The other night, while browsing Spongebob toys, my 3 yr old decided to join me. He then reveals how long his Christmas list really is… He’s hilarious, as he points out all the “Spongebob stuff” he wants. I’m still undecided on whether holiday commercialism has taken hold of him, or he just really really loves Spongebob!

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At some point, your home may be overcome by foul odors. Everything from cooking to pets can cause an odor. When your home smells less than pleasant, entertaining guests can become embarrassing. Luckily, most odors can be removed within a few hours.

Before you can treat unpleasant odors, you must find the source of the smell. Once you find the source, dispose of the offender quickly. If left inside your home, the smell can become worse. Disinfect the area with a strong detergent. Next, fill several bowls with white vinegar. Place the bowls in several locations around your home. To thoroughly neutralize the odor, allow the bowls to remain in place for a full 24 hours. When odors come from carpeting, sprinkle baking soda on the area. As the basking soda is absorbed into the carpeting, the odors will be eliminated. Make sure to vacuum an excess baking soda from the carpeting after 12 hours. Sometimes, the odor will penetrate into walls and other hard surfaces. These odors can easily be removed with a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. To keep odors at bay, place cinnamon sticks around your home. For tougher odors, an effective ozone machine can be used. Not only can an ozone machine remove odors, but the machine can also prevent mold and mildew growth.

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I spent yesterday watching football with my son, hollering and cheering (and an occasional woo-hoo, air punch and high-kick) with him in the living room, as our team made its way back from a near-hopeless state (only from the perspective of those who lost all faith…of course not from my perspective), to taking it home and winning! New team record for come back from largest deficit was made – and my son and I cheered ‘em on together.
Getting into sports with the kids is a whole lot of fun. Representing your favorite team by wearing their shirt, even better. Making your baby a little walking team billboard, now that’s the best! Because babies in sports gear…is picture-perfect adorable!
I used to dress my son in the tiniest team baseball outfits, with a little ball cap. Sometimes it can be difficult to find team baby gear representing the team you might be cheering on. Of course, online shopping opens up a lot more options for your baby team clothes, and you are more likely to find what you’re looking for. Sites like Baby Fans, has a good variety of baby team gear from College football to NFL, MLB, and NBA, with many major teams represented.
Here’s to Happy Game Days!

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Running is an activity that I look forward to nearly every day. There are so many reasons why I love to run, and it can be difficult to put it into words, for those who do not share that love. For me, its an escape to peace, quiet, and reflection…all while feeling every cell come alive. I feel like I can do anything and be anything, and I feel an awesome love of life.

And I run toward wellness, health, physical fitness, happiness, experiencing life. I run from disease, obesity, premature aging, boredom, and stagnation.

No doubt some runs are better than others. A run through the trees, surrounded by water, mountains, nature, and animals will definitely feel different than the city street run, but running is still running, and I still love it. Exhilaration, love, and relief is still part of it.

And I think every runner would agree that the shoe can make or break the run…because that aching toe can command all focus, taking with it the great experience that might have been…It’s no secret that I’ve fallen in love with Mizuno’s running shoes. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to review the Mizuno Sayonara.

Mizuno is dedicated to advancing sports through cutting edge technology and research to create unique sports products which enhance performance. The new Mizuno Wave Sayonara is no exception. Up until now, I’ve been dedicated to the Inspire line, because they are perfectly supportive, though light, and offer awesome rebound.

Obviously, you can count on Mizuno to stay true to flashy, sleek, and sexy in appearance. Colors are vibrant and sing loud, as I’ve come to expect! Upon first putting the shoe on, I was surprised at how light it is. It continues to surprise me each time…the seemingly weightless support.  It definitely does not hug and support the way my Inspire’s do, but the support is there where it’s needed. My surprise continued as I began running. Once again, I felt like I could run for days.  The shoe is designed to be low, light, and versatile.

If you’re not quite sure, which of these amazing shoes will be right for your running style, gait, weight, and step, then find out by completing their precision fit analysis at http://www.myprecisionfit.com
I’ve now running in these shoes for the last 2 weeks, and once again Mizuno has contributed to an awesome running experience. Thanks to Mizuno for providing the shoes and another amazing opportunity to share!

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I enjoy a good workout, especially when it involves running. Often, I gauge the “success” of a good workout by how much I sweat. I know, gross…but still true. In fact, I will sometimes weigh in after my workout, to see what the difference might be on my digital scale, to see just how much I actually sweat. For me, it’s a good indication of how hard my body works, therefore how much calories I probably burned, and the overall success of my activity.

Well, I heard some buzz recently about “hot pants”. They are literally designed to heat up the body during workouts, thereby increasing the sweating, the calorie burn…and you got – the success! Some claims indicate 11-13% more calories burned. So, I wanted to give them a try, and Zaggora sent a pair for me to check out and review (Thank you, Zaggora!)

The pants are made of a neoprene feeling material, and are surprisingly light considering their thickness. They’re comfy and cute, and are perfect gym wear. Today, I put them on to bust out a 45 minute Turbo Jam routine. Like I said, I normally sweat, but I was really sweating…seriously, my socks were wet when I finished up. I think the heat and sweat were noticeably increased. Normally I would say I notice a weight difference of approximately 1.5 to 2 lbs, which I attribute to my sweating and intensity level. Today, I literally noted a 3.2 lb difference inside of an hour when I worked out.
ABC news even wrote about these pants:  Zaggora Hot Pants Promise to Help Wearers Burn More Calories

OK I realize I’ve only used them once, for one workout, but I have pretty high hopes for these hot pants. Based on my experience today, I’m expecting these Zaggora Hot Pants to give a real boost to my workouts from here on forward!

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Bring style to your celebration!

Have you ever been invited to a party that was unexciting and dull? It isn’t fun! Make sure that you don’t make the same mistake when you decide to throw a party or host an event. Adding a bit of flair to your birthday party, wedding shower, or any other event can make a huge difference for your celebration. Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and purchase fireworks or a gigantic cake for the party to be a success! Simplicity can go a long way.

For your next party, send custom-designed invitations to your family and friends. They will appreciate the added personal touch, and it only takes a few minutes to create your very own design! Why not pump up your guests about the party before they even arrive?

You may even consider going the extra mile and create a banner to hang at your event. Not only will your banner look great at the party, but it will make a great memento to remember the occasion. Personalized banners are perfect for any event, and can have a great impact on your guests and your celebration! With help from Signazon.com, you can be sure that your next party will be a fun and huge success!

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That’s right, a potty for Buster.  It may sound a little crazy, but really how crazy is it? We all know dogs are extremely smart…I mean, if a cat can do it, c’mon!  We also know there are plenty of wonderful dog moms and dads who have to work, and may be gone for long periods of time, who struggle with how to best train their puppy.

There is actually an indoor pet potty at ModernPuppies.com, or for short, a PTPA (Potty Training Puppy Apartment™), which is a device and system with instructions designed to help you train your dog to use that potty!

Lucky for me, my dogs do not have to be left alone for long periods of time, they are grown and trained, and we have a nice big backyard for them as well. I do know there are whole lot of people who are not in that same situation, and this may be a solution that could work for you and your pup, possibly making you both happy (puppy knows where he needs to do his business, and parents do not expect to come home to random messies)! If you decide to purchase and use the PTPA, let me know how it works for you and Buster (or Fido, or whoever your pup is!)  Wishing you the best in Puppy Potty Training!

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SPA GIVEAWAY! For all you Spa-Lovin’ Ladies!!

Does $200 in Spa services sound ultra lovely? I know, Right?!

Right now, LifebankUSA is hosting a Facebook giveaway!  Three lucky winners will receive SpaFinder cards valued at $200 each in LifebankUSA’s  “Time to Relax” giveaway, in a random drawing from Facebook entries. These gift cards can be used at any spa that participates with SpaFinder.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

Good Luck Ladies!!

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In my earlier pregnancies, stem cell research was barely being whispered about, and was definitely not found in the headlines, or rarely.  In more recent years, its becoming more understood just how important stem cell research is, and the potential miracles that lie within stem cells.  According to the National Institutes of Health on stem cells, these fascinating building blocks of life can be used in certain situations to rebuild cells which have been destroyed or damaged by disease.  Learn about the potential uses for human stem cells.

I knew very little about the extent of study and possibilities that lie within these little cells when I was pregnant. I have since heard life changing stories, where stem cells from stored cord blood have been used to treat a variety of diseases.  Truth is there is much research still to be done, and much already done in stem cell research. Many mothers have already come to the conclusion that banking their baby’s cord blood could end up being a priceless gift to their child, or even to another family member.

Speak with a cord blood banking expert at LifeBankUSA and learn more.

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All moms of multiple children can relate to this one, I already know!  Driving down the road yesterday (well, I’m riding passenger because my growing-up-way-too-fast daughter is at the wheel), and from the backseat, my daughter says, “Mom! She keeps bugging me!”  In a defensive voice, I hear, “No, I ‘m not…I’m not doing anything!”  <Insert snapshot>  Evidence suggests otherwise….

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