Talk to you again in the New Year!

You haven't heard from me in a while, it's been so busy and we leave for the Coast tomorrow and won't be back till the 4th of January.
So a Happy New Year to all of you!

Just a little post for all you bloggers out there. If you want to do a review on Skin MD shielding lotion, fill in the below form and samples will be sent out for you to try!

http://www.skinmdnatural.com/samples-for-bloggers.html

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all!

Well, we're going to have a white Christmas this year!
I'm taking a little break and will see you again next week. I'm so excited for the New Year, we're going to start it off with some fantastic reviews/giveaways! Does See Kai Run ring a bell? Or Wet Giggles? 
Well, keep coming back to find out.


Anybody want popsicles???





more snow and ice to come!

Well, as predicted there's been snow, snow, snow and ice...and there's more to come! 
We're looking after our little hummingbirds that stayed behind for the winter, there sugar water keeps freezing up so we take turns in defrosting the feeders, making sure they always have one defrosted outside!













Simba our cat is not happy, he has had enough!



















Since last night we have lots of ice, and the kids love it!



















They've been working hard on their fort, which is even bigger today than yesterday (when this picture was taken).

Vtech kidi art studio giveaway!

Just came by this supercool giveaway! My son loves taking pictures and what better thing than this studio where you can take pictures, download them and then add funny hats and hair, and lots more. Go check it out...at NWI parent.

Free Holiday hits from Oprah

Download a FREE Holiday Hits CD from Oprah

As a holiday gift to viewers, the Oprah web site is offering a free holiday CD download, complete with CD cover and CD label that you can print out to make a complete CD package. This offer is only available for 48 hours! Click here for details.

Songs on the CD are:

Faith Hill, "Joy to the World"

Tony Bennett, "I'll be Home for Christmas"

Il Divo, "O Holy Night"

Josh Groban, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

Brian McKnight, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

Amy Grant, "O Come All Ye Faithful"

Harry Connick Jr., "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

Aretha Franklin, "Silent Night"

Enjoy your free CD!

Flip Ultra video camcorder giveaway!

I really want to win the Flip ultra video camcorder on "I never grew up" as I'm struggling with our old camcorder (from Europe) that doesn't want to properly download on the computer. I want to send clips of my kids to my parents in Belgium and my parents-in-law in England but have not been able to.
Head on over to I never grew up for a chance.
Good luck, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

See Kai Run giveaway

As you know I love See Kai Run shoes. If you want to try and win a pair, head on over to a working blogging mommy and enter:
http://taylorsmommy-taysmommy.blogspot.com/2008/12/huge-see-kai-run-giveaway.html
Good luck!

Gorillapod giveaway

I love taking pictures and found the coolest thing I think I'm going to ask for for Christmas (that is if I don't win it, I'm keeping my fingers crossed).
It's called the gorillapod and it looks like an extra set of arms, you can wrap them around a tree, over a fence,...
Head on over to Simple finds and give it a shot...

Wordless Wednesday

Mhmmmmmm, yummeeee...

We just decorated cookies, don't they look delicious? Oh, and no, I can't show you Abby's as she's already eating hers...

                                          

What do they say about folding washing?

What is it they say again, if you fold your washing immediately after it comes out of the dryer, you most of the time don't have to iron it???
Well, that would actually work if your little one doesn't help you unload and load the washing all the time. Abby just loves to take out the washing and reload the basket. I've given up on explaining why she should keep the washing in it. 
I swear this was all neatly folded 15 minutes earlier!
 doesn't she look so comfortable in the basket?

The kids are still off from school as now there's not only snow but also ice...I've got a feeling they are going to be off from school for the rest of the week as it's going to snow again tomorrow.

It's all about layers, right, when it comes to the cold and snow?
Well, this is Abby getting herself ready for going outside. She just doesn't want to wear her pants, she loves her Babylegs.
Well, luckily I have a ski-suit for her, an all-in-one, nice and warm.

Skin MD Natural review and giveaway. WINNER ANNOUNCED!

Sorry for being so late, I was going to run Random Integer this morning but we had a power outage. It's been fixed, still lots of snow falling tomorrow, so let's see how it goes. The winner is.......

True Random Number Service
Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

9
Timestamp: 2008-12-24 04:57:25 UTC

#9 is Betsy...Congratulations, you're going to love this product!
I will send you an email too to get all your info.

Thanks for all for entering!!!

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A couple of weeks ago I was contacted by 21st century formulations to try a skin care product called Skin MD natural
When I received the package I read the documents that come with it and went online to find out what a shielding lotion really is.

"Shielding lotion is a lotion that forms a protective barrier on the skin and keeps out irritants and chemicals. It also allows the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better. It is a big advantage that shielding lotions are light and go on without a greasy mess," says Dr. Brian Zogg, a dermatologist in Albert Lea, MN."When you have dry, itchy skin you know that the protective outer layer of skin has been stripped away. In southern Minnesota most people need to use a shielding lotion. In the winter they all get very dry skin. We also recommend shielding lotions for anyone who is exposed to chemicals in their work environment. Your skin is exposed to irritants and chemicals almost every day, even in a normal household environment, so a shielding lotion can be a useful dry skin care solution for most people.. And it won't create the negative moisture message skin can get from conventional lotions.
The artificial moisturizers in conventional creams and lotions can send a signal to the moisture producing parts of your skin that enough moisture is present. Your skin then makes less of the natural moisture needed to resolve a dry skin problem. With a shielding lotion you protect your own natural oils and moisture in the skin, so it heals faster," says Dr. Zogg."A conventional lotion is not formulated to protect the skin like a shielding lotion does. Conventional lotions only add surface moisture to temporarily alleviate dry skin or itching. Shielding lotions stay on because they bond with the skin and protect it for long periods of time. With this protection in place your skin keeps its own moisture in and has a chance to use this natural moisture in the deep layers of the skin to heal itself," states Dr. Lisa Benest, a board certified dermatologist of Burbank, CA.

I couldn't believe my luck as my face is struggling a bit. I'm not sure if it's still from having had Abby as the dry skin comes and goes. So I tried the shielding lotion + sunscreen SPF 15 twice a day, morning and evening, and I can not believe the difference. It honestly works!!! The cream doesn't leave my skin feeling oily and sticky but it feels light, silky and smooth! I have no more dry skin on my cheeks and forehead and I had this on and off for a long time.

Here is what some leading experts in skin care (dermatologists, who do not have a vested interest) say about Skin MD Natural: http://www.skinmdnatural.com/doctor-reviews.html 


Now I also have a 4oz bottle of shielding lotion to give away to one of my lucky readers. 
For a chance to win, let me know what you've tried to get rid of dry skin on your face.
For an extra entry, become a follower of my blog.
The deadline of the giveaway is 12/22/08 at midnight. Please leave your email in the comment so I can contact you if you win.
Good luck, you really want to win this product as it really works!

hummingbirds

My favorite bird is the hummingbird, I love the colors, love that they are tiny and they are so fast!
We have 2 feeders for them and a couple (not sure how many) are always staying here during the winter.
We keep the Christmas lights on as it seems to warm them a little in the cold and I need to take the feeders in in the morning to defrost the sugarwater but I don't mind one little bit.

Yes it's still snowing!!!

The kids were right, school's closed tomorrow!!!
More snowfun tomorrow!


The snow has arrived!!! Yeeehaaaaaaaa!

We're all so excited, we got up this morning and it had snowed,...not just a little bit but a lot and it's still snowing! The kids are going to go out for the 3rd time today, they've had hot cocoa, a hotdog and are ready to go down the hill again.
I took some pictures as I'm not sure how long the snow will stay.
We have a couple of hummingbirds that keep coming back to the feeders and they are enjoying the Christmas lights too!

I was going to write a review for the Skin MD Natural: shielding lotion but I'm having too much fun in the snow with the kids so it has to wait till tomorrow.
Oh yes, you're guessing right, it's coupled to a giveaway!!!
Have fun outside today!
Oh by the way, the kids are convinced the school will be closed tomorrow, but we'll wait and see.

today is my birthday!!!!! Yipppeeeeeeeeee!!!

Hi all,

Today is the day I turn 35! My 10 year old Lisa told me to stay in bed till 8:10, brought me a coffee in bed and then at 8:10 I was allowed downstairs where my toast with strawberry jam was waiting. My 7 year old son Jamie had emptied the dishwasher for me. (I know, I love my kids, they are the best!)
I was told to relax today which I'm doing with Abby.
I just picked the little bugs boutique winner (Dee) and now I'm going to make myself another cup of coffee and am going to enjoy myself doing absolutely nothing...

Have a great day!

Free Clipart Picture of a Champagne Bottle, Top Hat and Confetti. Click Here to Get Free Images at Clipart Guide.com

Sima's gorgeous jewelry, a giveaway

You all know I absolutely love my necklace from Sima (see giveaways). 
I came by a giveaway to win a handstamped My Family Necklace by Sima. It's absolutely gorgeous!!!
Head on over to "living life one day at a time" for a chance to win. Deadline Dec. 12.
Good luck!

Another giveaway, you're going to love this one! WINNER ANNOUNCED!

And the winner of this giveaway is...........

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

11
Timestamp: 2008-12-19 19:16:44 UTC

pink princess210..
I've send you an email, please get back to me with the info.

Thanks to all for entering!!

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In October I won this oilcloth lunch sac from Baby Jake's on pbandpickles. I absolutely love it and use it every day to put Abby's milk bottle, sippy cup, snacks in when we go out: to a swim meet, soccer game, you name it we take it! Mine is called the Paisley Pink.
I love the color combination, the fact that it's durable, wipeable (a must) and when her milk spills in the bag, it doesn't leak!
I just love, love, love it!
 Mr. bunny likes it too!

Of course baby Jake's does have more than just these lunch sacks, another couple of my favorites:

* the Poodle Shag toddler blanket, this is the cutest and softest blanket I've seen in a while and I would love to get one in an adult size!
* what do you know, of course they have them in adult size, check here!
* the Fuzzy buns diaper cover, just adorable!

I can go on and on, I just love the store.
Dayna, owner of baby Jakes has generously offered to give a Oilcloth Lunch Sac (any color combination) to one of my readers!!!
You are going to love this!!!
What do you say??? You want to win this really badly?
Well, here we go...
For 1 entry: go to baby Jake's, have a look around and tell me your favorite!
For a 2nd entry, blog about this giveaway, linking back to A latte in the morning and baby Jake's. Leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
For a 3rd entry, become a follower from "A latte in the morning", leave a separate comment.
Make sure you leave your email in the comment box, or if you're a blogger that your email is on your contact page. 

Deadline for this giveaway: 12/18/08 midnight, I will pick a winner on Friday 12/19/08 and will annouce it here and will send the winner an email!
Good luck to all!

I'm trying to win some shoes (again)

Head on over to Centsible mommy to win a pair of shooshoos.  
They are very cute, very affordable and I hope I can win a pair for my little girl. My favorite is the Fuchsia / Pink T Bar / Smiley Sole (#S3 Fuchsia) | Soft Soled Leather Baby Shoes, I would love to win the size 8 for next summer.
Go enter and good luck.

Electrician required

Finally yesterday was the day that my husband and myself went to the movies with just the 2 of us! I think it's been 2 years that we've gone to a movie together. It's not that we couldn't find a babysitter cause I'm sure we could have, but I always feel guilty when I have to ask somebody to watch my kids (I'm sure I'm not the only one).
Anyway, I had been looking forward to this for a week now and yesterday it nearly didn't happen.

Lisa and Jamie got home from school, Abby was home and I was also watching Emma, a 3 month old, so the house was busy. I'm ironing my shirt for the night, unplug my iron and....
the electricity went out, this was at 5:00, so it's getting dark outside. Normally you can just flip the switch and problem solved but of course this wasn't the case when I'm home!
Tried ringing Ian, he was stuck in a meeting, didn't ring back. I flipped all the switches, flipped the main switch but the main switch didn't stay on.
Finally Ian rings back after 5 minutes (felt like an hour) and he told me to flip all the separate switches off, flip on the main switch and then flip on all the separate switches back on and yes, hubby was right, it worked!!!
But no, no this is not the end of the story. Our TV and Christmas tree plugs don't work anymore. So Ian gets home from work, in the meantime the babysitter arrived, and he plugs in the iron, and guess what the TV and Christmas tree switched on again. He unplugs and they go off again?!? What is this, Christmas magic? Houdini?
I rang Dave our electrician and he's going to try and squeeze us in today, I'm keeping an eye on the sockets, not sure if we have a fire hazard...
Well, at least we went to dinner, watched the new James Bond and had a great time!
The babysitter played family games with our kids and had a great time.
I just wish I knew more about electrical outlets!

Rileyroos @ Simple

I just entered myself to try and win a pair of shoes for Abby. I know, I know, I enter a lot of giveaways for shoes but I love shoes and can't help myself. 
Head on over to Simple and enter yourself for an adorable pair of Rileyroos.
I love to win the Sportie in strawberry sundae (mhmmm, I even love the name!)

Good luck!

Thanksgiving dessert disaster

Remember that 2 weeks ago Friday I tried a recipe for Banana cheesecake so I was sure it was going to work for Thanksgiving? Well, the banana cheesecake was absolutely fantastic but since that Friday I had been eating it for breakfast and lunch so by the time Thanksgiving came along, I had enough of banana cheesecake and decided to do a New York Style cheesecake from scratch instead. 
What a mistake to make!

Everything went fine, easy to mix, easy to bake.... I had a little disaster with Abby and her Mac'N'cheese (see earlier post) but overall no issues.

Then it was time for cooling the cheesecake, which I did longer than required, then I took the ring off the cheesecake and...........

this is the result:

It didn't only collapse, it also dripped off my counter!!!

So, I did the only thing I could think off, the night before Thanksgiving... I went to the store and bought a mixed berry pie!
I'm not giving up on the New York Style cheesecake though. I will try again at a later date. I'm really not sure why the cake didn't properly set!
Maybe I should stick to the banana cheesecake instead!

Win a pair of See Kai Run shoes

Head on over to Monkey Mayhem to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes.
I love the new blog design, really cool!

Good luck!