Happy Easter 2013

A Lot Can Happen in Just Three Days

I was immediately and intensely drawn to this photo this year. Lately, it seems like our family (and me in particular) have been in turmoil. 

There's just a lot of things happening and a lot of behind the scenes issues and drama that is cropping up. And I realize that if I can set aside worry for just a few (three) days, almost always, the answers appear in that time. 

Whatever burdens, concerns, cares, worries, issues you are facing today, I encourage you to give them over to God for three days and see what He can do for you. 

Praying you have a Blessed Easter!!

Enter to Win a 7 Day Caribbean Cruise for 4

*Sponsored!*

We are excited to be offering our fans the chance to win a 7 day cruise for a family of 4 to the Caribbean! This giveaway is hosted by Dixieland Mom Product and Travel Reviews and SoCal Coupon Mommy and co-hosted by Simply Southern Couponers, Making of a Mom, Crazy for a Deal, Frugal Diva Frenzy, Growing up Bilingual and Swank Savings. 
**Please note: winner must be 21 or older due to sailing restrictions for those under the age of 21. ** 

I have to tell you how excited I am to be a part of this giveaway event! I've always wanted to go on a cruise, so I jumped at the chance to give everyone the opportunity to win a family cruise.  I hope you will take a minute or two to enter--what have you got to lose? And there's a whole 7 Day Cruise to be gained if you win. Have you ever gone on a cruise before? If so, I hope you'll post a comment and let me know what you enjoyed/didn't enjoy. Also, do you have any tips for those wanting to go on a cruise? I want to learn all the ins and outs of taking a cruise as I'm a real planner when it comes to trips. I like to know everything there is to know before I book my travel. My friends say it's Type A behavior....I like to think of it as a Girl Scout is always prepared. Either way, share your tips so we can all learn. 

The Grand Prize: 
1- 7 Day Cruise for a family of 4 to the Caribbean on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, sailing from winners choice of 3 ports: Miami, FL. or Tampa, FL or New Orleans, LA. Approximate Retail Value: $2000.00 
**Cruise must be booked for travel from Oct. 2013-Dec. 2013 or January 2014-April 2014. Holiday dates are excluded for travel during holiday dates.**  
Prize includes: Cruise fare only. 
Winner is responsible for transportation to/from the port of choice, all gratuities, all onboard expenses, all onboard and port expenses/purchases, shore excursion purchases,casino gambling, bingo cards, photographs purchased from shipboard photographers, etc,  taxes and fees. What is included in cruise fare: all meals at regular venues, (specialty restaurants are optional and do charge an additional fee.), a stateroom to include: one queen or 2 twin size beds, and 2 additional sleeping areas in same stateroom, for 2 add'l. passengers, entertainment and free shipboard activities. Watch Dixieland Travel's Blog for the upcoming reviews for their April 7th NCL Star Cruise. She will try to blog daily from the ship, depending on internet availability as shipboard internet is very slow and sometimes she will not have an available signal. 

 First Prize:

One set of the  Pack It Specter Cube System from Eagle Creek. Arv- $38.00 The winner will receive one set of the  Pack It Specter Cube System from Eagle Creek. The set consists of: 1- Pack It Specter Cube 1- Pack It Specter Half Cube and 1- Pack It Specter Quarter Cube. These are fantastic for saving much needed space in your suitcase, especially if you have to fly to your port! Watch for the review in our Pre Cruise prep post! How to enter: Entry is simple, just follow the instructions on the Giveaway Tool below. Good luck to all!

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Entry-Form

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Disclaimer:  This giveaway is not sponsored by, hosted by, or in association with, in any way, shape or form with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn or any other social site. Giveaway is open worldwide, to persons aged 21 years of age or older, other than where prohibited.  Winner is solely responsible for any associated taxes or fees. Winner is responsible for travel expenses incurred to get to port of choice, and all shipboard expenses over and above the actual cruise fare for a stateroom. These charges may include, gratuities, onboard purchases, shore excursions, any purchases, gambling to include casino and bingo, any alcoholic drink purchases, soda cards, and any other expense not included in the average cruise fare.  No other expenses are included. Coolestmommy's Coolest Thoughts  is not responsible for sending this prize. 

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Do you know where 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is located? 

It's in the heart of DC. 

It's owned by the people, but the people sure don't get to live here!!

Yes, it's the White House. 

One of the gals that went to DC for the Autism Society Day on the Hill asked her congressman's office to request a White House tour for us. Imagine our surprise when we got on the list!! (We found out later only 20% of requests are accepted--yes, we felt blessed!)

This was before the fiscal cliff spending cuts and cancellation of White House tours. You are not allowed to take any photos in the White House. Don't even take a camera. Your choice is to never see camera again or skip the tour. You may have a cell phone with camera, but you can't turn it on, text, call or take photos. 

It was truly a thrill to see many of the rooms that are only seen in TV specials or news events. I couldn't believe the size of the painting of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved. What a brave woman she was! And with a lot of foresight into what would be important to a nation. 

Here I am outside of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Podium fun

Here is our group

I could get used to this!

Free $15 Gift Certificate to spend at Educents

Thanks so much to The Traveling Sisterhood for posting this great deal. If you know much about homeschooling, you've heard of homeschool.com for supplies. (Come on--I've been on their site and I don't even homeschool!) The kids of the founders of that site are now grown ups and they have started a new site called educents. 

Educents is going to be a daily deal site. The best part? If you sign up now during their pre-launch, you get a $15 gift certificate to use when the site is live. Why a prelaunch? The more registered users, the better the deals. So they are building a bigger list now to get better deals when they open. And we reap the benefits. 

It's free to register and the gift certificate arrives in no time at all. It's delivered to your inbox. 

http://educents.com

Wordless Wednesday - I'm just a Bill

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take, 

But by the moments 

that take our breath away.

If you've never seen Schoolhouse Rock and the song "I'm Just a Bill," you need to watch the video below FIRST--then you can read on.

When I found out I was headed to Washington DC, I knew I absolutely HAD to have my picture taken with Bill on the steps of the Capitol. So here I am with Bill. 

You just can't beat sitting with Bill on Capitol Hill.

And--we entertained the police officers guarding the steps. We weren't sure if they would let us take photos, but they were just making sure nobody went up to the main doors so we could sit on the lower steps. They couldn't believe we were taking pictures with a piece of paper. I guess they haven't seen the video....and I guess I'm the only crazy person who immediately says, "I need my picture with Bill if I'm going to DC!!!"

Welcome to my world. 

Potty Cover Review & Giveaway

Check out these Potty Covers. They are a really amazing product. I recently traveled to Washington DC. And while I got to go without hubby or kids this time, I could overhear the moms trying to keep things sanitary for their kids in airport bathrooms. I was wishing I had brought my extra Potty Covers to share. Check it out--it drapes over the side where little ones 'hang on' to the potty. It really makes everything a more sanitary experience in a public restroom.

From the manufacturer:

PottyCover is a disposable toilet seat cover for children that covers the sides and the front of the toilet, to keep away germs at public rest-rooms.  It is made of non-woven fabric coated with a layer of plastic, creating a waterproof barrier between the toilet and the child. This product has the largest coverage of all seat covers on the market and for added convenience, each seat cover is individually packaged in a small, easy to open bag that makes it super easy to always keep one or two in a purse or a back pocket. 
Using a public rest-room with a young child could be very stressful, but with PottyCovers the whole family can feel safe knowing that even at the filthiest bathrooms they will be protected from germs. We designed this product for kids, but it has become a must-have travel item for many of our adult customers.
A pack of PottyCover sells for $5.99 and it is available on Amazon, Ebay, all Buy Buy Babystores around the country and at select Bed Bath & Beyond stores.

The best news of all? The wonderful people at PottyCover have agreed to give one of my readers their own pack to try. Use the rafflecopter form below to enter. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received the product 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.

Crested Butte, Colorado - Vacation Destination

Crested Butte Skiing

Do you ever travel? Have you been to Colorado? There is so much to see and do it's a wonderful destination for any vacation. I was blessed to go to college in Colorado and met my husband there. We have lots of family spread across Colorful Colorado and visit often. When I was given the opportunity to share about Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management, I knew I had to chime in. 

I've been to Crested Butte and it is a lovely town with charm, lots to do and the perks of a major resort town without the overcrowding. I've not ever used this property management company, but I've been in winter and in early summer. Both offered different activities because the skiing in summer isn't as easy. :-)

If you are thinking of a Colorado getaway--you might want to consider the discount offers below. 

FROM THE SPONSOR:  Vacationers looking for an off-the-beaten-path Colorado getaway with all the frills of a major resort should head to Crested Butte, an historic town tucked away in the Colorado Rockies Elk Mountain Range. With its affordable accommodations, gourmet restaurants, cozy pubs, and eclectic shops, Crested Butte attracts a devoted legion of repeat visitors year-round! Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management Inc. offers a large selection of quality lodging in Mt. Crested Butte. Choose from studio condominiums to 4 bedroom condominiums in prime locations including ski-in/ski-out or walking distance to the slopes.

At Crested Butte Lodging & Property Management, we understand the quality of lodging can make or break your vacation. We have carefully evaluated and inspected each property and have categorized our accommodations to further help you make your lodging selection. We want you to come to Crested Butte, Colorado to relax and have fun – not hassle with your accommodations. We promise a vacation you’ll never forget!

LAST MINUTE SKI-SEASON SPECIAL!

30% off the following properties for the rest of the season (now – 4/7/13):

• The Buttes Neighborhood (Ski-in/Ski-out!)
  
  
  • Properties include Columbine, Buttes, and Crested Mountain
• Three Seasons
• Crested Butte Lodge & Hostel

All other properties are 15% off!  Hurry and book now before availability runs out!www.crestedbuttelodging.com/lodging/specials/  Or, call 888.412.7492 for personalized service.

Eagle's Nest

DISCLOSURE: I was entered into a drawing for this post. No other compensation was given and personal thoughts are my own. 

Premama Prenatal Vitamin Drink Mix Review and Giveaway

Thanks to Premama Prenatal Vitamins for the opportunity to give you another fantastic giveaway. While my baby days are over (so if you were wondering--NO--I'm not pregnant), I still take prenatal vitamins for the extra calcium and other nutrients. Unfortunately, most prenatal vitamins are large 'horse pills' that can be difficult to swallow and can cause indigestion and nausea.

Which brings us to Premama Prenatal Vitamins. It's not a horse pill, it's a drink mix. It's flavorless so you can add to any juice, milk, tea, etc. and drink your vitamins down. Or you can sprinkle on foods like your cereal and get the nutrients you need without big pills or nausea.

I've only had my sample for a few days, but I haven't experienced any nausea from the drinks nor can I taste the mix in my drinks. For anyone who doesn't like swallowing large pills or who is feels nauseated, this is a must. 

Great news!! Premama Prenatal Vitamins is offering one of my readers a 30-day supply. Enter using the Rafflecopter entry form below. 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a 30 day supply of Premama in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was given and all thoughts are my own.