Category Archives: Uncategorized

Nail Art Stickers from OnlineNailBar.com {Review}

Having a tween daughter is EXHAUSTING.
The Libby is at that point in her life when she has decided she likes to do her hair, her nails, experiment with makeup, shop and all of those other girly things.
I have never been one who is known to be girly so some of this is not easy for me.
I am the kind of person who would rather throw my hair up in a pony or bun, slip into a tank and some comfy yoga pants and call it a day. Part of that might have something to do with the fact that I spend 85% of my time at home with a preschooler and an infant attached to me.
I am the girl who dresses for comfort not for looks.
Now that the Libby is maturing, she spends most evenings painting her nails, trying out different hair styles and picking out her clothes for the next day.
Right now, nail polish is a constant thing.
She seems to be painting her nails every other day.
I recently introduced her to nail art stickers from OnlineNailBar.com, Nail art stickers are fairly inexpensive, are long lasting and are just cute to see on.
I think they look super cute on the Libby, especially since she is always wearing such funky colors.
Nail art stickers give her a little something to spice up her nails each day without having to constantly change her polish.

You can learn more about OnlineNailBar.com and their nail art stickers by visiting them on Facebook, Twitter and their blog.

Disclaimer: I received a free product in exchange for my complete and honest review.

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Playing Dress-Up

Anne Younger Leave a comment

I have a 4 year old.
A 4 year old who loves to wear costumes.
Every time he sees a new show or is introduced to a new super hero he immediately wants to be that person.
Thank goodness we snatched up a lot of clearance Halloween costumes last fall at a local retailer!
Since his birthday a few weeks ago, Alexander has become obsessed with Transformers once again.
His new obsession has led to him asking to be Bumble Bee and Optimus Prime once again.
Again, I am thankful for my stash of kids Halloween costumes, because we just so happen to have a brand new, never worn Optimus Prime costume for him to break out and continue his little game of dress-up!
Do your children like to play dress up?
Who do they like to pretend to be?

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Give a “Feel-good” Gift to Remind People Every Day that You Care

Anne Younger Leave a comment

We all have those moments when we need a little pick me up, some reassurance that someone is there to comfort us when we need it and give us that hug that makes the day brighter.

Noellas Gifts has come up the the “Iva GotYa”, to help warm that special persons heart.

The “Iva GotYa” is this adorable creation that looks like a person attached to a clip. The idea behind the “Iva GotYa’ is this:

When I can’t be there…

Just give Iva a squeeze,

It’s a hug from me;

Hear me say, “You’re okday”

And always know…

Iva GotYa!

Julie Hollinger, the owner of Noellas and the creator of Iva Gotya shares her story of how her creation came to life on the Noellas website.

I gave an Iva Gotya to each of my older children to hold on to and ‘use’ when they are having a hard day at school or when they feel that they just need that little pick me up.

The Iva Gotya one of those meaningful gifts that you can give to someone you love.

You can help Iva Gotya get on the shelf at WalMart by voting for them now through April 3rd.

For more information on Iva Gotya be sure to Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Disclaimer: I received an item in exchange for my complete and honest review.

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The Hunger Games Movie: My Thoughts

Anne Younger Leave a comment

This past Saturday afternoon, I sat in the movie theater along with the Alex, Zack and the Libby to see The Hunger Games. If you weren’t aware, we are HUGE fans of The Hunger Games Trilogy and have been dying to see the movie.

We arrived at the theater 45 minutes before the movie start time and already had our tickets in hand (and of course my awesome Hunger Games bag I found on Etsy last month was stocked with snacks and drinks because the movies are way overpriced!).

As we stood in line we listened to everyone talk about how excited they were to see the movie along with some giggling from some teenage girls who couldn’t wait to see Peeta and Gale on the big screen.

Once we got into the theater, we got the best seats and then sat and waited patiently for the movie to begin. Things started a few minutes late and then we had previews that seemed to go on forever.

And then…..

The Hunger Games began.

Overall, I LOVED this movie.
Seriously, if we wouldn’t have had to pick up Alexander and Ellie from my parents house and if the next viewing of the movie wasn’t sold out, we would have sat through it again.

Yes, there were things left out of the movie that happened in the book.
Was it a game changer?
No.
Things in the movie were almost exactly as I pictured them in my head except I see President Snow with a pony tail oiled and slicked back with thin blood red lips.
The gore of the book was presented tastefully on screen.
Rue’s death was handled very well and I cried during the movie as I did when I read it in the book.

We ALL loved this movie and have already planned to see it again and soon.

Did you see it? What are your thoughts?

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A Gift Basket for My Mom

Anne Younger Leave a comment

by Anne DelBalzo

The first few years I was a single mom on a tight budget, I found planning for the holidays was a very stressful experience. Between the big ones like Christmas and Easter, plus the kids’ birthdays, Mother’s Day (for my mom) and Father’s Day (for their dad), it felt like I was constantly facing expenses that my budget just couldn’t handle. I found myself paying for things with a credit card and going deeper and deeper into debt. Finally, a friend gave me a tip: buy things throughout the year and save them for special occasions.

I took her idea and ran with it. I started buying small items for my kids and my mom whenever I could get a good deal on something they would like. I took over one closet in the house and used it to store my gifts until they were needed. Of course, most of the things I bought were small items since I couldn’t afford big expenditures, but that was okay. The first year, Mother’s Day rolled around, and I realized that I had six different presents in the closet that my mom would enjoy. Instead of wrapping them separately, I bought an inexpensive basket and filled it for her. She was impressed by my creativity – she even thought I had a professional create her gift basket.

Since then, I’ve made it a habit to look for gently used gift baskets and other containers at yard sales during the summer months. With the addition of some ribbon and cellophane, they help me turn the small gifts I buy during the year into attractive presents for my friends and family. Having all the supplies on hand means I don’t get stressed if I need to come up with something on short notice, and my wallet sure does appreciate my more balanced approach to spending. I am truly grateful to the friend who suggested I shop all year, and I am happy to pass on her tip to all of you!