A Little Review for Now

Well, I had great intentions of reviewing a place this week but with it being Christmas and my son's birthday coming up, I had no chance to get out and about to do that. I love my blog I really do but I love my family more! Just saying : ) So, I just thought that I'd share a few places that I have been recently and loved.

Culvers (http://www.culvers.com/)

We had the best ice cream there today! I love that if you join their club you get free stuff too!

Target

I was able to get the Vaseline freebie deal with coupons!
http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/2010/12/target-deals-free-vaseline-lotion-more/

Hope you guys enjoyed your Holidays! I loved seeing the children open their presents and loved having the magic in my house for a little while!

Need a Fun Place to Take the Family for New Years Eve?

First Night Springfield 2011 (http://www.firstnightspringfield.org/)

One World, One City, One Night
December 31, 2010
5:30pm – Midnight

Join us as we ring in the new year at First Night Springfield 2011. The theme for this year’s event is “One World, One City, One Night” and will feature a wide variety of performances that highlight the beauty and diversity in different cultures.

You won’t want to miss the Chinese Lion Dance performed by Fu Hok Studios, the traditional Latin American dancing by Grupo Latinoamericano, or the performance of the Japan America Friendship Group.

This year’s event will also feature performances from Chris Sligh (American Idol Season 6 finalist and national Christian recording artist), Someone Still Loves you Boris Yeltsin, SuperCharge and many more of your favorite local performing groups.

Last Minute Panicking and MY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!

Sorry for not posting the past couple of days! My blog has been unfortunately placed on the back burner trying to get Christmas "Wrapped Up" before it gets here. To make it up to you guys I thought I might help a little with your Last Minute Christmas Shopping as well!


My daughter is SOOO into Santa Clause right now. This is the first year that she actually gets it (she's 3). Last year, she refused to sit on anyone's lap that was not her parents, lol. This year she practically ran into Santa's arms and I had to pull her off because she really wanted to give him a kiss! I let her blow a kiss to him instead. So, when I saw this website: www.iCaughtSanta.com , I knew right away that I would like to get a picture for my daughter to see that Santa had been to our house!

With over 20 poses to choose from it has been fun trying to decide where I wanted to catch Santa! I love that this could become a Family Tradition as well since there are so many options!



To help you choose click on the this link to take you to the Gallery on their website for some inspiration!


(Sample picture from the Gallery)

If you have a newbie believer or if your older children are getting a little too curious about Santa put their worries to rest!

I recommend iCaughtSanta.com to anyone who wants to put a little extra holiday spirit into their home this year.

FYI: There is also an iPhone app available for those on the go!

BUY IT!

These make great last minute gifts as well!

iCaughtSanta.com prices are as follows:

$9.99 for 1 photo or $20.00 for 4 (give the code to others in your family so the cousins can see Santa was at their house too!). There are Gift Cards and e-Gift Certificates available for $9.99 for the first and $4.99 for each one additional gift.

Readers of Ozark Mama Reviews can get a 25% their iCaughtSanta.com purchase using the discount code: Ozark-Mama .

*CLOSED* Winners can be found under the Winners tab at the top of this page. All Winners have been notified and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen!

WIN IT!

Win a promotional code for a free iCaughtSanta.com photo – 5 Winners!

TO ENTER: Just leave a comment saying who you want to win this for!

EXTRA ENTRIES

Let me know you have completed the extra entries by leaving separate comments.

• For 3 Extra Entries: Follow this blog through Google Friend Connect
• For 3 Extra Entries: Follow iCaughtSanta on Twitter @CatchACharacter
  
• For 2 Extra Entries: Follow Ozark Mama Reviews on Twitter @OzarkMamaReview
• For an additional entry: Tweet: Keep the Magic alive! Enter to win iCaughtSanta Photo http://ozarkmamareviews.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-minute-panicking-and-my-first.html

• For 2 Extra Entries: Add our button to our blog on your site (in the buttons tab at the top).
  
• For 2 Extra Entries: Like Ozark Mama Reviews on Facebook
  
• Even More Entries! Leave a NEW comment on as many other posts as you like (up to 10) and get one entry for each comment. Be sure to let me know which ones you commented on below!

Giveaway Rules: Giveaway ends Friday, December 24th at 10:00 am Central Standard Time. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be chosen by Random.org. You MUST have a valid email in blog profile or leave email address in comments. I will notify the winner by email. If winner doesn’t respond in 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen. Once confirmed, this post will be updated with the winning names and entries.

Good Luck to all!

P.S. Now onto a 1st Birthday party to plan for My Son! Life does not slow down! lol!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com and sponsored by Favorite Wigs Shop Name Brand Wigs at Low Prices! Large Wig Selection of Estetica Wigs, Quality Wigs. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Featured Friday-Where followers get noticed!

So, since this is the first Featured Friday, I thought I would give my blog a little time to grow and just feature myself, since in the long run, it would benefit my readers to know who I am, and have more views of their interview next week when the blog is bigger (I'm hoping to have 100 followers). So, that being said, here we go!

Name: Amber
Blog: www.ozarkmamareviews.blogspot.com

1) A little bit about me:

I am a stay at home mom of 1 boy and 1 girl and 1 cat and a wonderful husband. I love to sew , take pictures, read, and play with my kiddos. My newest endeavors are my blogging and I'm also about to start school again (for Elementary Ed.) online.

I HATE clutter and last year I made it my goal to get rid of all the clutter I can find. I accomplished that goal and have figured that it is a daily purging process because we bring things into our home every day. Next year my goal is to be on time to things.


2) What is your favorite book(s)? Favorite Movie(s)? and Favorite TV show(s)?
I love the Twilight Series, I watch Life Unexpected (yes, I know corny but I'm hooked), also, I love GLEE!

3) Where is your dream vacation?
I would love to go to Australia. I don't want to take the kids. Just me and my husband, like a second honeymoon.

Well, when it's your turn I will let you guys also talk about any business stuff that you would like. I hope that you will enjoy this blog and have a Happy Weekend!


Amber

Our First Talent Show Thursday! So Excited!

Alright, I'm so excited for this! Talent Show Thursday! What have you done lately (or in the past) that you want to show off! It's can be a craft, sewing project, organization project, painting project, awesome party you threw, basically anything that you want others to see and brag about!

So, Here's my accomplishment to show off!

I wanted my daughter to be Belle for Halloween.

I had been planning it ever since last year was over!

I strategically introduced a Disney Princess to her (Cinderella) and it instantly became her favorite and that was all she could talk about and watch for months. Then, as Halloween grew closer, I introduced her to Beauty and the Beast and BAM! The infatuation was born! Pretty sneaky right? I knew that her hair would be long enough this year compared to last year and that she might remember it better (since she was now 3). So, I waited till the last possible moment to accomplish my hidden agenda.

I bought all the material over the course of the year from different thrift stores (yes, you read that right). I couldn't see paying a lot for the costume so I gathered up some materials to make the dress myself. I found a bridal skirt, a really nice fancy prom dress, and an old pillow dust jacket. I waited till the store had their special 5 dollar bag sale and then I was super giddy to get my items home!

I'm sorry that I didn't take pictures of the whole process but I pretty much just used the existing zippers from both ensembles; made the cover-up & poofy part for her dress out of the bridal skirt by cutting it in half and using elastic to get the ruffled look; and then I used the prom dress for the main base of the costume and for the gloves as well. So, how do you think it turned out?


P.S. Naturally, I found some more costume items at the same said thrift store and stuffed them into the bag so that her Dad could be "the beast". I think the dress took me a total of 6 hours to complete because I hadn't really ever sewn anything that elaborate before (besides her baby blessing dress) but that's a post for another day.

P.P.S. This is probably the last time that I will get to "choose" (wink, wink) her costume for her and it was worth all the effort I put into it! I'm glad I finally get to show it off!

Now, Onto the Blog Hop!

Rules for the Talent Show Thursday Blog Hop:

Here it goes!

1) Be a follower of this blog
2) Grab the Talent Show Thursday Button (under the buttons tab on my blog).
3) Make a post including the link and Button to this hop within your blog post.
4) Free free to post this hop on Twitter if you so choose. You'll get an extra entry and make sure to leave a comment with your handle.
5) The winner gets bragging rights, a winners button, a post of their button on the side of my profile (under Talent Show Divas) and a few new followers (I would like everyone to follow the winner) too.

I will select the winner with random.org at the end of this hop (ends Sunday at 11:59 p.m.) and post the winner on Monday morning, so be sure to check back! I will be checking entries to see if the blogger is a follower of this blog with GFC (only qualified entries will be counted).

So, here's the link to link up your projects. And the button too! I can't wait to see what you have made with your talents!

Go ahead link up! : )

10 Days Till Christmas and Wisdom Wednesday!

It's officially two weeks until Christmas! How are you handling it? I shopped for the kids presents throughout the year so now we are just going to go one day and get some stocking stuffers and last minute things too. Well, that is for the children that live in my house at least! Everyone else? Pictures, yup, it's my go to arsenal. And for the Hubby, NO IDEA! He has changed so much this past year and the only things I can think of that he might like would be a Farmville gift card and an iTunes giftcard. What about you guys? What are you getting your husbands? Inspire me....please!!!


On another note, this post is suppose to have a little Wisdom factoid in it for us Moms to get us throughout the week. So, without further adieu, my Wisdom Wednesday Fact for Moms:

Do what is best for YOUR family!

Some things work for your family and some things don't. You are the deciding factor of how your family will function. If your kids don't go to bed till past 9 and sleep in till 10 don't stress about it! I know the parenting books say they should be in bed by 8 at the latest but if that doesn't work for you, skip it. Don't take parenting books to be your golden bible, they are just guidelines. When I had my first child, I pored over all the parenting books I could find, hoping to give my child a better upbringing than my parents gave me. I have found though (since having my second), all those parenting books have been tossed out the window. Yes, they were great savers with my first but you learn so much with actually experiencing it yourself. My theory is that they are your kids for a reason, they didn't just get stuck with you. You were meant to be their mother and you will have some natural inspiration with how to handle their individual needs. Books may help, but when all is said and done you know what will work for them the most (your attention and love). Give your children the real gift they want for Christmas this year....your TIME!

Ozark Mountain Gymnastics Review

We recently went to Ozark Mountain Gymnastics for a group meeting. I just wanted to say that this is one of the best keep secrets in Springfield! My daughter (3 years old) loved the place! The staff was very nice and were there to help the children on the equipment (which is a biggie for me). We stayed for three hours and my daughter enjoyed it the entire time! We first ate in the lunch area (also used for birthday parties) and then it was on to the gym. They had an open foam pit for them to jump into, 2 trampolines, an obstacle course, and they even played games with them as well. While we are not yet ready to enroll our daughter......

We will definitely be taking advantage of this awesome deal instead!

They have classes for children ages 3 and up, birthday parties (not bad prices either), and even camps to attend (must be at least 5 years old).

For more information visit their website: http://www.ozarkmountaingymnastics.com/

Directions:


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Talent Show Thursdays

Talent Show Thursdays-

On Thursdays, I will publish something that I've been working on craft wise. Plus, It's always good to have a little Talent Show as well! If you have something you have made that you want to share with others make sure to link up and it will be listed for all to see! The more the merrier!

P.S. If your week has been too busy or you have run out of show and tell items don't be afraid to show us your to-do list of craft projects you've found on the web! Just make sure to give the credit to the rightful owner and leave the link to their blog and picture.

Thanks everyone!

Featured Fridays

Featured Fridays-

On Fridays, I will publish a feature about one of my blog followers! The feature will include some general information about yourself PLUS any BUSINESS things you want to have our fellow readers know about! Once there are enough followers of this blog, I would love to also include some giveaways in the mix!

Mindful Mondays

Mindful Mondays-

On Mondays, I will publish a list of events happening in Springfield this week along with general holiday reminders. Please make sure to check back each week and see what is new! When we get enough followers, I hope to add some agenda specifically for our group as well!

Wisdom Wednesdays

Wisdom Wednesdays-

On Wednesdays, I will publish some wisdom for Mommies. Seeing as it is the middle of the week, I thought we could use some tips to save our sanity; then hopefully we can make it through the rest of the week!

Things to Do Tuesdays

Things to Do Tuesdays-

On Tuesdays, I will publish a review of different places to take your children in Springfield. These include things such as library reviews, park reviews, and other children related venues to partake in! These will be personal reviews that I conduct myself and will include pictures and detailed information about my experiences.

FREE Tae-Kwon-Do Lessons!

What: Tae-Kwon-Do lessons are starting at the Breakfast Optimist Youth Center located at 3153 W.Mt.Vernon in the Westport Park Springfield,Mo. Students must be at least 7yrs old.

When: Dates are on tues. and thurs evenings from 7pm-8:30pm.
Directions:


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For information call: 865-9060

Deck the Halls with the Humane Society!

What: The public is asked to help bring Christmas to the dogs and cats at the shelter by bringing by an item from our wish list. And in order to help more of the shelter's animals find a home for the holidays, reduced adoption rates will be offered that evening. Cookies, hot chocolate, raffles and door prizes are also part of the festivities. The Humane Society's wish list includes fleece blankets, Kuranda kennel beds (www.kuranda.com), pet shampoo, durable dog toys, cat toys, kitty litter, copy paper, trash bags, towels and pet crates and carriers.

When: December 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri

Directions:


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For more information call: 417-833-2526 or visit their website: http://www.swh.org/site/

The Nutcracker by the Springfield Ballet

Where: The Landers Theatre

Directions:

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Performance times:

Dec. 17: 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Prices: Adults $24 - Student/Senior/Military (with valid ID) $21 - Child (12 and Under) $16


Order Tickets Here: https://secure.springfieldlittletheatre.org/scripts/max/2000/maxshop.exe

Holiday Horns Celebration Concert-FREE

When: On Wednesday, December 15, 2010 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Listen to Springfield Symphony's Brass Quartet perform Holiday music.

Bring a sack lunch. Beverages provided.

Where: Park Central Square
This will be located outside so make sure to dress warm!

Directions:


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Call: 862-0135 for more information.

Noel at Noon Concert-FREE

Ozark Showcase Chorus Sweet Adelines International with Dr. Jeff Veteto, Director.

When:

Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at NOON

Where:

St. Paul United Methodist Church
413 E. Walnut St.
Springfield , 65806

Directions:


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Call: 866-4326 for more information.

Check Out Hunger 2010

Are you in the Christmas Spirit of Giving? Now when you check out at participating grocery stores (Akin's, Bistro Market, Country Mart, Dillons, Harter House, Murfin's Market, Price Cutter, Ramey, Smillie's Market, Smitty's, Summer Fresh Supermarket & Woods Supermarket) you can have a Tax-Free Dollar added onto your bill to help fight hunger in the ozarks. One dollar donated provides $10 worth of food distribution.


Website:http://www.ozarksfoodharvest.org/CheckOutHunger2010.html

FREE Art Day at the Creamery Downtown!

What: Bring the whole family for free holiday activities and make handmade gifts for Christmas!
When: Saturday, December 18, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: 411 N. Sherman Parkway, Downtown-Springfield, MO
Website: http://www.springfieldarts.org/creamery-arts-center
Directions:


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See the Hugh Brothers Perform Live for FREE! Tonight only at 6:00 p.m.!

See the Hugh Brothers Perform Live at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Springfield, MO

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Location:

4450 S. Farm Road 141 (Cox Road)

Springfield, MO, 65810

For more information call:

417.559.3053

or visit their website at:

http://nativitycelebration.com

For More about the Hugh Brothers, visit their website at:

http://www.hughes-brothers.com/