Like My Butt Isn't Big Enough...

Yeah, I'm invited to a party and what do I do? Sit on my backside for the entire event. In my own defense, that's what EVERYONE at this party will be doing. I'm referring to the MommyFest Blog Party. It's an opportunity for a Mom Blogger (that's me) to talk about herself (like I need a reason to talk about myself) and meet other Mom Bloggers. So here goes...

Who Am I?
I could just recite my profile, but that would be ridiculous now, wouldn't it? So I'll give you a fast-forward version starting from when I met DH. My husband and I met while we were in college. We were at a Cubs/Cardinals baseball game in St. Louis during a joint event with our fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. We belonged to separate chapters at our respective universities. A few years after we got married, we moved to Los Angeles - where we worked hard and took advantage of activities and travel whenever possible. After several years of trying for a baby, we finally successfully completed fertility treatments and were blessed with Miss M. We found out we were pregnant with Miss K a year later. After realizing that Los Angeles isn't where we wanted to raise our kids, we moved back to Iowa where I grew up.

About my Blog:
I only post casually when I have something I really want to share. More often than not, that means a few times a week. The posts on my blog usually revolve around my girls but sometimes touch on a variety of other topics. Check the archives for a better overview. Daily, however, I surf other blogs and keep up-to-date via my Google Reader.

What I do:
Well, I'm a stay-at-home-mom (hence the blog title SAHM) which is my first job but I consider the gym to be a second job. I want to get back into shape after years of not so I hit the gym regularly. In my free time, I participate in product testing, surveys and word-of-mouth marketing. I'm constantly getting cool stuff in the mail for free!

The Giveaway:
During Mommyfest, I'll be giving away a full-sized sample of Aveeno Positively Ageless Firming Night Cream (a $20 value). I'll create a separate post just for the contest so be sure to comment on the giveaway post for a chance to win! Just so you know, the Aveeno Night Cream was a full-sized sample I received from BzzAgent. BzzAgent allows us to give away our products and since I already have a full size sample that I'm using (and loving, btw) I figured I might share this one during MommyFest!

Talking about myself is a little drier reading than all the stuff I usually blog about! I hope you'll subscribe and read some of my other posts. Thanks for visiting.

Earn a Gift Card by Writing about Travel

As I've mentioned before, I'm a BzzAgent and have the opportunity to participate in Word-of-Mouth marketing. It's something I enjoy doing but seldom actually post about on my blog. BzzAgent, for the uninitiated, is a company that sends out samples and coupons to participating volunteer "Agents" who in turn, hand them out to people. As BzzAgent grew, the Frogpond was created to handle online companies and their Word-of-Mouth marketing efforts. Once again, it's something I seldom talk about on the blog.

Today, however, there was a Frogpond offer that I wanted to pass along to my blogger friends. Writing is something that all of us blogger-types enjoy doing - so why not make a few bucks off it? As part of a Frogpond promotion for a travel blog called GoneGoing, they're offering the following:

Frogpond™ Special Offer
This promotion runs from 1 February 2008 to 31 March 2008

We're giving away $10 Amazon.com® gift cards* to all Frogpond Agents and their referrals who contribute to GoneGoing. Simply use the form below to participate, then write a travel blog article containing at least 200 words and at least 4 photos from a recent trip. Each article will get a $10 Amazon.com gift card, and each person can submit up to three articles. For more information look in the "My Promotions" area of your profile once you've joined below.

Although I take a ton of pictures everywhere we go, I seldom post them on the blog. Since I have so many pictures, I'm considering posting at least one article because I like to shop at Amazon and can always use the free gift card. Figured I would share the link and let all of you take advantage, too!

I want to make it clear that I do not get compensation of any kind for anyone signing up for this through my blog. I'm posting my BzzAgent referral link so they'll know you were referred through an agent and therefore can take participate in the promotion.

If anyone posts anything, let me know!

The Mint Chocolate Milk Mustache

I totally expect to see Eggnog showing up in the grocery store around the holidays each year. It's just a sign that Christmas is coming. But the other day I found chocolate mint milk and chocolate cherry milk. Seeing as I have a total weakness for mint/chocolate anything, I just didn't have the willpower to resist spending $2 on a quart of Swiss Valley Mint Chocolate Milk. For anyone who has tried a grasshopper (you know, crème de menthe, crème de cacao, ice cream) – that's what this tasted like. It was delicious. The grocer said the Swiss Valley Cherry Chocolate one tastes like a melted chocolate covered cherry… that's pretty tempting too since one of my favorite milk shakes is Cherry Bon Bon.

DH let Miss K give it a try and her response was "It tastes like mommy's Pop Tart!" Yes, I often stash mint chocolate chip Pop Tarts in the freezer. It's a weakness, I tell you. Anyway… Until the quart was gone, each time we asked Miss K what she wanted to drink, she said "Mommy's favorite milk." Between the two of us, the quart had a shelf life of exactly two days.

In this morning's coupon section of the paper, I noticed Prairie Farms offering the same two varieties, along with Pumpkin Spice. How many years have these been around that I've totally missed out?!!! I need to get rid of that rock that I've been under!

New Exercise Gadget – A Must Have?

DH and I have been watching Everyday Edisons on PBS recently. It's similar to the American Inventor show created by the American Idol people, but it follows the story beyond just selecting a winner. There are a handful of inventors that bring concepts forward and the folks at Everyday Edisons retool them, rename them, perfect them – and bring them to market.

On a recent episode, we watched the story of the Workout 180 Exercise System. Essentially, it's a balance unit that clips into a base to convert it to a step unit. There are different bands built into it for use in strength training and Pilates. In my workout regimen (if we want to call it that), I do cardio and strength two days per week, toning two days per week and one day of step. The diversity of the three instructors provides for a good variety of workout methods including step, band, stability ball, weights and occasionally Bosu. Having a class utilizing the Workout 180 might be a fun new way to incorporate the same types of equipment. Even having one in a home gym might be pretty cool, not that I have a home gym. Anyway, mentioned the gadget to one of my instructors today and joked that I would probably topple the thing over since balance really isn't my thing. She just smiled and said "Maybe that's what you need then." Hmmm.

Unfortunately, my Google searches have come up empty – with the exception of the PBS Everyday Edisons website and the following YouTube demonstration video.


I kicked an email off to inventor Jen Holloway in hopes of getting additional information. I'll be sure to post and update if I hear anything more. In the meantime, be sure to check out the new inventions that premiered on Everyday Edisons. They cover a great range including a stroller, teacher grading pen, drywall T-Square, cutting board and several others items.

EDIT: Wow. I asked for more information and received emails from both Andy at Everyday Edisons and the 180's inventor, Jen Holloway. Looks like it won't be available for purchase until after Christmas, so guess we'll have to put it on our post-Christmas wish-list. Guess that's the best time to get it anyway since we'll be working out to ditch the holiday pounds! I'll post more information (like the website) once it's live. Thanks Jen and Andy for your quick responses!

Results are in – Pieceless Jigsaw Puzzle!

As I mentioned in my prior post, “A New Kind of Jigsaw Puzzle – Pieceless”, I requested a sample of Ceaco’s new pieceless jigsaw puzzle. While skeptical at the idea of how easy a puzzle would be if all pieces are connected, I also was completely intrigued.

On Sunday, the girls and I jointly completed one of the many Princess puzzles in their inventory. In this case, a 100-piece puzzle. As is traditional, it remains “on display” on the table in my sitting room until I put it away or until we pick a new one to work on. I was on pins and needles when my Pieceless puzzle arrived in Monday’s mail. I waited for the girls to be busy with something else so I could examine it without their interference. I pushed the princess puzzle to the side and tore open the newest addition to my puzzle collection. What I did was lay it out, then connect the ends to form the edge. That left a huge tangled mess in the middle, which actually was kind of fun to undo. Putting the puzzle together became more like a craft project and less like a traditional puzzle. I enjoy the hunt for that one particular piece – over and over. For anyone who has ever done a puzzle with me, they know that to put the edge together first is completely taboo. I always look at the photo and pick what I’m going to work on, then work my way out to the edges and assemble them when their portion of the picture is ready. With the pieceless puzzle, I methodically put all the strands of puzzle into place until it was done. Interesting. So as I’m admiring it, I start to read the insert inside the box, as well as the directions on the outside. The instructions say “Flatten the puzzle and begin connecting the branches.” Oh. Okay, guess we’ll do it that way when the girls help on round two of testing.

I decided to show the girls the new puzzle and get their take. I laid it out flat, per the instructions, when the doorbell rang. The local energy company is installing new meters, so I talked to the meter guy before returning back to the kids, who by now had turned into pre-nap gremlins. In that short amount of time that I was at the door, they decided to clear the princess puzzle off of the table. All of the pieces were now under the table. I let them finish the new pieceless puzzle, then sent them for their naps. When they were finally asleep, I reassembled the princess puzzle to make sure all pieces were present and accounted for. Of course, a hole remained in the middle where one lone piece belonged. I searched the floor, the furniture, the other room for no less than five minutes before finally locating that stupid piece. In hindsight, I believe that Ceaco must have put some kind of subliminal message inside their puzzle box to make sure that my kids helped illustrate another advantage of the pieceless puzzle.

Pros/Cons for me: The puzzle we were working on is the mid-level puzzle for ages 8 and up. Assembly for me, like I said, wasn’t the same as a regular jigsaw puzzle. Granted, I was working on a children’s puzzle, so it’s an unfair conclusion until I test one a little more age appropriate. As I explained to DH, it does present that “once you start it, you have to finish it” feeling. I’ve racked my brain but haven’t been able to come up with the exact analogy. This is as close as I can get - my MIL has a throw-blanket that has tassels on the ends that constantly get tangled. While vacationing at her house one time, I remember sitting on the couch watching TV and working on ‘fixing’ all the tangles. She kept telling me it wasn’t important since she was planning on cutting the tassels off, but I insisted. Maybe I’m the only person in the world who would spend time trying to untangle a senseless knot. I’m anxious to try out the “12 and up” version of the puzzle to see if it lends itself more to the feel of a standard puzzle. Luckily, our local Farm & Fleet is having their annual Toy Sale this weekend and I already noticed the Pieceless Puzzles in the ad!

Pros/Cons for the kids: Considering my girls are 4 and 3, I think they fared quite well with an “8 and up” puzzle. I definitely saw advantages for them. Aside from the aforementioned puzzle piece scavenger hunt advantage, I did find a few things noteworthy. First, this puzzle really put their fine motor skills to the test, not to mention their focus. Once they started working on a strand, they stuck with it until it was done, then moved on to others that had fallen into place along the way. Because of the nature of how the puzzle is designed (you find where a strand goes, then work it until it’s completely in place), it forced the kids to stay in their own area of the puzzle. With a traditional puzzle, there’s always that “No, it’s MY piece” issue. I needed to help them a few times by saying things like “Can you find the part that’s this color and looks like a hand with fingers?” I also helped untangle pieces when they would overlap funny. – Things that were only an issue because of their age.

For anyone who travels with kids, this would be great for killing that lull time in a hotel. The puzzle would pack easily and there’s no concern about losing pieces. It’s also double sided so it’s two puzzles in one. There’s also the option of working with a flat puzzle as the directions state or closing the edges off and working with the ‘tangled mess’ in the middle. The two puzzle strategies provide different working conditions and a different overall experience. My only concern is that since the puzzle is cut in a particular way, there is no “mixing up the pieces” to make it different from the time before. If you’re laying it flat, it’s more or less always going to be the same. I think it’s a unique twist on a classic idea and have already recommended it to my daughter’s preschool teacher, as well as my sister-in-law who teaches 3rd grade. I’m planning on picking up another one at Farm & Fleet this weekend!

A New Kind of Jigsaw Puzzle - Pieceless

Growing up, every year for Christmas I received at least two new jigsaw puzzles. No matter how difficult, I worked them until they were done, typically within a few days of receiving them. I absolutely loved puzzles as a kid, and still do... a trait I am delighted to say that both my daughters apparently inherited. Just yesterday, we stopped by the local Dollar Tree to pick up several puzzles for Christmas. A friend recently told me that the Dollar stores are an excellent source for puzzles and that was no understatement. My husband made me stop before I bought one of each puzzle! Anyway, I have tried all different types of puzzles, the standard ones, the double sided ones, layered ones, the "World's Most Difficult Jigsaw Puzzle" series, Piece within a piece puzzles...

Until I had kids, I would retreat to a puzzle the way a lot of people retreat to a good book. So when I read about Ceaco's new Pieceless Jigsaw Puzzle on a message board today, I was completely intrigued.


I have checked out the Gamewright and Ceaco websites and am hoping to get a sample to test out. The video doesn't really give you an idea of how it goes together, just that it doesn't come apart. Even being two sided, if all the pieces are connected, wouldn't it be easy to figure out which one goes where? The website distinguishes puzzles by age, but doesn't indicate how many 'pieces' the puzzle is made up of. I am very excited to find out more about this new puzzle creation.

If I manage to get my hands on one, I'll be certain to post an opinion so other puzzle fanatics (or parents of puzzle fanatics) can add it to their Christmas lists!

Edited to add: Received it! Read for results!

It just keeps on going and going and...

I have decided that Wrigley needs to hire the Energizer bunny for all future ads for the new Wrigley 5 sugar free gum. As I mentioned in "Gimme 5!", I received samples of the new gum as a BzzCampaign from BzzAgent recently.

On my first occasion to sample it, I tried Flare (the cinnamon flavored variety). I was on my way to an appointment right after lunch and decided it would be best if I freshened my breath on the five minute drive there. When I arrived and had to take the gum out, I felt like a kid debating on where to put the gum so I could finish it later. Obviously, it ended up in the garbage, but for that split second it was questionable.

I decided the next time I tried it, I would do it at a time when I wouldn't have to prematurely dispose of it. Mainly so I could find out how long it really lasts. I enjoy gum for the flavor, so I usually chew it until the flavor is gone, throw it out then get a new piece until the craving is satisfied. On my second attempt, I started the gum at 5:15 pm on my way to run errands. After about 15 minutes, I was pleasantly surprised that the gum had not lost any flavor. Repeat that phrase for the 30 minute and 45 minute intervals. At 60 minutes, I was getting annoyed and was expecting this gum to quit any minute. :sigh: When I hit the 90 minute marker, I decided the gum had won. I was tired of chewing it before the flavor was gone.

Rain, the spearmint variety, provided the same results and I suspect that Cobalt (the peppermint one) will as well. I have yet to determine how long the flavor actually lasts because I can't seem to get to that point. Maybe I should hire the Energizer bunny to try it and tell me how long it lasts...

"Gimme 5!"

For my latest BzzAgent campaign, I'll be taking on the part of a vending machine. For some odd reason, I didn't meet the demographics that Wrigley and BzzAgent had outlined for their new "5" sugar free gum, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to participate. Giving out gum samples just sounds like too much fun... after all, who doesn't like free candy? Maybe we'll hit the jackpot and they'll send enough to hand out on Halloween.

I just picked up the campaign, so I haven't received my kit yet. I'm making a trip to WalMart later so I may grab a pack to try it out. It's awfully hard to Bzz about it unless I've had it at least once. Some of my friends already have dibs on some of my samples so I'm obviously not the only one excited about it.

Hmm... this gives me an idea. Maybe I should dress up like a vending machine for Halloween while handing out candy at the door.

Grey Poupon BzzCampaign

I was excited this afternoon to log onto BzzAgent and find the new Grey Poupon BzzCampaign invitation. Although I'm not a big fan of yellow mustards, I can't live without brown or spicy mustards. With bratwurst season in full swing, this was a welcome invitation!

One of the suggested BzzActivities is to ask people how many kinds of mustards they have in their fridge. For me, it's usually two or three. I'm still learning how to set up all the cool stuff on a blog, so I figured this is a good opportunity for me to try out the 'poll' option. I posted it on the right margin so let's see how it goes.

If you're a fan of mustards, be sure to check out the three new varieties (Harvest Coarse Ground, Hearty Spicy Brown and Savory Honey) at the store. For some great recipe ideas, go to the Grey Poupon website.

Would love to hear any comments about the products. My BzzKit won't arrive for a little while and I'm chomping at the bit waiting to try them out!