The Queen Of My House

Are you done with your shopping?

2011-12-14T22:31:00.000-06:00

I don't know about you, but I have not gotten to do much Christmas shopping. I seem to be so busy with school, homework, my mom, being on our pulpit committee, housework, etc...I can just not get to go anywhere. That is why I LOVE LOVE LOVE Amazon.com! They have just about everything you could ever need...and at a cheaper price than anywhere! As I type this, I am looking at a stack of 8 little Amazon.com packages waiting fr me to open and wrap! If you have never shopped on Amazon, you should check it out! You will love it! My cousin and I are going to go this Friday for a much needed evening together of trying to get some actual hands on shopping accomplished. If I don't have any luck...I guess I will come back home and head back over to Amazon.com!

Happy Shopping!!!!

My Jolley Family

2011-12-08T13:00:00.000-06:00

My Jolley Family

If you look up the word (jolly) in the dictionary, it will read: (happy; cheerful; to encourage someone in a positive way.) I have heard that some last names were derived by what a certain group of people did or how they acted. It seems very fitting to me to think that my family name might have come from my ancestors being cheerful and encouraging to others in a positive way.

Recently, I lost the last 2 members of my daddy’s generation. It all happened much too quickly. They were such a precious group of siblings. I loved to hear the stories of all of their wonderful childhood memories. What a wonderful family bond they shared! A while back, my uncle Robbin visited me and shared some stories about my daddy and how when he suffered a sun stroke as a small child, the rest of the brothers and sisters watched out for him extra close and made him rest and stay out of the sun as much as possible. My uncle explained that during this time is when my daddy developed his ability to play the guitar.

My uncle also talked about them working from sunrise to sunset and earning only 50 cents! I told him I was not sure my boys would even walk out in the front yard to pick up 50 cents! He then went on to share the most touching part of the story…He talked about how he saved up his money from working and how proud he was to get to buy new toys for his brothers and sisters. He said they loved surprising each other with things they knew the others wanted. My heart melted when I heard this story of great sibling love. What a wonderful memory for him to share.

Memories are another reason that losing the last of this generation is so hard on me….I long to hear more stories, to learn more about my sweet daddy that I don’t already know. I still miss my daddy so much that it hurts. He was the greatest man I have ever known….I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful Jolley family. I came along a little late into it….I never even got to meet my grandparents, but I know that they had to be extraordinary people to have raised such a loving bunch of children. I will always be proud to say that I am a Jolley…and I can only hope that I can raise my boys in a way that would make my daddy and all of his brothers and sisters proud. I may have not had as much time with them as many others have, but I have listened intently to every story and cherished each moment I had.

I encourage everyone to take the time to count your blessings, listen to the family stories, ask questions, take notes, stare at the sweet faces of your family, take lots of pictures, give hugs and kisses, and visit a little longer…you never know when you will be saying “see you later” for the last time.

Snowman Tree

2011-11-28T21:04:00.001-06:00

Here is my Christmas tree from my classroom. I got the idea off of Pinterest. However, the one on there had a paper mache head and I really like mine better. Mine is a door hanging I found at Hobby Lobby. The students loved it! I do too...I just can't quit looking at it! What kind of unusual tree have you seen this year?

Photo Card

2011-11-26T01:27:00.001-06:00

Wreath Monogram Christmas

Shutterfly has elegant Christmas party invitations for your holiday party.

View the entire collection of cards.

Pinterest Obsession

2011-11-21T11:31:00.000-06:00

Have you discovered Pinterest ? OH MY! If you have not and would like an invite to it, I would be glad to share and send one your way! It is absolutely brilliant! It is, in fact, my dream come true! I have always found ideas(mostly from the fabulous blogs I read) and wanted to keep them all in one place so I wouldn't forget them. Sadly, I would always forget the exact blog or location I found the cool idea and would become furious when I actually needed it! This is like having your own little online bulletin boards to PIN ideas you find for safe-keeping! Awesome! You categorize your boards however you want them and you can go to them anytime you need the idea! I.Am.In.Love! I have found the most awesome ideas for photos, crafts, cooking, fashion, organization, my classroom...you name it and it is on there! So, go check out the site, browse around....if you need an invite from me....let me know with a comment!

Here are just a few examples of the actual things I have COMPLETED from the site!

(not my actual pictures, though!)

Writing on bananas with toothpicks...my boys loved it when they made the discovery!

Apple dumplings made with Mountain Dew...hubby loved this!

Nutella Cookies...ME and my co-workers loved these!

P.S. So sorry for my long absence. As you know, my mom is still battling her brain tumor and it is getting much worse. I also lost my dear uncle who was like a father to me after losing my daddy. Life just seems to have been so overwhelming, that I have not had my creative energy to blog. I miss you all though and hope to start to work on getting my groove back! Hopefully I still have some readers! :)

$50 Gift Card Winner

2011-06-14T17:23:00.000-05:00

The winner of the $50 gift card is....

AubreyLaine

Please contact me with your mailing info so I can get the card on the say to you! I look forward to seeing what GREAT things you do with the money!

* Sorry it has taken me a few days to post the winner. We have had many things to do with my mom's illness to tball games to my first inservice(eeks!) today! Thanks to all who entered!

Pampers...Challenge {$50 gift card giveaway}

2011-06-02T05:55:00.001-05:00

Pampers is celebrating their 50th anniversary and they are giving me a $50 Visa Gift Card along with a challenge to “Pay It Forward”. How cool is that?! I had many ideas of how to handle it but I really wanted it to spread as far as I could so I bought some diapers and I have placed them in various places where I thought mothers might be caught without a diaper. I put some in some restrooms with a note attached explaining that they were there for those emergency situations. I also distributed a few here and there in a "secret pal" kind of way to various individuals who I thought might benefit from it. I know I always like the feeling of finding MORE of something than I thought I had. I didn't want anyone to know that they were being given anything. It is more fun to me that way.
Pampers is also giving me a $50 Visa Gift Card to giveaway to one lucky reader to take the same challenge!! AWESOME!!!
To enter this giveaway you must be a follower of my blog. (if you are not already, it is easy...and FREE to do!) Then, leave a comment letting me know that you follow AND letting me know how you will handle this challenge. Will you donate the gift card to a church, a family in need, ...etc
This giveaway will end on June 5th and the winner will be announced on June 6th

Pampers is providing me a $50 Visa Gift Card at no cost to participate in this challenge and they are providing the prize winner with their Gift Card at no cost as well.

*Winner of Purex: Bonnie! Email me so I can get your coupon on the way!

Purex

2011-05-07T17:08:00.000-05:00

I am a Purex Insider and that means that I get to sample products for them and share my opinions and info with others. I love that! Sharing my opinions and telling others about great stuff....one of the things I love best!! So...I want to share with you about Purex with Zout washing detergent and Purex Complete Crystals fabric softener! They are awesome! I am really digging the Crystals fabric softener! It is so cool to pour little crystals into your washing machine! YOU will love it too! I have ONE coupon good for a FREE BOTTLE to give to one lucky reader of The Queen of My House! Just leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about laundry! HA! Surely you have one...mine is the SMELL!

Update on Phoebe...

2011-05-03T09:56:00.001-05:00

Awhile back when I had my DAY OF FAME...I included a picture of my new love, my sweet little dog...Phoebe! Several people were curious what she would look like as she grew. Now that she is about 6 months old...I thought I would share a picture of her. This was taken a week ago when the boys decided to take her on a ride around the house on the Gator. Looks like she was loving it!

Here is a close up of those little boys that have me wrapped around their little fingers!

Sorry no giveaways announced yesterday....T-Ball is keeping us busy as bees!

Come on!

2011-05-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

Ok...I have been a little busy! My hubby had a BIG birthday yesterday...I am now married to a 40 year old! HA! We had planned him a HUGE surprise party and now that is over, so I have several posts coming. I have many reviews, and some sweet giveaways! Be on the look out for SEVERAL posts on the same day...hopefully some this evening when I get home! But...I want to give ONE MORE WEEK for you all to have a chance to win the cool birthday prizes for MY BIRTHDAY MONTH! Since you din't quite make it, I will extend it through this SUNDAY in honor of my HUBBY! So...tell your friends! Blog about it, tweet about it, post it on facebook...I only need 15 more followers and everyone who comments HERE will be entered for the GREAT prizes! What are you waiting for?

START SPREADING THE NEWS!

15 to go....

2011-04-20T21:26:00.000-05:00

15 followers to go...

to giveaway the fabulous prizes!

Come on...

SPREAD THE WORD!

If you are confused as to what I am talking about, CLICK HERE to get in on the giveaway!

God's Promise For Boys

2011-04-20T13:39:00.000-05:00

I am way behind in reviewing God's Promises for Boys by Jack Countryman and Amy Parker. I have used this book many times but have not taken the time to review it due to many things going on in my life!
This is a cute little book that is perfect for my little boys! They loved every page in it and learned many valuable lessons from reading it! It is such an uplifting and inspiring little book. It is a great go-to book when you need to reinforce a lesson to your children. I recommend getting this book for anyone who has little boys!

I am so glad I was able to review this for Book Sneeze...

Home Ec 101

2011-04-19T23:27:00.001-05:00

I got to review a chapter of the book Home Ec 101. It seems that it would be a neat little book to own.

Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living by Heather Solos.

Inside the fun to read book, there are four main sections. Section 1 – Clean it. Section 2 – Wash it, Section 3 – Fix it and Section 4 – Cook it. Within each section is a wealth of information invaluable for todays living. Life skills for everyday living. How to be frugal by cleaning, fixing or learning to cook better, is all explained in the joyful easy to understand writing of Home-Ec 101.

I think I will probably purchase the book just to see what else is in it! It has many helpful tips that everyone can use! Check it out for yourself!

I was able to review this by being a member of the One2One Network! I did not receive any payment for my comments and opinions.

Great Giveaways Going On...

2011-04-14T08:43:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you about some great giveaways going on out in blogland!   Well...actually I was a little selfish and thought about NOT sharing so I could have a better chance...but my love for my royal readers won out over my selfishness!   Thank goodness for you! Here are a few that I am loving right now!
1. My dear blogging buddy, Natalie, is having a big week of giveaways! She always totally rocks with her giveaway extravaganzas! Check her out and send her some love! Tell her the Queen sent you!

2. Shasta Anne is having a HUGE giveaway:   up for grabs is a $100 gift card to Forever 21 and a $100 gas card!   Who doesn't need that right now?

3. The lovely, Southern Belle is giving away a darling jewelry board!   I sure could use one (or several) of these!   Check it out!

Good luck!   Let me know if any of you are the lucky winners!   Have a GREAT Thursday!

And....don't forget about the two great prizes up for grabs in MY giveaway!

Help me spread the word about it

MY birthday...YOU get a present!!!

2011-04-05T20:18:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all!   Today is my birthday!   I hope you all have had a great day!   Our high school suffered some roof damage yesterday evening due to high winds so both schools were closed for the students today!   Teachers had to go in and clean our rooms and have meetings...but hey...the kids got a break!   I told everyone it was nice to have school cancelled because of my birthday!!! :)

My boys have treated me pretty good today for my big day! They both gave me my birthday spankings...plus one to grow on! OUCH! They said they wished I would have gotten to have a party like theirs...they suggested Hello Kitty! Gotta love them!

Well...on to the PRESENT...not mine...yours!    I mentioned before that I am now a consultant for Just Jewelry™   I am so loving this company!   The jewelry is awesome!   I am proud to be a part of it!   I would love to tell any of you more about it or for any of you to make up a catalog order or if you are local...you could host an open house!   Check out my website: I am just so excited about it!   So excited...in fact...that I want to give you all a special piece in honor of my birthday!

Here is how it will work...I am getting closer and closer to 500 followers!   (GASP)   It makes me very happy and excited!   I need YOUR help to get there!   SO...all need you to do is to tell everyone about this giveaway, my blog, my craziness, etc....whatever will get them here or remind everyone I am here!

* For an entry to this giveaway...leave a comment telling me you are a public follower of my blog!

* For everyone that comments as a new follower & mentions you sent them...you get another entry!

* Leave a comment telling me you "like" me on facebook...another entry!

You could get so many entries if you spread the word right! I am leaving the giveaway open until the end of the month...hey...an girl needs to celebrate all she can! So...blog about it,...tweet it...share it on facebook.

Now that you know HOW to win...here is WHAT you win...

These are hostess exclusive pieces...I wear them both so much and get so many compliments! Oh...you noticed there are TWO items! Yes...there will be TWO winners! The first named drawn will get their choice and the second will receive the other item! You will both be winners either way! So....START SPREADING THE NEWS!!! I expect lots of comments...and especially all of my LOCAL friends who READ this...ENTER...do not be too embarrassed or shy to enter...good grief...you cannot win if you do not enter! I love to hear from everyone!!! Happy Birthday to me...and YOU!!!

Become.com

2011-04-04T22:10:00.004-05:00

Have you heard of the site called Become? It is the only fully integrated Web-wide product search and comparison shopping site on the Internet. Become.com is fast and easy to use whether you are researching what to buy or simply deciding whom to buy it from.
Click on their Shop button and a world of quality shopping is at your fingertips. With over 20 million products from over 5000 retailers, you can find just about anything you want--and at the best price, too
The comparison shopping feature does even more than show you all the stores that sell the item you want. They give you the total price-- including shipping and taxes-- so there are no unhappy surprises when you click to a merchant. All they need is your zip code to tell you the total cost.
This is really a great site with great features to help you shop while saving you time and money. Some of the more popular times recently were the

mini fridge

wine glass rack

bread slicer

pantry cabinet
seventeen bedding
dressing tables with mirrors
moon chairs

I encourage you to check out Become and make you a great purchase today!

Ebates Giveaway

2011-04-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

I think I have mentioned it before, but I still have a hard time understanding why EVERYONE isn't signed up for Ebates. Basically, you are getting cash back from shopping online!!! I know we all make purchases online...all you have to do is click to the retailer you are shopping with from the Ebates site. I sometimes forget about it until I have my cart ready to check out! No problem...I just close out of the store...head to Ebates.com, search for the store name...then I am automatically directed where it takes me right back to my filled cart. Then, I check out as normal...nothing extra to do. But, the great thing is that by doing that one extra click, I have just earned money back...that means MORE TO SHOP WITH!!! Sounds cool, huh? So, why don't you set up an account? It is easy! Click HERE to let them know I referred you...then you can start referring to! If I get 50 qualified referrals by May 15...I am going to give away a GREAT VERA BRADLEY BAG!!!! What is a QUALIFIED referral? Well, you just have to create an account and make one purchase using Ebates! You will thank me when you see that you are earning CASH BACK for something you are already doing...shopping!!! It is so cool and so much fun...especially when you get your CHECK in the mail! What are you waiting for? Again...be sure and click HERE so they will give me credit for sending you! Be sure to make a purchase soon so you will count as a qualified user. Look at it this way...you are going to be earning cash back, you can start referring people of your own, and if all of you do this, you could have a shot at winning a beautiful purse!! Happy Shopping!!!

Ultimate Blog Party!!!

2011-04-01T13:46:00.000-05:00

Ok..Are you ready for the FIFTH year of the Ultimate Blog Party? I have only been a part of it for 2, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

This is THE place to party April 1 through April 8 2011!!!

Janice and Susan, the twin bloggers behind 5 Minutes for Mom are so excited about the FIFTH annual Ultimate Blog Party!

The Ultimate Blog Party is just that — the ultimate place to party and meet new friends, (but no babysitters, airplanes, or tickets necessary!)
It is super simple to join in on the party! Write a party post on your site, sharing a bit of what you and your site are all about, and then add the URL of that party post to the applicable linky list on the party site. Then start partying! Blog hop through the linky lists, leaving comments and making friends as you go...What more could you want...to win a prize? Well they offer that too! And...they prizes are phenomenal!!! What are you waiting for? Go on over and get started!

Scrabble Flash Winner

2011-03-31T20:22:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I have a lucky winner to announce! The winner of the Scrabble Flash game is....

LESLIE

Congrats! I hope you enjoy the game as much as I do! It really is a cool game! Please email me you mailing info so I can make sure you get the game quickly!!!! Thanks to all those who entered!!!

Haan Steamer

2011-03-30T08:50:00.000-05:00

I recently got do do a product review for CSN Stores. I had a little bit of a hard time selecting which product to review. (They offer SOOO many great products to choose from!) After thinking what I had really been wanting, it hit me! A portable steam cleaner! So, I selected the Haan HS20 Personal Steam Cleaner. Boy, am I glad I did! You see, I already own a Shark steam mop which I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Best mop I have ever owned. I had gotten accustomed to the steam clean and realize how truly fabulous it gets rid of all messes. This Haan cleaner is no exception! It is so powerful. They boys were super excited when it arrived and wanted to help me. It is so strong, the said it felt like they were putting out fires! We went through the house as soon as we got it spraying everything dirty we saw! (Which was quite a great amount of stuff!) It blew away grime buildup from door facings, refrigerator seams, window sills, showers, and TOILETS! Let me just tell you that my toilets are my worst enemy. As you know, I am the Queen of My House, which means I am the only one that does not make messes in the bathroom!!!! So, when I aimed the cleaner at the hinges on the back of the toilet, I was amazed, appalled, embarrassed, impressed, and many more adjectives! There is noway for anyone to really clean UNDER those hinges unless you are a person who unscrews the lid and removes it to make sure of it's cleanliness. (If you do that, I do not want to know about it for I would become amazed, appalled, embarrassed, impressed, and many more adjectives again!) So, since I do not assume there are any of you out there like that, I will have to tell you that if you live with boys in your house, you must invest in one of these so you will be all of above mentioned adjectives too! It really was an eye-opener and I am so proud to say that I have such power behind my cleaning now! Look out house! You are about to get STEAMED!!!!

Thank you CSN Stores!

You have made us live in a more sanitary home!!!!!!

Scrabble Flash Giveaway

2011-03-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ok...y'all! I am a SCRABBLE junkie! I LOVE LOVE LOVE words! That is why I was beyond excited to learn that I was selected to review a new game called Scrabble Flash. MY-Oh-MY! I LOVE THIS GAME!!!!! It was made for someone like me...who has no one to play Scrabble with. It is five little electronic squares and they turn into different letters every game. You can play three different games with the set. You can even play with a friend or just keep challenging yourself...like I do! I sneak it out every chance I get. It all fits in a compact little case that will even fit in your purse! I am so glad I got to review this. As a junior high reading teacher, I so wish I could afford to buy a set for my classroom...but being from the smallest county in my state...funds do not allow it right now. It would be a great tool to use for struggling spellers. Does it sound like a fun game? Would you like to win one? Well....as luck would have it...I have been allowed to give one away to one lucky and royal reader of The Queen of My House! Here's how you can enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite type of game.

2. Leave a comment telling me you follow my blog.

3. Post about this giveaway on your blog for TWO entries!

WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN MARCH 31, 2011......GOOD LUCK!!!

I was given this game for review purposes only. All opinions expressed are my own and I have not been paid for them in any way.

This is what the game looks like if you are looking for it in stores:

Money Minded Winner...

2011-03-25T08:58:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Suze Orman book giveaway is.... Lyssa.   She had a great tip which was to save all receipts!   This is a tip I should adhere to more often!   I am bad at this!   I hope you enjoy your new book and that you learn many great tips to help you financially!   For all of you that did not win...you can still purchase a copy.

Money Minded Giveaway...

2011-03-23T11:15:00.000-05:00

SuzeOrman launched her new online community www.MoneyMindedMoms.com, a site devoted to helping moms make smarter money choices. Suze has revamped the site and partnered with a team of MoneyMindedMoms bloggers, some of whom you may recognize, to bring you more perspectives on money-related topics.
MoneyMindedMoms community members have free access to valuable, easy to follow advice about topics such as erasing and managing debt, raising money minded kids and coupons and discounts. Providing moms with sound advice is Suze’s top priority and she takes the time to personally respond to questions from members and has even been known to post a video response in some cases. Plus, every month through May, one lucky member will win 1-on-1 time with Suze through the “Ask Suze” Sweepstakes. The site offers useful tools like a debt eliminator and expense tracker, a coupon savings center, as well asforums for sharing stories and insights with like-minded moms.

To help get started with taking control of finances and getting back on track this year, Suze has also created a list of the 11 things moms can do to increase their financial savvy in 2011:

Stand in your truth
Make finances a family affair
Live below your means but within your needs
Hope for the best, but plan for the worst
Get rid of credit card debt
Save an 8-month emergency fund
Fund your 401k to the match
Fund your Roth IRA to the max
Start a 529 plan for your kids’ college education
Be “happy you did” vs. “wishing you hadn’t”
Never forget people first, then money, then things

To find out more details about how to accomplish these 11 goals, visitwww.MoneyMindedMoms.com. You can also connect with Suze and the MoneyMindedMoms community on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Money Minded Moms and MyBlogSpark provided me with a copy of Suze Orman's book...entitled Suze Orman's Action Plan

***This book could not have come into my life at a better time.   We are trying to get our finances in order, save money to build on to our home, and pay off debt. This book was a great tool to help us learn some powerful and easy ways to do this. The website is also very informative and helpful. I encourage you to check both of them out!

ONE LUCKY READER of The Queen of My House gets to win their very own copy of this book.

Ways to enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me your best financial tip or advice.
2. Leave a comment telling me you are a follower of my blog.
3. Post about this giveaway on your blog.

Winner will be announced March 25, 2011 (FRIDAY)

Green? Yes...I was...

2011-03-23T10:05:00.000-05:00

Okay...I know I am late about posting the GREEN winner...but I have a good reason...I was a little GREEN myself! The worst kind of green. My entire family spend the E N T I R E past week SICK AS DOGS! This was the worst virus I have ever seen in my entire life! It kicked our tails! WHEW...we are finally back to close to 100%. So...without anymore delay....

The LUCKY winner of the GREEN GOODIES from Carolina Pad is....

CAP CREATIONS

Congrats girlie! Email me with your info and I will see your items are on their way! You will LOVE them!!! Thanks for entering! Look for more giveaways today and tomorrow!

GREEN with envy? Don't be...you can have it too!

2011-03-17T06:32:00.001-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day y'all! I hope you are having a better week than our house is! We have been GREEN all week...as in SICK! Yuck! We have been hit with a nasty virus! We all seem to have finally recovered, but are still feeling the effects from it! On to BRIGHTER things! Have you heard of Carolina Pad? I am sure you have and you have probably purchased many of their cute office supplies over the years! Well...they were kind enough to send me a GREEN package of goodies to celebrate St. Patrick's Day! I loved them all! I am putting them all to good use already! They are made out of awesome material and they are great for organization! Here is a picture similar to what my package looked like!

Are you GREEN with envy yet? I hope so! Carolina Pad is generous enough to allow me to give one of my royal readers the very same package of GREEN GOODIES!!!! Yay for you!!!

Here are ways you can enter:

1. Visit Carolina Pad and tell me what your favorite product is!
2. Become a follower of my blog or tell me that you already are!
3. "Like" me on facebook!
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog for THREE extra entries!

There you go! Bunches of ways to be entered to win this GREAT GREEN prize! Start entering!
I will announce the winner of the giveaway on Sunday, March 20, 2010! GOOD LUCK!

I was supplied this prize for review purposes only. I was not paid in any way. All opinions are my own.

How are you feeling? WIN

2011-03-14T10:06:00.000-05:00

Simply judging on how last week turned out...Here are a few snapshots of how I am feeling going into the beginning of THIS week:

This picture represents the fact that I feel trapped by many things in my life,

I feel pressure coming from all around me and I feel almost smothered some of the time.

This picture represents me being taken along for the ride, but trying desperately to beg to be saved.

I fear that the ride will result in crashing and knocking down a horrendous amount of items!

This picture is my way of saying STOP! I am trying my best to handle all of the pressure! Just let me have time to think and to make all of the right decisions as best I see fit.

So......How are you feeling starting out on this Monday? Play along! I would love to see a few images of how you are feeling! If you do create a post...link back to me and come back and comment telling me you do! I want to come look! Everyone that participates with a link back to my blog will be entered into a drawing for a small envelope of "cheery surprises!" Come on...How are you feeling?

Have a great Monday y'all!

My latest addictions...

2011-03-10T14:46:00.000-06:00

Ok y'all...I have a few new addictions I want to share with ya...These are things I can just simply not get enough of lately.

#1: NUTELLA

I am simply {IN LOVE} with this stuff! I had heard about it before, but since I am not a peanut butter person, and it is on the shelf with the peanut butter, I assumed I would not like it! I should have kept that assumption! I am a fanatic! My whole house is! Our favorite way to eat it? Make a sandwish of it with the spoon and our tongues serving as the bread! YUMMO! Yes...straight from the jar....We are tough like that! My boys have been hiding it from their daddy because he is eating it all up from them! the funny thing is that I was asked to do a Mommy Party and review this product. This was BEFORE I tried it! Then a couple of days later, a friend at work brought a jar for us to try! OH MY! Then it HIT ME...I am going to get to review this...which means MORE OF IT to eat! I became so excited! It was alot more fun when the stuff arrived...
If you have not tried this yet....RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN TO THE STORE AND GET IT...A BIG JAR! YOU WILL THANK ME! It tastes like a melted candy bar! I have to get a spoonful now!

P.S. I really shouldn't tell you this...just to be greedy...but i love you enough that I will! You can win an ENTIRE CASE of Nutella on their website! I get giddy thinking I may be the next winner! Just click on the word Nutella above...good luck! Let me know if you are a lucky winner...you will need my address to mail me a jar! ;)

#2 Orbit Gum: Strawberry Remix

Now, I have always been a big fan of gum! I have to have it all the time! If I ever run out of gum, I feel a little lost and cannot wait to restock my supply. I enjoy all kinds: fruity, minty, sour, etc... I thought I had found my favorite kind in Orbit. It was called Strawberry Mint. It was so good. The taste, the texture, the lasting of flavor, it had it all! then they outdid themselves! They put out Strawberry Remix...it is just like the other that I loved...only better! I did not think that was possible! I bought 6 packs yesterday!

There was a gum I loved as a child and the flavor was WACKY FRUIT. It was a little peachy in flavor. Do any of you remember it? I wish I knew if there was still any place to get it! If you ever hear of it or know...let me know!

#3: Words With Friends

This is an app on my ipad! It is alot like Scrabble...which I LOVE! I never have anyone to play it with because my husband hates to spell and will not play this game! I am going to train my boys as they grow to love it though, so I will have some competition! So, this games gives me my fix! I have a few friends locally that have the app and I love playing against them. When they are not available...I let it select a random player for me. Do you have this app? If so, create a game with me...my user name is gigglesmd. I would love to play!

#4: It's Just Jewelry

If you haven't heard of this company, let me be the first to tell you! It is a fashion jewelry company and I just very recently became a consultant for them! I LOVE it! I have been a hostess for jewelry parties for other companies, and I really liked their stuff, but the prices were another thing! I don't believe in paying a small fortune for fashion jewelry. If anything happens to it, I feel like I have wasted so much money!
Not with It's Just Jewelry! Everything is so affordable and I love the unique pricing system...
all necklaces: $22, bracelets : $15 earrings: $12 watches: $26 rings: $18 It is awesome! The highest thing in the catalog is $26! Who can't live with that?!? I would love to send you a catalog and let you host a book party for me! You can earn great hostess rewards! Click on over to my jewelry website and look around at the catalog! If you are ready to place an order, send me an email! Want to host a party or make up a book order, let me know! Do you want to become a consultant and earn extra money? Email me and I can help you in any of these ways! The new spring catalog is now available on my site! I am soooo excited about the pieces! They are simply gorgeous!!!!! You will be needing some!

So, what are a few of your latest addictions? Any the same as mine? Share with me!

Have a great Thursday!

Tomorrow we can shout...TGIF!!!

Just a swingin'

2011-03-06T10:00:00.001-06:00

Hey y'all! Well, it has been a weekend of mishaps for this Queen! Geesh! First, my laptop crashed...then our DVR receiver went out...full of my unwatched shows! (gasp!) I had plans to try to catch up on some of them this weekend...ha! So, I have been having to use my iPad. It is a great gadget but just not quite as easy to use as my laptop. Not to mention the stuff saved on my laptop. Oh well, it could be worse!
I am starting to get a touch of spring fever...I a dreaming of flowers, Easter, gardening, outdoor walking, wood swing sets, bicycle rides, fishing,etc...you get the picture! What dos Spring make you dream of? I hope y'all are having a much better weekend than me!

Purex Crystals (contest)

2011-03-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all...I am a Purex insider and I am tickled about it! I love sharing info on great products! I love sharing coupons too! I have a great new Purex product to tell you about and while you are checking it out...you can snag a great coupon! The new product is: Purex Complete Crystals™ Softener. It is 92% natural crystals that go in at the start of the wash so they spend more time with your laundry infusing them with long-lasting freshness. So awesome!

There is a little something in if for me too, so I would be so grateful if you would PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE WITH SUGAR ON TOP..click on the link to read about the new product! The top 100 bloggers that direct the most visitors to the site , will win! Y'all...I would be so excited to see my name on that list of winners! so, click over there...learn more about the cool new Purex product, snag a great coupon...and REPEAT! HA! Thanks! Send you friends over to my blog so they can do it to...They have to click from my link...I have it on facebook too!

Here is my link! CLICK HERE YOU SWEET ROYAL READERS!!!!

Kellogg's Coupon

2011-03-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

How would you like to get your hands on $5.00 worth of Kellogg's coupons? Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? Click HERE to get it! Yu can thank me later!

Club Mum...Have you heard about it?

2011-03-01T20:09:00.000-06:00

Hey! DId y'all know that starting on February 28, Club Mum will began a rewards contest where you can enter to win a $250 American Express Gift Card every week! Go to www.theMumClub.com for your chance to win.

Even better, there will be an instant win sweepstakes with prizes available to winners everyday!

Check out the rules and more details at www.theMumClub.com/official-rules/.

The sweepstakes starts at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on February 28, 2011 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT on May 31, 2011.

It is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older (19 years or older if a resident of AL or NE) at the time of entry.

Rewards Contest Prize: One (1) $250 in American Express Gift Card per Weekly Entry Period

Instant Win Prizes: 93 American Express Gift Cards will be available to be won each day: 39 $25 cards, 26 $50 cards, 13 $75 cards and 15 $100 cards.

While you’re at Club Mum, you can check out tips for how to get your kids to eat healthy lunches, how to enjoy holidays without overloading on sweets and shopping, and more ways to stay fit on a budget.

If you’re a mom in the know, you can join Club Mum too and share your own secret tips!

I was asked to share this with my Royal Readers...I gladly did! Go check it out..I hope one of my readers wins something great in the sweepstakes!

Spring cleaning...not the kind you're thinking...

2011-02-28T19:08:00.000-06:00

IWhat do you think of when you think of SPRING CLEANING? scrub brushes, gloves, dust bunnies, dirt, windows, trash bags, etc... Well...I think of those things as well, however there is another form of spring cleaning we need to think about....Home office cleaning! With identity theft on a rise...it is something we all need to think about! Here is a great new product that will help us all out with this task!

The Fellowes P-12C paper shredder is a durable, innovative and affordable machine. With Fellowes’ industry-leading technologies, the P-12C provides high-security and issafe for family environments.

* To ensure high-security against identity thieves, the P-12C features Cross-Cut technology, which destroys a single sheet of paper into nearly399 particles.

* The P-12C also includes Fellowes’ patented SafeSense technology, which disables the shredder when it senses hands or large pets come too close to the paper opening.

* The P-12C can also shred staples, credit cards and paper clips to help speed up your spring cleaning process.

* Its slim profile design allows the P-12C to fit in any officeenvironment, including under desks or in kitchens and other rooms.

The P-12C has a suggested retail price of $89.99 and isavailable at Target Stores nationwide.

Spring Cleaning Tips to Protect from Identity Theft

The Identity Theft Resource Center recommends their
Top 5 Tips for spring cleaning the home office:
Begin with the Basics: Sort through the piles of paperwork on your desk and in your office drawers. Place them into two categories: ‘save’ and ‘shred.’
Proper Storage: Organize the "save" pile into labeled folders and be sure to put anything confidential into a fire-proof lock box. The "shred" pile should be properly disposed of with aCross-Cut shredder, such as a Fellowes P-12C.
Cross-Cut technology is an important feature for a shredder because it provides high security, destroying confidential information into unidentifiable pieces. Equally important areenhanced safety features, such as Fellowes' SafeSense technology, which shuts the machine down when hands come too close to the paper opening, which is so important if you have children.
Get a Digital Makeover: Refresh your home office computer by deleting files you no longer use and backing-up important data onto an external hard drive. Clean out your inbox andchange all passwords. Refreshing your computer is a good practice to follow throughout the year as well.
Make Life Easier: Plan ahead by purchasing organizational tools for your desk, such as computer risers or file folder holders. This will help clear clutter from your desk top while keeping things within arms reach.
Freshen Up: Get rid of dust and germs that easily build up on office equipment such as keyboards, telephones and cabinets. You'll feel instantly more productive with a clean workspace.

I am working with One2One Network and Fellowes to remind everyone about this type of cleaning in their lives and to share with you about this product. However, I was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own.

Oooooops!

2011-02-24T21:38:00.000-06:00

So, the Green Giant Giveaway...yeah...y'all it was supposed to be announced on February 20th!!!!! Who said it was? Um...that would be me! And it would also be ME that totally forgot all about that deadline!
Oooooooops! I was at work today and out of nowhere...it just hit me! Geesh! So...without waiting any longer...the lucky winner of the prize pack is...

Jennifer

Congrats girl! Email me with all of you info and I will get this on the way to you!

Y'all...I really do apologize for my scattter-brained behavior! What a week!

The Me Project {Giveaway}

2011-02-21T08:25:00.001-06:00

I am proud to be part of a book tour to share with you details about a great new book! It is called The Me Project. It is filled with such good information about becoming the best person you can possibly be. It is a very inspirational book and it reminds us to continue to strive to be the person God wants us to be. I was very inspired and moved by it.

Kick Start Living Your Dream -

Book Summary

(San Jose, CA) Has that rush to make (and break) New Year’s resolutions already waned? According to Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, taking small steps every day will not only help you stay committed to your goal, but will also help you ultimately achieve that goal when obstacles come up. Author Kathi Lipp wants you and your friends to live out those dreams—and have some fun along the way.

As women, we forget the goals and dreams of our younger years. The busyness of everyday life gets in the way. To-do lists replace goals. The Me Project provides women with fun and creative ways to bring back the sense of purpose and vitality that comes with living out the plans and dreams God has planted in our hearts. Kathi Lipp’s warm tone and laugh-out-loud humor motivates women to take daily steps toward intentional goals. The end result? We get back our lives and enjoy living in the confidence of a purposeful life in spite of our chaotic schedules.

This handy guide coaches women to do one simple thing toward achieving our goals each day for three weeks. A woman experiencing the exhilaration of a rediscovered life offers more as a wife, mother, friend, volunteer, career woman.

Kathi Lipp is a busy conference and retreat speaker, currently speaking each year to thousands of women throughout the United States. She is the author of The Husband Project and The Marriage Project, serves as food writer for Nickelodeon, and has had articles published in several magazines, including Today’s Christian Woman and Discipleship Journal. Kathi and her husband, Roger, live in California and are the parents of four teenagers and young adults. For more information visit her website: www.kathilipp.com

One lucky reader of The Queen of My House will have a chance to walk away with a great prize pack! All you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me one goal you had for yourself that you have not yet pursued. I will randomly select a name and send it in to the Blog Tour company to be entered into their grand prize drawing! Good luck!

Here is what you could win:

Grand Prize Giveaway:

Deluxe Starbucks Coffee Gift Basket

Three 2.5-oz. bags of Starbucks coffee
(Sumatra, House Blend, and French Roast)
Tazo black tea
Starbucks marshmallow cocoa
Almond roca
Almond roca buttercrunch toffee cookies
White chocolate and raspberry cookies
2 Starbucks mugs
Keepsake black bamboo basket

$62 value

Switcharoo

2011-02-17T18:09:00.000-06:00

Hey y'all! I officially switched over to www.thequeenofmyhouse.com today. Blogger promises that none of my content, gadgets, links, etc will be lost. Of course I believe them, but I am a little worried something will go wrong. Could some of you please comment and let me know you are still able to find me and that I did not lose you all in the transition...Pretty please! While you are here..why don't you enter this yummy giveaway before it ends! Hope y'all have had an awesome day!

Mmm...Mmm..Green Giant {Giveaway}

2011-02-15T22:06:00.001-06:00

We all make resolutions, goals, plans, dreams, {whatever you want to call them} to eat healthier and lose weight!

Green Giant^® is here to cheer us on!

Sometimes it’s the small changes that can make a huge difference.

Have you tried the Green Giant frozen vegetables in a box? I recently got to sample the Broccoli and Cheese and boy was it yummy! It tasted so fresh and I could just feel the healthiness and goodness going in my tummy! I loved it! It is a great choice to take with you to work for lunch!

Green Giant Boxed Vegetables can help you stay on track to achieve your weight management goals in 2011. Twenty-nine delicious varieties are now endorsed by Weight Watchers®, and most have only a 1 or 2 PointsPlus^® value per serving! Packed with flavor and ready in minutes, Green Giant Boxed Vegetables are available in a wide variety of flavors, many featuring mouthwatering sauces and seasonings. They’re a terrific addition to any meal and a delicious way to achieve better health in 2011.

Don’t forget to visit Green Giant on Facebook and Green Giant on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with their latest and greatest products! For more information and great recipe ideas visit http://greengiant.com/.

Thanks to My Blog Spark and Green Giant, I received a Green Giant prize pack that included one frozen sample of Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, in addition to an insulated tote bag, serving bowl, spoon, and pedometer.

Guess what?

They also provided me with an additional prize pack, which will include a VIP coupon in place of the frozen sample, which I get to offer to my royal readers.

How great is that?!?!

How can you win? Easy...

1. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite frozen entree.
2. Leave a comment either becoming a follower or tell me you already are.

This contest will end on Saturday, February 19, 2011.
Winner will be announced on Sunday, February 20, 2011.

I was provided this sample and prize pack thanks to My Blogs Spark and Green Giant. I was not compensated in any other way for my review. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Valentine...

2011-02-14T22:56:00.003-06:00

Thirteen years ago today I married my Valentine. He has been the best husband I could have ever asked for. He has taken such good care of our family and is an awesome daddy to our two precious boys. He has helped me so much during my daddy's sickness, and has continues to comfort me when I so very often break down from missing my sweet daddy. He is now helping me deal with the tragic diagnosis of my mom. She always breaks out into a huge grin when he visits with her. And finally, we are so proud of him and the job he is doing in his newly elected position of Sheriff of our county. He is a great man and I am thankful that God led us to one another. He is and will always be my VALENTINE!

(This is a pic of us after his victory in August!)

And even though he is my NUMBER ONE SHERIFF...

These little "deputies" keep my heart overflowing!!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!!!

Crafting...

2011-02-10T12:31:00.000-06:00

I love making crafts! However, I have only one problem with them...I am not very good at them. I can sometimes think of good ideas but I am not the neatest or fanciest crafter. I really want to be, but I continue to struggle with it. That is why I wanted to share with you a craft idea that just came to me in my.....sleep...no just kidding...it came to me in my EMAIL BOX! It is very creative and oh so cute! Let me know what you think!

** Click here to see how it was made! You will be so surprised!**

Winter Weigh Off

2011-02-08T07:17:00.002-06:00

Ok...See if this adds up...after almost dying from my gall bladder surgery in 2006, I began to seriously try to lose weight. After, losing some fairly quickly from the surgery sickness, it made it easier for me to continue it on my own. I think I have done a pretty good job. I dropped 100 pounds or so and I have kept it off ever since. (give or take 10 pesky pounds that likes to come and go) So...like MOST people (except you lucky skinny people that we will not discuss!) I always tend to be on the upper 10 pound side in the winter months. That's why I was sooo excited that our school earned a chance to participate in Weight Watchers for FREE! YAY! So, I went, got signed up, listened, and jumped right in....and GAINED FIVE POUNDS THE FIRST WEEK!!!!! What?!?!?!?!?! I don't know...I was just not used to eating that much! They said I needed to use ALL of my points but I eat so many fruits and veggies that are ZERO points that I was becoming overstuffed I guess...who knows?!?! All I know is..I am still on the climb that I do not enjoy and it is time to start coming back down!

Thats why I was excited to get an email from 5 Minutes For Moms asking me to participate in something called Winter Weigh Off. Yes...I am in....I want My Winter Weight...O F F!!!!! So...I am going to try really hard to get it off PLUS the rest that I have needed to lose for a very long time! Wish me luck! I have at least50 pounds that needs to say BYE BYE! If you would like to link up and join in as well...CLICK HERE

WOW...Speechless...Thanks!

2011-02-07T21:54:00.000-06:00

Ok...FIRST of all...let me just say a huge THANK YOU to SITS for featuring me on Friday! I was so excited! I felt like a celebrity or something...this was a big deal for this southern gal!!!

Secondly...for ALL of y'all that dropped by to visit my blog and left the SWEETEST AND MOST THOUGHTFUL comments EVER, I AM ABSOLUTELY OVERWHELMED!!!!! I think I smiled ALL DAY! You all are so caring and kind...I hope I can find a way to stay in contact with all of you somehow!

I seriously loved EACH and EVERY comment. I cried from all of the well wishes and prayers that were going out for my mom and our entire family. I smiled with pride each time someone called my boys cute. (I, TOO, think they are just AdOraBle!!!! I just can't get enough of them! I could just eat them up!!!) I laughed when you all enjoyed my dog story. I loved the congrats y'all sent out to my hubby on his win. Geesh...I think I am still smiling from it all!

I just have to mention though that probably my FAVORITE comment of the day... (It was seriously HARD to choose one...but this one just knocked me off of me feet...well actually out of my chair...)

Miss Behavin' said...

Congratulations on your SITS day, Misty - you have an adorable family!

I was just telling the ladies over at SITS how wonderful it must be for your husband to have a wife who looks like Carrie Underwood!

Have a fabulous weekend!

Oh My Great Goodness! I LOVE LOVE LOVE Carrie Underwood! I am always saying how I would LOVE to look like her! now...I am FULLY AWARE that I DO NOT RESEMBLE HER AT ALL...but my oh my...to have someone write that to me...well...it literally made my day! I think I blushed! My husband enjoyed the comment as well! LOL...I am going to have to keep my eyes out for a coupon for a free eye exam from my new FRIEND FOR LIFE...aka...Miss Behavin'...but she nonetheless... won herself my title of comment of the day! Thanks girl!

Back to Earth...TO EVERYONE...Thank you, Thank you , Thank you! I am going to visit each and every one of you that has links to your blogs. It make take me a couple of weeks...but be on the look out for a new follower heading your way!

I love my blogging buddies!

Have a great week, y'all!

Oh...and by the way...my good and newly retired buddy, Delilah, proved once again that she knows me VERY WELL! She was the only one that guessed my surprise correctly! She figured out a day ahead that I was going to be featured on a website! I am working on getting you a surprise on the way to the Ponderosa !

About me...

2011-02-04T00:01:00.003-06:00

Welcome! I am over the moon happy about being the FEATURED BLOGGER for SITS! WOW! I never thought this would happen for me! And...I have totally stressed out about it coming at a time when I have had to recently take a break from blogging due to a sudden and life changing diagnosis of glioblastoma stage 4 in my mom. I hope you will forgive my lack of posting for the past few months. Not only has it kept me busier than normal dealing with it, but it also drained my emotionally to the point that I just lost my inspiration. I am slowly getting my groove back and hope to gain many new friends and followers from this special day! I have really missed the sharing of blogs and hate to think about all of the great ideas, deals, giveaways, and stories I have missed out on. In honor of today...I thought I would share a few tidbits about my life.

SHORT STATS: married....2 kids...junior high reading teacher...

My husband,Dana, and I will celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks...We were married on Valentine's Day! He is my forever VALENTINE! We started dating in 1993.

These little guys are the loves of my life! I am so blessed to be their mommy! They melt my heart every day and I just love them more than I ever thought it was possible to love! They are my world and I love to hear the sweet things that they say. They are funny and they know how to brighten my mood anytime I get down! I love them to the moon and back. Keyton just turned 9 in November and Garrison is anxiously waiting to celebrate turning 5 in March!

I love taking pictures...I actually do it as a hobby job in my spare time. But...every time it snows...I have to take random pictures around my house. Our farm allows for some great photo ops! There is just something I love about SNOW photos!

My husband was elected as the Sheriff in our county this past August! He has been preparing for this job his entire life! his dad was the Sheriff in our county for 20 years and worked as a deputy for 4 years before that! He holds the title of the longest elected Sheriff in our County. My husband has served as deputy under 5 Sheriffs and as Chief Deputy under 2 of them. It is now his time...and we could not be more proud of him for his victory as well as the job he is doing in fighting the tragic and growing drug problem in our county! I LOVE my SHERIFF!!!

My husband and my boys have wanted a house dog for a very long time....I refused over and over and over again. I actually told them they could have ME or a DOG! I kept winning that one thank goodness! I finally started to cave closer to Christmas and began the search. The reason I was so hesitant is that I have had a terrible fear of ALL dogs since I was almost attacked at age 3. I know that it sounds silly to be scared of even little dogs, but I can not help it. I told them I had to pick it out...I did and her name is Phoebe Eve...(We got her on New Year's EVE) I cannot believe I am typing this...but I am crazy in love with her! She is a Yorkie Poo and she is 11 weeks old. The funniest part is...I AM HER FAVORITE! She follows me everywhere and actually runs away from the others to come to me! ALL Of my boys hate that! I kinda like it! :)

As you can see...FAMILY is my favorite thing to talk about, write about, think about, dream about, and BLOG about! I LOVE LOVE LOVE my family and I am one very blessed Southern Gal!

Well y'all...that's ME....

Thanks so much for stopping by...

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE follow me...visit me often and tell you friends about my blog.

I need all of the support and encouragement I can get while building my blog back up!

Have a GREAT FRIDAY!!!!!!

The post I almost couldn't write...

2011-02-03T19:35:00.000-06:00

Many of you have been wondering about my mom and many do not even know exactly what has been going on with her and why I have been so "absent" from Blog-Land. I am just going to start from the very beginning...which takes us back to June of this past year.....

**Before, I begin...I feel it necessary to tell you a little backstory about her so you will know why this is all such a shock. You have to understand that there was nothing physically wrong with her at all, in fact she could work harder than me and my hubby combined most of the time. She has always been the only babysitter my boys have ever known and was looking forward to keeping my youngest for what would be the last year before he went to kindergarten.

It was the middle of June and our family, along with the families of my husband's brother and sister all headed out to Gatlinburg, TN for a little mini vacation. (It is only a few hours from home) We stayed for about a week and had a really nice time. I talked to my mom every day and she got our mail, took care of the pets, and even did a little yard work for us while we were away. We arrived back home on a Friday evening and she was here at our house because she had missed the boys so much. Keyton talked to her and showed her some things he had gotten there. Garrison had fallen asleep on the drive home and she only got to hug and kiss on him. I offered to wake him up, but she wanted him to sleep. She went home and we went to bed early because we were tired.

The phone rang at about 8:30 the next morning. It was my mom, but I could hardly understand anything she was trying to ask me. I asked what was wrong but she didn't know because she didn't even know she was talking that way until I answered. (She lived alone since my daddy died in 2007) I immediately thought that she had suffered a stroke. (For the past month, I had noticed a slight and only occasional slur in her speech and had begged her to go to the doctor. She finally went while we were away and they didn't detect anything that could have caused it. No one hardly noticed it but me, but I was with her so much that little things were probably more obvious to me.) I told her I thought she might have had a mini stroke and that I was on my way to take her to the ER. Now, being the stubborn person she has always been...she wanted to wait until Monday to see her doctor. I reminded her of the importance in timing for treatment involving strokes. When I got there to get her, she was trying to make out bills and take care of things. I finally headed out with her. They ran many test on her and ultimately came back to tell us that the detected "some type of bleed" and they she needed to be flown to Erlanger in Chattanooga. Their machines were not advanced enough to determine exactly what was wrong. She immediately broke down in tears. (This was even harder for me to deal with because she RARELY ever cries! She has always been the strong one that doesn't get emotional like me) I held her and asked her what was wrong and She said, "If there is something on my brain, this is the end for me." I tried to reassure her that we had caught it early and that they would fix it. Shortly after, they came and got her and I cannot even describe the feeling I had at watching her being loaded into that helicopter and flown away. I was so scared. My brother lived closer to Chattanooga and his children are grown, so he drove there to be with her while I went back to my boys. They did the scans on her and determined that it was some type of brain tumor. We had to wait a few days for the operation due to ordering a special tool needed for the surgery. During this time she felt fine and talked about how much fun the helicopter ride was. She has always wanted to fly and said she LOVED it!

They did thee surgery and said they got all of the tumor that they saw. The surgeon made a comment about the tumor being in one of the worst spots possible. It was above her left hear which is what controls the speech center of the brain. That is why her speech was altered. She was so fragile looking for the next few days after surgery. She suffered from edema(swelling) which made it hard to focus on us or speak at all. Then, we got the news of the results of the tumor: Glioblastoma Stage 4 I had no ideas just how bad that really was until I started doing research and talking to doctors. It is the worst type of brain tumor to control because it always leaves behind tiny particles that begin to grow into new tumors. They all told us that they had never seen a case where it had not come back and spread.

Our world was turned upside down. She was not very alert when we heard the diagnosis, so we just chose to keep quiet about it until she regained her strength and was able to understand and talk about it with us. About a week later, she was released in to a Rehab Center close to home. She did great there! She got use of her right side back.(it had been weakened from surgery)She was walking, lifting things, squeezing with more strength, and even talking to where we could understand most things she said. We were feeling much better about her recovery. She came home with me and had home health therapy visits several times per week. Finally, after it was time for me to go back to school to teach, she wanted to go home on her own. She was doing almost everything for herself.

She did great at home for awhile and was so happy being back there. She is like the rest of us and just wants to be in her own house. We checked on her everyday and made sure she had her medicines straight and she finished taking her radiation treatments. (25) She took the chemo by pills. She enjoyed riding the UCHRA van to her treatments everyday and enjoyed the home health therapists still coming by. One evening in October, I knew she had a occupational therapist coming by so I didn't rush up there. however, he called me and was unable to get her to come to the door. I told him how to get in to her and she had fallen down and had obviously been suffering from a virus. I had gotten her one of those emergency alert buttons but she wouldn't hardly carry it with her. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital and has never been back home.

She had to be placed in a Rehab home in our county. She can no longer stand, use her right side, walk, and she can BARELY talk at all. Sometimes, I am there for an hour and never understand one thing she tries to say. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see her go from a hard working woman who did everything for us to someone who is trapped inside their own body.

I know that this is a long post, but once I started typing, I felt like I needed to get it all down. Every time I thought about skipping ahead, it didn't make sense not to tell it all. Well, all that I can explain...I can't explain to you how hard it is to see her like this everyday. It is so hard on my boys because they loved doing things with her and it scares them sometimes. They still miss my daddy so much so this is extra hard on them.

I ask for your continued support, understanding, and mostly your prayers as we continue to live with what this horrible illness has done to our family.

Thank you,

Come on guys!

2011-02-03T11:34:00.000-06:00

Come on guys..keep (or start) guessing! Spread the word...it is a GIVEAWAY remember! You will be getting a special surprise if you get it right...And if NOBODY gets it right, I will at least be drawing a name form the list of everyone who guessed! So, tell your friends to come on over and guess.

Hint...it will help me look good to have LOTS of guesses! Help this Queen pick back up her blogging support. I am finally feeling like I am getting back in the swing of things since my break from caring for my mom. That post is finally going to be published later tonight as well...pray I can finish it.

THE BEST...

2011-02-02T23:43:00.000-06:00

One of my fave pics of me and my daddy

Today is my daddy's birthday. He does not get to celebrate with me...instead he is celebrating it with God. I lost him in 2007, and sometimes I think it hurts more now than it did then. He was so kind and loving. I have never known a greater person. He never talked bad about anyone. He was the kind of man that really DID "turn the other cheek." I saw him do it so many times when I was growing up. If the world were full of more people like him, it would be a most amazing place. I see glimpses of him every day in my two boys and this makes me sooo happy and proud. But, it also makes the ache for him that much stronger because I still long to tell him little things they do and say. I would love to see him laugh with them again. The great thing is that I knew him so well, I can almost picture what his responses would be about the funny things they do. I find myself smiling just imagining it sometimes. There will never be another person like my daddy. He was simply THE BEST!
I love you and miss you so much daddy!

If you are lucky enough to still have your daddy with you...CHERISH each moment to the fullest! Go out and give him an extra hug and tell him how very much you love him. I promise you will never regret it!

Pray for Kate...

2011-02-01T22:26:00.000-06:00

You may recall my plea of prayer last year for a little girl named Kate Mcrae. I have never met this little darling girl, but she has been in my thoughts sooo often since I first heard of her. She was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumor and has went through so much in a short time. I follow her progress weekly on the Caring Bridge site. Things had been going in her favor as of late and I continue to pray with her family for complete healing. A few moments ago, I got my alert from Caring Bridge that another update had been added. For some reason, I had a sinking feeling. Unfortunately it was an accurate feeling.
This was tonight's post:

Never have words been more difficult to pen. Never have our hearts felt the angst of pain quite like today. I hoped to never write these words. I prayed that our hearts would never feel this torment. However, today, we received devastating news. There are new spots on the MRI, at least one on the other side of our daughter's brain.

The all too familiar feeling of nausea followed by haziness settled over our bodies. We vasalated between bouts of sobbing and looks of disbelief. We felt trapped in a horrific nightmare until the sound of small sobs shook us loose. Our sweet Kate was huddled up on the table sobbing into her arm. Her little body shook for about half an hour. Tears of pain, and fear letting loose. She was scared. Our baby was scared and all we could do was hold her.

Through the tears Kate slowly got out the words, "why". "Why daddy, why? Why hasn't Jesus healed me?" The sound of heartbroken sobs all that could escape from her daddy's lips. Crys of pain.

I have rarely felt angry this past year and a half. About every other emotion under the sun, but not very often anger. Today I was angry. I had promised Kate we would swim with dolphins together. We had dreamed of Hawaii together. We have so many plans. And yet now this. Words could never detail the hurt.

So tonight we sit in disbelief, or horror may be more accurate. We had gone into the MRI very hopeful. She was making gains on all ends. She had no obvious symptoms. We had one of our favorite anesthesiologists for the scan. She held Kate in her arms and sang to her as she held the mask over her face and put her to sleep. I was so grateful she cared for my baby. After the MRI we saw her again. I struggle not to try and interpret everyones body language after a scan. However, her eyes were watering. She said it must be allergies. My heart suddenly felt the icy grip of fear, what if something was seen. I tried to dissuade the feeling, the panic, for the next few hours.

Our meeting with the neurosurgeon relayed the devastating news. We cried until the meeting with Kate's oncologist.

Tomorrow the tumor board will discuss her scan and the best way to determine wether or not it is definitely cancer. Most likely Kate will be undergoing a PET scan as soon as possible. They will also be discussing the best possible route for us to take if it is tumor. They will be contacting institutions around the country for open studies, and anything that could possibly hold some hope for treating a recurrance.

We are crushed. Kate is heartbroken. And we need God's miraculous intervention. Please pray. Please ask others to pray for our sweet baby. I know she is one child among many battling. But she is our daughter, and she is a sister, and a niece, and a granddaugther. Please pray that God would spare her from this disease. Please.

Please pray that after further investigation they would determine it not to be tumor. We understand the likelyhood of that is slim. But please pray. Please intercede on our behalf.

Things will be moving quite quickly, we hope, as if this would be tumor, time is not in our favor.

Please click over to her journal page on Caring Bridge and add some words of comfort to her family and join in as one of her prayer warriors.

Get The Dirt...

2011-02-01T17:10:00.001-06:00

This Valentine’s Day, a new mobile campaign from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach helps women clean up their own dirt while they enjoy their Hollywood news.

Clorox is sharing quick clean-up tips on how to keep fashionable winter whites white, keep flowers fresh longer and host a Hollywood-style party. And with Valentine's Day just around the corner, a girl can use some help. Tips like…

* Nothing says “I love you” like roses. Want to enjoy those flowers longer than a celebrity romance? Just add ¼ teaspoon of Clorox^®Regular-Bleach to each quart of cold water you put in the vase.

* Got a stain from a heart-shaped chocolate on your favorite whites? It’ll come out in a snap once you add ¾ cup Clorox^® Regular-Bleach to the hot water and detergent in your washing machine.

To get more tips from Clorox^® Regular-Bleach and extend the Valentine’s Day romance, enter the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean sweepstakesfor a chance to win a trip for 2 Hollywood, CA! To enter and view official rules, visit www.Clorox.com/GetTheDirt.

I received information from The Clorox Company at no cost to me.
The Clorox Company sent me information about the Get the Dirt, but Keep it Clean program not intended to solicit product claims.

Good guesses...

2011-01-31T23:00:00.006-06:00

First of all...let me just say to all of you that guessed a new VERA was the surprise...THANKS for knowing me so well! HA! You all are loyal readers to know ho much I love Vera Bradley and how happy a new item makes me. Sadly...you are wrong on the guess though. However...speaking of Vera...I got an email today informing me of the Annual Outlet Sale in Fort Wayne, Indian. I have ALWAYS wanted to go to one of these!?!?! Thinking about loading up some of my co-workers and trying to do a Saturday trip! Tickets are on sale tomorrow...however it is FREE for Saturday and Sunday!

Have any of you ever been? Know anyone that has? Fill me in and let me know if you have any more details about this great event! Oh...and GUESS AGAIN or if you haven't guessed yet...GUESS!

Hint...Many people will be informed of my exciting surprise!

An exciting surprise...

2011-01-30T20:02:00.000-06:00

I have an exciting surprise coming my way this Friday...I want you to take guesses as to what it is. I will accept guesses up until Thursday morning. If anyone gets it right, they could win a surprise from me! If I only have ONE person get it right...you are automatically the winner. If more than one gets it, I will have a drawing! So, spread the word about this contest and start guessing! You can guess once per day! Put on your thinking caps and help me get my blogging groove back!!!!

Looking for Levis?

2011-01-16T19:31:00.000-06:00

Ok...this post has 2 parts to it...First of all...let's discuss EBATES...if you are not signed up...why are you not?!?!?!? It is totally worth the couple of minutes it takes! We ALL shop online, right? Why not let one extra click earn us some money back each time we do?!?! It really is THAT EASY! Once you sign up for ebates...just go to the ebates website...search for the place you are going to do your online shopping and see how much they are paying you...click and let ebates direct you and BOOM...you will earn a percentage of what you spend back! Who wouldn't LOVE that? That just lets you shop more when you get your reward check! WooHoo! Seriously...don't think it is a scam or a hassle...I would not lead you astray! As a matter of fact, I kick myself hard if I ever place an order online and FORGET to go to ebates! Oh...and just so you know, most times I browse and place my items in my cart before I remember to go to ebates. Then, before I checkout, I just head over to ebates...find the store I was shopping at...make my click...and BOOM right back to where I was at with my cart still full! I am telling you a few dollars each purchase...really ADDS up!

So....your first assignment in this post is to CLICK HERE to sign up for ebates! Then...come back and follow the rules in part 2 of the assignment to score you a SUPER GREAT FABULOUS steal on some Levi's!

Go on...I will wait on you.......

Ok...glad you are back! That didn't take long...and you will thank ME every time you earn that MooLah! Now...for part 2...follow these rules if you are needing or wanting any Levi's...

Head over to ebates and log in/register
Search for Levi’s
Look for the banner that says “Free Shipping on any order & Extra 50% off Sale items at Levi’s. Code EXTRA50″ and click “SHOP NOW”
Use coupon code: EXTRA50 at checkout.
4% cash back will be credited to your account in approximately 48 hours.
WOW!!! An EXTRA 50% off sale prices PLUS you are earning 4% back too! I love deals like these! Please let me know what you got and how much you saved...and after you have used ebates a few times on your online shopping trips...come back and let me know how much you LOVE seeing your reward add up! Y'all know that I love you and want to share all of the ways out there to help make money!

Some more freebies and deals...

2011-01-11T16:44:00.000-06:00

Wanna try a sample of Cinnabon flavored Cream of Wheat? I might like THIS kind! Sounds yummy!

Click here to get a free sample and a coupon!!!

TODAY ONLY......Vera Bradley BaBy BaG is on sale for $65.00 You can use this bag for much more than a baby bag though! It holds alot of stuff and is soooo cute! Also, today only....FREE SHIPPING on orders of $100 or more! Head over now to take advantage of these great deals!!!

Sorry...couldn't get it to paste together...this is the way to did from the website!

Some freebies and deals...

2011-01-11T12:13:00.000-06:00

Have you heard about the new liquid pencil from Sharpie? If you would like to try a sample...send an email over to sharpiepen@sanford.com and ask to try a free sample! It sounds very cool!

Sign up with York Photo and you will get 40 FREE Prints! Use the code: YMW4CP at checkout to receive your discount! Shipping charges will apply.

Sign up to become a certified Sneeze Catcher for Kleenex! Take a littlet 5 question quiz and then enter your email address. You will get an email from them after with directions on your FREE Sneeze Catchers Activity Kit and how to win a trip to Orlando!

Enjoy! Do you have any new freebies or samples you have heard about? Give me a shout out and let me know!

CSN Review...

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000-06:00

I had the pleasure of getting to do a review for CSN Stores. I used it as an opportunity to put smiles on the faces of my little boys. Both of my boys have always wanted to have a kitchen set of some sort to play restaurant. I know that much of the world frowns upon BOYS getting cooking toys, however, no one thinks anything bad of a little girl playing with cars. I decided I was going to use this review to get them a kitchen set! I was going to use it as A Christmas present, but I ended up giving it to them a few days before...we were having a hard time with my mom's sickness and it just seemed like the right time to get it out. They were SO HAPPY! They helped me put it together...which took quite awhile! However, the end result was great! They played restaurant and get along so well together when playing with it! Who knows? They may be on the Cooking Network one day making millions of dollars! Bet no one would say anything about that! How do you all feel about boys playing with kitchen sets?

Here is the beauty we got...

Click on the picture to take you to to the product info...

If you haven't shopped with CSN Stores...you are really missing out! They have EVERYTHING!!!!!

Furniture...

2011-01-07T11:24:00.000-06:00

So...we have a couch and love seat that we had special made to be long enough to comfortably lay down. We have had it for a long time and the upholstery has tears and very worn spots. I am wandering if it would be more cost efficient to get this set reupholstered or if we should just buy a new set. I have decided there is no use spending big bucks on these items, especially with boys in the house! :-)

So, this makes me wonder, do more people today have classic or modern furniture in their homes? I like both kinds but I think I am more classic and traditional. What do you have? Country classic living room furniture? modern dining room furniture? contemporary bedding...? Share your thoughts...and let me know your opinion or experience with upholstery...

Screen Protectors...

2011-01-04T11:37:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had your ipad, smartphone, or other mobile device shuffled around in your purse or found it in the the hands of your little ones? iI know I try to keep my devices in the original, out-of-the-box condition. Well, I recently had the opportunity to review the new 3M Natural View Screen Protector. I found these to be an excellent way to help keep any new device last longer and avoid scratches! I am so happy I learned about these!

The new screen protectors:
        Shield the screen against scratches and smudges.
       Use a spray-free adhesive that makes them easy to apply without annoying air bubbles.
        Features stay-clean edges so dirt and dust do not collect along the film edges.

So, if you were lucky enough to receive any great new gadgets this holiday season, I suggest you get your hands on some of these right away so that they will look great for a long time to come!

And don't worry...they are SUPER EASY to apply! I f I can do it withe ease...so can you!

3M Natural View Screen Protectors are available in a variety of custom-cut and trim-to-fit sizes and are available at Shop3M.com.

The review in this post is all the opinions of my own. I received no money for this...only the product for reviewing purposes.

I am in trouble...

2011-01-04T00:18:00.000-06:00

So...I got an email today that means I am in trouble...BIG trouble. It was from Vera Bradley and it gave me a preview of their Spring 2011 lineup! Oh brother! I love EVERY new color! It is never a good thing for my {Vera Bradley} wallet when this happens!

Click HERE to see if you will be in trouble too! Come back and tell me your favorite!

Say Hey to Rachael Ray!

2011-01-02T14:27:00.000-06:00

So...I just had to share this FABULOUS deal with you all! This is a real bargain! Tanga has a 1 year subscription to Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine for only $2.99. You can head over here and use coupon code: NEWYEAR to take the price down to $2.99.

I tried it and it really does take off the discount! WOW! What a great coupon! Enjoy your new subscription!

Merry CHRIST-mas!

2010-12-15T23:43:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to drop in and wish everyone of my (old) and hopefully (still current) blogging buddies a very Merry CHRIST-mas! I am making it a resolution to get back to more regular blogging after the first of the New Year. This year has just been a whirlwind of both good and bad events. Unfortunately the bad tends to be overshadowing most of the others. I am going to also try to explain the entire situation and how it makes me feel later too. It just haven't been able to pour it all out yet. Hang with me. So...I really miss all of you and I can't even think about all of the cool stuff and ideas I have missed out on from you all the past 6 months. If I thought about it too much, I would become obsessed and try to go back and read them all! I CANNOT do that! So, if you have any super-fabulous-just my style-you know I would love them favorite posts or links...hit me up with them. Again...I MISS YOU AND hope that enough of you out there miss me enough to be excited to see me dive back in real soon!
LOVE Y'ALL!!!!

Here is one of my favorite pics from our Christmas Card:

P.S. I just realized that I don't think I ever mentioned that my hubby did win his election for Sheriff in our county. I posted about it and was all excited to have a big party if he won...then everything changed with my mom and...well you know... I just forgot to mention it..WE are very proud of him and the job he is doing though! He is a good man! I will post all about this too!

Fiber One Winner...

2010-11-26T21:09:00.000-06:00

The lucky winner of the Fiber One gift pack is.....

Amanda

Send me all of your info over in an email and I will make sure the pack is headed your way!

Congrats! You will enjoy your pack very much!

Yoplait Winner...

2010-11-25T21:04:00.001-06:00

The winner of the Yoplait gift pack is ...

One Mom

Send me an email with your info so I can get the goodies headed your way!

Congrats! I hope you are tickled PINK!!!!!

Fiber One...

2010-11-23T21:51:00.000-06:00

I love me some Fiber One! That is why I was more than thrilled to get to promote them through My Blog Spark! As a dieter, (aren't we all?) I know how hunger pains can come on and we can be tempted to overeat! I find that eating a bowl of Fiber One cereal or even snacking on some of it dry can help with my hunger pains!

I received a Fiber One “Help Take the Hunger out of Dieting” prize pack that includes Fiber One Original cereal, a cereal-on-the-go container, food scale, water bottle and notepad for tracking what you eat. This was all thanks to Fiber One and My Blog Spark!

And you know they were nice enough to offer another pack just like mine for one of my lucky readers!

So...enter now!

1. Leave me a comment telling me a way you help stop hunger pains!
2. Become a follower of my blog or tell me you already are!
Winner will be announced on Friday, November 26, 2010.

Yoplait: Save Pink Lids! (Giveaway)

2010-11-23T21:38:00.000-06:00

Well...I am more behind than I thought at my blogging! I created this post quite awhile ago but forgot to publish it! The reason I waited was that I have been unable to find the Greek yogurt that I have coupons for and I wanted to wait so I could tell you my opinion of it. I never went back and edited so therefore, I am starting over! I still haven't found it...but I am still searching! I was lucky enough to receive a great pack of stuff from MyBlogSpark and Yoplait to help promote the Pink Lids Saves Lives campaign. I have participated in this for the pst few years, so I was eager to help again in any way possible! Incase you have not ever participated, now is a great time! Just save those pink lids from your Yoplait products and send them in! Yoplait will donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, with a total donation of up to $1.6 million and a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000. To date, Yoplait has raised more than $25 million for the breast cancer cause. Isn't that great? Now, go shopping and look for those pink lids!

Oh...yeah...do you want to win this great prize pack like I received?

Here is how you can enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me if you have ever sent in pink lids before.

2. Become a follower of my blog or tell me you already are!

Winner will be announced on Thanksgiving Day!

HuRrY!!!

Freebies!!!

2010-11-23T21:17:00.000-06:00

Hi y'all!

Click HERE to get a free t-shirt from Townie Records!

Click HERE to get a free copy of What To Expect: Guide to A Healthy Home

Febreze Wooden Wicks

2010-11-22T18:54:00.001-06:00

Have you tried the new wooden wick candles from Febreze? They are great! My little boys were so excited when my pack from Febreze and My Blog Spark arrived! They LOVED smelling these candles! We are still enjoying them in our home!

Available in nine premium scents, these tranquil candles are specially designed with a wooden wick to recreate the ambiance and sound of a crackling fire indoors. Offering a brilliant range of everyday fragrances, Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles can help inspire a scent and design transformation in your home.

Be sure to look for Febreze Home Collection Wooden Wick candles at your local Walmart in fragrances like Green Tea Citrus, Pomegranate Mango, Cranberry Pear, Orange Honeycomb, Rosewood Plum and Willow Blossom; as well as seasonal scents that include Anjou Pear Spice, Gingersnap Vanilla, and Yumberry Sangria.

I hope you will try one of these candles in your home soon! Let me know if you enjoy them!

GAIN T-Shirt Winners

2010-11-13T23:53:00.000-06:00

The 2 winners of the Gain T-shirts are...

Parker's Granny and Carol

Send me your mailing info and I will get them out to you as soon as possible!

Don't forget to head out and buy you some GAIN dishwashing liquid!

Free Tylenol Sleep Kit...

2010-11-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

Okay...for any of you that need help sleeping...or just like free stuff...here is something I just found for you all....

Click HERE to receive a free sleep kit from Tylenol.

Sniff..Sniff...

2010-11-04T19:39:00.001-05:00

I was lucky enough to get to participate in a Sniff, Sniff, Hurray promotion and try out the new scents of Gain dishwashing liquid! I loved them! I love when dishwashing liquids have a pleasant aroma flowing through my kitchen! I recommend you all run out right now and experience the great smelling scents from Gain!

I have 2 very cool and very colorful t-shirts to give away courtesy of MyBlog Spark and Gain! This will be a super fast giveaway so enter quickly!

Just leave a comment saying hello or something more creative!

Thanks to MyBlog Spark and Gain for providing me with the samples and prize pack.

Rubbermaid Winner...

2010-10-07T23:14:00.005-05:00

Ok...so the winner of the new Rubbermaid mop is....

edmontonjb

Congrats! Email me your mailing info and I will see that it is sent your way! You are going to love it! Thanks again to Rubbermaid!

Rubbermaid {Giveaway}

2010-10-03T18:00:00.001-05:00

I lover Rubbermaid! That's why I was super excited to review their new mop...Rubbermaid Reveal Mop. It is fabulous! It is safe on all surfaces, no refills to buy, and doesn't require batteries! What more could you ask for? I recommend adding this to your cleaning closet!

Here are the official product specs on this handy cleaning tool:

Experience a better way to clean with the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop.

• Safe to use on all hard floors including vinyl, hardwood, laminate and tile

• The Refillable Spray Bottle allows you to customize your clean. Just mix your favorite solution with water or use plain hot water

• The Microfiber cleaning pad picks up 50% more dirt and dust per swipe than traditional mops

• The Microfiber pads are reusable – simply hand wash or machine wash after using

• Non-battery operated spray trigger allows you to dispense as much or as little solution needed to clean your floor

• Constructed with durable yet lightweight material

Now, on to the GOOD FOR YOU part of my post...

Rubbermaid is generously allowing me to give one lucky reader a free mop of their own! YAY! I love it when that happens! All you have to do is leave a comment telling me your least favorite household chore! That should be easy enough! This giveaway will end on 10-6-10. Winner will be announced on 10-7-10. Good Luck!

*Rubbermaid sent me this mop to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not paid to do this review.*

Making an effort...

2010-10-03T16:44:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I cannot believe it has been this long since I have updated my blog. I have never went through such a long period without blogging. I don't know exactly how to explain my absence to you. It started when my mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor. When it first happened, we thought it was a stroke...but then were hit with the nightmare of this terrible cancer. It has been a roller coaster ride of terror for my family all summer and it still continues to this day. I know I could have started back up once things returned to a semi-normal state. I just lost all of my inspiration, it seemed. So, if you will accept me back into your world of blogging, I am going to try to make an effort to come back! I have missed everyone so very much and I have tried so many new things that I want to share with you. Just give me time, and keep us in your prayers...I am going to begin to dust off my crown...and get back in the swing of things.

Teaser...

2010-07-17T10:32:00.000-05:00

A little teaser for a review coming your way soon...

What would you like to replace in your house?

cabinets, floor, doors, windows, bathroom sink, appliances, shower...

My list could go on and on for home improvement replacements...

What is the top thing on your list?

Hanging in...

2010-07-13T06:07:00.000-05:00

Hi y'all. I hope some of you are still hanging in to read my blog. I feel like I have lost all of my readers. I hate being such an absent blogger, but since June 19th, I have felt like my world has been ripped out from under me. We are still trying to deal with all that has happened and all that we will continue to have to face in the future. On a positive note, I get to bring my mom home finally this Friday. She will stay with me for awhile until we see what her needs are and how much more strength she regains. Please keep us in your prayers. When I feel like I can bear to put into words everything that has happened in the last few weeks, I will share. Right now, I am still emotionally raw and emotionally drained all at the same time. I hope y'all are having a wonderful summer and I hope to catch back up on my blog, and most importantly YOUR blogs very soon. I miss y'all so much and I am sure I have missed out on so many great posts from you guys.

I wanted to share with you a special deal going on right now from Vera Bradley:

They are offering your choice of a large backpack or a messenger bag for a special price for three days only! This last through Wednesday. You can pick either one for only $40! That is a HUGE savings! Both of these bags will hold a laptop easily. I have them both and I love them! Hurry over before your favorite color gets sold out!

Well, I am off to day 2 of a summer inservice that I have going on. My life is BEYOND BUSY at the moment! If I can get the time, I will try to share with you tomorrow how I have been transformed into a GARDEN GODDESS! It is quite an accomplishment for me and it has made my mom laugh. HAve a fabulous day y'all!

** Oh, and a

SPECIAL THANK YOU

to all of my guest bloggers last week!

You all ROCKED and I loved every post!

They were really refreshing and creative!

I have great pals!

I appreciate it so much! **

A Purse What?

2010-07-05T00:00:00.011-05:00

Hi there! I'm Cathy, the blogger behind Cap Creations. I am happy to be here at The Queen of My House helping Misty out. When I'm not busy being a mom and wife you'll find me creating. Jewelry is a big one which you will see if you come over for visit. But I also love to create tons of other things, check it out!

When I saw this handbag in my sis in law's thrift store pile I had to have it. Cause I really love handbags! NOT! Ha! Actually I'm quite content with my cute little wallet in my pocket. I rarely carry a bag. But I wanted this one! Not because it was cute and stylish which it was.

But for this! I made it into a purse planter! Now how cute is that?!

I simply cut out the liner which allowed more room for the soil. Then I took an ice pick and poked drainage holes in the bottom of the purse (there was a leather bottom). Next I took a plastic shopping bag, cut the bottom off, then lined the purse. This way the moisture will be held in on the sides but cutting out the bottom will allow it to drain. Fill with soil and plants and ta da! You can even plant the pockets if you like!

Check it out, being all cute next to my bench!

If you like what you see come by Cap Creations for more ideas like this!

Have a great day and thanks Misty for having me! Keeping you in prayer!

Happy Fourth of July!!

2010-07-04T08:15:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone!!!! Happy Fourth of July!! I hope you are all having a marvelous weekend and getting some relaxation in. My name is Amy and I'm from Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle. I knew that Misty had been very busy lately and she needed a few guest bloggers to help her keep up with her blog during this frantic time for her...so I offered to guest blog today!

Later today my husband and I will be attending a Fourth of July pool party/cookout. I always like to bring something to parties and this was no exception. If you've read my blog you can probably guess that I made cupcakes...but I also decided to make another little snack. The other day while reading Andrea's blog, Life in Dawleywood, this picture caught my eye.

Don't those look so cute and yummy?! Well, they looked pretty easy too so I headed to Hobby Lobby and the grocery store and picked up some supplies. In the cake decorating/candy section, Hobby Lobby has bags of many different colors and flavors of candy wafers. You can melt them down and make candy in molds or anything else you want. I grabbed a bag of white mint wafers and a bag of milk chocolate wafers.

Also, all of their Fourth of July decorations were 40% off so I picked up a cute bucket to serve the pretzel sticks in and some red, white and blue nonpareils!

To start, just dump the wafers in seperate bowls and melt them in the microwave for about 1 minute 30 seconds. Stir it up very well and make sure it's completely melted and smooth. I took a spoon and drizzled the melted candy on half of the pretzel and then held the pretzel upside down until the excess dripped off and the surface became smooth.

I dumped the nonpareils onto a plate and while holding the pretzel over the plate, I sprinkled them all over the candy.

I laid the finished pretzels on a plate and popped them in the refrigerator for about 2-3 minutes.They harden up and voila! You're done! Here's my version of the patriotic pretzel sticks! :)

I'm lucky I have enough to bring to the party considering my husband ate one for every two I made! I am really honored to be able to guest post for Misty today and I hope y'all enjoyed it. My prayers are with her, her mother and the rest of her family. I hope y'all enjoy your Fourth of July and have a safe, happy holiday!

My Favorite Things....Summer Edition

2010-07-03T10:22:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! I'm today's guest blogger....Kate from Southern Belle Simple. I could think of nothing I'd rather do than pitch in and lend a hand to that beloved House Queen herself, Misty. I have been a follower of her blog for some time now and the best part is we are from around the same neck of the woods! I just know we are going to be besties in real life someday too!

While the Queen is away, I thought I'd share some of my favorite things with all you loyal readers and hopefully we can get to know each other a little bit in the process.

My Summer Faves!

{eos lip balm smooth spheres}

Cute packaging, yummy flavors and ingredients that are great for your lips! I'm totally sold on these fun little lip balms. I got the yellow one and it has just a hint of lemon plus spf 15! Do I really need to say more?

{garnier fructis triple nutrition nutrient spray}

In the thick of things here in the sweet south...my summer hairstyle is called "frizzy and fabulous." I used to think I had no other choice than to live with the frizz. This great-smelling spray has saved my do more than once and now it's one of my favorite products. If you have thinner hair, you might want to use just a bit at first until you figure out your perfect style dosage!

{birkenstock gizeh....red patent leather}

These european sandals have gotten a lot of flack in the world of fashion and while they may not take the place of a sexy pair of heels, I think they have just as much right to hold a spot in your shoe collection. They are seriously the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and now that stars like Heidi Klum and Uma Thurman have been spotted wearing them all over LA, maybe they'll get a little more good press!

{the english american...a good read!}

After a long reading slump, I finally found this gem of a book and am back on track with my summer reading. The story focuses on Pippa, a 20-something girl who was adopted as an infant by a British couple. The plot thickens when she finds out that her birth parents are from the American south....lots of chaos ensues, but this is a sweet, touching story.

{linen sundress}

I got this dress at Gap (on sale!) and I liked it so much that I bought it in black as well. I have already worn it so many times and summer still has a ways to go. Linen is my favorite fabric, especially for hot sticky summer days and sweet sultry nights. If you aren't a dress person, go for a linen shirt or even shorts. The fabric keeps you feeling cool and looking even cooler!

Well that's all for me lovelies! I know you'll be so glad when Misty returns, but leave her some love in the meantime! And of course I'd just be pleased as punch to have you visit me over at my blog and maybe even become a follower! If you love all things southern (with a bit of a twist)...it might just the place for you!

Thanks for having me! Y'all sure know how to make a girl feel welcome! xoxo, Kate

From Trash to Treasures

2010-07-02T12:36:00.003-05:00

Hello to all The House Queen’s royal readers. Misty currently is consumed with her mother’s health issues and taking care of her family. Right now she needs a little help from her friends, and that’s where I come in. I am Misty’s friend and colleague, Delilah, and I wanted to be her guest blogger today.

If you are a follower, you know that Misty loves to find a bargain and that many times she does just that at her local Saturday night auction. Because she was always telling us about these great finds at the school where we both teach, my husband and I joined her at the auction one night. That was several months ago and we have become regulars, along with Misty and her family.

My own grown children love to go to the action with us when they are in town visiting. One of our family’s favorite things to buy is a box! A box may come in any size and it is like buying a “pig in a poke” or a grab bag, you never know what it might contain! Usually these boxes go for one or two dollars apiece, but at the last auction, we bought three boxes for a dollar!

The fun part begins when you get it home and go through it. These three boxes had two new, very nice corkscrews, packing tape, various books and many other items. Of course, some things go straight to the trash, but remember we only gave one dollar for three boxes. This time after everyone claimed a treasure from the box, I began to look at the items we were about to toss and think, “How could I use that?” Now, I am NOT a crafty person. I have zero artistic ability, but here’s what I came up with

This was a large cup/soup bowl with a broken handle—add a little potting soil and turn the broken handle to the back and you have a cute little flower pot!

Hallmark inspired this creation. If you have visited their shops lately you have seen the things they created with magnets, so when I saw this old baking sheet, I whipped out the spray paint, gathered a few magnets and created a place to show some pictures of my favorite girls. Drill a couple of holes in the sides and insert a ribbon hanger, for a masterpiece.

Or you could use it as a learning tool for your children or the students in a classroom. It has endless possibilities.

I’ve loved sharing with you; maybe Misty will allow me to post again. I would like to invite you to visit my blog, Meanwhile Back on the Ponderosa, to read about some of the adventures life sends my way!

While you are waiting for Misty to return, send her some words of support and share with us something you created from trash! Happy 4th of July to all.

2 more giveaways ended...

2010-07-02T11:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, again, I am a day late at posting the winners. I hope you all will bare with me during this difficult time and know that my mind is just a little less clear than normal.

The winner of the Lawry's Grilling Pack is...

One Mom

The TEN winners of the Arm & Hammer Whitener are...

Julie
Same Sweet Girl
Trish
Cheryl F
Kim Reese
Carol
Parker's Granny
Sweet Southern Prep
Amanda
Tamara B

Contact me with your mailing info if you are a winner!!!

Also, I am getting ready to start contacting those of you willing to help me out with guest posting...So...be looking for some great new posts from my great pals coming soon! Thanks for sticking with me through all of this!

Quick update...

2010-06-29T23:25:00.000-05:00

I am back home and emotionally drained from my time at the hospital. The results we received yesterday were not the ones we were praying for. So now we pray for wisdom of doctors in treatment and complete healing. I will try to return all of the emails about the guest posts in a day or two. I continue to as for your prayers to go up for my mom and my entire family...

Winners...and a FAVOR!

2010-06-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all... Things are not going as quick in my mom's recovery as I would like and this is still a very hard time for me. I am sorry about being late with the winner's.

The lucky winner of the Pillsbury Brownie pack is...

LINDSAY

The lucky winner of the custom postcards is...

CAP CREATIONS

I need you to contact me with all of your mailing info.

Thanks so much for entering!

Don't forget to enter the other giveaways still going on!!!

Now...on to the FAVOR...I am very busy driving over 2 hours to the hospital and staying all day and then driving back. It is exhausting because of the seriousness of her condition. I am too busy to be a good blogger right now but I don't want to lose all of my wonderful followers. I want to meet more of you!!!! I am looking for about 5-10 of my sweet blogging buddies to do guest posts for me. They can be about anything as long as it is CHEERFUL! I need some cheer in my life now. If you would help me out for the next week or two, send me an email and let me know when you are available. Thanks so much in advance. I can't wait to hear from ya!

Lawry's...Grilling help...GIVEAWAY

2010-06-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Nothing says summer like backyard grilling, and as the weather heats up, more families are heading outside to fire up the grill. This summer savor the sizzle by breaking out of your "bore"-becue routine. Take a "cue" from Lawry´s to help turn your dull dinner into a mouthwatering meal!

I was recently lucky enough to get to try some marinades from Lawry's. I love grilling and I really love marinades! I was so excited to get my pack in the mail. It was a great baking dish with a lid and it included both of the new Lawry´s marinades - Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato and Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ, a can of Seasoned Salt, and a set of skewers.

I was really impressed at the ease of the marinades and my family really enjoyed the flavor they gave to our meal. We will definitely be using these products throughout our summer grilling season and beyond! I am so happy I tried them!

Here is some info from the company:

Lawry's newest marinades allow you to infuse your meals with exotic flavors without ever leaving your home. Inspired by the sun-drenched villages of Italy, the Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade features extra virgin olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, sweet red bell peppers and the perfect blend of herbs. The Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ Marinade gives meat a delicious sweet and sour flavor with a touch of Szechuan heat.

These marinades fuel the flames of flavor and are on-point with this season´s hottest grilling trends, adding inspiration to your favorite dishes. Take your family´s grilled dinner to the next level - Try Lawry´s Tuscan Grilled Lamb Chops with Warm White Beans Provençal recipe featuring the new Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Marinade tonight!

Now...one lucky reader of The Queen of My House
will get to receive the same package I did!
You will LOVE it!
How to enter:
1. Leave a comment sharing your favorite thing to grill!
2. Become a follower or tell me you already are.
3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog!
4. Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one!

Good Luck to all!!!

This giveaway will end on June 30, 2010.

Winner will be announced on July 1, 2010.

Lawry´s provided me with the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark.
The opinions expressed are my own.

Blog...break...

2010-06-23T14:50:00.000-05:00

It seems like all I am posting is giveaways but with my mom going through all that she is...it is all I can think about doing. They don't require so much creativity...I hope you will take the time to enter all of them. I have one that is going to have TEN winners and I only have 4 entries so far...I promise to get back into my old blogging routine after she is home from Chattanooga and we know she will be okay. I will be heading there tomorrow for her surgery...please keep her in your prayers...Love to you alll...

Arm & Hammer Review...and...GIVEAWAY

2010-06-22T06:19:00.001-05:00

I recently got to sample a new product from Arm & Hammer. It is a whitening booster and enamel strengthener. I was really impressed with this product and wanted to share it with my readers. I know we all are looking for a way to whiten our teeth and keep them strong. I believe this is the perfect product to help with these efforts!

Here is a portion of the press release from the company...

New ARM & HAMMER Whitening Booster Plus Enamel Strengthening is designed for people who want safe, effective whitening without adding an extra step to their oral-care routine. Consumers simply apply the product on top of their favorite fluoride-containing toothpaste and brush their teeth as normal. Featuring a peroxide formula with Liquid Calcium®, the product provides teeth with daily whitening and daily enamel strengthening when used as directed.
Additionally, new ARM & HAMMER Whitening Booster 3X delivers three times more whitening agent than a leading whitening strip and is clinically proven to get teeth up to four shades whiter in six weeks, when used as directed.
Both products are priced at a fraction of the cost of leading whitening strips and trays, meaning ARM & HAMMER Whitening Booster products provide an affordable way to whiten and care for your teeth.

Now...the SUPER...yes...SUPER part...I am allowed to give away a sample of this fabulous product to TEN of my lucky readers!!! How fabulous is that?

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me what your biggest dental concern is.

2. Blog about this giveaway on your blog!

This contest will end on June 30, 2010.

Winner will be announced on July 1, 2010.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Winners for TWO giveaways...

2010-06-21T15:08:00.000-05:00

First of all, let me say that I am terribly sorry for being late with the winners and for not blogging in so long. We were on vacation and then the day after I came home, my mom suffered from what we think is a mini stroke. She was flown out to another hospital and is still having many test run. She is feeling fine but we are waiting on the results. So, please keep us in your prayers...

Now here are the winners of the giveaways that have ended:

First...the THREE winners of the Glossy Bands Books are...

Terrymac

QuackenBaby

Jenna Wood

The winner of the of the Little Looster is...

Momma Such

I need all winners to email me with their mailing info within 2 days so I can make sure your prize gets on the way to you! Thanks so much for entering and be sure to enter all of my other giveaways! You cannot win unless you enter!!!

What's in YOUR fridge?

2010-06-13T19:24:00.000-05:00

So, the other night...I open my refrigerator and I see this...

I knew right away that my FOUR YEAR OLD was responsible! He was already asleep, but I left it until morning. As soon as I took him to the refrigerator, he started laughing and grabbed it! Silly boy!

His reason: He was hoping to scare big brother! HAHA! I love my boys!

So, what is the strangest thing YOU have ever found in YOUR fridge?

Glossy Band...Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-06-12T15:35:00.000-05:00

I was recently contacted to review another AWESOME book by the Klutz! I seem to really love everything they make. I think it is because they are so much fun and I am still a kid at heart! This book I reviewed focused on Glossy Bands. What is that? Well, it is bracelet you make yourself out of PAINT! They are so cool! I have 2 boys so they were not AS THRILLED as I am sure little girls would have been, but they still thought it was super cool! They were impressed at my ability to create a bracelet so easily and they even asked for one themselves. (With only the boy colors, of course!)

This is how the makers of this cool idea and book had to say about it:

Chances are good that you’ve never seen anything quite like a Glossy Band. Simply take our special, non-toxic, acrylic gel and squeeze out dots of color following the patterns in our book. Then use the swirling stick to make fancy designs. Once the bracelet is dry, wrap it around your wrist, and you’ve made your first Glossy Band: a beautiful, durable, completely wearable piece of art. Glossy Bands comes with 4 colors of gel, clear plastic work surface, swirling sticks, and Klutz clear instructions for tons of bracelet designs.

Now...the good news for you...I know you were waiting on this...I am allowed to give away a copy of this awesome book to THREE lucky readers of The Queen on My House!!! Yes, you read that right...THREE of you can get the chance to get this great book to have a fun project with those special kiddos in your life!

How to enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite craft to do with kids.
2. Become a follower or tell me you already are!
3. Post about this on your blog!

This giveaway will close on June 18, 2010.

Winners will be announced on June19, 2010.

Brownies...yum...giveaway!

2010-06-11T11:18:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! Do you love brownies? Who doesn't, right? Well, thanks to MyBlogSpark, I recently got to try some new browines. These brownies come ready made and can be found at your local Sam's Club! These are great for those last minute school parties, reunions, or when you just don't have the time to bake. And...they are super yummy!
Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a blend of 3 types of cocoas with real chocolate syrup and milk chocolate chunks to make a delicious fudgy brownie-they´re the perfect solution when you´re pressed for time. Add personal flair to these already-baked brownies with your own decorations, frosting, caramel or powdered sugar! With a straight-out-of-the-oven flavor without the time or clean-up, Pillsbury Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies are a great treat for any occasion!

Now on to the REALLY yummy part...

I get to offer a gift pack just like I tried! Yay! It looks like this:

So...who wants to try out some new brownies?

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite dessert to make.
2. Become a follower or tell me you already are one.
3. Post about this giveaway on your own blog!

This giveaway will end on June 23, 2010.

Winner will be announced on June 24, 2010.

Good luck! Tell your friends!!!

Have a fabulous Friday!!!

Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Pillsbury for providing me with this gift pack. I received nothing else for this post. All opinions are my own.

Glasses and Ideas

2010-06-10T08:53:00.000-05:00

Yesterday it was a rainy and gloomy day here! We just had to stay in the house all day. I thought about getting the basement organized, but got the laundry done and relaxed instead. I had to take my mom to get her eyes tested and order her eyeglasses so I knew I didn't have the whole day to devote to it and it will take a WHOLE WEEK to get the job done! Whew! I think I am going to throw away a bunch of stuff I don't need but have been saving anyway! I think getting rid of the clutter will make me feel better!

My mom picked out some pretty glasses. I helped her and was amazed at all of the different styles of prescription glasses they have now! They have every style you can imagine! It is hard to decide!

While I was waiting on her to get the testing done, I wandered over to TJMAXX and browsed for a few minutes. I found some of the cutest quilts. I refrained though, because I thought they seemed too "girly" and I was afraid my husband wouldn't like them. He wouldn't care what he slept in really, but I still didn't want to overwhelm him with pinks! I am thinking of repainting "my room" in our basement pink next week because with me being The Queen of My House, I seldom get a chance to decorate with pinks and express my style with the colors and prints I love! So, I thought I might give my room a total overhaul. I was drawn to everything with fabulous prints of pinks, greens, yellows, browns, purples, etc... I could have looked in there much longer, but I had to go help pick out the perfect glasses for my mom!

So, what do you all think about me redecorating my little room? Do you have any fabulous color schemes, wall art ideas, storage solutions, or anything else to share with me before I take the plunge? I would love to hear any ideas you have or see any pics you have that might fit this project. And, are you wondering why I keep linking to words like...glasses online?

HAHA! Well, I did it! I was asked to write a post that featured GlassesUSA. Why you ask? Well, they want to offer my readers 10 % off of your next purchase with them. Simply use the code mommy10 if you need to order new glasses. It worked out pretty neat that I had to take my mom to get her glasses and was able to write a post linking it up. A little cheesy I know, but it was fun trying to creatively get the links in! This offer has no expiration on it as of now, so if you are like me and do not wear glasses, tell your friends and family that do!

Oh,,,and I still really do want to hear your ideas for my room...don't forget! I need help and inspiration!

Potty Training? A giveaway for you!!!

2010-06-09T10:00:00.001-05:00

I was recently contacted by a sweet gal named Monica wanting to help get the word out about her new product. I was offered one for review, but since both of my little guys are out of the potty training stage, I decided just to tell you all about it and let her give one away to one of you that need it or know someone that does. This is a cool little product called the Little Looster. It is something for them to put their little feel on so their legs do not dangle and they don't feel like they are falling in. WOW! What a great concept!

I want to share the story of how it was invented, all of the benefits, and the fact that it is ALL made in the USA! Read this:

The Little Looster - Booster for the Loo is a horseshoe shaped stool that surrounds the base of your toilet, creating a pedestal for children to be supported while they sit on the loo. We can all say goodbye to the port-a-potty, toilet seat inserts, diapers, stress, apprehension, accidents and the lack of space in our bathrooms.

All children will eventually use the “big-potty” – WHY not start kids on it comfortably? Save the extra expense and mess that comes with the space-consuming porta-potty. We have been able to shave off months of diapering by creating a comfortable and safe experience on the loo.

Toddlers believe they might “fall-in” – WHY not give them the security and confidence that the stability of the Little Looster provides. Little Looster kids use their legs for support, alleviating that fear of falling in. Hands no longer need to grip the germ-ridden, inner rim.

No cleaning out the temporary port-a-potty. Flushable waste is the obvious sanitary option.

The Little Looster supports and boosts little legs, while potty training AND for the next 2-3 years that toes can’t reach the ground. No more “stinging” sensation when legs fall-asleep, from dangling unsupported off the sides of the toilet - little legs love the Little Looster.

No more hassle. Parents don’t move the Little Looster every time they need to use the loo. Our unique design allows adults full use of the toilet while standing or sitting, without ever moving the Little Looster.

The average family in the US is spending approximately $75/mo on disposable diapers & wipes and over 92% of those are ending up in our landfills. No one really knows how long it takes for a disposable diaper to decompose, it is estimated somewhere between 250-500 years. The statistics are staggering as I'm sure you are all well aware of. The Little Looster is made of plastic which is 100% recyclable after your many years of use.

The Little Looster can cut out months of this environmental mess and huge cost to families.

My name is Monica Mylet, I invented the Little Looster. My husband Phil and I live in Portland with our 3 wonderful children. I had all of them in diapers at once and had a problem that needed to be solved. I could not justify the expense of all those potty-training devices on the market or the time to clean them all out, when they were all going to use my toilet eventually. I needed one solution. So I got creative and here we are, three years later - problem solved.

I have only used Oregon companies in the making of this revolutionary product, from the cad designer, website creator, patent attorneys, injection-mold-makers, plastic injection company and finally the shipping supplies. It doesn't get more "Made in the USA" than that!

So...now is the fun part! Do you have a child that is potty training, a baby that will be in that stage one day, or even a friend that you know that would love this? Then...you can enter to win one of your own!

How to enter:

1. Visit Little Looster and comment telling me you favorite part about the product.

2. Become a follower of The Queen of My House or tell me your already are.

3. "Like" me on FACEBOOK.

This giveaway will end on June 19, 2010.

Winner will be announced on June 20, 2010.

I'm still here...and with a new giveaway...

2010-06-08T21:44:00.002-05:00

Hey y'all! I bet you have not even missed me! Well, I feel that way sometimes, but let me just say that I have missed all of y'all! I have just been savoring the time off so far with my little guys. We have just been busy, busy , busy with summer fun! I have some post coming up this week though and I hope ya'll will like em! For now, I am leaving you with this great giveaway.

Uprinting is allowing me to give away 100 4x6 postcards. Now, in the past I have not had many entries for prizes like this and y'all I do not understand why! I mean, com on...we all know that is costs alot of money to have cards, labels, etc custom printed and...hello...you can get them for free! It is super easy! If you are chosen as the winner, you just create the design and text you want on it...upload it to their site...and that is it...you will get them in the mail! They even do a proofing for you to make sure everything is perfect before printing! I love working with them and I absolutely LOVE everything I have ever gotten from them! So...if you have been hesitant to enter in the past...please do so this time...just start thinking of all of the things you could use these postcards for!

Here is the 411 on exactly what you are getting:

Giveaway Prize:

100 4x6 Postcards

14pt Cardstock Gloss

4 Color Both Sides Printing

Limited to US residents;

18 years old and above

How to enter this giveaway:

1. Leave me a comment telling me the creative way you would use these.

2. Become a follower or tell me you already are.

3. "Like" me on FACEBOOK.

This giveaway will end on June 25, 2010.

Winner will be announced on June 26, 2010.

Good Luck!!!

Thanks to UPrinting for allowing me the same prize as up for giveaway.
I received no other compensation for this post.

Free Canvas Offer for ALL my readers!

2010-06-02T11:22:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all! Hope your Wednesday is off to a great start! I am getting ready to go have lunch with one of my dearest friends. Can't wait! Before I head out the door, I just had to share a great offer with ya! The great folks from Canvas People have partnered with me to offer ALL of my readers a FREE canvas! This is a $55 deal y'all! Or, if you would like a larger choice, you can apply the $55 off of that price! Sound great? It should! I got one of their canvas prints before and let me just say, they are incredible! Very good quality! I love mine! I will most definitely be getting more!!! So...how do you cash in on this great deal? Easy Peasy!

Simply Click *HERE* and it will take you right to the offer for The Queen of My House readers!

If y'all don't care, come back and leave me a comment telling me you cashed in on this great deal! I would love to see how many of you will be enjoying your new canvas!

Have a fabulous Wednesday y'all!

Here is the photo I had put on my canvas...

Aren't they adorable? I think so!!

The Queen Of My House

Are you done with your shopping?

My Jolley Family

Snowman Tree

Photo Card

Pinterest Obsession

$50 Gift Card Winner

Pampers...Challenge {$50 gift card giveaway}

**Pampers is providing me a $50 Visa Gift Card at no cost to participate in this challenge and they are providing the prize winner with their Gift Card at no cost as well. **

Purex

Update on Phoebe...

Come on!

15 to go....

God's Promise For Boys

Home Ec 101

Great Giveaways Going On...

MY birthday...YOU get a present!!!

Become.com

Ebates *Giveaway*

Ultimate Blog Party!!!

Scrabble Flash Winner

Haan Steamer

Scrabble Flash *Giveaway*

Money Minded Winner...

Money Minded Giveaway...

Green? Yes...I was...

GREEN with envy? Don't be...you can have it too!

How are you feeling? *WIN*

My latest addictions...

Just a swingin'

Purex Crystals (contest)

Kellogg's Coupon

Club Mum...Have you heard about it?

Spring cleaning...not the kind you're thinking...

Oooooops!

The Me Project {Giveaway}

Switcharoo

Mmm...Mmm..Green Giant {Giveaway}

My Valentine...

Crafting...

Winter Weigh Off

WOW...Speechless...Thanks!

About me...

The post I almost couldn't write...

Come on guys!

THE BEST...

Pray for Kate...

Get The Dirt...

Good guesses...

An exciting surprise...

Looking for Levis?

Some more freebies and deals...

Some freebies and deals...

CSN Review...

Furniture...

Screen Protectors...

I am in trouble...

Say Hey to Rachael Ray!

Merry CHRIST-mas!

Fiber One Winner...

Yoplait Winner...

Fiber One...

Yoplait: Save Pink Lids! (Giveaway)

Freebies!!!

Febreze Wooden Wicks

GAIN T-Shirt Winners

Free Tylenol Sleep Kit...

Sniff..Sniff...

Rubbermaid Winner...

Rubbermaid {Giveaway}

Making an effort...

Teaser...

Hanging in...

A Purse What?

Happy Fourth of July!!

My Favorite Things....Summer Edition

From Trash to Treasures

2 more giveaways ended...

Quick update...

Winners...and a FAVOR!

Pampers is providing me a $50 Visa Gift Card at no cost to participate in this challenge and they are providing the prize winner with their Gift Card at no cost as well.

Ebates Giveaway

Scrabble Flash Giveaway

How are you feeling? WIN