PartSelect’s $5,000 GE Giveaway Contest

Okay followers, I mentioned in past posts that I enter sweepstakes and contests as a job/hobby. I am entering a contest hosted by PartSelect and it is entitled GE PartSelect’s $5,000 GE Giveaway Contest. We are required to select a topic provided by  PartSelect and post it onto our blog. There were several blogger topics, but I choose the topic“ Tell us about your worst DIY disaster!” In addition, one lucky blogger will receive $5,000 worth of new GE Appliances. I hope to win and surprise my parents with their new GE products.

My Worst DIY Disaster

OMG!!!! This was such a disaster. I tried to redo, renovate, or whatever you call it to one of my parent’s bathrooms. They had striped green and white wallpaper that had been on the walls since they moved into the home in 1996. It took hours to pull and scrape off the wallpaper. So I left some of the wallpaper on the wall. I then tried to paint the walls with wall paper still attached because I got tired of trying to remove it. I added primer then tan paint and repeated the process. You could still see the stripes underneath the paint. Paint was all over me and my clothes, but I did manager to cover the tiled bathroom floor; at least most of the floor. This got to be so bad that I took some fancy off white wallpaper and started placing it on top of the old wallpaper and paint, but that was hard because I didn't have a stool. So I just did the best I could with reaching the higher parts of the wall. The harder part came when it was time to get behind the toilet. Since I couldn’t successfully paint behind the toilet, I took a piece of the fancy wallpaper and stuck it behind the toilet. Needless to say, the wallpaper started coming off (even before I finished the project). Around the top of the shower, I painted a brownish-reddish color to hide the previous (striped green and white) wallpaper that I hadn't pulled off. After struggling for a few more hours, my dad came to help me. He added paint here and there and wallpaper here and there to cover my screw-ups, but it still didn't look professional. We finally finished with a wallpaper and tan and brownish-reddish painted bathroom and change a few accessories so that everything would match. One of the smallest rooms in the house and I screwed it up (I may try it again after I watch more DIY videos). My parents realized that I was in over my head before I even started, but they said they didn't say anything because I was so determined about doing something nice for them. Just thinking about this gives me a headache. If I could just win $5,000 worth of GE appliances, I know they would forget about the whole ordeal and fall in love with their new appliances. 

Make Valentine's Day About Him

So we always want our men to buy us something for the big "Love Day" right? Well I am going to do things just a little different. I know my husband doesn't ask for anything on Valentine's Day, nor does he expect anything. But I have a few small, but sweet surprises for him starting February the 1st and ending February the 14th. This is called my "Exquisite14 Days of Love." I asked my husband what would he like. Needless to say, I had to brainstorm on my own! His answer was a little......Well.. Let me begin!

My Hubby

Day 1: Spend day one planning your " Exquisite14 Days of Love"

Day 2: Make or buy him a coupon book. Allow him to use it when he wants

Day 3: Don't ask or require him to do anything for the entire day
Day 4: When he gets home from work, have something on nice for him
Day 5: Write a homemade love note/letter; something juvenile! 

Day 6: Send a random text letting him know you were thinking about him

Day 7: Once he is home from work and relaxed, give him a foot massage

Day 8: Bring him lunch or order him lunch and have it delivered

Day 9:  Buy him his favorite video game(s) 

Day 10: Wear something nice for him the entire day (they never get tired of this)

Day 11: Have a "Pamper Daddy" Day with the kids

Day 12: Hide him a gift or keepsake on his car seat before he goes work

Day 13: Take him out to eat and you pay (Restaurants will be packed tomorrow)
Day 14: Cook his favorite meal and serve him, prep his shower, have his night clothes ready and the rest will follow!!!

A Sample Love Note to My Hubby

Ladies, this can be done throughout the year!!!

Mommy's Honey-Do-List: The Girls

1. Have girl talk every night before bed
2. Read a book before bedtime at least 5 nights a week
3. Eat together everyday
4. Listen to the girls
5. Ask how their day went
6. Go grocery shopping with daddy once a month (we can put anything into the buggy; he won't notice)
7. Have an ice cream party twice a month
8. Have movie night every Friday
9. Cover the girls in Jesus (Prayer)
10. Say our prayers every night
11. Tell them I love them everyday
12. Let the girls pick out their own clothes twice a week.

Thanks A Bloggy Mom for the idea to do this!

Exquisite Teen Fashion

"Exquisite Teen Fashion" will be dedicated to those teens who define fashion as oppose to allowing celebrities, the television, or others define fashion for them. My niece, for example, is a14 year old 8th grader here in one of Georgia's public schools and she has her own style. It's amazing how she puts clothes, colors, and accessories together. I wish I was like that when I was younger, but not everyone has an eye for fashion. So I would like to allow her fashion to shine through my blog. I will also debut other teens that I come across. This will be an interesting journey. More too come!!

Family Fun Night: Movie & Ice Cream Party

Every Friday night we have something planned for the kids. Normally we just do popcorn and a movie. Since we have Netflix, we have no problem choosing a movie that we all like and can watch together. Well this Friday we extended the invitation to other family members. We watched You Again (Jamie Lee Curtis, Kristen Bell and Sigourney Weaver) and Avalon High (Brittany Roberson and Gregg Sulkin); both were very good movies. This time we excluded the popcorn and in its place we added ice cream. We had all the fixings. Chiquita bananas, Smucker's walnuts in syrup, Land O'Lakes whipped light cream, Hershey's chocolate and strawberry syrup, (Kroger brand strawberry syrup as backup) Breyers natural vanilla ice cream, and Dole crushed pineapples. 
Here are the pics!!

The Family: Take 1

The Family: Take 2

All Must Haves

Organization Please

Hurry, the movie is about to start

Too simple

This one was all mine

You hostess relaxed on a Friday night

                              Thanks Netflix, Chiquita, Smucker's, Land O'Lakes, 

                                      Hershey's, Kroger, Breyers, and Dole

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for mentioning these products.

What To Do With Your Kids School Work?

Moms and Dads, I have a dilemma. I am not sure what to do about my little girls school work. I have a daughter in kindergarten and another daughter in Pre-K. They come home with school work and arts and crafts everyday and I don't know what to do with their stuff. At one point, I was keeping somethings for sentimental reasons and I threw away the other stuff. Well, they found their work in the trash and started taking it out and asking why I threw it away and that it wasn't nice to throw their stuff away. I felt so bad! So I began stacking the papers in a pile, but now it is getting to be too much. They even have things in their room, stacked neatly of course; so I won't throw them away. But, even when the kids are not around, I still won't throw anything away. I feel like I am beginning to hoard school work.

Please help! What is the solution for this? 

Things to Remember When Dropping the Kids Off At School

PSA: Ladies and Gents... No Ladies,

Please be conscience of what you look like when dropping off your children tomorrow. I see young mothers in pajama's. Now this is a NO NO! I see young mothers in house shoes. This is also a NO NO! I know you are just running in for a few minutes, but you represent your child. I mean, we as parents tell our kids the represent us when they leave our house, so why shouldn't you follow the same protocol. I am telling you this because I care.

In addition, please don't wear these items to the grocery store, post office, bank, or for any other quick errands. Also, you don't have to scare the staff or the other children, so put on a little lip gloss and run you fingers through your hair.




Thank You,


The Exquisite Mommy

Book Review: Spiritual House Cleaning

Protect Your Home
and
Family from Spiritual
Pollution

Hello everyone, I would like to share one of many book I will be posting in the near future. I am a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit) and I am becoming more and more aware of demonic forces in music, television, books, artifacts', people, etc. The problem is that we as Christians are blind to this. We act like "oh it isn't that serious," or we dismiss it because we want to continue in sin and think we have time to repent (tomorrow is not promised to anyone). But the issue(s) will not go away. We wonder why our children, loved ones, and our surroundings are in such disarray. Well, maybe the words you are speaking are adding to the problem or maybe there is something in the spiritual realm that needs to be addressed. I am reading a book by Eddie and Alice Smith Spiritual House Cleaning. This book is an eye opener into the occult world and spiritual awareness. It gives many stories of those affect by demonic power. I was hesitant to read this because I thought it was going to be scary or something of the sort. It is not! In fact it explains who, what, when, where, and how we give satan permission to torment us. One example was a home that wouldn't sale. It was then revealed to the homeowners, by the Lord, that there was pentagram written on the home in two places.  The homeowners took the necessary steps (physical and spiritual) to removes satan's possession or rule over their home and the couple was later able to sale. This is just one story, but there are many. I don't want to go into further detail about this book because I want you to read it for yourself.

The price is $11.69 (paperback) and I purchased it from Amazon. This is a book worth purchasing. It is also an easy read. If you want make changes and see the results in your life, please go and pick this book up. Because satan is real and so is his well established, organized army. So be ready when he tries to attack!

Other books I am reading are:
Joseph Princes' Destined to Reign and the Destined to Reign Daily Devotional
Frank and Ida Mae Hammond's Pigs in a Parlor
Francis Frangipane's The Three Battlegrounds An In-depth View of the Three Arenas of Spiritual Warfare: The mind, the Church, the Heavenly Places

All were purchased on Amazon.com (My Favorite Place to Shop)

I would like to thank my Pastor, Dr. Jacquelyn H. Ponder of In Jesus Name Church in Senoia, Georgia for incorporating these studies into our church Healing School and Bible Study!


Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

Product Review: LÄRABAR

Greetings All! I received a coupon in the mail from LÄRABAR good for one Free Bar (I went to Kroger).So this is my take on the product. I am a member of influenster, which is a community of trendsetters invited to share their lifestyles and show their influence to qualify for personalized product shipments, special rewards and exclusive deals from the brands they love. Members have the opportunity to test the latest products, offer feedback, and spreading the word on their favorite finds! So, below is my review posted on influenster. 

2011 HOLIDAY VoxBox FEATURED PRODUCT

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Quick Take:It was okay. I thought it was a little too mushy and the taste was rich.

Usage Tips:It should be eaten with a glass of milk.

The Verdict:I would not purchase again. For a healthy bar, it wasn't bad. It made my tongue tingle a little. My initial take on the bar was that it was going to be chunky or have some type of flake. I like healthy bars with a crunch.

For more reviews, click here  LÄRABAR

Thanks LÄRABAR and influenster

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

Product Review: Lancôme Paris

Okay Folks, this isn't going to be my usual product review. I participated in one of my many surveys a while back and although I didn't qualify, I received this Free product for my participation. I would love to give you the specifics about the survey, but my wonderful husband threw my letter away!!!! I promise that I will do better in the near future. Thanks a lot hubby!!! So my review will consist of how I use this product, the product itself, price, performance, and I will give it an overall rating: 1-5 with 1 being the lowest (never, ever purchase again) and 5 being the highest (will definitely purchase again and recommend to others). Please note: I do not claim to be a make-up artist, but I'm working on it.

 Lancôme Paris
Color Fever Gloss
Paradise Pink

Actual Color

Product:A gloss that drenches lips in captivating color and mega-watt shine that’s downright dazzling. With one gliding stroke, lips look more sensual and voluptuous, thanks to Lancôme’s Vinyl Shine System that keeps color vibrant, and shine luminous and lasting without any sticky or tacky feeling. Moisture-boosting ingredients ensure lips feel soft, smooth and comforted all day.

How I use it: I made sure my lips were clean and clear of any other lips sticks or glosses. I rubbed the gloss on my top and bottom lip twice and meshed my lips together for an even coverage. I then traced my lips with a brown lip liner on and Whallah!!! 

Price: $26.00 visit Lancôme Paris

Performance: It adds a nice soft pink shine to my lips. My lips did not feel heavy or sticky. It was very light and smooth and it added moisture to my lips. It is like a glossy pink. There was little fragrance (I don't like glosses that has a loud fragrance). You may have to re-apply if you eat or have a beverage without a straw. If you lightly kiss or peck someone, a reapplication is not needed. 

Rating: This product gets a 5 because it added shine, moisture, and the color looked nice  on my lips. I also gave it a 5 because it unexpectantly matched my complexion. Although the price is rather expensive, I would not have normally purchased this product. But since I've had the opportunity to try it, I would absolutely purchase this product and other glosses and recommend it as well. 

Thanks Lancôme Paris

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in anyway for this review.

Product Review: RedBox

I am a part of a number of online companies that allow you to try new things. I've mentioned to you about one company  BzzAgent that allows you to try new products.  Another company is called smiley360 and I've been a member since June 2011. Members get to try new products and experiences for free and earn status for sharing about their experiences through sites like Facebook, Twitter, and more.” Your status in the smiley360.com community is based on how many Smiles you've collected through missions and how many missions you've completed.

Well since I’ve joined, I’ve participated in missions and I recently received a personal code, good for one FREE Redbox DVD rental. Once I’ve finished this mission, I went to my Redbox mission page and shared my experience with friends and other Smiley members! 

My Review: The process was fast and easy. All you do is follow the directions on the screen. I also like the choices available since I normally you Netflix. Another bonus is that I could return my DVD to any RedBox location. This was very convenient for me. One con for me was that I like having movies available at my fingertips. Meaning, cable, satellite dish, DVR features. Another con was that I could only rent it for 24hrs. Overall, I would give RedBox a 4 out of 5 for inconvenience.

To find out more about how this works, go to smiley360

Hey, when you sign up, let them know the user djordan  smiley360 sent you!

Thanks Smiley360

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

Me Learning How To Coupon, Again!!

I am still learning how to coupon, although I've gotten away from it. I stated in my Blogger Profile that I want to have a stockpile. Not as extreme on TLC, because I don't think I have the patience to spend 8 plus hours digging in dumpsters, clipping, and comparing prices. I think I could dedicate about 3 to 5 hours a day. I do receive help from one of my blog friends The Savvy Housewife who has helped me along the way. 

If I could, I would like a paper stockpile; you know- toiletries, household cleaners, make-up, meds, etc. Is it possible to build a stockpile without being extreme? Oh well, I will continue viewing other blogs and websites that teach how to STOCKPILE!!!! 

In the meantime.........

 There has got to be a better way!! LOL

Now organized 

God Made YOU Just the Way You Are!

Thought for Today: Ladies and gentleman, never loose site of your creator God Almighty (The God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob), who made you perfect. Big, small, short, or tall; white, black, asian, dark-skinned, light-skinned, etc., He created you with love and took His time when He did it. Never try to be like your neighbor or the people on TV. Be like and look like Him (Genesis 1:27). Stop comparing yourself to images that make you want to alter your physical appearance (plastic surgery, liposuction, botox) or make you question why you look the way you do. Happiness/Joy comes from within! BE yourself because you were wonderfully and carefully made.

Muahhh and Happy Friday

It's Your Birthday; What Can You Do for FREE!

In a previous blog What's Wrong With Free, I told you about a few restaurants that will reward you for your birthday. I mean you have 364 days to pay full price for something, why not get one FREE day.

 I use these every year for myself and my family (kids included):

·         Dunkin Donuts- Must sign up at Dunkin Donuts Free beverage medium. I love my strawberry Coolatta.

·         Benihana Japanese Restaurant- Must sign up at Benihana ($30 value). I recommend you go during lunch time.

·         Zaxby's- Must sign up at Zaxby's Receive a Free Nibbler.   

·         IHOP- Must sign up at IHOP Free Rooty Tooty Fresh 'N Fruity…6.99 value or lower.

·         Captain D's –Must sign up at Captain D's Free meal.

·         Bruster’s Ice Cream-Must sign up at Brusters  (Depending on the month of your Birthday) ex. January is Fudge month.

·         Great American Cookies-Must sign up at Great American Cookies Free cookie slice with the purchase of a regular soda.

·         Chuck E. Cheese- Sign up at Chuck E Cheese get coupons, and go party. Why make a reservation?

There are other places, but they only offer you a free dessert with the purchase of a meal. I happen to like Free!! Spoofee

If you are a Georgia resident, go visit The Georgia Aquarium on your birthday!

The Georgia Aquarium (Georgia Residents) - Visit Georgia Aquarium on your birthday, and your Aquarium admission is FREE! Just come to any ticket window and show proof of your birthday with either a valid ID or copy of your birth certificate, and we will give you a FREE Total Ticket!        Visit The Georgia Aquarium

Product Review: Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color Dry to Moisturized

Today I will be doing my first product review. The criteria I will use to evaluate all product(s) I talk about on my blog are "My 3 P's" Product - Price - Performance. In addition, I will tell you why I purchased the product(s), how I use the product(s), and my overall rating of the product(s) from a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest (never, ever purchase again) and 5 being the highest (will definitely purchase again and recommend to others).

Pantene Pro-V

Relaxed & Natural for Women of Color 

(Shampoo and Conditioner)

 Dry to Moisturized

Why I purchased: It's designed specifically for my hair type! I purchased the two items because I am a women of color and I have short, straight, color, and relaxed treated hair, which causes my hair to be dry. Plus, I have an issue with my hair being dry without treatments, so I needed a shampoo and conditioner that would help keep my hair moisturized and look nice and health at the same time. 


How I used this product: I wash my hair using the shampoo and conditioner 1x per week, with the exception of me going to the salon every 6th or 8th week.


Product: Pantene Pro-V advertises that Pantene’s Relaxed & Natural Dry to Moisturized collection for Women of Color is enriched with moisturizing oils that nourish and help protect African-American hair and achieve a sleek style.

Price:
I purchased the two at Walmart
Shampoo 12.6 FL OZ-$3.78
Conditioner 12.6 FL OZ- $3.78


Performance:
Cleanses-It thoroughly washes out all oils, dandruff, sprays, etc. without striping my hair. It also lathers well
Protects my hair-My hair doesn't tear when I comb it after washing (while still wet)
Adds moisture-It doesn't dry my hair and it looks like moisturizer is in my hair (without me adding any)
Nice fragrance-It's not a bold fragrance. It's nice and soft not overpowering
Leaves my hair feeling soft- It really feels smooth

*One added bonus is that my hubby couldn't stop running his fingers through my hair and smelling my hair, which wasn't normal for me or him, but I liked it!


Rating:

Overall I would rate both items a 5. To begin, the packaging caught my attention. I purchased the two products in order to add moisture to my hair and protect my hair from the weather, relaxers, and colors. To be honest, price wouldn't have been an option to me based on its advertisement.  In a nutshell, the two products do what it advertises.

Thanks Pantene Pro-V

Disclaimer: I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

Not Forgetting

When I started my hobby of blogging, product reviews, and sweepstakes entries, I was a little hesitant about entering sweepstakes blindly. I mean I was spending hours on my laptop doing this, but was not incorporating my foundation. I said to myself "do I have to incorporate my faith when "hobbing" or just leave it out." What I am doing is a real job (working from home) because it has added additional support for my family. And I mean this has really aided my family! I'm a Godly wife and mother and when I worked in the "traditional" workplace I carried my faith with me. So why should this new found hobby/job be any different?

While on Facebook, I found a page the helped me put everything into prospective. Sweeps4Bloggers had a post entitled "A Godly Homemaker: The How Tos of Winning Giveaways."  I then went to http://www.agodlyhomemaker.com/ and read her blog. I was amazed because this answered my question. I now seek Christ when entering sweepstakes and in everything else I do on the web.

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, (NASB)

As I stated in an earlier post, I will give you my tips for winning and what I've won. Stay Tuned.

New Year's Resolution

This is the second year in a row, I have been able to keep my New Year's Resolution. It has actually been easy to keep. I have tried to do this for many years and I guess once you put your mind to something, anything is possible. Would you like to know what my New Year's Resolution was? Well my New Year's Resolution was "Not To Make a New Year's Resolution." What's the purpose of making one. You start out "Gung Ho" and before mid year you've forgotten all about it.We should strive to be and do better in all things throughout the year.

Good Morning World

So I've been a little Blah lately. I am learning that no matter what, I must have some "Me Time." As wives, mothers, and working adults, we tend to ensure everyone is okay and that things are running smoothly at all times. How does one fit themselves into the schedule? Well while speaking to a dear friend this am, she informed me that know matter what, I have to include me into the attention factor. My response to that was, "I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I have to start incorporating me into the picture. 'Cause when I don't look good, I don't feel good. Food for thought- Set up me time at least once a week or twice a month. That is my goal.

With that being said... Off to the hair salon.

Howdy All

Today is a great day to enter sweepstakes and contests. Yep, that's my hobby and believe it or not I actually win prizes (I know you want to see proof, I will update you on that on a future post.) I will also give you my top 5 sites I use to win win win... So stay tuned

Kiddy Schedules: A MUST!!!!!!

So you and your spouse don't have that quality time you had before having kids. Or maybe you are not getting the me-time before bed. Well here are a few tips that works for me. (I've been doing this since my kids were very small). Depending on the age of your children or child, you may want to up the bedtime. I have a 6yr old and 4yr old and bedtime is at 6:30pm during the school year. I know 6:30pm sounds a little early, but in actuality, they don't fall asleep until 7:00pm.

If you are a homemaker it is easy to prepare meals and have dinner set and ready by 4:00ish. But what if you work full time? What do you do? Fast food!!!!!! No ma'am and no sir! Calm down, this worked for me when I worked full time. Prep meals the night before or use a crock pot (ex. pot roast or whole fryer). Don't be afraid of left overs and pasta dishes are quick and can be prepared in many ways.  Also, another useful tool is to write out your meals for the week. This way you don't have to contemplate what to cook. All you do is look at your menu calendar. Here is my menu calendar, which is useful year round.

Prepare your small children's clothing before hand. Getting clothes ironed and ready for the whole school week is very helpful. But if its too much for you to do, just get them ironed and ready one day prior.

Fix lunches the night before.

Now, during the summer, I am a little more flexible, but I still stick to a schedule. A schedule is a must for young children. Here is my summer schedule for 2011

Assignment Log 2011

I hope this helps.
If you would like me to email you a copy, please feel free to leave a post!

What's Wrong With Free?

What's wrong with getting things for free? I mean from movie rentals to sample coffee packs to pampers to feminine products to cleaning items just to name a few. I have been doing this as a hobby for the past few months and you wouldn't believe that items that are available for consumers. The point is that companies want you to try their product(s) and so they offer it to you free of charge. You say, "well I already knew that!" I knew it too, but didn't realize to the extent in which I could receive free (sample)  items. Another reason why it is good to get it free is because it allows to you try the product before actually making a purchase.  I hate it when I make a purchase and find out it isn't a good fit for myself or my family. So I search daily for these products.

The following are sites that I use to obtain sample products or links to sample products:

My Free Product Samples- http://www.myfreeproductsamples.com (Also, on Facebook)

Freebies 2 Deals- http://freebies2deals.com/ (Also on Facebook)
All You- http://www.allyou.com/

In addition, you can also go to Facebook (you must have an account) to obtain sample everyday items or to be directed to those websites or companies offering sample items.

Other sample items I've received are as follows:

Infant Milk
Pull Ups
Diapers
Windex Cleaner
Condoms
Perfume/Cologne
Suede Cleaner/Protectant
Facial Lotion
Food

One last note:
http://www.bzzagent.com is a company that I am a member of and allows to to join campaigns in order to try products and bzzzz about them. So go on over and join. Tell them bzzagent djordan3306 sent you and you can also find them at http://www.facebook.com/BzzAgent?sk=info

Check with companies that have birthday clubs. The month of your birthday you can receive an entree, dessert, or beverages for free. The companies that I use regularly in my area are Dunkin Donuts, Benihana Japanese Restaurant, Zaxby's, IHOP, and Captain D's. But there are others.