Stubborn, Old Dad

Guest written by our friend Gladys Fuentes
My father is getting really old, and he is so stubborn. I would really like it if he would come and live with my husband and I, but he refuses. We have also talked to him about going to a retirement community, but he doesn’t want to do that either. We know he is in good shape for his age, but we worry about him being all alone in that big house of his. If something happens to him, it might take us hours to find out. We’re also scared that he might be targeted for theft because of his age. My husband and I checked out http://www.homesecurity101.com/ and then tried to convince dad that a home alarm system was a good idea for him. He was hesitant, but finally agreed to let us install it if we paid for the monthly service. I am so happy he finally agreed to one of our suggestions. I was really starting to feel like a terrible daughter. At least now I’ll have some peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong the police will be called out.

TigTagz ID Wristbands

How often do you take your child out to a busy place? I take my grandchildren to very busy crowded places once in a while and I am always terrified that we will get separated. What happens when we get separated and my grandchild is too young to answer questions? What happens if their even too afraid to say their name? The answer to all of the above questions is TigTagz ID Wristbands for kids!
TigTagz ID Wristbands are an awesome way to help keep your children safe. The wristbands come in boys, girls and unisex themes. So, you will be sure to find a theme your child will love. The wrist bands can be personalized or left blank. I like the unisex wristbands unpersonalized. I plan to be able to use them on any one of my grandchildren. If you choose the blank wristbands you will be able to write on them with a felt tipped marker. TigTagz suggest writing something like,  "If lost, please call: 555-555-5555". The wristbands will also work well for medical conditions and allergy alert. The wristbands are are tear-proof, sweat-proof, smear-proof, and water-resistant.

I tried a TigTagz ID Wristband on Pooh Bear. He was not a happy camper. He immediately tried to pull and tear the wristband off. As hard as he tried it stayed in place and did not tear. I suggest to make it just tight enough so that a child would not be able to slip the band off because this is just what Pooh Bear did.



What I like about TigTagz:

The wristbands are tear proof.

The only way to take them off is with scissors.

I can order a sample pack of 5 for $3.00 and $1.00 (estimated)shipping.

They come in unisex and unpersonalized so they can be used on more than one child. 

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.

Mystery Guest Post Reveals Secret

Hi, everyone! My grandma asked me to stop by and introduce myself to her blogging world of friends. Grandma had been asked not to mention me to all of you up until now. My family just got pictures of me a few days ago and now grandma has been given permission to let the cat out of the bag and to post my picture.

Hello world!!

I am Pooh Bears new sibling! Now, you know why grandma has all this interst in giveaways for baby stuff. Grandma says stay tuned for more fun and family friendly giveaways! I will be back soon and we can talk some more!

Win $50.00 Paypal Cash!

CASH GIVEAWAY!!!

How would you like to win $50.00 cash! If you would like a chance stop on over to Terri's Little Haven and enter to win. The entries are easy. Good luck to all who enter!!!

Blogger Opportunity

How would you like to be a part of something TRULY unique and special? This spring, Moms with Voices Media is hosting the ULTIMATE Baby Shower Giveaway, and would love for you to joinThis event is going to be SO huge in fact...

That it will be hosted on its own sparkly new site! Please visit:

The Ultimate Baby Shower

What is the BIG PRIZE?!?

The nursery!

Our goal is to give away the entire nursery- Furniture, (dresser OR chair, crib and nightstand) decor, (bedding and walls) and best of all, the winner can custom design their OWN ROOM!

What's more?

The giveaway post will host a thumbnail linky with any blog that will be hosting their OWN baby shower gift giveaway during the contest period! This gives you a chance to offer potential sponsors a HUGE event, and we are offering the chance for them to grab some additional advertisement too!

More still?!?

Not only is there a referral contest for bloggers BEFORE the giveaway, and a SUPER fun "Pin it to Win it" contest for bloggers, but there is a GRAND Prize bloggers can win DURING the giveaway as well!

Bottom line:

This is a great way to gain substantial interest, page views, and followers for a minimal investment! The fee for this giveaway is only $8 for 2 social media links, as we will have sponsors for much of the room!

CHECK OUT OUR DESIGN ROOM!

This will be filled with all of our awesome sponsored prizes, and be really fun for our entrants!

---

Details

• The Ultimate Baby Shower will run from Friday, April 13th (12:01AM) to Friday, May 11th (11:59PM).
• This event will have TONS of participating blogs, therefor TONS of followers for you, AND the chance to host a H-U-G-E giveaway on your blog!
• Our goal is to give away A COMPLETE DECORATED FURNISHED NURSERY!
• The participation fee for this event is $8.00 This fee will be used towards the grand prize, and blogger prize! (Read more below!)
• Your entry- Please select two links from Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter, or Email.
• Extra Links- May be purchased at $2 limit ONE extra!
• I will provide a complete post code for the event: There will be sponsor links in the Grand Prize section, and by participating in this event, you agree to leave them in your post.
• If you will be participating in the HOP portion of this event: You will receive the linky code along with your post code.

---

The GOAL for this event is A COMPLETE Decorated Nursery-

• Crib
• Dresser OR Chair
• Nightstand
• Crib Bedding
• Wall Decor
• Additional Goodies depending on sponsorships

The actual prize will depend upon participation! I will announce the final Prize Package in our Facebook Group on 4/6!!

---

Sign Up NOW! (Don't forget to mention Grandma Bonnie's Closet as your referral.)

• Sign up’s will run from February 25 – March 31st!
• Please remit your PayPal payment to {contact at mvmgroups dot com} (gift!) and include your blog URL in the notes.
• Fill out THIS FORM to sign up!
• I will send confirmation within 48 hours, that your form and payment have been received.
• Request to join the Facebook Group for this event HERE.
• I will send out the complete post code and Rafflecopter form no later than April 10, and you will receive a reminder!

Buy Cute Aprons

I am so excited to say I have been given an opportunity to review the most adorable child's apron! As you all know I love cooking, baking and crafting with my grandchildren. Well, now I have an adorable apron for my granddaughters to use when we are doing what we do best. I do have a plain cotton apron for my grandchildren to wear which is not water proof. Pooh Bear has a water proof paint smock that he wears when crafting but he does not like the sleeves at all. So, this apron is positively welcome in my home.
Let me tell you a little about the product and Buy Cute Aprons. First the shipping was very fast considering the package was shipped internationally from the UK. When I received the package Pooh Bear was thrilled to help open the package. He kept repeating "For me?"I had to explain he could open the package but that he would have to share this with his cousins.

Once the package was open Pooh Bear exclaimed a present and his eyes lit up like it was Christmas! I felt the same when I saw how beautifully the package was wrapped. 

 Once I got a look at the apron it was love at first site. I am planning to order one for each of my grandchildren. The Children's cooking aprons are made with great care and of the highest quality. I inspected the seams, the hem and the ties. I can say that this is going to last a long while. The apron is waterproof and lined with fine cotton.

Our tester trying out the product while making his famous peanut butter sandwich.

I think Pooh Bear looks adorable in pink!!

So,what do you think? I know at least a couple little girls that would love to have this Angelina Ballerina Apron. This apron is sized to fit ages 2-5 years. Buy Cute Aprons has a large selection of aprons for children. I am going to have a problem choosing for each of my grandchildren. perhaps I should let them pick their own.

Here is a small sample of the selection for children.

If your child likes to paint, wash dishes, garden or bake one of these aprons will be perfect for protecting their clothing. Buy Cute Aprons ships from the UK. Shipping charges: Within the UK the cost is £2.99 per order and International shipping is only £5 per order. To keep up with the newest trends in aprons follow Buy Cute Aprons @BuyCuteAprons.

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.

Our Trip To The Shedd Aquarium

We drove to Chicago today and spent the afternoon at the Shedd Aquarium. I shot some photos of our long trip there and back. Pooh Bear had a wonderful time.

 I hope you had a great weekend!

Pita Bread Recipe with Baking Tips

I do enjoy making bread for my family. I have a bread machine but I most often make bread by hand. This is good relaxing therapy. The dough I use for this is just a basic white bread recipe. If you would like to make this wheat bread you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the white flour. I have also heard it works well with totally replacing the white flour with wheat. Although I have only tried the half and half method.

Bread Dough Recipe

Ingredients:

1&1/4 cups water

3 tablespoons olive oil (substitute vegetable oil)

1 tablespoons sugar(substitute 2tablespoons honey)

1 teaspoon salt

3&1/2 cups flour

1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast

First add 1/4 cup warm water(105° F–115° F) and sugar to a small bowl. Add yeast to the warm sugar water stir gently.  Allow the yeast activate.(bubbles form and mixture becomes frothy). Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add water, olive oil and yeast mixture. Mix with hands until the dough forms a ball.

If the dough seems sticky add flour very slowly until a soft dough is formed and is easy to knead. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes. Place the dough in a bowl that has been oiled with a little olive oil. Roll the dough over a couple time to allow the oil to cover all sides of the dough. This will seal the air out so the dough will not form a dry crust.

Set the bowl in a warm place and cover with a towel.

Tip for a drafty kitchen: Fill a pot 1/4 of the way with warm water(110° F.)Set the bowl of dough over the pot of water do not set the bowl in the water. Cover with a towel.  

Allow the dough to rise about double in size. (45 min. to 11/2 hrs.)

Remove the dough and knead on a lightly floured surface. Preheat oven to 400° F. Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll out each piece into a flat circle.

Allow the pieces to sitcovered with a towel and rise about 10 to 15 min. Place the pita circles on a cookie sheet or pizza stone in the oven. The dough should puff up slowly.

Baking time about 7 to 10 min. Until slightly brown.

Tip to keep pita bread soft. When the bread is taken from the oven it will harden as it cools. To prevent this place the pitas right out of the oven on a sheet of waxed paper and cover with a kitchen towel. Add more pieces under the towel untill all pieces are baked. Allow the bread to cool and seal into a ziplock bag.

Tip to serve warm pita bread. When pita bread is rewarmed in the oven on a tray or in a microwave it will cool down very quickly. I rewarm my pita in a hot oven for a few seconds then place it back in a ziplock bag and place on a serving plate. A guest can remove a warm piece and reseal the bag the pitas will stay warm and soft.



Gortons Sea Food

A while back I won a Gortons Sea Food Giveaway on Terri's Little Haven. This is what I got in the mail yesterday. Yay, I just love coupons!!

Sorry they are upside down. I flipped them mutiple times. I am still having issues with my computer.

This plate will hold a lot of seafood.

Thank you Gortons and Terri's Little Haven.

Funny Irish T-shirts

Look what I have got! I have been asked to review a FUNNY IRISH T-SHIRT. Just what my son needs for St. Patrick's day.

I was able to pick out a design I liked. Well, let me tell you there are so many funny shirts available I had a difficult time selecting one. I knew I planned to give this shirt to my son so I wanted something he could wear to college. I could have picked a funny design but I thought he might not want to wear it to school. I really like the recycle logo and green is also one of his schools colors. My T-shirt arrived a few days after shipping. The shipping was so fast that I had to change my schedule since I had not planned to write this review until the weekend.

I must say I love this T-shirt. The fabric is soft, thick and heavy. There is no comparison to the cheaply made thin T-shirts you find now days. I would say this has many years of wash and wear ahead of it. Take a look at the photo below. The length is great not to short and the sleeves are a complete short sleeve not some little wisp of material.

My son has assured me the shirt is very comfortable.

If you are looking for a fun T-shirt or a joke gift for someone special one of these shirts would fit the bill. Stop over and check out FUNNY IRISH T-SHIRTS you will not be disapointed.

I couple other choices I liked.





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.

My Week Three Totals: 21 Day Weight Loss Challenge

My 21 days are over. I am very excited to say that I completed my 21 day goals. The total points possible for the challenge was 2,215. My total points were 1,067. This included points for eating proper meals, vegetables, protein and drinking enough water. There were points for exercising, sweating, sleeping and blogging. It was also possible to loose points for drinking soda, eating sweets, skipping breakfast, eating fast food and eating refined carbs. My most point loss was from drinking soda and not sleeping enough. I could have also done better if I had blogged every day and drank enough water. I will try to do better in the March challenge. I still feel like a winner since I have reached my short term goals.
I am using Dustin Maher’s Fit Mom’s For Life Program. To learn more please visit Fit Mom’s For Life.*** All opinions are my own

Forgive Me My Friend

On Sunday evening I had this lovely thought of posting about a tasty bread recipe I baked Sunday morning. I was all excited I remembered to take a few pictures and everything. So, I sit down and insert the camera media card into my favorite (only) computer. I patiently waited after all my computer is about 3 years old and has gotten a little slow to respond to my commands. Well, I waited and nothing. I tried and tried to get the computer to read this little card. I even tried to manually open the card reader. The icon was missing. When I ran a search nothing came up. Oh, just my luck.I restarted the computer. Still now icon and it would not read the card. I restored to an eairlier date. It finally read the card. Yay!! I was dancing and a little too proud. Next, I try to sign in to Google Chrome. I get his lovely message on the screen.

 NO files found! Please reinstall. Ok, just reinstall, I can do that no problem. I reinstall. Same message again. Well now I am mad! I delete Google chrome and reinstall that should do the trick. It's now midnignt. No such luck to be had. I go to bed.

Monday evening after a long day with Pooh Bear. I decide I will up grade my Vista to Windows 7. I have had the windows 7 cd for over a year to upgrade my computer. What stopped me was I have not backed up my files. I am smart enough to know I could loose all my photos if I do not back them up. Like, that has never happened to me. Haha, not again anyway.

I read all the instructions and followed them to the last period. The instructions said it might take several hours. Once started you can't stop the download or you loose everything. After four hours of sitting and babysitting my computer. You see the program said it would stop at certain points and prompt me with more instructions. Such as stop the download. Reinstall this driver and restart the computer and then start the download again. That is what I did until one am. Then I took my computer to bed. I did! Yes, I did. Well, actually I put it on the night stand. With the instruction book and pen and paper. Once it gave an instruction and I closed the window I had to remember the steps. There for pen and paper. I climed in bed with this blue light shining brightly in my eyes. If there is one thing I need when I sleep its pitch black. I love the dark. I draw the blanket over my head and try to get a few minutes of shut eye. I had to respond each time it beeped and I crossed my fingers I was not so blury eyed that I would mess the whole thing up.  

Some time around 11:30 am my computer was finished installing the windows 7 and I again was happy for a few minutes. It is sad to say I have tried mutiple time to install my favorite Google Chrome back to where it belongs with no luck. I am certain my computer is on its last leg. It is slow to respond and as I am typing I am miles ahead of the print. I should have taken better care of my dear friend. You bet if I can get it back to a resembelence of its past I promiss to make amends.

If my computer had a response to my promiss it would be:

My dear friends if I am slow to visit my favorite blogs, at least you know why. Have a great week!

P.S. Internet Explorer is driving me crazy! : (