Contest Alert!

It has been an exhausting week. I really missed catching up on my blog. It is my little "secret" and I enjoy doing it (wow- that sounds dirty). I promise I will be in full mode tomorrow- fresh with something new to chat about.

In the meantime... Check out a "G' sista of mine... Supah D
She hosts a FABULOUS giveaway every Friday- SD is currently offering hand-stamped one of a kind jewelry from Sima G. I LOVE these necklaces (and of course- I L-O-V-E giveaways). So go check both of these Groove sistas out! Deadline is January 31 at 12AM EST. Good luck!

My Review of Dead Until Dark (HBO's True Blood Series)

(This was written at the request of my Groove Sister Supah-D)

Yes, I L-O-V-E-D the Twilight series... Edward, Bella, The Cullens... ALL of IT. And YES, I was quite upset to finish book #4. But at last, I have found an equally as FAB replacement.

The Dead Until Dark Series (aka The Sookie Stackhouse Novels aka HBO's True Blood). I am in love all over again.

Here is more from Amazon:
Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out....Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea. A fun, fast, funny, and wonderfully intriguing blend of vampire and mystery that's hard to put down, and should not be missed. (Susan Sizemore)

Now if you watch the series True Blood, you will find the tv series follows the book pretty accurately (I think better than the Twilight movie and its book.. of course just my opinion). But the benefit of starting with the first book is that the characters are further developed and relationship are better explained. And it's quick reading anyway, so you will breeze through it.

In books number 2 (Living Dead in Dallas) and number 3 (Club Dead), things get really interesting. Sookie is always getting into some sort of trouble with her vampire crew (which I must add are very sexy... at least in my head). In book number 4, Sookie finds herself again in a situation where she is called by the Supes (Supernaturals) for assistance.

I finished book number 4 (Dead To The World) in 2 days. I can't put these books down. There is love, sex, drama, mystery, suspense... you name it... it is in here!

Please don't wait any longer ladies... There IS life after Twilight!

Not my usual post... Reflection on Flight 1549

Living in the New York Metro area, I have experience first hand some tragic events. I know people who escaped from the World Trade Center's first bombing. I have friends that lost love ones from 9/11 and that escaped the events of the day because they were late to work that morning. For months there was a patriotic feeling, flags posting on every overpass on the Northern Parkway.

I guess after seeing and experiencing so much sadness overs the past years... story of Flight 1549 just proves to me that there is a God and miracles do happen. Chesley Sullenberger had an angel with him on January 15. What a hero! And thanks to all those that aided in the rescue. It is amazing how New Yorkers pull together to help others in need.

I won an award!

It's my first! I am so excited.


Here are the rules...The rules for the Honest Scrap award -


The honorees are to:

A) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!

B) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Simple. Or not.

Here I go:

1. I have a "desire" to be crafty (although I am really not so great at it). My newest obsession is handmade jewelry.

2. I have started reading again after years of boycotting it. I have read all 4 books in the Twilight series and now I am working on the Dead Until Dark series (HBO's True Blood is based on this).

3. My husband is working his tail-end off these past few months and I am alone alot. I really miss him and am lonely at times.

4. My boys and I like to go on adventures... we will drive around for hours to go look at the water.

5. I like to drink Bloody Marys because you can have one at any time of the day and not feel trashy.

6. I started smoking again. I know its bad, but it relaxes me.

7. I am ready to relocate from NY to anywhere else... Any ideas?

8. I love singing in my car. My favorites right now are anything from Dave Matthews and the new Lady GaGa song.

9. I say "Sweet Dreams, my jelly bean" every night to my boys.

10. My house is so disorganized, I don't know where to start. I need to go through each closet and throw things out... but then I feel guilty I am not trying to sell this s@#t on Craigslist.... Is this a sickness or what?

My seven awards are handed to :

Sasha Barely Keeping It All Together (she is the reason I started blogging)

Michelle One Funky Munky

Rhianna Life's Simple Melodies

Angela Dreams of Cyprus

Mamalicious

Morgan Adventures in Diapering

Anelys Blooming Buds

Thank you for all your great blogs!

"Hers-day" Post #2- La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cream

As described by the La Roche-Posay website:

Recommended For intolerant and sensitive skin
Combination to oily / acne prone skin
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)


This gentle, fragrance-free cleanser can be used on delicate and intolerant skin.
Benefits:
Safely cleanses delicate facial skin

Rinses easily
Glycerin helps prevent overdrying
Soothing rich lather
Fragrance-free




This is part of my daily regiment. It was originally recommended to me by my dermatologist. I was so excited to see it was sold at my local CVS. I have pretty sensitive skin and slight rosecea. Toleraine is the only cleanser I have used that actually helped decrease my red cheeks. All you need is a drop and it expands into a light foam. My skin feels clean, not dry. I use this in combo with my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Eye Treatment and Arbonne RE 9 serum and daily lotion. Once I finish my Arbonne RE9 set, I will try more of this line.

If you are looking for another cleanser, Toleriane is worth a try. And because it is sold at CVS, you can use ECBs. How cool!

Things that make my life a little easier...

I find it really hard to keep a neat house. Don't get me wrong... the house is clean... but not always neat. There are toys in the kitchen and den, papers on the counter... you get the picture. Martha Stewart definitely does not live here.


So I've tried to find some products that make my life a little easier. This product has been number one in keeping my bathroom clean, neat, and smelling good.

Method Flushable Wipes

These wipes are made in a fresh eucalyptus mint scent. I keep them under my sink and use them for touch- ups... When the boys have difficulty aiming, when guests are coming over.... These wipes are great!

Did I mention that they are flushable. I wipe down all the counters and throw the wipe into the bowl. DONE! The bathroom is left clean and fresh smelling in less than 10 seconds.

My only complaint is that the wipes sometimes rip when taken out of the package. Even so, I love these wipes!

In the Land of the Sickies, without my Italian Creme...

This has been one SICK weekend for the Groovy household. Both boys have had around the clock fevers (up to 104). I have been on nurse duty all weekend... this happens when your hubbie is in the restaurant business and is off during the week.

I am one cranky mommy this morning. I stayed home yesterday from work and took 1/2 day today. I may actually be looking forward to going in today... Did I just say that? I REALLY need some rest.

Well to add to my crankiness... my new favorite creamer has run out...

Coffee-mate Italian Sweet Cream

I actually found a review of it on Val's Views. I love this stuff. I add skim milk to my coffee and a drop of this.... YUMMY! I prefer this over the Splenda I used to put in... this tastes so much better! You have to try this, there's even a coupon for $1 off on the Coffee-mate website.

Well, I guess I will be running to Stop and Shop after work....

Now, I just have to hold it together for a few more hours until Papa gets here.

Another Contest!

Jessica fron The Russo Corner is hosting an AMAZING contest! Check it out!

Deadline is Monday 1/12 Midnight CST. Good luck!

Thank you Dr. Sears for Saving my Life...

Ok... The title may be a little dramatic... but any mom would appreciate this story.

Picture this... It's 3:00 in the morning and DS#1 wakes up with 101.3. You have one dose of Tylenol left and he takes it.

Phew... No problem, you can go to CVS tomorrow morning.

Now... It's 3:15 and DS#2 wakes up with 102.

What do you do?

Did I add that there is a snowstorm going strong and the roads are iced?

All that you find in your cabinet is Motrin Infant Drops.

....Add here your choice of freak out.....

Wait, no need to put on those snow boots yet... check out what Dr. Sears says to do.


This website is filled with information. I went straight to the medicine cabinet and looked up Motrin.


Did you know that 1 tsp (5ml) of children's liquid and ½ tsp (2.5 ml) of infant drops both contain 100mg of Ibuprofen? If you run out of one form, the other can be substituted.
(Please refer with Dr. Sears' site before you administer this.)

This saved my life last night!

Well now it's 1:00 and all is well in the Groovy household. I will run to CVS later to restock on the kiddies' medicines and will enjoy some "mommy time" when the boys are home with dad.

One more problematic situation diverted by the good ole' internet... how did we (and our mothers) survive without it!

Drink Your FIJI!

Well Groove sisters, as you are well aware part of me "getting my Groove Back" is losing 30 pounds of baby weight (can I call it that after 3 years...?)

So I have begun to tweak my diet and have added some sessions at the gym. My problem is that I really hate drinking water... I think it goes back to my pregnancy days when I drank so much I could float away....

But you need to drink water to lose that bootie...

After some research, I found this article on the Diet Channel

The Top 4 Benefits of Drinking Water by Michelle Silence, MA

Everyone’s heard how important it is to drink enough water. Especially in the hot summer months. But is it really that necessary? Absolutely. This nutrient is vital to health in numerous ways, and the health benefits of drinking water
cannot be underestimated.


1. Drinking water enhances fat loss
Water is an essential nutrient. All chemical reactions in the body depend upon it. If you’re trying to lose weight, this can’t be ignored. You won’t be able to lose weight without water to flush out the by-products of fat breakdown. When there isn’t enough water to dilute the body’s waste products, kidney stones may form. When the kidneys aren’t working to their full potential, the liver must step in and help. Once this happens the liver can’t optimally perform its other important functions. As a result, burning fat has to wait.

2. Combat ailments by drinking more water
In many cases, fatigue, headaches and back pain may be caused by dehydration. If you suffer from an afternoon nod off, try drinking more water at lunch. If you or your children complain of frequent headaches, the amount of water you’re drinking could be responsible. And, muscle spasms are also caused by not being adequately hydrated.

3. Drinking water can reduce hunger
Experts say that hunger pangs are often misinterpreted cravings for water. Try drinking water before your regular meals and see if it helps you cut down on the amount of food you eat. It really works as an effective appetite suppressant. Avoid counting tea, coffee, sodas and juices in your fluid intake. Coffee and tea contain caffeine which has a diuretic effect and makes you lose water. Sodas and juices are too sweet—because the body must dilute them, they cause more dehydration.

4. Look younger - drinking water hydrates your skin
When the skin is properly hydrated, it looks plump and more radiant. Water will keep the toxins flushed out and help you to cool off through perspiration. Muscles need to have enough water to make them look full too. Deprive yourself of water and you’ll see the difference in the mirror.

Are you dehydrated?
Just how do you know if you’re getting dehydrated? If you have a dry mouth, produce less urine, have very dark urine and/or feel dizzy or faint you probably need water, quick. Drink at least 8 glasses a day. Experts now recommend even more, up to 12 glasses a day. To be more precise, drink ½ ounce per pound of body weight. If you exercise or are very active increase the number to 2/3 ounce per pound. Try monitoring your water intake closely for the next month. When you drink enough, you’ll look and feel better.

On a recommendation I tried FIJI water and I love it. It actually tastes good!

Bye bye big butt, hello bathing suit... well now I am getting ahead of myself...

Happy Drinking!

Check it out! Contest Alert!

I have a New FIMH (friend in my head)! It's Rhianna from Life's Simple Melodies! Check her out!

Rihanna is hosting a contest for the unveiling of her new blog! Leave a comment and you are entered into a drawing for a Mini-Body-Butter Bundle from Sensaria. This is the spa scents set that includes a 1.7oz tub of each of the following scents: cherry almond, mango, coconut, and green tea. Leave her a comment wishing her luck and let her know what scent is your favorite!

Contests are always fun! Who doesn't like the chance to win spa products?

RIP Jett Travolta

So sad...
Jett Travolta

Not my usual post, but I thought I should write about it. There has always been speculation about Jett having Autism. There aren't many pictures of him on the web, but John Travolta may be a really private person. Anyway, it's sad and tragic how quickly life can change...

It makes me want to give my children an extra hug and kiss.

"Hers"day Post #1- A New Year's Challenge

Every Thursday I will post about topics that are important to me (and maybe you, too).

Here is post number one- The Wear Everything Challenge!

This challenge was created by Susan Wagner, from Blogher. Check it out- I am starting this today- by cleaning out my closet. Join me! What a great way to start 2009!!!


I am going to get some order into my life, one sweater at a time. I may even post some pictures of the black hole I call my closet. I hope I don't scare anyone...