Simple Inspirations

I have had the opportunity to read Susan Wiggs latest novel Lake Shore Christmas. 

It is a feel good holiday story that anyone who cherishes or dreads the holidays can relate to.  Maureen, the prim and assertive librarian who loves the holidays, and Eddie the child star who has dreded the holidays ever since his parents turned the season into a roadshow, are faced with the challenge of putting on a christmas pagent together in Willow Lake.

Eddie doesn’t realize that the horrific accident that had taken place years ago has created a tie that finally  will find its way to emerge. Their differences of opinion on about what constitutes a Christmas - tradition versus non tradition - pagent makes for some hilarious banter.  Its a story about two people coming to terms with thier past and their differences and creating a bright and hopeful future.

Throw in the library closing and some blackmail, a desperate fund raiser, a few great side stories full of hope and the mysterious and amazing Jabez who changes them all —-> you have a good Sunday afternoon read.  It brings the magic of the holidays to life. Two thumbs up and a five star recommendation to anyone who loves a good read.

with Guitar Hero on Tour Decades or Guitar Hero on Tour Modern Hits for your DS.  Seriously addictive games.  You get this neat little guitar grip that slides into the bottom of your DS and a pick stylus. Plays just like the console version..you simply hit the notes as they come, adding a little flair when you get comfortable (or in my case, when you figure out how to look at notes and play them at the same time..).  Mom Central hooked me up and I am totally sold on the games..14 thumbs up in our house (even Daddy loves to play).

First lets talk Modern Hits - there are 2 new characters and 5 new venues.  Live out your inner rockstar destiny (I know I have one you should hear me sing…).  As you play you grow your fan base and take on new requests of guitar mastery. You gain access to guitars, clothes, and spend your hard earned money in the Career Lobby.  Not to mention you get to play songs from AFI (Miss Murder…) Coldplay, Fall out Boy, Sum 41, Offspring..and a BUNCH of others. 

On Tour Decades - filled to the brim with hits from the 70’s right until today.  My personal faves - Breaking Point by Linkin Park, No Rain by Blind Melon and Volcano Girls by Veruca Salt.  Brings me back…. The themes also vary through the decades as do the venues..and they are very well done. Like all the other DS versions of the game you can play in single, multi or Guitar Duel mode. 

A fun option is the guitar duel..play against another player with any of the Guitar Hero games and you can set their guitar’s on fire, send excited fans to get autographs, pyrotechnic problems, snapped strings, hyperspeed, amp overload..all to slow them up and win the game. This was great fun..although my kids all kicked my butt.  Sad day for Mom. Single player is fun, but the multiplayer feature was sooooooo much fun.  I would FOR SURE recommend getting two different games, you can stream songs and share lists, so by getting two different games you maximize your options.  You can’t go wrong with that!  We have plans in the works for a tournament night..and I am sure I will reign supreme (ha ha..Chey will win…sigh).

Time for a blog vacation?  Nah.  Blogome decided that they were going bless each of us with over a week of inactivity, bless their hearts (riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight).

Anyhoo, the first order of business now that things are back n track is a book review for Mothertalk, The Lace Makers of Glenmara by Heather Barbieri.  I thought the book sounded good, but 10 pages in I was not only assured that it was a good read, but it was one of those books that was sure to sit endlessly on my counter with a broken spine waiting to be read as I cook, clean, or steal a few quiet minutes of "me" time.  The book is a well balanced mix of heartbreak, humour, condor, joy, bitterness, and hope that immerses you in poignant story of life, loss, and rebirth.

Kate Robinson is a 26 year old fashion designer who is struggling to deal with the loss of her mother and the heartbreak of being betrayed by the love of her life.  She flees to Ireland on a trip she was meant to take with her mother. By happy chance, and a ride in a colourful wagon with a kind spirit, she finds herself in the small village of Glenmara. It is there that she finds love, inspiration, purpose, friendship….a place to lay roots and bloom. 

The lacemaking society - Bernie, Aileen, Moira, Oona, Colleen - their friendship becomes her source of strength and self reckoning and in turn it changes each woman’s life.  There is no epiphany, rather it is the gradual and constant change that realizing you don’t have to be perfect to be loved, you simply have to be.
The women of the lacemaking society each have their own story to tell.  Bernie –quietly wrestling with the loss of her husband she has sought a place of refuge and purpose, Aileen - struggling to hold on to her husband and daughter while battling with her own issues of self acceptance, Moira - the soft, gentle, and compassionate woman who loves despite the abuse she denies, Oona - as a survivor of breast cancer she struggles with her femininity, her marriage, and her role as a whole wife, and Colleen - waiting for the return of her husband from the sea she is sure has claimed his life.  Throw in a blood thirsty priest, a handsome man who suffers his own pain, and a village who rally around the women when they need it most and you have what is sure to be one of the best reads on your shelf. 
What struck me about this book was not only the captivating story line….but the way in which Barbieri weaves the tale.  A master at her art, it is the beautiful way in which she communicates that make the story so compelling…I have to share one of my favourite paragraphs from the book, one of the last.

"You’ll take up the same old needle and thread and see that they’re magic, or could be - if only you let them, if you try –that the women, who gossip like sparrows and bite like midges and laugh so hard they cry, will teach you something new and you will teach them too, and it won’t be all bitterness, not all, no, and the man walking up the road to see you is someone you could spend time with, make a life with, if you take a chance."

If you are looking for a great beach book or just a keeper to add to your collection this book will not disappoint you. You can buy it here ——> LACEMAKERS.

Mom Central is always throwing the best project our ways!  I heard about this AMAZING bok through them, and I assure you its a keeper!  Making choices, even small choices can affect the rest of your life.  Tennage motherhood, not planned.  Altered my life (in a great way).  Whether to buy the pool now or when you have saved some more?  Do you go back to work or take a year off with the kids?  Wha to give the kids for snack and how they spend the afternoon…all choices we make, some everyday.  Every choice is a domino and set into motion something we cannot even see yet.  Enter the transforming (witty and humourous too) book 10-10-10: A Life Transforming Idea.

The author is none other than best-selling author Suzy Welch.  Not just a know-it-all-in-a-suit but a true blue woman/mother warrior: mother of four and a columnist for BusinessWeek and O, The Oprah Magazine.  Now that is quite a feat, is it not?  She uses examples from her life and lessons form the lives of others as well to illustrate how simply using the 10-10-10 method can remove the emotiolurking fear and uncertainty from decision-making, be it large or small.  Though not always simple (and not always getting the result you think you want..do I really want to buy 35 cheesecakes with the grocery money this month…) consider all of the available options and consider their consequences in ten minutes, ten months, and ten years, and then compare them to your own set of values, morals and desires. You will not only feel better for having thought through the actions of your choices carefully, but will be better able to explain your choices to yourself when you need that reminder, your family, your boss, your friends..whoever!  No more stumbling over words to vindicate yourself (ain’t that a load off). Think..your postive choice making will impact the life of your child and the dynamics that result from this simple process will build better relationships within your family!  You can pick it up here at Amazon today!

This may seen like a no brainer, but the idea is presented in a refreshing way that we all need to hear (you too..)

I am not above saying that we moved into an ancient house, well not ancient but old.  It was over 40 years old already and it was maltreated before we got here.  The house was a disaster..most things were fixed by a coat of paint or a gallon (or 5) of bleach.  Most things.  There are some things that are HARD to get rid of and to be honest are just disgusting to have to live with. 

Enter my archnemesis MOLD/MILDEW.  We got the house clean except for that deep seated mold and mildew.  I always notice that although I got what I could at the top layer there were some spots which were just persistent and obviously deep seated.  Now, although I am a clean freak my schooling, my kids, my husband, my volunteering, the kids appointments and the everyday things which pop up and poke you in the rear take so much time that a lot of the little things get left untouched, especially if they prove lengthy to rid myself of.  I usually strategically place some furniture or a curtain over said problem area.  I mean if I can’t see it its not really there (now if I could apply this concept to chocolate..).

Through Mom Central I got to try out this great product that actually WORKED, as opposed to promsing great result and disappointing me like my children cleaning the basement. X-14 Mold and Mildew Stain Remover worked on the vinyl flooring, the tiles and the disgusting grout around the tub.  It’s no scrub formula is right up my preoccupied alley, and it says that it will keep the stains away for two weeks.  Now its only been a few days since I used the glorious spray bottle but it seems to hold up so far. Two tips..ventilate and don’t let it sit on your porcelain tub or sink too long. Also make sure you take a peak at the rest of the products (the daily shower cleaner looks great).

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa (she is hilarious…nutty and clean - gotta love that) have teamed up to introduce an eco-friendly front-load washer and dryer in a truly vibrant shade – “Kelly Green.”   
 
She says “I love green … the color green and the act of living green,” said Ripa.  “What better place to make a simple, every day difference than in the laundry room?  Kelly Green is a gorgeous shade, and just by using the new Electrolux high-efficiency washer and dryer you can save energy and use less water.  How green is that?&rdquo  
 
It doesn’t stop there…..just in time for Earth day, Electrolux kicks off its virtual flower garden campaign to drive awareness and raise funds for Global Green USA.  Starting today, when you go to http://www.electroluxappliances.com/    and plant a virtual flower for a friend (ahem, that means me), Electrolux will donate $1 to Global Green USA to support their healthy green schools initiatives across America (okay so we are canadian, a greener world happens globally).  Everyone who logs on to the site and plants a virtual flower will be automatically entered for a chance to win a new eco-friendly Kelly Green front-load washer and dryer!
 
In addition, Mom Central will be giving away one eco-friendly “Kelly Green” washer and dryer set to a member of our community! Tell us which flower you planted on the Electrolux site and be a sweety and share your own “laundry tips” for saving time and energy.  Mom Central will pick one lucky winner in a random drawing from all entries received!  Now that is a PRIZE AND A HALF.  Especially if you, like me, are getting tired of hearing the old dryer whine like sissy every time you turn it on.  (although it does drown out Hannah Montana so ita not ALL bad).  So lets do the check list….plant a flower, enter the contest, visit Mom Central to enter again, then buy a pretty green machine.  Easy Peasy.

In this day and age there is so much going on around us (by this I mean me and assume it means you too) that there is very little time left to invest in looking good, feeling good, eatting well and makes changes to help your family a healthy one.  This site has some of the answer and what is better is that all these things are contained on one little easy to click website.  Genius.  www.makinglifebetter.com is chalked full of beauty, wellness, fitness, family, food and everythingelse and its easy to navigate. We know it is a series of daily baby steps, but this site is there to hold your hand (well your mouse button) every step of the way.

Wanna impress your mothe rin law with a great but cheap summer recipe..CLICK HERE. 

Need soemthing fast to bring to that sit down dinner you forgot until an hour ago??? (and you still need to wash clothes, make a card and dress the kids…) CLICK HERE

Wanna set your kids straight on allowance and need someone to back to you up…CLICK HERE

Need tips on sleeping well (here is one, don’t visit me…me and Asher party ALL THE TIME)  but for other great tips  CLICK HERE

These are just a few of the MILLIONS literally millions of helpful info this site dishes up..so check it out and share it with all those people you love so they can get it all together too.  (you can’t always be the only one looking good). 

Did you ever notice that you can keep bandaids, neosporin and peroxide in the house for MONTHS and it not until someone has that BIG SPILL and needs all three that you realize you used them up on that last almost-a scratch-could-be-pen-but-she-is-crying-so-lets-fix-it-up? And we also know that if we don’t bandage it up right that even the smallest cut or burn can lead to infection…so whats a Mom to do?  BUY MORE of course!  I mean 40% of the damage incurred by your crazy toddler (or husand..ahem) will be of the small ointment/bandaid type.

Through Johnson’s and Mom Central I got my hands on some of the new neosporin products on the market (HA..now I am stocked up so watch out chaos).  It’s this Mom’s favorite product to prevent infection, help soothe the pain and make me a superhero in the eyes of a two year old (the 12 year old won’t fal for it anymore..sigh).  My favorite product (besides the traditional stores of ointment and cream) is the NEO TO GO! First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray..fits in my purse and looks pretty cool.  Check out neosporin.com for more info.

I discovered (pardon the pun) an ingenius way to help prepare your kids for adult spending responsibility without having to hand over a debit card or your credit card (can you say..YEAH RIGHT!). I think it important to teach oru children financial literacy..I mean do we want them living with us forever (okay, I do but I know I am in the visible minority).

The Current Card by Discover is a debit card for your teen that helps them track and manage spending while you keep an eye on it too.  Watchful parent - shopping responsible teenager - sounds good eh?  As a parent you can set spending limits, resrict merchant categories and track all spending through online statemets and email/text alerts.  You get this peace of mind, while they get the peace of mind knowing they don’t have to save pocket change to buy the new shoes or video games.  It is protected by a $0 fraud liabilty and lost or stolen cards are immediatly susended and emergency cards made available.  Teens can also log into the Current Card site for teens and learn about smart spending with a ton of great resources!  The Money Smarts program is also an initiative undertaken by Discover to promote financial literacy programs within schools (and it meets educational standards..that is a plus).  Your teen will also be eligible for members only coupons and discounts (also great to learn to use those early) for theatres, restaurants and parents can earn Discover Cashback or Miles bonuses when they use their oen card to load their teens.  Did I mention the cards are really pretty??

So make sure you check out the site for more info or to sign up to get one for your teen..we all want our kids to succeed, so why not help them learn?

This is an awesome deal…circus tickets and a GREAT discount made available through the fabulous Mom Central and what could likely be the best circus in the world Ringling Bros (and Barnum and Bailey)…Don’t you remember the excitement that mounted inside of you as you heard the world "LADIES AND GENTLEMENT" and the dim lights and the small of popcorn overcame your childhood senses.  Pure Magic.  It was like a whole other word was contained inside the circus and came to life before your eyes.  I can’t wait to share that with my children.

Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels**. Offer good on all performances, minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each. Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity Seating, Front Row and VIP seating or combinable with other offers.  Other Restrictions May Apply. This sounds like a lot of conditions, but seriously it all ahow..this is a great deal! Share this with family and friends, we all love to get a good deal (and it might get you an in with the inlaws).

Offer #2: A select amount of Front Row and VIP seats have been reserved for you (thanks to Mom Central) to buy before they go on sale to the public - just enter the code "MOM" when purchasing those seats. Dates and cities where families can use the national MOM discount code this spring are as follows:

Newark/East Rutherford/Uniondale/NYC
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
March 5 - April 13
Offer not valid on performances from April 10 - 13 at Madison Square Garden

Washington D.C./ Fairfax, VA/ Baltimore, MD
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
March 18-April 19

Philadelphia
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
May 13-May 25

Phoenix
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
June 24-June 28

Houston
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 15-July 26

Anaheim/LA/Ontario
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
July 8-August 2

San Francisco  
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 12-August 23

Dallas/Ft Worth
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
July 29-August 16

Sacramento
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents ZING ZANG ZOOM
August 27-August 30

Kansas City
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® proudly presents Over The Top
September 16-September 20

Whats more…To help start the family traditions early, the Baby’s First Circus program allows babies to receive a free ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere. No expiration date! I have a few of those I could use!  If you need to check a date visit www.Ringling.com, and visit www.ticketmaster.com redeem the discount code.