Late, late...um...Peanut Butter! March 1st

I am so rushing in here on Friday afternoon. It seems like I have been busy with...well, everything. I cannot believe it is even March 1st. WOW!

So, today is National Peanut Butter Lover's Day. I thought I would share some recipes I found using peanut butter. Have a great rest of the afternoon and evening! Remember to link up with the Friday folks!

Peanut Butter Bars

Peanut Butter Granola

Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Inspired on Monday's Music Moves Me 2/23/14

It is Monday already? The days just keep flying by at a dizzying speed. I cannot seem to keep up with it all sometimes. Anyway, Monday is here again and of course that means music time with Xmas Dolly leading the pack along with Colette, Cathy, Becca (who is filling in for Stacy) and me.

This week we have a theme of "songs that inspire us". Leading us on the dance floor this week is our Spotlight Dancer, Create With Joy.




I find this to be an interesting theme because I am always inspired by music in different ways. It seems to be a part of me that taps into something of my cognitive brain to move in such a way. Different music taps into something different. Today I am sharing with you something you do not normally see from me.

First up, this group inspires me but it is this song that I love the most. The singer's words are heartfelt as are the photos presented throughout.

This is yet another song that I find to be so incredible. The song was sung at one of my best friends wedding. It is beautifully sung by this singer with two different males leads. Here she sings with the second of the two whom she first sang with when he was around 12 years old.

Finally, I just want to share this with you. Singing brilliantly for years with her Mother, she took off and her solo career has been amazing. She played on Touch By An Angel years back with an incredible performance. This piece was played as part of the show. This particular video however, was in dedication to one of the actors who passed away.

Sharing the Friday Love Fest

It's Friday and gorgeous outside...well, at least here it is! Ok, I have never done Fashback Friday but here is one for you. This is my kiddos and their God-parents on the day of their baptism. That is my Mom and Uncle to the left. They are Godparents to my daughter. My Dad is in the foreground. On the right is Kelly, one of my best friends and Chris whom was one of my best guy friends. He is now deceased.

Share the love with folks and link up what you have.

A little bit of everything here!  

 

Recipes here and flash backs!  

Coffee Chat Tuesday...

Hey, pull up a chair and let's chat over coffee or whatever beverage you have in hand.
Today Rory over at Time Out For Mom wants to discuss what we thought of when we woke up this morning.

Hmm...well...I thought of a few things. Of course the usual TMI things that we all think about when we get up in the morning. Then I thought about the fact I was going to wear red today in support of my second cousin who was having an anti-bullying campaign today.

Finally, I thought about the fact I was going to the gym today for the first time in months and how incredibly stiff I already was before I went. Yeah...that's it.

It is a beautiful day today folks! Let's enjoy the rest of it!

Let's Dance! Monday's Music Moves Me

Hello one and all. It is another weeks of Monday's Music Moves Me. This great big dance floor is run by Xmas Dolly and co-host Cathy, Stacy, Callie and myself. Becca is still here as Stacy is out and about with a new house!




Our Spotlight Dancer this week is...Sound Like Life To Me!

So, this week is a freebie week and I am still sharing the love this whole month. I feel like dancing so let's do it! Kick off your shoes and let's go!

First up: If you recall last year on Feb. 14th I was dancing my little heart out. Here is why...remember to dance is freeing even if you cannot feel free.

Next up:

Let keep on dancin':

Finally just to keep on dancing:

...and dancing

#Giveaway: Deluxe 2 in 1 Cozy Roadster from Little Tykes

Disclosure: I was not compensated in anyway for this post with the exception of receiving a link on the Rafflecopter.

If you have little ones in your life like I do then you will want to check out this cute little push car. I would love to have this for my grandson. Who wouldn't want this for their kiddo!

Get ready to hit the road with the Little Tikes Deluxe 2-in-1 Cozy Roadster! With the help of mom and dad, kids can zoom around in this fun character car!

Product Features

Shade canopy provides a shade with two cup holders

Real working horn

Quiet tires are durable for outdoor surfaces and gentle for indoor floors

Friendly character face

Adjustable handle can be attached to front and back of vehicle

Handle can be used for both pushing and pulling

For ages 1-4 years old

One lucky winner will receive a Deluxe 2-in-1 Cozy Roadster.

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8. Giveaway ends March 2nd  at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a21fd0725/

Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. One entrant per household. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this sweepstakes. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Contact teri@momtobedby8.com if you have any additional questions or comments.

Valentine Swap Fun!

"
This year I found a blogger who was doing a Valentine's Swap box and wanted to know who would like to join. I had never really done a swap before but it sounded like fun so, I joined in.

I was partnered to swap with Olivia aka Liv. I emailed her and found out some things about her. We chatted a couple of times over email. It turns out she was a swap box newbie too. This was going to be interesting!
After a couple of emails, we exchanged addresses. We had to spend at least $10 but not obligated to more unless we wanted to.

Well, Liv wasted no time. I mean the gal was on the ball! I received an email from her saying she had ordered my box and it would be there in a few days. I was giddy to say the least to wonder what I was receiving. In the same sense, I was in terror as I wanted to make her box perfect! I sort of failed. Yes, I did!
The deadline for sending approached and passed after I realized when I was supposed to have sent something. Ahhhhhhhhh......I made it up to her though. Instead of one box, she got a box and a gift card too! :) She loved what I sent her, which I will not tell because she is supposed to write about it.

So, what did she send me? Well, this....

I like Bath & Body a lot but often will not get stuff for me. She sent me this whole thing. The candle makes my whole apartment smell wonderful! She did not know but the Japanese Cherry Blossom lotion is my favorite!

The experience was great and I would do it again for sure. We are no longer swap box virgins! LOL
Thanks Liv and Happy Valentine's Day!

#Giveaway & Review of #Noxicare Natural Pain Relief

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I may have mentioned to you before that I have the onset of osteoarthritis and I have degenerative arthritis. These things affect my back, arms and legs and sometimes cause great pain. Believe me when I tell you that I have had numerous over the counter as well as prescription pain relievers. I have also use numerous creams for muscle and joint pains too.

Having said all of that, I was glad to get to try out Noxicare Natural Pain Relief cream. This was developed by a board certified doctor, Dr. Reza Ghorbani. His credential are right on the box and their website.

The cream manufactured right here in the U.S. boasted relief with natural ingredients like ginger. Ginger is a known anti-inflammatory ingredient that is used to treat headaches, sore throats, muscle pains and yes, arthritis!
Hey, if I could be pain free and was not taking a pill, why not try it?

In comparison to another over the counter creams that I used this is what I found out:

Noxicare Natural Pain Relief                Name Brand Muscle & Joint Cream Vanishing Cream

             *Natural Ingredients                           Ingredients I cannot pronounce

              *Odorless                                         Smell that lingers

              * Non-greasy                                    Somewhat greasy and stayed that way on your clothes

              *Fast-acting                                      Semi fast-acting

              *Long lasting                                     Comparable to Noxicare

              * No Allergy                                     Could not compare

Overall, I am pleased with the results. It really does work for me and I would use it again to help with those medical problems that are lingering. If you want pain relief then by all means I recommend this.

However, I do want to warn to anyone that uses this product that these are my opinions of Noxicare and I have used the product as I said I have but I am not a doctor! Even Noxicare says that the product should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. In other words, use at your own risk!

So, want to try it out yourself? Well, Noxicare is giving away a tube to one of my readers. www.noxicare.com Enter below.

                       

a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure: Giveaway is open to US only & is from 2/13-2/28, 2014 Naila Moon of Just The Stuff Ya Know is not responsible for prize shipment. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thankful Thursday...spreading the love by awareness

I am going to warn you right off that bat what you read from me today may be a little alarming but one I must write. We often go through our daily lives and not think about the people that help us make our lives easier. We do not think about how our gadgets or our food or our clothes have been made. We just have them and glad we do.

I want to make you aware of something that is happening in the world today, right now, right at this minute. That is modern day slavery. You heard me right, modern day slavery!

I read a couple of articles today that made me sick to my stomach. HERE is one to read right now. The one that really got me was the children on Lake Volta. Go ahead read it. I will wait.

If you really did read it, then now YOU are aware.
-------------------

So, having said all that, I am sure you are wondering what that has to do with being thankful. Well, let me tell you. First of all, I am grateful I was born into a family that is loving and kind. A family that sees the value of the human being. A family that did not sell me into slavery because a debt needed to be paid.

Secondly, I am grateful that these articles have been written and that I read them in spite of  the sheer disgust I feel. It has allowed my awareness to be raised and hopefully now with me sharing, yours to be raised too.
Secrecy is often a killer!

This is the week of spreading the love. I challenge you to share these articles or at very least, my blog post. The idea of any kind of slavery should be stopped.
I am grateful to you if at least one of you raises that awareness.

#Giveaway: #WarnerBros. Movie Just In Time For Valentine's Day- #WBValentine

Just in time for Valentine's Day Warner Brothers is dishing out the love with movies and a fun blog app too.

February is the one month of the year where everyone has love on their minds! It’s can be romantic, it can be love for your children or parents or you could just be a movie lover! Whatever you love, this February Warner Bros. has you covered with some amazing DVDs perfect for the whole family!

If you’re a love lorn poet, there’s the Peanuts Collection! If you want to smother your significant other with kisses we have the Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection, and if you want to solve some madcap mystery, I’ll bet Scooby-Doo is the one for you!

Check this out!

Who is Your Cartoon Crush? - Everyone has had a crush at some point in their lives, but do you know who your cartoon crush is? Is it Scooby-Doo? Charlie Brown? or maybe Bugs Bunny? Find out who you would be romantically perfect with!

Valentine’s Day Recipes! When I think of movie night, the first thing I want to know is... What are the snacks? Here are three easy and fun recipe’s perfect for your Valentine!


To make life even sweeter on Valentine's Day, Warner Bros. is giving away one of the following movies chosen at random to one of my lucky readers. Will it be you? Enter in the Rafflecopter below.

Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition  A Charlie Brown Valentine  Bugs Bunny’s Cupid Capers  Happiness is... Peanuts: Friends Forever  Elmo Loves You  Looney Tunes Pepe Le Pew Collection  Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: For The Love Of Snack Disclosure: Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Valentines Day DVD Chosen at Random via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.  The prize will be sent via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please. Please note that the assets included within this message were delivered to you to promote Warner Home Entertainment. Any actions (including contest and competitions) that you complete with the provided assets are your liability, and should comply with both local and international laws. Naila Moon of Just the Stuff Ya Know is  working with Warner Home Entertainment. Do to time constraints for winner to be received, you must provide your mailing address as an entry. This will not be used for spamming nor sold to another party. I will be the only one to see this entry. This entry cannot be solely for winning either. I am not responsible for prize shipment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coffee Chat Mixed with Wordless(ish) Wednesday 2/12

I was a busy bee Tuesday and just did not get around to posting for coffee chat. So here we are on a Wednesday and I am just getting to it. Ah well...

The good thing is this is feel the love week so, what better week than doing some combos. *grins*
Rory threw it out there to tell what we are "loving"...you know, like list them or something like that.

Since it is now Wednesday as aforementioned, I am listing it with words and photos. It is just how I roll folks!

Without further ado...can I get a drum roll...hello...drumroll...*crickets*

1. I am so loving this guy. Yeah, I know it is sappy and all that but I love him. What can I say?

2. I am so lovin' my desk right now! I took over the whole dang thing as I was sharing with the hubby. I needed space. I am telling you, I really needed the space!  I am now using one half to do my blogging, writing and reviewing...the other half is all about art. It is much bigger than seen here. I used an old door and turned it into a desk. Love it!

3. Which brings me to my art stuff. This is just a sampling of the stuff I have to create. I have a whole dresser full!

4. Eating vegetarian. I think I feel better and it is fun to find some different foods.

5. Books! Ok, so this is a given. I have a ton to review. I need to get crackin' on this. Seriously!

6. Writing! My creative mind is just flowing like crazy and wow, the stuff that is getting put down to paper...um, laptop.

7. Finally postcards! I received two yesterday. One from Arizona and one from...well, I have no idea!(UPDATE: Found out the person who sent it to me is from GA!)
That person did not leave their state or address.  Have you sent me one yet? Remember, I am collecting them. I have only received from two states so far. You can make one. like this person or buy one. Just make sure to put the state or country! :)

That's it for now. I am sure there is more but this is just off the top of my head. Feel the love folks...feel the love!

Spreading the Musical Love for Monday's Music Moves Me...#MondaysMusic

Welcome back to another new week of fun, music and laughter. This week is all about love and why not start out the week on Monday's music with love songs. We all know that this musical train is conducted by Xmas Dolly with co-conductors of Cathy, Callie, Stacy (who is on hiatus) and me. Becca is filling in until Stacy comes back.




In the Spotlight this week is...Scriptor!

I thought I would start out this musical love fest by honoring that fabulous singing group who took the US by storm 50 years ago on Feb. 9th.

Next my mind immediately went to this song. I am not exactly sure why except that I happen to like the song and well...I am pretty sure I would not mind going there...hee hee:

Slowing it down a bit, this one is now on my mind and another favorite.

Finally, this one is for the love of my life...5 years later and still going strong:

Friday Stuff Olympic Style...2/7/14

The Winter Olympic games are finally here. Are you watching?
I do like watching the opening ceremonies to see what each host country does with it but other than that, I really do not get into it too much. I may see something here or there. In the winter games I like to watch the ice skating competitions, especially couples...they wow me.

If you do watch the games there are several things you can do as a family to enhance the experience.

1. Today is National Bubble Gum Day too so, have a bubble gum competition.
2. Set up a mini course inside your home or backyard and "compete".
3. Host an Olympic Party





4. Keep a large chart of all the medal winners for each country.
5. Make food from the host country and have a tasting day.
6. Create your own medals using materials around your house.
7. Explore what countries have come to the games and the flags from each. Draw each flag and cut them out.
8. Collect the pins

As you can see, this is only a few ideas you can do. There are myriads of ideas and of course you can always go to my Pinterest board or those of others and get ideas too!

Happy Friday!

Coffee Chat...Reasons To Live...2/4/14

Pull up a chair and some coffee or whatever you have to drink and let's chat. Rory is back today talking about 5 well, in this case, five reasons for living. That is a pretty heavy topic if you ask me but let's talk about it anyway.

This one is rather personal to me actually. I have had family members who have attempted suicide and I had a teenager whom I was close to succeed. I have gone through the "what if I did this" scenarios a thousand times. Yes, I wished things could have been a better outcome but it wasn't and that is hard to swallow.

I have talked to many a teen over the years that was on the verge but talking helped and they are here today. That makes me feel hopeful. However, like my teen above, there are many that just need someone to reach out to them, right now, this minute. You may think it may not matter, but it does!

Before I go any further, if you are reading this and contemplating even in the slightest, talk to me...PLEASE...talk to me. Also, you can call the hotline which is...1-800-273-8255.

Now, 5 Reasons to live...

1. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
Do not let anyone tell you that you are not beautiful. I am just not talking outside beauty, I am talking inside as well. You do not need to change for anyone. Be who you are and love yourself for it.

2. OTHER PEOPLE DO CARE ABOUT YOU
You may think that nobody cares for you. Maybe you think the world is against you. Maybe you are even being bullied in some way. Know this though, there are people who do care that want to see you, that want to talk with you. People do care more than you might think and no one person should control your life. Seek help if you need too.

3. YOU MAY JUST BE THAT PERSON TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
I cannot help to think of people who are now gone because they did not think they made a difference. Well, I am here to tell you. You being here does in some way. Maybe you just do not know it yet. Maybe you are just the one to come up with a cure for cancer or be the next world leader or as simple to teach someone to tie their shoes. You may be the one.

4.  YOU HAVE "FAMILY" AND WE ARE CONNECTED
I am using this term loosely because there are different kinds of "families". Do I need to go into them? I don't think so. I have a traditional family but I also have a family who I am not blood related to in the least.  These people mean something to me in a special way and that makes us connected. You have them too. Maybe you do not think so. However, look to see who you  talk to on a daily basis. It might even be someone over social media. That person(s) is your family and you are connected in spirit.

5. I WILL MISS YOU
This might be a lame reason to you but really, it isn't. I care what others think and feel. I am not going to say I always agree because I don't but I still care! Your voice in this great big Universe has helped shape the person I am today. I learn something from each and everyone of you. Without you here, I would miss you! Really, I would! I miss those people who are no longer in my life because their voice and presence mattered to me. Some of them had large impact on me and some just a fleeting moment but in any case, they are missed. Again, if you were not here, I would miss you!

Yes, you matter and you do have reasons to live!

Review: St. Patrick's Day Shirt.com

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I know we are only just barely into February but I think it is ok to talk about St. Patrick's Day now. Who doesn't need a little good luck of the Irish all year long anyway? 

I recently got a chance to review a t-shirt that hopefully brings some luck.
The company that sent it to me is saintpatrickdayshirts.com who have a fabulous array of St. Patrick's Day shirts. They have men's, women's and kid's shirts and hoodies too.

Their tees are printed on high quality soft cotton and have great color. They are lightweight and feel comfortable.Their site did say that the women's sizes do come slightly form fitting with the men's sizes being standard and some of the hems may very depending on the shirt you choose.

My husband and I perused through all the shirts  just so he could find the right one for the St. Patrick's Day celebration that is to come in March. In the Denver area, they do that up big so, you want to be wearing your favorite luck shirt!
I think he was happy with his choice.

Ready to protect the Leprechauns!

Make sure to check them out on Facebook too. What are you waiting for? Go get your lucky shirt from St. Patrick's Day Shirts.  Great shirt and great friendly company!
You never know, the right shirt may just bring you the luck o' the Irish!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. The views expressed here are 100% mine and may differ from yours.

Red Hot Monday's Music Moves Me!

Welcome to Monday morning everyone. I am really sliding in here late. Forgive me will you?
Of course today is the day I rock out with my musical blogging buddies. As I am sure you know, 4M's is hosted by the musical queen Xmas Dolly and co-hosted by Collette, Cathy, Stacy and oh yes, me!

Let's hit the dance floor and shake our tail feathers! Our spotlight dancer is...Dogs Mom Visits.

Today is a freebie day and I want to share with you some music that I think is "red hot".

As much as I refuse to talk about that awful football game, I do want to start with one of the half time singers, Bruno Mars was amazing!
So were these guys!

 Next up...this gal has been on fire with hit after hit...

Next...she may be in her 90's but she still is hot! Check out who she hangs with...

Speaking of being hot. This gal just keeps bringing the hits...

Finally, this guy knew just how to bring fire to the music...