This Full House Reviews

Welcome to Our 91st OPEN HOUSE BLOG TOUR! The NJ DigitalMoms 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?

Mi feedburner es su feedburner!  So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, 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:

NJ DigitalMoms pictured (left to right):  Colleen @amadisonmom; Lisa @TheParentDuJour;  Me; Desiree @writingtosanity;  Samantha @havesippy; (seated) Jen @JenRab; Carol @CarolACain (organized the whole sha-bang!) and Anna  @Anna_Sandler hanging out together at the Residence Inn in Parsippany, NJ

I had the pleasure of attending a #NJ tweet up with several of my fellow NJ DigitalMoms.  I am so proud and honored to be in such good company.  Thank you @ResidenceInn for hosting #RIFamily; a fun and relaxing night with my blogging friends and colleagues.

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

URL TOO LONG? NO SWEAT:  You can shorten, share and track your link with bitly.com (takes only about 3 seconds!)

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and feel free to come back anytime to see what my blogging friends are up to -- or, stop by my personal blog at ThisFullHouse.com -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'.

In the meantime, have an AWESOME weekend everyone!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Welcome to Our 90th OPEN HOUSE BLOG TOUR! The Best Tablet Reviews 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?

Mi feedburner es su feedburner!  So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, 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:

My husband and I have been researching the market/interwebs for new tablets (4 kids, sharing 1 desktop, enough said) however, we are not as committed to Apple products (4 kids, enough said) as some people (okay, most everyone) also, once we do come to a decision (sort of) there's something new on the market.

My friend JayMonster has a great review of the new Android based Google Nexus 7 tablet.  Then again, I can't wait to hear his thoughts when Amazon refreshes Kindle Fire later this year (sort of).

Also, be sure to check out Engadget's 2012 back-to-school guide on tablets.  They are also featuring a giveaway every week until September 7th with 15 Grand Prize Winners of an awesome package including:  HP Envy Ultrabook 4, Sony Cyber-shot RX100, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (7.0), Samsung Galaxy S III (AT&T), Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, AiAiAi Capital headphones and...WOW!!!...much, much more.  Go now!

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

URL TOO LONG? NO SWEAT:  You can shorten, share and track your link with bitly.com (takes only about 3 seconds!)

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and feel free to come back anytime to see what my blogging friends are up to -- or, stop by my personal blog at ThisFullHouse.com -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'.

In the meantime, have an AWESOME weekend everyone!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Welcome to Our 89th OPEN HOUSE BLOG TOUR! We Break for Spring 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?

Mi feed reader es su feed reader!  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:

Bush’s Black Bean Tex-Mex Deviled Eggs – via Sandy's blog, last Easter

Got Easter eggs?  Need a recipe, or twenty?  EXCELLENT!  Sandy Coughlin the Reluctant Entertainer shares How to Boil the Perfect Egg & Deviled Egg Recipes to die for (no pun intended!)

Got repairs?  On a budget?  EXCELLENT!  You will totally relate to Momo Fali's Home Repair on a Budget.

Need some stress relief?  My friend Jodi over at Mom's Favorite Stuff is hosting a chance to enter for an awesome SpaFinder Gift Card Giveaway -- go and get you some :)

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

URL TOO LONG? NO SWEAT:  You can shorten, share and track your link with bitly.com (takes only about 3 seconds!)

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and feel free to come back anytime to see what my blogging friends are up to -- or, stop by my personal blog at ThisFullHouse.com -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

In the meantime, all four of my kids have started their spring break...TODAY!...so, we're off to color eggs with the grandparents.  Have an AWESOME weekend everyone!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Welcome to Our 88th 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?

Mi feed reader es su feed reader!  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:

Some of my favorite finds this week are a result of my being introduced to new websites and blogs  courtesy of Pinterest (my current time such of choice) for example:

Sarahndipities:  creating a jewelry display using a garden rake, really?  Some folks are just so gosh-darned crafty, yes?  

I'm having lots of fun reading through Sarah's blog (sarahndipities.blogspot.com) and pretending like, you know, "Yeah, I can make that!"

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

URL TOO LONG? NO SWEAT:  You can shorten, share and track your link with bitly.com (takes only about 3 seconds!)

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and feel free to come back anytime to see what my blogging friends are up to -- or, stop by my personal blog at ThisFullHouse.com -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

In the meantime, TGIF (ALMOST!)

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Welcome to Our 87th 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?

Mi feed reader es su feed reader!  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:

• My friend One Bored Mommy (whose blog name is an oxymoron,  really) published an awesome post detailing her latest organization project - inspired by my new-ish guilty pleasure, Pinterest.

• The Shopping Duck (cool name, she's from Jersey) blogs about Shoprite's Cans For Fans - an awesome program where Shoprite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks.

• I found this homemade Clean/Dirty Dishwasher sign over at Parent Hacks and, yes, it's pure genius.  Unless, you are raising tweens/teens and they quit wanting to read stuff (UGH!)  Still, don't let that stop you from checking it out! 

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

Thanks SO MUCH for stopping by and feel free to come back to see what my blogging friends are up to this week -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

In the meantime, TGIF (ALMOST!)

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

Welcome to Our 86th 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:

Only 14 more sleeps until Thanksgiving

[ducks to avoid flying turkeys]

Soooo, what do YOU do with all those leftovers?  Join me at Horizon Healthy Families Community as we discuss fun leftover ideas that maybe even your kids will eat (on purpose) too!

Right,  NOW it's YOUR turn:

Thanks SO MUCH for sharing and feel free to come back, to see what my blogging friends are up to, this week -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

In the meantime, TGIF (ALMOST!)

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 85th 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:

Join the BlogFrog Team and Horizon Healthy Families Community Leaders for a Live Chat on Thursday, September 22nd at 8pm EST/ 5pm PST as we discuss Fun Fall Activities to do with your Kids.  Share your tips and tricks with other moms like you. We will be giving away 5 Horizon Prize Pack's, plus one lucky participant will win an iPad2!!

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, this week -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

In the meantime, TGIF (ALMOST!)

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 84th Open House The Rebooting After Irene Edition

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I are currently rebooting after Hurricane Irene left us without power for 5 days -- our cell phones and Facebook were our only connections to the outside world -- and, well, it's been a long week, you guys!

I want to take this moment to thank ALL my online friends, for the supportive emails and comments received via Facebook and Twitter, who helped keep the lights on in our hearts :)

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:

I'm enjoying working with Kmart's Playdate Place!  It really is a great place for parents (like me) to hang out, spark conversation, share ideas about planning fun playdates, find recommendations for toys and take advantage of exclusive Playdate Place special offers, as well.

My last post, before the lights went out, poses the question about Co-ed Slumber Parties (yay, or nay?!?)

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, this week -- we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

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

In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with those families who lost more than just their power due to the devistating effects of Hurricane Irene!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 83rd Open House The BlogHer '11 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:

I'm enjoying working with Kmart's Playdate Place!  It really is a great place for parents (like me) to hang out, spark conversation, share ideas about planning fun playdates, find recommendations for toys and take advantage of exclusive Playdate Place special offers, as well. 

I am also very honored to be attending BlogHer 2011 in San Diego, this weekend, as a featured Playdate Place blogger.

While I'm away, I have two new summertime activities running at PlaydatePlace.com:  Need a Little Pick Me Up?  Go Cloud Gazing // Family Vacation Bucket List (because, it's never too late to have fun!)

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, this week -- 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!

Happy Hump Day and see you next week, everyone!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 82nd Open House Blog Tour, Featuring - #Help4Joplin

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:

Joplin, MO was hit with a massive tornado that destroyed much of the town and left many people without homes.

A community of writers has come together in support of one of their own (Sarah lives in the town of Joplin) and help the families of Joplin, MO put their lives, as well as their town, back together, again.

Bigger Picture Blogs is hosting a charity auction today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) every hour (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) another generously donated item will go up right here on their blog. Bidding on each item will start at $10 and increase by increments of $1.

Please visit http://www.biggerpictureblogs.com/ for more information on this super fantastic blogging effort to help the good people of Joplin, MO!

Don’t see anything you want to bid on? There are other ways to help:

• Donate directly to the Salvation Army
• Spread the word about the auction
• Post their button on your blog
• Facebook or Tweet using the hashtag #Help4Joplin

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

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

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

Welcome to Our 79th 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:  Patchwork Pattern Maker - has a cool online tool to convert any image into a patchwork quilt...so, so, cool!

NEW FAVORITE FIND:  123RF Stock Photos - royalty free images.  I used to it make my new blog header (see, up there, on top) what do you think?

FAVORITE FOOD FIND:  Fooducate for iPhone - my friend Rachel (A Southern Fairytale) blogged about this awesome app and, well, now all I need is an iPhone, right?

FAVORITE POST OF THE WEEK:  See You in New Jersey - my friend Kathryn Stone writes about attending the What Women Want Girls Night Out, the first ever event that will help benefit the awesome non-profit, Postpartum Progress!

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

Welcome to our 78th 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...WTH is going on in there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) letting me and my online friends know 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:  Picnik.com - makes me feel like a grownup photographer (sort of!)

NEW FAVORITE FIND:  Burgh Baby Blog - speaking of photographs, Michelle is a GREAT photographer (the real deal!) and a smart kind of funny (damnit!)

FAVORITE FOOD FIND:  Apple Ginger Dutch Baby Pancakes...'nuf said!

FAVORITE POST OF THE WEEK:  On Inspirational Weblogs, One Note Wonders, And The Need to Trust My Gurus via @Schmutzie - actually, posted in February.  I followed a link via Twitter, yesterday.  You should, too; especially, if you, or you know someone battling depression!

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 blogging friends are up to, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 77th 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...WTH is going on in there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) letting me and my online friends know 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]:

NEW GUILTY PLEASURE:  Try Handmade blog

NEW FAVORITE FIND:  RoomMates Wall Decals

FAVORITE FOOD FIND:  Banana Cream Pie With Chocolate Sauce & Toasted Coconut...'nuf said!!! (via @mominthecity)

FAVORITE POST OF THE WEEK:  New Hairstyle Equals New Outlook (via @ConnieFoggles)

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 blogging friends are up to, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House