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Everything Has a Place in the New Ford Escape

May 7, 2012 by

I remember when car companies thought lighted mirrors were an attraction for women.  When I bought my Ford Taurus many years ago the salesman pointed out safety and comfort features to Rob and pointed out the DUAL visor mirrors to me as if I’d be impressed.  Today the clever cargo features offered in the new Ford Escape can be appreciated by moms and dads alike.

I’m the kind of mom that transports a first aid kit, blankets, games, reusable bags and more in the car for the just in case moment.  Having 3 kids can make one realize the surprises that may creep up on you.  The new Ford Escape offers little features with big impact for families on the go.  Personally I love the umbrella spot.  There is nothing worse than having a wet handbag or shoes because your wet umbrella doesn’t have it’s own space.  A Handsfree Liftgate is awesome too. While the liftgate isn’t hard to open on my Ford Freestar there are always those time when getting the keyfob out proves difficult because of a sleeping child, hands full of bags or purse left in front seat.

clever cargo spaces, cars for families, new ford escape

Unique storage spots include:

  • Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets
  • Hidden storage bin under the 2nd row floor
  • Small umbrella holders on both the driver and passenger seat trim panels
  • A card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel
  • Center console space to hold a 1-liter bottle, MP3 player or  CDs
  • Eight cupholders overall – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front center console and two in the optional folding 2nd row armrest
  • Rear cargo management system
  • Convenient USB ports in the center console and 110-volt inverter located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phone chargers or other electronics

Check out what the Ford Escape has to offer for your family.

 




Monster Jam – Path of Destruction Giveaway

May 7, 2012 by

Shaun and I went to this event in Baltimore last year and will be going again this year and we are super excited.  This has become an event that Shaun and I look forward to all year.


















If you are into Monster Trucks then you are in luck because two Look What Mom Found…and Dad too readers will have the chance to win a 4 pack of tickets to the event in Baltimore, MD.  All you have to do it tell me what Monster Truck is your favorite?

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Monday, May 21, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to Feld shows and opportunities to attend private Feld pre-Show events.

I Disclose




Disney Pixar Brave Coming Soon

May 6, 2012 by

On June 22nd, Disney and Pixar will release their 13th feature film, Brave. This is one that I’ve been waiting for. Just looking at the elaborate scenes and reading the plot it’s destined to be a fantastic story. Unlike Disney’s usual films this one is darker, more mature.

Based in 10th century Scotland, Brave is about a young girl fighting against tradition to create her own fate. Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) defies the custom and sets off to change things for good. Instead she brings chaos and turmoil to kingdom lives and must undo a curse before it’s too late. Only then does she know the true meaning of Bravery.
disney movie brave poster




Sunday Linky Edition #142

May 5, 2012 by
Every Sunday we will be hosting a Sunday edition of Linky’s. Please list your awesome posts and giveaways that you want others to read and know about. We love Linky’s because it gives us a chance to read other blogs and enter giveaways that we might have missed out on. So please enter your permalink below so everyone can check out what you have. Don’t forget to come back every Sunday for our Sunday edition of Linky’s.



TShirt Tote Bag #ExpressYourself #CBias

May 5, 2012 by

I was recently asked to come up with a craft for the #ExpressYourself campaign using Elmers Painters Paint Markers and fabric. The fabric part got me stumped. I thought I’d make Shae a cute shirt, draw a flower or fun saying on it but what’s so original and creative about that. Then it hit me, go DIY with it. I stood in the middle of my living room at a pile of laundry and I got the idea of making a t-shirt tote bag.

I’ve seen tutorials before and figured this would be easy. I got the kids in the car and headed to Walmart to find the Elmers Painters Paint Markers. It actually took me a little while to find them and I got worried that they didn’t carry them but finally found them with the acrylic paints and stencils.
walmart craft aisle #expressyourself elmers #collectivebias
I chose the Sherbet collection in Medium Point. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to do to the bag but figured medium point was a safe option.  Instead of purchasing a box of set colors all with the same point you can always buy individuals.  Priced @ $1.97 each at your local Walmart it’s a cheap craft supply when you only need one to two for a specific project.  My Walmart didn’t have a ton of bright color choices.  I almost bought the silver and gold Painters Paint Markers but figured I would wait to see how my project came out.  I’ll be getting more colors next visit to Walmart.
walmart painters paint markers #expressyourself elmers #collectivebias
Setting up my project took longer than the actual crafting but wait till you see what I came up with.
I scoured Rob’s t-shirt drawer and found an earthy green tee that he never wore. I grabbed my sewing machine and other tools and set out to get it done early in the morning.  The bag itself literally took minutes. Simply sewing shut the bottom of an inside out tee, cutting off the sleeves and making a larger opening was all it took to get a great bag. The trick here was to give it a unique and fun design with the Elmers Painters Paint Markers.

tshirt tote bag tutorial diy step by step craft project

I figured since the bag already had a “green” feel to it being a neutral color and a recycled/reused item I’d stick with the crunchy theme and go for a tree. I drew out a couple trees on paper to get the right look and size and them totally free-handed it on the bag.

elmers painters paint markers drawing shirt craft

elmers painters paint markers flower craft

A large brown tree with pink and purple flowers on a handmade upcycled tote bag is my final project.

handmade tote from t shirt upcycled recycled craftThese markers were so easy to use I let my 4 year old make her own upcycled tote bag but an old tank top sewn shut on the bottom. She copied mommy’s design and drew a tree with flowers.

painted tote kids craft

As she did her craft I did a quick second craft for myself; a decorated vase. This is the perfect size for thumbtacks, paperclips or even buttons.  It only took minutes and was simple.

painted jar craft project

Elmers Painters Paint Markers can be found at your local Walmart and other retail locations.  At about $10 for a pack of 5 it’s a small investment for tools that can be used for almost any project you may have.  As you can see from above these Painters Paint Markers easily go on fabric and glass but can also be used on wood, plastics, ceramics and more.  They are now a staple in my craft supplies closet since they are a cleaner and easier option than paintbrushes and tubs of paint.  Stay connected with Elmers and all of their other crafty supplies and projects on Facebook and Twitter.

“I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric”




When Table Manners Go Wrong

May 4, 2012 by

We’ve always been sticklers for table manners. We usually eat together as a family and wait for everyone to be home unless there are extraordinary circumstances. We use please and thank you when asking for things across the table and we try to stay seated until everyone is done. One thing that I really enforce is waiting till everyone is seated before we start eating. This means no picking at your plate and grabbing bites as we take plates over. Mistakes happen but as a whole we are pretty good at this rule. This is what happens when we take the rule so literal, it takes forever to actually eat dinner.

This was taken 12/2009, Sabreena was 13, Shaun was 6 and Shae was 2. They have always had great senses of humor but I may have created some lil monsters here.




New Lalaloopsy Mermaid is Here plus #giveaway

May 4, 2012 by

I’ve talked about Shae’s (and my) love for LalaLoopsy dolls. We were introduced to them last year and since then they’ve established their places in Shae’s heart and bed. Recently new Lalaloopsy dolls have emerged; this time for the tub.

lalaloopsy mermaid tub toy bathtime puffer fish

do you see the puffer fish blowing bubbles?

Bath toys are hard to come by for mature 4 year olds. Shae has known her colors, numbers and alphabet for quite some time and while pouring water from cup to cup is fun it loses it attraction after a few minutes. Shae likes drama and Lalaloopsy allows her to create her own stories and scenes with adorably decorated and designed dolls.

Coral Sea Shells™ was sewn from a swimmer’s bathing suit. She’s super-imaginative and she loves to pretend she’s a real mermaid. Her favorite hobbies are swimming with the fish and eating seaweed salad. She has a pet blowfish.
Sewn on Date: March 22nd (World Water Day)

Coral Sea Shells along with other mermaid dolls have been joining Shae in the tub for about 45 minutes of play each time. Whether it’s tub toys, littles, minis or original size Lalaloopsy is something all kids (and some adults) will love.

lalaloopsy little giveaway

Discover Lalaloopsy Land your child and watch their little faces light up over the cuteness. Even better yet, win your own Lalaloopsy Sew Magical Mermaid Doll AND Lalaloopsy Littles doll. Visit the Lalaloopsy Doll catalog and tell me your favorite dolls.

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Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, May 25, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




Courtesy Flush – Do You Know What It Means

May 3, 2012 by

I have been thinking about writing this post for a while and for some reason was holding back but after another incident that happened over the weekend I need to get this out.

Why do my kids not know the meaning of a courtesy flush? Let me explain but I must warn you this may get a little graphic.

To me the meaning of a courtesy flush is while you are going #2 in a public restroom, while at work, at families or even a friends you give a flush after #2 but before you wipe. Now depending on how long you are going #2 you may want to give a flush half way through going #2 so you would actually flush twice during the process. Reason being is you are trying to minimize everyone else from having to deal with the smell and you are avoiding clogging the toilet. For you eco-friendly people here now is not the time to worry about trying to conserve water because you are serving a greater good.

Ok, now that I have laid the ground rules for what and how a courtesy flush works why do my kids not do it? It seems like at least one or twice a week my kids clog the toilet. Now you would think it would be Shae since she is the youngest and has no concept of how much TP is too much but nope it is the oldest one. Shaun doesn’t even clog the toilet as much as Sabreena and the thing that kills me is even after they clog the toilet they don’t tell me it is clogged they just leave it for someone else to find. The other day Shae yelled “Dad the toilet is filling up with water” so I go look at it was clogged. Who was in the bathroom before Shae? Anyone? Yup you guessed it Sabreena. She is 16 years old so I know she can plunge a toilet but nope she leaves that little magical gem for someone else to deal with and when I ask her she told me it flushed. Really? How did it flush for her and almost overflow for Shae?

The thing that really threw me over the edge a week or so ago was Shaun was in the main bathroom so Sabreena needed to go and without asking went and used my bathroom. First off I like the kids to ask if they need to use my bathroom because you need to cut through my bedroom to get to the bathroom plus it is my own personal bathroom. Ok, so Sabreena couldn’t wait I guess so she used my bathroom without asking and then clogged my toilet. Really? How do you use my bathroom without asking then clog it, don’t plunge it and you don’t even tell me about it until I go to use it for #2. Not sure why but I have this habit of flushing the toilet before I use it and thankfully I did because I would have had a nasty disaster on my hands.

Now I am not saying that Sabreena is the only one who clogs the toilets in the house because Shaun has done his fair share as well but Sabreena’s occured more recently.

Also, just so you all know I don’t even clog the toilets in the house as much as Sabreena and Shaun do and I am a 38 year old grown man.

You know why I don’t clog the toilet folks, because I know the how the courtesy flush works and I use it!!!!!!!

Use the Finest toilet paper for septic tanks which are free from toxic chemicals and are easy to flush.

I Disclose




Because Your Mommy Loves You

May 2, 2012 by

Because Your Mommy Loves You is a wonderful picture book that would be a perfect Mother’s Day gift to anyone who loves camping. The story and beautiful pictures describe a mother and son preparing and going on a camping trip. As the little boy encounters everyday situations where parents could easily step in and take control, this mother steps back with a watchful eye and allows her son to handle them on his own. I love the message of teaching self reliance in all our children, no matter what age. The younger the better. It’s a daily message that my husband and I try to get across to our children especially as they get older. And even though I do not have a son of my own, the story hit home. I read it to Peyton and she loved it. She even read it to me twice and asked about when we could go camping this summer.
mother's day book, childrens book

Written by Andrew Clements the best-selling author of many pictures books as well as novels for young readers. My Daughter, Parker, loved his middle grade novel Frindle. He also has written Because Your Daddy Loves You as a companion book.

Illustrated by R.W. Alley who also illustrated Because Your Daddy Loves You. Paddington Bear series and many other picture books.

I Disclose




Everyone Love Bingo!

May 2, 2012 by

B-I-N-G-O is not only a really fun nursery rhyme for kids it’s also a game that is enjoyed by people of all ages. We have a Nickelodeon DVD bingo games that the kids LOVE playing and I recently found a really cool place where I can play bingo online (sign up now).

Bingo is a game that has been around since 1929 and has evolved into many different variations and is primary staged by churches or charity organization. Bingo is a game that draws a large crowd due to the ease of play as well as the size of the payouts if won. I can remember playing bingo at a local church and the place being filled with hundreds of people of all ages. People tend to associate bingo with older or senior people but I don’t think that is the case anymore because I see a lot of games geared for children and like I mentioned we own a DVD version of the game. The kids love playing and are super excited when they get the opportunity to yell “BINGO”. Unfortunately in our house there are no monetary payouts but bragging rights are worth just as much.

Bingo is a game that passes the time and in my opinion is a social event for some. I remember when I use to play at the local church people meeting up every Friday or Saturday night and catching up and just hanging out while playing bingo trying to win that jackpot. Out of all of the time that I ever played bingo I think I won maybe one time and it wasn’t even the big jackpot that took place at the end of the night. I do enjoy bingo myself and like playing the DVD version with the kids because it a great family time game.

Do you play Bingo? Have you ever won the BIG jackpot?




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