Shopping on Thanksgiving......

So, who went out on Thanksgiving shopping?  This is the the first year I ventured out to see what the stores had to offer on Thanksgiving.  I really thought the whole shopping on the holiday would be just a few people done with their dinner stepping out for a few sale items.  I have to say, I was wrong.  The crowds of people out shopping were definitely on a mission.  I stopped in Walmart,Target,Michaels, and the mall.  It seems most people are headed right for the good deals on the electronics. I saw carts with great deals on televisions mainly. I did save on an just a few items, but mostly the items I was looking for were not on sale. However, I still have Black Friday and of course Cyber Monday.  I like the idea of sitting in front of my computer and shopping for great deals on-line. Cyber Monday I can sit in my "warm" house, beat the crowds, don't have to drive and I save money on gas. One of the best websites that have great deal on Cyber Monday is Amazon.  Enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you all on-line.


The daisy color for today is multiple colors:

Let's Practice Piano Today

Here is Amanda at one of her Piano Lessons, she is really doing a great job learning new songs.

One of her favorite songs she loves to play is about a dog and a magic man.  Amanda is also learning a Taylor Swift song, "I knew you were trouble when".  Love this song, I can't wait to hear it all.

I also want to wish a very Happy Birthday to my Daddy who turns 75 young today :)

Can Santa Give Me a Loan?

Well it's almost the official start of the holiday season.. Have you started shopping yet?  The older the children get the more $$$$ expensive their gifts are.  What stores offer the best deals, or do they all offer great deals?  Whose going on Thanksgiving night to shop?  I don't ever remember as a child my parents leaving the house on Thanksgiving day to go shopping, the stores were closed.  It's complete madness the way the stores all compete for the better deals......that's good for us right?  If you have the patience and time to stand on enormous lines to get these great deals then it's worth it.  This year I heard Walmart will offer the lowest prices on just about anything.  If you find another store that offers the product for less Walmart will match that price.

It also time to start deciding on a holiday family photo.  I use to get the kids pictures done at
Picture People they are usually located in the malls.  Now I take the photos in the comfort of my own home and send them over to CVS to have them developed.  There are many holiday card designs, and you can even add your pet in another photo within the card.

Below is a sample of one I like:



Happy Shopping!!!!

Red for the holiday season!

Little man is not feeling good....:(

I did not get to my blog this weekend, had way to much going on I think.....My son was not feeling good at all his throat was killing him.  Doesn't it make you sad when your kids get sick you feel so helpless sometimes.  He had no fever so I thought just maybe sore throat, however when I got him to open his mouth and I took a look at his tonsils they were all white and clearly infected.  Of course a trip to the Dr. confirms he does have strep throat.  Now to keep him away from the other two so they don't get sick for at least for 24 hours he is still contagious.  The best medicine to take when his throat is hurting is Children's Advil, it last up to 8 hours and he feels so much better once he takes it. I wanted to share a little tip I read on a medical journal about strep throat.  It is good practice to buy a new toothbrush after being diagnosed with an infection.  If  you continue to use the same toothbrush sometimes the bacterial can still live within the toothbrush.  Once I read this I was off to buy a new toothbrush for all of us.  Any tip to help keep us all healthy is a great tip.  

That's life when you have children it throws you a few curve balls once in a while.  This curve ball is one that will be all better within a few days.  The hardest challenge is having to work when caring for a sick child. I don't want to sound like I am complaining but I guess I am complaining.  Why not, we all complain.  I have stuff to complain about being a parent I am sure we all do. 


The color daisy for today green:

I simply cannot live without Chocolate...

It's very simple, I cannot live without Chocolate.  Who can?  I make decisions in my head all the time about this day or week I am going to stop completely snaking on a piece of chocolate.  It does not take long before I am looking for something chocolate especially dark chocolate.  Hershey's Bliss Dark Chocolate is one of my favorite sweets. These little squares definitely satisfy the craving for something sweet. There is also a milk chocolate Hershey's Bliss, caramel,raspberry,green mint center,white chocolate, and so many more.

Here is a link to Bliss Heaven :) 

Here is a picture of Bliss Holiday Selection, you can have all these little treats in one bag for the holidays.

Enjoy!!!

Today's daisy color is green:

Mom needs a break!!

Today is one of those days that seem to be a non stop on the go type of days.  My morning started out dragging myself out of bed after getting up at 5:00AM because the pup need to go potty......Once the pup was done she was not ready to go back to bed unless she had her breakfast...Does she not know it's only 5:00AM.  I wish we could teach dogs about time and the need to sleep.  Well once she has her fill of dog chow then she is back to bed for next few hours.  Of course once I am up I can't get myself back to sleep.  It's really quiet at 5:00AM in this house, but that would last very long.  So I decided to jump in the shower and get the day started a bit early.  I guess way to early I should say.

Time to get the kiddies out of bed!!! The quiet house now turns into a mad dash to get ready, eat breakfast and get to that bus!!!

YES!!! Kids are on it and now it's time for quiet time.......yeah right......not it's time for work but at least work is in my nice quiet house.  Unless the postman comes to the door and then I will listen to the pup bark for 45 mins.  Busy life, happy Mom.........what can I say, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The daisy color today is yellow just like the school bus:

Everything Bagel & Coffee

What's your favorite type of bagel?  Mine is pretty boring I just like a plain bagel, toasted with a bit of Jelly.  I know Dunkin' Donuts have really good bagels but I prefer my local bagel shop. How about Starbucks coffee,which coffee place would you prefer.  Although both have great coffee I rather pop in a Keurig cup, French Vanilla. I usually go with Green Mountain brand they have a big selection of all types of coffee flavors.  I added a image of my favorite:

For the holiday season Green Mountain offers specialty coffees like Pumpkin Spice. It's only for a limited time so you better hurry. Green Mountain has a new brand called Cinnabon that tastes exactly like a classic cinnamon roll.  This I definaetly have to check out, should taste deliocous. 

Just a little Note:  I added many links so you can all click and see exactly what I am saying.....



The daisy color for today is white:

What kind of Dog Food does your Dog eat?

What kind of dog food does your dog eat? (Guest post title, from Amanda)

There are so many types of dog food on the market today, we feed our dog Dog Chow from Purina.

How do you really know what's best for your dog's nutrition?Here is a list of Dog Foods that have a rating of 5 stars, there are quite a bit to choose from.

• Acana Dog Food (Dry)
• Acana Regionals Grain-Free (Dry)
• Amicus Dog Food (Dry)
• Annamaet Grain Free (Dry)
• Artemis Fresh Mix Maximal Dog (Dry)
• Back to Basics Dog Food (Dry)
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness (Dry)
• Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care (Dry)
• Brothers Complete Dog Food (Dry)
• By Nature Organics (Dry)
• Canidae Grain Free Pure (Dry)
• Canidae Single Grain Protein Plus (Dry)
• Castor and Pollux Natural Ultramix Grain-Free (Dry)
• DNA Dog Food (Dehydrated)
• Dogswell LiveFree (Dry)
• Dr. Harvey’s Oracle Dog Food (Dry)
• Dr. Tim’s Dog Food (Dry)
• Dr. Tim’s Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• Earthborn Holistic Primitive Natural (Dry)
• Evanger’s Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• EVO Dog Food (Dry)
• Farmina N&D Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• Go! Fit and Free (Dry)
• Great Life Grain Free (Dry)
• Hi-Tek Naturals Grain Free (Dry)
• Holistic Blend Grain Free (Dry)
• Honest Kitchen Dog Food (Dehydrated)
• Horizon Legacy (Dry)
• I and Love and You Nude Food (Dry)
• Infinia Dog Food (Dry)
• Innova Prime Grain Free (Dry)
• Merrick Classic Dog Food (Dry)
• Merrick Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• Nature’s Logic (Dry)
• Nature’s Variety Instinct (Dry)
• Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost (Dry)
• Nutram Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• Nutrience Grain Free (Dry)
• Nutrisca Dog Food (Dry)
• Only Natural Pet MaxMeat Dog Food (Dry)
• Orijen Dog Food (Dry)
• Oven-Baked Tradition Grain Free (Dry)
• Performatrin Ultra Grain Free (Dry)
• Pinnacle Peak Protein Formula (Dry)
• Pioneer Naturals Grain Free (Dry)
• Primal Freeze-Dried Formula (Freeze-Dried)
• Solid Gold Barking at the Moon (Dry)
• Solid Gold Sun Dancer (Dry)
• TimberWolf Platinum (Dry)
• Tuscan Natural Carne Dog Food (Dry)
• Victor Grain Free Dog Food (Dry)
• Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry)
• Wellness Core Reduced Fat (Dry)
• Wysong Archetype Burgers (Dehydrated)
• Wysong Epigen (Dry)
• Wysong Uncanny Dog Food (Dehydrated)
• Young Again Dog Food (Dry)
• ZiwiPeak Daily Dog (Dehydrated)

It doesn't seem Dog Chow is rated 5 stars,  it looks like it is rated only 1 star.  But don't tell that to Ella Bella because she simply loves it.  There are so many to choose from how do you know what is best?  Maybe her treats have a better rating, she eats Milk-Bone Brand Mini Snacks.


The original Milk-Bone^® dog snack was created over a century ago in 1908 by F.H. Bennett Biscuit Company at a bakery on the Lower East Side of New York City. It was the very first dog biscuit treat made in the United States, a little something to show your dog how much you care. It was love at first bite.
  The bone-shaped treat and box with a smiling dog quickly became icons. Over the next few decades, different flavors, sizes and treats were introduced.
  Today there are over 25 different varieties of Milk-Bone treats. All made in the USA. All made with love.

Kids put the Ipad away we are roller skating!!

I found this really great place not to far from where we live to take the kids, and myself included,roller skating.

Here is a link to their website:  http://www.sk8rollermagic.com/sahome.html


I am sure most parents these days will agree the kids spend way to much time on their Ipad,Ipod,Iphone,TV, computer.  Kids need to get out exploring different things, socialize more, and get more physical activity. When I was a kid I had a place like this not to far from where I lived in Brooklyn, New York. I remember hanging out there with a bunch of friends and even getting my mom on roller skates with us.I am so excited to check this place out this weekend with the kids.  I better get my knee and elbow pads on :)



Daisy color for today is orange:

Family Tradition........

Sunday's in November usually equal a pot of fresh sauce with meatballs cooking on the stove and football on the TV. Sunday family traditions which included a traditional early Italian dinner was one of my traditions I carried over into my family.  Now that my kids spend every other Sunday dinner with their Dad that tradition is not done every Sunday.  That along with sharing the holidays can sometimes make traditions and special occasions a bit of a challenge. The kids don't seem to mind as much they enjoy both homes and both family traditions. One family tradition my kids enjoy and this one seems to happen earlier and earlier, the ELF on the Shelf.  Here is a picture of the elf:

You place the Elf on  Shelf and each day when the kids wake up the Elf has "magically" moved into a new location.  The Elf represents Santas' way of watching the kids each and every day to make sure they are all behaving.  If this Elf helps the children behave then having an Elf on shelf will be in my home every holiday season.  It would be great if we had a teacher or principal on the shelf every day showing the kids that if you do not do their homework and behave they may get detention!  :)  Wishful thinking I guess.  What's your holiday or family traditions would you like to share?
You can email me at missyloves8040@gmail.com and I will add you as a guest post blogger.

The color of today's daisy is blue for the "Giants":

This is guest post from James (aka) my sweetheart:

Hello folks! What can I say, I guess I officially made the blog when I'm asked to guest post on it.  So what to talk about, how about spontaneity and the lack of it as you get older.  But that's a little too deep for my first guest post.  So I will just tell you a little bit about myself.  I am a single father of two beautiful girls. 

I am a software engineer and enjoy amongst many other things, cooking, hiking, fishing, playing and watching sports. I have been dating Michele for a little over two years.  She is by far the sweetest and most caring woman I have had the pleasure to get to know. Both her and her children are wonderful!!  They have always warmly welcomed me and my children into their home. Even during the Hurricane Sandy when my place was ruined down by the shore; Michele welcomed me and the kids to stay as long as we needed.

Well we are off to see the movie Last Vegas. It looks like it will be funny. Michele and I have visited Las Vegas twice in the last couple years and so in a way, it will take us back there. Here is a little clip from the movie:

Another fun place to go for those cold days....

Me and my family have gone to this place several times before, Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos.  They have a massive, 84-degree indoor water park.  84 degrees is where you want to be especially as the days get colder.  The have amazing slides, lazy river and a area for smaller children to swim and play. The difference between this water park and many others is, an overnight stay is included in your ticket prices.  You get to pick out what type of room you and your family want to stay in. They offer regular types of hotel rooms and theme type rooms.  We stayed at one of their theme type rooms, below is picture of the room.The kids get their own little cabin with a bed on the side and bunk beds.

The water park closes at 8:00PM but there are still many other activities to enjoy.  One of them is, a spa treatment for the girls.  Where you get to choose the flavor you crave for a manicure or pedicure, or a facial.  The name of the spa is Scooops , which is really fitting because the kids literally sit in a large scoop of ice cream.  Here's a picture of my girls:

 There's more, once the water park closes they have a great restaurant and several small desert shops to visit all on the premises.  The best part if you want to just take a break from the water fun or once the water park closes all the children go out on magic quests.  The place is set up like a forest with all these hidden spots and mazes for the kids to quest.  This is how it works:

With a magic wand in-hand, you’ll explore an enchanted kingdom and join in the ultimate adventure as you enchant objects, befriend a pixie, learn from an ancient wizard, battle a goblin and outwit a dragon. We guarantee this live-action adventure game is unlike any other you’ve ever played. You’re sure to become legendary when the getaway you planned becomes epic.

 This is a great place to visit and enjoy and I am happy to share this with all of you!!

As always a picture of a new daisy to share:

How many days until summer?

I can honestly say I am not a big fan of the cold weather.  I was born in the summer and much prefer summer days and temperatures then the cold we are experiencing now.  I know there are many activities and sports that are enjoyable in the cold weather like snow boarding, ice skating, skiing, sledding.  I found this really great place that has it all, Mountain Creek in Vernon New Jersey.  This resort has all equipment rentals on site.  They also offer group lessons on all sports, and a kids club. You can lodge on the premise and use their many amenities such as a spa.  Looks like a great place to consider with the family.

Here is another picture of my favorite flower in red:

Do you know how many different colors daisies have?

Working From Home!

Working from home there are many advantages for me and my family.  First of all, the best advantage is to be able to run out and get the kids off the bus.  I can also start dinner while I am working, when the kiddies are hungry after school and homework dinner is not too late.  I am also grateful to be able to not miss not one event at school.  However, as the kids are getting a little older next year high school and middle school those school events are not as often.
I love that I can volunteer on my lunch break for any parties,fund raisers,or teacher appreciation events.  Another advantage working for home is if one of the kiddies is not feeling well they can just stay home with me.  I don't have to ever really take any of my personal or vacation days anymore when one of them gets sick.

So now for the disadvantages of working for home.  First of all my kids do not think I actually work.  When they get home from school I will remind them that mommy is working and you all have to sit quietly and do your homework.  They all look at me like I am crazy as my work phone is ringing off the hook.  Their answer is, "but mommy you work from home", like that is a good reason why they shouldn't behave and be quiet. When it's bedtime I remind the kids of the clock and how they need to get to bed because they have school tomorrow and mommy has work.  They will all answer, "but mommy you work from home".  I will say, yes I work from home but I need a good nights rest as well so I can do my job. Another disadvantage working from home is, getting dressed.  I tend to stay in my PJ's for a long period of time before deciding to get dressed.  When I do finally decide to get dressed my clothes tend to be "comfy clothes" sweats and tea shirts.  Although at times I do find myself enjoying this type of clothing especially in the winter, I do often get tired of not getting a little more dressed up and putting on some make up.  Finally one last disadvantage
is, on weekends I find myself wanting to not only get out of the house by run run run as fast as I can out of the house.  The kids are not happy with the running they have been up and dressed all week for school and would love a PJ day!!

Have a good day!!!

Picture of my favorite flower in a lovely purple!!

This is dinner!

This is what's for dinner tonight, easy and the whole family loves it,

Stuffed Shells!!!


Ingredients:

1. Box of Barilla Pasta
2. 16 oz of Shredded Polly Part -Skim Mozzarella Cheese
3. 63g Polly-O Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
4. 8 oz of Tuttorosso Crushed Tomato Sauce

 Prepare:

1. Boil pot of water adding just a pinch of salt so shells do not stick
2. Tuttorosso sauce in pan adding salt,pepper,fresh garlic,parsley
3. Add sauce to the bottom of the pan
4. Separate shells and add both cheeses to the shell
5. Heat oven to 350F
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted

Here is the end result:

 Yummy, that's what's for dinner!! My sweetheart says I should open a store and sell my stuffed shells, they are they best stuffed shells he has ever tasted.

Zombies Look Out!

Finally getting to write my post today at 5:30 PM, it seems like the day just flew by.  Of course the day did not go without day to day events with the children.  My son woke up again with a fever and sore throat.  Fun stuff after a four day weekend NOT going back to school today.  I am really thankful I do work from home so I can also be able to take care of him. After a good night rest lots of fluid and tons of TLC he was fine by 11:00AM.  Of course then our next struggle begins.  HOMEWORK!!! He wasn't feeling good on Sunday to finish his reading homework so we needed to tackle that today.  I had a little break and decided we should get to it right away.  My son was not to happy with  my enthusiasm to tackle. With much resistance we got it done!!!

Broadway Musical "Once"

I wanted to share this great musical I saw a few weeks ago in a New York City Broadway Theater.


 

Click here for a description of the musical.

The kids are not getting up today.............

Day two of my new blogging experience. I am sitting here with my little twin girl who also seems very excited to be watching her mommy start a new post today. It's a sunny Saturday morning, we are still waiting for the teenager and her brother to roll out of bed. It seems like they waste the day away just sleeping. I guess their beds are so comfortable they just can't get out of them. Once we are all up and ready we are heading to the movies!!! The movie theater we go to the seats are like sitting in your own personal couch.

The movie on the agenda today will be:

it's about turkeys trying to not become Thanksgiving dinner. It's fitting since Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away.

Here is a preview:

Our day is all planned, now to get those kids out of their comfy beds!!!

Hysterical...........Enjoy.......

So funny, love it:

Introducing The Family

I finally started creating my own blog after reading hundreds of other blogs.  The reason I read so many blogs is, I work for a blog ad agency.  Blogging is a great way to communicate with others, share great ideas and tips on just about everything.    I am still undecided on what my main topic of my blog should be.  Or, if I should have a main topic at all.  I may just want to blog and share stories about what excites me and inspires me.

First, a little bit about myself. I am a single mom of three wonderful children. My oldest will be 14 in Jan. and the twins are 10.  Below is a picture from the twins birthday party last year at Point Pleasant in New Jersey.  This location was one of few that was not destroyed from Hurricane Sandy. Point Pleasant has great rides,games and entertainment.  Oh and yes, awesome food!!

 Here is a picture of our little Mini Pincher, Ella Bella.  She loves to bury herself under the covers when she sleeps.  Ella Bella is two and has just as much energy if not more as a 2 year old toddler :)