You are here: Home / Archives for Mother’s Day

Ever Feel Like a Battle-Seasoned Warrior?

May 3, 2011 By 4 Comments

I thought it fitting to post a great quote I heard last night while watching one of my favorite TV shows Stargate SG1 in honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday.

Vala: There’s nothing to be gained by second-guessing yourself. You can’t remake the past. So look ahead. Or risk being left behind.

Bra’tac: She displays the wisdom of a battle-seasoned warrior.

Jackson: She’s a mother. Close enough.

image

Ever feel like a battle-seasoned warrior?

Raising kids is a difficult yet very rewarding task we face every day from the moment they are born. My children keep me on my toes, make me want to pull my hair out, have me buckled over in laughter, and give me tears of frustration, worry and happiness. The kids are constantly testing me pushing my limits of patience and I’m always worried that I’m way to hard on them. I feel like a drill Sargent sometimes, and worry so much about everything I say. Was I too hard on them? Did I say the right thing? Did I teach them? Do they know I love them more than anything else in the world?

The fits, they drive me crazy, I yell. I’m imperfect.

But at the end of every day exhausted and drained, I have to let it go and start the next day new. Being a mother, my biggest challenge is letting go of my mistakes and facing each new day new and refreshed. I even have to try to remind myself that even in the middle of the day if I’ve made parenting mistakes and you know I make them every day, I have to let go and do the best I can. I tell my kids I love them every night and when they look at me and say “love you too” there is peace in my heart.

Being a Mother is like being a battle seasoned warrior.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: , ,

Things Remembered Mother’s Day Giveaway

April 28, 2011 By 175 Comments

The month of May is such a wonderful month. It’s my birthday (no, I won’t tell you how old I am) and it’s Mother’s Day. Picking out the perfect gift for mom can be a daunting task. I know for me, I always tell my husband not to spend any money on me, but he does anyways and it makes me happy.

One of my favorite brands that I get to work with here on my blog is Things Remembered. They have the best products and make it so easy to personalize something. I was asked to pick something out for myself or a mom I know and well, I couldn’t follow directions. My daughter, loves jewelry right now. I mean, she’s a little princess and wears something every day. I found the Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Necklace and knew that she would love it. We’re saving it for a special occasion…just look at it:

Things Remembered Necklace

 

The thing about Things Remembered is that their quality is always amazing and it holds up to the test of time. I have a piece of jewelry from Things Remembered from when I was in high school and that was over 10 years ago (I still refuse to tell you my age). I’m a big fan of Things Remembered and everything they sell.

Enter to Win:

One of the following with engraving of your choice:

  1. Things Remembered USB Photo Key Chain
  2. Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Necklace 
  3. Things Remembered Fashion Birthstone Bracelet
  4. Things Remembered Leaves & Vines Perfume Atomizer
  5. Things Remembered Mother Water Globe
  6. Things Remembered Mom Float Frame (Photo)

To Enter:

Visit www.thingsremembered.com and leave a comment explaining what product/products you like best  (1 entry)

Extra Entries:

Follow @Tremembered on Twitter and send a tweet

Tweet: #Win Personalized Gift of Your Choice From @Tremembered @MomStart for Mother’s Day #giveaway http://bit.ly/iMQjt5

Become a fan of Things Remembered on Facebook

Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway ends May 16th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

This giveaway is open to US shipping addresses only. Winner must not have won a Things Remembered prize pack within the last 60 days.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , ,

Who Is Your Favorite TV/Cartoon Mom 1-800-Flowers Giveaway

April 28, 2011 By 425 Comments

Television moms have been a part of our families for decades – from the iconic moms of the past like June Cleaver to the more modern, spunky moms like Lorelai Gilmore, these leading ladies have reminded us and made us appreciate all of our own families time and time again.  In honor of ALL moms this Mother’s Day, both real and fictional, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is searching to find the all-time favorite TV mom – but they need OUR help to do it!

1800flowersI grew up watching TV as a family and there were a lot of really great TV moms at the time. We watched the Cosby show for years and I have to say that Claire Huxtable is one of my favorite TV moms. I also really liked watching Rosanne even though she wasn’t the best character morally when it came to her kids and family you didn’t mess with them unless you wanted to get into trouble. 1-800-Flowers asked me to come up with a list of my top three favorite TV moms. I had a hard time coming up with a list.

My final choices were:

Clair Huxtable

Laurali Gilmore

Wilma Flintstone

Then I asked you guys on twitter and you came up with a few moms that I didn’t even consider that I LOVE even more. I wish I would have said, Mrs. Incredible, or the mom from Seventh Heaven. She was great too. Now 1-800-Flowers is holding a little friendly competition between these moms that they came up with. This contest will live on the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Facebook page  and will end on my birthday Friday, May 6th.

Enter to Win:

50.00 Gift Card to 1-800-Flowers

From roses and lilies to towers of treats, please check out some of the fantastic gift ideas for Mother’s Day.  Click here to view the full Mother’s Day collection.      

To Enter:

Leave a comment on this post about who your favorite TV/Cartoon Mom is.

Extra Entries:

Vote for your favorite Mom on the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Facebook page

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

Who Is Your Favorite TV/Cartoon Mom 1-800-Flowers #Giveaway http://bit.ly/jZ5kZ7

Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway ends May 16th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure –  opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , , , ,

Try Table Topics and WallCandy Arts

April 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Two great possible gift ideas for Mother’s Day:

TT&WCA

For Mother’s to do with their daughters consider getting Table Topics. TableTopics are a great conversation starter in the form of a cube called Mothers & Daughters. With 135 light and lively questions, this cube will remind mother and daughters that they share a lot more than a family resemblance. A few questions are just for Mom, or just for girls but most will inspire answers from both generations. Sample questions are:

When you brag about me what do you say?

What about me reminds you of yourself?

What do you remember about your first real date?

What a great way to lift each other up and let each other know you love one another.

I really wanted a sample of the WallCandy Arts. I love how easy it would be to share message with the kids or my husband and they would look great on the walls. Wall Candy Arts are modern wall decals. They have a new HEART chalkboard that loves your words almost as much as your loved ones do.  Tell Mom you love her and leave a note in outside her room, in the kitchen, anywhere really because these wall decals are completely removable, reusable and re positionable without damaging walls. I think when I really get to decorating the house I’m going to have to check out more of their options. I’m also loving the chalkboard star and the dottilicious.

TableTopics’ Mothers and Daughter cube retails for $25

WallCandy Arts’ Heart retails for $38 (included: 1 large chalkboard heart, 2 medium hearts, 5 small hearts and chalk).

 

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

Filed Under: review Tagged With: , , ,

Kohl’s Mother’s Day Diamond Earrings Giveaway

May 5, 2010 By 477 Comments

I recently went to Kohl’s for a mommy indulgence of new jeans, and a shirt for a great price. As a mom and the family budget keeper, it’s my job to bargain shop. Saving money is making money and Kohl’s always has something on sale. This last Christmas, I received a beautiful necklace from my stepmom and dad. It was gorgeous and it said on the tag that it was 75.00. But knowing that my stepmom follows the same budgeting values that I do, I’m pretty sure she got it on sale.

Now with Mother’s Day on the horizon Kohl’s Jewelry Department is on sale. Find exquisite pieces marked up to 60 percent off. Kohl’s jewelry department is the place to shop for quality mother’s day gifts she’ll love, or jewelry gifts for any occasion. To celebrate this huge sale going on at Kohls, they are giving away a set of diamond earrings valued at 1750.00.

 

 

These earrings are the perfect gift for yourself or someone special – what woman wouldn’t love a gorgeous pair of diamond earrings to make her sparkle. They are certified, high quality and can be found at Kohls, for an amazing price!

The earrings have a four-prong setting with 14k gold screwback posts. The certification includes an International Gemological Institute certificate of authenticity that verifies clarity, color and carat weight. And they come in a cute white leatherette gift box.

 

Diamond Studs 5.4.2010

Enter to win:

Your choice of either white gold studded diamond earrings, or gold gold studded diamond earrings valued at 1750.00.

 

Giveaway is USA only and Ends May 9th, midnight pacific.

 

To Enter:

Kohl’s and I want to hear about your mom, why she deserves a pair of earrings like these, or if you want to tell us your story you can tell us about your favorite Mother’s Day.

Extra Entries:

(each one of these can be done once a day)

Announce the giveaway on your facebook status page linking to the giveaway.

ex:

I just entered to win Diamond Earrings (AVR 1750.00) http://bit.ly/9LlBqP

Follow @Momstart and Twitter and tweet including a link to the giveaway

ex:

Gold Studded Earrings For Mother’s Day @momstart (AVR 1750.00) http://bit.ly/9LlBqP #giveaway #contest ends 4/9

Blog about the giveaway telling your mom’s story, the same one you left in the comments as your first entry, and link to this giveaway and to Kohl’s.

 

Kohl’s is providing the prizing for this giveaway.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , ,

Everyday is a Spa Day with Clarisonic Mia Giveaway

April 17, 2010 By 1,711 Comments

Last year, Clarisonic sent me a Clarisonic facial brush, it is just called Clarisonic, but it’s a sonic cleansing system. I just adore it. I’m not perfect at using it every day as I should, I’m just not really good at doing anything to beautify myself. However, Clarisonic makes it so easy and enjoyable. The brush heads gently exfoliate your skin and you feel like you are having a facial massage at the spa but it is in the comfort of your own home. Skin Care System: Clarisonic Mia.

 

The Clarisonic is water proof so you can use it in the shower, or at the sink as you are getting ready for bed. What’s even more fun is all the beautiful colors that it is now available in.

The New Mia!

Mia is the new, go-anywhere Sonic Skin Cleansing System in a great compact size. The one-button, one-speed Mia fits your active lifestyle for beautiful, glowing skin wherever life’s adventures take you.

Clarisonic Pink Makes a Difference

I really love companies that support commnuty and charity and Clarisonic is proud to support breast cancer research. With every Pink Clarisonic purchase, they will make a donation to help fund the fight against breast cancer.

Personalize your Clarisonic

You can personalize your Clarisonic after you add it to your bag. Engrave your Clarisonic with your name, favorite nickname or fun phrase. Free. Clarisonic.com exclusive offer.

 

Universal Charging cradle

At Clarisonic, we’re committed to making a super–sonic difference in skin care by developing products that improve the way you care for your skin.

My Opinion:

Mine arrived fully charged so I was able to use it right out of the box. It did say in the directions though that you need to charge for 24 hours before using. Both my unit and the unit that I’m giving away have the same rechargeable base. It’s so nice that we don’t have to go through batteries. The Clarisonic brush has a nice smooth pulse that feels great to me. I actually noticed a difference in my face after using it twice. A friend of mine said she noticed a difference using hers after four weeks. I think I just noticed my face looked brighter (I’m hesitant to say younger but that was my first thought) I’m not making any claims for this company, I’m just giving you my crazy opinion for whatever it’s worth.

To Enter:

Visit Clarisonic and tell me which product would suit you best.

Extra Entries:

Follow Clarisonic on Twitter

Become a fan on Facebook

Tweet

Clarisonic Mia Giveaway http://bit.ly/a6RCVo #giveaway #contest

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each

The contest will run until May 3rd 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , ,

Show your mom appreciation with Chicken Soup for the Soul – Thanks Mom – #giveaway

March 30, 2010 By 99 Comments

The Newest installment to Chicken Soup for the Soul has arrived on my door step. Chicken Soup for the Soul Thanks Mom. I received a copy and I get to give away a copy. I get to give away three copies.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom

A mother’s job is never done, but in Thanks Mom, she gets the praise she deserves. Children of all ages share their words of gratitude and appreciation in this new collection of stories for moms. Daughters and sons retell tales of love and learning, celebrating moms, their wisdom, and all that they do. These stories of special memories, loving and hard lessons, unforgettable moments, laughter and tears, support and encouragement will bring any mom joy, inspiration, and amusement. Mothers of all ages, whether new moms, experienced moms, or grandmothers, will feel good about the recognition they receive. Expect plenty of celebrity contributors!

Thank you to Chicken Soup of the Soul for sending us a copy of this book for me to relax too. All of your books add humor, laughter, tears, and smiles to my life. I hope that they are giving my readers the same.

3 Winners:

To Enter:

Leave me a comment telling me about being a mother.

Extra Entries:

Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID

Tweet:
Three Winners for Chicken Soup for the Soul Thanks Mom http://bit.ly/9frPT2 #Giveaway  @momstart  #contest

Advertise this giveaway on any giveaway site, your blog, or your facebook page and tell me where you advertised it (include link to giveaway). 5 Extra Entries for each one you do
Subscribe to my blog
Comment on any other non-giveaway post
Use any of the share options below, digg, stumble…2 entries each

The contest will run until April 12th 11:59 pm Pacific. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: , , , ,

Mix My Granola healthy, yummy and free delivery

May 7, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Low-Fat GranolaYou have only 1 day left to ensure on-time delivery of your Mother’s Day Granola! As they promised, they guarantee that all Mother’s Day orders received by Friday 1pm will arrive in time for Mother’s Day.  Oh yes, they will ship all Mother’s Day orders via FedEx Overnight – at no extra charge!

So hurry up and mix that special Mother’s Day Granola at MixMyGranola or simply order their Happy Mother’s Day Granola Pre-Mix that comes with a special Happy Mother’s Day greeting card here. Like it even easier: Send an electronic Gift Certificate and let her be creative herself! Get your individual Mother’s Day Gift Certificate here.

 

 

My Opinion:

 

MixMyGranola is a very easy way to get a healthy mix of granola made just to order. I was given 15.00 to spend on their site to write this review. So, I went to the website which is very intuitive and informative. I was able to choose my base and learn about each base. I found how many calories were in each serving and which had more fiber.

Next you get to choose your fruit. They have so many different choices of dried fruit to choose from. I chose Bing Cherries and Goji Berries. I chose each because I have never had them before, I was surprised because I didn’t like the cherries but I did like the Goji berries. My whole family liked the Goji berries.

Next you get to choose your nuts. I chose pistachios. Again, I was trying to pick things I have never had before. I’m being daring.

Next I  chose wasabi peas, without looking at the information. The horseradish flavor from the peas disturbed all the other flavors. I also chose oat bran flakes and Tiramisu Carmel balls.

Overall, the experience was easy and tasty. I just wouldn’t recommend recreating my concoction. I enjoyed how easy it was to make it. I enjoyed the taste and how fresh all the ingredients were. Also, the packaging is all recyclable. That is the most impressive thing of all.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: ,

Boost Mobile’s i776w purple for Mother’s Day

April 21, 2009 By 3 Comments

I share them as I come across them. Do you think mom would like a purple phone? I would love to have my phone in purple. I got mine for free from where my husband works. We get excellent discounts through companies because they provide Microsoft the discounts to get Microsoft employees business. Since Microsoft employs a huge amount of people in our area it makes sense. So, if your mom is in need of a new phone try this out for just 99.00 and a service plan for 50.00. I think it’s quite pretty and prepaid phones are more popular than I ever thought they would be. They must be helpful for people on a budget. Oh that’s my family. I so need to get us back on our budget. I just don’t have any motivation right now. .

clip_image001Want to give mom a new cell-phone but afraid of locking her into a two year contract with expensive monthly payments?  Boost Mobile has the answer!  This Mother’s Day, give mom a stylish, affordable prepaid mobile phone from Boost Mobile to help them stay connected for less.
Stylish moms will love Boost Mobile’s i776w handset.  Available in a fun purple color, the i776w is a sleek/lightweight flip phone that is the perfect accessory for mom’s busy schedule.  Features include GPS, Wireless Web,text and picture (multi-media) messaging, digital camera and hands-free speakerphone.
Frugal moms will love Boost Mobile’s Monthly Unlimited plan which provide UNLIMITED talk, text messaging and Walkie-Talkie, all for one flat rate of $50 per month, taxes included! Boost Mobile’s $50 Monthly Unlimited Plan can save moms and families up to $695/year in comparison to similar prepaid plans. In addition, with no contracts or credit checks, moms will have an easy, reliable and inexpensive way to keep tabs on family and loved ones.
The i776w is available online at www.BoostMobile.com for $99.99 and at select retail stores, including RadioShack, Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Sprint stores.

Be sure to find out more about Boost Mobile when making a decision. I use Verizon.

~~~Louise~~~~

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Mother’s Day Gift Idea from Food Network

April 20, 2009 By 1 Comment

This is exciting news in my opinion from the Food Network. They are releasing their shows to DVD. Do you watch Alton Brown? My husband used to. He probably watched almost all of the series up to us having children. He just loved the science behind cooking. I love Paula Deen and her southern cooking. Mmmm, that woman puts butter in everything.

My grandmother likes to watch Giada and Barefoot Contessa. I just like Giada’s name. I liked watching her in The Next Food Network Star last season. We’ve watched Ace of Cakes and Dinner Impossible, Iron Chef, Iron Chef America. 

Well, I could go on and on with what I like to watch on the Food Network.

The DVDs will feature different themes; helping Food Network fans choose the DVDs that best fit their lifestyle.  The DVDs will be sold for $15.99, with a special $2 rebate perfect for Mothers Day – offered from April 19th through May 10th. 

Featured Food Network DVD titles include:

Shelf One: Meals Made Easy

  1. All In A Day’s Eatin’ – Alton Brown
  2. Cupboard Cuisine – Alton Brown
  3. Quick and Healthy – Rachael Ray
  4. The Food Network Girlfriends Collection – Featuring Anne Burrell, Aida Mollenkamp, and Sunny Anderson
  5. Anytime Italian – Giada De Laurentiis

Shelf Two: Entertaining At Home

  1. Giada At Home Season One – Giada De Laurentiis
  2. Entertaining Made Easy – Rachael Ray
  3. Good Eats On the Table – Alton Brown
  4. Food Network Celebrates! Spring Entertaining – Featuring Michael Chiarello, Rachael Ray, and Paula Deen
  5. Entertaining with Ina – Ina Garten

Shelf Three: Fun For the Family

  1. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: The Complete First Season – Guy Fieri
  2. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives: The Complete Second Season – Guy Fieri
  3. Ace of Cakes: The Complete First Season – Duff Goldman
  4. Ace of Cakes: The Complete Second Season – Duff Goldman
  5. Dinner Impossible: The Complete First Season – Robert Irvine

Shelf Four: Best of the Season

  1. Food Network Celebrates! Mother’s Day – Featuring Ina Garten, Paula Deen, Giada De Laurentiis
  2. The Food Network Grilling Collection – Featuring Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Tyler Florence
  3. It Ain’t Just Grits – Paula Deen
  4. Unwrapped – Marc Summers
  5. Sure to Please – Paula Deen

There are more than what is listed because I have a special Ace of Cakes DVD that I’m going to be giving away for Father’s Day!!! But for now, you might think of purchasing one of these goodies for Mom!!

Stay Tuned

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: ,
« Older Posts