honest with you I have to admit that at first, I was worried all my food wouldn't fit. I wasn't used to having drawers like this. It seemed so much smaller to me. Well, I am not ashamed to admit that I was wrong. Check out the side view - those shelves are deep. I can fit A LOT in there. 

Now that I have given you a sneak peek at the inside of our refrigerator and you all know the layout plus what we are eating these days, how about I share some of our favorite features? Besides the easy access drawer, the other feature that the Lil Divas love the most is the ice and water feature. They love being able to fill their water bottles without the mess of spilling our large bottles or jugs using the measured fill option. Yes, a measured fill.  I like that the water and ice comes from a PUR water filter which only has to be changed twice a year. Fabulous!


Ok, go ahead and admit it. You are wishing you had my refrigerator. Well, while you certainly can NOT have mine - I have grown way too attached to it. You can easily purchase your own Maytag Ice20 French Door Refrigerator. What a great holiday gift!

Don't forget to check out Maytag on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest news.

What do you think of your current refrigerator?
Can you use a new one?
What do you think of the Maytag Ice20 with easy access drawer?
Bern

Disclosure - I wrote this post participating in an Maytag Moms Dependable Kitchen Ambassador program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Maytag. I was provided with a Maytag kitchen appliances set, including a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and range to facilitate my post.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Ebay's Holiday Gift Guide - Top 10 Toys for Lil Divas

Are you a store or online shopper? I do a bit of both because it's retail therapy for me but sometimes the crowds, bustle and grumpy shoppers get to me. That's when I head to my laptop for some easy online shopping. One of my got to online shopping sites is of course eBay. I LOVE eBay! Not only do my husband and I frequently shop on eBay but I am also an eBay seller. You just can't beat great prices, the thrill of finding all kinds of fabulous deals (you have to admit those auctions are pretty addictive & thrilling!) and being able to shop from the comfort of your own home.


This holiday season eBay has really made the process of holiday shopping even easier by offering their Gift Guide to shoppers. It is broken down into easy to search categories by both recipient and price. They have made it so simple to find gift ideas for everyone on your list. Of course, If you're a mom like me, the majority of your holiday shopping consists of toys, toys and even more toys. I was super excited to find that not only does eBay have a great selection of the hottest toys around, you can even shop the Toys-R-Us store and never leave eBay. How awesome is that? You are getting the best of both worlds with lots of added convenience. Now, that's my idea of stress-free shopping.

To make my holiday shopping easier - I try to plan way ahead of time. I research prices online, searching for the best deals. I look up reviews and compare brands to ensure I am buying the best product for my money. Then I get shopping. Whenever I am shopping online, I head to eBay because it's so convenient. I can even do it right from my iPhone using their mobile app and for even more ideas I follow them on Twitter and Facebook to get all their latest updates and I even check out their fun pins on Pinterest too.

Top 10 Gifts for Lil Divas

My 2 Lil Divas have been making their Christmas lists for some time now. They have been working very hard to get each and every item listed. They drew lots of lovely pictures for Santa and even included messages for Mrs. Claus, the reindeer and the elves as well. I think they are trying to cover all their bases to ensure the maximum gift return.

So what's on their Christmas list this year? I know you are just itching to know so I thought I would share each Lil Divas Top 5 "Wished For" Gifts this year (via eBay):

The Oldest Diva (almost 7yrs) is wishing for:

 Large Modern Dollhouse for all her Barbie & Princess Dolls
I have to say that this doll house is pretty awesome.
I would have loved something like this growing up.


 Purple Plum Fairy Furby
Good ol' Furby is really making a comeback.
I never really saw the appeal but for some reason
he is topping both my Lil Divas list this year.


 Barbie Photo Fashion Doll
The Oldest Diva is a huge Barbie fan and she
is pretty bent on having this photo Barbie doll.
Both girls do enjoy taking photos so I can see it's appeal. 


Password Journal
I find it funny that the Oldest Diva wants a journal
with a voice activated password lock.
I wonder what deep, dark secrets she has that require such protection? 


Mario Kart Game for her DS
I loved Mario growing up? Did you?
This is one game I'd like to play too.


The Littlest Diva (5 1/2 years) is wishing for:

The Littlest Diva is pretty insistent 
on getting a "big girl" bike this year.
This one in pink and featuring Barbie is definitely her dream bike.


This pink and black Hello Kitty Light-Up Scooter
is so fun & girly - I can see why she wants it so badly.


 Creativity for Kids Fashion Headbands
The Littlest Diva loves accessories and bling.
She is our resident Fashionista so this is an ideal gift for her. 


Collector Holiday Barbie 2012
She is gorgeous. I want one too!
Do you think the Lil Divas will share with me?


The Littlest Diva loves playing Moshi Monsters online.
She really wants this game to keep the fun going on the road.

Of course the Lil Divas have lots more items on their lists but these are their TOP 10 Christmas Wish List Items for 2012. What toys are topping your kids list this year? 


Happy Shopping!
Bern

DisclaimerI wrote this review while participating in a blog tour for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of eBay. I received a product sample to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Sunday Showcase - Painting and Art Activities for Kids 11/24/12

The Sunday Showcase  
featuring..... 
Painting & Art Fun for kids!

The Sunday Showcase

The Sunday Showcase is hosted on FIVE blogs!

Each blog showcases their own features (from the previous week's linky) so be sure to check them all out!

If you are here for the first time please read this informational post for the full details. Anything kid friendly and/or child centered is welcome! You are welcome to share more than one post, but we don't accept links for giveaways,  shops, or downloads for purchase, etc. They will be deleted.

If you're linking up we encourage you to visit some of the other links & our Pinterest board!  

*Important* 
Please note that by linking up you are giving us permission to use a photo (with proper link to you!) in our featured section and on our Pinterest board!  If you prefer not to be featured simply comment below or e-mail me to let us know.

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The Showcase Features:

Painting and Art are such wonderful activities to engage children in. 

Even the tiniest tots can paint and have fun  with this Edible Pudding Paint from Zayit and Ziva  and you don't have to fret so much if they put those cute pudgy little fingers in their mouths as babies are bound to do.

If your looking for a fun way to work your toddler or preschoolers fine motor skills you must try this Shaving Cream Bath Paint from Keeping My Toddler Entertained. This messy fun is sure to be a big hit!

Art and music are so much fun to combine. I love how Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk invited her cute little guy to go Finger Dancing to the Blues.  What a fun way to express yourself through both music and art. 

Fall is the perfect time to explore leaf rubbings with kids and I was inspired by the Magic Leaf Rubbings Madtown Macs did with her kids. The finished product was stunning!

Red Ted Art shared another creative way to use fallen leaves to create art with her Goldsworthy Inspired Leaf Land Art. Imagine taking a stroll and coming upon such a treasure, simply lovely!

How about this Mandala Style Art at the Beach by Simple and Joyful. I can't wait to try creating our own art the next time we visit the beach. What a creative activity.

Do you have a favorite painting or art activity
Please share in the comments below.


If you have been featured, grab a button you deserve it!

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From your Hostess:

Did you see our FUN Pine Cone Painting
My preschoolers had a blast with this painting activity.


Thank You for sharing your child centered ideas with us!
Bern

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving to YOU & 2nd Bloggy Anniversary to ME!


Just wanted to take a moment to say,
that I am thankful for each and every one of you
that takes the time to visit us and share in what we do here.

I started this blog 2 years ago with my husband following me -
we have come a long way since then and I never imagined that so many people would want to read my ideas and share in what we do.
It is truly a blessing.

There have been many days over the course of the last few months
when I felt like throwing in the towel and shutting it all down.
Being back at work and having the Lil Divas in school full time
has really required an adjustment from all of us.

Then, I'll get an email from one of you -
thanking me for what we do and telling me how much it has helped you.
Honestly, YOU have helped ME more than I can say.
You have given me the motivation to continue on this journey,
I have derived strength from your emails and comments.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
You are all so wonderful.

It is lovely to know that I am not on this journey alone.
Let's see where the future takes us -
TOGETHER!


Happy Thanksgiving
&
I hope you enjoy your time with your family.


Bern


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Keeping Your Family Healthy During Cold and Flu Season - #KleenexCares

Cold and flu season is here. Everywhere I look people are sick. Runny noses are rampant and the sounds of coughing fill the air. The cycle has gone through our home, hitting us all at different times so that it feels like there was an endless round of sickness for the last month or so. It's hit us from everywhere - work, school, after school activities, playdates with friends. 

I wish I could keep the Lil Divas in a nice germ free bubble. Alas, it's just not possible so instead I focus on trying to eliminate as much of the contamination as possible. How? I always adhere to my Mom's 6 Basic Tips for Good Health 
1. Wash, wash, wash your hands - Good hand washing is key to reducing the spread of those nasty cold and flu germs.
2. Get plenty of rest - A worn out body isn't equipped to battle cold and flu germs. In order to be 
3. Eat right - Sounds simple right but eating a healthy balanced diet keeps your body in tip top shape. If your body is in tip top shape you are able to fight off those pesky germs. 
4. Wipe it down - Disinfectant wipes are my best friend. Think of all the things we touch in the course of a day. Now think of all the people that touched them before you - right after they coughed or sneezed. Eeew! I keep wipes in my purse and always wipe down surfaces such as tables, chairs, grocery store carts, etc. You can't eliminate every germ your family comes in contact with but you can at least keep them at a minimum. 
5. Vitamin C - My family has always embraced the belief that vitamin c is essential to keep colds at bay or at least shorten their duration when you are affected. So drink up that orange juice and snack on pineapples, tomatoes and oranges to keep your body fueled with essential vitamin c.
6. Practice Good Hygiene - Cover those coughs and sneezes with your elbow, NOT your hand! Teach children to use a tissue (be sure you have your Kleenex ready!) and always wash hands after coughs and/or sneezes.


Of course, even though we try to follow those tips there are times when we still get sick.  When one of the Lil Divas is sick my focus shifts to keeping everyone as comfortable and well cared for as possible and trying to keep it from spreading through the entire family.  How? You guessed it, I follow more of Mom's Tips (Mom's really do know best!) -
1. Make them comfortable - set up a cozy spot in bed or on the couch, keep the warm and provide favorite books and/or movies to help pass the time. 
2. Get plenty of rest - When your sick, your body is weakened. Rest, sleep and take it easy so that you can recuperate. 
3. Keep hydrated - Drink, Drink, Drink! Keep your body hydrated. Theres nothing worse than adding dehydration to your list of ailments. Your body needs fluids to recover - drink plenty of water, tea with honey, sip on soup and/or broth and don't forget the vitamin c.
4. Stay home - Don't go to work if you can help it or send sick kids to school. Not only does your body need the rest but you need to keep the spread of those pesky germs to a minimum.
5. Clean, Clean, Clean - After a round of sickness, I clean and disinfect our home thoroughly and wash all sheets, clothes, snuggle toys, towels, etc to eliminate the germs that plagued us in the first place.
6. Replace Toothbrushes - This is one that many people forget but it's all so important. Toothbrushes house germs, replace them after a bout with a cold or the flu so that you don't re-contaminate yourself or your kids.
7. Do NOT share - Make sure your sick family member does not share cups, straws, utensils etc with the rest of the family. 
8. Saline drops - My youngest actually asks for her saline spray when she has a cold. It really does offer relief from stuffy and/or runny noses. We always have it on hand during colds.
9. Keep them stocked with KLEENEX - Catch all those coughs and sneezes with your Kleenex tissues. They are gentle on sensitive noses and will help eliminate the spreading of germs.

I am truly grateful for my family's good health at the moment. I am even more thankful that I know how to keep them healthy or well cared for during sickness, thanks to my Mom. She always took such good care of our family when we we were sick (she still does) and I am proud to be able to now provide the same comforts to my family.

Would you like to surprise someone who is suffering from a cold or the flu and show them how much you care? Showing you care with Kleenex is as easy as 1,2,3! Just purchase a specially marked box of Kleenex Brand tissue, find the code and enter it online. Then share the Kleenex Brand Care Pack! 

Find out more about the Softness Worth Sharing initiative on Kleenex's website and join them on Facebook.



I hope you and your family stay healthy 
during cold and flu season.
Bern

Disclosure - I wrote this review while participating in an ambassador program by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Kleenex brand and received product samples and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Pine Cone Leaf Painting

I love pine cones. They have so much possibility. A few weeks ago one of my preschoolers gifted us with a box full of pine cones shipped from New York by his grandmother. I was in heaven! My mind was buzzing with ways to use them. 

One of the ways we have used some of these pine cones in my classroom (so far) is PINE CONE LEAF PAINTING


Kids love shaking, rolling and mixing things up to paint - it gets them moving, makes noise and they can watch the result forming art right before their eyes. I save boxes to use for this type of art/painting. As you can see my box has lots of paint splatter - I LOVE it. It's a piece of art all on its own.



I cut various large leaf shapes from card stock to use and let the children choose whichever one they wanted to paint with. We put some paint on each corner of the box (I choose fall colors - yellow, orange, red and green) and put in two pine cones. 



Then, the children got to shake, shake, shake the box to roll the pine cones around. We had a few fly away pine cones when the shaking and rolling got a bit too rigorous but for the most part the box keeps the mess contained.




The pine cones leave some great prints. The more you roll and shake the more pronounced the effect will be. Some children spent a great deal of time shaking and rolling the pine cones while some kept it simple.



We displayed our leaves on our classroom bulletin board and they look AWESOME! It definitely bring a bit of fall into our otherwise sunny South FL classroom.

This is so easy to do at home or in the classroom and it's great for kids of all ages. You can use a covered box if you like with smaller children or are afraid of flying pine cones but half the fun is watching the process and seeing the art right before your eyes.

If you decide to give this a try, 
here's what you'll need:
box top or large lid
large leaf cut outs
(it's best to use sturdy paper like card stock)
paint

Have fun Pine Cone Leaf Painting!
Bern

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Cottonelle "Name It" Contest and Giveaway

This isn't my usual type of blog post. We have never talked "potty" here because my girls are well past that stage but frankly, it's something that affects all of us in our everyday lives. The Littlest Diva has very sensitive skin and suffers from eczema so I have to be very careful and selective (a.k.a picky) of the products I bring into our home for bathing, laundry, skin care and toiletries.  

My go to brand of choice for all of our bathroom "fresh care" needs is Cottonelle. Using Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper in conjunction with their Fresh Care Flushable Wipes is how we keep fresh and clean on a daily basis in our home. I don't know about you but wiping with toilet paper alone never leaves me feeling as clean as I'd like and that is important to me. It's also something I have taught both my girls, so we all make regular use of Fresh Care Flushable Wipes.


I make sure we always have both toilet paper and wipes available in all of our bathrooms for ourselves and our guests. I enjoy providing our guests with everything they need to feel both at home and fresh and clean. I make sure that everything is readily available so that no one feels awkward or has to ask for anything, especially in the bathroom. How embarrassing is that? I've been there and certainly don't want our guests to be put in that awkward position.

Now that I've shared my family's "fresh care" routine with you. I have to ask - do you have a "Fresh Care" routine? Cottonelle is asking us all to rethink our bathroom routines.

The Cottonelle Fresh Care Routine Name It Contest
Cottonelle wants everyone to feel cleaner and fresher by using both Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. They call this combination the "Cottonelle Care Routine". What would you call it? Join the conversation on Cottonelle's Facebook Page  and name it for your chance to win a year's worth of Cottonelle products. I would be pretty excited to win that, wouldn't you?

I visited the page and played with the randomizer and got these names for the Cottonelle Care Routine -
1. Crazy Fresh
2. Fresh Up
3. Hydro Power

Pretty funny, right! They have lots of interesting choices. I actually like Crazy Fresh - it definitely seems appropriate. Check out the Name Generator on Cottonelle’s Facebook Page and you can Name It three ways yourself:
  1. The Randomizer: click and get a random name instantly
  2. The Personalizer: answer a few questions to generate your personalized name
  3. The Customizer: create your own name to add to the Book of Names and be entered for a chance to win a year’s supply of Cottonelle products.

Visit Cottonelle.com for more on Cottonelle toilet paper,
flushable wipes, coupons, and more.




My customized name would be - The Feeling Fresh Duo. What name did you come up with? 

Cottonelle Care Routine Pack Giveaway - (2 winners!)
Share your customized name with me by leaving a comment below (in this post only) before November  23, 2012 for your chance to win 1 of 2 Cottonelle Care Routine Packs being given away here on the blog. Each pack includes a pack of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care Toilet Paper and a pack of Fresh Care Flushable Wipes. 

In order to qualify for the year’s supply of Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care and Cottonelle Fresh Care, entrants must create a name through The Customizer on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page between now and February 28, 2013. Winners will be selected in a random drawing on a weekly basis. There is a limit of one prize per person. See full terms and conditions on Cottonelle Brand’s Facebook Page or Cottonelle.com.
Stay Fresh and Good Luck,
Bern


Disclosure: I participated in this Ambassador campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Cottonelle. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Kid Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas - The Sunday Showcase 11/17

The Sunday Showcase  
featuring..... 
Thanksgiving Crafts & Fun for kids!

The Sunday Showcase

The Sunday Showcase is hosted on FIVE blogs!

Each blog showcases their own features (from the previous week's linky) so be sure to check them all out!

If you are here for the first time please read this informational post for the full details. Anything kid friendly and/or child centered is welcome! You are welcome to share more than one post, but we don't accept links for giveaways,  shops, or downloads for purchase, etc. They will be deleted.

If you're linking up we encourage you to visit some of the other links & our Pinterest board!  

*Important* 
Please note that by linking up you are giving us permission to use a photo (with proper link to you!) in our featured section and on our Pinterest board!  If you prefer not to be featured simply comment below or e-mail me to let us know.

-------------------------------------------------------------
The Showcase Features:


Thanksgiving is less than a week away! How did that happen? It's the perfect time to share all the fab Thanksgiving ideas that were linked  up to last week's Sunday Showcase -

Sunshine and a Summer Breeze made a cute Thankful Turkey Craft 
using handprint, paper plates and paper rolls! 
One Perfect Day shared 40 kid friendly Fall Activities
What a fun sensory & nature activity.
Blog Me Mom made a wonderful Shape Turkey.
Fantastic Fun & Learning shared Thanksgiving Song!  
3Dinosaurs shared their fab Thanksgiving Dot Marker Pages.
The Educators Spin On It provides fun after school Thanksgiving Activities.
JDaniel4's Mom shared their adorable Turkey Headdress.

Do you have a favorite nature play activity
Please share in the comments below.


If you have been featured, grab a button you deserve it!

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From your Hostess:


Thank You for sharing your child centered ideas with us!
Bern



Thursday, November 15, 2012

Christmas Ornament Exchange - Sign-up & Join the Fun!

Christmas is coming & our house is buzzing with both excitement and anticipation. Last year the Lil Divas and I got crafty together and made lots of Christmas ornaments. We gifted some as presents but  most of them ended up on our tree. 

Each year, more of these homemade ornaments make their way onto our tree, replacing store bought balls and ornaments. My dream is to someday have our tree covered in these type of ornaments. Why? These imperfect, kid made ornaments mean so much to me.  They are much more priceless than those mass produced store bought ornaments.

They are the ornaments that I hope to keep for many, many more years to come. They are the first presents the Lil Divas ever made for us in preschool. They hold memories of priceless moments shared creating together as a family. They hold a little piece of the Lil Divas childhood - forever captured in salt dough, pipe cleaners & beads, wooden crafts sticks or plastic balls. 

Unwrapping these homemade ornaments at Christmas tree decorating time, fills my heart with so much joy. Looking at the Lil Divas tiny handprints, seeing their Christmas photos through the years is one of our favorite parts of decorating the tree. The Lil Divas love seeing their old crafts and hearing the stories of how old they were when they first made them. 

We are all looking forward to making our yearly homemade ornaments this year and I am even more excited to be able to invite you to join in on the Christmas ornament fun this year!

are joining to bring you:


I love Christmas Ornament Exchanges & 
I'm so excited to have you all joining in.

 We can't wait to see what you and your kids create together!

If you would like to follow us you can here:

How this works:

1. Make a Christmas tree ornament, it doesn't have to be a recent one.

2. It can be made from any kind of material.

3. Share our Challenge on your blog and your fabulous ornament and come link it up between Nov 15th -27th.

4. If you want to be a part of the Ornament exchange PLEASE USE A LEGIT EMAIL WHERE WE CAN TOUCH BASE WITH YOU WHEN YOU LINK UP! If you don't want to be a part of the exchange DON'T leave an email when you link up.

5. On the 28th we will pair you up with another blogger who linked up their fabulous ornament.

6. Mail your ornament out to the person you were paired up with.

7. Share on your blog the ornament you rec'd and the blogger who gifted it.

8. Wait expectantly by the mailbox for your christmas ornament to come in. Yay, real mail!!!


Have fun crafting those Christmas ornaments!
Bern