Monday, April 25, 2011

A Little Encouragement!


Encouragement...Just what I needed today!


"Let My love enfold you in the radiance of My Glory. Sit still in the Light of My Presence, and receive My Peace. These quiet moments with Me transcend time, accomplishing far more than you can imagine. Bring Me the sacrifice of your time, and watch and see how abundantly I bless you and your loved ones.


Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting in nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God - breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step."

- 40 Days with Jesus
Celebrating His Presence By Sarah Young


And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
- 2 Corinthians 3:18


Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.
-Psalm 73:23-24



Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The Gabby Mom's - April Mission: Eternal Encouragement Magazine



myspace layouts

THE GABBY MOM'S
We Gab * We Giggle * We Glitter


For this months Mission with the The Gabby Mom's, I was sent the latest edition of Eternal Encouragement Magazine formerly TEACH Magazine. What's the Magazine’s vision? “Inspire Women to Become More Like Jesus Every Day.”

Psst, I am really embarrassed to tell you this but...although it's been around for a while, this is the very first time I have read it! I wish I would have known what I was missing! God had a plan for April's review for The Gabby Mom‘s

Let me say first off, I love the size of it. It is a small 5x7 about the size of a magazine folded in half! It is perfect for my busy life, I can put it in the baby bag or my purse and have it right there on hand when I have a little down time. But, don't let this tiny magazine fool you, it's size in no way reflects what is in it! It is jam packed full of wonderful articles that you'll actually want to read! When was the last time you picked up a magazine and wanted to read every single article? Yeah, I can't think of when either! You will with Eternal Encouragement Magazine!

This little magazine is broken down into three sections or departments as Eternal Encouragement calls them.

  • Godly Women
  • Godly Homemakers
  • Godly Mothers

Below each heading there is the page number and name of the article. This makes it very easy to find just want you need or are looking for!

"I had to admit it, my kids were right. See, they hadn't said they didn't get time to play. They said they didn't get much time to play with me. There is a HUGE difference."

 -From: It Just "Donned" on me - The Life of a Homemaking Mom by Donna Venning

When did he get so big? This is a common statement between my husband and my self about our oldest son. He was just a baby and now he's 6 and can read and write, he has ideas, likes and dislikes...my baby is a little man!

After reading this wonderful Article, I began to reflect on many different things:
Am I a mother who takes time? What is my focus? Do I clean first, play (with the kiddos) later?

How can I be a better Mommy? Elias - "Play with us more Mommy!!"

Mini Interview with my 6 year old son:

1. What is something that Mommy does every single day?
Answer: Work on the computer

2. How much does Mommy play with you and the twins?
Answer: A lot

3. What do you want Mommy to do more?
Answer: Play with us

4. What do you want Mommy to do less?
Answer: Stuff on the Computer

5. What kind of Mommy is your Mommy?
Answer: A good Mommy!

Well, there it is! What did I learn? My little man is growing up and I don't want to miss time with him, because I have someone to email, or a article to write, a deadline...it's not worth it and that's that! Tonight we went on our nightly family walk to the park. When we got there we stopped at the baseball field and played baseball...actually played!! I'm a huge tomboy and I love sports, it took no effort on my part, I love the feel and the sound when the baseball and the bat collide! After baseball we headed to the play area, on the way there my husband and older son play tetherball, then off to the slide and swings...the twins love the slide! When it was time to start heading home Elias excitedly asked if I would like to play a quick game of tetherball, without thinking I said "no, not tonight." He was very disappointed. I thought about - It Just "Donned" on me. Why'd I say no? Yes, I hate tetherball, but this is my child wanting to spend time with his Mommy! I quickly corrected my self and said "Yeah, Elias lets play tetherball!!" His back was to me when I said it. He turned around with the most excited look on his sweet little face! I can't even begin to tell you how it made me feel. What did I learn tonight? No matter what the game, they are my children who won't be children forever...and I'm gonna play!! Oh, and I actually enjoyed tetherball A LOT, maybe it was the company!

A Mother Who Takes Time
Author Unknown
I hope my Children
Look back on today
And remember a mother
Who took time to play.
There will be time
For cleaning and cooking
But children grow up
While we aren't looking.
*****

7 Simple Steps to a Discipline Turnaround: from the Godly Mothers Department

Do your kids dawdle? Does it drive you crazy? Yeah, me too! My son has turned dawdling into an art, he can make a 10 minute task turn into a 2 hour event. My husband and I were at a loss in how to address this. Lorrie has a wonder 7 step program to help eliminate the dawdling!

  • Step One - Talk
  • Step Two - Explain
  • Step Three - Give them a Tour
  • Step Four - Consequences
  • Step Five - Follow-through it Key
  • Step Six - Make sure the Finish
  • Step Seven - Model Jesus

If you would like to read more, why not subscribe? Head on over to the Eternal Encouragement
website at http://www.subscribe.eternalencouragement.com/ for subscription details.
“I received this product for honest review from Eternal Encouragement Magazine as a part of The Gabby Moms blogging program. All opinions expressed are solely my own.”

Book Review - Unsinkable

Featuring:
Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas


From the Publisher...


The stirring narrative of Unsinkable tells sixteen-year-old Abby Sunderland's remarkable true story of attempting to become the youngest person ever to sail solo around the world.

More people have flown into outer space than have sailed solo around the globe. It is a challenge so immense that many have died trying, and all have been pushed beyond every physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual limit. In Unsinkable, readers follow Abby Sunderland into those depths. This biography delivers a gripping and evocative firsthand account that starts prior to her departure, travels through her daring (and sometimes near-death) encounters on the open sea, to her dramatic rescue in the remotest corner of the Indian Ocean, and the media explosion that happened upon her safe return to dry land.

Along the way, readers discover what it means to boldly face any challenge, to strive after something great, and to plumb the depths of faith, fear, and desperation only to emerge changed, renewed, and emboldened. In this day and age, when the most productive thing a teenager may do is play videogames, Abby's ambition and tenacity is a real-life parable of what can happen when we choose to exceed our own limits, embrace faith, and strive after what all the naysayers say is impossible.

About the Author...

Abby Sunderland is among the third generation in a family of sailors and adventurers. In 2007, at age 13, Abby discovered her dream of sailing solo around the world and was inspired by her brother Zac’s successful circumnavigation in 2009. Her own journey, in 2010, ended in the Indian Ocean when a rogue wave rolled her sailboat, Wild Eyes. Abby now shares her story of tenacity and courage with audiences everywhere. Lynn Vincent is the New York Times best-selling writer of Heaven Is for Real, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Going Rogue: An American Life. The author or coauthor of ten books, Lynn worked for eleven years as a writer and editor at the national news biweekly WORLD Magazine covering politics, culture, and current events. A U.S. Navy veteran, she teaches writing at colleges and conferences around the country. Lynn lives in San Diego, California.

What I thought...

Wow! What a girl! Before she was even sixteen years old, Abby Sunderland knew she wanted to attempt to get the record for the youngest to ever sail around the world. Unsinkable tells the story from two different points of view for the majority of the book - hers and the narrators, in addition the chapers are set up like Captian Log. Then her boat was de-masted in the middle of the Indian Ocean, a third point of view comes in to play: Those who helped rescue her from her boat Wild Eyes and take her back to safety!
There are a lot critics who thought that this was all orchestrated by her father...but it wasn't. It was Abby's dream to do this and her father simply encouraged her to follow her dreams. All the decisions she made were her own - whether it was to stop at a port to get her boat fixed or ultimately to send out a distress signal when her boat rolled in the middle of the Indian Ocean - which would end her trip

I admire Abby being so young and for her strength to make it through several months out in he middle of the ocean all alone and because she wanted to follow her dreams. Her story to be very encouraging! Full of excitement! I would recommend this book, but I would also tell you that it is quite stressful being a mother and reading about all the things that go wrong...I guess that's the Mama in me!

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 12, 2011)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9781400203086 ISBN-13: 978-1400203086

Please note I was given this book in exchange for my honest review!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Mother's Day 2011 - Rebel Downtown Review


Featuring:

Lookin' for something fun? Well, Rebel Downtown has a great variety of bags for any occasion and style! This is a great place to find funky, handmade bags! ALL items are : serged, sewn and topstitched where needed, interfacing for sturdiness and stability, magnetic snaps.

Are you a Rebel??
Has this ever happened to you? You get all ready for Church, a evening out, or that long awaited Date with your wonderful husband, look and the Mirror and think, 'Hmmmm, I wish I had a cute hand bag or clutch for tonight.'

Ever since I was young I have LOVED LOVED LOVED, purses of all kinds! As a Mom it is something that is ALL about me...(Sometimes we need it to be all about us, right?!?)

Wallet Clutch: Rebel Downtown

My wonderful friend Laura shared a Facebook page with me: Rebel Downtown! The name alone made me curious:) I kid you not with one click I was in love! Bags, Purses, Clutches!! Yay! Created by a Mother, Rebel Downtown bags are not just ho hum bags, they are works of art! The Owner of Rebel, takes time to make her fabric selections, and care when making these amazing bags!

About Rebel Downtown:
Rebel Downtown
"Before Rebel Downtown was officially opened, I used to work at a fashion store. During the weekdays of my four hour shifts, I would admire the handbags that were all around the store. With a paycheck of a weeks worth, I would finally purchase my favorite bag. However, all these questions would go through my head "its too small, the material used is not my favorite, this bag would have been better if it was like that one, it's a little bit tooooo much." All this came to an end when my mother came up with the idea of making my own handbags that would fit my needs. I made a bag for different occasions and all my friends wanted a handbag that showed off their personality. Rebel Downtown has a handbag for any occasion and personality." - Owner and Creator of Rebel Downtown
Rebel Downtown

I spent weeks drooling over Rebel Downtown's beautiful, and funky fabrics! I would pick out my favorite, then she'd add new bags and I'd have a new favorite! Not only are these creations totally adorable and fun but ALL Rebel Downtown items are serged, sewn and topstitched where needed, interfacing for sturdines, stability, and magnetic snaps, to ensure the best quality possible!


Awesome! From Rebel Downtown

I was given the opportunity to review one of Rebel Downtown's amazing Clutches for ALSNS Mother's Day Gift Idea Guide! SO EXCITED!! First of all, the shipping was very fast. The Clutch came shrink wrapped in plastic then placed in a shipping envelope. Even though it was an ugly rainy day and our mailbox leaks, my stunning clutch was safe and sound...and BEAUTIFUL!

 

My Clutch!


 
When I opened...ok fine, when I ripped the shipping envelope opened I was speechless!! I knew what Clutch I was getting, the colors, the embellishments, I picked it because I loved it! What I didn't know was the size, I was expecting a clutch the size of a check book wallet, maybe a little bigger...but that is not what I got. The Clutch I got is HUGE! Measuring about 12 inches long and 5 inches tall, here I was thinking I was getting a little 5inch by 3inch wallet Clutch...to say the least I was thrilled! My Clutch easily holds, my Blackberry, checkbook wallet, lip gloss holder, compact mirror, and a Bebe au lait nursing cover! Yeah, I know...CRAZY big!

All filled up!!
Let me tell you a little about my Rebel Clutch! The first thing I noticed about it when I took it out of the package - after the size of course, was the quality of the fabric! This is just not some cheap thin dime store fabric, it is thick and lux! In addition, the craftmanship of the bag is amazing! Wonderful tight stiches making for very strong seams. The inside lining is a beautiful silky chocolate brown...which I love. Chocolate brown is one my favorite colors! The magnetic clasp is strong - big plus, I hate when the clasps pop open...no chance of that happening with Rebel!! Then there is the lace flower embelishment on the front, all I can say is - LOVE! The fabric, lining and embelishments all go together perfectly, which tells me Rebel owner and creator cares about what the name Rebel is on! She clearly loves what she does and it shows!!

You know how a great pair of shoes can make an outfit go from ho-hum to fabulous?? That is exactly what Rebel Downtown bags do!

Is the Clutch not for you? No worries! Rebel Downtown has a number of different styles to choose from - Clutch/Wallets, the Tall Paul, Hobo and a Huge tote bag! You can even have Rebel Downtown make you a custom bag!!! They are tons of fun, funky, and unique fabrics to choose from!

If you are looking for a bag that stands out from all the rest - Rebel Downtown! If you want a bag that will turn heads - Rebel Downtown! If you are a little different and want a bag that shows who you are - Rebel Downtown!!

With Mother's day and Graduation just around the corner, I know that I am not the only one on the look out for that PERFECT gift for someone I love! Consider the gift of Rebel! And, hey - dropping a few hints to the Hubby wouldn't hurt either!
 
Want one or two or three yet?? Please be sure to like Rebel Downtown on FacebookGIVEAWAY!!!! Once Rebel Downtown hits 400 LIKES, She'll give away a wallet or purse! So suggest Rebel Downtown fan page to everyone and watch out for the free item! 83 more likes to go!


Check out Rebel Downtown on Etsy and The Brand New Rebel Downtown site!Rebel Downtown on Twitter!!

It's safe to say...
I'm a REBEL!!!

** HUGE thank you to Rebel Downtown for this awesome review!
The Clutch is amazing! I couldn't be happier!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Review - ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer!

Featuring:

So many new parents are over-whelmed, over-tired and have a difficult time recalling simple tasks when dealing with newborns. When the twins were first born, I could barely remember if I had taken a shower...and I know I am not the only one.


Don't worry my friends, the ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer (soon to be Pocket Nanny) has come to 'our' rescue!

About ITZBEEN -

The ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer is a multi-purpose tool that helps you remember the basic details of baby care. ITZBEEN has four timers that count up with the touch of a button…so you will always know how long it's been! ITZBEEN™ Baby Care Timer was developed by a new mom and dad who found themselves sleep-deprived and needing help to remember baby care details, such as when their baby last ate or napped. They tried charts and journals, but thought there had to be a better way. So, they created the ITZBEEN™: a multi-purpose nursery tool that helps new parents remember the basic details of baby care. The ITZBEEN™ has four timers that count up with the touch of a button, and a host of other helpful features, all designed with the needs of a new parent in mind.


Three Great Colors!!
The ITZBEEN (pronounced "it's been"... as in it's been two hours since the baby A nursed) is a multi-purpose little monitor designed to help new parents learn, remember and communicate the basic details of baby-care. The ITZBEEN goal was to develop a tool that would help first-time moms and dads become better parents, and to make the job of being a new parent a little easier.
The ITZBEEN has four different task settings for - diaper change, nursing or feeding, sleep or awake and medication or other task. Simply press the button once after the that task is completed and watch the timer count up, letting you know how long it's been since the baby-care task was completed. Another helpful feature on the ITZBEEN, is the Nursing Reminder. By sliding the switch from "L" to "R", you will be reminded of which side baby last fed from. I would have love this feature when the twins were newborn.

The focus has been on how great the ITZBEEN is for Newborns and small babies, but I would like to share how fantastic it is for Toddlers, Kids and even Mommy!

ITZBEEN in Blue!
My ITZBEEN arrived in the thick of Spring sickness...horrible cold and flu going around our home, including me, UGH! The ITZBEEN was awesome to have. I use the three top buttons (the diaper, the bottle, and the Zzz) for each of my children and their cough meds or whatever they needed. This way hours later when my husband arrived home we knew exactly what time doses where given! It is fantastic for night time as well, it lights up VERY bright and is very clear! If I took meds I used the bottom (* button) for me!

In additon to keeping meds and three kids organized. Now that we are all better, the bottle button is perfect for my girly twin. She has dropped some weight due to a iron deficiency. Because of the iron deficiency we have to make sure that she in addition to getting a specific amount of food, she has to get 10oz. of whole milk...enter ITZBEEN bottle button, After each 2oz. bottle I just press that little button to keep track. I Love the ITZBEEN! I even push the little 'Zzz' button when they fall asleep...hey! guess what? The twins nap 2.5+ hours everyday!!

All Lit Up!
Ok, so my favorite part! When my older son was almost 2 he started wanting to go potty in the 'Big Boy' potty. He was potty trained super fast. I would take him potty ever single 15 min for 3 days, on day 4. He went all by himself!! I was so proud of him. Now, the twins are just about there. The Diaper button on the ITZBEEN is and has been my best friend. When I'm busy working and they are playing I can clip the ITZBEEN to the screen of my laptop and know exactly when it's 'potty time'

I will be recommending the ITZBEEN to everyone who is expecting, nursing, potty training...ect:) I have a number of friends who are expecting singletons and twins and I will tell them that from One mom to another the ITZBEEN is a MUST!!!
Bright Nightlight!

I have no cons to share. The only issue I really had was only having one ITZBEEN, since I have twins I would really like to have a second one, Especially when it comes to the serious potty training, it would just make things a little easier!

**I'd like to Thank ITZBEEN for letting me Review and Share this awesome product! It was a life saver! I LOVE it!

Easy to use! My Itzbeen in Blue!
The ITZBEEN can be purchased at Itzbeen.com for $24.99 for One or $48.99 for a Twin Pack.

This Giveaway is now Closed! I hope you enjoyed the Review!


One lucky reader will win an ITZBEEN Baby Care Timer! It's easy to enter!!


Mandatory Entry -


Follow ALSNS and Head to ITZBEEN and tell me your favorite color!!


Extra Entries -


Grab my New Button - Please leave me a link where I can find it!


Like ALSNS on FACEBOOK


Like ITZBEEN on FACEBOOK


Follow ALSNS on TWITTER and TWEET the ITZBEEN Giveaway (2 entries)


"ITZBEEN Giveaway @ ALSNS! You want this! Hurry 4/14-4/17 Go Enter NOW!! http://ow.ly/4A9y3"
 
*The ITZBEEN Giveaway will run from Thursday April 14th, 2011 thru 1pm pst Sunday April 17th, 2011. A winner will be selected through Random.org and announced by 9pm pst April 17th 2011!
 
Good Luck!



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Before and After!



If you know me, you know that I love the Other Mother's quarter sale! I have been going to it nearly every month since I was 5 months pregnant with Elias! I Love getting a good deal!


I have paid .25 cents for some truly awesome stuff! But my most recent find takes the cake!!

The Changing Table: Hmmmm, what can I do with Satin Lagoon Paint and 2 hours??

BEFORE
**When we bought it (for .25cents:) It didn't have the two bottom shelves. We actually made them out of a hollow wooden door taking up space in our garage. I removed the top shelf and traced it on the wooden door, then my husband used his circular saw, with one cut the blade went through the whole door, thus creating 2 shelves.

Please note the hollow door has cardboard glued between the boards, so if you cute through one, be sure to have a sander ready to remove all the glue reside.

AFTER

Satin Lagoon up close!

Perfect fit in the Twins Room!
The "New" BEAUTIFUL changing table holds, all the Cloth Diapers,
All the Baby Carriers, and the Twins Shoes...and there is still room!!

Happy Crafting and Creating!
Two hours well spent! I love it!!

Confessions...




 
 
Over the last 18month, bedtime would usually go like this: At 6:45 I would nurse the twins, they would fall asleep and I would quietly slip out of the bedroom. With the exception of a here and there night when Gabbi would hear me and wake up that's how bedtime went...sounds nice right...the problem? It could take 2 or more hours just to get to the point where I could leave the room, then very often Gabbi would wake up within 30 minutes and I‘d have to get her back to sleep again...UGH


So, this was bedtime, until a week ago. I have no idea what happened. Like always, nursed, they fell asleep, but...when I tried to get up SCREAMS!! After nighttime taking a total of 3 hours that night, enough was enough...I was going to do something different. The next night, when we headed to bed I had a plan! The twins very quickly fell asleep, and I thought 'Maybe last night was a fluke" Nope, it wasn't, when I tried to get up...yup...crying. But, instead of starting all over again, I kissed them and left them tucked in and left the room. After about 20 minutes they were fast asleep! The 20 minutes sucked, I hate hearing them sad, but they need sleep and they weren't getting it, something needed to change! With the exception of one night when Gab was feeling sick. Nighttime has become no stress! Bed time has gone from the 20 minutes, 10 minutes, 5 minutes! Then there was Monday night and Tuesday night: Nighttime nursing, then tucked them in and left the room, they were asleep with in 20 seconds! I am thrilled, my babies are getting awesome sleep and learning to fall asleep without Mommy touching them (you mama's know what I am talking about:)

It's funny I didn't realize how much bedtime was effecting the next day. Now, I see how it was. When bed time would take hours , by the time they were sound asleep to where I could leave the room, it would be my bed time! So, I wasn't getting to have much needed Husband time, Elias' school set up for the next day, or even just a little bit of time to my self!

My husband have had so much time together, we have been able to watch our favorite show together, I've helped him edit photos from some of his photo shoots and we have even fallen asleep on the couch together...more than once:) In addition to that, Elias has been thrilled with the school days I have been planning, my little guy love to learn and love science...so that has been my focus! Oh, yeah and the other night I took a bath...yes, a bath, I don't even recall the last time that happened!!

Happy Mama makes Happy Babies! Happy Babies who have had a good night sleep makes a Happy Mama!!






Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Happy 200th ALSNS


Last month was ALSNS 's 1st anniversary and Last week ALSNS celebrated not only 200th posts, but on the very same day the 200th follower!

In March of 2010 A Little Sugar n' Spice was born!! A year ago I wasn't sure where this was going or really what I was doing, but I knew I was having fun!


Over the last year I have met some AMAZING Mama's from all over the world that I now call 'friends'! I have hosted giveaways and reviewed products...something I never dreamed I would be doing. Now, companies are contacting me, wanting to know my opinion, asking if my readers would enjoy their products, it's truly amazing!
 
Thank You from the Bottom of my Heart for traveling this journey with me! I love you all and can't wait to see what the next year and 200 post brings!!

Tastes like Summer - Chicken Salad Pita


Sometimes you just need a little Summer Time in your Life!!

My Special Homemade Mix:
  • 2-4 cup shredded Chicken
  • 1 large Avocado diced
  • 10 grape tomatoes halved
  • 3 stalk celery chopped
  • 3 mini cucumbers diced
  • 1 can black olives sliced
  • 6-10 medium/large strawberries sliced
  • Mix together in a bowl with 2ish tablespoons mayo (I have used ranch, and honey mustard - use what you like)
  • Spoon into halved pita and serve
These were a huge hit with all the kids! Throughout dinner Elias kept say "Oh mommy this is delicious, we should have these every night"

Why Summer Chicken Salad? I've mentioned it a few time before...I am sick of winter, the cold weather and rain! I'm so very ready for summer...The warm Breeze, running through the sprinklers with the kids, grilling, play outside, sitting on the deck after the kids are in bed with my hubby...Oh, summer how I miss you. 

Well, for the next few months, I'll take what I can get, even if it is through tasty summer time food!


Monday, April 11, 2011

Review - Flirty Aprons



Featuring:

Between cooking and having twins I swear I don't have any clean shirts. I can't tell you how many times we're running late and I'm scrambling to get dressed, yet unable to find anything that doesn't have baby 'something' or food splatters, grease or something from the kitchen all over the front. Many a favorite shirt has been lost in the kitchen trenches. I'll be honest I am a messy cook, I can't help it. I just love creating something that smells and tastes like a dream...I get lost in it.

A few months ago we had arrived home late and of course the kids were hungry. I rushed to the kitchen to start dinner, not even thinking about the fact that I had on a brand new heather grey...adorable might I add, shirt. The pan was too hot and when I placed the chicken in it...SPLATTER all over the front of my adorable shirt. Enough is Enough - I think I need a Apron...a Flirty Apron!!


Flirty Aprons was founded by two married couples: Joseph and Heather Hansen, and Spencer and Jamie Taylor. When the owners initially met they discovered they each had a strong passion for business. They knew that their partnership would be enriched with a variety of skills that would allow them to create a successful and enjoyable business.


Since opening its first mall location in March of 2008, Flirty Aprons has experienced rapid growth. Its products have proved to be extremely popular gift items, and customers continue to find satisfaction in using them. Flirty Aprons plans to continue to expand its operations in 2010 and 2011, and continue to be the leader in providing the most desired aprons on the market.

I'm thrilled that I have been given the opportunity to review and feature Flirty Aprons Marilyn Line! Flirty Aprons sent me none other than the Marilyn Sugar n' Spice Apron for this review! How fitting huh.

The Marilyn Aprons Feature -
  • Candy Shop Theme
  • Single-Layered
  • Ties in the back
  • One Size Fits Most, 100% Cotton


The Marilyn Aprons come in three adorable styles -


In addition Flirty Aprons have a ton of other cute and stylish aprons...not only for Women, but Men and Children as well!



Have you ever ordered something online, only to find upon it's arrival that it is not at all what you expected? That's not at all how I felt when I opened my Flirty Aprons package! I in fact felt the opposite. The Marilyn Sugar n' Spice Apron is A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E! It is a single layer of fabric...I personally love this, because it can get hot when you are cooking. The Marilyn Sugar n' Spice Apron is perfect, you don't feel like you are wearing some big ol' bulky apron at the same time your clothes are protected, in a VERY cute way! I love how the Marilyn Line has the Ruffles at the bottom.
My favorite part about my new Sugar n' Spice Apron is the ribbon embellishment on the pocket!
The bright pink adds just the perfect amount of glamour to this already stunning apron!
Since The Marilyn Sugar n' Spice Apron came into my life I no longer have ugly grease stains and splatters all over my shirts! The Apron washes very well and stays just as beautiful after every wash.

**I would like to give a big ol' shout out to Heather Hansen, who has been fantastic and represented her company beautifully! I can see the love Heather has for her business. A BIG Thank You for letting me share with all my readers about your AWESOME line of Marilyn Aprons. 

I know what you're thinkin...Flirty Aprons would be a fantastic Mother's Day gift...for your Mom, Mother-in-law, Sister, Friend, or Yourself! Well, guess what - A Little Sugar - n - Spice can help!!

This Giveaway is now Closed! I hope you enjoyed the Review!


Flirty Apron is generously offering One Lucky ALSNS Reader a Marilyn Apron of there choice!
To Enter the Flirty Aprons Giveaway complete the following:


Mandatory Entry-


  •  Follow ALSNS & Head over to Flirty Aprons and tell me what Apron you Love!

Extra Entries-


**The Flirty Apron Giveaway will run from Tuesday April 12th 2011 - 6pm pst Sunday April 17th 2011!
The winner will be selected using Random.org and will be posted by 9pm pst 4/17/11**

Good Luck!

Book Review - God Gave Us You


Publisher Description

When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her mama a very important question--one that little "human cubs" often wonder about too: "Where did I come from?"
As Mama Bear tucks her young cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because..."God gave us you."

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime, or anytime, God Gave Us You provides a valuable opportunity to build children's self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from above.

When a charming polar bear cub climbs into bed one night, she asks her Mama a very important question--one that little "human cubs" often wonder about, too: "Where did I come from?"

As Mama bear tucks her youngest cub under the quilts, she gently, tenderly, and reassuringly communicates the message loving parents everywhere (bears and non-bears alike) want their little ones to hear: "We wanted you very, very much, and we are so very glad because--"God gave us you."

Perfect for bedtime, naptime, storytime or anytime, God Gave Us You provides a valuable opportunity to build children's self-esteem every day and assure each one that he or she truly is a welcomed, precious, and treasured gift from the Lord.
Just another wonderful book in this Adorable Polar Bear series! My Children LOVE these books! When the book arrived my 6 year old son couldn't wait to read it. My husband read it and my 19month old twins sat and listened and pointed at the pages...it was precious!

I'm always recommending The "God Gave us" books, they are perfect for families with children of all ages. This book would be a perfect gift for the little one in you life...Easter is coming up! :)

*please note that I was given this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Reading level: Baby-Preschool

Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (September 19, 2000) Language: English ISBN-10: 9781578563234 ISBN-13: 978-1578563234

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Review - Knot Genie

 Featuring:



The Knot Genie…


The Knot Genie Detangling Brush was created for every mom that has endured the foot stomping and screaming matches that come with brushing their child's hair. With the Knot Genie, even the curliest, most knotted up hair practically slips through the unique bristle configuration Ð gently and painlessly.

Magically gets rid of knots and complaining
Blue Cloud - what I have:)
Even the curliest, most knotted up hair practically slips through the unique bristle configuration

Great for kids and adults

Unique cloud-shaped top fits the palm perfectly

Virtually stops breakage and split ends

I still remember all the times when I was a child and my mom or one of my sisters had to brush/comb my hair...it was horrible, my hair has always been very thick and Coarse. It was always tangled after taking a bath or waking up and ALWAYS needed to be detangled...UGH! I wish we would have had the Knot Genie then…so many less tears would have been shed!

25 years later I'm still dealing with the same horrible tangles, not matter the length of my hair, it gets tangled. Growing up my mom always kept my hair short...gee I wonder why! When I became a teenager I decided to keep it long.

A few months ago, my kids were all very sick for about 6 weeks. My hair was always in a pony tail, which means horrible tangles in my world! I remember one day my husband got home and I needed a break from the coughing, the vomit, the fever, the snot...you know what it's like. I was going to jump in the shower. I took my hair out of my pony tail and was horrified!

My Entire pony tail was one big tangle. It took more that a half a hour to get it detangled to the point where I could get in the shower and condition it in hopes that would help me get the rest of the tangles out. I will be honest, I was 29 and I cried like a baby, it was SO painful. The brush...oh the brush was covered in a thick layer of hair. I thought I my self, 'that's it, I cutting my hair --- but I really like my long hair...there has to be a better way...right?' Hmmmm Knot Genie...but would it really work?

my everyday tangles
It was a windy day, but we still decided to go for a walk. The wind whipped and twisted my hair into a disaster! When we arrived home there was a package in the mailbox, YAY! My Knot Genie was here!!! I was so excited! What perfect timing! My hair was a knotted mess!

Soft and tangle free! Thanks Knot Genie
I could not believe the ease of using the Knot Genie! My hair was detangled...Painlessly might I add within 5 minutes. When I would brush my hair with a regular brush, my hair would brake and fall out everywhere, the brush would be full of broke hair strands. The Knot Genie? I found one, yes one hair! Wet or dry the Knot Genie is all I will ever use on my hair (it did take a little longer when my hair was wet) After a week my hair is shiny, not braking at all and I don't dread how tangled it will be when I get out of the shower...hideous tangles...big deal, I have the Knot Genie in my corner!!!

Anyone who has easily tangled hair NEEDS the Knot Genie! The best brush I have ever used hands down! Pain free detangling…what’s better than that?!? I highly recommend that you get your hands on one! Psst...Knot Genie for everyone NOT just kids!

The Knot Genie comes in 4 great colors: Blue Cloud, Fairy Pink, Genie Smoke and Poof of Purple!
blue cloud and poof of purple

Right Now on the Knot Genie’s website: Buy a Knot Genie and $2 of every purchase will be donated to Lock of Love!

This Giveaway is now Closed! I hope you enjoyed the Review!


Win one…


Two Lucky winners will win a Knot Genie in Blue Cloud!!


Entering is Easy!
* US Residents only please
Mandatory Entry-


Follow ALSNS via GFC and visit Knot Genie and tell me what you love about the brush.


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~ The Knot Genie Giveaway will Run from Friday 4/8/2011 - 6pm pst 4/14/2011


*The winners will be selected through Random and will be announced by 9pm 4/14/2011