This Full House Reviews

Heart of Haiti Mother's Day Post Series: My Sassy Keresztmama

From left to right:  my mother's baby sister, my Godmother, Theresa (holding me) her friend (holding my twin brother) my dad, my mom and Nagy Mama, late spring, 1964.

04/30/52 - 11/02/10

This is Aunt Theresa, how I will always remember her, sass'nit up on the dance floor (with me on my wedding day) whose last wish was to be buried in the same awesomely sassy dress. 

My Aunt Theresa was like a big sister to me, helping me through some very, very rough times, while she battled the devastating effects of Diabetes and, well, she made the world a very beautiful place.

Unsurprisingly, ALL 4 my kids adored her, too.

Today, her endless capacity for love, compassion, empathy and forgiveness inspires me still and, most especially, my 3 daughters will always remember Keresztmama as the strong and sassy woman I knew, who loved ALL of them very, very much, too.

I am proud to be able to share my story, with you, in participation with The Heart of Haiti Project and help raise awareness of their efforts, by sharing information about this initiative which gives a gift to mom that gives back to women.

Through a partnership with Macy’s and their Shop For A Better World' initiative, Heart of Haiti offers artisan-crafted decorative arts and jewelry for sale.

All income derived from sales of the products on the Heart of Haiti site enhances an artisan’s family’s nutrition, educates children, and brings access to healthcare and dignity.

To view the Shop for a Better World / Heart Of Haiti collection in it's entirety (including just added items for Spring), visit: http://bit.ly/gaalFP

SPECIAL OFFER:  here's a special discount code we're sharing with online friends to use when purchasing a Mother’s Day gift from the HOH collection:

• Promocode: CLEVERGIRLS
• Discount: 15% off Heart of Haiti and Rwanda Path to Peace products
• Timeframe: 5/3 - 5/8

Also, feel free to visit Heart of Haiti on Facebook.

Thank you and, please, if you have a special woman in your life, please remember to let her know.

Why?

It'll make her AND you feel really, really good, I promise!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my home blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hi!"  We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.

Deal Alert: Free 3 Month Trial on Personalized Wellness Program

Last year, I wrote about my sister-in-law Pat's beating back breast cancer. Her strength and courage inspired me to start taking better care of myself, as well.

After 5 years, I finally made an appointment with a new doctor and I am very happy to report that I am now fully recovered from my surgery, addressing health issues that could NOT have waited any longer.

The good folks representing HEALTHeME, a web-based weight loss program, have been reading along and contacted me about extending a special wellness offer to our online friends.

HEALTHeME uses daily text messaging support to help keep you on track and motivated while reaching your wellness goals.

The company is co-founded by a special lady and her scientist husband, who want to extend the opportunity to try HEALTHeME for three months, to our online friends, absolutely free!

Frigidaire Test Drive Mom: Eco-Friendly Options Poll

Last year, I had the extreme privilege of partnering with the Frigidaire Test Drive program and, let me tell you, we gave their appliances a real work out!

This year, Frigidaire announced the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have named them as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for Appliances:

The award recognizes us for increasing our selection and delivery of environmentally-conscious ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and helping to educate consumers about the ENERGY STAR PROGRAM.

Want to help Frigidaire keep to their committment to help make the world a little greener?  EXCELLENT!!! 

In honor of Earth Month, please consider taking the Eco-Friendly Options Poll on Frigidaire’s Green Sweeps Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/frigidaire, and enter for a chance to win BIG.

Each week, they are giving away a different eco-friendly Frigidaire appliance.

Good luck and Happy Earth Month!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I am working in partnership with the Frigidaire Test Drive Program and received a $50 gift card from Frigidaire for my participation in helping to spread the word on their Eco-Friendly Options Poll.

The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy Review & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So, so happy to be sharing this awesome prize pack with Morgan (comment #56) Erin Cook (comment #66) and freebiegoddess (comment #40) please check your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

We are HUGE fans of Klutz.com at our house (not just because of the name, either!) IMO, their activity books are perfect for those times when you find yourself in need of a break from replacing batteries, or just looking for some creative quiet time.

Today, ALL of four of my kids are back at school, after spending a very rainy week, indoors, did I mention, it rained, during spring break, ALL WEEK?!?

Soooo...YES...this IS definitely one of those times!

This month, we received The Klutz Guide to the Galaxy by Pat Murphy and the Scientists of Klutz Labs (HAH!) want to see?

Welcome to Our 81st Open House Blog Tour Spring Break Edition

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I love attending open houses - especially, if it's a home that we've admired from the sidewalk, or wondered...you know...what the heck is going on over there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, fundraisers, giveaways, book tours and contests, or if you have a burning blog post and just need to a little shout out (HEY!) go for it!

Okay, I'll start:

The kids are ALL off on spring break, next week (FINALLY!) so, we're unplugging and heading outside to clean up a little (it's been a long, hard, winter) but, not without leaving a little something, something for you, too:

Be Kind 2 Earth Day:  Promise to do something nice on April 22nd (see paragaph above) all you have to do is go "like" the B Kind 2 Earth page, and, if you're from Joisey, let's show everyone how kick-butt New Jersey REALLY is by adding to the state participation count...YO!!! 

3 Simple Recipes Featuring TLC's George Duran:  We're also sharing a fun Easter Care Package, including a 6-piece Pyrex set!

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Thin Crust Pizza Review:  Aaaaand, free pizza...YAY!!!

PlaydatePlace.com:  My friends and I are blogging some great tips and fun playdate ideas to help families (like ours) celebrate their staycations, too.

Now, it's your turn, link 'em if you got 'em:

Thanks SO MUCH for sharing and feel free to come back, to see what my blogging friends are up to, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

Also, please feel free to clean off a chair, sit down, visit my parenting blog, ThisFullHouse.com and say "Hi," when you have time, of course!

Have a GREAT week, everyone!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

3 Simple Recipes and a Giveaway Featuring TLC's George Duran

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So, so happy to be able to share this with you, Cori Westphal (comment #100) please check your email for further instructions!!!

Our family loves watching TLC's Ultimate Cake Off.

Each week, three renowned cake decorators lead their teams to build cakes over five feet tall, weighing hundreds of pounds and we collectively hold our breath, as they attempt to present the fruits of their labor, making bets on either who will win, or be asked to, you know, scrape their cake off the ground.

Or, maybe that's just us?

Aaaanyway, speaking of leftovers (WHAT?) I was contacted by representatives of George Duran, the host of Ultimate Cake Off, with three simple AND fun recipes he's created to help families (like mine) spice up remnants of Easter dinner.

Today, we're sharing Bunnies in a Blanket, Spicy Tomato Deviled Eggs and my favorite, Thin Crust Honey Ham Pizza [stomach growls] along with a fun Easter Care Package (including a 6-piece Pyrex set) courtesy of ConAgra Foods.

Because, according to my kids, leftovers are SO boring and, you know, we roll like that!

Dr. Oetker Ristorante Thin Crust Frozen Pizza Review & Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: New Winner Picked 4/26 -- so, so happy to be sharing with (Kolpin, comment #21) please check your email for further instructions!!!

It's no secret, my family loves pizza.  In fact, we eat it quite often (at least once per week, on Pizza & Movie Night and sometimes for breakfast, even) ordering out, however, can be very expensive.

Especially, for a large family (like ours) with varying tastes in pizza toppings, or a kid who wipes off all the tomato sauce and cheese, first (seriously, my youngest does this every time) but, still insists that she, you know, likes pizza.

Budget-Friendly Solution to Ordering Pizza Out, Every Week:  we usually pick up a couple of packages of pizza dough at the supermarket, freeze them to use whenever, or divide the dough into personal-size pizzas and then top them however we want.

That is, whenever I remember to take it out of the freezer.

Then again, my kids would have no problem eating any type of frozen pizza...still frozen...if hungry enough...my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I, however, are a harder sell.

Last week, we got the chance to road test something a little different (my kids have never tried thin crust) and, although Dr. Oetker Ristorante pizza is Italy’s #1 frozen pizza and is a favorite in more than 30 countries, the pizzas we received were both....cracked and/or broken.

So, I had my doubts.

Deal Alert: Free Redbox Movie Rental Coupons

My kids are anxiously counting down the days until spring break on the 18th (me, too!) but, you know what, I don't ever remember Easter being THIS late, do you?

Tonight, however, is movie night (TGIF!!!) and our friends at Redbox are offering families (like ours) free movies:

Now through April 11, when you rent two (2) Redbox movies at one time you will be emailed a promo code for a free one-night rental.

We usually rent 2 movies, anyway (at only a dollar a day, sometimes even more) so, this is a pretty sweet deal for us.

Aaaand, if you're having trouble deciding on what to rent for your kids, here's a list of the Top Ten Movies from last week:

The bunny denotes the movies we haven't seen...yet...so, yeah, besides the fact that I am a cheapskate trying to be frugal (ahem) at least, my kids have got a lot to choose from, right? 

[sound of crickets, chirping]

TGIF and have a great weekend, everyone!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other consideration, besides sharing stuff we like with other families (like ours) was received for this blog post.

Welcome to Our 80th Open House Blog Tour!

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I love attending open houses - especially, if it's a home that we've admired from the sidewalk, or wondered...you know...what the heck is going on over there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, fundraisers, giveaways, book tours and contests, or if you have a burning blog post and just need to a little shout out (HEY!) go for it!

Okay, I'll start [peeks into windows]:

GUILTY PLEASURE:  HauteLook - It's, like, shopping the clearance racks from my livingroom couch.  Save up to 70% off on designer brands.  My oldest has been using this site to help her look for a new dress.  To wear to the prom.  NEXT YEAR!  Yes, she is THAT excited.   

NEW FAVORITE FIND:  Dipity Timelines - my kids have been using this site to research papers and book reports.  So much fun!!!

FAVORITE FOOD FIND:  Betty Crocker's Best Bread Machine Cookbook - I recently inherited my MIL's bread machine and looking forward to diving into this cookbook I just ordered via Amazon! 

FAVORITE POST OF THE WEEK:  Because I'm the Mom - my dear, sweet, friend Dawn Meehan (a.k.a. Because, I Said So) is now writing for Babble.com and, well, I read her column first thing, every day, even before I shower, she is THAT good!

COOL GIVEAWAY OF THE WEEK: My friend @Busymom is giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card - because, she's giving like that!!

Now, it's your turn, link 'em if you got 'em:

Thanks SO MUCH for sharing and feel free to come back, to see what my blogging friends are up to, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

Also, please feel free to clean off a chair, sit down, visit my parenting blog, ThisFullHouse.com and say "Hi," when you have time, of course!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Guest Post: 8 FrugalTips to Help You Feel Like Prom Royalty

My oldest is a junior in high school, which means she's been looking for the PERFECT dress, for about 3 years, now, and has got dozens of websites bookmarked to help her decide on just what, or what not, to wear to the prom...NEXT YEAR!

Yes, she is THAT excited.  No, she doesn't have a date (YET!) yes, she's going anyway...DAGNABIT!

Today's guest post is courtesy of Andrea Woroch, a Consumer Saving Expert, with perhaps the most practical prom advice I've read, thus far and, trust me, I've got the bookmarks to prove it.

-----------------------------------------------------------

From dresses and tuxedos to flowers, photos and limo services, high school students (and parents) could end up dishing out a ton of cash on junior and senior prom. Heck, you could throw an entire wedding for the same price.

Since teenagers have more important worries, like finding the perfect date, coming up with the cash should be the least of their concerns. With a touch of savvy planning, students can find smart ways to keep prom costs under control.

Follow these eight savvy tips to feel like prom royalty without blowing your budget:

Hot Topic Helping to Bring Music & Arts to Young Adults - Who Knew?

The kids and I stopped by the mall for lunch (quid pro quo for agreeing to go hiking with, you know, me) then, made the obligatory visit to Hot Topic.

Don't be scared, they each had great report cards recently and, well, it's all about the give and take, you know?

[sound of crickets]

Aaaaanyway, after picking up a few unmentionables that were on sale (don't ask) the cashier asked if I'd like to donate $1.00 to the Hot Topic Foundation.

At first, I thought maybe they were collecting money for corrective surgery to help senior citizens get their ears back to normal size, after years of gadge abuse, or something:

The Hot Topic Foundation aims to support programs and organizations that specifically focus on encouraging and educating youth in music, creative writing, painting, photography, filmmaking and more.

Who knew, right?

As both of my two oldest daughters are currently majoring in art and photography, I was all in and my two youngest were happy to relieve Hot Topic of these really cool Rock the Arts pins, as a thank you, too.

Got home and did a little more research and found out that Hot Topic Foundation has granted more than $5 million to charitable organizations throughout the country!

The sad truth of it is, due to budget constraints, enrichment programs are the first on the chopping block and many school districts are elimating high school art electives, as well.

This morning, I received an email from our high school letting local families know that a freshman, Michelle Taylor, has been nominated as one of the three finalists for the 9th grade category in the Heinz Ketchup Creativity Contest!

<----I love Michelle's design -- good luck, sweetie!

Among other prizes (12 winners will be awarded $1,000 in cash) each winner will receive $1,000 in art supplies, as well.

How awesome is that, right?  Want to help select this year’s winners?

Voting begins today and ends at 11:59:59 EST on April 11th -- just pick your favorite Heinz Ketchup packet design in each grade level by clicking on the VOTE icon below it.

Why?

I can't imagine a world without art or music, you'll be helping me give a little back to my community, as well (thank you!) and, well, that's just all sorts of nice, you know?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product or any other consideration, besides sharing stuff we like with other families (like ours) was received for this blog post.

You Mean, Some Folks Actually Enjoy Spring Cleaning?

I know, cleaning is a dirty word (in my house, anyway) but, I have to say, there is something very therapeutic about sitting back and enjoying the freshness of a clean home, after a good scrubbing.

Falling into my couch, in total exhaustion, not so much.

Still, according to this Consumer Reports article, 82% of Generation Y women AND men (18 - 29 year olds) actually look forward to spring cleaning.

My oldest turns 18 at the end of this year and, no, I can hardly bear to admit that she will be considered an adult, in the eyes of the law, to everyone and in everything, without gagging, a little.

Having to pick up after her, her sisters and her brother?  Same thing.

Speaking of gagging, Consumer Reports published test results on a bunch of cleaning products, traditional all-purpose type vs. greener versions, using a process I found very interesting, indeed: