Stephen Joseph Makes Cute School Supplies

sj We received this adorable lunch bag that my daughter calls her purse. It’s pink and a perfect size for her. Even today when she was sitting at the table getting ready to go out with me this afternoon she said mom get my purse for me. I thought, what purse, she said, the pink one for me please.

I love how she says for me. She’s so cute.

Stehpen Joseph Gifts actually calls this a Snack Sac.

 

It’s a cute little bag big enough for a lunch but soft. The material is pink and it’s very durable with a Velcro top and a zipper pouch. My daughter has been playing with it for a month now and it’s still in one piece. It also comes with really cute message cards. Now the cards are not safe for a 2.5 year old and her 1.5 year old brother. They had to be thrown away but just recently. I keep finding them everywhere. It’s like they keep multiplying.

They retail for 15.99.

Kashi Kashi Kashi – I Heart Heart to Heart Cereal

HeroKashi is so good to me and good for me and my kids. While I was in Texas Kashi sent me some cereal and cracker to eat. The Heart to Heart cereal we tried was the warm cinnamon oat  flavored. I loved it. So did my son, and my daughter and my dad. He kept eating the hearts and o’s right off my son’s high chair.

My son also liked to feed them to papa. We had them for breakfast and snacks. Until grandma introduced animal crackers; but let’s not get into that.The Heart to Heart cereal:

  • Helps Reduce Cholesterol—1g soluble fiber from oats*
  • Helps Support Healthy Arteries—6 natural antioxidants, including green tea and grape seed extract; 100% daily value of 3 B vitamins
  • Helps Promote Healthy Blood Pressure—low sodium**
  • We’ll have to talk about the two different cracker flavors they sent me on another day.

      Greatly Anticipated Winner’s List

      Momstart – Wizards of Waverly place CD – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/wizards-of-waverly-place-going-to-the-movies-cd-giveaway/

       

      Jammie on August 31st, 2009 12:48 pm (Edit)

      I subscribe to your blog

      Momstart – Dive Olly Dive DVD – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/ncircle-dive-olly-dive-ship-shape-sub-giveaway/

       

    • Ann F on August 11th, 2009 5:49 am (Edit)

      I’d like to win this DVD for my daughter.

    •  

      Momstart –

      Super Mario Brothers Super Show DVD – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/ncircle-dive-olly-dive-ship-shape-sub-giveaway/

      Number 15

      e-mailed winner

      Momstart – Sid The Science Kid 2 DVD,s – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      Number 89

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/sid-the-science-kid-double-feature-giveaway/

      e-mailed winner

       

      Lily Kwan on September 1st, 2009 1:41 am (Edit)

      I subscribed to your blog.

      Momstart – DVD Adventures of Sonic The Hedgehog – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/adventures-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-robots-attach-ncircle-giveaway/

      Number 32

      Vicki Wurgler on August 18th, 2009 10:58 am (Edit)

      enemy is Dr Robotnik

       

      Momstart – Simple Green Natural Pet Carpet Cleaner – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/simple-green-non-toxic-pet-cleaner-giveaway/

      Number 39

      e-mailed winner

      Momstart – Eczema Skincare products 60.00 value – Ends August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/do-you-or-your-children-struggle-with-eczema-relief-giveaway/

       

      Number 100

      Jessica on August 22nd, 2009 4:19 pm (Edit)

      Added your button http://jessilyn82.blogspot.com/

       

      Momstart – Nintendo DS The Clique: Diss and Make Up game – August 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/nintendo-ds-game-the-clique-diss-and-make-up-giveaway/

      35

      e-mailed the winner

       

      Momstart – 5.00 to Wendy’s – Ends Aug 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/wendys-new-boneless-chicken-wings/

      Number 45

    • Kristy H on August 2nd, 2009 1:05 pm (Edit)

      Have your button up

      jellibeenz1978@hotmail.com

    •  

      Momstart – Two Halloween Costumes, 1 child and matching adult – Ends Aug 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/08/annies-cosutmes-matching-mom-and-kid-costume-giveaway/

      Number 300

      Bridget Michelle Combs on August 31st, 2009 9:55 pm (Edit)

      I like the Indian Boy Costume and the tooth fairy adult costume =)

       

      Momstart – Zula Patrol DVD and Zula Patrol on-line membership – Ends Aug 31 (8/31)

      http://momstart.com/2009/07/zula-patrol-dvd-animal-adventures-in-space-and-on-line-membership-review-and-giveaway/

      Number 10

      eth shepherd on August 13th, 2009 12:39 pm (Edit)

      GORGA is The Zula Patrol’s peppy space pet.
      Thank you for the chance
      tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

      Halloween Costumes for Mom or Dad and matching child costume #giveaway

      It worked once, let’s do it again but include dad this time.

       

      Shari McConahay has become one of my e-mail friends through blogging. I met her and have learned about her family and her business. She works as part of Annies Costumes and works with The Extreme Halloween Network. I know she is extremely busy and extremely sweet.

      There are many different types of items they carry and now is the time of year to stock up on dress up and costumes. Halloween is just around the corner. I mean, it’s like Back to School hits you, birthday parties, Halloween, more birthday parties, School dances, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and then Christmas. I mean, you name it and Shari can probably find it for you.

      Annies Costumes has generously offered us two costumes to one winner. One winner can choose a child costume and matching mother costume up to 50.00 each.

      This would be my current choice of child and matching mother costume

      starwars child

      Darth Vader for Miles

       

       

      And Queen Amadala for me

      starwarsmom

      Dad’s can get on this too.

      My husband could be Chewbacca and my daughter could be Princess Lea.

      We want to see some dad choices this time.

       

       

       

       

      To Enter: You can

      Read and leave a comment on the Extreme Halloween Costume Blog: www.ExtremeHalloween.blogspot.com

      And or

      Leave a comment with Annies Costumes on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Annies.Costumes

      And or

      Pick out a kids costume and a matching adult costume up to 50.00 on each at Annies Costumes.

      Both count as an entry

      Extra Entries: After doing at least 1 of above

      If you liked this post or wish to gain and extra entries please vote for me here.

      Parenting

      Vote for me for 5 extra entries

      Non-boggers get an extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

      Subscribe to my blog
      Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
      Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
      Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
      Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
      Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
      Leave a comment for every entry

      The contest will run until September 30 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

      Wordless Wednesday – Thanks Bekah

       

      I didn’t take this photo, my sister-in-law did. ;-)

      Luvs luvs your pocket book 5.00 Diaper Coupon and Diaper Bag Diaper #giveaway

      clip_image002

      Luvs is giving away the diaper bag that you see Marissa Jaret Winokur holding. Luvs understands that families everywhere are struggling financially. The price of everything has gone up. The diaper brand we get has gone up. Since Luvs luvs our pocketbooks they have teamed up with Marissa to challenge moms to Take a Stand against issues they don’t agree with like paying too much money for everyday items like diapers!

      Marissa believes in the idea of empowering moms to stand for things that are important to them, and you can watch a series of videos on Luvs.com where she talks about all sorts of things that she stands for—from charitable giving, to just trusting your gut when it comes to parenting.

      luvs So join Luvs and say no to Pricey Diapers. On September 15th, Luvs will be offering a $5 OFF any Luvs product coupon. You can’t hardly ever get a coupon like that. It’s like the Mecca of coupons. A very high dollar coupon like this one will GO FAST! Mark the date on your calendar so that you remember and don’t miss out on the savings! And, remember–with Luvs there is always a money back guarantee–if you’re not satisfied with their diapers they will give you your money back! You won’t lose anything there.

      You should go try them. I’m all about saving money.

      coupon

      A new and fun campaign element that Luvs added this year is the “Build a Baby” tool at Luvs.com. You can create a baby cartoon character to look just like you all the way down to the shape of your nose!  You can even share your new baby avatar with your friends on Facebook and Twitter.

       

      Save Save Save

       

      Now you can

      WIN WIN WIN

       

       

      1-month supply of diapers, diaper bag and autographed photo of Marissa

       

       

      To Enter:

      Visit Luvs and tell me what’s important to you.

      Extra Entries:

      If you liked this post or wish to gain and extra entries vote for me here.

      Parenting

      Vote for me for 5 extra entries

      Non-boggers get an extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

      Subscribe to my blog
      Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
      Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
      Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
      Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
      Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
      Leave a comment for every entry

      The contest will run until September 30 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

      Educating Esme 10 Year Anniversary Edition #Giveaway

       

      I am giving my copy away because I know that it will go to good use in someone else’s hands. Maybe someone knows a student that is going to become a teacher soon, or perhaps you are already a teacher and would like to read a book written by a kindred spirit. I honestly have not had enough time to read it but based on opinions it seems like it’s a great read. It has to be to be a 10 year anniversary edition with extra material. I mean she’s hugely popular and her diary was written to be a dialogue for teaching at risk-students. She sounds like she was quite an exciting first year teacher.

      Order your copy HERE!

       

      .

      Questions with Esme from Algonquin:

      In Educating Esme, the children refer to you as Madame Esme instead of Ms. Codell. Do kids still call you Madame?

      Everybody calls me Madame. It’s my nickname. I received a lot of criticism about hanging on to the moniker Madame that first year: That’s one thing I don’t regret in the least. I think names are powerful and personal and part of the American idea of reinventing yourself.

      Educating Esme is widely used both in university programs and also for pleasure reading. To what do you attribute the book’s continuing success?

      I think readers appreciate that it’s an authentic diary. For some people it’s eye opening for others it’s all to familiar. People can come at it from wherever they are whether they are teachers or teachers-to-be or maybe were students once upon a time. Since it’s from my limited point of view it’s fun to consider, “would I have made the same choices or mistakes?” “Would I have done things differently, or better, or the same?” “Would I have fired her, or quit?” The reason I published my diary was to create a dialogue around teaching in urban schools – what works, what doesn’t and what it looks like from a teacher’s perspective. And that conversation is still relevant.

      Personal

      My sister-in-law is a teacher and had a terrible experience with her first year. In fact, her first year was so bad that she quit teaching. There were a lot of factors. Being a first year teacher, I don’t think she had the support she needed especially since she was in an area where the children were difficult children. It sounds like she could have used this book when it was first released.

      So I know this book can help someone out there. I hope the right person finds this giveaway.

      Also, just so you know; my sister-in-law is teaching again.

       

      About Esme Codell

      Esme Codell is a nationally renowned advocate for literacy and literature-based instruction, dubbed “one of the nation’s most sought-after voices for empowering teachers” (People) and a “Superstar of Education” (Scholastic Instructor). Her diary, Educating Esme, was first published in 1999. Over 200,000 copies later, the irreverent and ground-breaking book has been hailed as “the gold standard” of the first-person account (The New York Times) and declared a “pop culture phenomenon” (Publishers Weekly)."

       

      To Enter:

      Tell me about your favorite teacher

      Extra Entries:

      If you liked this post or wish to gain and extra entries vote for me here.

      Parenting

      Vote for me for 5 extra entries

      None Bloggers get and extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

      Subscribe to my blog
      Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
      Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
      Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
      Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
      Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
      Leave a comment for every entry

      The contest will run until September 30 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

      Chocolate Liquor, Pomegranate BBQ Sauce, Slow Cooker Meals Delicae Gourmet #Giveaway

      When sent the following e-mail, I thought; yummy, I love trying food.

      image We really want to get the word out about our wonderful all natural products, especially our Slow Cooker Dinners and Soups. These meals are greatly appreciated by the Moms that use them. They take only 5 minutes to prepare (with the exception of the Southwest Roadhouse Chili which requires browning of the ground meat). The meals they produce are delicious, nutritious and contain no added salt. Servings from each box are from 8-12 depending on the selection. They are also great to freeze or for left overs.

      Delicae Gourmet is gourmet.

      I tried their Pomegranate Barbeque Sauce, Chocolate Liquour, and two of their ready made meals that you add food to.

      I love Barbeque Sauce on all kinds of foods. I find it to be very good and the Pomegranate Barbeque Sauce was delicious. It was so good that my stepmom used it on a brisket that she made for a family party. The brisket disappeared so fast. We also tried the chocolate liquor. My dad later told me that he loved it and wouldn’t mind if I got him some more. Hmm, might make a good Christmas gift for you dad. Good thing you don’t read my blog.

       

      Italian Farm-Style ChickenI Ordered the Italian Farm Style Chicken and might make it tomorrow. Oh wait, I have to go buy some chicken. It might wait until next week. But it comes with everything you need except the Chicken, tomato and broth. It looks amazing. Maybe it will make my cooking step up three notches?

      So they generously offered 25.00 for me to pick out stuff to try and they are offering on of my readers (you guys) the same thing. Let me tell you 25.00 goes a long way when you realize that you are buying quality.

      To Enter:

      Visit Delicae Gourmet and tell me what you would order with your 25.00.

      Extra Entries:

      If you liked this post or wish to gain and extra entries vote for me here.

      Parenting

      Vote for me for 5 extra entries

      None Bloggers get and extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

      Subscribe to my blog
      Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
      Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
      Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
      Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
      Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
      Leave a comment for every entry

      The contest will run until September 30 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

      Imagination Movers Theater Tour “Live From the Idea Warehouse Concert Tour”

      moversSmallLogoDisney2 We’re going to see Imagination Movers in December, what a long wait for my son and daughter. I won’t tell them until closer to the actual date because they don’t understand two months away yet. I’m going to have a hard time waiting and even my husband is excited. I asked him if he wanted to take the kids or if he wanted me to host the tickets as a giveaway and he said let’s take the kids.

      They will love it.

      My husband and I were just sharing a story about my daughter and her dancing to their songs. Oh how our household loves Imagination Movers. Thanks to DPAC Durham Performing Arts Center we are going and we’ll share the review later, but first we wanted to share their tour dates and information with you.

       

      Imagination Movers will launch their first-ever U.S. concert theater tour. The “Live From The Idea Warehouse Tour” will come to DPAC on October 15, 2009 @ 6:30pm. Tickets go on-sale Saturday, August 8 at 10am.

      Ticket prices to see this live concert range from $10-$32. Tickets can be purchased at DPAC box office, 919.680.2787, and online at DPACnc.com. Tickets are also available through all Ticketmaster outlets.

      Imagination Movers is a hit with audiences around the world, airing in over 55* countries/ territories and in 12 languages since September 2008. In the U.S., the series ranks among TV’s Top 5 programs with preschoolers 2-5 in 3Q09 to date, and year to date has reached over 46 million unduplicated Total Viewers. Globally, Imagination Movers is the #1 original Playhouse Disney series launch ever among kids and Total Viewers in Australia, and in 1Q09 ranked as the #1 series on Playhouse Disney in the UK, Denmark and Sweden, while ranking as a Top 5 series in Italy, India and the U.S.
      The Imagination Movers are: Rich Collins, a former journalist and father of five; Scott Durbin, a teacher and father of two; Dave Poche, an architect and father of two; and Scott "Smitty" Smith, a New Orleans firefighter who was part of the Hurricane Katrina search and rescue effort. Imagination Movers features the blue-suited band – Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty – as brain-stormers working hard to solve “idea emergencies” in their Idea Warehouse. Each episode features five songs.
      After signing to Walt Disney Records, Imagination Movers released their debut album “Juice Box Heroes” in March 2008. The CD ranked in the Top 10 on iTunes Children’s Music chart. Parenting Magazine awarded it a “Parenting Pick” and Common Sense Media recognized Imagination Movers among the Best TV of 2008, citing the quartet’s “addictive sense of humor and quest for fun.” Their new Walt Disney Records CD, "For Those About to Hop," shipped last month. The album’s smart, high-energy pop was described in the New York Times as “prized by many parents for non-condescending lyrics and music that evokes the Beastie Boys or Red Hot Chili Peppers.”       
      Imagination Movers airs weekdays at 9:30 a.m., ET/PT and weekends at 10:00 a.m., ET/PT during Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney programming block for preschoolers. The series carries a TV-Y parental guideline.

      Additional information can be found at: www.imaginationmoverstour.com

      Tour dates follow:

      Date

      City

      Venue

      10-Oct-Sat                           

      Shreveport, LA   

      The Strand

      11-Oct-Sun                         

      New Orleans, LA 

      UNO Lakefront

      14-Oct-Thu                          

      N. Charleston, SC 

      N. Charleston Performing Arts Center

      15-Oct-Thu                                

      Durham, NC  

      DPAC

      18-Oct-Sun                                

      Houston, TX 

      Verizon

      20-Oct-Tue                                 

      Paducah, KY

      Carson Center

      21-Oct-Wed                               

      Davenport, IA

      Adler Theatre

      22-Oct-Thu                     

      Kansas City, MO

      Midland Theatre

      23-Oct-Fri                          

      Sioux Falls, SD  

      Washington Pavillion

      24-Oct-Sat                      

      Minneapolis, MN

      Target Center

      25-Oct-Sun                       

      Merrilville, IN

      Star Plaza

      28-Oct-Wed                             

      Mansfield OH 

      Renaissance Theatre

      30-Oct-Fri                                 

      Indianapolis, IN

      Murat Theatre

      1-Nov-Sun                                 

      Waukegan, IL

      Gennessee Theatre

      2-Nov-Mon                            

      Champaign, IL

      Star Theatre

      4-Nov-Wed                            

      Rochester, NY

      Auditorium Theatre

      5-Nov-Thu                                  

      Syracuse, NY

      Landmark Theatre

      6-Nov-Fri                             

      Reading, PA   

      Sovereign Performing Arts Center

      7-Nov-Sat                                

      Boston, MA   

      Orpheum

      8-Nov-Sun                                 

      New York, NY

      Nokia Live

      11-Nov-Wed                     

      Morgantown, WV 

      Creative Arts Center

      13-Nov-Fri                         

      New Brunswick, NJ

      State Theatre

      14-Nov-Sat                              

      New Haven, CT

      Shubert

      15-Nov-Sun                              

      Frederick MD

      Weinberg Center

      18-Nov-Wed                             

      Wilmington, DE

      Grand Opera House

      19-Nov-Thu                          

      Pittsburgh, PA  

      Byham Theatre

      20-Nov-Fri                          

      Staten Island, NY

      St. George Theatre

      21-Nov-Sat                            

      Philadelphia, PA

      Keswick

      22-Nov-Sun                           

      Huntington, WV  

      Big Sandy Arena

      4-Dec-Fri                              

      Mesa, AZ

      Ikeda Theatre

      5-Dec-Sat                     

      Los Angeles, CA

      Club Nokia

      6-Dec-Sun                                

      Oakland,. CA 

      Fox

      9-Dec-Wed                                 

      Fresno, CA

      Saroyan Theatre

      11-Dec-Fri                                

      Portland OR

      Theatre of the Clouds

      12-Dec-Sat                                

      Seattle, WA

      Moore Theatre

      13-Dec-Sun                                 

      Spokane, WA

      INB Performing Arts

      About Playhouse Disney

      Playhouse Disney, seen in a daily programming block on Disney Channel U.S. and on 21 Playhouse Disney channels around the world, encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through original series, short-form and acquired programming that includes song, movement and entertainment. Guided by an established curriculum, Playhouse Disney supports multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and endearing characters.

      About Buena Vista Concerts

      In September 2006, the Disney Music Group launched Buena Vista Concerts, its concert production arm.  In less than two years, the division has been responsible for three of the most successful concert tours in recent years – The Cheetah Girls: The Party’s Just Begun Tour (2006/2007 – 86 dates), High School Musical: The Concert (2006/2007 – 52 dates) and the Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Tour (2007/2008 – 70 dates).

      About DPAC

      Durham Performing Arts Center is a 2,800 capacity multi-use theatre that will feature the hottest Broadway and family shows, high-profile concerts and incredible special events. DPAC has become a beacon of energy in Durham and a cultural landmark for entertainment for the region to experience. DPAC presents the SunTrust Broadway Series in the first-class theatre with show stopping Broadway engagements of Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Spring Awakening, and much more during DPAC’s second Broadway season. Music legend Roger Daltry, comedian superstar Robin Williams and numerous electrifying performances are set to take the stage during the upcoming DPAC season.

      Holiday Inn wants you to consider a “State-Cation”

      Holiday Inn Hotels & ResortsHoliday Inn has locations everywhere. There’s one just down the street from us, that street being the highway but still it’s under 5 minutes away. They would like it if you take another look at your own state for a vacation idea with Holiday Inn. Think of it as a "state-cation" instead of a "staycation".

      You can find countless opportunities for adventure, education and rejuvenation reside within the borders of your own home state. You can save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars with a creative "state-cation". You don’t have to drive very far plus, everyone can get involved in the planning. Whether you’re looking to visit a historical landmark or spend a long weekend at the beach or mountains; or even stay a night in the big city you’ll find Holiday Inn there.

      When you stay with Holiday Inn, you’ll experience the changes transforming its hotels world wide including signature bedding with "soft" and "firm" pillows and power showers in the bathroom, just to name a few, all with a more contemporary look and feel.

      MtStHelens With summer winding down, September provides a great opportunity to explore your home state with family and friends before busy fall schedules take over. Of if in your case it’s already begun then take a quick break before everyone gets into that routine. Holiday Inn boasts more than 2,500 locations in the US, offering a fun and easy getaway in every state. Being from Washington, I’d love to visit Mt. St. Helen’s. I’d also love to go to the mountains. We have lived here for seven years now and never spent the night in the mountains. I’d love to stay at Mount Rainier or just over the pass on I-90. Close enough to home for convenience and affordability, but far enough to experience a getaway, the Holiday Inn "state-cation" becomes a great opportunity to rediscover your home state and still enjoy a vacation. There is so much to do and explore.

      “I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Holiday Inn. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”