Dear Santa...

How are you?! Have you been on vacation all year? Where did you go? I hope you tossed those skimpy swim trunks. I've seen the photos and it's not pretty. You should know better.

Are you home yet? I hope you have your working cap on now and your sweet lil midgets elves are hard at work. 'Tis the season Santa. 'Tis the season.

I was hoping to run into you at the mall. Joe has some serious high hopes this year. As you know, I have been in panic mode because his birthday is about 2 1/2 week before your big working day and Jake's 10 days before.

And no silly Santie, I have NOT started my shopping yet.
Yes this makes my chest quiver in fear. Why do you think I am writing you instead of hoping for a run in?!

Here's the thing Santa. The kid wants a hot tub. Yep, I said a hot tub. You haven't heard this one yet have you? I don't think it's been among the things he has yelled to you in the van in hopes you were listening.

I really wish you wouldn't have let it slip you see them when they are awake. I get it, it's to help me with their behavior, but it's a running shopping list that comes out of their mouths when they think of you!

So about that hot tub, while you are at it, here are the other impossibles on his list I need you to hook him up with. I think it would be wise to have a midget elf work specifically on them.
~iPad
~Buffet Bar (really, are you even surprised at that Santie? I'm surprised it took this long for him to ask)
~REAL R2-D2 (now you see why he needs his own helper assigned to him)
~laptop
~his own room

These are just a few the make me want to hide until January. Who knows what else he has whispered your way that I have not heard!? You better be taking notes. I don't want to have to speak to the Mrs. about you again.

So let me know if you need to do a drop off before the big day. I need to have my big guy work on cleaning out the garage if this is the case.

I'll get with you later about Jake. I just wanted to be sure you had a solid plan worked out for Joe.

Thanks Santa!

Love always,
Kelly

p.s.
What are you going to be for Halloween?

p.p.s.
How many times do I have to ask for you to leave behind a midget elf for me before you realize I am serious? I'm not picky. Someone has to be retiring this year. Leave them behind under my tree. Please. If you leave me a retiree that still wants to work, they can run that buffet you are working on. Right? You're all over this list right?

Santa...

GAH! So excited...

'Fear Factor' returns to make people do gross things in December - MSN TV News:

'via Blog this'

Movin' On Up

So I caved. I now have a Twitter account.
Well sweet bloggy has an account.

Bloggy loves follower friends.

Find us @amomwingingit

Did you also know bloggy has a Facebook page?
http://www.facebook.com/amomjustwingingit

Tell me what you want to see from me!? More giveaways? Reviews? Ideas? Funny stories of my world?

We aim to please.

Thank you to all my lovely readers/followers!

Harry Potter In The House!

Did I ever tell you that Harry Potter lives here? No? Most of the time he goes by the name of Joe or Joseph. When he is Harry, we fondly call him Joey Potter (read in a British accent).

So of course with Halloween a hop skip and a jump away, what does my Joe want to be...
Harry Potter.

I found the perfect Harry Potter robe online at Wholesale Costume Club, http://www.wholesalecostumeclub.com/boys-costumes/. I must admit, I may have squealed like a little girl when I saw it for 2 reasons.
1. It's a deluxe robe
2. The cost. Did I mention it's Deluxe?

I will also admit that we both squealed like little girls when we got it.

Joe getting his robe in the mail

I apologize for the poor photo quality, I was too excited to go and grab the big guy.

Honestly I was expecting a felt robe as being a "deluxe" robe as opposed to the practically sheer nylon/polyester blend most costumes are made of.

What we got, was BEYOND my expectations. It's literally a robe. Joe wears it as a bathrobe since Halloween is still a few weeks out. It's thick. It's plush. Joe will end up out growing this robe before it gives up. I don't have the slightest worry that it'll start pulling apart at the seams or running.This thing it solid.

I mean it even has a hood! This kid is set if we have the standard chance of snow NY Halloween.

The size was spot on too. I am always nervous to buy online, especially for Joe. I ordered him the large. The size chart said it's a 12-14 or about ages 8-10. Joe is about the size of a 10 yr old. I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best because L was a big as it got for that item.

It fit's him like it was made for him. Which it was of course because he's Harry Potter/Joey Potter.

See. Told ya.

The Wholesale Costume Club even has all the accessories! Ties, brooms, owls, hats, glasses, wands, other characters and robes!

Now I just have to wait for Jake to figure out what he wants to be so I can get ordering. He's thinking vampire, Thor, Iron Man, Mario, ninja and a blur of other ideas. Thankfully I already peeked and they have them all, so we are good to order as soon as he settles. The only thing he knows for sure, is he wants to have a mustache.

Wholesale Costume Club also sent me this link regarding Halloween, http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Halloween.shtml. It's all about how to have fun and be safe with your little ones on Halloween.

What is your lil goblin going to be this year?

Five Finger Tee's

In my quest to find things awesome, I found Five Finger Tees, http://fivefingertees.com. Five Finger Tee's is the type of site that has THE tee shirt you are looking for. I started from the top of the category list and worked my way down, making my own gotta have it list as I went.

My list had~

Really, this post would go on forever if I listed everything I ear marked. I narrowed my list down to 2. For those of you who know me in the 'real' world, I'm sure you can figure out right away what one of them was.

Yep! The midget shirt. It was literally SCREAMING my name! KELLY! KELLY! CAN YOU HEAR ME! PICK ME!

I thought to myself, Self~ That is a rockin midge shirt!

But I was torn. I was torn between my love of short stacks and impressing my Joe with this~

Joe lives and breathes Harry Potter. Joe IS Harry Potter. Last month when ordering his new glasses, he ordered a Harry pair. That is dedicated love.

Do I get my shirt, or a shirt that will make my boy smile.

Really, it ended up not being that hard of a choice. At the end of the day, its what my kids think of me that matters. If Joe thinks I am the most amazingly awesome mom for even a minute, it's worth it.

As soon as my shirt arrived I put it on and just stood in the door way from the kitchen to the living room where he was. It took a simple glance for him to notice.
WHERE.
DID.
YOU.
GET.
THAT!
LETMESEE!CANIHAVEIT?WHATSIZEISIT?

My joy of seeing his reaction quickly turned to concern because I was afraid he'd pass out from not breathing between his excitement and questions.

Five Finger Tee's hooked me up as the most awesome Hogwarts supporting mom out there.

I love it, when I have it.

Joe stole it and wears it on weekends and to bed. He rocks it the best he can in a shirt too big for him. I like to think he is reminded of my awesomeness every time he puts it on.

Hopefully he has heard me wistfully talking about my other wanna have it shirt,

and hooks ME up for Christmas.

This site has my brothers name written all over it. I can just hear him laughing at some of their shirts. He needs to start a gotta have it list. Between the cost of the shirts, the quality and quick delivery, I'd be more then happy hooking him up!

What's your favorite one?
http://fivefingertees.com

Bottlehood Review and Giveaway ***CLOSED***

I love, Love, LOVE my new juice glasses from Bottlehood, http://www.bottlehood.com/. 

Looks like root beer glass bottles right? Because they are! Bottlehood is all about recycling wine, beer, pop and liquor bottles to make a new cool reusable product.

This day and age, who doesn't love eco-friendly products!?  I personally have a soft spot for re-purposed items like these glasses.

Did you know that discarded glass takes more then 4,000 yrs to decompose? 4,000! That's insane. I didn't know this either until I was introduced to Bottlehood by the owner, Rachel Cohen. Not only can you get super cool glasses, but you have the peace of mind that bottle isn't hanging out in a landfill for the next 4,000 yrs. 

I was expecting thin and fragile glasses that were not the nicest feeling on the lips to drink from. I thought for sure these would just sit on my counter as decoration. 

I was pleasantly surprised, not only are they hardy glasses, but you would never guess the top was ever cut to make the glass as it is. The edge is nice and smooth and I don't feel like I am holding something that will shatter easily. With 2 boys, that's a good thing!

They actually remind me of the little brown glasses my mom would set out for orange juice every morning. They are a perfect size for a meal time drink.

Honestly, I was a little torn on using them, or having them as decoration because they fit my kitchen decor to a T. But Bottlehood doesn't just make juice glasses from old bottles, they make candle holders and vases, jewlery and even light fixtures.

I decided my IBC Root Beer glasses could go in the cupboard because I can get these for my kitchen instead~

candles!!

vase!

Juice Glasses

Necklace!

Ok, so that last one was for me, not the kitchen.
Rachel Cohen wants to share her juice glasses with you too! Awesome, right?!
It's so easy, the more you do, the more entries you get! Click Read More to get started. Good Luck!

Toddlers & Tiara's

I admit, I have to watch this show. It's almost too bizarre not too. I have to stare and marvel at the parents thought process, or lack of. My boys will even ask if I have any on dvr.

I used it first as a learning lesson. Example- If you keep treating your brother like that I will wax your eyebrows.
Only after a few moaning and groaning about watching it, did they quickly become open mouthed shocked zombies like me staring in horror and shock at the show. 

There are plenty of funny moments too, usually at the mothers expense in our home. It really shines a brilliant light upon me and my awesomeness when we see the crazies on the show.

Oh my gosh! The amount of money the parents put into this! It's just crazy. They are spending THOUSANDS of dollars for a chance to win a couple hundred. Yep. Makes total sense to me too.

I know TLC has gotten a lot of bad press for creating the show. I think what they are doing could, in the end, help people. I know if I saw myself on tv with all my crazy outtakes panned together, I'd take a step back and think twice about what I was doing. If I saw my child's interview saying they want to take a break from pageants, I'd listen.
They aren't creating it, they are just filming it to show you how crazy you are.

But then again, I'd never be dumb enough to spend that much money, fake my daughter/son up and parade him/her on a flimsy stage for a chance at $500. I'd take the $4000 we spent, buy them a crown, since that seems to be all they want, and invest the rest in the real world. Their education. But that's just crazy me.

Imagine my delight when I saw this video last week.
http://FunnyOrDie.com/m/64ib

It's Leah Remini and Ashley Tisdale as a 'where are they now' of a mom and daughter duo from the show.
It has to be one of the most spot on mockeries I have ever seen.

Ashley Tisdale, amazing. We laugh so hard over her ney ney issues.
Leah Remini, how she kept a straight face, I have no idea. I'd love to know how many takes they had to do. Her expressions are priceless.

Enjoy!

Ayurvedic Neem Balm Giveaway By Auromere ***CLOSED***

I have had the opportunity to try out Ayurvedic Neem Balm by Auromere, http://www.auromere.com/ayurvedic_neem_balm_products.html. You have no idea what it is do you? It's a thick balm, think chapstick/beeswax, which it just so happens to have beeswax in it, for trouble skin areas.

It's anti everything!

antiseptic

antibacterial

antifungal

anti-inflammatory

In India the neem tree is known as the "village pharmacy". It's been used in treatment of skin diseases and inflammation. Add to that it has amla in it which is the richest natural source of vitamn C. It soothes sun burns and helps keep skin supple. The mango ginger oil, helps protect against wrinkles and treats acne. Sandalwood oil hooks you up with a great deal of the ANTI. Olive oil nourishes and the beeswax forms the protective barrier to hold it all together.

It's just a great thing to have in your medicine cabinet. I put it on my elbows at night because they are the most troublesome for me. The smell of the balm isn't for perfume purposes, its has a definite natural smell to it. You won't confuse it with your travel size bottles of vanilla bean. It's here for a purpose and it does that purpose right! It doesn't leave my elbows greasy or sticky. I put it on, it does it's magic and I sleep!

I know with winter right around the corner, our neem balm will come in handy for the harsh cold. I'm hoping there will be no dry, cracked hands in our house this winter!

While you're checking them out, http://www.auromere.com/, take a peek at their other products. Like hair care, oils, soaps and dental care. One of the coolest things about the company it it's owned and operated by residents and volunteers of a non- profit Integral Yoga community. Proceeds from Auromere not only helps support the community, but donations are made to schools!

Below is your chance to try this awesome little find for yourselves! Contest starts tomorrow, 10/4!

Congrats Shelle on winning your own jar of neem balm! 

Tooth Soap

Yep. I said Tooth Soap. I was recently introduced to Tooth Soap, http://toothsoap.com/clean-your-teeth-with-tooth-soap/. I honestly didn't know what to expect while waiting for my bottle. Would it be grimy? Do I put it on and wipe it off?

When I finally got it, along with a Tooth Brightener, I was relieved it was to be used just the same as tooth paste. The Tooth Soap is natural and organic. I can pronounce every ingredient, organic evoo, organic coconut oil, Original Himalayan Crystal Salt, spring water and pure essential oil.

All you do is put a pea size about of the gel on your tooth brush, and brush away!

I have the peppermint flavor. It's not the best tasting thing in the world, rinse good. BUT my teeth feel AMAZING when I'm done brushing. It's not the least bit grimy either.

To go along with the Tooth Soap, I've been using a Tooth Brightener. It's so easy, brush it on like regular 2 times a week. This too is organic and natural.

I have been very pleased with the results of both the soap and the brightener. Add to the fact that it's organic, you can't go wrong!

Check them out, they have a ton of flavors and a bunch of other natural and organic products to choose from.-
http://toothsoap.com/shop-online/
http://twitter.com/#!/toothsoap

Horizon's Survival Kit Giveaway ***CLOSED!***

Horizon Organic recently sent me an AMAZING back to school mom survival kit. The kit was to help me relax with all the added stress back to school brings. What to back for lunch, don't forget snack, is there a test today, when is that fundraiser $ due. This year Horizon is helping take that stress off by pampering me and giving me healthy snack ideas!


I know you are wondering what was in my kit, which you have a great chance of winning one yourself if you enter below.
It had bubble bath, chocolate, a candle and aromatherapy lotion. Did you stop reading at chocolate? 

 Horizon paired up with Dr. Alan Greene M.C., F.A.A.P., a noted pediatrician, author and nationally-recognized expert in organic nutrition to develope,“Top 10 Best Back to School Foods List”.   The list includes recommendations of foods for healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks for back to school. 

Check out the list here~ http://www.horizondairy.com/news-article/horizon%C2%AE-helps-parents-plan-for-a-healthy-back-to-school-season/ 

What I love most about the list, it doesn't just tell me what's good to send as a snack or for lunch, but how to make it tasty and appealing to my boys. Of course Horizon's Organic Chocolate Milk, in the single serve boxes. Or adding hummus to a sandwich instead of mayo or sending it as a dip to veggies. Did you know too that the darker the veggie, the more nutritious it tends to be? I didn't until I read the list.

 They also have an online community,  “Healthy Families Back to School” , it's where we can get more tips and ideas for the kids being back in school. Like organizing your world, coupons and meal ideas.

I have found some really awesome blogs to follow from their community too. Seriously, the ideas and recipes are endless. 

 Check out “Horizon’s Toolbox for Mom”, their Facebook application on Horizon’s Facebook page, it has news, deals and advice. 

So if you need a little mommy, or daddy, pick me up papering time, enter Horizon's Back To School Survival Kit giveaway below!