Anderson Family Update

Wow it has been forever since I have actually just wrote about what has been going on in our household. Currently Pumpkin just celebrated his 5th Birthday with a Superhero Party. Wow was it fun after I got over the initial panic attack of not having everything ready when guest showed up, but I am blessed with great friends because they just jumped in and helped me finish up. It is still hard to believe that Pumpkin turned 5 seems like just yesterday I had him.

Just for Baby Giveaway Hop

Welcome to the Just For Baby Giveaway Hop!! This Giveaway Hop is hosted by Fabulous Finds and Mama Chocolate. This Giveaway Hop features everything under the sun you’ll need for baby. Be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win some really amazing prizes! This event will end on August 10th at 11:59pm EST.

I have lined up some great sponsors who have donated some really awesome prizes that you will not want to miss out on!!! Make sure you stop by the sponsor spotlights to read about these great prizes up for grabs as well!! You can do this by simply clicking on their names below...

Sponsor Spotlight: True North Organic

The next sponsor I'd like to tell you about for the #Just4BabyHop is True North Organic. As most of you know I try to only use natural products on my kids because of sensitive skin. I was given the opportunity to review True North Organics Lil' Sprouts Baby Hair & Body Wash with the kids.

I have been using this soap on the kids for a little while now and have been very happy with it. It does very well with hair washing which is something I worry about in a combination soap. To me the soaps do not typically clean the hair as well when they are a combination hair/body soap. The Lil' Sprout soap seemed to clean the kids hair just as well as their bodies. It never seemed to irritate their eyes either if the soap made it down to them.

Sponsor Spotlight: BabyLegs

The next sponsor I'd like to introduce you to for the #Just4BabyHop is BabyLegs. I was introduced to the BabyLegs company when I started cloth diapering Sweet Pea. I purchased a couple of pairs of Leg Warmers to use with Sweet Pea when she was a newborn and I was in love with how easy they made diaper changing. I also loved that even though it was winter out her little legs were covered and not exposed to the weather.

Sponsor Spotlight: All Dressed Up

Our first spotlight for the #Just4BabyHop is All Dressed Up!! I was thrilled that I got to work with Denise again!! I must say that Denise is one very talented lady and I love working with her! This time Sweet Pea got to review one of her Princess Tutu Dresses. I have always loved Snow White since I have been told numerous times that I look like here, so of course when I got to choose which Princess Dress I'd like Sweet Pea to review I chose Snow White.

Fort Rapids Coupon

Fort Rapids is central Ohio's largest indoor water park resort. Fort Rapids is the  perfect family fun travel destination where 60,000 square feet of wet and wild fun is waiting for the whole family. Come relax and unwind in one of our guest rooms or family style villa suites, then zip down 12 unique water rides, float in the lazy river, get drenched by the 1,000  gallon tipping bucket and win big at the 5,000 square foot Gold Rush Arcade.



Here is the Great Deal I have for you today!!! Save $50 off Overnight Stays OR $12 off Day Passes! Click Here to recieve this great Deal!!

Energy Efficient Updates

With so many different updates you can easily do to help the value of your home what about ones to help save you money? There are many easy updates that you can do to your home to help you save money and one is by installing energy efficient appliances. We have started to do this in our home and have seen some savings with our utilities and I love to save money so that makes me happy. When the energy efficient appliances first started coming out I was weary on their claims of helping you save money, but now that I have seen them help us save I am all for them.

One big update we will be doing is purchasing energy efficient windows for our home. The current windows we have are very old and drafty which causes our heating bill to be very high in the winter. Because instead of keeping all the cold air out they are letting in the house. There have been times in the winter that there was ice on the inside of our windows. So yes we can not wait to be able to put our new energy efficient ones in our home.  Not only will replacing all the old drafty windows with new energy efficient ones help us cut our heating bill down but also keep us nice and warm.

As most of you know I am very much into doing stuff that is better for the environment and my family and saving energy and money is great for both! Have you tried any of the energy efficient appliances in your homes if so have you seen any savings come from them? 

Sandcastle Waterpark Coupon

Sandcastle Waterpark is Pittsburgh's favorite destination for refreshing water fun!  Open since 1989, this park spans 60-acres and offers over a dozen different  water slides with varying speeds and angles of descent for thrill  seekers of all levels. If you prefer to stay dry, take a leisurely  stroll on the Boardwalk where you can enjoy food and games. On Sunday  evenings, Sandcastle's River City area transforms into Pittsburgh's  premier oldies resort with JukeBox Sunday Nights. From company outings to birthday celebrations, Sandcastle creates occasions everyone will  remember with private VIP cabanas to tents for larger gatherings and  plentiful food options with our professional service staff. With  attractions like Thunder Run, Lazy River, and Wet Willie's Water Works  for children, Sandcastle has something for everyone! Save $5 off admission with this coupon.

To get the $5 off Sandcastle coupon click here.

Kennywood Coupon

Are you looking for something fun to do with your family then make sure you check out Kennywood park. It is a great place to take the family and spend the day. America's Favorite Traditional Amusement Park since 1898, Kennywood continues to delight each and every guest with 31 major rides, including three wooden coasters, two steel coasters including Phantom's Revenge and Skyrocket, water rides, spinning rides, hi-speed rides for thrill seekers, Kid-sized rides for tiny daredevils, and relaxing rides for those who simply want to enjoy the splendor of a truly inviting venue. Combining the best of the old with the best of the new, guests will find the original, 110-year- old carousel pavilion, as well as state-of-the-art attractions like Phantom's Revenge, Skyrocket, and Ghostwood Estate. In 2012, the new thrilling Black Widow ride features counterclockwise rotation and pendulum motions that create a variety of different sensations, depending on a rider's specific position. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, having a party, hosting a company picnic or family reunion, Kennywood has large and inviting private party areas with delicious meal options to please even the pickiest eaters. How would you like to save on a trip to Kennywood? I know I love saving money and I am sure you do too. I am happy to offer you $5 off Kennywood Regular FunDay Admission during a Weekday visit!  Enjoy  a day at America's Finest Traditional Amusement Park and save $5 on a Regular $37.99 FunDay Admission. Monday-Friday thru August 21,  plus  Monday, Sept 3. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid Saturdays or Sundays. Expires September 3, 2012.

To receive your $5 off coupon click here.

Redecorating

One thing that I need to do in my home is redecorate. I love going through my home and redoing stuff. I think its good for the home and the family to redecorate occasionally. We just switched the kids bedrooms around so Sweet Pea could have her own room. But one thing desperately needed throughout our home is new blinds.

I am unsure how long our blinds have been hanging up but they are in serious need of some updating. Some of our blinds are still in really good condition while others are in very poor shape. I love the idea of hanging up new blinds because I think they can give new life to a room as well. If you think about it old dingy blinds will not work as well for lighting a room as new blinds would. There are so many different styles of blinds out now as well that you really have a wide variety to choose from. You no longer have to stick with the old fashion pull string blinds anymore.

How often do you redecorate in your home? I think it's something that is good to do every year though I can't say that I get it done every year. One main reason I do not get it done yearly like I'd like is because I want to paint and change everything so not an easy task to do every year. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject and where you find your inspiration for decorating.

Sponsor Spotlight: Down To Earth Toys

Another great sponsor for the Made In America Event is Down To Earth Toys and I must say that I loved working with them. I mean what could be better then knowing the toys you are giving to your children are safe and made in the USA. I was lucky enough to get to review the Balsa Flying Machine and the Tunnel Town.

My boys were so excited when the box came from Down To Earth Toys. They both love airplanes and have wanted an ant farm for awhile. I made them wait to put the Balsa Flying Machine together until they were with their Papa because he is good at that sort of stuff. I was very surprised at the size of the plane once it was all put together. It was larger then the planes similar to it sold in stores by use.

We loved how easy the Balsa Flying Machine was to assemble and how well it flew in the air. We love how it was one of the many toys made in USA that Down to Earth Toys offers. The Balsa Wood Machine is rubber band powered and really does very well with flying and going a good distance. It has a 17 in wingspan which is larger then the typical Balsa planes you buy in the stores.



The boys also got the Tunnel Town for review and I was very happy with it as well because it is one of there wooden toys that is exceptionally made. I have never been big on the idea of having a ant farm because I was afraid the ants would get loose in my house. But with the Tunnel Town I am not as worried because it seems to made much better then the plastics ones sold in the stores. Not only can you use it for ants but also worms and grubs. The Tunnel Town can be easily cleaned out as well something you can't do with other ant viewers, and then used again and again! Which is awesome because I know my kids love to watch theses things.  I loved that The Tunnel Town came with two mail-in certificates for ants, eye dropper, tweezers, and ant facts. To help you easily get your ant farm up and running.

Make sure you stop by Down To Earth Toys and check out all their natural toys today!! 

Carter's $200 Gift Card Giveaway

Welcome to the Carter's Watch the Wear giveaway brought to you by Blog it Forward Media.

Holiday Trips

Have you ever thought about taking your family on a trip for the Holidays? We have not done this yet but I think it would be lots of fun! I would love to travel the world with my kids and take them to places you could never see if you just stayed home. But for this to happen I need to get over my fear of flying first.

I think it would be so cool to spend a holiday like Christmas in another country sometime. I would love to learn and see other customs for this holiday. One place to check on trips overseas is http://www.cheapholidays.com/turkey . There are so many places I'd like to travel outside of the United States and I think going to Turkey would be a great educational trip for the kids.

I think traveling with kids is a great learning experience for them and traveling around holiday times would help them learn about other customs. I think it is great for kids to know about other countries and their customs.

Where would you like to go with your kids? Do you or have you ever taken a family Holiday trip if so where did you go? I would love to hear about your trip...

7 Year Anniversary

With Jake and I's 7 year wedding anniversary right around the corner it is time start planning a getaway for us. But where to go? He loves the mountains and I love the beach... I know that Jake will take me wherever I'd like to go because he is such a great husband like that.

Though I did live in Florida when I was younger I have never been to Miami and would love to visit there. I think Miami would make for a fun and exciting getaway for our anniversary. What could be better then lying on the beach with the one you love and rekindling the love you have for one another.

I love to travel and go new places with my family but I really love when Jake and I get the chance to have a getaway just to ourselves. With that said I think I may start to check flights to miami to see if I can find us some great deals.

New Car

One thing that our family is in need of right now is a new vechile. Both Jake and I's vechiles are not that reliable plus we can not fit anymore people in them. They both fit only 5 people and tightly at that. With us not being done with expanding our family we know that soon we will need to look into updating one of our current vehicles.

Since neither of us have the best credit score I am sure that we will be looking into companies like Creditplus car loan to help get us approved. There are so many things to take into account when looking for a new vehicle and one big one is your loan company. You want to make sure that you are working with a company that truly wants to help you and not just take your money. Jake and I had that happen to us when we got my Escape. The loan company didn't care and want to truly help us but instead take us for all they could.

We learned from our foolish mistakes and now are more cautious about the loan companies we work with. So whether your out looking for a new home or a new car make sure you do your research on the loan companies!!

Florida, Florida, Florida

Well since our family vacation for this year is over I have already started to plan our trip for next year. I am sure you can guess where it will be too... This trip not only will be a vacation but also Jake and I's time to scope out some areas of possibly moving to. I grew up in Bradenton, Fl and loved it my mom owns a home in Hudson, Fl though she is currently in Ohio with me. I never dreamed that it would be 20 years before I would be able to step foot in Florida again and I must say it has been a long 20 years.

With planning our trip one thing I will be looking into are flights to tampa. Though we will be staying south of Tampa it is easier to fly into there and drive down the rest of the way. It also gives me an excuse to visit my cousin in Tampa and take the kids to visit some really cool places also. Can you feel my excitement?? I am about ready to just jump in my car and head for the airport I am so ready to be on this trip.

Doesn't that picture look awesome?? Oh how I love Florida and all the fun and sun that goes along with it. This next year will be longest I am sure just because I am so excited about this trip and I hope that it will end up being a trip that can make my dreams come true.

Sponsor Spotlight: CJ's BUTTer

Awhile back I heard about CJ's BUTTer from another cloth diapering mom on facebook and just had try it out! The mom raved about this product, and of course then I wanted to try it out for myself. I was sent several great scents to try! Not to long after receiving the CJ's BUTTer Sweet Pea broke out in what we thought was a yeast rash. So I started using the CJ's BUTTer on her little bum saw no change. So we took her out of cloth and put her in sposies to try and clear everything up. We continued to use the CJ's BUTTer on her and the rash started to clear. 

KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS REVIEW

Kaijudo is a new TV show for kids ages 8 and up on the Hub. Bubba my 8-year-old  and Pumpkin my almost 5-year-old love watching Kaijudo.

Cuddle Covers Review & Giveaway

Are you looking for an adorable and different gift for your toddler or child? Then I have a product for you it's a fantastic combination of a stuffed animal and a regular sized pillow and your little ones will love them! Cuddle Covers come in a variety of animals to choose from and are great for childhood companionship and traveling!

Natural House Glassy Review

I would like to introduce you to the newest addition to the Natural House Products line Glassy!

Glassy Probiotic Glass Cleaner is a revolutionary new glass cleaner. The professional strength formula powers through dirt, grime and germs while leaving a streak free shine. The probiotics continue to take care of germs on the surface after you are done cleaning. Natural House is safe to use on any glass surface and leaves a nice clean, streak free shine.

Glassy is safe to use on multiple surfaces like:

  high-gloss surfaces

terrazzo

marble

slate

vinyl

 tile

 finished hardwood surfaces

  Glassy does not contain any VOC’s or other harmful chemicals and it also keeps dangerous pathogens off any surface. This is a eco-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner that keeps on destroying germs all day long. Use Glassy weekly to help keep your surfaces germ free and clean.

I have been using Glassy on my front glass door. Sweet Pea loves to stand there and watch the birds outside so it always has little finger prints on it. Glassy has done a great job of cleaning the little prints off as well as taking care of the germs as well. I like that I don't have to worry about her going behind me and putting her hands on the glass and then possible in her mouth.

I have loved all the products that I have reviewed for Natural House so far.  I love that they are all natural household cleaning products and can be purchased on the Natural House website and on Amazon.com and they sells for the very low cost of $3.99!

Bratzillaz Giveaway

Behold The Magical Powers of … Bratzillaz! The Bewitching Glam Cousins of the Bratz Conjure Up Magical Fun in 2012! The enchanted good witch cousins of the popular Bratz, Bratzillaz takes girls on a supernatural flight of imagination and discovery to reveal their own inner secrets and special powers, including the ability to communicate with animals, fly through the air, see into the future and find true love. Designed to encourage a girls’ imagination to dream big, the powers of Bratzillaz will magically appear in retail toy aisles and young girl’s hearts in July 2012.

Prepare to be transported to a mesmerizing world where magic meets glam as MGA Entertainment invites you to meet Bratzillaz™:
Cloetta Spelletta has the power to change you into anything you want. She'll help you show there's two sides to you; Magic Power: Can transform into anything; Witchmark: Moon & Stars; Fave Pet: Barkthalameow; Fave Class: History of Platform Shoes; Fashion Passion: Girly Glitter.

Jade J'Adore has the power to help you find your one true love. She’ll help you heal your broken heart, too!; Magic Power: Heals broken hearts; Witchmark: Heart Arrow; Fave Pet: Kissifuss™; Fave Class: Fashion Magic; Fashion Passion: Urban Witchy.

Yasmina Clairvoya has the power to see the future. She’ll help you be ready for anything coming your way!; Magic Power: Sees into the future; Witchmark: Egyptian Eye; Fave Pet: Winkers™; Fave Class: Purses & Potions; Fashion Passion: Vintage Romantic.

Sashabella Paws has the animal kingdom under her spell. She'll help you communicate with creatures everywhere!; Magic Power: Can communicate with animals; Witchmark: Tribal Cat; Fave Pet: Fluffinscruff™; Fave Class: Exotic Animal Languages; Fashion Passion: Fierce faux fur.

Meygana Broomstix not only has the power to fly, but also to make dreams come true. She’ll help make your wildest dreams take flight!; Magic Power: Helps you fly; Witchmark: Wings; Fave Pet: Wingzy™; Fave Class: Broom Gymnastics; Fashion Passion: Sporty Supernatural.

In August, Bratzillaz will extend into the digital space with interactive content on www.bratzillaz.com, a newly designed website that offers an immersive 3D experience including the cutting edge technology of parallax scrolling, multi platform games, augmented reality experiences, character bios, and more! In a first for MGA Entertainment, Bratzillaz™ games will also be available on apps for smartphones.

Look for more spellbinding Bratzillaz™ entertainment to manifest throughout the year, including a series of original animated webisodes, music videos, and licensed consumer products.

Buy It: You can purchase Bratzillaz dolls for around 30.00.

Win It: MGA Entertainment has offered one lucky US reader their own Bratzillaz doll! Please make sure you read the Giveaway Rules before you enter! This giveaway is brought to you by MGA Entertainment and Real Mom Reviews. Andersons Angels is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Build a Dream Playhouse Giveaway

Cosmic Cruiser: This is mission control. All systems GO! 3…2…1… BLASTOFF!! Soar to new heights with Build a Dream Playhouse’s™ Cosmic Cruiser™. Orbit the moon, fight off space invaders, or simply fly around your neighborhood. One small step for kids. One giant leap for their imaginations! Cost: $29.95

Dream Machine: Introducing the world’s most fuel efficient automobile! The Dream Machine™ utilizes breakthrough dream harness technology. By using your dreams and imagination, the machine is capable of reaching endless destinations! Take a road trip, deliver pizzas, or patrol the neighborhood in Build a Dream Playhouse’s™ Dream Machine. Cost: $39.95.

Win It: Build a Dream Playhouse has offered one lucky reader a Cosmic Cruiser or a Dream Machine! Please make sure you read the Giveaway Rules before you enter! This giveaway is brought to you by Build A Dream Playhouses and Real Mom Reviews. Andersons Angels is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Made In America Giveaway - Value $140 US Only

It's time ladies and gentlemen for the Made In America Giveaway!!

This great giveaway hop includes over 50 blogs and is brought to you by Woven By Words & Joy of Mama Joyner. Each blog has a prize package to offer of at least $25. There is also a GRAND PRIZE Giveaway located on both hosts' blogs for a Kayak from Lifetime Products, PLUS $100 PayPal Cash!! So you will want to make sure you stop by one of their blogs to enter for the Grand Prize!!

Fit Moms For Life Review & Giveaway

I guarantee most of us Mom's out here, had NO IDEA how busy and exhausting Motherhood could and would be on us. Until one day we put on those shoes and began the busy and exhausting journey called Motherhood.

The only problem is that once those shoes were on us, many of us lost our will to maintain physical fitness in our daily hectic and stressful lives. The longer we allow the stretch to become the more difficult and challenging it becomes for us to find the time and energy to spend on ourselves to make help make a positive change physically. Which in the long run will create a healthier and happier you.

Sponsor Spotlight: Aerobie AeroSpin YoYo

Warmer weather days are finally here in Ohio which means lots more time to play outdoors. I simply love this time of year around here since I grew up in Florida I love the hot weather! I am always on the hunt for fun outdoor things for my kiddos and I to do and one company to look at to for this is Aerobie. They have a wide variety of fun and active sport toys that are so creative and keep you moving.  I was so delighted when Aerobie offered me the chance to try out their Aerospin Yo-Yo! I knew that the boys and Jake would really enjoy it.

Sponsor Spotlight: Maple Hill Dryer Balls

I would like to introduce you to another great Made In America Company!

Maple Hill Dryer Balls... 

If you are looking for a way to make your laundry more "green" then you'll want to check out dryer balls! Not only are you avoiding the nasty chemicals found in most dryer sheets, but you are conserving energy as well by using wool dryer balls! By using four to six wool balls in your dryer at a time with your load of laundry can significantly help reduce static and decrease your drying time, cutting your energy usage!

Family Vacations On A Budget Redweek Review & Giveaway

Summer is here Woohoo!

Which means for most of us, this is when our families vacations happen, and usually costing us a pretty penny. With the economy still down money seems tight for everyone, and a lot of us are looking for ways to have a nice vacation while not breaking the bank.

Life Coaches...

Life coaches what are they do you know or how about what they do?

~ Life Coaching is a profession that is profoundly different from consulting, mentoring, advice, therapy, or counseling. The coaching process addresses specific personal projects, business successes, general conditions and transitions in the person's personal life, relationships or profession by examining what is going on right now, discovering what their obstacles or challenges might be, and choosing a course of action to make their life be what they want it to be.

Eddie Bauer Baby Collection Giveaway Event

We proudly welcome you to the Eddie Bauer Baby Collection Giveaway Event hosted by the Iowa-Mom and Bay Area Mommy!

Thank you to our lovely co-hosts Simply Frugal Living and Learning to Limit!

Eddie Bauer Travel System
Travel in comfort and style with the Eddie Bauer Trailmaker Travel System. This stroller and infant car seat combination will help make all your journeys more enjoyable. The stroller features a handy parent tray with cup holder and a larger storage basket with easy, spring-down access for all the bigger gear you need to take along for the ride once out of the car. The 1-hand fold and stand with self-locking feature makes it easy to either stow in your vehicle or store at home. The included infant car seat transitions easily from stroller to car and then back again so that your little one will remain comfy on all legs of the trip!

Eddie Bauer Classic High Chair

Crafted to complement your home, the Eddie Bauer Classic High Chair features a dishwasher-safe insert tray that helps make cleanup simple. The high chair also has a convenient rear storage compartment that's perfect for bibs, baby food jars, and utensils! You'll love both the classic wood style and the convenience this high chair brings to your home.

Eddie Bauer Playard
Eddie Bauer offers parents a play yard that will take their little adventurer from nap to play and back again. Featuring a canopy with enchanting plush bears and a comforting Baby Module, nap time is sure to be peaceful, no matter what time of day. The Flip Away changer is there when you need it and easy to move out of the way when you don't. Remove the bassinet to reveal a roomy play yard that makes it easy to keep your baby close by, but not underfoot.