Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Hope this year brings the best to you and those you love!

A. B. C. D. & E. Kerr

Saving Saturday: Some Stocking Up

 

One of the nicest things for me about stockpiling is that I don't have to worry about shopping during school. There are just a few things I am looking to stock up on between semesters and I'm glad laundry soap was on sale this week because that was one of them.

Total Spent: $54.84

Total Saved: $38.49 (41%)

Mine Is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs

Mine is the Night is a wonderfully intriguing novel about Elizabeth Kerr and her mother-in-law, Marjory Kerr. These proud women were once Scottish nobility but were stripped of their titles, property, and fortune because their recently deceased kinsfolk fought on the wrong side of the war.

The story begins as Elizabeth and Marjory travel to Marjory's birthplace, a small town in the mountains. Here they persuade a distant cousin to give them refuge as they struggle to begin a new life. As the story continues there are some individuals who would much prefer the Kerrs leave this sleepy little town but there are others who are more than willing to look to the future with the Kerrs and learn to love them for who they are.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Not only was it interesting to read about women who share my name, but it was a book full of love, hope, redemption and restoration. The setting of eighteenth-century Scotland was beautifully described and the whole book was very well written. My only regret is that I haven't read the prequel Here Burns My Candle too.

About the Author: Liz Curtis Higgs has written twenty-eight books with over three million copies in print. Many are Scottish historical novels and travel guides for Scottland.

Shaving Soap

Recently I ran out of shaving soap and it made me ponder about how much I enjoy having shaving soap. I know this may seem silly but believe it or not there was a time in my adult life when I had never used shaving soap.

I will never forget the night I finally asked my new hubby why he needed this shaving cream stuff all the time. I was very unbelieving when he told me that it made shaving hurt less. The next week when he brought me home some shaving cream of my very own I was still in doubt and did not try it for about two weeks. For me shaving was painful, always had been and always would be.

Most will never understand my surprise and delight when I finally used the shaving soap and saw the change in my skin. No longer were my legs dry and sore but they were smooth and silky and beautiful. So thank you E for introducing me to the wonderful world of shaving cream. It is amazing what a big difference such a simple thing can make in your daily routine. Yes, I love my shaving soap and am very sad when I have to do without.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog about shaving soap and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Adoptable: Maddie

The holidays are almost over and there are still a ton of animals needing a warm place to live. Maddie is one of these wonderful pets. She is a 6 year old Spaniel Mix. Maddie's family moved and were not able to take her with them and she is looking to find a new family to love. Maddie's foster mom says she is very loving, walks well on a leash and rides well in the car. Maddie does have a little weight to loose but other than that is a healthy girl. Maddie is located in Massachusetts and would love to find here forever family soon.

SEO and Kerrific's Anniversary

Because E and I are both students one of our main sources of income is this blog. It has been amazing to me over the last year how we have been blessed to have just enough income to make ends meet each month.

Contrary to popular belief, blogging is not an easy task. Many times I have to work very hard to find topics to blog about. I also spend many hours a week corresponding with different companies to be able to provide you with all the reviews and giveaways you see featured on Kerrific.

Another large portion of my time is spent dealing with the mailman. I receive many different packages and have tracking information on most of them that I check regularly. Our local mailman is horrible, today for example, I know I had three packages out for delivery but he only brought two. This is very frustrating for me as often I need those packages quickly (today's missing package has school books in it).

As Kerrific's first anniversary approaches it has been interesting to reflect on the turn my life has taken as I have integrated Kerrific. Thanks to all of you for sticking with me as I learn and grow. You are awesome!

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog  for an seo company and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Announcing the Farsighted Social Media Whirlwind Tour!

As part of this special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Farsighted eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes, including lots of Amazon gift cards (up to $100 in amount) and 5 autographed copies of the book. Be sure to enter before the end of the day on Friday, December 30th, so you don’t miss out.  

To Win the Prizes

1. Purchase your copy of Farsighted for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!
5. DOUBLE BONUS: If I receive more comments than any other blogger, *I* win $100.

About Farsighted: Alex Kosmitoras may be blind, but he can still “see” things others can’t. When his unwanted visions of the future begin to suggest that the girl he likes could be in danger, he has no choice but to take on destiny and demand it reconsider. Farsighted is the winner of the 2011 Dragonfly eBook Awards. Get it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. About the Author: Emlyn Chand has always loved to hear and tell stories, having emerged from the womb with a fountain pen grasped firmly in her left hand (true story). When she’s not writing, she runs a large book club in Ann Arbor and is the president of author PR firm, Novel Publicity. Emlyn loves to connect with readers and is available throughout the social media interweb. Visit her on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or GoodReads.  

Hello 2012. Goodbye World!

A Guest Post by Emlyn Chand

  The New Year is upon us. And if the Mayans were right, so is the apocalypse. Oh, man... Just when Earth was getting good. Well if I’m going to go by flame, flood, meteoric collision, or zombie uprising, I think it’s best to be prepared. No, not with a flame retardant unitard or a well-equipped cross bow, but with mental resolution—with a calm acceptance of humanity’s plight. Consider this a combo suicide note/ Dear John letter to the world. I might as well get a few final words in (just in case those Mayans knew what they were talking about). Pfffhew, here goes...   Dear World, I wish I didn’t have to write this letter. We’ve been together some twenty-seven years, and that’s a long time. Sure, we’ve had our clashes. You’ve sent a fair share of inclement weather my way. Remember that thunder storm when the tree almost broke through the window of my apartment? I was so scared. That was totally not cool on your part. And tornados? I mean what’s that about. Control your temper! But I know I’ve hurt you too. I’ve been frivolous with your resources and have sometimes even—gasp—littered. I bought a V6 when I could’ve bought a hybrid. In fact, I think my carbon footprint is a size 12 at least—and that’s a size you have to special order at the shoe store. Yeah, I’m not saying I’m perfect. We all do things we regret, but Earth, you know I love you, right? That’s why it’s so difficult saying what I have to say... We can’t be together anymore. I’ve heard talk of a major problem. They say you’re going to die a horrific death, and since I count on you for protection, I’m gonna die too. I’d like to say we’ll be together in the next world, but do planets go to Heaven? I can’t say for certain, so I think I should say goodbye instead. We’ve had a good run, you and I. And I never regret having loved you. How I wish I could save us both, but who am I to interfere with an ancient prophecy? I’ll miss the way you spill light through my closed blinds in the early morning, gently telling me it’s time to start my day. And I’ll remember fondly the way the ground smells after a restorative rain shower—the way the pitter patter on my skin prickles like teensy weensy fingers giving me a massage, the way the earthworms come out of the ground and dance on the pavement. The songs of birds in the morning are my favorite; they always sound so happy. I wish I understood the lyrics to their upbeat symphony so that I could join in with them. And ice cream? I’ll give you credit for that, because the cows are yours, the vanilla bean is yours, the sugar is yours. The taste is magnificent! To never feel that icy sensation arouse my taste buds again is such a great shame. I’m tearing up now just thinking about all our good times together. I hope you’ll remember me with the same fondness. No matter what happens, I will ALWAYS love you. Now it’s time to say goodbye. Go out with a smile,

Wordless Wednesday: Discovering Christmas

Funbites Review & Giveaway

With two toddlers in the house I end up cutting a lot of food into bite sized pieces. Funbites has made this task a whole lot easier and less time consuming! I love our new Funbites. They are simple to use and are very effective in cutting food into child sized pieces. Our favorite thing to use our Funbites for is cheese. Both B and C love cheese and cutting it up can be a pain. Now, thanks to Funbites, all I have to do is slice it and then use my Funbite cutters and we are ready for lunch! Funbites are not only simple to use but they are also very easy to clean, we just put them straight in the dishwasher (top rack) and they are always ready for their next meal.

Funbites are great in so many respects. I love that they cut down on food prep time and that they will cut almost anything (we've used them on everything from bread to apple slices). I wish that they came in more shapes as my boys are not much into hearts. I'd love to see more triangle and other shape options but I'm sure that will happen soon.

Funbites has offered to give some of their awesome cutters to one Kerrific reader. To enter please use the form below.








a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tips for Avoiding Frozen Pipes

With winter here I am very grateful that we no longer live in the trailer. We had so many problems with frozen pipes and I am very glad not to have to worry as much. Here are some tips that you should use this winter, no matter what your housing arrangement,  to avoid the disasters of frozen pipes.

1. Make sure your hoses are unhooked from ouside faucets. This is the fastest and easiest way to avoid problems with frozen pipes.
2. Make sure outside faucets are not dripping. 
3. Cover outside faucets with insulator kits. This can be kinda expensive but I like to watch the daily deal sites as many times I can find things like this for an awesome price.
4. Insulate pipes. This was a big deal at the trailer because of the pipes that ran under the trailer and were the main areas for frozen pipe problems. If you have these areas and use heating tape make sure it is working and rodent free. After talking to our old neighbors we already know both of these things have been problems already this year.
5. Check your water heater. This is an awful thing to be without, especially during the winter months (trust me).
6. Avoid pouring fats from your holiday cooking down the drain. This can solidify your pipes and create clogs.
7. Caulk the tub/shower. This is something we need to do at our house but it would be horrible to have water damage because of this because it is super easy to fix.

These are just a few simple tips and tricks you can try to avoid needing plumbing repair during the holidays.

Have a great weekend!

I am participating in a blogger campaign for Bucks2Blog about frozen pipes and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Why Gift Cards are Great!

As a full time student I have exactly one week to prepare for Christmas. This means this week things have been a little crazy at my house. One thing I have found that makes my life a lot simpler is using fit cards for family gifts.

Yes, we still do toys and clothes and such for our kids but everyone else gets a gift card. I first got this idea from my Uncle R. He is an awesome guy and has sent me a gift card for Christmas for as long as I can remember. Uncle R travels a lot for work and, since he is not married, sending a gift card for each of his nieces and nephews has worked well for him. We've gotten everything from Walmart to Pier1 Imports to I-Tunes. Many of these gift cards were Ten or Twenty dollars but as I've gotten older, and married, he's been awesome to send cards of higher amounts to places like ToysRUs that I can then use on anything from diapers to birthday gifts. These gift cards are a present I look forward to every year!

Since I have started using gift cards for our family my life has gotten so much easier. Because our family lives everywhere from Washington D.C. to Seattle, I love sending gift cards because I save in shipping! This means the money I could have spent on shipping can be put on the gift card and be enjoyed by the recipient.

The other reason I love gift cards is because then people can buy what the really want, or need, and they don't have to feel bad about returning things. Just like with Uncle R, if someone needs diapers I'm more than happy to provide.

Gift cards are a great option for mailing, stocking stuffers, and just about any gift giving occasion you could think of. Plus, if you plan things right, you can get bonus gift cards, or discounted ones, so you can save a ton of money. Check it out, you'll probably be surprised at what you can find! Oh, and if you're like me and your holiday cards are still sitting on your desk, it's super simple to throw in a gift card before they go in the mailbox. The best part, you don't even need to go to the post office!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Our House to Yours!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Gift Cards Rock blogging program, for 6,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

School's Out, The Tree is Up, Now To Find Some Gifts!

Giant Microbes Review & Giveaway

As a mother and future teacher I am always looking for new fun ways to teach kids. When I found these Giant Microbes I had to share with my science friends. They are so adorable and would be so fun to use in the classroom.

We were sent a white blood cell to review and I am highly impressed. This "little" cell is not only adorable but it has given me a great opportunity to teach my kids. Even though the boys are still little it has been interesting to see how much they understand and remember about what I have told them about white blood cells.

One of my good friends at school is a science ed major. When I showed here these Giant Microbes she was thrilled. I can just see them being hung up in her classroom as they learn about cells or diseases and then see her using them to play a game of hot potato where whoever has the microbe has to tell something about it.

I think these are a great idea and would be an awesome addition to any classroom including a home school.

Giant Microbes has generously offered to give one Kerrific reader a Christmas Mini Microbe Box. To enter please use the form below.

UGLee Pens Review & Giveaway

Having just finished a semester of school I have been looking at what I need before I start another one. Thanks to UGLee Pens, writing utensils are not one of them.

I am very picky about my pens and I absolutely love UGLee pens! Not only are they easy to hold but they also write without much pressure. This makes them good for little kids to write with, and really long tests. As you can see, B had no problem writing with the UGLee Pen and that was with a carpeted surface under his paper.

The UGLee Pen truly is amazing and we have loved using them here at the Kerr house!

UGLee Pen has generously offered to give one Kerrific reader their very own set of three UGLee pens. To enter please fill out the form below.

Oral-B Mommy Party

Recently we had the opportunity to host a MommyParty for Oral-B. We had so much fun! Unfortunately there are not a ton of pictures because it was just me and 10 kids, plus the baby. This made it a little difficult for picture taking but was sure fun for the kids, and the moms got quite a bit of shopping done during the party too.

MommyParties sent us an awesome package with a video for the kids to watch which they loved. They also sent popcorn for the kids but since many of our kids were too small for popcorn, we had cheese and crackers instead.

After the video we all talked about brushing our teeth. It was amazing to me how much the kids already knew about why they should be brushing twice a day.

After we all practiced brushing our teeth with our finger all the kids got to take naps, my favorite part of the party, before their parents came to get them.

Each of the kids got to take home an awesome gift bag, provided By Oral-B and MommyParties, that included a new toothbrush, toothpaste, and baby bath.

My kids have loved using their new skills every night to brush their teeth. They do an awesome job and only require a little help from mom or dad.

Thank you Oral-B and MommyParties for helping us have such an awesome time!

The Magic Christmas Tree by Carolyn Irby

I recently reviewed The Magic Christmas Tree by Carolyn Irby. When I first heard about reviewing this book I thought it would be a perfect Christmas story for my children. I was very wrong.

This book is nothing but folded paper and has only four pages of writing. There is no color in the pictures either. The story itself was confusing to read as it covers days worth of time in just the four pages of written word. The story tells about a little girl who wishes on a Christmas tree that her family can become healthy and financially sound and then the snow blows in and gives them everything she wished for.

The storyline itself would be good but it is way underdeveloped and the book format is anything but kid friendly. I would recommend skipping this one and moving on to something else.

I received a complimentary copy of The Magic Christmas Tree as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Free Shipping for Christmas at EdenFantasys

Buying stocking stuffers for E is always a challenge. I like to get things that are little so they actually fit in his stocking but I like to make sure it is something he will actually use too. This year I did much of my stocking shopping at EdenFantasys.

If you are still looking for things to fill your loved one's stocking there is still plenty of time to order and EdenFantasys is making things even easier by offering free shipping for the holidays. Yes, you will always find free shipping at EdenFantasys but for the holiday season they have lowered the minimum purchase and added free express shipping for qualifying orders.

EdenFantasys is so much more than a sex toy shop. They have wonderful makeup, bath needs, and so many other things. We recently placed an order to be a gift for our nanny. After a full semester of caring for our kids she deserved the spa package I put together for a great price. It included lotion, body wash, lip gloss, and a few other small items. I was so pleased to be able to put such an awesome gift basket together for such a great price and because I know it came from EdenFantasys I know it will be good quality and highly enjoyed.

Smiley Tree Cookies Review

We Kerrs have some major sweet teeth! When I was asked to review for Smiley Cookies I knew the kids would be thrilled. As you can see, the boys loved their Smiley Cookies. I loved them to but my favorite thing about them was that they were smiling and I was able to encourage the kids to smile while they ate them, or to be happy if they wanted any. B especially was very sad the day the "smiley trees" were gone.

We were sent two kinds of cookies, the trees were sugar cookies and the circles were gingerbread. E said the gingerbread was wonderful and you'll have to take his word because the boys and are are not gingerbread fans. We did however enjoy the sugar cookies. They were best dipped in milk but they were certainly yummy without too.

Smiley Cookies has the perfect cookie for may occasions other than Christmas. You can find cookies for birthdays, Fourth of July, graduation, and new babies and they come in many different flavors too. I think these cookies would make a great gift for just about anyone. What a great way to pick up the spirits of those you love this holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

New Phone

This post brought to you by LG DoublePlay™. All opinions are 100% mine.

This Christmas I am looking for a new phone. I have had my current phone for four years and it is beginning to die. I hate to get rid of it because it has lasted through so much dropping, drooling, and other wear.  I have loved having it and it has lasted so well.

As I shop for a new phone one of the ones I have looked at is the LG DoublePlay™. I love the 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and 720p HD video recorder, that would allow me to capture and share pictures and videos via messaging, email or Facebook.

I am not sure how I feel about the full QWERTY keyboard as right now I just have the standard twelve key phone and I am fairly proficient at it. I am however excited to try out a touch screen although I feel that will also be a big adjustment, and make it easier for my kids to get in trouble.

Overall I feel the LG Double, available exclusively from T-Mobile, is in the running for my new phone but I'll have to let you know what I decide. Do you have a phone that you just love? I'd love to get any suggestions as this will be a new adventure!

Perplexus Giveaway

Perplexus is an awesome new maze for all age levels. There are several different tracks in this maze and the goal is to get to the end without falling off.

This amazing toy is up for Toy of the Year and so PlaSmart has offered to give one Kerrific reader a Perplexus of their very own as part of the celebration.

To enter please fill out the form below.

Also, Please watch for a Perplexus review in the near future.

In Leah's Wake Book Review

The Tyler family had the perfect life until teenage Leah decided she didn’t want to be perfect anymore. While her parents fight to save their daughter from destroying her brilliant future, Leah’s younger sister, Justine, must cope with the damage her out-of-control sibling leaves in her wake. What happens when love just isn’t enough? 

About the Author: Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life’s highs and comfort in its lows. She’s all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and a writing teacher at Boston College. 

 

 

 

To Win:

1. Purchase your copy of In Leah’s Wake for just 99 cents on Amazon or Barnes & Noble
2. Fill-out the form on Novel Publicity to enter for the prizes
3. Visit today’s featured event; you may win an autographed copy of the book or a $50 gift card!
4. BONUS: If you leave a comment on this blog post, you have another chance at $100!

Finals at the Kerr House

For those of you who have been wondering where I'm at, we are in the middle of finals but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have just three finals left and my last big one is tomorrow. I have a ton of awesome reviews and giveaways that I will be writing this week and a ton of fun Christmas activities to share so please bear with me and I promise more fun will arrive at Kerrific on Tuesday. Thanks! And to all of you in the same boat, GOOD LUCK!

Blog Bash Christmas Winners

Thank you to all who participated! We had a wonderful turnout. 

Winners:

Baby 1: Tanaya Syx

Baby 2: Ashleigh Walls

House: Angela Michels

Kids: Miranda Sherman

Mom: Mary Jacobowitz

Dad: April G

Why Sell Online?

It's the holiday season and time is fast running out to place your online orders and have them arrive before Christmas. This is a big deal as you don't want that special gift for your child to be stuck at the post office on Christmas Eve and if you're like me you really don't want to pay for rush shipping either.

Online companies have awesome deals and at least for those of us who live in tiny towns you can get much better prices through online stores. I love all the great prices I can find year round on daily deal sites especially.


This year I completed my shopping almost exclusively online. I will be picking up just a few last minute stocking stuffers in store but other than that everything came from my wonderful online friends. My husband often laughs that I fill my inbox with all my subscriptions to online stores but in reality I have a wonderful Christmas ready for my kids and he's out shopping the local stores trying to find something he can afford to buy.

I'm interested to hear how much of your holiday shopping was completed online. What is your favorite online store and why? Do you have your own shop you'd like to share? 

I am participating in a blog campaign for Bucks2Blog for an ecommercesolution company and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Shoes for C

Through the last eighteen months of therapy we have been working with C because he is very one foot dominate. We have practiced stairs, running, jumping and many other such activities to see if we could help the problem and get him to become more confident in his walking abilities.

It has helped but we are still having problems with him being insecure about walking especially at transitions in flooring and in locations that he is not familiar with. He also has a wonderful tripping problem, even on things like the grout lines in our tile, that is very frustrating. When you look at his shoes, one shoe is fine while the other has the toe completely worn off.

This has resulted in some very funny looking shoes but it has helped us in therapy to figure out what the problem is. Although we do not have an exact diagnosis, we see a specialist in January, we believe the problem is that one leg is longer than the other and one solution we have discussed is getting him custom shoes so his legs are the same length. We'll know more after our January appointment but this could become an interesting adventure.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for handmade shoes and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Reflecting on Why I Blog

As the first anniversary of Kerrific Online approaches I have been thinking back on the past year and all the changes it has brought to my life. When I decided to begin blogging I had no idea the kind of world I was stepping into.

At first, Kerrific Online was simply an outlet. As a full time mom and student I love being able to share my thoughts and feelings with someone else. I also love to read other's blogs and know that I am not alone in this crazy thing they call life.

Later I began to find that there was so much more to blogging. Today many of my posts include reviews, giveaways and sponsored posts. These are different than what I originally started with but I love them too. One reason for this is that I feel like I am helping not only the sponsoring company but all of you. I don't have friends or family who try out all the new products to tell me what is good or not so I depend on reviews product websites. These are good but I love when I can get an honest review from a real mom like me and I hope that when I share reviews that you feel this way about what I write.

I love Kerrific Online and I love the ability I have to get to know all of you. I consider you my friends and love to hear your opinions and thoughts on what I write. I also love when you ask questions or make requests whether through comments or email.

So thank you all for being my friends and I wish you the very happiest of holidays!

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog  for an internet marketing company and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Ways to Help Homeless Pets

If you want to help make sure homeless pets have a warm place to sleep this winter but you aren't quite ready to adopt, here are some great ideas of what you can do today.

• Make a donation to a foundation such as the Petfinder.com Foundation.
• Pick up an extra bag of dog food, cat food or cat litter and drop it off at your local animal shelter. These bags are not only used at the shelter but are often sent home with a newly adopted pet to help them get the best possible start.
• Pull out all your old leashes, collars, bowls, beds and pet toys. Make sure you wash them well and then drop them off at your local shelter. If you don't have a pet things like towels brushes and combs are also helpful. These things are always in high need and will be put to good use.
• Time. If you have even an extra hour or two volunteer at your local shelter or humane society. The help is always much appreciated and many times your job will be as simple as holding the animals and loving them. What better gift could you give this holiday season?

Wordless Wednesday: Meeting Uncle AL

Ok, so this is not so wordless. This was my boy's first time meeting their Uncle AL. You may remember me saying that my brother was injured a few weeks ago. We welcomed him "home" over Thanksgiving as he was moved to rehab closer to home. B was just 1 and C only 3 months old when he left so meeting him was fun. We look forward to him being home, at Grandma's, in the next week and allowing the boys to get to know him better over the holidays. Thank you to all of you who lent your prayers for us during this time and to Uncle AL:

WE LOVE YOU!

Welcome to the Great NW Great Wolf Lodge Giveaway. Here you will learn a bit about the Great Wolf Lodge, their seasonal activities, meet some of your local NW bloggers and have a chance to WIN a family stay for 4 at Great Wolf Lodge ($449 value)

 If you are looking to experience something truly magical this Holiday season.... then the place to go this holiday season is Great Wolf Lodge! One of the most amazing events going on is their life size gingerbread house. The walls, doors and features of each Gingerbread House will be painstakingly baked with REAL gingerbread, iced, candied and sugared on a grand scale. It is built to wow as many as six guests as they step inside to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. But the sweetest feature? Proceeds from all seatings inside the Gingerbread Houses will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Great Wolf’s charity of choice. There is even a cozy fireplace and decorated Christmas tree to finish off this story book atmosphere. This would be a once in a life time memory for the young and old ..... and helping out a very good cause at the same time.

The truly amazing people at Great Wolf Lodge are giving away a (1) one night stay for a family of 4 to the Grand Mound location (including swim passes)!!!! ( a $449 value)

Review Opportunity

Kebbie's Diaper Bag is looking for reviewers. You must be a cloth diapering mama. Fill out the form HERE if you're interested. Thanks!

Grab A Scab Review

There is nothing I hate worse than mending. Ok, maybe there are a few things but not many. This is why when you look in my sewing room, yes I have a whole room dedicated to sewing, there are THREE large boxes full of mending. Many of these items belong to E since he goes through pants faster than I can wash them some days but the boys are quickly catching up.

I was so excited when I found Grab A Scab! My hope is that I never have to do traditional mending again.

Scabs are essentially no sew, no iron clothing patches. They are designed to cover holes, or just add extra layers, to those easily warn spots in clothing.

We were sent some scabs to try and so far I am impressed. I was a little disappointed in the size of the scabs I received as they did not cover some of the holes I wanted them to but the ones I put them on are holding up well. Of course we're in the middle of finals so the "mended" pants are somewhere in the middle of a laundry pile but so far they've each been washed two or three times and are holding up well.

There are just a few things I would love to see with Grab A Scab. First, I would love to see more color/pattern choices and have some of them be more blendable, so you can put them on nicer pants/shirts. I'd also love to see more, especially larger, sizes. Heck, if you can come up with scabs that I can put on my husband's work pants you'll be my hero!

All around I think this is the best new way I've found to get through my mending pile and I'm sure excited to have a new option. Maybe now I can keep up with the demand.

Exederm Review

I have used Exederm products all my life but I have just recently been introduced to their baby line. It has been wonderful to see that the excellence I have come to expect from their adult products is also found in their baby products. I have been so pleased that Exederm cares as much for my children's skin as I do.

There is so much I love about this set but probably my favorite piece is the baby bath. Because we make our own cloth wipe solution I have had the chance to use it extensively and I love that I have had no rash problems while using this baby bath in my solution. Because my boys all have sensitive skin this is a big deal at our house. We have also been using the baby bath during bath time and although the big boys were disappointed that it did not make as many bubbles they sure did have a fun time looking for the hiding bubbles through bath time. I also loved the ending result which was clean, but not dry, skin.

Another big bonus is that I can share these great products with my kids and not smell like "baby" because they are fragrance free! This also means these would be some awesome stocking stuffers for any mom or baby. Happy Shopping!

jYOUlry Review

One of my very favorite pastimes is reading. If you suddenly notice I've disappeared for a day or two it most likely means that I've found a book and I just can't put it down. Recently I've had the chance to review a photo bookmark from jYOUlry. Not only is it practical but it is also extremely beautiful and I love showing it off to all my friends.

The pictures of my bookmark just don't do it justice. You have to really see these pieces to appreciate their beauty. The bookmark was super simple to crate, just send your photo, and it arrived quickly for a custom order. This bookmark would make a beautiful gift any book lover would be proud to have.

There are so many choices over at jYOUlry that you have to go check them out. There is still time to order if you want your products for Christmas so head on over to finish your shopping today!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Swaddle Designs Review

With three kids we go through more blankets than I know what to do with some days. The big boys are always either cold or having accidents and D drools all over everything so we end up changing his bedding at least once a day. Recently we were sent a Swaddle Duo set of blankets from Swaddle Designs to add to our blanket collection and I have been absolutely thrilled with them.

Although my boys are a bit to big, and rebellious, to swaddle, these blankets are a wonderful size and are used almost every day. I love that the Swaddle Duo set comes with both a flannel and an openweave cotton blanket so that you are prepared for any weather, or any change in temperature throughout the day.

As you can see the blankets were large enough to swaddle even six month old D. The swaddle job didn't last for long but I am able to swaddle him which works great for feeding time especially.

D's favorite way to use the cotton blanket is as a cuddle buddy. He loves to curl up with it next to him in bed. This has made this blanket a winner in our books.

The Swaddle Duo is the perfect set for gift giving for new babies. Make sure you check them out today as this would make an awesome Christmas gift!

Plasma Car Review

If you have not yet heard about the Plasma Car you have got to check this out. The Plasma Car is a children's ride on toy that runs exclusively on kid-power. The Plasma Car is so kid friendly that even C can maneuver it successfully. We have had our Plasma Car for about a month and the only thing I don't like is that I have two kids and only one car.

The first thing I loved about the Plasma Car was that it is super easy to assemble. It took E just minutes to get the steering wheel and wheels attached so the kids could try it out. As you can see, B was a bit over anxious to get everything put together.

Once we had it put together it took a little bit for the kids to understand that you just have to turn the wheel to move the car but they did enjoy it once they had it figured out. As you can see, E has also had an awesome time on the Plasma Car. Some day's  I'm really not sure who enjoys it more.

Although the Plasma Car is wonderful there are a few safety tips you need to know. First is that the Plasma Car is only meant to be used on flat surfaces. The second is that the weight limit is 120 lbs on uneven surfaces or 220 lbs on smooth surfaces. With those considerations in mind I highly recommend the Plasma Car to anyone who wants an awesome ride on toy without batteries!

Litter-Robot Review

If you've read our about us page you know about our cats Z & Z. Well there is one thing I really dislike about cats, and that is cleaning the litter box. Most of the time E has done this because I've been pregnant but getting him to clean the cat box is like pulling teeth most days and I don't like blood. Thankfully we just received a wonderful new item to review. That's right, the Litter-Robot has taken care of all of our cat box cleaning needs and we are in heaven.
The Litter-Robot is really easy to use. You'll need to buy clumping litter to go inside and have plastic bags for the try underneath. The way it works is that the Robot has a sensor and senses when your cat is inside the box. When your cat is done it waits for a few minutes and then, like magic, the globe begins to turn. Inside the magic globe is a screen. The unused litter falls through the screen while the used clumps stay on top and then fall through a hole at the bottom (what was the top when not in use). The used litter lands in the bag beneath the globe and then you change the bag and add a little more litter (about once a week for our two cats).
I can't tell you how much fighting and frustration this has saved our family. My other favorite thing is that the kids won't play in this litter box (hey, it's just a big sandbox right) because they don't like that it moves and this saves me a lot of worry with all the little ones. I'm so thankful to Litter-Robot for allowing me to share their great product! This is a wonderful gift for anyone that loves cats, or for yourself. You'll save time, money, and a lot of dirty jobs when you get one of your own!

Design With Vinyl Review

Part of the fun of moving into a new house is having the opportunity to decorate it.  We are so excited to be able to paint, hang pictures and do so many other things that we could never do in a rental.

When Design With Vinyl contacted me about reviewing their products I was so excited! I have a whole list of things I want to put on the walls in various rooms in our new home. I was able to pick out a few of my favorites from their website and I am so excited to get them on my walls.

My favorite thing about Design with Vinyl's website is that every option comes in many different sizes and colors. This was so helpful in getting exactly what I want for my home.

My pieces arrived quickly and they look wonderful! I'm so excited to get them on the wall but I have to wait until we can get it painted, hopefully over the Holiday break, and then I will show you all my pictures. I've held the pieces in place and they are the perfect size. I'm especially excited about the large piece I chose to go on the big blank wall in our family room with our family pictures. It's going to be awesome.

Design With Vinyl has choices for every type of decor. I love their holiday pieces and many of there theme room pieces too. Make sure you go check them out for all your decorating needs.

Piczzle Puzzle Reivew & Giveaway

Recently B has learned to do harder puzzles. He has gotten really good at doing traditional puzzles with about thirty pieces.

When Piczzle sent us a custom puzzle to review I immediately handed it over to B to see how he did. I was amazed at how quickly he was able to complete the puzzle and how much he enjoyed seeing faces he recognized on the pieces.

I have also been impressed at the high quality of these pieces. They are in no means wood but they are a very sturdy cardboard and will last for a long time. As you can tell the quality of the picture is wonderful and it came with a matching box to store it in.

Piczzle has generously offered to give one Kerrific reader a personalized puzzle of their very own. To enter please use the form below.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Saving Saturday - A Long Week

We didn't get much this week but I had to get wrapping paper while it was on sale. I've got to get back to shopping soon because we're starting to run out of things, like dish soap, but it has been so busy with school I haven't found the time.

Total Spent: $1.17

Total Saved:  $56.18 (98%)

Christmas at EdenFantasys *Adult*

If you haven't been to EdenFantasys lately you really need to go check it out. They are adding new lines and inventory faster than I can tell you about them. There are so many wonderful gift ideas for this holiday season.

If you house is anything like mine during the holidays one of the best presents you can give your spouse, and yourself, is some stress free couple time.EdenFantasys makes that so simple. There is no finding time to get to the adult store without the children, just a few quiet moments on the computer and you're good to go.

Your package will arrive in a few short weeks and no one will be the wiser. EdenFantasys packages are all from "WebMerchants"  in a plain white or brown box.

EdenFantasys is so much more than sex toys. They just added a whole bunch of new outfits including some awesome club clothes. They have a beautiful yellow shirt that I can't wait to get once it's in stock. They are also adding a makeup and bath products. This includes everything to fill your shaving, bath, skincare, makeup, and perfume needs.

Remember, there is also a free product with every order and they always have awesome specials for Facebook friends and fans. Happy Holidays!

Udderly Smooth Review

Winter is the absolute worst for dry skin! At our house the biggest problem with dry skin lies in B's feet. They crack and peel and of course he has to pick at them so they bleed and he is constantly complaining that his feet hurt. To top things off he is not terribly fond of lotion because it makes his feet slippery and he falls down as he runs through the house.

When Udderly Smooth sent us their lotions to try the first place they went was on B's feet. After about 2 weeks the results were amazing. I wish my before and after pictures would have turned out because his feet are almost as soft as Baby D's. We've started just putting the foot cream on every night and it is working wonderfully!

The next place we tried Udderly Smooth was on my back. When I bundle up to go to school my sweaters often make my back and arms itch. Then when I put lotion on they get greasy and I break out. With Udderly Smooth this hasn't been nearly as big of a problem. The moisturizing lotion especially leaves you feeling moisturized but not slippery.

Udderly Smooth would make a great stocking stuffer for just about anyone as it works well and has little to no scent. Check it out today and head over to win some during Blog Bash Christmas!

Stitching & Frames

B's Stocking

Many of you probably do not know about a hobby that I love. This is needle work. Although I do not have the time to stitch that I have in the past, I do still very much enjoy it and have made a point to create a piece for each of my children.  I have made each of them a personalized stocking and a birth announcement cross stitch. Once I have put in the hours required to complete one of these projects, one stocking will take me about thirty hours, I want to make sure they are preserved so they will last.

It is not necessary with stockings but with my other stitch works part of this preservation process is framing the piece.  You can easily purchase a standard frame at the local craft store but many times it is much nicer if you invest in a custom frame. The longer I spend on a piece the more likely I am to do this. Although custom framing can be expensive I have found that you can often find coupons or other sales to help make it more affordable and it certainly helps complete a piece. I also love custom framing because it allows me to put my personality into the frame just as I do with each piece I stitch. 

I’m currently working on Baby D’s stocking and his birth announcement piece. I can’t wait to show them to you when they are finished.

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for custom framing nyc and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.