Spring is Here, EXPRESS Yourself.

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

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What's the first thing you think about when Spring comes back around? It's all about the swim suits and shorts for me. Of course I've not worn a swim suit (around other people) in years. I've got way too many mama-medals and excess baby weight to be flaunting this bod about. A girl can dream right? I'm determined to drop 50 - 75lbs so  if, I mean when I get back to my before-babies-body this is how I want to bring 'it' back. Yeah 2012! Back to the present, spring is literally around the corner. What's your style, bikinis or two piece swimwear. And what the heck is a monokini? Just saw one and that's also going on the what-I-can't-wear-yet-list.

I've been browsing women's swimwear at Express.com and here's what suits me .)

Fun bright colors are great aren't they? I love the sorbet but need the support the white one offers. Plus I like seeing anything on sale and these were today at least. Go check out the Express Spring 2011 Swim Collection where Basic Beach gets an upgrade. Designer details include flirty ruffles, self-tie sides, beaded embellishments and even reversible styles, (Now that's speaking to a mommy right there).

Key Note: Bottoms fit smaller to size for moderate back coverage. Order accordingly. I would have to order up since there's nothing moderate about this back, lol.

I "like"

This embellished striped racerback tank is sooo yummy and will go perfectly with
my new short doo!


The Express' Men's line is fabulous.

Hubby's can bring sexy back this spring too with

buy 1 get 1 50% OFF Shorts & Swim.

Pssssttt. I have some exciting news!

Express is giving away $2,000. Feeling lucky?!?

Here's how to enter:

Sign up for Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express GiftCards.

I hope I win! I mean, it could be you! So go ENTER and Good Luck!

Click here for sweepstakes rules, this sweepstakes ends April 21, 2011 at 11:59pm, EST.

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Holidays at the Hiltons of Branson!

This post brought to you by Hilton Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.
I t's been almost two decades since I've been to Branson, MO. Back then I was a little girl on her way to camp. I was excited but scared to be leaving home. Now I'm a grown woman and mother and can't wait to leave home especially for the V-word, Vacation! I would love to return to Branson and see all the things I keep hearing about, like outlet malls, convention centers filled with entertainment, and fabulous food finds. This time of year would be an even better time to visit because I hear Santa frequents Branson and stays at the Hilton.

It's True! Just before Christmas Santa will be visiting children in the dining room of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel every Saturday and Sunday morning and will be helping make family portraits brighter by posing for pictures in front of the tree in the lobby. Mrs. Claus will be hosting story time each Friday and Saturday by the same tree. This special time is open to the public and ends mid December. Click here for more about Holidays at the Hilton.

December is one of the best times to stay at the lovely Hiltons of Branson. From December 12th - 30th there are special room rates with up to 50% off regular in-season rates at both hotels. The Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, a 12 story glass tower (pictured below), is connected to the Branson Convention Center. It features a steakhouse, cocktail lounge, and is just minutes from Branson's forty-nine theaters, Silver Dollar City, and other Branson Attractions. The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing is situated within the Branson Landing, a water-front shopping and dining district, and located across from the other spectacular Hilton Hotel.
Both Hotels are located within minutes of some of the best entertainment and recreational attractions around the nation. For those not interested in venturing too far away each hotel has access to the Precor® Fitness Center and wireless high-speed connectivity in each guest room and meeting space. Both amenities are available 24 hours a day. Each hotel gives you an option of a room with one King or two Queen size beds and a 32 inch flat panel television. It's really a win-win situation. Branson really is the ideal location for our family vacations. If it were possible I'd love to go right now.

   

Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing

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That's Wicked Fresh

This post brought to you by Tom's of Maine. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

For forty years Tom's Of Maine has produced some of the best natural personal hygiene products on the market. Right now you would find their body wash, toothpaste, and several deodorants in our bathroom. Due to our beliefs we've even gone so far to make our own deodorants and soaps. Similarly Tom's Of Maine began their company because of their beliefs. We began to make our own soaps because I asked myself why the rise in breast cancer, where is the cure, and aren't we in the 21st century? As technology has gotten more advanced and we are getting smarter (we think) why are chronic diseases and other life debilitating illnesses on the rise? Here are a few of the beliefs this company is based on:  

• We believe that both human beings and nature have inherent worth and deserve our respect

 • We believe in products that are safe, effective, and made of natural ingredients. 

 

I believe the rise in certain cancers are directly related to what we put in and on our bodies. Toothpaste for instance has fluoride in it, and deodorants (antiperspirants) have aluminum present. Are these harmful? Not in small doses but we aren't talking about small doses are we? We introduce these things to our bodies daily if not more. What's the harm? Tom's Of Maine lists all the ingredients that you'll never find in their products here. You will find fluoride and aluminum in some things but with Tom's Of Maine YOU have the choice. 

My family has tried our share of Tom's Of Maine's products, but I can't wait to try the new Wicked Fresh! Mouthwash and Toothpaste. Both are said to stop bad breath without the burn. Plus Right now you could win a $500 Target Gift Card and other prizes at Tom's Of Maine's That's Wicked Fresh contest page. Share your Wicked Fresh moment for a chance to win. I did!

If you're a giveaway junkie like me and can't stand to pass up a good contest enter now:

1- First follow @TomsOfMaine on twitter,

2- then visit That's Wicked Fresh contest page and tweet!

That's it...Want to stay even more connected? "Like" them on facebook too! Good luck to all of you and have a Happy Holiday Season!

 

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Baby Formula: Store Brand vs. Name Brand vs. Recall

This post brought to you by PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

What do you consider the perfect food choice for your new born? I just read this article -  Baby Formula: Store Brand or Name Brand. So what is best if you're not choosing breast milk?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes breastfeeding as the gold standard in infant nutrition.The benefits of breastfeeding are indisputable.                      view source

    From that statement you know where I stand, Breast is always best, but (yeah there is a but) some women choose not to breast feed. They can't get the timing right, or they don't like the feeling, or they simply can't do it. I get that and don't want to come off judgmental in anyway. I am a mom who has worked both part time and full time. Pumped my milk on lunch breaks in bathrooms. I've even had the privilege of taking my baby to work with me and breast feed in bathrooms. Breast milk was a priority and still is.
   I'm a stay at home mommy now and have been breast-feeding off and on for the past 6 years. I think it is so funny though how many solicitations we get from formula companies. They really spend money when it comes to advertising. This would be the Name Brands I'm speaking of. With any product if you don't get your name out there you won't sell, customers won't buy, and companies wouldn't survive. Any formula related coupons, newsletters, emails, and such I forward on to a family that can use them. I've heard of people throwing the formula away because of their beliefs and I've even thought of that but I'm also a frugal momma and desire to help someone somewhere save money. I've recently rethought giving formula away because I've also received a recall letter from Similac...

 The letter stated that the recall of the powder formula included:

Certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers. Certain Similac powder product lines offered in 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans.

To immediately find out if the Similac product in your possession is affected call (888) 376-2054.

The return process will be explained.

    This made me feel a bit weary of giving formula away, I gave a defective gift, one which could have caused discomfort. There's a group out there sharing the the news that store brand formula faces the same standards as name brand formula and because the store brands spend much less on advertising they can pass the savings on to the customer. They aren't cheaper because of quality but because of the quantity to which they advertise. Which do you prefer? No, really is there a product that you swear by and won't use anything else? In lieu of recalls I'll stick by my body as the producer of the "breast milk ever".

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Boudreaux's Butt Paste® Free Sample

This post brought to you by Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

The name gets me every time. Well it's a paste for you butt, makes sense right? Boudreaux's Butt Paste is something we keep in our diaper bag. I've read and heard this is best for more major rashes and soothing irritated skin. AskDr.Sears.com recommends using Butt Paste for severe rashes. I have found that the type of cream you do use depends on the type of rash your baby has. I am a natural kind of girl but I will use our paste when we need to. After visiting their site I found a natural version. There are some other cute products I found as well.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste®

Boudreaux’s Baby Butt Smooth™ Moisturizing Body Ointment

All Natural Boudreaux's Butt Paste^®

Boudreaux’s Baby Butt Bath™ Moisturizing Body Wash and Shampoo

I did know it worked and that some friend's of mine swear on it but I didn't know it was specifically formulated by a pharmacist with direction from a respected pediatrician to provide effective diaper rash care. It goes on and cleans off the same way, smooth and clean! There is nothing worse then putting something on your baby you can't get off, sort of defeats the point.

 If you love Boudreaux's Butt Paste or want to try it for the first time visit Boudreaux's Website to receive  your own free sample. (Offer is located on main page near the bottom.) My little guy loves playing with the tube so I usually get enough out on my finger and place on my leg while I'm changing his diaper. We have started to use cloth diapers and there are certain types of creams you can use that won't cause buildup in the diaper. We already use fleece liners to help draw all moisture away from babies skin but it is also recommended to do this so as not to cause the diaper to repel, causing you to have to strip diapers more often. What do you think of Boudreaux's Butt Paste? Like it, Love it, Tell me!

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Holiday Decor Must-Haves

This post brought to you by Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

The Holidays are near and I am so glad I didn't offer my home to host any dinners. Oops did that sound bad? I mean I'm glad I didn't offer to lose my mind, much better right? I really would love to entertain and host parties but we are less than two weeks until baby time. I think my plate is full. Buuuut... if circumstances were different (in a perfect world I mean) I would have jumped at the chance to host Thanksgiving dinner and open up our home to all those who still have not gotten the chance to come and visit us. December we'll be celebrating our first Christmas as 6 and have spent a full year in our 1st Home.
How do you feel about holiday entertaining? Do you break out in hives at the thought of tons of people in your house or do you stress about cooking for others? I stress about cooking for other people. Okay enough of the fears. I'll act as nothing would bother me and plan my dream Holiday party with help from Pier 1.

For the table.

Beaded Leaf Table Runner - $49.95

Essential Colours Dinnerware - Yellow - $5-$7

Tiered Multi-Colored Apron - $14.95

When I was a little girl my mother would drag me around the mall and other stores looking at different ways to design. We never bought anything but I got to know a few pretty well. Pier 1 was one we frequented quite often. I can't physically go shopping with four kiddos but online shopping is just as good and sometimes better. Look at these deals.

I'm a barganista so these would definitely have to come along

Talavera 8x11 Baking Dish - $12.48

Talavera 2 Quart Baking Dish - $16.38

Yellow Terracotta Square Baker - $19.95

I just know I'd look so cute in that apron up above. Even if I made everyone bring a dish it'd make me feel like I was a classy chef. I'm really digging yellows and browns too it seems. This is the time of year people tend to be a bit more charitable. Feeling Charitable? During the months of November and December, you can support Toys for Tots by dropping off an unwrapped toy and/or making a cash donation at the register.
Even easier you can simply “Like” Pier 1 on facebook at  Facebook.com/Pier1 like I did and they will donate $1 to Toys for Tots for every new fan in November. Tell them @Home-Mom sent you!

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Carmex for the entire body

This post brought to you by Carmex®. All opinions are 100% mine.

New to the market is Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream. I guess I was a bit surprised that Carmex had not made a skin care line yet but it also makes since that they have. I was scheduled to receive both of these butunfortunately only received the Healing Lotion. It came in the mail last week with the package slightly opened and missing was the the Healing Cream. I will not be able to compare the two until the cream gets to me but I'll do my best in sharing with you my thoughts on the lotion.

What are your thoughts on a new Carmex skin care line? What comes to mind when you think of Carmex the company, the product? Color, scent, memories... what do you think of? I think of a tiny yellow porcelain container with a yellow metal cap hidden in the bottom of my mother's purse that I always had to hunt for in the winter or cold months if I had chapped lips. It always felt so soothing too. It had that menthol medicated type smell to it that was no doubt the Carmex smell and I felt really grown up for some reason putting it on my lips. Well now all of that is captured in the Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream.

The healing lotion has a slight scent that brings back those memories of my mom and her purse. It reminds me of fall, how fitting since fall has fully arrived. The bottle is yellow but with red accents and I won't have to search too hard for this bottle in my purse. My husband and I applied the lotion to our hands at the same time. There was no greasy feel at all and I LOVE the smell. The scent reminds me of a warm fire, cookies baking in the oven, and fresh flowers. My hands feel instantly rehydrated and my husband said the same thing. He was driving at the time so having non-greasy hands was a huge plus.

I would like to give away a Carmex® Healing Lotion or  Carmex® Healing Cream to one of you but am waiting on my replacement in the mail. In the meantime  you can enter to win both by just "liking" Carmex on facebook. Tell them @home-mom sent you!

Buy it! Carmex® Healing Lotion and Carmex® Healing Cream each retail at $5.99 and can be found at Walgreens stores, walgreens.com and drugstore.com. Make sure to follow me publicly through google friend connect and subscribe to receive notification when  my giveaway starts.

For extra entries do the following:

Follow Carmex on twitter   Follow Home-Mom on twitter   Like Carmex on facebook   Like Home-Mom on facebook

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PlayStation®MoveGet your Move on!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

How do I plan to lose my preggo baby fat this December? I'm hoping to score one of these and Move! PlayStation®Move has me captivated. Gaming systems like this promote family time and what better way to spend time with kids then to do what kids love. Plus you get active, move, jump, run, shake, roll, dance, the list goes on and on.

There are tons of games to choose from, literally one for every move. For the kids I'd love to try Sports Campions™, Start the Party!™, and EyePet™. Hubby and I love watching anything MMA (mixed martial arts) so The Fight: Lights Out™ would be perfect with its bare knuckle bare all in the basement underground fighting rings. There is golf, bowling, war, and space games. If I were to get this for in the up and coming months *Hint-Hint, Christmas is just around the corner, I'd sure hope Get Fit with Mel B is all wrapped up together with it. This momma grew up with an aerobic instructor for a mom in the eighties, working out at home is no thing and I actually enjoy it. Plus Mel B was the spice girl I always wanted to B.

Already have a PS3? You can still bring motion gaming exclusively to your existing PlayStation®3 with the Move bundle package! PlayStation®Move Bundle – Includes one PlayStation®Move motion controller, a PlayStation Eye camera, Sports Champions Blu-ray game and PlayStation®Move game demo disc for $99.99 (MSRP). Even yet there are other bundles designed around what you have or don't already have.

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Re-Imagine Wool with me

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Rambler's Way Farm. All opinions are 100% mine.

Wool is nature's miracle material, you've heard me say it before but if you're unsure why, I'll say it again. It naturally resists wrinkling and soiling, it repels and absorbs, and controls odor. Perfect for all the cloth diapering mommas like myself. I don't want to talk about babies today though, I want to talk about wool for the big people of the family; Mom and Dad. Ramblers Way Farm is a family business that creates comfortable next-to-skin worsted wool apparel in the USA.  In the past when I've thought of of wool, I thought of Winter of course, then itchy-heavy-non flattering sweaters. What I've found at Ramblers Way makes me want to pretend that I've won a $200 shopping spree and I'm taking you along with me.

First off I was really shocked by the pictures. The material looks so light and just can't possibly be wool but it is. For my imaginary shopping spree (December is on it's way) I would get a set of Long Janes, top and bottoms, and maybe something for my hubby. You can't beat antibacterial pj's and undies. Just look at the picture below. See what I mean? The material is so light and cotton looking.  I've ordered a sample of the fabric because I want to feel it and see it in person and then convince someone (*hint) to get me gift cards, lots of gift cards to use at Ramblers Way for Christmas, Anniversary and my birthday all in the next 6 months. They have forever changed my opinion of wool, no more itchy-heavy-nonflattering sweaters, this is very attractive, practical, and definately the best natural pick of clothing for me and my family.

Women's Next-to-Skin Long Jane (Reg Rise)  |  Men's Next-to-Skin Henley Long Sleeve Shirt

Both have that 4-season wearing power.  No more packing up the wool for winter

This company knows natural, the co-founders Tom and Kate Chappell are also founders of Tom's of Maine. Their passion clearly is in the right place at creating amazing products that are natural and eco-friendly. I'm extremly pleased with all I've found and learned about RamblersWay.com and hope to make my dream shopping spree a reality, soon!

    

        

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I still love technology...

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

Our families current mobile plan is in need of some major changes. I've spent the past few days talking to sales reps with the intent to cheapen our plan and they (I won't mention names) proceeded to lower our minutes, take away internet and charge us just about the same if not more after taxes. Really? This situation just fuels the fire that we are in dire need of change. Not to mention my phone is so archaic and slow and needed to go months ago.

Boost Mobile's devices offer unlimited connectivity to Facebook for one price per month. Isn't that what we all use our phones for anyways? I do, so I can be in constant touch with my friends and family with live-as-they-happen-updates.  Boost Mobile's phones are social in nature, allowing you to post updates anywhere you are. They have some of the best phones out there too including the infamous Blackberry and the i1 by Motorola. But now that I'm older and wiser cool phones are great and all but what about the plans. What will it cost me and what will I get. With Boost Mobile's Re-Boost method of adding funds to your account, making payments is easy. You can Re-Boost your account using a Re-Boost Card or the Credit Card you set up with Boost Mobile Customer Care or simply pay by phone, online, or in person. Plus NO CONTRACTS! You can pick a pay-as-you-go plan or choose from a variety of unlimited wireless plans.

Here's some eye candy. 

Feel free to ooooooh and aaaaaaaaah. I did :)

I'm ready for a new phone asap. Especially after browsing all of these phones. Hopefully there is a Smart phone in my near future. (hint*hint)

       .

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Can you really make money blogging?

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

It depends I guess. I've found a way that looked very promising with SocialSpark. When I first started this blogged I envisioned Reviews/Giveaways featuring the things I loved. Cloth diapers, going green, recipes, homemade crafts, and homeschooling. I never realized that a following usually was required  to gain some of those things. It's been almost 3 months and I've just reached 310 followers and 297 subscribers.

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