tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41615513520951554342024-03-05T00:17:08.579-05:00A Caring HeartPersonal Stories and Product reviews from a mom and a heart patient.A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-77080463957384273892012-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:002012-04-24T09:52:37.510-04:00Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus! A book review<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nUfLaQerEp4/T43xU_ER2rI/AAAAAAAAAZg/fRKwwRb3SXM/s1600-h/harriet%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="harriet" border="0" alt="harriet" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FnZVLj_ItYeIgLWA5P5izhMS6Thu6M569fELRMX3eyewtoYsNiMp7vmhMu9AkTJryzPOM0WItKH8PX16YtvfH_ZFoSg_DJx3uOsQQNB4dGIrrVls5rluUsjf7LpUZq8mwVnr4g-KQF-a/?imgmax=800" width="162" height="246" /></a></p> <blockquote> <p>                               <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/asin/0310333555/zondervanpublish/103-6641593-7431018"><i>Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus</i></a> <br />                                           Joyce Magnin <br />                                      Zondervan Publishing <br />                                      ISBN: 978-0-310-33355-5 <br />                                      April 2012/320 pages</p> <p>I was contacted to do a book review and I agreed. Isn’t that the way most reviewers do it? I was not sure if I was going to like the book based on the title and when I received the book I was still a little skeptical. This is certainly a case of “You do not judge a book by its cover”.</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">ABOUT THE BOOK:</font></u></strong></p> <p>Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus is a novel by Joyce Magnin. It is a Christian/Fiction book. Basically, the author takes us on a cross country journey, from Pennsylvania to California, when Harriet Beamer loses a simple bet. Harriet fell off a chair at Christmas and thought she sprained her ankle. Her son and daughter-in-law knew she broke her ankle and that is how the bet came to be. If Harriet broke her ankle, she would have to pack up her life in Pennsylvania and move to California to live with her son and daughter-in-law. I am sure you can guess what happened. Harriet decided to set off to California her own way, however. She decided to send Humphrey, her dog, to California on the plane and she decided to get to California taking local transportation the whole way. She is an avid salt and pepper shaker collector and she wanted to collect those along the way also. Her family, of course, did not agree but Harriet did it anyway. What a journey she had. Meeting a Cherokee Indian, stopping a purse thief, having a newspaper story done on her journey, becoming a YouTube sensation, and getting kidnapped were just parts of her journey. The whole way, God was leading her and pointing her in her adventure. </p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:cdedf616-4293-43d3-b0fa-1f16c5529ed1" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div><object width="448" height="252"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dCDhQaJRxBQ?hl=en&hd=1"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dCDhQaJRxBQ?hl=en&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="448" height="252"></embed></object></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">Harriet and her salt and pepper collection :)</div></div> <p><strong><u><font size="3">MY REVIEW:</font></u></strong></p> <p><font size="2"><strong>I LOVED IT! </strong>Do I need to say more. I felt I was on this journey with Harriet, and felt her joys and her fears. At one point, I asked myself, could I under take an adventure like this? Packing up her whole life and moving to a new part of the country is a huge undertaking. I just chuckled throughout this whole book. I think my favorite part, is how Harriet jumped in a motorcycle sidecar with Snake and his wife, Pearl. Try to picture a 72 year old lady is a small sidecar with her tote bag and rolling suitcase.</font></p> <p><strong><u><font size="3"></font></u></strong></p> <p><strong><u><font size="3">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:</font></u></strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PMtRG_gcSow/T43xV9r6EqI/AAAAAAAAAZw/UuhbbC8qKjM/s1600-h/joycemagnin%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="joycemagnin" border="0" alt="joycemagnin" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8S6EfCilGU/T43xWWXnn6I/AAAAAAAAAZ4/KKaZslwjCU0/joycemagnin_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="192" height="242" /></a></p> <p>Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond series and the middle grade novel “Carrying Mason.” She is a writing instructor and frequent conference speaker. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.</p> <p> </p> <p><font size="3"><strong><u>WHERE CAN YOU FIND THIS BOOK?</u></strong></font></p> <p><font size="2">This book goes on sale on April 24, 2012. List price is $14.99. Check out Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com or your favorite book retailer.</font></p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> <p><font size="1">Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan and Shelton Interactive as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-45396999160250452872012-04-17T16:58:00.001-04:002012-04-17T16:58:43.058-04:00Where have I been??<p>Well, that is a loaded question!! In the past year, my husband and I bought a new house and moved our family. Making this house our home has been trying and challenging but fun and rewarding. Does that make sense?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c-oFGlO3b7I/T43Zb2iH85I/AAAAAAAAAYY/N1Qh08-5AfM/s1600-h/house%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="house" border="0" alt="house" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0fI_wDvJIsY/T43ZcFUZUjI/AAAAAAAAAYg/nVdmtET0jWA/house_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187" /></a></p> <p>We just love it here and know it was the right move for our family. But I can promise you, I WILL NEVER MOVE AGAIN! What a royal pain <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mE9VXtdFrRs/T43ZcheIehI/AAAAAAAAAYo/7XTf97uPIL0/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" />. Today, I just got notice that our old house (that has been on the market for 13 months) sold today. HOW WONDERFUL!!</p> <p>I also have been busy with Girl Scouts. My daughter is now 8 years old and a Brownie. When we moved, we transferred to Citrus Council based out of Orlando. I am so glad that we did it. They were so welcoming and friendly. Her school did not have a troop so I stepped up again to be a leader. It is so rewarding. I have a troop of 9 girls and they are so amazing and special. Everyone gets along so well and we do a lot of great things. I want to share a few pictures with you of our fun…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wlnFDz5iOhg/T43ZdNNnowI/AAAAAAAAAYw/Oq5HNQeCink/s1600-h/blog1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="blog1" alt="blog1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MrBPdq2fFSA/T43Zd-EvfvI/AAAAAAAAAY4/k-FPKvMUjXc/blog1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8g3QdQJesyI/T43ZecWDbxI/AAAAAAAAAZA/WSch9FdrLe8/s1600-h/food1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="food1" alt="food1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cs4AVRV2lFs/T43ZfNi5c6I/AAAAAAAAAZI/m19R5F0Mg0A/food1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sNyPa3vGW6A/T43Zf0NGjsI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/rgf8JWedDuk/s1600-h/blog2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="blog2" alt="blog2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1x-XM1B3pDY/T43ZgYemI-I/AAAAAAAAAZY/ZliK_QFU4yw/blog2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="240" height="240" /></a></p> <p>So this is just a glimpse into what I have been doing. Does not seem like a lot but it keeps me totally busy, just take a look at my calendar…HA!</p> <p>Stay tuned for a book review that I am doing for next week. Great author, Joyce Magnin takes us on a road trip. LOVED THIS BOOK. See you soon!!</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-1864712536578955112012-03-20T11:46:00.001-04:002012-03-20T11:46:29.403-04:00Has it really been a year?<p><font size="3">I am back. Phew, it has been a long time and I really did not realize how long it has been. This is my pledge to start blogging more, sharing my life and rising in the ranks of the blogging world!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Wish me luck <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" alt="Smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmoPXSqwK3nuYIHsEDC8gMvjkfyiphBOjPGUYS5XsLzEPnUNrb1nL8vJxvGQ-w7gchKdy1cRHcsaowMO6h0ruQUM3aIj-WlNrogBD08DEbznLW76R3r4WdHzdDciDpMSjMokVX6Bd-p0r/?imgmax=800" /></font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-19003240902726884692011-02-07T12:34:00.001-05:002011-02-07T12:34:33.468-05:00Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones<p>Unexpected. Love. Lively. Romantic. </p> <p>Those are the words I would use to describe <em><u>Save the Date</u></em> by Jenny B. Jones. This is an real heartwarming story about Lucy and Alex. Alex is a ex pro football player turned wanna be Congressman. He is an emotionally unstable Playboy. Lucy is a normal middle class girl with this insatiable urge to give back to young girls that have been dealt a bad hand in life. When funding for Lucy’s girls home starts to fall through, she will resort to anything to save it. </p> <p>There are some very unexpected twists and turns that will grow these two closer together. It is amazing to find love in the unlikeliest of places.</p> <p>This was a page turner that I just could not put down! I will be looking out for more books by Jenny B. Jones!</p> <p> I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <<a href="http://xn--booksneeze-0oa.com/">http://BookSneeze®.com</a>> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <<a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html">http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html</a>> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-59933230375551134122011-02-07T12:13:00.001-05:002011-02-07T12:13:32.018-05:00The Pirate Queen: A Review<p>What a great author I have found in Patricia Hickman. When I sat down to read <em><u>The Pirate Queen</u></em>, I was not sure that I would enjoy it. Boy was I wrong. </p> <p>About the book:</p> <p>Saphora and Bender were your normal Plastic Surgeon and wife. A marriage that was plagued by infidelity and being closed off from one another. The day Saphora is slated to leave and take some time away, she gets news from her husband that will change their lives forever. Dr. Bender Warren had to let down his guard when he was struck with cancer. During this time of illness and struggle, they learn the true meaning of life. He is finding God again, and looks for forgiveness. Saphora learns what it means to love again and to help others. This book is full of tragedy and love and finding the meaning of life again. It will definitely make you think. </p> <p>My Thoughts:</p> <p>Going through some trials of my own, I found comfort in reading this novel. When it is hopeless and you have hit rock bottom, turn to Him. The Lord will help you find the way. When forgiving is so hard, try harder. Everyone deserves redemption. It really made me look hard at life, and the changes that need to be made. This was a great book if you are looking for what is really important in life.</p> <p>I would like to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for providing this book to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-28050665190828155242011-01-05T10:31:00.001-05:002011-01-05T10:31:18.903-05:00Cookie Time…<p>YAY for Girl Scout cookies!! I have not come across one person who does not LOVE cookie time. Friday starts my council’s pre-orders. My daughter is psyched about it! I think we might comb our neighborhood this year, she has set some BIG goals for herself. </p> <p>As the troop leader, my 3 months of stress is just beginning. OMG, the holidays are a breeze compared to cookies. Funny, right?? I so would not trade it in for anything. So three cheers and good wishes for Troop 55 as we embark together on another successful cookie season!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nbil1Y0mg9ojIsAacJYeB2imYs4NwmpPrO-evBLtkVdK8v1DexTb8-eyViN7BmIpFHJBlGnhJHFE_aRC5ItBsLh5q8U6B7HZKTLwwnywE23cEBJ7achOhztsA4Ef_ysg-gU4XHtJ5U8D/s1600-h/cookies_06%5B2%5D.gif"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies_06" border="0" alt="cookies_06" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TSSOxsJVGzI/AAAAAAAAAU4/3cnSvF9VMkg/cookies_06_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" width="162" height="163"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-5003520274012126102010-12-31T23:50:00.000-05:002010-12-31T23:50:00.165-05:00Lets bring in 2011….<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TRzXtmuZauI/AAAAAAAAAUs/W7lp7ex5Luc/s1600-h/new-year-2011-wishes-5%5B31%5D.gif"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="new-year-2011-wishes-5" alt="new-year-2011-wishes-5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TRzXuWEfjdI/AAAAAAAAAUw/FkUQiSTLZN8/new-year-2011-wishes-5_thumb%5B29%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="273" height="205"></a></p> <p>YAY!! It is almost here. 10 more minutes to be exact before we start writing “2011”. As we send 2010 off, with a kick in the pants, I would like to share with you my resolutions/goals for 2011 with you.</p> <ol> <li><font color="#400080"><strong><em>Lose 50 pounds.</em></strong></font> Yes, that is the stereotypical resolution but it is a must for me. I am down about 6 pounds now, but my heart needs a break. I think that will be the other piece for me to start feeling even better.</li> <li><font color="#400080"><strong><em>Become an even more dedicated blogger.</em></strong></font> Unfortunately, after my best friend moved, I lost my blogging passion for awhile. However, I am out of my mourning period and I am ready to be back full time. Bring it blogging world. Show me what you have!</li> <li><font color="#400080"><strong><em>Become a better wife.</em></strong></font> It is time for me to re-dedicate myself to the man that means the most to me in my life. I really have neglected him and I will no longer make him feel unloved. The truth is, I love my husband with every fiber of my being. Time to show it.</li> <li><font color="#400080"><strong><em>Take my Girl Scout troop to a higher level.</em></strong></font> Re~focusing and concentrating on these girl’s best interest. Helping them find themselves and guide them in to being better young ladies. I LOVE MY TROOP! Troop 55 rocks!</li> <li><font color="#400080"><strong><em>Form better friendships.</em></strong></font> I have a few friends that I really want to get to know better and form those lasting bonds with. I really need that in my life right now.</li></ol> <p>Have you given some thought in to what you would like to improve on in 2011? Lets do this together. I will let you know my progress on my resolutions. Together we can do it. Lets make 2011 the best year yet!</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-51018748215171594212010-12-30T13:17:00.001-05:002010-12-30T13:17:45.511-05:00Happy Holidays….<p> </p> <p>Ok, so I am a day late and a dollar short. I have been really busy this last few months with my Girl Scout troop, sick kids and Christmas shopping. </p> <p>I hope you all had a GREAT holiday. I know I definitely did. The biggest joy of my month was seeing my Girl Scout troop giving back to the community. We were very busy with visiting nursing homes, being in parades, and collecting food and toys for the less fortunate.</p> <p>I hope you all are getting your 2011 goals/resolutions in order. I will be back tomorrow with mine…</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-38945672567793194432010-12-30T13:09:00.001-05:002010-12-30T13:09:44.396-05:00Centrum Ultra Women’s Holiday Contest<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TRzK5oehQeI/AAAAAAAAAUE/Y2klFQ4TO5A/s1600-h/centrum_holiday_contest%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="centrum_holiday_contest" border="0" alt="centrum_holiday_contest" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TRzK5_3vWcI/AAAAAAAAAUI/eeT91K8AcG4/centrum_holiday_contest_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="154"></a></p> <p>I, for one, love the Centrum line of vitamins and supplements. Some vitamins make me ill, but I find Centrum to be the easiest on the on the tummy. With that said, I was so stoked to hear that the makers of Centrum Ultra Women’s is hosting a holiday contest!!</p> <p>Do you know “<strong><em>America’s Most</em></strong> <em><strong>Amazingly Energized Woman??” </strong></em></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">They want you to nominate a woman that you know that puts her health first, despite all that life might throw in her way. We always seem to lose sight of ourselves with the kids, husbands, work and house. However, there is women out in this world, in our own backyards that do it all. If you know of this special woman, nominate her!!</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Visit <a href="http://www.LoveFeelingHealthy.com">www.LoveFeelingHealthy.com</a> to tell the world about your friend or family member. Submissions must be 300 words or less. Remember, to make her SHINE! When you visit LoveFeelingHealthy.com, you should also take advantage of the healthy living tips given by Molly Shannon.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">A panel of judges will select 5 finalists that will be in the running for the prizes. The Grand Prize is a $3000 Xperience Days Gift Certificate. There are also 4 Runner up prizes of a $400 Xperience Days Gift Certificates.</font></p> <p><font color="#0000ff">Submissions will be accepted until January 3rd, 2011 (12pm EST). The public will be able to cast their votes from January 17-31 from the 5 finalists. </font></p> <p>Sooooo lets get to nominating!!</p> <p><em>I am a member of One2One Network and this post is part of a member project where I am eligible to win prizing. I make no claims about Centrum as a product or it's effectiveness.</em></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-90739373685603007632010-12-12T20:20:00.001-05:002010-12-12T20:20:37.246-05:00‘Tis the Season for Giving!<p> </p> <p><font color="#b70000">Do you ever wonder what charity you would like to donate to? Or how to locate them? How about the safest avenue to make your donations? Well do not worry any more! I have great news! <em>GiveBack.org</em> is the best venue to donate to one charity or multiple charities throughout the year. </font></p> <p><font color="#b70000"><u>How it works:</u></font></p> <p><font color="#b70000">You create a foundation (account) to manage your donations. It cost NOTHING to you or the charities and 100% of your donation goes to the charities. That is so amazing. You can find any charity registered with the IRS. I think the best thing about this is that it produces one receipt for you at the end of the year for your taxes! So convenient and really easy to use. When you sign up, it gives you $5 to your account. </font></p> <p><font color="#b70000">There is also a store to shop in and a percentage of what you spend goes in to your foundation to donate. What is better than that? Get your Christmas shopping done and get a percentage of that to donate to those in need! AMAZING!</font></p> <p><font color="#b70000">Please visit <a href="www.giveback.org">GiveBack.org</a> and sign up today. I promise you will NOT regret it!</font></p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px; visibility: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bT*xJmx*PTEyOTA*NjIxNDAzMzgmcHQ9MTI5MDQ2MzU5MDQxMyZwPTE*MjYyNTEmZD1naXZlYmFjazEmZz*yJm89NjI3MGEzODVk/ZDI3NGExYjkyNzAwZGM4NDE*Y2ZiYjkmb2Y9MA==.gif" width="0" height="0"> <div style="border-bottom: #000000 1px solid; border-left: #000000 1px solid; width: 300px; height: 250px; border-top: #000000 1px solid; border-right: #000000 1px solid"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" width="300" height="250" id="widget" align="middle"><param name="FlashVars" value="gig_lt=1290462140338&gig_pt=1290463590413&gig_g=2" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false" /><param name="movie" value="http://giveback.widgetmatic.com/230/videoPlayer.swf" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /><embed src="http://giveback.widgetmatic.com/230/videoPlayer.swf" FlashVars="gig_lt=1290462140338&gig_pt=1290463590413&gig_g=2" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="300" height="250" name="widget" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></object></div> <p><font size="1">I would like to thank one2one network for the opportunity to blog for this wonderful program!</font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-1097719709283004522010-12-12T19:44:00.001-05:002010-12-12T19:44:26.231-05:00TWO TICKETS TO THE CHRISTMAS BALL: A Review<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6IxZw0RsHsPjEBU9eOOqhThfro3voO4-6ZNdsq1BsBeicqvI5nFwsVF7LVkQJKlncQj3eRhYzZe08LtQtSIa_uxtnthMiNEfG3mOyeG2QvwfjDPyHvzQjtY-jKeX4TcMvFymH9tMLu9-4/s1600-h/73242391%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="73242391" border="0" alt="73242391" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TQVsaUYfk5I/AAAAAAAAATc/YQtQBYGrcUE/73242391_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="151" height="223"></a></p> <p><font color="#00ce00">This book combines a spiritual faith at Christmastime with opposite personalities searching for love when they least expect it. Cora Crowder wanders in to this small bookstore looking for the perfect gift when her life changes. Simon Derrick also wanders in to this same bookstore at the same time and this is the beginning of an odd but magical journey that they will take together. These mysterious tickets to a Christmas ball will bring these two together when you might think it is impossible.</font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff">My review:</font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff">I absolutely and unequivocally LOVE this book. I have never heard of the author, Donita K. Paul, but I am now a fan. She delicately brings in faith and religion into romance. She writes an intriguing story about running away from your problems and family and how quickly they can sneak up on you. I, myself, have a step brother with a disability and I love how she portrays such a beautiful relationship between siblings when one suffers from a disability. It made me believe that you may seek love from the most unusual of places when you least expect it. It has tons of mystery surrounding a little street. You will love it as much as I do!</font></p> <p><font color="#00ce00">About the author:</font></p> <p><font color="#00ce00">Donita K. Paul is a retired school teacher turned author. She has penned many novellas, short stories along with 9 novels. She wrote the best selling series, <em>DragonKeeper chronicles. </em>She has won several awards. She lives in Colorado Springs, Co. On her time away from writing, she likes cooking, beading, stamping and knitting. She also enjoys her time with her grandsons. </font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff">You can purchase this lovely holiday story from any major book retailer!</font></p> <p><font color="#ffffff" size="1">I would like to thank Waterbrook Multnomah for providing this book to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.</font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-34093357327946826542010-12-08T21:11:00.001-05:002010-12-08T21:11:10.091-05:00A “Community” Christmas: A Review<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TQA6u8pFEuI/AAAAAAAAATQ/cDONe6Bai8c/s1600-h/Community%20Cast%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Community Cast" border="0" alt="Community Cast" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TQA6vYDCxCI/AAAAAAAAATU/qrDuHFizcGM/Community%20Cast_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="100"></a></p> <p>“Community” is this great sitcom on NBC. I know I am sure you all are huge fans. I am late on the Community boat. However I got to preview the Christmas special a head of time and I am HOOKED! </p> <p>“Community” stars some all stars such as Joel McHale (The Soup), Chevy Chase and Donald Glover (30 Rock), just to name a few. The whole premise of the show is about this whole group of “misfits” that attend this community college. </p> <p>A few things came to mind as I was watching this episode. California Raisins Claymation and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory meets Rudolph and the Land of Misfit Toys! It was TERRIFIC! The basic idea behind the story was trying to find your own meaning of Christmas. </p> <p>Abed goes in to his own Christmas dreamland with his friends. They travel a long in his mind looking for the North Pole. They learn things about Christmas and about each other and at the end it really does have a heart felt moment where everyone realizes it is ok to have your own meaning of the holiday.</p> <p>I HIGHLY recommend you tune in tomorrow night, December 9th at 8/7c to your local NBC station with me to watch this Christmas show. I would love to hear your thoughts after you view it!</p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="1">I would like to thank Sony Picture Television and One2One Network for the opportunity for this early preview. All opinions are 100% my own.</font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-1388812734404658512010-09-10T21:13:00.001-04:002010-09-10T21:13:26.148-04:00Lose-A-Palooza<blockquote></blockquote> <p> </p> <p><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7GF6y7fdRdZJR6BXnn-0R27VorEPnrbazkdM6WARCObE-92lHuVG4Oggb-MiBNXuwHF3R8PCtZIZmAOMOTYURjCIle2U3cVluqI8eaVWiMIKGM35QDz-aniNV1exFN4-JpezQojIGJdlb/s1600-h/WWlfglogo%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="WWlfglogo" border="0" alt="WWlfglogo" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TIrXtZBzaCI/AAAAAAAAATM/x-V4qaeiBvk/WWlfglogo_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="239" height="226"></a> </font></p> <p><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">Calling all social media users!! Take part in Lose-A-Palooza on September 14th. </font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" face="Bauhaus Std Medium">What is Lose-A-Palooza you ask?! It is a HUGE social media explosion about Lose For Good, a campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. Weight Watchers will donate 1 dollar for every mention, acknowledgement or action related to Lose For Good, up to $60,000. And remember, this is for Tuesday, September 14th only!! Amazing, right?? It is time to use your blog, Facebook and Twitter for good. </font></p> <p><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">Please take part in this one day event for a great cause!! Just by mentioning Lose for Good, you raise money for such important causes. Lets help end hunger on our own soil!!</font></p> <p><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">Check out these websites for more information:</font></p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/LoseAPalooza"><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">Lose-A-Palooza</font></a><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium"> or </font><a href=" http://bit.ly/lose4good"><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">Lose For Good</font></a><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">.</font></p> <p><font face="Bauhaus Std Medium">If you tweet about this event on 9/14 use hashtag #LoseForGood. You will definitely see me tweeting about this. Don’t forget to follow me @carasleik</font></p> <p> </p> <p><strong><font color="#0080ff" size="1">Thanks to One2One Network for event info and a chance to win a gift card!</font></strong></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-53712728713881864332010-08-23T20:57:00.000-04:002010-08-25T18:37:39.958-04:00Back To School 2010<p> </p> <p>Julianna started 1st grade today. I can not believe how time has flown since she was born. She is so smart and beautiful and fun to be around. My first born is amazingly loving and caring towards others. She started today off with that same awesome attitude and looked so grown!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/THWbLeaw3qI/AAAAAAAAASo/4ifPzbt9Zks/s1600-h/100_36868.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_3686" border="0" alt="100_3686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilZvTm075AHbLCm4I5t3eApmReusN-qLA2PmVgBjz5jnpAu__54gG_BUYJMH267InImJMtSOLys31Vg00wfDskDk2vu7kMCREwEaZDSzCag_gkV59ghZcUQi9AXvbkkzCMzHyHQY8HYhwA/?imgmax=800" width="187" height="246"></a></p> <p>My little chubba, my Matthew is now a Pre-Kindergartener. Now, this is hard for me to wrap my head around. When he was born, he almost didn’t make it because an extremely serious blood infection. Now look at him, a thriving, amazing mommy’s boy!! I love him more than words. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/THWbL_dBdTI/AAAAAAAAASw/XaOpmJbR2jg/s1600-h/100_368710.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_3687" border="0" alt="100_3687" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/THWbMNm5ptI/AAAAAAAAAS0/w1a3RN-jgi4/100_3687_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="246"></a> Here is to an amazing school year for all the little kids out there! Lets learn and grow together!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/THWbMQEGcfI/AAAAAAAAAS4/aOAcEcE7bKs/s1600-h/100_36846.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="100_3684" border="0" alt="100_3684" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/THWbM8SIbVI/AAAAAAAAAS8/xjwHSh2hIVQ/100_3684_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="246"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-67040136838761363732010-08-23T20:39:00.001-04:002010-08-23T20:39:16.888-04:00Where have I disappeared to??<p> </p> <p>I am so sorry to have disappeared!! I am here, alive and well and EXTREMELY busy. I have taken a new position with Girl Scouts, volunteering at my daughter’s school, School Advisory committee, back to school and dealing with all the emotional ends of my best friend and her pending move to Maine. I will slowly get back in to it though. Sorry for the disappearance :)</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-82816750838177870362010-07-21T13:01:00.001-04:002010-07-21T13:01:59.989-04:00I am WIRED4LIFE! Are you??<p> </p> <p>I know, you are all probably thinking what is WIRED4LIFE. It is this amazing group of women who all have pacemakers or ICD’s implanted to help with their heart arrhythmia's or heart conditions. These little devices keep our heart on the straight and narrow, in some cases keeps us alive. When you are faced with such problems, it can be very scary. That was the case with me. I became “wired” on April 13, 2009. My heart will not beat without my pacemaker. I am pacemaker dependant. That alone makes me very scared. It is very hard for my family and friends to sympathize with me because without one, its very hard to know how someone really feels with one. That is why I was so incredibly blessed to find this amazing support group for women who are “wired”.</p> <p>I want to introduce you to Dawn Huberty, founder of WIRED4LIFE. She has become someone extremely important in my life. She introduced this whole world of new friends and supporters that DO know exactly how I feel. This is a sisterhood with a bond that can never be broken, we are all wired for life. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp0FW7N_YhwFMtHBSNyFpLe2XDl_J2-tK1CMvuxw8n3h_LAPU71-HZBXUCwUN_XisqPZ5M_s8oGoRIGi1KHt7c7DgI1ARalNkf7Ea4doOA1yYnT6U0_TSsa6rhQT7lD8mD4jvAcpcpnvz/s1600-h/dawn5.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dawn" border="0" alt="dawn" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TEclpHevOLI/AAAAAAAAASk/5nWeB45Uv5w/dawn_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="188" height="188"></a> </p> <p>Dawn was lives in River Falls, WI with her husband Jim. They own a auto repair shop in Maplewood, Minnesota. Dawn enjoys thrifting and chatting with her wired sisters. </p> <p>I asked Dawn a few questions about her health conditions and how Wired4Life came to be. I want to share her answers as she wrote them. She has such an interesting story…</p> <p>2. When did you realize you had heart problems. When was your PM implanted? <p><font color="#dbddb5">I was born with a heart defect, suffering my entire life with an undiagnosed heart condition. I had lived with repeated fainting spells from infancy until the age of 26, when I was experiencing them up to ten times a day!! I had to stop driving, and I basically quit living for fear of fainting in public. On October 15, 1991 I lost consciousness after a fainting spell and was hospitalized. Two days later after extensive testing I had my first pacemaker implant. I was relieved to finally have an accurate diagnosis after 26 years</font>. <p>3. How hard was it for you to adjust? Mentally and physically. <p><font color="#dbddb5">It was not hard for me to adjust, mentally or physically, I was young and quite active, not worrying about tomorrow, just living for today. One month after my surgery, my dad and I flew to Amsterdam to visit my brother who was stationed in the Air Force there, we spent nine wonderful days touring Germany and Holland. I spent the next 13 years living like any other healthy person, not really thinking much about my pacemaker!</font> <p>4. What made you decide to start Wired4Life? <p><font color="#dbddb5">In 2003, about a year before my 2nd implant I was having concerns about the surgery, recovery time; my ... how 13 years had changed me!! I was now a worry-wart, not as carefree as my younger self! Not only did I have questions, but I had also been dealing with other health issues, not knowing they were heart issues too! </font> <p><font color="#dbddb5">I had two TIA's (mini-strokes), I couldn't imagine they had anything to do w/ my heart, afterall, the pacemaker was supposed to solve those problems, but I was worried as the doctors said I could possibly stroke out with severe symptoms if we didn't resolve this. Turns out I had a hole in my heart (PFO); and one year after my pacemaker implant, a septal occluder (a patch to close the hole) was implanted. In two years I had two heart surgeries. Certainly they weren't as serious as open-heart surgery, but they each had risks and it made the worrier in me come out even stronger! </font> <p><font color="#dbddb5">After discussing some personal questions with my pacemaker nurse (how can my bra strap stop irritating my scar, what sort of things do I have to stay away from), she suggested I start a local support group for women with pacemakers - because we had different issues than men, and like myself, most women were born worriers!!!</font> <p><font color="#dbddb5">I started WIRED4LIFE as a local group in St. Paul, but couldn't get a regular number of women to attend; so decided in late 2004 to stretch our outreach to the world, and it ended up MUCH MORE successful, even women who aren't internet savvy (some of our older members) can receive the newsletter via email or snail-mail, we talk on the phone instead of the computer! I try to always be available one way or the other to the members!</font> <p>5. Who, if anyone, has been your biggest inspiration throughout this journey? <p><font color="#dbddb5">My mother passed away in 1978, and my dad in 1993, just two years after my implant. Both of my parents in their own heavenly way have guided and inspired me down this 'wired' road. However, my earth-angel and biggest supporter has always been my husband, Jim. He is just one of those men that is who he says he is; very real, caring and extremely supportive of every part of me, from my health issues to what I want to do with my time; and my time the past six years has been spent growing WIRED4LIFE.</font> <p>6. Can you tell me about the daily operations of Wired4Life? <p><font color="#dbddb5">It's never daily unfortunately, because I have always worked full-time either in my own career or working with Jim at the shop. The time I find for WIRED is when I can squeeze it in; early in the morning, late at night, in-between fun times during the weekend and there is always a big crunch time for me at the end of the month, to finish the newsletter! When I have time, I'm working on the monthly newsletter, tweaking/adding content to our webpage as well as our Facebook FAN page! I keep track of dues; send expiration notices, reminders, update my spreadsheet, send packets of information out, write grants, promote the group through internet advertising, and dream/write about our 2011-2nd annual conference!</font> <p>7. What is your goal for Wired4Life short and long term? <p><font color="#dbddb5">Short term is to keep stretching our wired arms out into the communities of this world, to educate women about living life with a pacemaker, as well as knowing that emotional support is just a phone call or email away! </font> <p><font color="#dbddb5">Long term -- oh my, the list is long! I'd like to educate emergency room doctors as to the symptoms that women have; so different than men in regards to heart pain/symptoms. I would love to get ALL of the device companies on board and possibly under our umbrella in a way that would support the women of the world. Medtronic and Boston Scientific have been amazing, providing mentoring at every corner, but there are lots more device manufacturers that need to get familiar with WIRED4LIFE and lastly, of course I'd like every device/pacemaker clinic, heart hospital and cardiologist across the globe to know who WIRED4LIFE is!!!</font> <p>See what I mean…Dawn is an angel! I really want every one of my readers to know how much this group has helped me. When I am feeling sick or depressed or even happy I have a wired sister ready to share words of care and uplifting me to a better place. They know how I am feeling because they go through it too! <p>WIRED4LIFE has an angels program. You can donate $20 to WIRED4LIFE and pay for the membership of someone who is unable to pay that needs the support like I do. Someone was an angel to me and I am soooo very thankful! If you would like to donate, please contact Dawn at <a href="mailto:dawnhuberty@wired4life.net">dawnhuberty@wired4life.net</a>. <p>I would like to share the mission statement of WIRED4LIFE. It sums up what this group is all about. <p><em><font color="#ffff00" face="Segoe Print">We are women, from every nationality, living in every part of the world, practicing every different aspect of spirituality and healing.</font></em> <p><em><font color="#ffff00" face="Segoe Print">The one thing that connects us together is that we are ‘wired.’</font></em> <p><em><font color="#ffff00" face="Segoe Print">Our group: WIRED4LIFE is an international, online pacemaker support group for women.</font></em> <p><em><font color="#ffff00" face="Segoe Print">We provide not only information and education, but also friendship and camaraderie.</font></em> <p><em><font color="#ffff00" face="Segoe Print">Not every woman with heart disease will need a pacemaker; but if she does – our group is meant to provide support and understanding.</font></em> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-9940715926398656422010-07-08T10:51:00.000-04:002010-07-08T10:51:00.204-04:00Happy 4th of July<p> </p> <p>It was definitely a rainy and dreary July 4th. Despite the rain, we had so much fun with our friends, <a href="http://www.thebertones.blogspot.com">3 Crazy Monkeys</a>. We had a fun cookout with Teriyaki Chicken Wings, sausages, hamburgers, salads and chips. </p> <p>We made the kids firecracker hats. It was a lot of fun and they turned out real cute. The kids played outside in between rain showers and the adults cooked and played games. </p> <p>We were able to go see Joe Diffie in a free concert in the park while we waited for the fireworks to start. Seeing him in concert was a highlight of my day! As we were waiting for the fireworks, Mother Nature decided to play a practical joke and open up the skies. So trying to get back to the car was very interesting and we got SOAKED. It was fun tho, it was just part of our adventure. Needless to say, our 4th was firework-less! I hope you all had a happy and festive 4th!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TDSUaH49IDI/AAAAAAAAASY/GaoT5_yLFsQ/s1600-h/july4th%5B14%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="july4th" border="0" alt="july4th" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVYhxTKXw2GD_5XwSQiPMTrm8LpcvQmD6mgtZDFKuFEQTyzArEDBBbIxXiLfr2yRHjEtlEmPm2ZTlUfdBNoDfjx4iYsOdFijmtpCoyBHD-_5M8wd8MbesKzmmRpwuwZWv9Wpo-rWvSwtY/?imgmax=800" width="262" height="262"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-89782490105335456952010-07-07T10:26:00.001-04:002010-07-07T10:26:54.363-04:00Hasbro Game Night with House Party Inc<p> </p> <p><font color="#0000a0" face="Kalinga">Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It is a new game by Hasbro. I really have never been a great fan of Trivial Pursuit because, well, the questions are ridiculous. However, I had a chance to do a house party with this new game and we had a BLAST!! </font></p> <p><font color="#0000a0" face="Kalinga">The banter back and forth was playful and fun as we bet chips, guessing if the player would know the answer or not. It gives the game a whole new dimension. We had a lot of laughs and smiles. I shared the game with </font><a href="http://www.thebertones.blogspot.com"><font color="#0000a0" face="Kalinga">3 Crazy Monkeys</font></a><font color="#0000a0" face="Kalinga"> and her family. </font></p> <p><font color="#0000a0" face="Kalinga">You can get Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It at any retailer where games are sold. Gather your friends and have a Hasbro Game Night at your house!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TDSOq5j1mlI/AAAAAAAAASI/ZHIB684z4Mw/s1600-h/trivial%20pursuit%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="trivial pursuit" border="0" alt="trivial pursuit" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHD7Y29ZnavZx2fRyTBhx3gVCBKaqJL7vj9GC6XuaxbaT12rnctu6f4wdClk6kktVqYnV9PC5XtajlJ-MU8dQs6pV47lg7rpecy6a08nAgTIs_xZkHbJ0DpO_opZ-Bh4TIgK6F60cFDZ1B/?imgmax=800" width="232" height="401"></a></p> <p><font color="#ffff00" size="1">House Party, Inc. gave me the materials for this house party. All opinions are my own.</font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-76211458731000986222010-07-06T00:10:00.001-04:002010-07-06T00:10:51.840-04:00The winner is…..<p> </p> <p>#14! The Bertones said:</p> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>I tweeted about your giveaway!<br>http://twitter.com/the3kidsandme/status/16738836605<br><a href="mailto:the3kidsandme@yahoo.com">the3kidsandme@yahoo.com</a></p></blockquote> <p> <p>Congrats on winning your $10 Racetrac gift card! Make sure you fill up that refillable cup until September!! <p>Thanks again to MomSelect for giving me the opportunity to do this giveaway!!</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-82915419963467840472010-07-02T15:50:00.001-04:002010-07-02T15:50:55.509-04:00YAY for summer fun!<p> </p> <p><font color="#5959ff" face="Andalus"><strong>I loved taking the kids to the Aquatic Center after story time on Wednesday. We had so much fun. I got to spend quality time with my favorite friends and the kids played in the water for 3 1/2 hours. So awesome!!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TC5DGu6QXKI/AAAAAAAAAR4/nr2_19qJTDs/s1600-h/100_3670%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3670" border="0" alt="100_3670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcTPQTcFQ3qupXvuWh3gSsLrHjlIQoycfs-j6r8f6OjaO3hmoC_q8-oTOdP0CFRUv4nz34nUcLwMzun_c3NWhqo7IaF-aktLYAAYnqcAPxCuuhuZ-sQGWGrNqd1wAB-34ZLX_EHlcL-1n/?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TC5DHZs86sI/AAAAAAAAASA/Zue2tnmn0bY/s1600-h/100_3668%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3668" border="0" alt="100_3668" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TC5DHuD-u9I/AAAAAAAAASE/HNxxGOlSnHc/100_3668_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-61282803388686045412010-06-30T08:45:00.000-04:002010-06-30T08:45:00.750-04:00Lets dive in to summer reading…<p><br>Reading is one of those things that I love to do. Luckily, my kids love it too. We are participating in our local library’s reading program as well as her school’s.</p> <p>Here is a FEW of the books that we will be diving in to!!</p> <ol> <li>The Pony Crazed Princess series by Diana Kimpton</li> <li>Twenty six Princesses by Dave Horowitz</li> <li>What a Trip! by Arthur Yorinks</li> <li>Sort it out by Barbara Mariconda</li> <li>Cottonball Colin by Jeanne Willis</li> <li>Bats at the Library by Brian Lies</li> <li>The Donut Chef by Bob Staake</li> <li>Dr. Meow’s Big Emergency by Sam Lloyd</li> <li>Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody by Michael Rex</li> <li>Katie Loves the Kittens by John Himmelman</li> <li>No Hugs til Saturday by Julie Downing</li> <li>Princess Baby by Karen Katz</li> <li>Sally and the Purple Socks by Lisze Bechtold</li> <li>Twelve Terrible Things by Marty Kelley</li> <li>What does Mrs. Claus Do? by Kae Wharton</li></ol> <p>What are you and your kids reading this summer? Remember parents~~ COMPREHENSION is key! If your child can not remember what you read, they are not getting much out of reading! Happy Reading!</p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-64251215256888940692010-06-29T08:30:00.000-04:002010-06-29T08:30:02.170-04:00Outlast Long Lasting Hand Sanitizer<p> </p> <p>Germs run rampid. Everywhere you go you can not escape them. You see most moms carrying around a bottle of their favorite hand sanitizer. But did you know, most hand sanitizer products only last for about 2 minutes? Some germs can live on surfaces for up to 2 hours. So how protected are we?</p> <p>I was very fortunate to review a new hand sanitizer product. Outlast Long-Lasting Hand Sanitizer works for up to 6 hours!! It is also is alcohol-based which means it kills up to 99% of germs instantly. A lot of hospitals and surgeons use it in the most sterile conditions!</p> <p>I found Outlast to have a very strong alcohol smell at first. It disappears within seconds though. It left my hands very smooth and not oily, which I love. With lasting for up to 6 hours, a small bottle goes a long way. </p> <p>You can purchase Outlast Long-Lasting Hand Sanitizer by calling 1-800-716-2420 or by visiting their website at <a href="http://www.outlastgerms.com/moms">www.outlastgerms.com/moms</a>.</p> <p><font color="#f3f0c7" size="1"><em>I would like to thank MomSelect for this opportunity to review this product. All opinions are my own and honest.</em></font></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-32495523523281587362010-06-28T14:19:00.001-04:002010-06-28T14:19:43.126-04:00Music Camp!!<p> </p> <p>This year, the kids were able to participate in Music Arts Camp that was put on by a local church. It was a 3 hour week long venture. And not only did the kids LOVE it, so did the mommies. We had 15 hours that week of kidless silence. That is so precious, especially in the summer. We also had the opportunity to share our experience with one of my daughter’s friends from school. It is definitely something we will make a summer ritual.</p> <p>Julianna had Dance, Piano, Bells and Puppetry. She said her favorite was dance. She learned a lot from all of them though.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnsiZSZBI/AAAAAAAAARY/sGNjVoAos9U/s1600-h/100_3627%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3627" border="0" alt="100_3627" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjntIkhQEI/AAAAAAAAARc/gSJkiAsS070/100_3627_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a> </p> <p>Matthew was in the pre-K class. They did a little bit of everything and had snack and made a daily craft. Hands down, his stories were all about the drums! On parent day, I was able to go to drums with him and he was in his element. He looked so happy and thought he was a pro. I loved seeing him so happy!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnthyWgXI/AAAAAAAAARg/LWTa3J4Ny5U/s1600-h/100_3632%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3632" border="0" alt="100_3632" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnt505dbI/AAAAAAAAARk/8nftWBFYOWI/100_3632_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="260" height="219"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQVXgaQ2w1JMi7DCQJUfSLi-lZKRF5kfQKwMHlqOT9ItTCxeg_c1SJdiWIPZeqoOP8nJwxDSeoXAxpk2I8O6yNTpuYFg77miW9zdJaRA8c_vRvqSPFO4Tn-Us_NaLP9j_QpnWxQrBtp48/s1600-h/100_3633%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3633" border="0" alt="100_3633" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnut0So0I/AAAAAAAAARs/wdPdHKzkipU/100_3633_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="292" height="233"></a>Friday, was parent day. They started us out in the sanctuary. They sang very motivating and inspirational songs that the kids were learning all week. I loved seeing the kids get in to the music and know the words so well. I just want to thank Ms. Carrie and FPC Haines City for such a great program! See you next year =)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnvSWjqDI/AAAAAAAAARw/lXLgp5m2_hY/s1600-h/100_3663%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3663" border="0" alt="100_3663" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TCjnvrtukiI/AAAAAAAAAR0/oXekiKZgd0Y/100_3663_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-47730061160679773112010-06-15T08:08:00.000-04:002010-06-15T08:08:00.405-04:00Saturday Summer fun!!<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPMU4fw3I/AAAAAAAAAQw/fGTe4JKIyGA/s1600-h/100_3595%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3595" border="0" alt="100_3595" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPMmRwzsI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/gVGQs7yuShY/100_3595_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a>If there is one thing that I dislike the most, it is staying home with nothing to do on a nice summer day. So with that in mind, I decided to go over to my best friends house and we packed a picnic lunch and took our kids to Lake Toho in Kissimmee. It has a great covered playground were we had lunch and the kids played. They also have a little lighthouse at the end of a dock in the Lake. Fun was definately had by all. Here are some pics of the day!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPMzZqVaI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ZrFlu-8HN1A/s1600-h/100_3579%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3579" border="0" alt="100_3579" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPNOAYDfI/AAAAAAAAAQ8/kBHadgfo2HM/100_3579_thumb%5B5%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpR9B7HgCm-RYutc90zm9-FkaEPslS4nDnZDHuJQLdKY2dbakdPQmLokiEvp4IMuvvy2eXYlARdNkYXp3zG02WBQ8HX72mJr5vG3-yNv8Hpus5b9YdluwdQcIBLinYal0N0zVm8maE3uJn/s1600-h/100_3592%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3592" border="0" alt="100_3592" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPN6WCA2I/AAAAAAAAARE/wekZ9UOYPGw/100_3592_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="187" height="246"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyN4YRJxNw5_1C_Aj73mE8kCAtTY9nnoR4PpmPHOJUJYoI60H_uoWWrKqm76uhv-0aynMmfRk_K8T1hnKFXR0E4JYmZRlk2M-Be61a4F5dVlueGIoeopwxYEL8Fik1PZ-8jsZkPMBQXm2t/s1600-h/100_3578%5B7%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3578" border="0" alt="100_3578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlmchRpGXqgEgzgxbqluN2Ng2TQJ0kh1Ft-OaIFYkM3Uw9GnjL5Tq2kzMRCOirHsG7MUXNeV5MrVGDQQwWr-xCAsn73h61idM0RqlumnDNjztRsJbkiq4_s3DwZHMmBRSG6WCCBRgdK5B/?imgmax=800" width="187" height="246"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIBafbxpU8vJ548ik0286stH8lRqgRDjsYSC5MXgCFtFkURolDX487rbBwlR9j-sonhNUChy8cx4Zlu0NXL0553tT7JYwNsG-f9gzoYUp_r3NoHq8vzVFSATUAObCyjbofbajp02OU68D5/s1600-h/100_3581%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3581" border="0" alt="100_3581" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWPPaO9EHI/AAAAAAAAARU/n62Nnb3ixj4/100_3581_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="246" height="187"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4161551352095155434.post-22371281022131617522010-06-14T09:57:00.000-04:002010-06-14T09:57:00.077-04:00Kindergarten Graduation 6~9~10<p> </p> <p>Wow, I am a day late and a dollar short posting this…LOL. Anywho, my daughter is now a first grader. She had her graduation ceremony on Wednesday June 9, 2010. She got awards for top Kindergarten reader and top Kindergartener overall out of 150 kids. So I am so proud of her. She did us so proud!!! We love you Julie and here are a few pictures of the day….</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMoW2YNJI/AAAAAAAAAP4/NTh59C96Wwo/s1600-h/100_3440%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3440" border="0" alt="100_3440" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMooVKH9I/AAAAAAAAAP8/VdM0PlWr31o/100_3440_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMoyvbMdI/AAAAAAAAAQA/VIAV7JsxmCc/s1600-h/100_3464%5B8%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3464" border="0" alt="100_3464" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMpV9YewI/AAAAAAAAAQE/Bp3Pl2FfjPU/100_3464_thumb%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244"></a> </p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMpmkT7EI/AAAAAAAAAQI/6mXPAQqR7Kc/s1600-h/100_3507%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="100_3507" border="0" alt="100_3507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXmZokmrAFGhwYvDfNssJYPuD5xTWiiqBIvCHigypTF7NIcFGm9BbxAHtlAXoaFZML0wpta0LoB9cT5M7_cN7o1H9IloseblnZPFe5z30KLKhX4ToIH40eiWM9vNqLqJsTvxan602RsWH/?imgmax=800" width="266" height="265"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMqbrycNI/AAAAAAAAAQQ/UAhnUNoZe6I/s1600-h/100_3506%5B9%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3506" border="0" alt="100_3506" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMqisZYqI/AAAAAAAAAQU/L8uxb1BM_Q8/100_3506_thumb%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="185" height="244"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMqz2c_hI/AAAAAAAAAQY/za9H2ubrYqk/s1600-h/100_3473%5B3%5D.jpg"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMqz2c_hI/AAAAAAAAAQc/widsulvKSHA/s1600-h/100_3473%5B10%5D.jpg"></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMqz2c_hI/AAAAAAAAAQg/rcH7O_BpVGo/s1600-h/100_3473%5B19%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="100_3473" border="0" alt="100_3473" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_gTVJTEx9QWQ/TBWMrlaLurI/AAAAAAAAAQk/OMTJxReraBQ/100_3473_thumb%5B17%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="223" height="228"></a></p> A Caring Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07039004609456673085noreply@blogger.com0