3 Boys And A Dog

WINNERS: Old Navy Giveaway

Momof3boys — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:48:07 +0000

Well, I guess not as many people were interested in the giveaway as I thought would be. That is SUPER lucky for those that were. Why? Because your chances of winning were much higher.

Michele
Nikki
Andrea
Ashley
Randa
Whitney
Heidi
Rebecca
Jyl
Traci

Thanks again, girls! Be sure to check out the other giveaways at 3 Boys and a Dog!

Blogger Appreciation Day – January 2010

Momof3boys — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 02:18:46 +0000

While I was at Blissdom I learned several neat post ideas that I plan to incorporate into my blogging. In fact, I am going to be taking my blog in a new direction and hope my readers follow me. I am not going to go into the whole thing in this post, but keep your eyes open for it!

Blogger Appreciation Day will happen EVERY month. I will be thanking the Top Ten Referrers to my site!

What are top referrers? If you go into your Google Analytics you can find “referring sites.” Those are sites that have a link to you and people have clicked that link to come over.

Without further ado, I want to thank the following people for helping blog readers find my site!

Online Sweepstakes = sent me 932 visitors!
Organized Junkie = sent me 156 visitors!
Blog Giveaways = sent me 90 visitors!
Four Crazy Children = sent me 88 visitors!
Skip To My Lou = sent me 38 visitors!
Tip Junkie = sent me 36 visitors!
Chic Chick Media – sent me 24 visitors!
Mama’s Laundry Talk – sent me 23 visitors!
Atlanta Mom Guide – sent me 17 visitors!
Oh Amanda – sent me 17 visitors!

Please note, this is SIMPLY bloggers and other mom-mavens! This does not include direct traffic, Google referrals, twitter, FaceBook, etc! This is to pay back all those great women that have my link on their page for whatever reason.

I will be doing this every month! If you are interested in writing your own Monthly Thank You Post, feel free to post a link in the comments. If I see lots of interest, I will add a linky to future posts!

Organize your Closet in 2010

Momof3boys — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome our guest poster! Cyndy will be joining us for the next couple weeks. She is bringing us some awesome information! Please welcome her to 3 Boys and a Dog! ~Kelli

Once you decide to organize your closet, the hardest part is the first step, committing to doing it. Once you commit, you have to just go ahead and do it, and do it now. After that, the rest is easy; it’s simply a matter of learning the principles of organizing, following a sensible sequence in organizing, and visualizing and defining a precise objective.

First, you’ll need three large trash bags: Label each bag (you can write these words on masking tape and apply directly to the bag) one bag: “Trash”, one bag “Sell”, and one bag “Donate”

Music: Listening to music can increase your motivation, just like when you’re walking that treadmill. Music helps to pass the time during difficult chores.

Next, the rules:

If you haven’t worn it in a year, get rid of it. Sell it on EBay, give it to a friend, or donate it to the Salvation Army. Call them, they’ll gladly come pick it up, and give you a tax receipt.
Throw out all underwear over a year old.
Get rid of all fashion no-no’s: too low jeans that reveal your crack, tops that show your mid-section, tops showing too much cleavage, too tight clothes of any description, anything ripped or torn and scuffed and well worn shoes.

Assess each piece of clothing and determine which garbage bag you should assign it to:
Trash: Items that are irreparable (ripped, stained, etc.)

Sell: Items that will bring you some cash.

Donate: Items that you no longer want that are still in decent condition. Donate to friends, family or charities.

You’ll need organization tools: storage boxes for sweaters to stack on the floor under your clothes, or overhead on the shelves above, or under your bed, and over the door hooks for belts and necklaces.

Organize your closet by classes and colors. Within the class category, divide into tops, jackets, skirts, pants, dresses, evening clothes. Then divide the classes into colors — white, ivory, beige, pink, red, blue, green, black, brown. One color fading into the next.

Now, shoes and handbags. It’s best to organize shoes by season, then divide into colors: boots, suede, evening, day, casual. I bought very inexpensive shoe racks that fit perfectly inside my closet, Bags should be kept in their dust covers and stacked on top of the closet shelves, with evening bags in one area and daytime bags in another.

Hang your belts and jewelry on the over-the-door hooks you bought, belts by colors, jewelry by silver and gold.

One last note: there are four essentials every woman should have in her closet, regardless of age: 1)Black leggings or slim fit jeans 2) Black boots or shoe boots 3) Black Jacket 4) Scarf in any color 5) white blouse. You’re all set.

Organizing your closets can appear to be a daunting task. But with the right determination and well-crafted plan, you can work your way toward a well-organized closet.

Or, if you live in Oklahoma City, you can call my friend Cindi Shelby, who owns Ruth Meyers, Inc., a clothing institution in Oklahoma, she’ll send someone right over to do it all for you — for a reasonable price — 405.842.1478.

Cyndy Hendrick Hoenig

Pure PR, LLC
c: 405.245.4668
p: 405.341.1297
cyndyhoenig@ymail.com
Follow me on Twitter — @cyndyhoenig
Facebook – Cyndyhoenig
Coming soon! www.pureprokc.com

Potluck Picks: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Kim Young — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0000

We all know that there is a BIG football game this weekend. This recipe will be perfect to make for the game. It is also great to take to a potluck. That is how I had it for the first time and requested the recipe from my friend Jessica.

Ingredients

2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained

2 packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup Ranch dressing

3/4 cup pepper sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot® or Tabasco®)

1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing. Cook, stirring until well blended and warm. Mix in half of the shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and cook on Low setting until hot and bubbly. Serve with celery sticks and crackers.

Ta-da! One super delicious dish for your super football party!

Blogging Basics: 7 Tips for a Newbie Blogger

Momof3boys — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Thanks to Savvy Blogging, I am a mentor. I tell ya’, it makes you feel like you have accomplished something when people are asking you for help. Anyway, I dropped my mentee an email and made a short list of things that I saw she needed to add or improve on. Of course, these 7 don’t even touch the iceberg, but they are a great starting point for anyone just getting going with blogging.

Mika compiled my email into a post and this week’s Blogging Basics is going to send you over to her blog to read the post, check her new blog out, and leave your thoughts and tips for newbies. Are you up to the task?

7 Tips for Every New Blogger

– Compiled by Froggy Girl Designs

(CLOSED) You don’t Want to Miss This Old Navy Giveaway!

Momof3boys — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:33:03 +0000

That’s right! I was asked to host this week’s Old Navy coupon giveaway! I tell you, my inbox sure knows when I need a bit of cheering up!

I LOVE Old Navy… seriously, LOVE IT! I was there on Saturday to pick up a birthday present for my niece and ended up buying 6 pairs of flip-flops AND a jacket for 23 dollars and some change. You simply can not beat that. Plus, even though I don’t get one of these coupons, I will be shopping there as soon as I return from Blissdom and stocking up on their

Item of The Week!

You don’t have to be a SuperModelquin to feel like one in the new Old Navy Item of the Week: Women’s Natural Lace-Trim Camis. They’re $2 (Reg. $12.50) and come in daring colors. Get one or two to layer with a long sleeve top or cropped jacket. Say goodbye to chocolate this Valentine’s Day and stock up on this sweet deal. Get them in store and online 2/5 – 2/11.

If you have never been to Old Navy Weekly, you better drop what you are doing (just come back!) and get over there! They have the neatest scavenger hunt to help you find awesome deals and hidden coupons!

I have to keep this contest short and sweet as the coupons are only good through February 11th. I will be drawing winners around 10 pm CST on Feb 7th and winners will get their 50 dollars off 100 dollar purchase coupons first thing Monday (Feb 8th) morning to shop, shop, shop!

Here’s what you need to do to enter for your chance at one of 10 50 dollars off 100 dollars coupon! Yep, TEN of my fabulous readers will win! Excited yet?

REQUIRED: Leave me a comment telling me why Old Navy is ALWAYS at the top of your shopping list!

Other bonus entries:

#1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, twitter, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)

#2. Follow my blog.

#3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.

#4. Follow me on Twitter

#5. Fave me on technorati

#6. Put my button on your blog.

#7. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure you leave a comment HERE telling me which post you left the bonus comment on.

Sears “Cash for Appliance” Rebate Program Clarification

Momof3boys — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:00:25 +0000

It is tax time, and many people are trying to figure out how to get their State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate.

The Sears Blue Appliance Crew can help you clarify any confusion and better understand the requirements for your state, but this site will explain how everyone can save money on this program…everything from roll out dates, DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR CONSUMERS, qualifying appliances, recycling requirements, and more.

Take a few minutes to visit Sears.com/energystar to could get the most updated information and understand:

How the Sears Blue Appliance Crew is making it easier for consumers to follow and take advantage of the appliance rebates that could save your readers a lot of money.
Details on state rebate programs (state-specific launch dates, guidelines, etc.)
Sears’ role as the only national retailer certified by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to facilitate its Responsible Appliance Disposal Program – a critical resource as many states will require recycling as part of their programs.

Sears also has an interactive map on Sears.com/energystar, detailing state programs. Here, you can input your zip code to track state-specific programs and gain access to additional rebates that are available through utilities and manufacturers.

*Thanks to Sears for supplying this information to me to share with my readers!*

It Is Really Any Wonder Why We Have No Money?

Momof3boys — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

We all make our school supply lists in August and start stocking up on:

School Supplies
School Shoes
School Uniforms

Plus, we have all those other expenses

Fall Sports
School Fees
Clothes for outside of school

We sail through the next month so nicely. Then, October hits and we have:

Costumes
Candy for the neighborhood kids
Decorations
Candy for the Classroom Kids
Project Supplies for the Homeschooled Kids
Land Taxes

What does November bring?

School Plays
Thanksgiving
Pumpkin Patch
Black Friday

December is supposedly the most expensive month of the year.. Bah, I don’t think so!

Christmas
New Year’s Eve

January…. January is KILLING ME!

Spring Sports
New School Uniforms (you know, the others are now too little)
New School Shoes (see above)
New School Supplies (because the other “poor” kids have used all of Zachary’s!)
Costumes (For the MLK program)
Taxes
Project Supplies for February’s Black History Month Theme (homeschool)
Yearly Check Ups for EVERYONE

What about you? How is 2010 treating your wallet? Do you have any money saving tips for me?

A Teachable Moment February 2010

Momof3boys — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Don’t Let Your Child Give Up so Close to Success

Dr. Susan Bartell

The other day I was at the ice skating rink dropping off my daughter for her figure skating lesson and I saw a young girl—about 8-years old—come off the ice in tears.

“I can’t do it!” she cried to her mother, who was watching closely from the sidelines, holding an infant. “I’ve tried and tried and I keep falling!”

“I’ve been watching, and you have been trying hard,” replied the mother, wiping away her daughter’s tears. “But if you give up now—just before you get it—you’ll never learn to skate! Even the best skaters in the world fall. In fact, the only way you learn anything is by making mistakes and continuing to try and try! So now, go back out on the ice and try again. I’m going to watch you and I bet this time you will fall even less than you did before.”

As the little girl went back out onto the ice, waving to her mom and baby brother, I felt like jumping up and cheering for that mother!

She had just taught her child one of life’s most important lessons: Don’t give up on yourself!

There are many opportunities to teach your child this lesson, but it is possible that you will miss them, if you don’t look for them. Places to look for opportunities to teach your child not give up on himself include:

Sports with peers that may be better athletes or with a strict coach
Difficult homework assignments
Learning to play a new game or when he is losing round after round
Learning any new skill like tying laces, throwing a ball, braiding or making a sandwich

Of course, at times it can be difficult to encourage your child not to give up—especially when the going gets tough. Some kids give up easily–crying, having temper tantrums or refusing to continue with the activity. Nonetheless, it is especially important to help a child exhibiting these behaviors by encouraging him to try to succeed a little more each time. If you give in to your child’s crying or tantrum, thereby allowing him to give up, you give him the clear message that you don’t think he can succeed. If he thinks you don’t believe in him, he is much less likely to believe in his own success! However, if you show your child that you won’t give in to his negative response and that you will continue to encourage him, despite the possibility of (further) failure, you teach him the powerful lesson that not only do you believe he will ultimately succeed, but that he needs to believe in his own success as well.

With each situation in which your child pushes past the point of frustration and achieves a new accomplishment or learns a new skill, she will feel a great sense of pride, recognizing that each temporary defeat brings her one step closer to success…I won’t give up on myself!

Dr. Susan Bartell is America’s #1 Family Psychologist. Her latest book is Dr. Susan’s Fit and Fun Family Action Plan. You can learn more about her on her website at www.drsusanbartell.com

This is a monthly column written by Dr Susan Bartell for my blog as well as several other media outlets (Magazines & Newspapers).

I Resolve To Get Organized, 1 Step at a Time! Giveaway

Momof3boys — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:46:16 +0000

We all have very busy lives and there is really no way around it. How would we fix it? Stop working? Stop doing laundry? Maybe make our kids quit all their extra-curricular activities? Oh, I know, stop running errands! So, how do we manage the other housekeeping tasks? You know, the ones besides sweeping, laundry, and dishes?

Beverly Coggins, Professional Organizer and Founder of 1-2-3 Get Organized, has written several 3-step books to help us get organized and clear the clutter! She sent me two to review and giveaway. Three Steps to Organizing Your Kitchen is a mini book that takes the overwhelming task of getting your kitchen to work for you and breaks it down into manageable steps.

This isn’t just about getting rid of unused junk, but also rearranging your kitchen into functional areas and keeping it organized! It is perfect! I can add a task or two to my daily to do list and complete my entire kitchen in no time!

Book $5.99 – eBook #4.99

I handed Three Steps to Organizing your Child’s Room to my 10 year old to see what he thought. Of course, he wasn’t impressed. He thought #1 should be, “Hire a Maid.”

Sorting clothes, sorting papers, and sorting toys are just a few of the step-by-step tasks you will complete to work your way through the room and the 3 steps.

Book $5.99 – eBook #4.99

Be sure to visit Beverly’s entire collection of organizing books for everything from Your Office to Time Management!

She even has several free downloads to get your started!

For your chance to win one of each of the above books:

REQUIRED: Visit 1-2-3 Get Organized, look around, then come back and tell me something you want, like, or learned!