Adoptable Pet: Sid

Since Halloween is fast approaching I have to share an adoptable of one of the oddest breeds I've encountered. This is Sid, he is a Chinese Crested Dog. Most people think they are terribly cute, I think they are odd ducks. Sid sounds like a sweet little guy. He's about two years old. Obviously the biggest concern for him will be staying warm and avoiding sunburn. He's also quite small so a house with adults only is probably best. I'm told Sid knows how to play fetch and is very well mannered both in the house and the car. Sid is currently located in California. If you're interested in adopting Sid you can see more information HERE.

Thanks for thinking adoption first!

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy's Glasses

Hot Wheels Customs Review

About Hot Wheels Customs:

Our Thoughts:

When we were asked to review Hot Wheels Customs we were so excited! It was almost C's birthday so we figured we'd get him something fun. We ended up with this awesome car that helps him use his vocabulary. 

C really loves this bus. His favorite thing is probably that it is his and B can't take it from him without getting in trouble. Making it was fairly simple. The biggest problem that i had was choosing which photo I wanted to use. 

Delivery time did take a few weeks but for a custom car it was not overly long. It arrived in an awesome package that you could also customize for the occasion. The car itself is a great quality just as you would expect from Hot Wheels. This was an awesome gift for C and would make an awesome stocking stuffer for any Hot Wheels fan. Go check it out!

Chores for Tots

At the Kerr house we have the "problem" of having kids who want to help all the time with jobs they are not big enough to help with. I am constantly looking for chores that B and C are capable of doing that they can help with so they don't feel left out. Here are some ideas.

C (18 months - 2 years):

1. Set the table - This is probably C's favorite job. The problem rises when he wants bowls and we need plates.
2. Fold the laundry - He doesn't get to help with everything but he is great at putting the wipes, soakers and  covers in separate piles. 
3. Picking up toys - He may not always want to but once we get him started he does a great job.
4. Putting away groceries - At our house we have 3 locations for groceries, downstairs food storage, garage fridge, and kitchen. C's favorite ones to take go downstairs, just don't hand him anything that can brake.

B (3-4 years)

1. Drying dishes - This is something new for B as we usually just use the dishwasher but he loves to dry the dishes with his very own towel and then put them away.
2. Fold the laundry - B is really good at diapers and he can fold small, simple items like washcloths and hand towels.
3. Bringing in bags from shopping - Be does a great job as long as the bags are not too heavy.
4. Gathering eggs - This is something we love B to help with because in order to get the eggs you have to jump the fence and it's much easier for us to lift him over than to jump over ourselves. (Tip: only let him get one egg at a time, they bang together and make great sounds.)

Exciting Event coming in January!

We have an awesome giveaway coming in January. That's right, it's time for another ABE. We're already working on some great prize packs so make sure you stay tuned for more information. If you are interested in joining this event please see more information HERE or if you're interested in being a sponsor please contact me HERE. Thanks!

TI-Nspire CX Handheld Review & Giveaway

About T.I.-Nspire:

COLOR SCREEN, THIN DESIGN, RECHARGEABLE BATTERY Stay mobile, continue learning – Transfer class assignments from handheld to computer (PC & Mac®). Complete work outside of school using student software. On the desktop at home or a laptop on the bus, at the library, coffee shop...wherever.

Watch the Video
•	Visualize in full color – Color-code equations, objects, points and lines on the full-color, backlit display. Make faster, stronger connections between equations, graphs and geometric representations on screen.
•	Real-world images** – Use digital images or your own photos. Overlay and color-code math and science concepts. Discover real-world connections.
•	Recharge with ease – The TI-Nspire Rechargeable Battery, installed with the handheld, is expected to last up to two weeks of normal use on a single charge. No alkaline batteries needed.
•	Calculate in style – The sleek TI-Nspire CX handheld is the thinnest and lightest TI graphing calculator model to date. It's also the brightest with a high-resolution, full-color display that makes it easy to see every exponent, variable and line.
•	3D Graphing – Graph and rotate (manually and automatically) 3D functions. Change the wire or surface color of your 3D graph.

My Thoughts:

Let me start by saying that I was so frustrated last semester going back to school because I am a math education major and my calculator, a TI-83 Plus Silver Edition, was lost somewhere in the get married mess. I looked for it all last semester and couldn't find it anywhere.

As I prepared for this semester I was thrilled that TI agreed to send me a calculator to review and share with all of you! The TI-Nspire CX they sent me has quickly become my right hand. E has often commented over the last few weeks about the fact that this calculator is never out of my sight.

There is so much I love about this calculator. I wish I could show you all the awesome things it could do but that post would take you days to read and most of you, that is unless you're a math freak like I am, would quickly give up reading because you wouldn't care. So let me just highlight a few of my favorite features.

The color screen is the first thing that really caught my attention. The fact that I can graph two lines in different colors and see which matches which function is simply genius! This is so helpful when trying to compare two functions.

The second thing I noticed was the way it displays your equations and answer, in real form! This drives E crazy when he uses it but for me this is awesome! I love that you don't have to try to figure out exactly what you put into the calculator because it shows it to you in exactly the same format you would use if you were writing it on paper. This is probably the part I am most excited to use in my classroom

One other feature I'm just discovered is that it can draw pictures and calculate angles, areas and other measurements. This is way cool because you can upload an image and then have students use the image to find an area, line, or length. I am so excited to learn more about this and use it in my classroom as part of our real world applications.

Now, I do have to tell you about the two things I don't like really quick. One is the fact that the only owner's manual for this is online. This is ok but can make it hard to figure things out when you are in class without a computer. The second thing will not be a big deal for most people, it is that every once in a while I get an error that says I need the higher version to complete the function (See image). For most people this will not matter but if you really want a calculator to use for life I recommend spending the extra $10 and getting the CAS version.

As a side note, all these images I made myself using the computer software that comes with the TI-Nspire. It looks just like the calculator and you can move all your documents from one to the other and do all these things in either place.

Giveaway:

TI has generously offered to give one Kerrific reader a TI-Nspire CX Handheld of their very own. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter.

Sunday Project: Pumpin-piller

This little garden friend from Better Homes and Gardens is just too cute. This is going to be such a fun way to use all those pumpkins that didn't quite turn orange. I can't wait to put him along my front walk! 

Happy Sunday!

Baby Bedding Zone Review

About Baby Bedding Zone - 

In 2004, Laura Abro, a work at home mom with her second child on the way, was frustrated by her lack of options when trying to find the perfect crib bedding for her daughter's nursery. With no time to run from store to store, she turned to the Internet, but was very disappointed with the available ecommerce stores. She found that they either had a very small selection of bedding sets or a poorly-designed and difficult-to-use website (often both!). She was inspired to build a better choice for new moms, and in early 2008, her dream became a reality with the launch of Baby Bedding Zone. It was an instant hit and is now one of the most popular nursery bedding stores online.

"Our customers are our number one priority, and our goal is to make their shopping experience an absolute joy. Whenever we make any decision about the future of Baby Bedding Zone, we always first consider how it will affect our customers. If it doesn't make their lives easier, we don't do it."

- Laura Abro
Founder
Baby Bedding Zone

We understand that choosing the perfect baby bedding can be a tough decision - that's why we work so hard to take the hassle out of the process with our easy-to-use website and unparalleled customer service. Combined with our ever-expanding selection of baby bedding and our 110% low price guarantee, there's no better place to buy your crib bedding.

My Thoughts - 

Baby Bedding Zone sent us these awesome curtains to review and we are in love! Our new home has beautiful big windows, the one pictured is in the master, through the whole house. I love the natural light it gives but now that it's getting colder we are noticing a faster drop in temperature too. The only thing I do not like about these curtains is that they are slightly long for our short ceilings. This is not really a big deal for us however as once they are tied up they barely touch the floor.

I really love these curtains because they are so heavy. The are grate at keeping both the light and the cold air out of the bedroom. It is amazing the difference they make with the sound from the road too.

The one thing I was a little concerned about with these curtains was the white color. The pictures on their site do not show the awesome texture these have that makes them just beautiful! After looking around Baby Bedding Zone I am so impressed with the many types of bedding they have. It is so hard to find cute bedding for little boys and  I love the choices they offer. Some of my favorites can be found under camo baby bedding, zebra baby bedding and western baby bedding. Don't you love all the choices!

Happy Shopping!

Saving Saturday - Pet Food & Toilet Paper

Not as good of a week as I wanted but I got some things we really needed and did some Christmas shopping. I was so glad toilet paper was on sale because we were down to just two packages and I only have about another weeks worth of vitamins left so that was needed too. Anyway, I shopped Walgreens, Target and Albertsons.

Total Spent: $39.11

Total Saved: $149.41 (79.3%)

Rewards Earned: $15.00

Date Night - Some Thoughts

Wordless Wednesday: Our Cats

Toddler Tuesday: Take Cover

Isn't this the cutest little boy toy you have ever seen? Maiz over at The Brooding Hen says these little toys can shoot 15-20 feet. They are going to make some awesome stocking suffers for my boys. The best news is that it does not take much to make them, a Popsicle stick, a q-tip, and floss and they are great for fine motor skills. Do you have a toddler that would love these as much as my kids? Or is your hubby going to have more fun with them?

Sunday Project: Pumpkin Cake

Halloween is always an interesting holiday at our house. The kids aren't really old enough to understand but E and I like to do something fun. Last year we got together with the aunts and uncles for the evening and it was a blast. This year for our family party I think I'm going to make this cake. It is so adorable and shouldn't be too hard to make. Rather than use her fancy pan and special frosting however I think I'll opt for a bunt pan, some orange food coloring in my regular frosting, and some fake leaves to top it off. Happy baking!

Saving Saturday - An Awesome Week

This was an awesome week. I am so excited to have some new clothes, that fit, to wear to school! I shopped Target and Walgreens.

Total Spent: $14.31

Total Saved: $384.32 (96.4%)

Rewards Earned: $32.00

Support Breast Cancer Awareness with EdenFantasys *Adult*

It's that time of year again when we all support breast cancer awareness. This year EdenFantasys is taking part through an awesome deal of 25% off select Evolved Novelties. This includes some awesome items that you should check out today.

First off is the Serenity. This is a four star rabbit vibe that is said to be easy to operate and waterproof. It sounds like it would make a great addition to any collection as it comes in your choice of pink or purple.

Next is the Bendable you too. This seems to be a very popular style of vibe today and this particular one has a four star rating. It is known for its flexibility and seven vibration settings.

E and I have these love dice and they are lots of fun. They also make a great bridal or wedding gift. I know I have some weddings coming up that I will be stocking up for while they are on sale.

This romance collection kit would also make a great gift. It includes a small vibe, a set of love vouchers, some lube, silk ties and a blindfold, dice, electric candles and a few other small favors. I think this would make a great stocking stuffer.

While you're at EdenFantasys don't forget to stock up on toy cleaner which is also on sale. This is something that is always needed so don't forget to add it to your cart. Happy Shopping!

It's time to start that holiday planning

The Kerr house got about 4 inches of snow yesterday which means it's time to start thinking about Christmas. Here are a few tips to help your planning go smoothly.

1. Decided where you are celebrating. This is a dilemma this year because we were going to celebrate in our new home but E's sister is getting married the week before and my brother is coming home from a 2 year mission the day after. This means we'll probably be traveling and we've got to decide what days to spend with what family.

2. Family Pictures. This is what the grandma's always ask for for Christmas so it's that time of year where I need to get a new family photo. This is not usually hard but I have to start early to make sure it happens.

3. Holiday Cards. One I have the family photo it's time to get the holiday cards going. I usually like to do something like this card because the Aunts and Uncles keep them up year round and this makes it look not quite so holiday.

4. Clean out the toy room. We like to clean out the toy room so there's room for all the awesome stuff Santa will bring.

5. Plan Holiday Parties. We really like to decorate gingerbread houses with friends but I have to plan a time to get that done.

6. Think about your holiday menu. I know last year I waited for the last minute to purchase some of those seasonal ingredients and they were all gone. Make sure you get these items early so you have them.

7. Gifts. Start looking for gifts, if you haven't already. You'll get the best deals if you start now. Also, don't forget to shop discount and/or thrift stores.

8. Decorate. Now is the time to put those lights  on the house before it really starts snowing. So much safer and easier this way.

9. Get your children excited. This is not usually hard and finding them a way to enjoy the time right before Christmas can be so much fun. An advent or other type of countdown can be lots of fun!

10. Plan time to relax. I like to make sure I have everything done by about a week before Christmas so I can spend that time with my family relaxing. There is no reason to be stressed over the holiday if you plan wisely.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Gift Ideas for Men

Buying for E is always hard. Not only is his birthday just a few short weeks before Christmas, and our anniversary a few weeks after, but he has this bad habit of just going and buying what he wants so I never have any good ideas. This year I have thought of a few fun things to get him (hopefully he's not reading this post) and I thought I'd share my gift ideas for men.

1. Electric Drill - He always wants one of these and he killed the last one building our chicken coup. I'm on the hunt for a nice one at a decent price.

2. Clothes - I don't know about your man but E goes through clothes faster than I can buy them. I don't know how as he wears his work clothes almost all the time but somehow it's his shirts and pants that always have holes.

3. A new razor - This can be a big deal for a man (apparently). E is required to shave for work and school (oh and it's also a requirement for me) so having a good razor is extra nice. I bought him a nice electric one last year but have been saving to buy him a replacement head.

4. Electronics - It seems like guys always want electronic stuff. E really wants a TV. I don't know if it's in the budget this year but I'm going to see what I can find.

I hope this helps as you begin, or finish, you buying for this holiday season. Good luck and happy shopping!

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

Babee Greens Review

About Babee Greens:

Our line of certified organic cloth baby diapers and baby products was developed out of a desire to provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemically grown cloth and plastic disposable diapers. Created in the Blue Ridge Mountains nearly ten years ago, Babee Greens, formerly Baby Greens Diaper Company, began as a small business with one big goal of nurturing babies and the environment. Now owned and operated exclusively by mothers, Babee Greens has continued to expand its sustainable and biodegradable product selection, with all of its products made in the USA. The diapers and related diaper products are manufactured in Asheville, N.C.

Babee Greens maintains ethical and safe manufacturing standards and is proud to deliver the highest quality organic diaper and baby products to customers and retailers worldwide. 


Babee Greens uses only the highest quality, eco-friendly fibers in its cloth diaper products, including 100% certified organic cotton, organic cotton/hemp blends, hypoallergenic, non-PVC poly resin snaps, and 100% unbleached cotton thread and elastic.

Organic Cotton is grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or insecticides. It is wonderfully soft making it a pure and natural choice for baby's delicate skin. The organic cotton used in Babee Greens all natural fitted diapers is milled locally, making this line of products 100% USA made.

Hemp is one of the world's most biodegradable and sustainable fibers. The natural oils contain anti-microbial properties resisting mold, fungus, and bacteria that can cause diaper rash. In combination with its unique breathability, the dense fiber absorbs four times more than cotton alone, thus creating an ideal cloth to touch your baby's skin. Our hemp and organic cotton blend diaper is one of the softest, most absorbent diapers you can buy.

Our Thoughts:

We have used our new Organic Cotton Diaper on all three boys. Since B doesn't wear diapers as much I missed the photo opportunity when he had it on but C and D's photos are below. I really love this diaper! It fits both boys easily and is slim yet very absorbent. D wears the diaper without the insert and it still works well and we have had no leaking problems. 

My other favorite thing about this diaper is that it is natural. C has so many allergies diapering is more trouble than it should be. This diaper works great for him however because there is nothing for him to be allergic to. 

The only complaint I have is that E complains about having to get his fingers wet when changing a diaper. Spoiled, spoiled boy!

We have been machine washing and line drying this diaper and after a month of use it still looks almost brand new!

If you are looking for an awesome organic diaper that will last make sure you check out the selection at Babee Greens today!

Adoptable: Princess

This week we had the opportunity to meed this wonderful dog who needs a home. B wanted to take her home with us. She already knows sit and other basic commands. Princess is an adorable dog. B had no problems feeding her treats, she sat and took them so nicely from his hand. She is a mid-sized dog and is just the right age at about a year old.

Princess really needs a loving home where she can have friends to play with. If you're interested in adopting Princess you can find more information on her Petfinder page.

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepy Brothers

(Face art by Amber Marie Studios)

Toddler Tuesday: Halloween Ideas

 I'm sure you are all working on your child's Halloween costume but have you thought about how you're going to make those last finishing touches? If not you might consider face painting. These faces were done at C's birthday party by our good friend from Amber Marie Studios. She does such an awesome job and the result is beautiful!


Face painting can be a great way to add finishing touches or just to make you feel special as you take the kids to trick-or-treat.





If you live in Eastern Idaho you can check out Amber's page. If not than I highly encourage you to look for an awesome face painter in your area!

Saving Saturday and more to do

This week was a good week. I shopped Walgreens, Target, and Fred Meyer. I'm going to try to go back out this afternoon for a bit but we'll see if that happens.

Total Spent: $19.71

Total Saved: $219.94 (91.7%)

Rewards Earned: $42