Fisher-Price Trike Recall

This past week the boys played outside with their Go Diego Go!™ Tough Trike. It is included in the recall list from Fisher-Price® Trike Recall. These trikes are intended for children 2 to 5 years of age, with a maximum allowable weight of 55 pounds. They include pretend keys that are located about 3 inches in front of the seat and protrude at least 5/8 inches above the trike body.

A child can strike, sit or fall on the plastic key and be injured.
Fisher-Price has announced that we will be providing safety replacements/fixes for four products. Find out more information here: http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp

I visited, looked over the list at Mattel, and ordered a replacement/fix in a few minutes. The process was very easy and convenient.

Trike Recall
Healthy Care™, Close to Me™, and Easy Clean™ High Chair Recall
Little People® Wheelies™ Stand ‘n Play™ Rampway Recall
Inflatable Ball Recall

Homemade Cheesy Garlic Bread

I wish I could give you the exact recipe, but I eyed and added what I thought it needed. Sometimes I'm a lazy cook I guess but, it turned out good.

Ingredients I used: flour, water, cheese, dry yeast, garlic powder and baking powder. I also topped with cheese the last 10 minutes.

Winner!!

 Congratulations to the winner of the Jewelry Stylist- Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace Giveaway.  Mandatory Entry completed & verified email subscriber confirmed.

SmartKnitKIDS Review & Giveaway

When I learned about SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks the feature I love is the heal-less design. Usually my children out grow socks very quickly, so this would be a major money saver and keep my children from out growing their socks so fast.  While using seamless socks, I've seen my son will actually wear them. He doesn't complain "they don't feel right."

I can remember back when I was small and it was war with socks in the morning before school. There I would be shoes off trying to adjust my socks and my mom saying you better hurry here comes the school bus. I can sympathise with my kids. I personally love the smoothness & feel of the socks.

I also learned that SmartKnitKIDS Socks are great for kids with Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, or for those who simply cannot stand annoying sock seams. The form-fitting design makes SmartKnitKIDS perfect for infant socks. No matter how much your little one may wiggle, the socks don’t come off.  Seamless socks for the whole family fits up to size 11 women's and 10 men's shoe.

SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks are included in the Family Friendly Fall Festival.  I also have 3 pairs of socks to 1 winner.

RULES:

Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Oct. 14, 2010

Open continental U.S. winner has 5 days to respond to my email

Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it

MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry Visit SmartKnitKIDS Socks and tell me what size you need.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking SmartKnitKIDS Socks
& Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
*Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect
*Follow @smartknitkids @lifesandcastle on twitter & tweet (1 time per day)
" #giveaway Seamless Socks @smartknitkids @lifesandcastle http://bit.ly/csYQOE #win ends 10/14"
*Become my face book fan.
*Become a SmartKnitKIDS Socks fan on facebook.
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post (2 entries)

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by SmartKnitKIDS Socks & we reviewed 3 pairs of seamless socks. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Proof

This is proof that Nanna will do what grandchildren want. My mom will kill me for showing this, but I did block out the face.

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go,  and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Coupon Code

Coupon Code for Galison/Mudpuppy. They would like to offer my readers 15% off any order. Just enter ZZZ2 at checkout.

Simple Crab Salad

Simple Crab Salad is an easy seafood side dish to serve.

stalk of celery finely chopped

green onion finely chopped

1/2 package of imitation crab meat chopped

tablespoon and half of mayo

pinch of dried chives

pepper to taste

Mix all together and serve.

Blogging Character - Thank You

I want to give a special thanks to some great ladies who reached out to me in a moment of emotional heartbreak and your kind words touched my heart. Thank you being so considerate, showing true blogger friendship spirit, and each one is truly of exceptional character. 

Nichol from Kiddies Corner Deals

Owen's Mom from Adventures in all things food

Gem from Sage and Savy

Samantha from Have Sippy Will Travel

Tricia from Night Owl Mama

Debbie from Suburb Sanity & Suburb Sanity Reviews & Giveaways

Galison/Mudpuppy Review & Giveaway

Puzzle blocks are a lot of fun, especially when they are Curious George puzzle blocks. The thing I like about Galison/Mudpuppy puzzle blocks is the number of puzzle you can make. 9 puzzle blocks can be changed into 6 different puzzles.

My 3 year old really enjoys the Curious George puzzle. Each puzzle has a different color border, so once he learned that, he was mastering the skill. It is a great problem solving educational game for him to practice. We work on it together and he shines with pride when he accomplishes each picture.

Puzzle blocks are recommend for children 3+ of age, but I feel better knowing it is printed with nontoxic inks. Sometimes my 1yr comes though and investigates his brother's puzzle.  Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper. Printed with non-toxic, soy-based inks.

Galison/Mudpuppy not only offers Educational children's toys and games, they also carry Fine Art Stationery, journals, Christmas cards, clocks, and address books.

Coupon Code for Galison/Mudpuppy. They would like to offer my readers 15% off any order. Just enter ZZZ2 at checkout.

One of my readers will win the same puzzle I reviewed.

RULES:

Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Oct. 12, 2010

Open continental U.S. winner has 5 days to respond to my email

Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it

MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry is to visit Galison/Mudpuppy and tell what product you love.

Entry should look something like this:

I like the Curious George 9 piece block puzzle @ http://www.galison.com/Curious-George-Block-Puzzle-P2253C177.aspx

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking Galison/Mudpuppy
& Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
*Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect
*Follow @GalisonMudpuppy @lifesandcastle on twitter & tweet (1 time per day)
" #giveaway Puzzle Blocks @GalisonMudpuppy  @lifesandcastle http://bit.ly/dAOKxs #win ends 10/12"
*Become my face book fan.
*Become a Gallison Mudpuppy fan on facebook.
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post (2 entries)

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by Gallison Mudpuppy & we reviewed the 9 piece block puzzle. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Good Bye- Wordless Wednesday

GOOD BYE OUR BEST FRIEND

My son said:

"I know Jack is gone,

but I don't know why."

I don't either..

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Winner!

Anytime Costume Winner!

Winner!

Congrats to the winner, mandatory entry completed and successful tweet!

sleep walking & talking!!!

When my oldest son was very small he would wake up screaming and crying, we determined he was having night terrors. The doctor said he should grow out of it. It has gotten better, but he jumps up talking all during the night and walks, jumps and falls off the bed.

Recently he went to fighting the air and saying your not taking it, ran jumped the child gate, and there he is standing on top of the toilet holding his toothbrush. I asked him what he was doing he didn't answer. I carry him back into the living room where he seems like he woke up then.

I believe this could be very dangerous, my grandpa had them too and one night he jumped out his window. Lucky he was not hurt. I noticed a increase in restless sleep when we have home changes, move furniture, lots of visitors.

The bathroom event occurred when our ac was struck by lightning and we had to all move to living room for bed. We purchase a window unit to cool. It was like a big camp out, but at bed time he wanted his bed and usual routine.

Friendly Follow Fridays

Thanks for stopping by today, I can't wait to follow you back and see your website. While here enter my giveaways located in left side bar.


Thank you to our Wonderful Sponsors of Friendly Friday.

Xenia at Thanks, Mail Carrier

Christi at Frugal Novice

Charla at Healthy Home Blog

Link up & find new friends.
Follow & leave a comment "so I can know to follow back:)".
Make sure to be friendly and return the favor:)

& :)



Simply Stacie & My Wee View Are wonderful bloggers & hosts for Fun Follow Friday, have fun, link up, and blog hop.

Hayneedle Twitter Party

Hayneedle is teaming Twitter Moms to host a Baby Shower Twitter Party on Sept. 23rd at 7:00 PM CT.
Follow @hayneedle  & @TwitterMoms  #Hayneedle

Prizes:
15 random winners will get a $25 Gift Certificate to Hayneedle.com:
- 10 of the gift cards will be randomly awarded to participants who Tweet an invitation using the #Hayneedle hashtag to their followers before the event
- 5 of the gift cards will be randomly awarded to participants Tweeting with the #Hayneedle hashtag during the Twitter party

Hayneedle is also giving away tons of great products to people Tweeting during the party:

Baby Lamp
Diaper Bag
Baby Bouncer
Nursery Glider
Stroller
Play Pen/Travel Set
Crib in Espresso

Random drawings will be held after the Twitter party. RSVP http://hayn.tl/7o

Disclosure: This information is shared from Twitter Moms and Hayneedle. No product or compensation was received.

Children's Classics Review & Giveaway

My children love music and we usually have a musical cd playing while cooking. My sons loves it and the baby claps along. We have recently been singing to Children's Classics Vol 1. Americana Series and on the occassion my kids witness me dancing with them, all in the name of fun:) My son's favorite songs on the CD is "If you're happy and you know it" &  "Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."

I reseached a little information about how children benefit from music. Although, this information is not connected with the review, I enjoyed reading how music can help my children grow. Twelve Benefits of Music Education makes a lot of sense. Not only are we having fun listening and dancing to Children's Classics Vol 1. Americana Series but, I'm helping my sons mental development.

LifePath Entertainment releases Children’s Classics Volume 1: Americana Series It’s Fun To Sing Along! via HitPlay Records/RED. This family friendly CD is placked with 19 classic songs. A few include:

•  Bingo
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Animal Fair
• London Bridge

Win a Children's Classics Vol 1. Americana Series cd.
RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Sept. 30, 2010
Open US & Canada winner has 5 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.


Mandatory Entry Tell me what song you like on Children's Classics Vol 1. Americana Series .

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********

*Blog about the giveaway linking Children's Classics Vol 1. Americana Series
& Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
*Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect
*Follow @lifesandcastle on twitter & tweet (1 time per day)
" #giveaway Children’s Classics Volume 1: Americana Series It’s Fun To Sing Along!  @lifesandcastle http://bit.ly/b07QIu #win ends 9/30"
*Become my face book fan.
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post (2 entries)

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by stache media & My family received a product to review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

You will like these:) 9/16

Do you like giveaways? I like them too. Here are few that you might enjoy and don't forget to enter my contests too.

9/19 $45 CSN Stores


9/21 $50 AnytimeCostumes.com

9/28 Jewelry Stylist Necklace
 
Potamus Prefers: PureZone HEPA Sleep System Giveaway- 10/11


Granny Loves Gift Baskets- Win the Kodak Slice Purple Radish 14MP Digital Camera With 5x Optical Zoom & 3.5″ Touchscreen LCD (ARV $299)-  Ends 11/15


Born 2 Impress- win a 200.00 Gift Certificate for The Company Kids Store- Giveaway ends 10/11


Raising My 5 Sons- win item up to $40 value from Frecklebox- Giveaway ends 9/23

A Mom's Impression- Win a Custom Photo book from Lulu.com- ends 9/25

Potamus Prefers- win a VTech LS6245 Cordless Phone (ARV $79.95)- 9/20

Dealectible Mom- Win a Kodak EasyShare P730 Digital Picture Frame- 9/20

Mom Start- Win Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Kodak EasyShare P7300 Digital Picture Frame- 9/27

The Bragging Mommy- Win Anytime Costumes costume of choice- 9/18

Two Of A Kind, Working On A Full House- WIN a Casio Exilim S8 Digital Camera- ends 10/4

Mommy Of 1 and Counting   Novica Review & Giveaway- September 25th

Mom's Best Bets- Britax Frontier 85 Car Seat- 9/29

Rave and Review- George Foreman Evolve Grill Review & Giveaway- 10/25

Mom Knows It All- $50 kids Foot Locker GC- 9/19

Aubut Life- Leap Frog Text and Learn- 9/20

Wordless Wednesday: One last sandcastle

You know we had to get in one last sandcastle before the cool fall weather took hold.

 
 

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go,  and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Life Is A Sandcastle is currently looking for sponsors in the 2010 Holiday Gift Guide.

Contact: Jennifer McCullar
Email: mccujennifer@gmail.com



     

Winner!!

Fibers.com Shirt Winner

BAN Screaming Children- Did you see this?

A sign at the restaurant in North Carolina, says "Screaming Will Not Be Tolerated." Wow, I'm reading this at Shine from Yahoo and watched the video on Today Show thinking a not so nice 5 letter word for the women. Perhaps the sign should read we do not serve to people under 18. It does sound nicer. Let me know your thoughts?

Jewelry Stylist Review & Giveaway

I'm always on the lookout for affordable jewelry. I love all jewelry but, necklaces are my favorite. I ran across Jewelry Stylist and fell in love. Clear crystal,  pearl, and rhinestone jewelry in a variety of colors perfect for weddings, proms, and everyday wear.

I reviewed the Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace pictured above. It only costs $21.00, talking about a nice deal. It can be worn with any occasion. It fits snug to prevent from slipping around. Very elegant for the formal event or just a classy night out.

Some other beautiful items from Jewelry Stylist  includes bracelets and ear rings. If you need advice on choosing the perfect item, Erica Jill is available for Personal Jewelry Consulting.

According to Erica "Brown, Bronze, Taupe, Chocolate, Espresso, Mocha. Smokey Topaz, Coffee, Latte, Cafe" would be perfect fall jewelry selection.

For the upcoming Holiday Season you may consider

Red, Claret, Garnet, Burgundy, Cranberry, Coral, Brick Red, Wine, Merlot colors.

Below are some of my favorite items from Jewelry Stylist.

Jewelry Stylist  is one of our "Family Friendly Fall Festival" Sponsors and will also give one of my wonderful readers a Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace just like I reviewed.

RULES:

Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Sept. 28, 2010
Open US winner has 5days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry is to visit Jewelry Stylist and tell me the item you love.

Entry should look something like this:

I like the Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace  @ http://jewelrystylist.com/cart/product_info.php/products_id/510

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking Jewelry Stylist & Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
*Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect
* Follow both on twitter  & tweet " #giveaway Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace @JewelryStylist1 @lifesandcastle http://bit.ly/9kmY45 #win 9/28"
*Become my face book fan.
*Become a Jewelry Stylist on facebook fan.
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post on my site(2 entries)
*Grab the Family Friendly Fall Festival Button @ top right side of my blog.

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by Jewelry Stylist and I reviewed the Clear Crystal and Silver Flower Necklace to review. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Going Back

I thought I would go back to where I first posted on my blog for Wordless Wednesday @ http://lifeisasandcastle.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html Like I said this week, we all start some where.

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go,  and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Breyers Sundae Scoop-Off Contest

Breyers Sundae Scoop-Off Contest
Breyers® is in search of the next great sundae with the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest and you have a chance to win! From now through September 13, 2010, the Sundae Scoop-Off Contest is challenging America to create original, family-friendly ice cream sundae recipes including 10 or fewer ingredients. View complete contest requirements and enter the recipes at http://www.breyers.com/ for a chance to win $10,000, a trip to Chicago featuring a private cooking lesson with renowned pasty Chef Gale Gand and one year of FREE Breyers® ice cream. The sundae recipe entries will be judged on taste, creativity, use of Breyers® ice cream and presentation.


Disclosure: I writing this post for chance to win a prize & blogger promotion on behalf of Breyers.

Gift Card Rescue 5k Fan Contest

Gift Card Rescue wants to reach 5k Facebook Fans and the winner will Win Great Prizes like:

• $100 Wal Mart Card
• Kodak Camera
• Asus Netbook

Head over to the Gift Card Rescue Blog and check it out.

Anytime Costumes Review & Giveaway

AnytimeCostumes.com impressed me yet again, they have the fastest shipping. For the past two years their speed is superior. Many shipping options are available. Last year my son sported around in the Cowboy Costume, and this year he is "IRON MAN." He is super excited!!

Before I tell you more, let me say that cowboy costume was also used for vacation bible school old fashion day. My friend's son needed an outfit and it worked perfect. Anytime Costumes have school play costumes, dress up costumes, holiday costumes, and Halloween Costumes.

The Iron Man Costume is very cool, first it has the muscle chest and arms. My son loves the light up arc reactor light in the chest, which uses "3 (type LR44) batteries" already included, so it's ready to go.  You can see him holding the light and then making muscles. The Chest light also can double as a great safety feature lighting up in the dark. The mask is made of plastic and has string back. He loves the Child Iron Man Light-Up Mark VI Costume.

AnytimeCostumes.com has a wide assortment of costumes, hats, wigs, masks, and accessories. Dress up at it's best. AnytimeCostumes.com is one of our "Family Friendly Fall Festival" Sponsors and will also give one of my wonderful readers a "Costume up to $50 value," make sure the product you pick is the right size, there is no return on contest giveaways.

RULES: Time sensitive
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern Sept. 21, 2010
Open US winner has 2 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it
MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry is to visit AnytimeCostumes.com and tell me the costume you love.

Entry should look something like this:

I like the Child Iron Man Light-Up Mark VI @ http://www.anytimecostumes.com/products/p-005611691

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking AnytimeCostumes.com & Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
*Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect
* Follow on twitter  & tweet " #giveaway $50 costume of choice AnytimeCostumes.com @lifesandcastle http://bit.ly/9JtSAS #win 9/21"
*Become my face book fan.
*Become a AnytimeCostumes.com facebook fan.
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post on my site(2 entries)
*Grab the Family Friendly Fall Festival Button @ top right side of my blog.

Disclosure: Please note this giveaway was presented by AnytimeCostumes.com & my son reviewed the Iron Man costume. I did not receive any other compensation. All opinions are my own.

Event you don't want to miss

Nichol from Kiddies Corner Deals is kicking off the Home Rrenovations Event. A lot of great sponsor are included to aid in the repairs and fix up. Some sponsors include:

• ATG Stores
• Delta
• Dremel
• Channellock

I can't wait for the event my home is need of repairs too, right now I have a bathroom minus the tub. I don't like the way it was wired up, the main electrical box in the wall behind the tub. If that is not bad enough lightening hit or central ac.... Waiting on cool weather for major renovations here. I'm using the kids bathroom right now.

A change, a end, a new

A change of season brings excitement but, can also be sad. I look forward to some cooler temperatures. I can't wait to do some fall yard work, let the kids decorate for Halloween, and attend some fall festivals. It's sad to know summer is fading away and we will miss our beach trips and time in the pool.

This weekend we tried to pack alot of activities in. We gathered up baby stuff and sold at the yard sale. Yes that was sad, I had to say bye to my children being babies. We grilled and my son associated grilling with putting the tent up. He kept asking aren't we putting the tent up? We went fishing with our boat and my oldest son had lots of fun there. The smallest one enjoyed stroller rides with his nanna. We also made pear tarts and they were good.

I did the recipe to the best of my memory. I made my dough like biscuits with a little sugar in it and then used the rolling pin to thin them out. Adding my cooked pears in the center and used a fork to close the edges. Then fried them and my son sprinkled with sugar.

I knew it had to go someday.....

First yard sale I've had in years and it was perfect weather. The cooler weather from the storm moving up the east coast. Time with my mom, little a break from home & kids, and meet some interesting people. I made a little spending cash and cleared out a lot of clutter.

When the bassinet was bought, I almost cried. It was the first thing my baby slept in, with his apnea monitor and blue light for jaundice. I did sell the exerciser trampoline that sent my son to the ER good residence to it. It  was real emotion saying good bye to my children baby items, I've been hanging on to them, and my husband told me you need to let them go your cluttering the house and becoming a hoarder. I knew it had to go someday......

Fake Blogs - BEWARE

You think you've seen it all and then along comes a fake blog. A blogger that copies and pastes your follower as their own and steals reviews word for word. It was point out by Belly Charms, and has since become a topic on facebook. The Blog I'm talking about is http://thestuffyouneedtoknow.blogspot.com/

Since people have caught on to her scam she replaced the fake following button with a real follower button a drastic drop from 2000 follows to 30 followers. People are requesting she take their posts down.

It is really sad and makes me mad. So many of us bloggers spend hours working on posts and good communications with companies. Building a blog is more than putting buttons up, it communication with your readers and helping others too. I've been blogging since 2008 and it's taken awhile to get to this point. Every blog starts some where, but the most important thing is to be real and honest.

Here are some facebook links so you can see what's been going on:

http://www.facebook.com/simplystacieblog?v=wall&story_fbid=150930101603344#!/posted.php?id=68378217588&share_id=150930101603344&comments=1#s150930101603344

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1832814102#!/profile.php?id=1832814102&v=wall&story_fbid=127913253922422&ref=mf

Friendly Fun Follow Friday

Thanks for stopping by today, I can't wait to follow you back and see your website. While here enter my $25 Fibers.com & $45 CSN Stores Giveaway!


Thank you to our Wonderful Sponsors of Friendly Friday.

Xenia at Thanks, Mail Carrier

Christi at Frugal Novice

Charla at Healthy Home Blog

Link up & find new friends.
Follow & leave a comment "so I can know to follow back:)".
Make sure to be friendly and return the favor:)

& :)



Simply Stacie & My Wee View Are wonderful bloggers & hosts for Fun Follow Friday, have fun, link up, and blog hop.

Got Pear Recipe?

I'm thinking some Pear Tarts. If you have a recipe please share. I've miss placed my aunt's recipe.

Update: http://lifeisasandcastle.blogspot.com/2010/09/change-end-new.html