A Silly Mommy of 2 Silly Girls

Friday, August 20

A Day Out with Mommy

When Princess G had her five year check-up we decided to make it a day out. Right after the appointment, which went well and she is very healthy, we went to this park. The park is not near our house but near the doctor's office so it was perfect. The girls played in the stream and traipsed through the woods. They also found 'interesting and fun rocks' in the creek bed. Surprisingly they did not get too wet. Next to the creek is a playground which they had a blast on. We stayed for over an hour. As a special treat I told the girls I would take them out to eat where ever they wanted and they picked Thai. We ordered Pad Thai and yellow curry chicken. We were stuffed. I did stop and a few more places on the way home which the girls grudgingly agreed to (I bribed them with a stop at the library). I have discovered that the girls will go on more errands with me if we stop at the library but it has to be the last stop as once they have their books they just want to come home and read them!

Thursday, August 19

Seattle Storm WNBA Basketball Game

After waiting in the rain (it was Lauren Jackson Bobble head night) we were so happy to get inside the arena to watch the Seattle Storm play. I have not been to a professional basketball game since my Grandpa took me while I was in college and I have never been to a women game. The girls were just so excited to cheer for the Seattle Storm team and since it was a team of women I think it was even more special. Princess G held her Lauren Bobble Head the whole time and now has her on her nightstand. The girls had a blast with the bammers too! The game was just so much fun, I just love getting caught up in the roar of the crowd. The only difference between NBA and WNBA (granted the last NBA I attended was in the 90s) was I did not hear the crowd boo when the opposing team scored which I liked. Of course the Seattle Storm winning by 46 points (tied with the WNBA record) also helped make it a great game! Princess G loved cheering and hitting those bammers together for the Princess A watched the game so closely and got excited for every 3 point score and there were quite a few. The girls lasted until about half way through the third period and considering the game started at their regular bedtime they did very well. We make the drive home and even picked up cones from McDonald's for dessert. Have you been to a WNBA game this season? WNBA teams are Atlanta Dream, Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, LA Sparks, Minnesota Lynx, NY Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Silver Stars, Seattle Storm, Tulsa Shock, Washington Mystics. Would you like to go? Just go to TicketMaster.com/wnba and enter the promo code WNBABLOG for discounts. Each team has different discounts and if you click here you can see the list for each WNBA team discount. I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by One2One Network on behalf of WNBA and received tickets to the game we attended to facilitate my candid review.

Tuesday, August 17

Wordless Wednesday: All Dressed Up

Monday, August 16

Girl Scout Camp

The girls and I spent a week at a Girl Scout Camp and stayed overnight on Thursday. Princess A wanted to wear her Girl Scout cookie shirt the first day and picked the camp name SuperStar. The theme of the camp was western so Princess G wore her cowgirl shirt the first day and picked Little Hippo as her camp name. My camp name was Smiles, I need a better name but it was the best I could do! SuperStar's unit were know as the Purple Pioneers so on the first day they dressed up in their bonnets and aprons their unit leader made. I really wish I could of been in her unit they did the coolest stuff. The camp was divided up into unit based on what type of troop you will be part of in the Fall. SuperStar was in a Brownie Unit (2nd and 3rd graders), Little Hippo was in the only Daisy unit (Kindergarten and 1st grade) and I found out a few weeks before camp that I would have a Junior unit (4th and 5th graders). Each unit had at least one session at archery. When it was my units turn i hit the bulls eye (I also lost one in the trees too!) Since I had my own unit with 15 girls in it I only saw my girls mostly in passing. Each unit also had a color and wore a bandanna with their color at all time. Little Hippo, wearing her red bandanna, was on her way to decorating their hats. SuperStar's unit color was purple so later in the week they dyed their aprons and bonnets purple using red cabbage. Superstar loved using the cabbage and wants to try it at home some day but she did say it took a really long time. Little Hippos unit was close to mine so if they were not moving around camp I could stop by for a quick 'hello.' She did spend a lot of time digging up large rocks out of the dirt. When camp was finally over I had to wash her shoes twice in the washing machine. Our unit was also near the port-a-potties so I was able to see SuperStar quit often as well.

Here she is laughing because she had just cootied me. Cooties at camp at decorated clothes pins that you clip on people's clothing without then noticing. If they catch you then you get to give all of your cooties to them. The object is to not have and cooties and when you get them to give them away as soon as possible. The beginning and end of camp each day was at the singing tree. The older Girl Scouts would lead songs and Little Hippo just loved the Jellyfish song and all of the silly motions that go with it. Thursday was field day and full of fun activities. Little Hippo had fun with the water gun. As a unit leader I had one and got into water battles with other unit leaders and some of the campers, it was so much fun. Here is SuperStar taking a little break after our lunch of hot dogs and watermelon. Another game on field day was horseshoes. Also at the beginning and the end of each day was a flag ceremony. Each unit (besides the Daisy troop: The Rhinestone Riders) performed the flag ceremony once and SuperStar was the caller for her unit and she did great. On Thursday we stayed the night and after dinner we learned square dancing. SuperStar is showing off one of the cooties right before the dancing started. Everyone slept outside in tents except for the Daisy unit, they slept in the lodge.

I did not let the girls bring their special stuffed animals so Little Hippo picked Sparkles the hippo for camp. I was to sleep in a tent with my unit co-leader but both of her daughters joined her and with no room for my i joined Little Hippo inside. That sounds like a good idea but I was on a cot and Little Hippo joined me in my sleeping bag and she had a few night terrors. She does not normally have them but if she is really over tired she does and they did not go to bed until after 11pm so she was extremely tired. SuperStar slept with her unit in a giant tent and had a blast. She was a little nervous as it was her first time sleeping outside and without a parent but she did great. The camp was a little behind schedule the night before so after breakfast we did the smores. The original plan was for only the Brownie and Daisy units to do smores in the morning but everyone thought it was fun to do it after breakfast. After packing everything up including the tents it was time for skits and awards. Little Hippo got an award for best smile for her unit and the only Daisy to get the Future Archer Award. SuperStar did great on her skit and they was present with and award and her rag dolls she made at camp. She loves this doll and sleeps with her every night.

We had a great time at camp but by the end of the week I just wanted to get home, wash-up and sleep. The girls are already excited about next year, well except for the port-a-potties.

Saturday, August 14

Seventh Generation Giveaway and Review

We have been a fan of Cleanwell for a long time. Princess A can not use regular hand sanitizers since they cause her skin to peel. When I found Cleanwell Hand Sanitizers I was so excited since it was finally a hand sanitizer that she could use. I have also been a fan of Seventh Generation as they make great natural cleaners. Now together they are terrific. Cleanwell uses thyme, yes the active part of thyme oil to kill germs naturally and it smell great too. Now Seventh Generation is using Cleanwell in their Botanical Disinfectant wipes and sprays. I was sent a Back to School kit which included the disinfectant wipes and the disinfecting multi-surface spray cleaner. I was also sent a second canister of disinfectant wipes to give to one of my girls' teacher when school starts. I will give it to Princess G's teacher since I know they use many disinfectant wipes in kindergarten. Would you like to try Seventh Generation products and save some money? Seventh Generation has coupons you can print from their website (I also saw some handtag coupons on some of their cleaners in Target yesterday.)

Would one of like to win the same Back to School kit (includes: Seventh Generation backpack, two canisters of Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes (one for home and one to donate to your child´s classroom), disinfecting multi-surface spray cleaner, facial tissue and paper towels) I received?

To enter please leave a comment with a tip to keep your kids healthy and germ-free this school year.

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Ends 8/28/10 at midnight PST.
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5. Enter another of my giveaways (listed on right near top, one entry per giveaway entered)

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by MyBlogSpark on behalf of Seventh Generation product and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review.

Thursday, August 12

Milly™ The Pinkest Kitten Giveaway and Review

The girls just adore Aurora's YooHoo&Friends so when we heard about Milly™ The Pinkest Kitten we couldn't wait to see her. We were sent two very cute Milly™ The Pinkest Kittens, one a Birthday Girl that holds a little cupcake and the other in the sweetest little vanilla scented cake purse that the kitten sits in (8" PINK KITTY WITH VANILLA CARRIER). They are both so cute and the girls just love them. They did have a hard time deciding who got which one but in the end Princess G picked the Birthday Milly™ The Pinkest Kitten since she just had her birthday.

The kitten are just so sweet and soft. I could snuggle with them for a long time. Aurora also has a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/auroraworld) where you can learn the latest about their adorable stuffed animal.

I have great news one of my readers can win a Milly™ The Pinkest Kitten of their own. To enter just leave a comment with your favorite Milly™ The Pinkest Kitten or which animal you want Aurora to make into a stuffed animal.

If your email is not available on your blog please include in comment.)
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Ends 8/24/10 at midnight PST.
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5. Enter another of my giveaways (listed on right near top, one entry per giveaway entered)

I was provided the complimentary product by Aurora in exchange for my honest review.

Wednesday, August 11

Herman T's BBQ Sauce‏ Review and Giveaway

When summer finally arrives in the Pacific Northwest, sometime after the 4th of July, it is time to BBQ. My husband is not a cook at all in the kitchen but give him a BBQ and he makes magic.

Lately we had been trying out different BBQ sauces and I tried to make the one I remember my dad making when I was a kid. I thought they were all pretty good until I tried Herman T's BBQ Sauce Mix. It taste how BBQ is suppose to taste like. I was little unsure when it arrived in a pouch and I had to add ketchup. Let me just say that the BBQ sauce is just so yummy. Would you like to try some? One of my lucky readers will win a two pack of Herman T's BBQ Sauce Mix.

To enter leave a comment on what you will use the BBQ sauce on (we used ours on chicken breasts.)

If your email is not available on your blog please include in comment.)
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Ends 8/17/10 at midnight PST.
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5. Enter another of my giveaways (listed on right near top, one entry per giveaway entered)

This post was written for Family Review Network & Herman T's BBQ Sauce who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

Tuesday, August 10

Staples for Back to School Giveaway

Have you started picking up school supplies yet? I almost everything that was on the girl's school supply lists. I just need to pick up cups for Princess G's class. The girls don't need notebooks for school yet but when they do Staples has great ones from Do Something 101. Staples, along with Do Something 101 is collecting school supplies for kids who need them. Staples also sent me a planner by Do Something 101, it will be great to keep track of the Daisy troop schedule. Even though the girls don't need notebooks for school

they still had fun using them. Princess G used hers to draw on and Princess A wrote on hers. The girls also claimed the jewel covered stapler and pen (I still don't know where it went) and have been using it ever since. I must say it is the pretties stapler I have ever seen and it works great too. Staples is also having great back to school deals each week. The ads comes out in the Sunday paper or you can look on the Staples website. Have you finished you school supply shopping? If not I have one $25 Staples gift card to giveaway to one lucky reader.

To enter just leave a comment with your favorite school supply. I always love a fresh box of crayons, it just is full of possibilities.

(If your email is not available on your blog please include in comment.)
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Ends 8/23/10 at midnight PST.
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5. Enter another of my giveaways (listed on right near top, one entry per giveaway entered)

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Select on behalf of Staples and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review.

Monday, August 9

Nature Made SAM-e Complete Review and Giveaway

I had never heard of SAM-e and did not know what it is. I went to Nature Made's SAM-e Complete site (http://www.sam-e.com/) to learn more about it.
From the website I learned this:
New to SAM-e? Curious as to what SAM-e is and how it works? You’ve found the right place. We’ve covered the SAM-e basics a lot of people ask before they begin taking SAM-e. If your question isn’t listed below, check out our SAM-e Q&A to ask out nutrition experts. We’ll answer as many questions as we can.

What is SAM-e?

SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that is found in all living things. It’s distributed throughout the human body and it contributes to maintaining mood levels.

How Does SAM-e Work?

Describing exactly how SAM-e works in the body could require a fairly technical response, but in a nutshell SAM-e helps other molecules in the brain do their jobs making you feel like your normal self. When SAM-e levels run low, those other molecules can’t do their jobs as effectively, and you can feel out of sorts from a mood standpoint.

What are the Benefits of SAM-e?

SAM-e helps to promote a healthy mood by ensuring a balance of overall healthy brain cell functions. If taken regularly, SAM-e can begin to help in as little as 7 – 14 days.

What are the Side Effects of SAM-e?

Generally speaking, SAM-e supplements have been shown to be very safe, with no known side effects. One reason for the low level of side effects is that SAM-e is a naturally occurring molecule in your body, and a SAM-e supplement simply replenishes your body’s own natural supply.

What is the Suggested SAM-e Dosage?

To support mood and emotional well being, start with 400mg/day of SAM-e Complete. Clinical studies indicate that benefits are most likely evident after 7-14 days of supplementation. If benefits are not achieved within two weeks, you may require a higher level of supplementation. To determine the proper level of supplementation that works for you, gradually increase the number of tablets (maximum 1600 mg/day) until benefits are achieved.

Why Nature Made SAM-e Complete™?

You can always feel confident placing your trust in Nature Made®, the leading distributor of SAM-e supplements in the U.S. Nature Made stands behind all of our products and guarantees that they are made to our purity and potency standards. Nature Made SAM-e Complete’s tablets are enterically coated to ensure proper absorption and packaged in blister form to help maintain product effectiveness.

Do you want to try Nature Made SAM-e Complete? One of you can win a 3-month supply as well as a reusable water bottle and journal.

To enter just leave a comment with what puts you in a good mood.

(If your email is not available on your blog please include in comment.)
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Ends 8/16/10 at midnight PST.
Extra Entries: (please leave a comment for each extra comment)

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3.Blog about contest (2 entries, leave link in comment)
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5. Enter another of my giveaways (listed on right near top, one entry per giveaway entered)

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nature Made and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review.

Sunday, August 8

Trip to Seattle Center

After we got back from Seaside we decided to take a trip to Seattle. We visited the Pacific Science Center, we have a membership and want to get our money's worth. The girls went straight for the giant weight and pulled on it together. This time the girls spent some time at the tide pools. Nearby was a volunteer with musical instrument. Princess A had fun playing the drum. We final figured out where the changing exhibit is located and on the way found the giant bubble maker. The girls had fun pulling up and making the giant bubble and then blowing until it popped. Princess A wanted to go straight for the tightrope. We both decided to give it a try. Princess A went first on the tightrope and she loved it! Next was my turn. I held onto the safety harness for most of the walk but toward the end did put my arms out and walked. It was a little nerve wracking but lots of fun. The girls really liked the circus exhibit and want to come back while it is still there. We found a box that a human contortionist can squeeze herself into. The girls got in the box together and wanted me to try. I did pretty well, I almost got my whole body inside, only a little of my head was still sticking out. The girls also had fun in the dress-up tent. There are lots of circus costume you can try on and a mini stage to perform on. We were getting hungry so we headed outside (and tried this water wheel) to eat at the Seattle Center. When we got outside the Pacific Science Center we realized that the Taste of Seattle was going on. We got lots of yummy food: fried chicken, sushi, watermelon, jo-jo potatoes, doughnuts and ice tea. We found a spot near the jazz stage and had a wonderful picnic. After wandering around the Taste of Seattle we went back to the Pacific Science Center. Of course we had to visit the butterfly house, no visit in complete without that. The girls then wanted to play in the water area and the little kid area. > It was getting late so we started to head out. Princess A wanted another ride on the bike to see how much electricity she could generate. With a stop by the bathrooms and this cool contraption it was time to go home. We all had a great time including my husband whom does not like crowds at all. We will have to go back soon.

Saturday, August 7

Last day at Seaside

We woke up early for a walk along the beach. The girls and Daddy found a few broken sand dollars and deciding it was to cold headed back to our blanket to play in the sand. I found a ton of unbroken sand dollars. My search for sand dollars took to long and the girls started heading off the beach so this was the only picture I got of them on the beach our last day at Seaside. The girls wanted to visit the arcade so after checking out of the hotel we went. Princess A wanted to try the race car one first. She also really wanted to whack some sharks! Princess G tried the jumping jack game, I am still not sure how that one is suppose to be played but she had fun. For Princess G last game she had Daddy play the race car one with her. We had a very small amount of tickets which the girls used to get a spider and pink vampire teeth. Just before we left we made sure to get a picture in front of the Lewis and Clack statue. I remember visiting the same spot when I was about 11 or 12. We loved Seaside and plan on visiting again, next time for even longer than this trip. Princess G had a wonderful birthday and she said everything was perfect but she wishes the water was not so icy.

Friday, August 6

Princess G's Birthday at Seaside, OR

The first thing Princess G wanted to do was open her gifts. Her favorite present was Lotsobear! She decided that she wanted on about a week before her birthday. I tried ordering one online but they were out of stock. We no longer have a Disney store near us (they only have one in the state and it is far away.) I called the store in Concord, CA and they had them! I called my sister-in-law and she graciously picked it up and mailed Lotsobear so it would arrive before we left. The wonderful Auntie that she is she also picked up one for Princess A also! The girls adore their Lotsbears and have been sleeping with them every night since then. After breakfast we decided to drive to Cannon Beach. It was nice until we got to the beach and the wind picked up. It felt as though we were in a sand storm. Luckily once we reached Haystack rock it provided a little protection from the wind. The girls loved looking at the tide pools and all of the starfish clinging to the rocks. It was still chilly but worth it for the tide pools. When I was little we sometimes went to Santa Cruz and I loved exploring the tide pools there. There is Haystack rock, well worth battling the winds but next time we will try and go on a windless day. Princess G loved walking in the small pools and of course splashing around!

She also had a great time watching the sea anemones opening and closing. As cold as it was Princess A still wanted to go swimming. We let her get her toes wet and I still don't understand how she did not get frost bite, it was that cold! Eventually we made it back to Seaside which was a little windy but not nearly as bad as Cannon Beach. Princess A had a great time playing on the balcony of our hotel room. We were staying right by the river. Princess G really wanted a Happy meal for lunch so we picked that up with some soup and sandwiches from Safeway for us, and ate back in our hotel. they were cleaning our room so we ate in the breakfast room. The girls got changed and we went out to have ice cream cones. Next store was a candy store with a huge selection of over 170 flavors of salt water taffy so Daddy bought them a huge bag with most of the flavors available. Princess G asked to ride the carousel for her birthday so that is where we went next. As usual she named her horse 'Roses'. We went out for dinner and after singing Happy Birthday to Princess G we all shared a mud pie. After dinner we wandered down to the beach and the girls got Daddy to push them on the swing for a while. Of course we had to have cupcakes and candles on her birthday. She made the same wish from her birthday party, to be a fairy. Just too cute.

It was a wonderful birthday for my now five year old!

Happy Birthday my love!

Wednesday, August 4

Second Day of Vacation

After a very yummy breakfast at the hotel, (did I mention it was yummy) we were on our way to Seaside, OR. The first thing the girls wanted to do was go to the beach! Daddy jumped right in and started building sand castles and sand mountains with the girls. Her last day as a four year old! The water was simply freezing but that did not stop them from wanting to go in.

The cold did stop them from getting wet above their knees. After we got cleaned up we went out for dinner and had breakfast. We ate at Pig n' Blanket and it was fun. They have a gift shop inside and the girls spent a long time looking at everything. I really liked Seaside, so many more things to see and do so than Ocean Shores, WA (I still like Ocean Shores but it is much smaller). It was a much longer drive to get to Seaside, but so worth it.

Princess G's Birthday Week Trip

For Princess G's birthday we decided to take a trip to Seaside, OR. We decided to spend the first night in Portland and we stopped in Olympia for lunch along the drive. We stopped at our favorite sushi restaurant from when we used to live in Tumwater. They gave Princess G a special dessert in honor of her birthday and it was very yummy! Eventually we made to Portland and we stopped at the Rose Gardens. There is a small stage that the girls found and put on their own little show. The rose garden is so beautiful, it makes me want to plant even more roses in our garden. Of course my girls found the fountain in the garden and wanted to play with it. Near the gift shop the girls each got a snow cone, blue raspberry, the same color as their dresses. Eventually we went and checked in our hotel and went to find dinner.

For the first time in over five years my husband ate at a Red Robin. (There was an incident involving mayonnaise five years ago.) Princess G loved when they came to sing happy birthday and gave her a sundae. It was getting late but they still wanted to take a swim.

It was a great and very busy first day of our family vacation!

Monday, August 2

Breyers Smooth & Dreamy Review and Giveaway

I adore Breyers ice cream, Princess G loves their french vanilla and I think they make the best coffee ice cream ever!! I was so excited when I was sent a coupon to try one of Beyers Smooth & Creamy Ice Cream Bar or Sandwich. When I found them at Walmart I had a hard time deciding which one to try first. I finally picked the Chocolate Caramel Brownie. It was so yummy! Right after dinner the girls wanted to try them. They were so yummy and rich that the girls could not finish them so I got to finish them, yippy! I love the flavor but I hope they eventually make one with mint chip ice cream since I love ice cream sandwiches with mint chip but they can be hard to find. I am goint to try the Triple Chocolate Chip Bars next time.
Which one would you like to try: Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Vanilla Caramel Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Vanilla Fudge Brownie, or Triple Chocolate Chip? I have coupons to give away on my blog for one free box of one of the Breyers Smooth & Creamy Ice Cream Bar or Sandwich.

To enter just leave a comment with the flavor you would pick.

(If your email is not available on your blog please include in comment.)
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Ends 8/23/10 at midnight PST.
Extra Entries: (please leave a comment for each extra comment)

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3.Blog about contest (2 entries, leave link in comment)
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I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.