Sisters, Blog Bonding and My favorite TV Show...

Ever since my sister's return to the bloggersphere it seems as though our communication has increased. Not that I don't generally enjoy the company or conversation of my sister, but that our lives, though were family, are separate. She's married with 3 children, works full time and blogs when the mood strikes, and well, as you all know, I'm married with 4 children, and I happen to be a stay at home mom, which keeps me extremely busy. My life revolves around what my kids are getting into and being my husband's rock. Though none of this should be an excuse, our "separate lives" are a reality and our sisterly friendship takes a backseat to what is in the front seat. But my sister, Jessika, is a phenomenal writer, she doesn't hold back and shares a lot more than I've probably ever introduced on Immutable Ramblings! After reading several of her consistent blogs, I became intrigued and inspired to write MORE, a problem that I've been struggling with lately. So here I was on the phone with sister, expressing my likes about what she's doing on her blog, YouTube channel, facebook page (all under MrsMorphosis) when I realized, I could use some tips, or even better, how about we work together? She pretty much loved the idea and we agree to choose a weekly topic and write about it....Our favorite television shows...

By nature, I consider myself to be a creative creature, I love it when I become inspired because it is when I create my most appreciated works of art, whether it be an organizational project, a craft, a poem, a new recipe, a blog post, or even a smash book page... I love being creative. So it is only fitting that I become engrossed in television shows that display a level of creativity that is absolutely fantastic. Ultimately, I enjoy watching the food network, cooking shows, and things of the like, Paula Dean is a hoot, and Top Chef is amazing, but nothing takes the cake like my NEW favorite show CAKE BOSS!!!

"Buddy" Valastro runs his father's shop Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, New Jersey!!! Now there have been plenty of other shows that are about bakers and crazy amazing cakes, but something about Buddy that just melts my heart. First and foremost, he's got an amazing personality, he's funny, silly, serious, creative, and family oriented.

How could I possibly know that Buddy is Family oriented? The majority of the staff at the bakery is made up of Buddy's family, whether it be immediate of extended! Which I think is amazing and completely awesome at the same time. All of the team members are Carlo's Bakery work extra hard to fill all of the customized orders every week, but also to keep the bakery afloat and when mistakes happen, and they do, Buddy has a fit, but then the all band together to get the job done, even if it is until 2-3 in the morning! 

How does Buddy get the title of Cake Boss? He makes the most amazing cakes, he has an amazing vision, he's not just a baker, or a cake decorator, he's a visionary. You give Buddy your idea, and he'll create you a cake that is exactly what you wanted. I love that people come from all over to purchase one of his cakes, and they challenge him... From O Magazine, City Replicas, and honoring top brands, his cakes are ALWAYS spectacular, because he oversees every single detail, and doesn't consider the cake done, until he's satisfied his vision.

I've got some crazy level of admiration for the Cake Boss, and though it might be silly,  I want to visit Hoboken, New Jersey just so I can meet Buddy,  his team, and of course devour one of his beautiful creations! Its not that Buddy is a Television Star that lives relatively close, it is that he's awesome, amazing and well, I want to be able to not just admire what I see on television, but to speak first hand about his work! Let's add this to my bucket list of things I just simply have to do and call it a day!

I've been inspired to share more bits and pieces about myself, my family and things that are important to me, I plan on featuring my sister on Immutable Ramblings as well, don't worry, it'll be a breath of fresh air, but through this collaboration, I hope to not just improve my blogging/writing skills, but to bond more with my sister, Jessika, MrsMorphosis!!!

Until Next Time,

 

Dino Lingo Sampling ~ Influenster

DINO LINGO

As a member of Influenster, I was able to access a link to sample, test and review this hot program called Dino Lingo! Being Puertorican, it was only natural that I'd select to sample the Spanish lesson for Isabella (unfortunately though I can comprehend Spanish, it is not even remotely close to being my second language), I'd love for her to know our native language (yes, even if I don't know it all that well), I want her to be better than me. I loved that there are tools geared toward children, and it was especially nice that my 2 year old was able to follow along, repeat the words relate/recognize what was going on during the video.

Some information taken from the Dino Lingo Site:

 

#1 effective Spanish teaching program for children

Children can quickly learn and speak Spanish, thanks to the award-winning lessons by Dino Lingo Kids

• Dino Lingo Spanish for Kids is an award-winning language teaching program pedagogically designed for small children.
• This program consists of 5 DVDs, 100 flash cards, posters and the parents guide.
• After watching the DVDs several times and playing with the flash cards, most children can easily name everyday objects and understand basic phrases in Spanish.
• Dino Lingo Spanish for Kids is suitable for all children between the ages of 2 to 7 years old.

 

I really, really, really want this set for Isabella! It's a collective set for $99.95  ~ (5) Five, 35 Minute DVDs that include 200 common words in the Spanish language!!!! A set of Spanish Learning Flash Cards, an animal dictionary, a colorful animal poster, a colorful calendar and yes, there's a parent guide as well.

You know what really intrigued me about Dino Lingo aside from what I've already shared? Dino Lingo was able to hold Isabella's attention for the entire duration of the video! If that doesn't speak volumes, then I don't know what else does!!!

Until Next Time,

Imagination Entertainment...

All afternoon, I've sat and watched my children entertain themselves with just their imaginations. No video games, no movies and no television.

They've made their own band, dance team, make up, ultimate paper fighting, flips and handstands, it has been the most entertaining afternoon all week!!!

It is amazing what they come up with when they've got no technology to entertain themselves. I love watching their minds work. My eldest daughter is quite the entertainer, she something of a clown. I was getting rid of a tube of lip gloss (because the shade was awful), but she's made good use of it.

Collaboratively they've made a drum set and even a guitar!!! They jammed out with Isabella for a while, Isabella loves playing the drums, she absolutely LOVES music and dancing, so the evolution of events today, well, it just came naturally to them.

Yes, they DO drive me crazy from time to time, but all in all, I've got a great big bunch of kids!!!

Jeremiah's response to all of his sister's entertaining madness....

He simply can't believe it....

Ah, what a great day!!!!

Until Next Time,

Ramblings ~ Just a little bit

I've realized that lately, I've been silent. When I say silent, I mean on posts that have real personal thought and meaning to me. Posts that are inspired by something that has happened to me or something that I wanted to share. That is until now. I realize that in order for me to have a successful blog, I need not only to share spectacular opportunities, products, but also bits and pieces of myself.

So here's a little bit of ramblings...

When is it time to have "the talk" with your kids? You know that dreaded sex talk with your children, you know they're curious, they may be challenged with peer pressure or disturbed by things that they've heard from other children at school. Ever since I can remember, I've considered myself a very open parent, I like to talk to my kids, get to know what is going on with my kids, answer any questions/concerns, or just let them know that I care and I am here to listen if need be. You seen teens/pre-teens (I have a mixture of 3) are very impressionable, they think they know it and and tend to trust sometimes to openly. But I've been having conversations with them for quite some times now only to realize, they think they've got it all figured out, they learned things that they feared and here I am, picking up the pieces and telling them truths, I never anticipated! Yes, I had the talk with my children. Ah, here is what I did learn, ELEMENTARY AGED CHILDREN, yeah, that is apparently NOT TOO EARLY! Oh the horror stories I've been privy to... Well, just consider it, okay?!

Privacy...I really love having time to myself, privacy, things of my own, my own hiding places, my own secrets, I don't need nor want the world to KNOW EVERYTHING about me! Some things are just personal and when my privacy is invaded, ugh, I feel completely sick to my stomach, violated,  and disturbed. Enough said right?

Mama tips!

I've learned that the library is really a great resource, not just for books and reading, research and studying, but for fun FREE summer activities for almost all of my children. The summer reading club is amazing, each week, we check in receive, coupons, prizes and become exposed to community events at the library, we've made summer fun on a budget (FREE)...Love that, plus, they have a friends book sale, we've scored some awesome reads for less than $2!!! When we receive our weekly coupons, we can then plan our upcoming week's events on a budget using our coupons. Last week I got the kids ice cream from Coldstone, 2 for $5!!!! Bargain!!! I'm learning that just because we only have 1 income and 4 children, doesn't mean that we can't have fun during the summer, we've just got to be more creative!

Lastly, but not leastly... I've been trying new recipes! I'm become rather bored with our usual meals, and surprisingly everyone has been going along with it. Tonight I'm trying a recipe from Better Homes & Gardens, Grilled Chicken with Peaches, Green Beans and Orzo Pasta! I'll try to remember to post a picture later, but here's a picture of the article I pulled from the magazine. Doesn't it look absolutely divine? I don't anticipate mine looking even remotely close, so long as it tastes just as good.

Well that's it for me... Until Next time my family, friends, fans & followers,

ventee-privee

I'm really not much of a fashionista or anything remotely close, but there are times where I love finding hot/haute accessories to accentuate my wardrobe and make it fab from the otherwise drab. But you see, I don't like spending a lot of money on materialistic things, I've never been a material girl, though the world is really material. People judge you by the way you look, the way you dress, what trends you're wearing... And though I'd hate to fall into the trap of keeping up with the Jones', I like to keep people guessing and on their toes when I create my own trends without spending as much as they think I did.

I love learning about new sites that offer great quality products at a discounted price. Keyword "discount", which means it might just be within my means, along the fine lines of what I call my budget. Which in my case is next to nothing. I was introduced to vente-privee by SheSpeaks. Vente-privee (partnered with American Express) is a website that provides top name brand products at a fraction of the original price! Sounds delicious huh? Because when I think of American Express, I think quality, elite, and yes, sometimes....Glamorous! What else is there to know, its a member-only online shopping experience, with boutiques that are available for a limited shopping time. Sound familiar? Its is the new latest shopping craze, no? You can expect new sales events everyday at a 10am, events last for 72 hours. I know what you're thinking... They're selling me last seasons hot picks, that is not necessarily true, vente-privee was created in 2001 by Jacques-Antoine Granjon to help brands sell their excess inventory...

As a member, I receive emails from them on a regular basis, updating me with the latest limited time boutique sales. Here's a sample of their latest and greatest:

What I love about this type of shopping is that I am continuously exposed to different brands. I love the high quality brands and the beautiful photographs of the products.  Membership is free, and it was a very simplified process to sign up (you can register here) and if you're an American Express Cardholder, purchases over $100 will receive free shipping. However, considering my preconceived notions about American Express, high quality...Elite....Glamorous... Well, yeah, in my opinion the prices are still a little high for a mother of 4 on a next to nothing budget. But I really enjoyed the easy site navigation and the exposure to new brands and their products.

You can follow  Vente Privee  and SheSpeaks on Twitter

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for this post, all thoughts and opinions express are my own. I will however, receive a gift as a token of appreciation in exchange for this post.

Until Next Time,

Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies #Influenster Mom VoxBox

I received a complimentary product of Quaker Soft Baked Oatmeal Cookies, for sampling and reviewing purposes from Influenster (a product featured in the Mom VoxBox) and I am so glad that I did.

I was really excited about trying this product because its made from whole grain Quaker oats, yummy plump raisins, soft and chewy, and individually packaged for that perfect portion size. Great for traveling, especially when you need that afternoon boost for a quick, light snack.

So I popped mine open... I immediately smelled the juicy raisins (so that is how I envisioned them)...

Well, I was able to get two good bites in, when Isabella noticed that I had a cookie and commandeered it immediately and made it magically, almost instantaneously disappear. At that moment I knew that it was delicious for the entire family!!!

They're pretty inexpensive too, less than $3 for a box of 6! I plan on purchasing these for the kids lunches, but also for my husband and I, a great sweet tooth healthy alternative!!

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated for this post, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own, however, I do have the opportunity to qualify for additional free quaker products.

Until Next Time,

The Many Uses of Ivory #Influenster MomVoxBox

As a member of Influenster, there are times that I get to sample some hot and innovative products in their themed VoxBoxes for free. This time I was able to receive the MOM VOXBOX, and in it was a bar of Ivory Soap. So what is so exciting about Ivory Soap anyway?

 

Some Brief Facts

Ivory Soap is said to be 99.44% pure, free of heavy dyes or perfumes, so it is safe for the entire family, even those with sensitive skin. Everyone knows that it is good for your entire body cleansing, including your face... But did you know that there are other uses for Ivory as well? Influenster told me all about it.

 

Laundry

One of THE most exciting was that Ivory soap is good for the wash!!!

You can grate the bar into flakes and use it in the wash....

Or....

You can use it as a stain fighter/lifter and pre-treat your laundry stains!!!!

Yay! I'm actually putting that one to the test today, after a failed attempt at creating a sculpture (which was actually another one of the activities you're able to do with your Ivory Soap Bar)

I decided to "Pre-treat" Isabella's shirt!!! (It's about to go in the wash, as we speak)....

You see all of the of Ivory chunks/flakes, well, I think I'll use those flakes in the wash as well!!! I'm hoping that Ivory Soap will stand up and defeat the monstrosity that is Isabella's stained 100% Sweet White Top!!!

 

Get Crafty

What about making a snow globe? Since Ivory Soap is pure, remember 99.44%, it's going to float, so reuse those baby food jars, or pasta sauce jars and get creative!!! Or you can grate the soap, add some water and food coloring, mix it until it becomes that of a doughy consistency, mold it, poke a hole and add surprise inside. How's that for fun and creativity? Got a lil' Einstein on your hands? Try the Ivory Soap Experiment (microwaved a chunk of Ivory Soap for 1 minute), this was fun and exciting, what kind of cloud is this?

 

What I've love about using Ivory

My face has been acting challenged lately, everything seems to interact with it in a negative fashion, so I've been using Ivory until whatever is going on with my face ceases and desists. It is also very nice know that what I am putting on my face won't further whatever is going on with my face's agenda. It has a very subtle scent and it doesn't dry out my skin. I don't feel all itchy afterwards, which is also a comfort and relief. But it is also simple, convenient and a relief knowing that no matter what skin issue any one of us is having, we can all use the same soap, and you know what else? It doesn't break the bank!!! A 10-bar pack of Ivory will run you less than $5!!!

We really had a fun time exploring with Ivory Soap... What do you love about Ivory Soap? Have any unique craft ideas? I'd love it if you shared!

Disclaimer: I received a sample of Ivory Soap from Influenster on behalf of Ivory, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am not being compensated for this post, however, I may earn the eligibility to receive additional product.

Until Next Time,

Nail Designs...

I've had my fair share of different nail designs, but I usually just do a french (colored tip) or a all one color, but as I began experimenting with the different possibilities, I've learned that I love getting unique designs painted on my nails when I get them done. Here are some of the designs I've gotten in the past...

Breast Cancer Ribbon for my Pink Party

Simple White Heart Just Because...

But I think this last one really takes the cake....

I've been "hooting" about since I got it done...

And well if I am being honest, I just can't get enough of my adorable little owl...

I got the idea from SheKnows.com, they've got so many different innovative designs. I'm looking forward to trying many, many more....

Do you think mine is close? See this one and more here!

Do you try innovative nail designs? What is your nail style? If anyone has any ideas for my next nail design, please let me know, I'd love to hear about it. Does anyone have any 4th of July Nail Designs to share? I'd love to see them.

Until Next Time,

Happy 4th of July ~*Wordless Wednesday*~

Happy 4th of July Everyone!!! Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time celebrating their independence!!! What is everyone doing today?

Until Next Time,

Making meal time fun with an inexpensive, adorable find...

So I don't usually do this or make a big stink about my deals, but this was one of the most adorable finds I've come across in a long time and being that it cost me under $3.00, well I just had to share.

I went to Giant Food the other day to grab some items for our quesadilla dinner, and I passed an end cap just as I was leaving the meat department on the shelf, it was housing the most adorable little plastic dishes for kids. Now, to me, it wasn't the average run of the mill, over the top advertised cartoon characters, or your average "safari animals" either, these were so fun, plus they had an educational value added to them...

Spanish and English animals!!! Yes!!! Just what Isabella needs!!!

 (reminded me of her favorite moviesMadagascar, and the oh so loveable characters, so you know I had to grab them)

They were just $.94 a piece! I'm thinking that I might go back and get the other colors!!!!

Until Next Time,

Always Upbeat/All That by Stephanie Perry Moore (Review)

About the Author - From Stephanie Perry Moore's Website

Stephanie Perry Moore is a Christian fiction novelist that is truly from the South. She was born in South Carolina, raised in Virginia, educated in Alabama, and now resides in Georgia. She has penned over 35 inspirational titles set in this part of the country.

She is the trailblazing author of the Payton Skky series, the first African-American Christian teen series. Her other young adult titles are the Laurel Shadrach series, the Carmen Browne series, the Perry Skky Jr. series and Faith Thomas ‘NovelZine’ series. The sassy, urban collegiate Beta Gamma Pi series and the hip, teen Yasmin Peace series were released in 2009-10. Her newest series is the adorable Morgan Love series. She and her husband will release the Alec London series for kids in the fall of 2011.

Her heart beats for adults as well. For this market she has penned Flame, an Essence best seller-A Lova’ Like No Otha’, Chasing Faith, and her newest release, Wearing My Halo Tilted.
She also was the General Editor for Nia Publishing. She produced the Women of Color Cookbook, the Men of Color Study Bible, the Wisdom and Grace Bible for Young Women of Color, the Strength and Honor Bible for Young Men of Color, the Women of Color Devotional Bible and the African-American Family Bible. She was the Co-Editor for the BibleZine, REAL, published by Thomas Nelson and is currently working on a new African-American women’s bible project.

She is a motivational speaker and community activist. She is working on several film projects. Among them she has a development deal with Turner Entertainment Networks and she is the Executive Producer/Creator for a web show called Locker Jam.

She lives in the greater Atlanta area with her husband, Derrick, a former NFL player and current sports chaplain for Georgia Tech Athletics. They have three children; Dustyn (16), Sydni (14) and Sheldyn (12).

She considers it an honor and a calling to write for the Lord.

About the Novel - From Publisher's Website

" Always Upbeat (Cheer Drama): Savvy Charli Black seems to have the perfect life. Pampered and confident, she has her junior year at Lockwood High all mapped out. Date the hottest baller in school, check. Become captain of the varsity cheerleading squad, check. Her crew rules the school. But just as everything falls into place, her world begins to spin with one betrayal after another.

All That (Baller Swag): Cocky quarterback Blake Strong’s number one goal is to stay in the game, lead his boys to victory, and score a spot at his dream school. But his overbearing father wants Blake in the Southeastern Conference. Their difficult relationship hangs by a thread when the Strong family gets unsettling news. Will they reconnect and realize that there’s more to life than football?"

My Take

Such a unique urban fictional tale, two of Lockwood Lions most influential teens, Charli, Captain of the Cheerleading Squad and Blake, Quarterback of the Football team.  What makes this book unique and interesting is that its a flip book! Two different perspectives of the same duo "Charli-Cheer Drama" and "Blake- Baller Swag", we follow their stories in anticipation of understanding one another, learning what the other doesn't know or doesn't see and hoping that the two will overcome teenage drama and unite together as the dynamic duo we want them to so desperately be...

I actually was read the book, when I received the book, I handed it over to my teen, (she's a little on the younger side and some of the details, incidents and concepts, were a bit much for her, so I definitely do not recommend this book to the younger teens at all. High School Age and Young Adults would much better relate to this book). What I did love and appreciate about the book is that it posed real life issues that not just"high profile" students face, but teenagers as a whole, it expressed concepts that even some young teens don't really share with their parents, so it made it an interesting read. We all learn to adapt, deal and cope with issues, life, drama, relationships in different ways, so being able to get an inside look at Charli & Blake's perspective, really helped me to understand what was going on with the both of them and why things were happening...But there were times when I found myself saying, "why aren't you both just talking to one another?" Wouldn't that just make things all too easy! What a concept!

All in all, my daughter enjoyed the book, it was sort of a bonding experience for the both of us. She did mention being apprehensive to read the book, because it featured a teenage cheerleader, and well, that's just not her thing, she's more on the athletic side of the spectrum, but said that she was uniquely pleased after reading Charli's first chapter, and intrigued to read and learn more. She found herself reading ahead, discussing each chapter with me and going back to read some more, even though some of the concepts/ideas were a little over her head. For a book to grasp that much of her time and attention, I'd say that it was very enjoyable.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

Until Next Time,

Hot New Tide Product or Not?

I love keeping my clothes smelling fresh and clean, and most times I rely on Tide to do that for me. That is not to say that I haven't tried other products, ranted and raved about other products, but there is one brand that I find myself consistently drawn to and that is Tide. Simple as that. Why do you ask? Because Tide ensures that they will created, share, and promote new and innovative products, consistently over and over again!!!

So I just an email about a new product (that I've yet to try) called the Tide Odor Absorbing Sports Laundry Bag!!! Exciting since I have three athletic people in the house who consistently make their clean clothes work hard to stay fresh...especially when their gym/sports clothes don't always make it out of their gym bag/locker right away, the results aren't always the best.

So what do you think? I'm thinking that it sounds really good, and even if it works just a little bit.

Any thoughts? If you've heard of it, tried it, or just have thoughts to share, please do in the comment section.

Plus if you visit this website, you can sign up for some valuable coupons on some of their other innovative products, like their wash/bra bag and their pop up hamper!!! Love that! I love keeping my delicates seperate so they don't get all twisted up in the wash.

Just an FYI, I was not compensated for this post in any way shape or form, just saw something of interest and thought I'd share.

Until Next Time,

9 Ways to Cover Up When You Accidentally Curse at Your Kids

 

There are times when I am so starking mad that I find myself accidentally letting a curse word slip out. Now I have 3 older children who have heard their own share of words, in and out of our household, but we do have a very impressionable 2 year old that we just want to keep innocent as long as we can. So when I received an emailed entitled "Top 9 Ways to Cover Up When You Accidentlly Curse at Your Kids" I was intrigued.

When a curse word slips out, have a backup plan ready...

9. “Clean up this DUCKLING’s mess. And, uh, all the rest of your stuffed animals while you’re at it.”

8. “HELLO no you can’t borrow my car! Goodbye.”

7. “JAM it all to JAIL.”

6. “Your friend is acting like such a GLITCH… innnn the Matrix.”

5. “What the FRIED DUCK are you talking about?”

4. “Why do you have the TV so GOT HAM loud? Um, people who’ve got ham are hard of hearing.”

3. “That’s such a CITY thing to say to your little sister. Because they say mean things like that in the city.”

2. “Stop being such a JUICEBAG.”

1. “I almost stepped on your MOTHER DUCKLING’s scissors! Please ask her to be more careful.”

Some of these seemed absolutely ridiculous, and others had me cracking up, and well one stuck with me, that my kids use it to poke fun at me. "Juicebag" lol! I don't even use the real word, so it was entertaining to read to the older kids, they got their laughs.

But we do try out best to cover up our words, so Jam it all to jaill was a good one, but we like using crack, crackers and crackers jacks, crackers and jam, what the smell, and things of the sort.... Do you have a catch phrase to cover up what you really want to say? Do Share...

Until Next Time... Keep your words clean by getting creative!!!