Friday, July 30, 2010

Lucas's Fabulous Friday Giveaway Gathering 7/30 BLOG HOP




If you are entering your giveaway on this linky please help build our gathering and copy the button above and place it somewhere on your site so that others can join in on the fun! This is a great way to publicize your giveaways so please share it! We will post a new link each week at around 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday nights.


We also host a Blog Hop on Sunday to meet some more new friends so please stop back to link up. We would love to have you! Have a great time today and thanks for visiting Lucas's Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder.


When adding your information to the linky, add your giveaway and giveaway url, not your blog home page. (The link you provide should go directly to the giveaway)

My BabyGirl Turns 12 Today!

Wow!  I can barely believe that it has been 12 years since God blessed me with my beautiful daughter!  At 8:41am, on July 29, 1998, FutureFBI was born.  She weighed 5lbs 12oz and was 19  1/4 inches long!  I never imagined someone so small could impact my life in such a large way! 

I'm so proud of the lady that my daughter is becoming.  She is very respectful(well, most of the time), does great in school, and has been saved!  FutureFBI loves listening to music, especially Justin Bieber.  She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, making videos, karaoke, playing video games and everything Twilight.....more directly, everything Taylor Lautner!

My mom and I took FutureFBI and one of her friends to see Eclipse (AGAIN) today.   I like the movie a lot, but I love listening to the girls squeal with delight everytime "Jacob" appears on screen. 

Last night, I watched her sleep.  This is something I do a lot, but this time I really watched her.  She sleeps peacefully at the end of my bed.  She has no cares or fears, because she knows that her daddy and I will always be here to protect her!  I hope she always wants to be near us!

With my hubby sleeping beside me, I wonder what I ever did to deserve these two. Thank you Lord for your blessings on me!

~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

Monday, July 26, 2010

Making Friends Monday

Welcome to Making Friends Monday Blog Hop, hosted by Living on Love and Cents, Mon Cheri, The Thrifty Things, Reviewed By Mom , Coupons are Great.


Each week we will randomly pick a Spotlight Blog of the Week! To be choosen you must follow the rules and have our button somewhere on your blog. (We have to be able to find it!)

This week's Spotlight of the Week is Mom's Mutterings. The writer of Mom's Mutterings is Pam and she is wonderful! Pam is a mom to two kids, two cats, and two spare kids. She enjoys thrifty living and couponing. She usually writes about the misadventures of her family and shares reviews and giveaways. She can also be found at her other blog, The Thrifty Things.





This week please join us as we discover new blogs and gain new followers every week!

The rules are super simple!

1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts (Listed as # 1-5) as well as the Spotlight Blog of the Week (listed as #6)--They WILL follow you Back!

2. Link up the Making Friends Monday post on your blog.

3. Grab our Making Friends Monday button and include it somewhere on your blog-this can include a simple post.

4. Visit as many blogs as you would like and follow them. Be sure to tell them you are a new follower from Making Friends Monday!

5. Follow back as many followers as you would like from Making Friends Monday. Following back your new friends is appreciated!

Help spread the word and get more followers:

-Put the same linky list code on your blog and you'll have the exact same list!

- Your blog visitors can add their blog to your list and it will show up on all lists!



Don't forget to follow the rules so you have a chance to be the "Spotlight Blog of the Week"!



Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Successful School Year

With the upcoming school year quickly approaching,  it is time to start thinking about ways to ensure they have a healthy, safe and successful school year.  Here are 10 tips from me.

1.  Schedule a back to school doctors visit.  It's a great time to make sure their shots are up to date, or even to get their sports physical!
2.  Schedule an appointment to get their eyes checked!
3.  Get their hearing tested!
4.  Buy school supplies while they are on sale.  Every child will need pencils and paper, so get it as cheap as possible!  Find a backpack that will help support their back!
5.  Start getting back into normal bedtime routines.  This will save lots of headaches later!
6.  Go over bus routes and proper school bus behavior.
7.  Go ahead and make a homework area and set a homework schedule.
8.  Update the contact information at your school, and make sure you have back ups in case of emergencies!
9.  Talk to your kids about their feelings about school. Fears?  Peer Pressure?
10.  Enjoy every minute you have with your child before school starts.  Let them know that you love them and are proud of them!

~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.

Ten Bits & Pieces You Should Know About Me

Here are 10 Bits and Pieces you should know about me......They are in no specific order!

1.  I am the oldest child in my family.  I have a brother who is 2 years younger than I am! (Although everyone thinks he's MUCH older)
2.  The sight of trucks hauling live chickens makes me sick to my stomach.  In 1985 my church group was in a deadly accident in PA.  A tractor trailer hauling live chickens hit us and caused the van to flip 3 times.  The aftermath left 3 people dead and the rest of us seriously injured...and chickens everywhere.
3.  I loved the Twilight Series!  I know.  I know.  It just makes me feel young...lol!  As far as Team Edward or Team Jacob....I'm Team Carlisle!!
4.  I can't drive anymore.  In October of  2008, I began having problems becoming drowsy while I was driving.  In November, I fell asleep at the wheel.  It was only for a moment, but it scared me enough to put my keys away.   Seizures are suspected!
5.  I met my husband through a friend.  I was moderating an online chat room for my friend, and this guy started chatting with me.  Before we knew it, everyone else left the room and we were all alone.  After 3 hours of typing, I gave him my cell number.  We talked all night that night, and everyday since!
6.  I really enjoy cooking and attempting to decorate cakes.  BUT...I'm married to a chef and he prefers to do most of the cooking.  He's a better cook than I am anyway...lol
7.  I was talked out of going to college for my dream job.  I always wanted to be a school teacher and my high school counselor discouraged me from pursuing that career.  She talked me into going into accounting, which I regretted from day one! 
8.  The doctors and nurses in our local hospital know my name and face.  I'm a major klutz and I have been to the emergency room more times than you can imagine.  I've had everything from a broken ankle to a tonsillectomy (at 40), and then to 8 MRSA outbreaks causing hospitalization.
9.  I love all different kinds of music.  I once drove from NC to Detroit, MI to go to a Kid Rock concert, then came home to see Reba!  I just love music!
10.  Love is the most important thing to me.  Love of God, and love of family...My parents loved me enough to take me to church and to teach me about God and His love.  Without God, there would be no love.  He blessed me with wonderful parents, grandparents, husband, daughter and extended family members, because He loved me.  Everyday I thank God that He loved me enough to send His Son, Jesus, to die for my sins.  He blessed me with His love, and continues to bless me...all the days of my life!

~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

SITS: 31 Days to Building a Better Blog

I have joined the ladies of SITS Blog Frog in participating in the ProBlogger Summer Challenge: 31 Days to Build a Better Blog!  Our Day 1 Assignment was to create an Elevator Pitch.  Initially, I was curious as to why we were pitching elevators, LOL.  Now, I understand what I was supposed to be doing! 

Concentrating on myself is really out of character for me, but here goes...  When I originally started my blog, it was basically therapy for me.  I have health issues and I needed an outlet for my thoughts.  That thought lasted all of about one post.  I realized that I would rather post about coupons, good deals, freebies and giveaways.  I started off slowly and over time, I have increased my posts more than I ever imagined.  When the opportunity to begin doing product reviews/giveaways presented itself, I felt I had found my niche. 

I'm doing the #31DBBB challenge to strengthen my blog. So....here we go!

*What is your short elevator pitch?  Shelly's Bits and Pieces is a blog for ladies, moms, dads, anyone.  It focuses on Bits of somethings and Pieces of others.  You never know what surprises await you on this blog.

*Long Elevator Pitch:  Shelly's Bits and Pieces is the kind of blog that anyone can visit and not be offended.  One day I might be talking about buying groceries during triple coupons, and the next day, I might be posting a product review about dog food!  Everything I post is something I want to write about, and is something I will stand behind!

*Did Completing this task change your blog or change the way you think about your blog?  Yes and No.  I did have to think about what was really important to me.  Most importantly, I had to figure out how to put my thoughts into words.

Want to join us on our quest?  Click HERE for more information!

Til tomorrow,
~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

Saturday, July 17, 2010

GIVEAWAY: A Tidbit Romance by Erin Coss

Winterbabe98 has been drawn as the winner and has been contacted. She has 48 hrs to respond or a new winner will be drawn. Thanks to everyone who entered



Erin Coss aka The Chicken Dance Mama has written a wonderful devotional book, A Tidbit Romance: Falling in Love with God's Word One Devotion at a Time!  Coss writes on several “everyday” topics in her devotions, which she calls “tidbits.” I was lucky enough to be among the first to review this delightful book, and I really enjoyed it. 


The book has 60 devotional tidbits that will keep you interested!  Erin has taken tidbits of Scripture and has given her take on what it means.  I loved reading the book, because I feel it drew me closer to God.  Each "tidbit" is just the right length to read anytime you need a pick me up, or when you can grab some quiet time! 

Author Sandra B. Rice, contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women, writes: ”In a hectic and time-consumed world, it is nice to find a place of peace. A Tidbit Romance gives us a chance to focus on God’s Word as Erin’s insightful and honest devotionals guide us through each day.”

Some of the subjects discussed include:
• Why “ugly days” are a thing of the past.
• What the common phrase “apple of His eye” really means.
• Was the Holocaust prophesied in the Bible?
• Which ghost story is included in the Bible
• Was there teleportation in the Bible?
• Why God handpicked you!

Join us as A Tidbit Romance makes a blog tour from July 5th-July 28th!

Blog tour dates include:


Mon, July 5 – This Mom’s Delight - http://www.thismomsdelight.com/
Tues, July 6 – The Vessel Project - http://vesselproject.com/
Wed, July 7 – What You Reading Now? - http://whatyoureadingnow.blogspot.com/
Thurs, July 8 – The Change - http://sweetsoup.wordpress.com/
Fri, July 9 – Books & Needlepoint - http://booksandneedlepoint.blogspot.com/
Tues, July 13 – Three Different Directions - http://www.threedifferentdirections.com/
Wed, July 14 – Shelly’s Bits & Pieces - http://sweepnsave.blogspot.com/
Thurs, July 15 – Ruby for Women - http://rubyforwomen.com/
Fri, July 16 – The Christian Scroll - http://thechristianscroll.blogspot.com/
Mon, July 19 – Life in Review - http://michellevsblog.blogspot.com/
Tues, July 20 – Bee Hive Books - http://beehivebooksdelaware.blogspot.com/
Wed, July 21 – Gather Inspirit - http://gatherinspirit.com/
Thurs, July 22 –All a Bunch of Momsense - http://www.allabunchofmomsense.com/
Fri, July 23 – Word Wanderings - http://libertywordwanderings.blogspot.com/
Mon, July 26 – Mama’s Little Treasures - http://www.mamaslittletreasures.typepad.com/
Tues, July 27 – Smallest Inspirations - http://smallestinspirations.wordpress.com/
Wed, July 28 – I am Believing God’s Blog - http://iambelievinggod.wordpress.com/

Along with the review, I have also been given a second copy of the book to giveaway to one of my readers!  This is a wonderful book and it would be a great addition to any home!

How do you enter?
Main Entry: Why do you want to win this book? (include your email in your comment)
(This must be done in order to qualify for bonus entries!)
Bonus Entries:   You will receive one extra entry for each of these:
(You must leave the link/comment/username in entry)
1.  Follow me on Google Friend Connect
2.  Subscribe to my feed

3.  Follow me on twitter (CLICK HERE)
4.  Add this giveaway to any McLinky
5.  Enter my All Free Clear Giveaway (maybe done daily for 1 entry)
6.  Blog about this giveaway. (5 extra entries)
7.  Tweet about the giveaway!  (2 extra entries/may be done daily) 
8.  Grab my button and post on your blog sidebar or add me to your blog roll.(5 extra entries)
Giveaway ends on July 31, 2010 at 11:00pm EST.  Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be drawn!
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Hope to see you again soon!
 
~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Googly Bands Series 2 Retirement Party Tons of Prizes too

In case you have not heard, Googly Bands will be retiring ALL Series 2 Bands!  The Official Retirement Party is going to be held tomorrow, July 15, 2010 at 2pm PST (5pm EST) at Facebook.com/googlybands

Never Heard of Googly Bands?  I bet your children or grandchildren have.  They are the hottest accessories for kids on the market!!  They are bands that come in many different shapes and sizes.  They can be worn on your wrist and will snap back into shape when removed.  Boys and girls both love Googly Bands!  Interested?

Make sure you join us at 2pm PST (4pm CST/5pm EST) on Thursday July 15, 2010(tomorrow) at Facebook.com/googlybands for the official retirement party for ALL Series 2 Googly Bands!! You have a chance to win tons of prizes!


See you at the party!



 


~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

Disclosure:  I am not only posting about this party because it is one hot ticket, by posting about the party, I have a chance to win some free unreleased Googly Bands! 

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

My Glue Dots Summer Bonding Project

I am a huge scrapbooker, and I was overjoyed to be included in the Twittermoms/My Glue Dots Summer Bonding Project!!  I love working with Glue Dots because they are so easy to use and they are wonderful adhesives.  My summer projects have all been scrapbooking oriented.  I'm making pages for my niece and I'm having a blast.  I decided to post them without her photographs, because I didn't get a chance to okay it with her mom.  Hope you enjoy the photos! 
Make sure you check out Twittermoms Summer Bonding Projects discussion page and also check out
 Glue Dots Facebook fan page!
~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~~

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Glue Dots blogging contest to be eligible to receive a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here!


Monday, July 12, 2010

All Free Clear Detergent Giveaway


This giveaway is now closed! Katie and Julie were the winners and have responded! Thank you to everyone who entered. Keep watching for more giveaways!

For anyone who has a new baby, or who has a child with sensitive skin, choosing a detergent can be stressful.  All Free Clear has taken that stress out of the picture!  When I was a new mom,  I looked to books, magazines, doctors, friends and family for advice.  Most of the time, I was more confused!  I usually made my decisions by choosing the what I thought was best...and praying I was right!

To help new moms manage, all® Free Clear is teaming up with Kerry Colburn, author of How to
Have Your Second Child First, to create a forum at www.facebook.com/alllaundry for first-time moms to share tips and seek out advice from other moms who have been there before. There, both first time and experienced moms can help each other save time and money, while still showering their newborn with all that it needs. The all® Facebook page will also provide money saving advice and a downloadable coupon.
 
Thanks to all® and MomSelect I was given the opportunity to try and review all® Free Clear along with a copy of Kerry Colburn's book, How to Have Your Second Child First!  I really enjoyed the book, and it gave me a lot of very useful information.  This book would be a great baby shower gift.  It is a wonderful resource for any mom.  I was also very pleased with all® Free Clear.  all® Free Clear is the number one free clear detergent and is pediatrician and dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin. It is free of perfumes and clear of dyes, and gently lifts away tough baby stains. Importantly for new moms on a budget, all® Free Clear costs fifty percent less than Dreft®!


With all® Free Clear, mom never needs to separate baby’s laundry from the rest of the family’s and can still feel good about doing the best for her newborn. With all® Free Clear, mom gets the whole family’s wash clean, while still caring for newborn’s sensitive skin.  This saves me so much money, because we can all use the same detergent and I don't have to sort clothes beforehand!  I have sensitive skin, and the all® Free Clear never once caused me any problems!  WooHoo! Thanks to MomSelect and all®, TWO Shelly's Bits & Pieces readers will have the opportunity to give all® Free Clear a test drive!
 
                 Giveaway:
Two winners will receive a bottle of all® Free Clear, and one of the winner will also receive How to
Have Your Second Child First, by Kerry Colburn. 

                 How to enter:
Tell me why you want to win.

                 Extra Entries:(good for one extra entry, unless noted)
Follow me on twitter (Click HERE
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to my feed.
Tweet about my giveaway, and provide me with the link.  (You may do this twice daily for 2 extra entries)
You can create your own tweet or use this:  
Win all Free Clear Detergent ~ http://tinyurl.com/allfreeclear~ Please RT~#GIVEAWAY @sleatham1
Blog about this giveaway or post it on any McLinky and give me the link. (3 extra entries)
Grab my button and leave me the link to your blog (5 extra entries)


Giveaway open to US residents only.  Giveaway ends at 11:00pm EST on July 30th.(10pm CST)

Thanks for stopping by!! 
  ~~~~~~~~~~Shelly~~~~~~~~~
I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Select on behalf of all® and received a bottle of detergent and the book to facilitate my post.  The opinions are purely my own.