tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61980389273331518232024-03-14T04:13:06.800-04:00Five BoysCathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-46623185829569053532013-03-06T15:54:00.002-05:002013-03-06T15:54:56.501-05:00Cafe Escapes Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have the great pleasure of being a BzzAgent. <br />
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What is a BzzAgent you ask? Well . . . by being a <a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/" target="_blank">BzzAgent</a> I get to have the experience of trying new products and services when they are first being marketed. I then give my honest review and promote those products that I like. Oftentimes, BzzAgent will send me full-sized products, samples and coupons. They tailor the items that they send me based on my profile and quick surveys that I complete.<br />
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What does it take to become a BzzAgent? Nothing, really. It's free! All they want from you is your honest opinion. Check it out . . .<a href="http://www.bzzagent.com/">www.bzzagent.com</a>.<br />
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Recently, BzzAgent sent me some product from the new Cafe Escapes line of Kcups. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip7hicgPewUjcEZ3tIXkeLVIX8YA8VL98icZiG5xkKhbLB500Q57tSt_EHTYYDxRUUXzR5jlrjjflcixBzKG1L8BAM3QnNowxUW6Iq0eGJqhxv40y7OVRNRNpiGqAZM_abWEkpDXZV34J/s1600/cafeEscapes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip7hicgPewUjcEZ3tIXkeLVIX8YA8VL98icZiG5xkKhbLB500Q57tSt_EHTYYDxRUUXzR5jlrjjflcixBzKG1L8BAM3QnNowxUW6Iq0eGJqhxv40y7OVRNRNpiGqAZM_abWEkpDXZV34J/s320/cafeEscapes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I <b>love </b>my Keurig brewer! (I actually got introduced to the Keurig brewer through House Party, but that's a different story.) I like the ability that I have with my Keurig brewer to brew a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea at a whim. I love that I can brew iced coffee and iced tea in the summer. So I was very excited to try the Cafe Escapes line of Kcups that BzzAgent sent my way.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My samples!</td></tr>
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<br />I was sent samples of their Chai Latte, Cafe Mocha, Cafe Vanilla and Cafe Caramel. I also received samples of their Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoas. My family and I have tried them all and enjoyed them all greatly.<div>
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I was already a big fan of their Chai Latte and Cafe Mocha. Their Cafe Vanilla was very yummy and a good substitute for a cappuccino. Their Cafe Caramel is to die for. I just needed some salt to make it like a salty caramel from that famous store down the street!</div>
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The kids enjoyed the hot cocoas the other day after I made them walk home in the cold! With the added marshmallows, they finished their drinks in no time. I do have to admit, since I usually make my hot cocoa with milk, that these were not quite as creamy, but at least I didn't have to worry about burning any milk in my pan.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to be warmed up!</td></tr>
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<br />All in all, the Cafe Escapes line is a big hit! I certainly plan on replenishing my supply of Cafe Escapes Kcups and the $2 coupons that I was provided will definitely help. <div>
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Are you a BzzAgent already? What great products have you tried? If not, what are you waiting for?! Go check it out!</div>
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Need a coupon? Just ask!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: BzzAgent sent me samples and coupons to review this product. No other compensation was received. My review and opinions are my own, as always.</span><br /><div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-3400555623566422982013-03-04T11:29:00.000-05:002013-03-04T13:27:57.032-05:00What I Read - February 2013February was another great month of reading for me. I had two great books that I read for my two (!) book clubs and one other book that I squeezed in.<br />
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Two books clubs?! Am I crazy or what? <br />
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Yes, I am cheating . . .<br />
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My first book club, which I adore, is filled with ten incredible, accomplished, fun, beautiful and very busy women. So busy though, that we hardly read any books anymore. We still meet once every couple of months for dinner and drinks. We have great discussions. We just rarely talk about books. That is okay with me, because I enjoy these women and the time that I spend with them. I don't want to lose my commitment to them.<br />
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But, it leaves me wishing I had someone to talk books with.<br />
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Lo and behold, I started talking books with a friend. One thing led to another, and we started our own little book club of two! Very low key, but I love it! And it fills that desire I have to discuss books on an intellectual level. <br />
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Such a slippery slope cheating is. The justification. The "it's not you, it's me". Oh, my!<br />
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Seriously, though . . .<br />
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For my new book club:<br />
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<b><i>11/22/63</i> by Stephen King - </b><br />
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This is the first book that my friend and I decided upon as our inaugural read and there is nothing like starting off with a bang! I used to read a lot of Stephen King in high school. He was definitely a favorite author of mine, but I fell off the King bandwagon in college and beyond. This novel, despite it's almost 900 page size, was incredible. I loved the story line, the characters, the dilemmas, and eventually even the length. It is the somewhat familiar question of what would have the world been like if JFK not been assassinated? King takes the question a bit further though and you get to see the ripple effect ("butterfly effect") of some other smaller events as well. Time travel, combined with love story and historical fiction proved to be a real winner for me. <br />
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If you could go back in time and change an event, would you? Your answer might change after reading this!<br />
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My <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> rating: 5/5 stars<br />
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For my "old" book club:<br />
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<b><i>Chanel Bonfire</i> by Wendy Lawless -</b><br />
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Now, after totally dissing my "old" book club, this was my other book club read for the month. Only a couple of us actually read the book, but I was impressed a book was even chosen (usually we don't even delude ourselves). Points given.<br />
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This is a memoir along the lines of <i>Mommy Dearest</i>. I actually liken it to <i>The Glass Castle</i> with money. In <i>Chanel Bonfire</i> we have an addicted, mentally ill (I would guess manic depressive) mother with two daughters that provides a lot of fodder for a novel. While the novel doesn't necessarily give a lot of depth, it does score highly on the train wreck/entertainment scale. I found myself turning the pages quickly if only to see what other horrible things these poor girls had to endure. <br />
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The novel does invoke a lot of questions/discussion about the powerlessness of children in situations of addiction and mental illness. I also think it is interesting how oftentimes the fathers are not held to a higher standard of protecting their children when this is going on. <br />
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If nothing else, you will walk away from this thinking, "hey, my childhood was not <b>that</b> bad!"<br />
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My <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> rating: 4/5 stars<br />
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And lastly for this short month :<br />
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<b><i>Heft</i> by Liz Moore -</b><br />
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My own pick for the month, <i>Heft</i> is the interwoven story of 4 people who all carry a burden on their soul. Be that burden 550 pounds, mental illness, addiction, parental desertion, loneliness, whatever . . . and the toll that weight takes on your life. Loneliness is a big theme in the book. It is how the various characters deal with that loneliness, and how the others in their lives confront it as well, that was so interesting. Do you embrace your aloneness? Do you wallow in being lonely? All very singular reactions.<br />
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I loved this book and the character development. My heart ached for the figures depicted. I had a difficult time when it ended for I wanted to continue with their lives.<br />
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My <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> rating: 5/5 stars<br />
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What is <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> you ask? Only the most awesome place to connect with your friends and fellow readers! Get great book recommendations. Read interesting book reviews. Share your love of reading! Join me, I'd love to be your reading friend!<br />
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Did you read anything great in February? Any wonderful books to recommend to me and my new book club of two? Who do you cheat on?!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-70399505824544119992013-03-01T13:13:00.000-05:002013-03-01T13:13:29.756-05:00Deep Breath<br />
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It's amazing how quickly life gets away from me sometimes. I blink and suddenly I am behind ten loads of laundry and have no food in the house. How does that happen when I don't feel as if I ever stop moving?<br />
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The mental challenges of parenting older (adult?!) children have been interesting lately. Eighteen is definitely not an adult, except in the legal system, and particularly when still being full supported. Just a number, right? Combined with the knowledge that there are the watchful eyes of four younger siblings, we have had a time navigating this new territory. Lines of communication, trust and lots of prayers are being worked on. More on this later?!<br />
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Also, the funny dichotomy of teenagers pulling away and not allowing you to be involved, but then angry when you don't have the answers abound here. I love this (not). Don't talk to anyone, but why weren't you sitting near the other parents? Come to the game, but you're not allowed to cheer. I need a ride, but don't get out of the car to find me even when I don't answer my phone. My only consolation is the fact that I navigated this once and that child allows me to talk to his friends now. Sometimes!<br />
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It makes me long for those physically exhausting days of making sure that they didn't run into the street, drown in the bathtub, fall down the stairs, or choke on the perfectly cut-up grapes. Instead of falling into bed in an exhausted stupor, I'm awake all night with my stomach in knots over "issues".<br />
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All good problems to have though!<br />
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I have some great boxes I received this month to review, yet. Some wonderful books I read last month that I have to suggest. I am also considering to start posting some of my favorite things. If Oprah can . . . Oh, and we have birthday hell week this month too! Fun, fun, fun!!<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-24749929722635150942013-02-12T11:15:00.002-05:002013-02-12T11:15:23.785-05:00Birchbox Review - FebruaryBirchbox was amazingly, awesomely fast with their delivery/shipping this month. Oh, how I wish it would continue like that! In fact, I've gotten to the point where I don't even check my shipment notice, because it really just upsets me that it takes so long!<br />
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Kudos Birchbox!!<br />
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What I received:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February Birchbox</td></tr>
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<br />The theme this month was Red Carpet Ready. Items were chosen to help you look your best for whatever big event you had coming up this month. I wish!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer look</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Oscar de la Renta live in love - </b>perfume sample. Unfortunately, perfume samples are becoming the norm for Birchbox. I like this scent okay. I'm just over all the perfume though. Especially since this is the same exact size I would get at the perfume counter of the department store if I asked, for free. I'm considering changing my profile to state that I have a perfume allergy.</div>
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<b>Jouer Matte Moisture Tint -</b> this is stated to give you a healthy glowing complexion. It is also SPF 15. I'm looking forward to trying this. It is a bitty sample though.</div>
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<b>Kiehls Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream -</b> I like Kiehls products and this is a nice sized sample. This is touted as an anti-aging powerhouse. Yes, please!</div>
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<b>Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle -</b> I was most excited to receive this product after watching the Birchbox spoiler video. I have fine, straight hair that tangles like crazy. I live for detangling sprays. This is one product I may have to purchase full-sized if I like it.</div>
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<b>Ghiradelli Milk Chocolate with Caramel Square - </b>enough said. I don't think it lasted five minutes after opening the box. Thank you!</div>
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Overall a fairly decent box. I can't wait to try the detangling spray and hope I love it. As you can tell, I'm most disappointed in the amount of perfume samples, but I think I can fix that. Still, Birchbox continues to be a nice surprise for me every month, and I love that they stepped up their shipping timeliness!</div>
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What did you like most in your Birchbox subscription this month? Did you get different products from my box?</div>
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Want to try Birchbox? For just $10 a month, you can! Check it out: <a href="" style="background-color: white; color: #ed137a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">https://www.birchbox.com?raf=jsc3n </a><a href="" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">(my link).</a><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I purchase my Birchbox subscription myself. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review. My link does get me referral points, so thanks for clicking!</span></div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-46992179355034645012013-02-09T12:26:00.001-05:002013-02-10T10:26:00.656-05:00ReconciliationIt's a beautiful thing . . .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(source: Pinterest)</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Congratulations Rowan!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZNoAf_l5TgtG1Dt-P0dwwRnTPsfuXHjr5yu0QfSRYZAvPVNU6AQ6aUdv6UwLLAVelrcab8xWn0KTiBfxB-jqRtdID6TNBZUhp6IiJ5U_nmoz7IdmDJ2-XyCa1Awd_3t_sQTXg1ZXL3iE/s1600/IMG_0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZNoAf_l5TgtG1Dt-P0dwwRnTPsfuXHjr5yu0QfSRYZAvPVNU6AQ6aUdv6UwLLAVelrcab8xWn0KTiBfxB-jqRtdID6TNBZUhp6IiJ5U_nmoz7IdmDJ2-XyCa1Awd_3t_sQTXg1ZXL3iE/s320/IMG_0717.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan 02/09/13</td></tr>
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-39444650931797932582013-02-07T13:18:00.001-05:002013-02-07T13:18:54.909-05:00Graze - Box #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's a new snack subscription box called <b>graze. </b>It is a service that sends you four snack-sized servings of healthy snacks that are "nature delivered" on a weekly basis. Graze costs $5 a box, but I was able to sign up with a promotion where I got my first and fifth boxes for free (essentially $15 for 5 boxes).<br />
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What is great about this service is that you can go on their website and note any allergies, likes and dislikes prior to receiving your first box. Gluten free, nut free, no problem! Currently, you can choose between a nibble box and a light box (lower calorie). I chose the nibble box.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqgTGXEFFjsGv2qDT0eGv60rgdNq3tMVbqCshOMbyzCzVIuHG94pklY2aQ8lu8GzGSNwz_J5l34RsFMbKudouzvNAzdDtdv7HMs9ztkXubqJM1Pb4zGj8crbEza1NsXPgJ9PtKbBmV-So/s1600/IMG_2395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqgTGXEFFjsGv2qDT0eGv60rgdNq3tMVbqCshOMbyzCzVIuHG94pklY2aQ8lu8GzGSNwz_J5l34RsFMbKudouzvNAzdDtdv7HMs9ztkXubqJM1Pb4zGj8crbEza1NsXPgJ9PtKbBmV-So/s320/IMG_2395.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice box!</td></tr>
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<br />I was very excited to receive and try my first box! Even better when I opened it . . . .<br /><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IinWZoV4g4nPqik-XvBCV-GHarNepxrDIkwZZS1MovyF1bf7h4tgWWg41qO-6Nm6K2fVr9PncyfjN1rusXfKA3qXr4k0IuAesV1Ck9UGAM0B8PwSEvXbxOqjWfDn-8lDkCylzB2l35OT/s1600/IMG_2396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3IinWZoV4g4nPqik-XvBCV-GHarNepxrDIkwZZS1MovyF1bf7h4tgWWg41qO-6Nm6K2fVr9PncyfjN1rusXfKA3qXr4k0IuAesV1Ck9UGAM0B8PwSEvXbxOqjWfDn-8lDkCylzB2l35OT/s320/IMG_2396.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this?</td></tr>
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<br />The box is beautifully done! Even better, it comes with a card with nutrition facts and expiration dates. They include a napkin (for people who get it sent to work). Everything is environmentally friendly and recyclable.<br /><br />
My snacks:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNvdEhQHc9UxDTJ53a5K8N_Pa3mli3JMruZu26xaktMQy41Hj-O3qLKZR-m_bMHNy8QgN0StWO-7LMieIvdtBSf-5nwYEqdQizVerCf6oRE3UamVGAWmKzJfCOrnsIZZW1Bs_dfkcio5z/s1600/IMG_2399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNvdEhQHc9UxDTJ53a5K8N_Pa3mli3JMruZu26xaktMQy41Hj-O3qLKZR-m_bMHNy8QgN0StWO-7LMieIvdtBSf-5nwYEqdQizVerCf6oRE3UamVGAWmKzJfCOrnsIZZW1Bs_dfkcio5z/s320/IMG_2399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loved this! Very moist granola bar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoSM6ycOiAVdphd3OljcK8WXkX0wI3fg1BJBepBkMsnsTym_RWhDLde8XV2nDWCz-2-ognk-cQQKupZgs6oenxL8AOnvaKrSD-AN5yTqHNhgVcR_EMfE0F1ZihnI0wDmESDAzk_T5G1Zq/s1600/IMG_2400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtoSM6ycOiAVdphd3OljcK8WXkX0wI3fg1BJBepBkMsnsTym_RWhDLde8XV2nDWCz-2-ognk-cQQKupZgs6oenxL8AOnvaKrSD-AN5yTqHNhgVcR_EMfE0F1ZihnI0wDmESDAzk_T5G1Zq/s320/IMG_2400.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice salty, sweet snack<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0rAtzUq72bBhw-q77DAnHAhINg-cOvhnpl8dtq0k_nli7Chmb7Hai1xn9FHHfyauATyf1eP52bdw7hbVlX11-GyZ_VoQXU2hVj14DcVBqrAiy7e808iYp6h7yusfLNhCxXaTfdOWBfnE/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0rAtzUq72bBhw-q77DAnHAhINg-cOvhnpl8dtq0k_nli7Chmb7Hai1xn9FHHfyauATyf1eP52bdw7hbVlX11-GyZ_VoQXU2hVj14DcVBqrAiy7e808iYp6h7yusfLNhCxXaTfdOWBfnE/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A savory selection of snacks and nuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObAeek4xP2rlsQomCHpeoQopz5O24g74C99_iLTg1OfaXJYmjgIq7fgh8Zuiy1eHenPNI04Ql0jKuVpsNWsqhnfRfUIeFaRR8-ilT68o_f0yse-r3l-dFix2T-dXhxlrek98ibyNCPDGm/s1600/IMG_2398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObAeek4xP2rlsQomCHpeoQopz5O24g74C99_iLTg1OfaXJYmjgIq7fgh8Zuiy1eHenPNI04Ql0jKuVpsNWsqhnfRfUIeFaRR8-ilT68o_f0yse-r3l-dFix2T-dXhxlrek98ibyNCPDGm/s320/IMG_2398.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">A dried fruit medley<br />(Sorry for the sideways pic)<br /></td></tr>
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All-in-all a very cool idea! I tried all of the snacks before posting and truly enjoyed them all. They vary in calories from 127 - 240 per serving. Everything was very fresh and provided a nice variety of options.<div>
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Now, you are suppose to receive a box weekly, but there has been a slight delay receiving my second box. Graze sent an email outlining the delay and apologizing. This was very nice from a customer service standpoint.</div>
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Interested in trying Graze? Check them out at www.graze.com. You need an invitation code (here's mine): Z1HRVQZD. You get your first box for free by using this (I get $1 off my next box)!</div>
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After trying your snacks you then go back to their website to "rate" the items you got. Hated something? You don't have to ever get it again. By the same token, you can specify those items you really liked and find others that are similar.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-942848009573973022013-02-05T11:38:00.001-05:002013-02-05T19:53:07.522-05:00What I Read - JanuaryJanuary was a great month for me on the reading front. I read several great books. I love when I get in a groove like that!<br />
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I'm a member of Goodreads and love connecting with my reading friends and finding great books to add to my to-be-read list. Consider joining up!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>The Twelve Tribes of Hattie</i> by Ayana Mathis</span></b><br />
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I must confess that I read all of the Oprah recommended books. Truly, as soon as she announces a book, I'm on Amazon ordering it. Not sure why, but I just do! I also must confess that I usually like the books that she picks, including this one.<br />
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Since we are confessing, I ordered this book before Christmas (the day it was announced). When it arrived, I felt bad buying myself something so close to the holiday, so I gave it to Mark to give to me. Especially since I really couldn't come up with any ideas for gifts for myself. I threw the poor guy a bone. <br />
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This book chronicles the life of a woman and the profound effect she has on her children. It was amazing how different of an effect she had on each of her children, primarily based on where she was in her life at the various impressionable stages of each child. It was a very different insight into the importance of that mother figure in a child's life.<br />
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Even more than the story line itself though, I loved this book because of the writing. It was written so beautifully and with such wonderful descriptions. I do not appreciate poetry and do not enjoy reading it, but to me Ms. Mathis' writing felt poetic.<br />
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My Goodreads rating was 5 stars (out of 5).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>City of Thieves </i>by David Benioff</span></b><br />
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The next book on my pile was given to me by a good friend who simply said that I "just had to read it". Boy, was she right!<br />
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This story is set in WWII Russia and involves a young man who is arrested for looting. He will be pardoned for his crime if he procures a dozen eggs, with the help of a fellow jail mate, for the wedding cake of the Colonel's daughter. Of course, the task sounds a lot easier than it is, given it is wartime Russia.<br />
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This was a humorously disturbing historical fiction. I found it to be a very interesting story that highlights the integrity of the human experience in very inhumane times.<br />
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More importantly, it drove home to me how fortunate I am as an American, not to have experienced war on our soil during my lifetime. <br />
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My Goodreads rating was 5 stars.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Wife 22 </i>by Melanie Gideon</span></b><br />
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The last book I read in January was a much lighter read. It is the story of Alice, who becomes Wife 22 in a study of marriage in the 21st century. <br />
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Alice is a 40-something year old wife and mother of two who has reached that too comfortable point in her life and marriage. She begins to question her relationship with her husband, and then she really begins to critically look at it, while responding to the study questions. Naturally she begins to feel a camaraderie develop with the researcher assigned to her case. Twenty years of marriage angst can easily make one look for virtual "viral" comfort. <br />
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This was a very easy and compelling read. The book was presented in an unique format of texts, tweets and facebook posts, making it very modern and true to today's life. I found it to be a very readable story.<br />
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My Goodreads rating was 4 stars.<br />
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I have some great books on the docket for next month, including two book club books. I hope that this may have given you some good books to put on your night stand!<br />
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Any good book recommendations for me? Have you read anything that you just can't put down?<br />
Leave me a comment! Want to be friends on Goodreads? Check it out!<br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-22131072430223216452013-02-01T13:25:00.002-05:002013-02-01T13:25:27.121-05:00Happy Birthday Rowan<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVfnmF-GXBaaxyuDMPvkl-GSKF2h968zf_REfhBFbP9fMqLCbGs8TuD9F697FttprVj_7Ek-ml-j-tVH9D1b60y8-ZZt58dmdYI5QezquRfr8XC2JHTtPlaWor1mgxDqT7KWdwSK2xv0C/s1600/IMG_2401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVfnmF-GXBaaxyuDMPvkl-GSKF2h968zf_REfhBFbP9fMqLCbGs8TuD9F697FttprVj_7Ek-ml-j-tVH9D1b60y8-ZZt58dmdYI5QezquRfr8XC2JHTtPlaWor1mgxDqT7KWdwSK2xv0C/s320/IMG_2401.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I adore this banner from Target!</td></tr>
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Hard to believe that my baby turned 8 yesterday. <br />
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Eight still seems young, thankfully. Young enough to crawl into my lap. Young enough to need to inform me when he goes to the bathroom in the middle of the night. (And by, the way, what is up with that? At what age do you feel you can go to the bathroom in the middle of the night without informing people?) And (yes!) still young enough to crawl into bed with me when he's not feeling well.<br />
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Still young enough to get toys as gifts and not only clothes, money and gift cards!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
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But, it still seems hard to believe that the youngest member of the family is rapidly approaching double digits.<br />
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I still feel 21 in my head (those rose colored glasses help). So having children get older by necessity ages me. Just stop already!<br />
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I say all of this neglecting to mention that the oldest has hit 18. I did that mindfully though, because while I can convince myself I was 13 when I had Rowan, there is just no way I was 3 when I had Patrick.<br />
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And that brings me to the other cold, hard truth. This is probably the last birthday Rowan will have where all seven of us will be there to celebrate it. I am so excited for this next phase of Patrick's life, but also sad for the change it brings for the family (both good and bad).<br />
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It's hard to be sad when you see the excitement in this one's face though . . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjasGLqF9qxgIH-zbQku04NeNj9M_1CU6MCk8xTZ9cnWAmHLdtdvPN7Pp7oRHp62p_kFJFfsgwjoXbTps8_v1di8kmzNb8kW0ki9NYHQy207KnEnuMHr0c3BhSnR692N3YnNG3zkQaXHG/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjasGLqF9qxgIH-zbQku04NeNj9M_1CU6MCk8xTZ9cnWAmHLdtdvPN7Pp7oRHp62p_kFJFfsgwjoXbTps8_v1di8kmzNb8kW0ki9NYHQy207KnEnuMHr0c3BhSnR692N3YnNG3zkQaXHG/s320/IMG_2407.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rowan at 8</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Dinner (Rowan's choice): chicken wings, tater tots, pickles (I had to throw in some celery and carrot sticks) and ice cream cake (no, no Barbie cake!).</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnWywBBdm885cZQQ42tPtn4pVJ4VLC8mjRNp6dXZ9x2v7HF8Yb38BtUYuP5Oo1YHA_HvNkSsT064uWJJMmdt3Nb7WLTGiYOdaVbYatwAcqcTGLX42WxW9n0TC56pVgwBpEjS8R2GrRGG_/s1600/IMG_2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnWywBBdm885cZQQ42tPtn4pVJ4VLC8mjRNp6dXZ9x2v7HF8Yb38BtUYuP5Oo1YHA_HvNkSsT064uWJJMmdt3Nb7WLTGiYOdaVbYatwAcqcTGLX42WxW9n0TC56pVgwBpEjS8R2GrRGG_/s320/IMG_2402.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dairy Queen cakes are the best!</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Love that sweet boy!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-7764495453256119842013-02-01T09:38:00.003-05:002013-02-01T09:40:16.494-05:00January Goodies Co.If there was ever a subscription box for you to dip your toe in the water with, it would be this one!<br />
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Goodies Co. is a new subscription snack box that is still in beta testing. I was so excited when I was able to "get in". It is a division of Walmart Stores Inc., so I have a strong suspicion that it will be sticking around! For $7 a month (shipping included) you get 5 - 8 new food items sent to your door.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-uGgv51EYfRwxv6sN6qqDTIxlcpTNbpEHpz7DTfYxSVFmtLWFZP4iyblrJWIp6F4dhtymaGm_QQtv4MasplfmqosJBMULXIFGiMi8os4cX9XcfkeyOYbdKNhpC3OSw5UnWJFPKxfWkFC/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-uGgv51EYfRwxv6sN6qqDTIxlcpTNbpEHpz7DTfYxSVFmtLWFZP4iyblrJWIp6F4dhtymaGm_QQtv4MasplfmqosJBMULXIFGiMi8os4cX9XcfkeyOYbdKNhpC3OSw5UnWJFPKxfWkFC/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to see what's inside!</td></tr>
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The packaging was super cute! Even cuter when I opened the box!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFxJ3crwIfoObHqIzpIqyNqaKiAYbtJ661D-ARHbFw_E7vHAc28CPSJFH-1Hz4O6IeA-2mi2todKxV1BtETNz2oH0AZMWXn3kKDczvwzAwfvvBgEu9Jt5HmSQtMKPjuPxhmRQuUwWX9y6/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFxJ3crwIfoObHqIzpIqyNqaKiAYbtJ661D-ARHbFw_E7vHAc28CPSJFH-1Hz4O6IeA-2mi2todKxV1BtETNz2oH0AZMWXn3kKDczvwzAwfvvBgEu9Jt5HmSQtMKPjuPxhmRQuUwWX9y6/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the inside of the box!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd_bxmNvD5whMt5R4DN3LP-MVOBjVcyPsOoQE5UuXiMEHauVa1sIyDccDRfxvmToP6D8pHD-MtBE5DasI7Mi7uSXqjhBVdOppIWNHlw8krnX6XAeT_zJ2AM7_lVIpT06KoUktTf6dafMK/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOd_bxmNvD5whMt5R4DN3LP-MVOBjVcyPsOoQE5UuXiMEHauVa1sIyDccDRfxvmToP6D8pHD-MtBE5DasI7Mi7uSXqjhBVdOppIWNHlw8krnX6XAeT_zJ2AM7_lVIpT06KoUktTf6dafMK/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the card!</td></tr>
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Just beautiful! The theme for this month's box was "New Year New You" and it was designed to help you fulfill those healthy lifestyle resolutions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhywYdyYlL238IXLGb8z08RH2XkcQy9WjhXJ8GMyN7l3xhyphenhyphencWT7hxKBuBJK9I9N3m4pQ5zFCZJAE2WAtyFUEzqnW7hguDthToCjYCmAEGCbP4wQSu63u6XnnViAj8rGn1S86qdbiMTXhUh/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhywYdyYlL238IXLGb8z08RH2XkcQy9WjhXJ8GMyN7l3xhyphenhyphencWT7hxKBuBJK9I9N3m4pQ5zFCZJAE2WAtyFUEzqnW7hguDthToCjYCmAEGCbP4wQSu63u6XnnViAj8rGn1S86qdbiMTXhUh/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Packed box!</td></tr>
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Now if they meant healthy treats . . . they certainly had you covered! Inside:</div>
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<b>Skeeter Snacks Cookie - Chocolate Chunk - </b>This is a nut free, crisp but chewy chocolate chip cookie. I can't wait to try!</div>
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<b>Nature's Bakery Whole Wheat Fig Bar - </b>a whole wheat alternative to a Fig Newton. I'll be interested to see if they can pull it off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7GVWreoXocD921fxhNYk7Pp8eZoHzbIyURxln78Yh3yY8sOUJGGOK4VyzNr0BYZhHjRD6tGvGsjoRWJHYdXXCSoDUfUHY4G_h6RISCe3sEdDEMkFVZ-fhOzq6R91YuOj3tPl7x3UQ23_/s1600/IMG_2376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7GVWreoXocD921fxhNYk7Pp8eZoHzbIyURxln78Yh3yY8sOUJGGOK4VyzNr0BYZhHjRD6tGvGsjoRWJHYdXXCSoDUfUHY4G_h6RISCe3sEdDEMkFVZ-fhOzq6R91YuOj3tPl7x3UQ23_/s320/IMG_2376.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cookies!</td></tr>
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<b>Go Nola - Maple Pecan Madness - </b>I love granola and I love maple, so I can't wait to try this product also!</div>
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<b>Stretch Island Fruit Chews - </b>I love that these are made with fruit only and no added sugar. The boys would love these. How cute it it that there is a maze game on the front?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5yfsnxKJjhTKFtR_jIW0Et8YFFViJzBAmobX6hhagKucyNJpQB9cX_YoT0IbXh5EAT2ddcYju3WKLQ9THHiuHw5zoSrbMgA9218zd_IgoWgj8L66AdXDZJOlkoPsgNx737Sc6AAglvbO/s1600/IMG_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5yfsnxKJjhTKFtR_jIW0Et8YFFViJzBAmobX6hhagKucyNJpQB9cX_YoT0IbXh5EAT2ddcYju3WKLQ9THHiuHw5zoSrbMgA9218zd_IgoWgj8L66AdXDZJOlkoPsgNx737Sc6AAglvbO/s320/IMG_2377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snacks!</td></tr>
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<b>Flamous Brands Falafel Chips - Spicy -</b> These sounded very interesting, appealed the most to Mark and were opened promptly. Boy are they SPICY! They have great texture and flavor, but have quite the zing to them. These chips are organic and are very high in protein and fiber. I would love to try their original flavor once my mouth recovers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3lh4CTUMWiOzXvKqQ7tnsVJWqT3YqbBdhjyKDYlZ1hF69sn1YtEUrW8W7SqiiXbafdEPT9Xl-58b08TxMwjg55QUZ17FfG8Y305ZL5XjoWtoz_JqXKO3DnpYcsGbcM2epqolpwVluQr1/s1600/IMG_2379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3lh4CTUMWiOzXvKqQ7tnsVJWqT3YqbBdhjyKDYlZ1hF69sn1YtEUrW8W7SqiiXbafdEPT9Xl-58b08TxMwjg55QUZ17FfG8Y305ZL5XjoWtoz_JqXKO3DnpYcsGbcM2epqolpwVluQr1/s320/IMG_2379.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chips!</td></tr>
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<b>Cascal - </b>A natural fermented drink in "fresh tropical". This would be a good alternative to fruit juice, especially if you want something carbonated. I liked the flavor and it only had 80 calories per can.</div>
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<b>Wild Garden Traditional Hummus and Pita Chips - </b>A great on-the-go pack of multigrain pita chips and seasoned hummus. We love hummus and pita chips in this family. This is perfect to pack in lunches or to take to work! Sure beats that French onion dip!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snacks and a drink!</td></tr>
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The box also came with a great card describing the products and their cost. You can then go online to purchase these items. I need to see if Walmart Stores plan to carry these products in their actual stores. I have seen some of these products (Stretch Island) elsewhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSSwxJE4rQqO0uvT-9lfHuiNp5l88OQ404uWl1GOrlhPIOTO-ZFJjkgDHY_TgdVE40FjyWZe3Y8pBRvLWIsY8vjbPpOewT_vebY9BLh4yyrkf35Bgh8eKNPmvdl7RWwTuiObJ3oNgo-L2/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSSwxJE4rQqO0uvT-9lfHuiNp5l88OQ404uWl1GOrlhPIOTO-ZFJjkgDHY_TgdVE40FjyWZe3Y8pBRvLWIsY8vjbPpOewT_vebY9BLh4yyrkf35Bgh8eKNPmvdl7RWwTuiObJ3oNgo-L2/s320/IMG_2375.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descriptive card</td></tr>
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Goodies Co. also allows you to review their products. In return you earn points which can go towards earning free boxes. I couldn't find how many points you need to get that free box though! You also earn points by ordering boxes and products.<br />
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All-in-all I am very happy with Goodies Co. I hope that they stick around and make it through their beta phase! I love finding new food products and you certainly can't beat this price point!</div>
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Interested? Check out their website: www.goodies.co and request an invite!</div>
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Do you have any food subscription boxes that you love? Any that you recommend that I try?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I paid for my Goodies Co. subscription myself. I received no compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.</span><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-70956194157077615242013-01-29T11:22:00.000-05:002013-01-29T11:22:32.416-05:00Barbie Cakes<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IcnXKLasTkiwZZqKPRZm6vFjzYLB1lZWQ9UjB3DSiv7bR39wUs2aLxPu1F-XrDUkZL2PpY6aUIY1wHzoxf3Dh1ABF5m1CW0TZ8hf1s-ONrf3ummzzrpZx8WLp6GG1vGDF1yJIV9i83C_/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7IcnXKLasTkiwZZqKPRZm6vFjzYLB1lZWQ9UjB3DSiv7bR39wUs2aLxPu1F-XrDUkZL2PpY6aUIY1wHzoxf3Dh1ABF5m1CW0TZ8hf1s-ONrf3ummzzrpZx8WLp6GG1vGDF1yJIV9i83C_/s400/photo.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Barbie</td></tr>
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<br />Many, many years ago (years before five boys) I attended a Pampered Chef party. The much touted piece for sale was the large glass mixing bowl, that could ultimately double as the mold for the iconic Barbie cake.<div>
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I had to have it. Visions of little girl birthday parties with everyone ohhing and ahhing over the cake danced in my head.</div>
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So, I got it.</div>
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Now, of course, the bowl has a myriad of other purposes. I use it to mix up the large batches of pancake batter for the Sunday pancake breakfasts that five boys consume. It fits nicely the 18 eggs that are required for scrambled eggs. I use the bowl a lot. It has never seen the inside of the oven though. Not many requests for a Barbie cake around here!</div>
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Granted, nine times out of ten the boys want an ice-cream cake for their birthday. On the rare occasion they want a baked cake, it is usually only a vehicle for the amount of sprinkles and other toppings they can put on it. We have had the typical boy bakery cakes; SpongeBob, baseball, football, soccer and dinosaur themed cakes. We even had a cake in the shape of a hamburger! But cakes are not a big hit around here. Thankfully they haven't found a French onion dip and potato chip cake, because that would be the bomb in their eyes!</div>
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So I swooned the other day when I attended a gathering for a friend's birthday, and there was The Barbie Cake! Oh so pretty and oh so good! And angels sang . . .</div>
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Seriously though, I have a good many friends who have single gendered households similar to mine. We made a pact to make Barbie cakes for each other. </div>
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Maybe, someday, my Pampered Chef bowl will be put to it's intended use!</div>
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Various cakes throughout the years:</div>
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<br />I'm not sure I could convince any of the boys that Ken would look good in a dress! A hill, maybe?! We'll see!!</div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-44362034986181240072013-01-28T12:02:00.001-05:002013-01-28T12:02:12.385-05:00Klutch Club - JanuaryI received my second KLUTCHwomen box on Friday last week. This month's theme was Healthy Weight Management box (filled with products to help you reach your goals).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoe box sized box</td></tr>
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I first signed up for Klutch Club during a promotion last month. I believe I received that first box for around $9 total ($1 for the box with $8 shipping). I liked the box enough to continue with it for at least another month. <br />
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Klutch Club is a monthly subscription box that sends "$50 of the best healthy snacks, supplements, fitness programs, personal care products and more delivered monthly for less than $18". Subscriptions start at $18 for a month to month order and decrease based on your level of commitment. You chose between a women's and a men's box.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First looks</td></tr>
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The box came filled with products!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of stuff!</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Ginger People Ginger Chews</b> - this looks like a full sized product with 8 pieces of chewy ginger candy. Ginger is good for motion sickness and is a nice spicy-sweet candy. Yum!<div>
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<b>Bach Rescue Remedy Gum </b>- another full sized product (17 pieces) of a orange and elderflower natural stress relief homeopathic medicine. I should be chewing this by the box full come 3pm!</div>
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<b>Madecasse Chocolate</b> - 2 squares of their 80% cocoa chocolate for "an all-natural sweetness fix". I'm always happy with chocolate!<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candy, gum and chocolate</td></tr>
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<br /><b>FRS Healthy Slim Chews</b> - Strawberry melon flavored chews (28 count) that provide appetite control and sustained natural energy. The directions state to eat 2 chews 30 - 60 minutes before each of your two primary meals of the day. This is also a full sized product. I'm willing to give this a try!!</div>
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<b>EAS Lean 15 Bar</b> - one bar in chocolate peanut butter designed for post-workout snacking, it provides 15gm of protein. "Get lean and toned". Post-workout snacks are always a hard thing for me to remember (and oh so important) and this may make it easier.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chews and protein bar</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Snikiddy Eat Your Vegetables Chips</b> - a single serving of sea salt flavored vegetable chips. These chips provide a full serving of vegetables. I can't wait to try them! I wonder if they would go over well with the boys?!</div>
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<b>Scheckter's Organic Energy Drink</b> - one can of an organic energy drink that states that it gives your body a boost naturally without the chemicals, shakes and heart palpitations. I'm not a big fan of energy drinks (other than diet Coke), but I'll try one can.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TyVbhmvhD-d3ihZn38Q-ltYMNeME7arLJiy5MmNstF24l9ph7cU0wWjfRxjHQj80pAQ4Nwn_qniQYEgQ9AnAfsVC8rzsrM8oN3Er7Vg2jj7-1_4GseEgKvCfabL35TJxduPS9qQMmeXB/s1600/IMG_2364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TyVbhmvhD-d3ihZn38Q-ltYMNeME7arLJiy5MmNstF24l9ph7cU0wWjfRxjHQj80pAQ4Nwn_qniQYEgQ9AnAfsVC8rzsrM8oN3Er7Vg2jj7-1_4GseEgKvCfabL35TJxduPS9qQMmeXB/s320/IMG_2364.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chips and a drink</td></tr>
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<br /><b>TurboFire's Greatest Hits Cardio DVD</b> - 30 minutes of intense cardio conditioning. I have never really gotten into work-out DVDs. I may have to watch this on the couch!</div>
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<b>Extras:</b> Hypnosis Network's free session plus 20% off, LeBootCamp weight loss program $25 off the 1-month open plan and Pro Compression $20 gift card. I don't really count these as being toward the value of the box, as you have to spend money to use them. Mark has been complaining of calf tenderness with running, so I may try the Pro Compression socks for him. The others, probably not.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DVD and extras</td></tr>
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<br />Klutch Club also comes with a nice brochure that describes the products in the box.</div>
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All-in-all I've been happy with Klutch Club. I think I will give it a few more months. I think it is a good value and I like the variety of products I've received. </div>
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Do you get any sports or fitness related boxes that you really like? Want to try Klutch Club: www.klutchclub.com</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I paid for my Klutch Club subscription myself. This is my honest review. I have received no compensation. All opinions are my own. </span><br /><div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-31492638455242265662013-01-25T16:40:00.003-05:002013-01-25T16:59:41.140-05:00January PopSugar ReviewIt's here! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anticipation</td></tr>
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My January PopSugar box arrived yesterday and it took loads of willpower to not rip it open until today! It took my friends even more willpower to not talk about it in my presence!! Thank you!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</td></tr>
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PopSugar Must Have started last summer. I joined a couple of months in. I believe my first box was September 2012. It is a subscription box service for $35 a month. It is the priciest of the boxes I get, but always well worth it, and always a good value. I have definitely had some favorite months and products, but who doesn't? What appeals to me might not to you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9j5cyv3OelL4xh0k02A1V96O0h8QHu1cZXMj6x7eppd8PUSxEVwy-Fcef-wrmbANpiqOaeYsmxNeg4Nnk2ksDX__H3GbYrp3h8LTcwGxPm4Defaw4UeD0kkocHAdzc9hH1YxinCQEcGF/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9j5cyv3OelL4xh0k02A1V96O0h8QHu1cZXMj6x7eppd8PUSxEVwy-Fcef-wrmbANpiqOaeYsmxNeg4Nnk2ksDX__H3GbYrp3h8LTcwGxPm4Defaw4UeD0kkocHAdzc9hH1YxinCQEcGF/s320/IMG_2349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First looks</td></tr>
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The box always comes fully packed. Awww . . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiiqHu70x4MY2U3njfRKugeyCUs1ETIWCa7mzovza-8qrh89XbjntzEelc5zs0y8OXO1qFBC0CRtj1tZ-z3OcJHYonN9eaeMXks_RGubinB6YfDUoIp36ozCAqIn23uVWYP9AHK_ayvGf/s1600/IMG_2350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitiiqHu70x4MY2U3njfRKugeyCUs1ETIWCa7mzovza-8qrh89XbjntzEelc5zs0y8OXO1qFBC0CRtj1tZ-z3OcJHYonN9eaeMXks_RGubinB6YfDUoIp36ozCAqIn23uVWYP9AHK_ayvGf/s320/IMG_2350.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything inside</td></tr>
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A wonderful booklet is always included which describes the product, why it was chosen and links. The products are broken up into categories:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_rfFBNdYoiWwgwEeDzJgs1Ju5Js_c44xOQKG1xsMAlh0s3rhGEADv2Ig8i0P5jSCNFkLHwOWCARmJbuMUUw8_fdZg4_rRyyxgxSCHnWa6Kmo55aSITu_2A0N6qMt8KBxhgRXpijewSAg/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_rfFBNdYoiWwgwEeDzJgs1Ju5Js_c44xOQKG1xsMAlh0s3rhGEADv2Ig8i0P5jSCNFkLHwOWCARmJbuMUUw8_fdZg4_rRyyxgxSCHnWa6Kmo55aSITu_2A0N6qMt8KBxhgRXpijewSAg/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stability ball</td></tr>
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<b>Must Have Fitness: Merrithew Stability Ball</b> - funny enough, I just got rid of an old fitness ball, so a new one was in order. The box contains a card with several exercises, a pump and a discount code for a pilates dvd.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5uBHSKHBuWCrEwxbovMs5r62CR0BqjqF6HAgOsZaIpvPq72k_Zp7BQsLY7LbTI0Cqxu1dzrI2Ax31nHxSZTzuxe5dHFMuNlgwSnN6wL8jXkhxKUnLTUSYjnNhgPRZWCqlcK8Z-oxbld9/s1600/IMG_2356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5uBHSKHBuWCrEwxbovMs5r62CR0BqjqF6HAgOsZaIpvPq72k_Zp7BQsLY7LbTI0Cqxu1dzrI2Ax31nHxSZTzuxe5dHFMuNlgwSnN6wL8jXkhxKUnLTUSYjnNhgPRZWCqlcK8Z-oxbld9/s320/IMG_2356.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch and lip balm</td></tr>
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<b>Must Have Fashion: The Remix Timebomb </b>- This is a pretty funky watch. I don't have a white watch so I'm glad I got this color (I think people also got pink and blue ones)! There is a LED light that provides quite the light show. I believe you can also buy other bands and switch them out by popping out the watch face.<br />
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<b>Must Have Beauty: Epicurean Discovery Lip Balm </b>- I was most excited about this item as I have a small obsession with lip balms/glosses. Then I saw that it was tea tree oil based. I'm sorry, but tea tree oil makes me think of head lice, as it is a natural repellent for those pesky bugs. Unfortunately, head lice were popular during preschool years and we used this on the boys regularly to ward them off (it works!). Therefore, not a good association for me! Nevertheless, I tried it, and mine really smells bad. Not sure if my balm is bad or if this is just how it smells. Is yours yucky too?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum<br />
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<b>Must Have Food: Popbar Hot Chocolate on a Stick and Jet-Puffed Vanilla Mallow Bits </b>-</div>
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Okay, what's not to love? Stir the hot chocolate stick in warm milk and add some marshmallow bits. Love.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Booklet and Casetagram voucher<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnyvEz7NpSrWxs_g2HRaxbRPaA1eFzGsmq5Kyj99XklhKnoyr75Pt7kRIoep_bSAsqrP11cqQytLlt-Cr58K3Q2m6QasAIZaln_p33GsKvUYHi_ugskaH_T4ud5FiFt5eAXw7AqLrAXJ4/s1600/IMG_2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnyvEz7NpSrWxs_g2HRaxbRPaA1eFzGsmq5Kyj99XklhKnoyr75Pt7kRIoep_bSAsqrP11cqQytLlt-Cr58K3Q2m6QasAIZaln_p33GsKvUYHi_ugskaH_T4ud5FiFt5eAXw7AqLrAXJ4/s320/IMG_2357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bars and coupon</td></tr>
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<b>Special Extras: Think Thin Bars and Casetagram gift certificate - </b>Three thinkThin bars in various flavors were included. I also got two coupons. I like thinkThin bars, and I like that there were three different varieties. The Casetagram voucher is for $15 off your order. Casetagram allows you to customize cases for your phone or tablet, or purchase ones by designers. Maybe . . . </div>
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I always like the variety of things in my PopSugar boxes. The value of the box exceeds $100. I figure if there is one thing that I really like that covers the $35 cost, it is a win. I'm happy!</div>
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Have you signed up for PopSugar Must Have box yet? Have you been happy with it? What's been your favorite item?</div>
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If you haven't signed up yet, you can use code: REFERFRIENDS for $5 off your first box! <br />
A link: http://popsu.gr/tCq.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: I paid for my PopSugar box myself. I have received no compensation for my review. All opinions are my own.</span><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-10752296539867584552013-01-23T08:55:00.000-05:002013-01-23T08:55:44.120-05:00Cravebox - ResolutionsI opted in and received the January Resolutions Cravebox which arrived for me on the 11th.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vVgfswMbMmdbpbiIuymi-lufkfd-reGJgOdPtnbfVYALvywd28ZWoNV6wp44gdcMqTX2G5kmhyphenhyphenc4Tcb-aVvYS0Z9YsT0PjZ-36rlS8W7sCZWpM4_BMJNf0iV-yr54npIG6GKp4-TCqn/s1600/IMG_2324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35vVgfswMbMmdbpbiIuymi-lufkfd-reGJgOdPtnbfVYALvywd28ZWoNV6wp44gdcMqTX2G5kmhyphenhyphenc4Tcb-aVvYS0Z9YsT0PjZ-36rlS8W7sCZWpM4_BMJNf0iV-yr54npIG6GKp4-TCqn/s320/IMG_2324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My banged up box</td></tr>
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From their site: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: ProximaNovaSoftRegular, arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Cravebox is a wildly popular product discovery service that puts extraordinary and crave-worthy products into the hands of our curious, adventurous and fun-seeking Members. Our Cravebox Curators pack up handsome and hefty boxes filled with the latest new products, gadgets, supplies and offers focused around a theme, activity, occasion or hobby that our Members love."</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqm8I5fBsZo5_WBx84p88p6TduH41_aJaMsZiiScfaxA4hv08MkCbIvhJu9_q5NI-FooZvJjQrBeSjl_8Hx0cdArnGPj3nuMKoHQRUFVMl1B7uHxCYVxVlIGXeXtuKMq_Sd_LpkhwGRhC/s1600/IMG_2325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqm8I5fBsZo5_WBx84p88p6TduH41_aJaMsZiiScfaxA4hv08MkCbIvhJu9_q5NI-FooZvJjQrBeSjl_8Hx0cdArnGPj3nuMKoHQRUFVMl1B7uHxCYVxVlIGXeXtuKMq_Sd_LpkhwGRhC/s320/IMG_2325.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First looks!</td></tr>
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I started with Cravebox over a year ago when they were in their beta-phase through SheSpeaks. Initially they were a monthly beauty subscription box which eventually morphed into a themed box for purchase. Boxes cost from $13 - 15 and are an opt-in drawing. They recently started a "series" option where you can automatically receive all of the boxes in a certain theme, such as dog lovers, book lovers, etc.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm0rF6b1d6qZXW02m9S598pkNM_7I2RChLhsLKHRtsgbbRpCRQ_Zkrlg3-6URV8zZMafKhC5wRUD6Gv3E7lVEJiJ-Um448auxTOEWIQXgZPOrHGLYvy7l6JnBtTuzwIUiWKuk0MvzQEau/s1600/IMG_2326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm0rF6b1d6qZXW02m9S598pkNM_7I2RChLhsLKHRtsgbbRpCRQ_Zkrlg3-6URV8zZMafKhC5wRUD6Gv3E7lVEJiJ-Um448auxTOEWIQXgZPOrHGLYvy7l6JnBtTuzwIUiWKuk0MvzQEau/s320/IMG_2326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the goodies!</td></tr>
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This box came jam packed! The goods:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea with coupon</td></tr>
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<b>Celestial Seasons Metabo Balance Tea (2 bags) with coupon: </b>I've already had this tea and liked it a lot. Even better there was 2 tea bags!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGBtzSHnWzKtqcHQYMxnIYESp4j4K6Q6XahKkJpO4iYq_3xoOW5IoKhiMREyjZRduajB0Ip88yEm1ZmAADuvuhvc1aJW3lBieAoxDFysdjh5gLgqUIcuIfPedsxLgECT0jGAxLwXPn_7S/s1600/IMG_2328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitGBtzSHnWzKtqcHQYMxnIYESp4j4K6Q6XahKkJpO4iYq_3xoOW5IoKhiMREyjZRduajB0Ip88yEm1ZmAADuvuhvc1aJW3lBieAoxDFysdjh5gLgqUIcuIfPedsxLgECT0jGAxLwXPn_7S/s320/IMG_2328.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reduced calorie soda</td></tr>
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<b>A&W Ten and 7UP Ten: </b>I have a big addiction to diet soda. It's a problem, I'm aware of it. Both of these taste great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xirD4pk1FOjZ2gh4hzQ-jR0cHdq1FU4G0MipUVEtL4eKJ1nnHph2OWycC5uL9baKOnLj7gP7Q1CSSX8M4u0P-aO57jnvquGifoucuc79rV7ld2TX0HqhsMinyw-lzIY_P4leoaSo-NYy/s1600/IMG_2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xirD4pk1FOjZ2gh4hzQ-jR0cHdq1FU4G0MipUVEtL4eKJ1nnHph2OWycC5uL9baKOnLj7gP7Q1CSSX8M4u0P-aO57jnvquGifoucuc79rV7ld2TX0HqhsMinyw-lzIY_P4leoaSo-NYy/s320/IMG_2335.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wholly Guacamole chip clip and coupon for free product.<br />
Cocoa Via samples</td></tr>
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<b>Wholly Guacamole Free Product Coupon and Chip Clip:</b> I love this product for when I don't have time to make homemade guacamole. Chip clips are always in demand in this house.<br />
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<b>Cocoa Via (4 samples and 20% off code):</b> "You. Renewed" From the Cravebox website: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; font-family: ProximaNovaSoftRegular, arial, verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The cocoa flavanols in CocoaViaยฎ cocoa extract supplement are scientifically proven to help support cardiovascular health by helping maintain healthy circulation." </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #5a5a5a; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll give it a try but doubt that I'll end up buying any online.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVGtIYVtKOLdlz9GWTDMaGBnquiLoG4P0syiNAxMkunjNI077nufeFLX4-D-yBR1-rG-3RPweRuKIj_gsGvbt4uE9xn3uIvq7ElgzE46_z9VTKwbB8CRz1eiBr8Ti-lF44osO-ZX0Yt6w/s1600/IMG_2331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVGtIYVtKOLdlz9GWTDMaGBnquiLoG4P0syiNAxMkunjNI077nufeFLX4-D-yBR1-rG-3RPweRuKIj_gsGvbt4uE9xn3uIvq7ElgzE46_z9VTKwbB8CRz1eiBr8Ti-lF44osO-ZX0Yt6w/s320/IMG_2331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SunRype bars</td></tr>
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<b>4 SunRype bars: </b>I received four bars in various flavors. I love that these are "100% fruit" bars and only 120 calories. A good afternoon snack.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkIVwtzd9g7KY_ZYelK6MTRfsY-JcNmCmlBFIbdkAqioxuB_jsMScjilBudO7qt5JrpwryYRrZIm-pX8IJUpLnSJaO67l6muBjAM6PFyG0riFIPH6jVNlv1qTZw3TLyCgFcVMitWBIQwp/s1600/IMG_2334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQkIVwtzd9g7KY_ZYelK6MTRfsY-JcNmCmlBFIbdkAqioxuB_jsMScjilBudO7qt5JrpwryYRrZIm-pX8IJUpLnSJaO67l6muBjAM6PFyG0riFIPH6jVNlv1qTZw3TLyCgFcVMitWBIQwp/s320/IMG_2334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pantene Moisture Whip<br />
Mary Kay eye cream</td></tr>
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<b>Pantene Moisture Whip: </b>A travel-sized sample, this is essentially a hydrating mousse, which my hair will certainly appreciate this time of year!</div>
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<b>Mary Kay Timewise Repair Eye Cream: </b>I believe this is a full-sized product (!) and it claims to restore a youthful appearance. I'm game!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEbPxfKHhR7JbANMgb4t7tVVX9NpML2CaVmW0uvNJhwOk9nf70-_KRrwdAyPgGhMCkDNWUFRXwpKj7IO5FLg2TBSHdeBaIZzXtCoWXqanwOvU0ePTk-8QenJJsMxj1BewLH-4NvgdxM0s/s1600/IMG_2336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEbPxfKHhR7JbANMgb4t7tVVX9NpML2CaVmW0uvNJhwOk9nf70-_KRrwdAyPgGhMCkDNWUFRXwpKj7IO5FLg2TBSHdeBaIZzXtCoWXqanwOvU0ePTk-8QenJJsMxj1BewLH-4NvgdxM0s/s320/IMG_2336.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zone Perfect bar</td></tr>
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<b>Perfectly Simple by Zone Perfect Bar and Coupon: </b>I love Zone Perfect bars. This one has 10 grams of protein and is gluten free. Another good snack!<br />
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Also, not pictured, was a free product coupon for a Smart Ones by Weight Watchers item. In addition to meals they also carry desserts! Yes, I opted for the dessert!</div>
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All-in-all a great box for $15. I received products that I already love and use and some that I have never heard of and look forward to trying.</div>
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Have you received any of Cravebox's boxes? Do you like this concept? Check them out: www.cravebox.com. Membership is free!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 14px;">Disclosure: My Cravebox subscription was purchased by me. I receive no compensation for my review. All opinions are my own. </span><br />
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-13241197506476527262013-01-22T12:47:00.001-05:002013-01-22T12:47:39.331-05:00I Have A Dream<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of Martin Luther King day yesterday, a thought:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtYPWRjwiX-zxoIKeUjbIJVD5LMsIs3Iuf9Qf801MBJKWa-iP6BMYRCjqFgUjbA0aJ9mjCyTNPNG1fpRxsau0uBdJnAJklxuXDb0v2v_dz9VJEKRDMQdiVzlFrGX9Gj6cfVc-Kgt9uMXJ/s1600/261490322086031645_5vLH9r2n_c1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtYPWRjwiX-zxoIKeUjbIJVD5LMsIs3Iuf9Qf801MBJKWa-iP6BMYRCjqFgUjbA0aJ9mjCyTNPNG1fpRxsau0uBdJnAJklxuXDb0v2v_dz9VJEKRDMQdiVzlFrGX9Gj6cfVc-Kgt9uMXJ/s320/261490322086031645_5vLH9r2n_c1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A very strong statement and one that we try, try, try to instill in our children (growing men) and remember ourselves. I would also add "when no one else is watching".</div>
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Hopefully you enjoyed the day off, if you had it. We froze on the ski slopes. But, as I remarked on the drive home, it is so nice to have a family experience that is enjoyed and participated in by all, ages 7 - 47. </div>
Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-21552821166602951702013-01-17T21:31:00.002-05:002013-01-17T21:31:58.898-05:00January 2013 Birchbox"Best Year Ever" is the theme for the January 2013 Birchbox which arrived for me this week.<br />
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Birchbox is the first beauty subscription service that I subscribed to over a year ago. $10 a month gets you 4 - 6 sample sized offerings in a range of beauty products. Sometimes you will even get a fashion or food treat thrown in! Birchbox tailors their boxes to a profile that you fill out. My understanding is that there are approximately 35 different boxes shipped out each month. My box is probably completely different from yours.<br />
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This month my box looked like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzLGIUyIOgtjeBTRnEL5DxIcbxds9jQNnuzJnMVWQIVvYAY5IdLT1V7JB5h4bDQZpfLpFsmB9rdvw6U7Gz8eN6qLZE-OTvNC7ueS0bCmHS7xiEcvzqlpRttS0olHczVHOESHPcpizcYH9/s1600/IMG_2337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzLGIUyIOgtjeBTRnEL5DxIcbxds9jQNnuzJnMVWQIVvYAY5IdLT1V7JB5h4bDQZpfLpFsmB9rdvw6U7Gz8eN6qLZE-OTvNC7ueS0bCmHS7xiEcvzqlpRttS0olHczVHOESHPcpizcYH9/s320/IMG_2337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First appearances</td></tr>
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<br />And upon opening:<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKqSL2iDNjoJPxq80x5akoxmJREEnVRhlMPOY3sCKM0UB6nOp9R1-QY0kg3lHdirC-w3d188ZCDyHbRX07-Vhwf5EbnApvSc8bDhA96EJWMHcFIP_A7gmM89tQLneTQbS_TzPVcCfrytl/s1600/IMG_2338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiKqSL2iDNjoJPxq80x5akoxmJREEnVRhlMPOY3sCKM0UB6nOp9R1-QY0kg3lHdirC-w3d188ZCDyHbRX07-Vhwf5EbnApvSc8bDhA96EJWMHcFIP_A7gmM89tQLneTQbS_TzPVcCfrytl/s320/IMG_2338.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Everything inside<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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The first item in my box was <b>alessandro Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon</b>. This was a nice French blue color and a good sized sample. I think it will look good on my toes, and if I'm brave enough maybe even my fingers! I love mini nail polishes as I can never see myself finishing a full size bottle of polish. Ever.<div>
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Next up was <b>theBalm cosmetics Put a Lid on It Eyelid Primer</b>. I have used eyelid primer in the past and do think it makes a difference with eyeshadows staying power. I look forward to trying this.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFJC9jvVm3gq6iboZ1Ur9RlzhSsBwEZ7PfqhHa0uLoqQQkp_j_CoJvu0DI56PmuAUO8qEkx8bIVP2DFGRRvmUqGbzaFyaan-C49u-_dW94_3Iq1LCdPZH85fFJNfdU_pK-xbzczz90q7Q/s1600/IMG_2341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFJC9jvVm3gq6iboZ1Ur9RlzhSsBwEZ7PfqhHa0uLoqQQkp_j_CoJvu0DI56PmuAUO8qEkx8bIVP2DFGRRvmUqGbzaFyaan-C49u-_dW94_3Iq1LCdPZH85fFJNfdU_pK-xbzczz90q7Q/s320/IMG_2341.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">somewhat blurry but you get the idea<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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I also got a sample of <b>Harvey Prince perfume: Skinny Chic</b>. I really like this fresh citrus scent. I'm just bummed that my little pump bottle is not working properly. Ugh!<div>
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<b>Ojon damage reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum </b>was also included to smooth and hydrate hair. It's a small sample, but as it is an oil, I expect it will last awhile. My hair can definitely use it this time of year!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULe15J4wJq97Ss-ql_eV_PrFEHRGbJd8fla_nJffEQ_P6UV0FdnKjAAuaRpC5leejtr6yViA4TrDAL9bVj8IS6jZpGummZfuJ9KJ3-yutFvU2iMDp_TGbNQ_AWVWRFN3t8EM_4q4a0GH8/s1600/IMG_2342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiULe15J4wJq97Ss-ql_eV_PrFEHRGbJd8fla_nJffEQ_P6UV0FdnKjAAuaRpC5leejtr6yViA4TrDAL9bVj8IS6jZpGummZfuJ9KJ3-yutFvU2iMDp_TGbNQ_AWVWRFN3t8EM_4q4a0GH8/s320/IMG_2342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lastly, as my "beauty extra" I received two packets of <b>Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream</b>. I have used other Fresh products in the past and have liked them. I appreciate the fact that I was sent two samples to really give this product a try.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfxSeHvs4wFKObp9yZXdkjwKZOh5N4lqKU4cGenj8Kz1gsnYIVyuFrNogBs866AQD98LpnHA4EUQefgF5KJjWjHL3BX18X_xpaLV4KuCgifco_fSkqUWDhxkv45hVK3gjUEGJSVvXYLmC/s1600/IMG_2339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfxSeHvs4wFKObp9yZXdkjwKZOh5N4lqKU4cGenj8Kz1gsnYIVyuFrNogBs866AQD98LpnHA4EUQefgF5KJjWjHL3BX18X_xpaLV4KuCgifco_fSkqUWDhxkv45hVK3gjUEGJSVvXYLmC/s320/IMG_2339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two "extras"!<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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All in all, I'm happy with this month's Birchbox. I think it is a win for $10 a month. I can also earn points by going on their site and reviewing the products I received. Points can be redeemed towards full sized purchases!<div>
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Check Birchbox out: <a href="" style="background-color: white; color: #ed137a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">https://www.birchbox.com?raf=jsc3n</a><br /><div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclosure: My Birchbox subscription was purchased by me. I receive no compensation for my review. All opinions are my own. </span></div>
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Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-23127789095652401282013-01-16T12:12:00.001-05:002013-01-16T12:16:07.061-05:00Another Four EyesMy poor children. <br />
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When I met Mark, and ultimately married him four years later, I thought that we had discussed just about every thing there was to discuss pre-marriage. Goals, children, religion, family and money were all covered. <br />
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We had even covered health-related topics. I was fully aware that he needed corrective vision and required braces as a teenager. As did I, so nothing worrisome there. Right?<br />
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Five children later, we are now well into our fourth set of braces, barreling towards our fifth set. Our orthodontist sees our family enter his waiting room and is planning his trip to Europe in his mind. I'm good with that. Although I think it is a shame we have such crummy dental coverage. <br />
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So, it should honestly come as no surprise that all of the boys are also barreling towards Lasix surgery.<br />
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Patrick, Conor and Aidan required glasses in the fifth/sixth grades. They have all rapidly progressed to wearing contacts to facilitate participating in sports. Aidan made the contacts jump just this month. Lo, and behold, Liam has become the latest glasses wearer of the family. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRWI-Ihf3HFXmTbaRmgF3mn9A-HHlSpjQ215MRKBaBB1sdLg4UlThGV-G5qkVpPIZLeJryIAGWbnRA8zix4hgijzMq4Owpna5o46nZt_3Eqq29zAoRt8bdIsTdcwODpkzulzq0ErlIY5r/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQRWI-Ihf3HFXmTbaRmgF3mn9A-HHlSpjQ215MRKBaBB1sdLg4UlThGV-G5qkVpPIZLeJryIAGWbnRA8zix4hgijzMq4Owpna5o46nZt_3Eqq29zAoRt8bdIsTdcwODpkzulzq0ErlIY5r/s320/IMG_0579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam's four eyes</td></tr>
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Seven people in the family and 24 eyes now. Poor Rowan doesn't stand a chance.<br />
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Funny, but it was Aidan who inquired about how soon he could have Lasix! (umm, when you can have your own health care spending account at work)<br />
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My optometrist is now planning his trip to Europe . . .<br />
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<br />Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-63968501586070611172013-01-15T13:22:00.000-05:002013-01-15T13:22:48.586-05:00Starting OverTrying to start up again. <br />
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New Year's resolution? <br />
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Not exactly.<br />
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Just trying to combine some of those things I love and want to document.<br />
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Hmmm . . . children, books, food and subscription boxes (my guilty pleasure).<br />
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More to follow!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-70971291173831606602011-11-04T21:25:00.000-04:002011-11-04T21:30:49.598-04:00Those Things Boys DoI grew up with three brothers, so I felt fairly prepared for being the matriarch in a family of all boys. <br />
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My brothers (often with my sister and I thrown in) fought. They hit each other, and sometimes with objects, such as golf clubs and baseball bats. They wrecked on bikes and in cars. There was blood, stitches and casts. And that was just the beginning.<br />
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In my little family now, we have experienced most of that. I have become very adept at assessing the need for emergency medical attention. I can butterfly almost any cut, as long as I'm not too concerned with cosmetic appearance. We have had baseball bats, fence posts, dumbells and golf clubs all used as projectiles against heads. There has been a lot of blood, quite a few stitches and several casts. But this one threw me for a loop . . .<br />
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Patrick had been invited to a lake house for the day by some friends in September. They swam and played and had a good time. Several days after that trip, he came to me with his finger swollen three times its normal size and confessed that he was hit in the finger by a BB. I drained the finger of a good amount of bloody pus multiple times over the next week. The finger got a lot better, but yet this bump persisted.<br />
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Now, of course, one asks oneself many questions: Why did you have a BB gun? Why were you shooting the gun? Why were they shooting the gun AT you? What if it was your face, your eye, your ear? Was there a cliff nearby and were your friends jumping off that too?!<br />
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Long story short, despite multiple assurances that the BB did not break the skin and actually go in, we found out today (yes, almost three months later) that that was exactly the case when we went to have this finger lesion taken care of by a good friend.<br />
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I'm almost afraid to ask, "What next?"Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-23259102735584724112011-11-03T09:30:00.000-04:002011-11-03T09:30:27.053-04:00Date NightA girl's dream come true . . . .<br />
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Date night/dinner with five guys . . .<br />
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(Or, momma's not cooking cuz dad's out of town!)Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-24297110555600312002011-11-02T10:36:00.000-04:002011-11-02T10:36:45.194-04:00Happy Birthday Patrick!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at all of those candles!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrb2aLKwrh8_sPhrAvKRwyCSnIbtcbVKCdCF8vzg2b9rJ802pCgFCriwTpdAlrrW43U9sTciRy_3SyZxKHgm8UpoX_89Ayu7GOZutaRZGp7IiZ0Z5V4oo-ClodPwKVDUjU_DGpezBr1LJ/s1600/IMG_1855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrb2aLKwrh8_sPhrAvKRwyCSnIbtcbVKCdCF8vzg2b9rJ802pCgFCriwTpdAlrrW43U9sTciRy_3SyZxKHgm8UpoX_89Ayu7GOZutaRZGp7IiZ0Z5V4oo-ClodPwKVDUjU_DGpezBr1LJ/s320/IMG_1855.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Hard to believe baby Patrick is 17 years old . . . where did the time go?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5YL8BH_XEH6YoezUJM58pyk_IP15xdtMRqvJRp-wjrL9tTpxj0uYPZRRQgshCfkoqdAgKG3Es-9pZCfKxz3PeDEACJaOajjX_mlcR97ulepl6eoNvIT6HfbAatIbAZX8bY4zfWBcbjm_/s1600/IMG_1857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS5YL8BH_XEH6YoezUJM58pyk_IP15xdtMRqvJRp-wjrL9tTpxj0uYPZRRQgshCfkoqdAgKG3Es-9pZCfKxz3PeDEACJaOajjX_mlcR97ulepl6eoNvIT6HfbAatIbAZX8bY4zfWBcbjm_/s400/IMG_1857.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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Dinner: Chicken wings at Quaker Steak and Lube followed by a Dairy Queen ice cream cake. Yum and soooo easy for me! Oh, and the family ate 75 (yes, 75!) wings with NO left-overs. Scary!<br />
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</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-64174372712433545442011-10-24T21:04:00.000-04:002011-10-24T21:04:51.452-04:00Book Review: Cheerful Money<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI29kWioQ5iulH9nUfblGpfkHSE1tDBPWGUkZPfYs5xOIEttPpTTjw43vSO1C8k-7BXnbjqMOBjnQKMIJlRV_YeOgvU60eQXDhHvb8Ai5KHhRT4Kv-EKh5fjgwODLJIfkVscN6zpKqJix/s1600/6431261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI29kWioQ5iulH9nUfblGpfkHSE1tDBPWGUkZPfYs5xOIEttPpTTjw43vSO1C8k-7BXnbjqMOBjnQKMIJlRV_YeOgvU60eQXDhHvb8Ai5KHhRT4Kv-EKh5fjgwODLJIfkVscN6zpKqJix/s1600/6431261.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><br class="clear" style="clear: both; display: block; font-size: 1px; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" /></span><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">I received this book in a holiday book exchange for my book club. I started to read this book three times, actually finishing it on the third attempt. I hate to leave books unfinished, and yet, I was very tempted to, even with this third and final try. </div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
This is essentially an upper class family memoir. Lots of name dropping, vacations, second homes, marriages and money. Also, a great deal of dysfunction. </div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
Just as with any family, there are some very funny stories, drama and scandals. It was the promise of that which kept me turning the pages. Unfortunately, the author drowns a great deal of it in pretentious language, requiring constant referral to a dictionary (my Nook would have been helpful for this). </div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
I would also have preferred a more linear history than the tack chosen by the author, but that is my personal choice. </div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
All-in-all, not a book that I would recommend, unless you knew the author or his family. </div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</div><div class="reviewText mediumText description" itemprop="reviewBody" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="reviewer"><a class="userReview" href="http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4790880-catherine-schmidt" itemprop="author" style="color: #382110; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;">Catherine Schmidt</a></span>'s review <div class="right dtreviewed greyText smallText" style="color: #999999; float: right; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px;"><span itemprop="publishDate">Oct 24, 11</span> <span class="greyText" style="color: #999999;"> ยท </span> <a class="smallText greyText" href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/6431261-cheerful-money" style="color: #999999; font-size: 10px; line-height: 14px; text-decoration: none;">edit</a><span class="value-title" title="2011-10-24"></span></div><br />
<div style="clear: right;"></div><div class="rating" itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating"><span class="value-title" title="2"></span><img alt="2 of 5 stars" height="15" src="http://dkt27ch3b0vq7.cloudfront.net/images/layout/stars/red_star_2_of_5.png?1319235955" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: move;" title="2 of 5 stars, it was ok" width="75" /></div><div>Read from October 18 to 24, 2011</div></span></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-56754534357897513672011-10-24T09:30:00.000-04:002011-10-24T09:30:16.149-04:00Liam's BirthdayA little late but . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzrbqjc_rcy706b-A5ypuMEtBL8vNwGjeOjTkZHMnZ11LextKkfTzJac47tuFSem11YGIzo8ZrkiZmaVj9RuYQSLP8hXD2Jxo7GpSQMaPZxroVM8c8-ZWwofPSMFz0izNF7920RaDczrd/s1600/IMG_1732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzrbqjc_rcy706b-A5ypuMEtBL8vNwGjeOjTkZHMnZ11LextKkfTzJac47tuFSem11YGIzo8ZrkiZmaVj9RuYQSLP8hXD2Jxo7GpSQMaPZxroVM8c8-ZWwofPSMFz0izNF7920RaDczrd/s320/IMG_1732.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Liam turned 9 last month. He chose buffalo chicken wings at BW3 for dinner with a Graeters Buckeye Blitz ice cream cake for dessert. Yum!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzNXa7EL-bVRtLDoKA1yFfqfVyOR25YK1p2k2XZgldUrEozgjRqzcDz-M8KX4yxAsoZKLke4AyKGqSJ0Gw3yecK6y-C1RrzH3MdUzqiwWkZ3qMy5VpXlrEGgDCY5cIhJJaJQjc5sWfmzF/s1600/IMG_1738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzNXa7EL-bVRtLDoKA1yFfqfVyOR25YK1p2k2XZgldUrEozgjRqzcDz-M8KX4yxAsoZKLke4AyKGqSJ0Gw3yecK6y-C1RrzH3MdUzqiwWkZ3qMy5VpXlrEGgDCY5cIhJJaJQjc5sWfmzF/s400/IMG_1738.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Happy Ninth Birthday Liam!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Hard to believe that I quit working nine years ago with the birth of Liam. What a crazy nine years it has been!</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-45384430421549694762011-10-23T16:26:00.000-04:002011-10-23T16:29:49.334-04:00Homecomings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The older boys have been busy with various Homecomings . . . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Patrick:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqsPIY6EIXM8B0nanAVznnc6xCV2TEEmmJdvQfLtI4dLm0U4MLIq6wl7mJ06TbMfLjcvSYxkHf21QMPQDOOpfON-qb_StHfE7IvmRIvfbpOH3yzjyJDh3WLe02Ni-SuuGWxOVxjaNmqXO/s1600/IMG_1791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqsPIY6EIXM8B0nanAVznnc6xCV2TEEmmJdvQfLtI4dLm0U4MLIq6wl7mJ06TbMfLjcvSYxkHf21QMPQDOOpfON-qb_StHfE7IvmRIvfbpOH3yzjyJDh3WLe02Ni-SuuGWxOVxjaNmqXO/s320/IMG_1791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Conor:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wtfCej_-FrSvNTPVxqCepbK9MVnpHFEPBLJjoqpi59n2I3EtSQfquBeJMUGHTCVaHSJJOXk2Pp1Et1sTnuRkzgNeTM5e8rQ6-Ko8WF0d8uDuKebBSf-3tkGswDye8NGrOY4iXpuErSQU/s1600/IMG_1828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wtfCej_-FrSvNTPVxqCepbK9MVnpHFEPBLJjoqpi59n2I3EtSQfquBeJMUGHTCVaHSJJOXk2Pp1Et1sTnuRkzgNeTM5e8rQ6-Ko8WF0d8uDuKebBSf-3tkGswDye8NGrOY4iXpuErSQU/s320/IMG_1828.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Getting so old!</div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-54083256149708643812011-06-21T21:54:00.000-04:002011-06-21T21:55:13.515-04:00Happy Father's Day!!<b>Happy Father's Day</b> to the two dad's in my life . . .<br />
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<b>My father</b>; aka Papa, Daddy, Kikki, Kip, Kippy . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpVrK3O57ObYqqPfImsQ9Fpih3rzr3WgaOW0oLhetp5b7QZDpxJQTqMRQu8LxBF2daZIkfTPvXebZDnytZOBknRmuIcwsRDz55bLsUqHYfwzcrzmCjvSsecgqCw1qT9PQnon94A0lpaHK/s1600/IMG_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpVrK3O57ObYqqPfImsQ9Fpih3rzr3WgaOW0oLhetp5b7QZDpxJQTqMRQu8LxBF2daZIkfTPvXebZDnytZOBknRmuIcwsRDz55bLsUqHYfwzcrzmCjvSsecgqCw1qT9PQnon94A0lpaHK/s320/IMG_1674.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
And the <b>father of my children</b>; aka Mark, Dad, Daddy, Marky and Marky-Mark . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G0DQb1rdEIPYmbf0IAmVyNr7i5RBdTWjacLNx8WtVLzAX6TPv5GaeKcWhtAu6568sLiyHE4yqXAPeIyJdbkqdDO93RDizFHWWwFgGFoOzVJr0oKlT4qG6X4NczsuQMRxQMd9WhYUKucB/s1600/IMG_1673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1G0DQb1rdEIPYmbf0IAmVyNr7i5RBdTWjacLNx8WtVLzAX6TPv5GaeKcWhtAu6568sLiyHE4yqXAPeIyJdbkqdDO93RDizFHWWwFgGFoOzVJr0oKlT4qG6X4NczsuQMRxQMd9WhYUKucB/s320/IMG_1673.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Both great examples to the five future fathers we are raising!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7rfPmoMk88XrHCM0Hg04QwwyvlCNpE_8PUWl-M0Bzgb5tbCiPSsMVk6CVMvsgH8VEGe56-yqI3YuL_LMAFNhWMtHU10sMVdHmeAZSvlAtwEWgyyy2uI4gfm2kZVrB2o9YW_judDad7Z1/s1600/IMG_1675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7rfPmoMk88XrHCM0Hg04QwwyvlCNpE_8PUWl-M0Bzgb5tbCiPSsMVk6CVMvsgH8VEGe56-yqI3YuL_LMAFNhWMtHU10sMVdHmeAZSvlAtwEWgyyy2uI4gfm2kZVrB2o9YW_judDad7Z1/s320/IMG_1675.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6198038927333151823.post-20697333892973280472011-06-18T21:08:00.000-04:002011-06-18T21:08:56.509-04:00Awards Ceremony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Prior to graduation, Conor had his eighth grade awards ceremony. Just a few pictures from that day . . .<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleKkuob5uueeIeGclLIN0ROBOfc6qFGVPTbl0JtJjE60-GIRaYZoO_t8d8HYC_YC9W6KL3FHtSfoWSm3aQLP8L_ijSj3P3wqIolLaSyQbyYp4cxZ7i856ParejNkEzk1HmZGrylGqyzGT/s1600/IMG_1635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleKkuob5uueeIeGclLIN0ROBOfc6qFGVPTbl0JtJjE60-GIRaYZoO_t8d8HYC_YC9W6KL3FHtSfoWSm3aQLP8L_ijSj3P3wqIolLaSyQbyYp4cxZ7i856ParejNkEzk1HmZGrylGqyzGT/s320/IMG_1635.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like father, like son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Award number one:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAukyvNacYGIf-lBTDIFSCi3j70fOwtEtk7t_0e6YDuR4ORGRWjzUvMIe_4riHd1-HE4inNd5VKczUm1z_sjrjf8PqIP6W7ukIxBIm445ZSvuYZjKfkdDs_4eLd78EUa6U_5TrZh4WbCI/s1600/IMG_1637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRAukyvNacYGIf-lBTDIFSCi3j70fOwtEtk7t_0e6YDuR4ORGRWjzUvMIe_4riHd1-HE4inNd5VKczUm1z_sjrjf8PqIP6W7ukIxBIm445ZSvuYZjKfkdDs_4eLd78EUa6U_5TrZh4WbCI/s320/IMG_1637.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The big one . . . .<br />
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Way to go Conor!!Cathyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13101084548357663249noreply@blogger.com0