Saturday, April 30, 2011

Spotlight Saturday Blog Hop

It's Spotlight Saturday Hosted By






Between the Lines



Welcome to our fun blog hop with a twist!  Every week swing by to link up your blog and one you want to spotlight!  Did you find a new blog you liked this week?  Is there one you visit on a daily basis?  Well, simply link up your Spotlighted blog right under yours.  We will Spotlight our favorite blogs of the week in spots 4, 5, and 6.  

This week is I'm Spotlighting Diane from Created By Diane! 

How it Works

1) Link up your own blog.
2)Link up a blog you want to spotlight for the week.(ex. Spotlight: Roslyn's Closet)
3) Follow your three hosts.
4) Grab our button and post it on your sidebar or in a Spotlight Saturday Post.
5) Follow as many blogs from the list as you like and leave a comment so they know you stopped by.
6) Return the favor by following blogs that followed you.
(Be aware that URL's cannot be duplicated so please have a second spotlight choice in mind. If your blog's URL has already been spotlighted, just add one you'd like to spotlight. And don't forget to leave a comment with the blog you spotlighted so they can come and join the blog hopping fun! )




Friday, April 29, 2011

Don't Miss Spotlight Saturday!

Between the Lines

Don't forget tomorrow is Spotlight Saturday!  Hope you all come back in the morning to join us, along with Survey Junkie and Coupon Savings in the South, for our fun little Blog Hop with a twist!!!  Link up your own blog and another that you would love to share with the rest of us!  Linky opens at midnight!

$250 Mother's Day Giveaway from SkinCareRX!


With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I can't help but think about my own wonderful Beautiful Mom!  Wonderful is a bit of an understatement, but there really isn't a strong enough word to describe her.  Awesome?  Amazing?  Outstanding?  Devoted?  Loving?  SUPERB???   Can we just come up with a word that is a compilation of them all?   My Mom has been fully committed to being the best she can be since the day we were born.  She has given up so much of her time, sanity, and youth just to give us all (4 of us) what we need.

When I was younger, I was very active in gymnastics.  I would train hours and hours every week and we would travel across Europe to various competitions.  My mom never missed a meet and was always there to cheer for me whether I messed up or not.   She was always there for every fall and broken bone and never let me  see her cringe.  At the time, I didn't understand how difficult that must have been for her.  But now that I have two daughters of my own, I know how scary it is to watch them perform new gymnastic skills.  Even now that I am older, and broken again (I have very mad knees), my mom is still there helping me in every way she can.  We don't live near each other, but she drives down with my dad any chance she has to help me with the grocery shopping and chores that I just can't manage with one leg.

My mom is the most thoughtful and nurturing person I know.  She is very motherly to all her kids, their spouses, and grand-kids.  We all know that she will always think of the smallest details that will make the day perfect.   I am excited that I have a chance to win my Mom $250 to SkinCareRX!  She deserves it all, but this would be a great start.   SkinCareRX has so many wonderful items that can pamper my mom the way she deserves.  Whether she wants to Age Defying Skin Care, Moisturizers, Tanner, or cosmetics, SkinCareRX will have something she will love.  Does your Mom deserve the $250 Gift Certificate to SkinCareRX?  If so, head to their contest page and enter!  They will be accepting entries up to May 5th and the winner will be announced on May 6th.


Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I just wanted to share with you all.

SkinCareRX.com Review: Personal Microderm System

As we get older, we all start noticing the growing number of wrinkles, dead skin patches, and age spots on our face.  We have also all heard about how effective professional microdermabrasion treatments are.  How would you love to achieve amazing anti-aging results an at home Personal Microderm System?  The PMD Personal Microderm System from SkinCareRX  "works just like a professional microdermabrasion treatment without the hassle or cost. The hand-held device uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as the ten thousand dollar machines found at your doctor's office."

The system includes 1 personal microderm, 5 exfoliating discs (2 green and 3 blue), 1 electric cord (Standard U.S. Outlet), 1 facial cap, 1 body cap, 1 reusable filter, Instructional CD and Pamphlet.  After watching the instructional DVD, I decided that I wouldn't be a good candidate for this review.  I wanted you all to get a true review so I worked with my good friend to complete the review.  Below you will find her Before/After pics and her thoughts on the system.  You will see that is very important to review all the directions.  It may take a few attempts to get the hang of it, but the outcome will be soft smoother skin.

Diary Review By Jennifer G. 

Before Shot


April 11, 2011 - The literature that comes with the system is clear and easy to read—definitely makes it clear to watch the DVD before trying the treatmentWatching the DVD is helpful to show you the technique, but it does not prepare you for what using the microderm actually feels like, which is quite scary!  The DVD makes it very clear not to hover in one area or you could risk scabbing/injury. When you first turn the wand on and try to elegantly sweep it over your face like on the DVD-that’s not what happens!  The suction is quite strong.  Because it is so strong, it makes it difficult at first to sweep it over your skin- I kinda jerked it a few times until I got the hang of it.  My skin immediately turned pink, which I was expecting-but when its all over your face it is quite startling.  I used toner and waited 5 min and put moisturizer on, like the directions said.  20 min later my skin was still slightly hot—not burning but almost.  Immediately after it felt smoother, but was blotchy.  Using the smaller disc around my nose was easy- but it’s hard to remember where you’ve been so I found myself going over the same spot a few times.   I use Retin-A for adult acne and I wasn’t sure if it was safe to use on my skin—I was looking for a “do not use if…” portion on the directions or DVD but that wasn’t covered. I called and left a message asking if it was ok to use.

April 12, 2011 - The next morning all sensitivity/slight burning was gone. My skin felt smoother, but I did have 2 red areas, one on each cheek, one about the size of a pea, the other a quarter, that looked like hickeys.  They covered easily with makeup, but I am hoping to not have a repeat the next time I use the microderm.  

April 14, 2011 - Good news is, they were gone in 2 days—no redness or sensitivity for the week!  Skin is definitely smoother— 
Finally get a voice mail back about whether or not I can use Retin-A—the answer is-no!  Not 3 days before or 3 days after I do a treatment, so basically I am using Retin-A once a week—I hope this doesn’t translate into breakouts—time will tell— 

April 18, 2011 - 2nd microderm treatment, one week after the first—I read the directions more closely this time, realize I can adjust the level of suctioning—this I do!  It is not so strong, so it’s easier to glide the wand across my skin—now I feel like a pro!  Same redness and sensitivity, but my skin feels like satin immediately—wand is easy to take apart, easy to clean.  Hopefully no hickeys tomorrow! 

April 19, 2011 - Same hickeys. Same places. Went away faster this time. 

April 25 - 2011 - 3rd treatment. Much easier, faster set up this time. I made sure the level of the disc and rim of the cap were almost flush- this made it a lot easier to glide over my skin.  Consequently, it wasn’t as red or sensitive after I finished.   I used the larger of the two discs for the majority of my face, then used the smaller one around my nose.  Toner, moisturizer, piece of cake! 


April 26, 2011 - Same hickeys (my husband is beginning to look at me funny), again smaller this time. I don’t know if its just getting started that is difficult or what, but they are in the upper outside part of my cheeks, same as before. 

After Shot

OVERALL 
I do like the Microderm system.  I can’t say that I noticed a drastic change in the appearance of my skin after three treatments, but maybe I will after a month or two.  I did notice a nice improvement in the feel of my skin, though; it was definitely softer. 
Disclosure:  I was given a PMD Personal Microderm System to conduct the review.  No other compensation was provided.  All opinions are honest.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Bea's Gift Basket


Have you all heard of Bea's Gift Baskets?  No?   Well, where have you been?  Bea's offers the top of line gift baskets for every occasion.  They are committed to providing their customers with the best top of line products and reliable and friendly customer service.  Their gift baskets are so amazing that they were even selected to be part of the 31st Annual Emmy Awards Gift Bags!
My husband enjoy a great gift box full of goodies from Bea's Gift Baskets.  I wanted him to have something special to snack on for his long trips from home, but something simple since he is such a man.  It is not exactly the gift basket I'd choose for myself, but he loved it.  With Mother's Day coming up, I've been looking for something to send my mom.  These baskets are more her speed:




Are you looking for a great gift for your Mom?  Tonight, Thursday, April 28th at 8:00 pm, Bea's Gift Basket is throwing a Mother's Day Facebook Party.   Winners will be able to choose a basket of their choice up to $50!  Just swing on over to Bea's Facebook page and Like them and be their ready to party at 8:00pm sharp.  Don't forget to win entries you have to answer the questions on the OFFICIAL post.  Other comments will not be counted.  Have fun and good luck!

Disclosure:  I was not compensated for this post.  I just have fun at their parties!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wordless Wednesday: Where's My Baby?

My daughter went a little overboard last night when she "got her bed ready" for the night.  I went in to check on her and I really wasn't sure where she was.  Can you find her?
Want to try from a better angle?

Kidorable Facebook Contest


  Are your children ready to be the next Dakota Fanning or Jaden Smith? Make their film debut with Kidorable’s Facebook Video Contest.    The winner will receive a complete Kidorable ensemble of their choice!  With so many great lines to choose from, your child will be sure to find one that fits him/her best.
It’s easy—send Kidorable your short video starring a child you love sporting Kidorable, and you could win the entire collection in his or her favorite style! Have a look here and choose your favorite.  Just post the video to www.facebook.com/kidorable.  Whoever gets the most votes wins! We will receive entries from Monday, May 2nd until Sunday, May 15.  Then voting will continue through May 23 at 2pm when we’ll announce the winner.


Disclosure:  I received no compensation for spreading the word.  I just thought it sounded like a fun contest.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Just Curious? Let Me Know What You Think.

My friends and I are working once again this year to raise money for Relay For Life.  We are holding spirit nights at Chick Fil A, we are hosting a HUGE multi-family yard sale/hot dog sale where all proceeds go to the Relay, and we are collecting items to auction off for donations.  

My question to all of you is, would anyone be interested in a Silent Online Auction?  All products are new and the proceeds would go directly to Relay For Life. The winning contribution would be made directly to the Relay website so you wouldn't have to worry about money getting lost or being used for other purposes. For this great cause, I would cover shipping costs for the winners.

I have a few necklaces to auction, a bracelet, a ceramic flat iron, 15 bottles of Country Bob Sauce (auctioned in a bundle), a few makeup sets, several bumper magnets, and a stuffed animal.  I'm sure by the time the auction begins, I will have more items to share with you.  This is only the start of our list.

Please share this possible silent auction with your readers, friends, and family.  If I have 30 or more people interested, I will set it up and start talking to other companies about contributing some more items.  Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think.  I think this would be a lot of fun and such a great way to raise money for such a wonderful cause!  Hope you can join us!!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Lemonade Mouth

Magical Mouse Schoolhouse

Most of my loyal readers out there know that I love everything Disney.  The wonderful Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, my friend Jodi Whisenhunt's blog, is no exception.  Jodi is a fabulous writer, mother, teacher, and fellow Disney Fan.  I am so happy to have her back on Between the Lines to share a wonderful review of Disney Channel's new made-for- TV movie, Lemonade Mouth.  Visit the Magical Mouse Schoolhouse and show Jodi some love.  And if you swing by her blog tomorrow, you can join her Tiggerific Blog Hop!

Lemonade Mouth 
   By Jodi Whisenhunt, Magical Mouse Schoolhouse
The Disney Channel debuted a made-for-TV movie April 15th called Lemonade Mouth. Huh? Yeah, I know! That’s what I said when I saw its first ad. But then I watched the show.

You know you’ve got a winner when you impress a 15-year-old, right? Well, my teen, who by the way plays guitar and has had a stint or two in his own garage band, has watched this film about three times now. “It’s awesome!” he said. “If they were a real band, they would so be on my iPod!” His younger siblings agree.

Lemonade Mouth, starring Bridgit Mendler and Adam Hicks, is “the story of how the greatest garage band in history came to be.” Five teens from a wide variety of backgrounds met while serving detention in the school music room. When the teacher stepped out, the kids grew restless, thumping out a drumbeat and tapping out a rhythm, plucking guitars and humming a catchy tune.

The friendships grow as the band comes together. They encourage each other through some struggles, gaining confidence in who they are as individuals and as performers. Each member of the band learns to overcome life’s difficulties, and together they empower their peers with songs that encourage them to “be heard, be strong, be proud,” and to treat everyone with respect, because “we all matter!”

My kids are right. Lemonade Mouth is awesome! It’s a wholesome show with a great message. And if they were a real band, I would so have them on my iPod too!

[By the way, the soundtrack to Lemonade Mouth is available for download at the iTunes store.]


Today’s Takeaway:

Singers and vocalists often sip lemonade or enjoy lemon lozenges prior to performance to refresh their throats and prepare for shows. In fact, the band’s crazy name came about when lead guitarist Stella spit her lemonade all over the school bully who was harassing her. He called her lemonade mouth and the name stuck!

So, you got it! Make some lemonade. Kick it up a notch with berry ice cubes. Here’s a simple recipe from Disney’s FamilyFun.com:

Ingredients
• 1 11.5-oz. can frozen concentrate strawberry or any berry mix juice
• 24 raspberries or 8 strawberries, sliced (optional)
• 2 quarts water
• 1 1/3 cups sugar (or more, to taste)
• 1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice
• 8 lemon slices
• 8 mint sprigs

Instructions

Pour the juice concentrate and 1 can of water into a pitcher. Mix to combine, then pour the juice into two ice cube trays, adding raspberries or sliced strawberries if you wish. Freeze. Combine the 2 quarts of water and the sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir to combine. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the sugar is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain the lemon juice through a fine sieve into the sugar syrup. Chill. Slit each lemon slice once, from center to rind, then press the slits onto eight glasses. Fill each glass with 3 berry ice cubes and the lemonade. Garnish with a mint sprig. Makes 8 glasses.


SCHOOL SUBJECT: Home Economics
SKILL LEVEL: Middle Grades

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Pink Dandy Sunday Blog Hop


Welcome to the Pink Dandy Sunday Blog Hop!





This blog hop will be up for 3 days! From Sunday the 24th-Wednesday the 27th.

I will start a new blog hop every Sunday.


Between the Lines



Blog



*****

How does this blog hop work?


1. Make sure to follow Pink Dandy Chatter and Between The Lines so that we can follow you back!!

2. To ensure that Pink Dandy Chatter will follow you back, you need to make sure and leave a comment (below on this post) saying that you are a new follower and also leave a link to your blog.

3. Add your blog name and the URL to one of your favorite posts on the Linky below.

4. Please follow at-least 2 blogs on the list that appeal to you

5. Your blog must be family friendly ONLY. Explicit sites will be removed from the list.




 HAPPY EASTER...From my family to yours!