Outnumbered 3 to 1: December 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Contest Tuesday Giveaway Linky 12/28

Thanks for stopping by and linking up! Although it's not a requirement, it would be great if you could help spread the word about this contest linky by posting my button, tweeting, etc.

Don't forget to let me know if you have a contest linky too. Tell me the day you host it or if it's ongoing, as well as the url to your blog and I will post your button or link in this listing of places to list your contests. There's quite a list compiled already, you might want to check it out!

Please enter your contest like this on the linky:

Blog Name - Giveaway Title - End Date

I've got a few giveaways going on here. They can all be found to the right. ---->

Monday, December 27, 2010

Christmas 2010 - My Take on Boycotting it Next Year

The holiday season has come and gone. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. I'm seriously thinking about just boycotting it next year, going on vacation and not even celebrating with gifts.

This year was so stressful during the holidays. The gift guide kept me insanely busy. Not to mention things were super hectic around here having another person and a dog living with us, and my brothers and dad around 24/7. 8 people and 3 dogs in a 2 bedroom house just dose not work.

Then I found out my grandma was in the hospital and my family's Christmas celebration would be canceled. That bummed me out and I was really worried about her.

Then the kicker happened and it was like dejavue {spelling?}, only this time not on Christmas day. The Man ended up going to the ER yesterday and spending the night in the hospital.

After Lil Man breaking his arm 2 months ago and then all those doctor visits, Big Bro getting stitches and now this, I just swear we need a break and some good luck. I told my neighbor that I should probably start wearing a helmet and some padding around just in case I'm next.

So needless to say, it's been a pretty stressful season.

But, enough wining and crying from me. Here's some of my favorite shots from Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I didn't take a whole lot because it literally was just chaotic.

Here's the Man's nephew dressed up in a Santa suit after the Christmas Eve party at his aunt's house. He's got Big Bro on his lap along with his super adorable baby boy.

I love to have fun with the kids. I suppose you could say I like to mess with them at times. Big Bro had an Xbox 360 that kept red lighting, so the Man told the boys he'd get them the Kinect for Christmas. They were pretty much expecting it then. Well we did get them an Xbox 360 Kinect, but I just couldn't resist being a little sneaky about it, especially because of the fact that they were expecting it. I stuffed a box about twice the size full of newspaper and slid the console in it sideways, then wrapped it up. It was such a big box that they thought it was something else the whole time it was under the tree.

They opened all of their presents {besides that} and I said "So did you guys have an awesome Christmas, or what?" Lil Man yelled "Yeah", but Big Bro said yeah quietly with somewhat of a disappointed expression on his face.

Then I grabbed that big box, told them there was one more present and they tore into it. Here's their expressions after taking all the newspaper off the top. It's totally priceless, even though I couldn't actually see Lil Man's face from my angle. You can totally see the smile on his head though!

So, what's even better than getting an Xbox 360 Kinect? How about the big box that mom put it in! You can barely see it, but his left leg is in the box. What a goof ball, eh?

I need to take a little breather and spend some time with my family, but things will get back to normal around here soon I'm hoping.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I'm wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Holiday Palooza - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Review

Welcome to our Holiday Palooza! Jackie and I have some wonderful gift ideas to share with you this holiday season. Make sure you visit Jackie at Monkey Mayhem daily to see what she has in store for you too. We will be featuring the same giveaways on each blog some of the days, so that's two chances for you to win!

"The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 videogame is the most challenging yet, packed from start to finish with action and combat.
Playing as Harry, you are on the run from the opening sequence, fighting for survival on a desperate and dangerous quest to locate and destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes. You must defeat Death Eaters and Snatchers in epic battle sequences at every turn. With only your wand for protection, it’s time to muster your most powerful magic against relentless assaults from all sides.
There are no more lessons, no more training. This time the danger is real. It’s time to fight your life."

My house is full of Harry Potter fans, so I knew Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 would be a big hit around here. It would be a game played by everyone, not just the kids. Boy was I right!

Between my two boys, my two brothers and the Man, this game is on almost 24/7. They just can't seem to get enough of it and I never get the TV anymore. It's a battle of good vs. evil and they all must put their magic wands to the test to try to defeat all the bad guys.

I haven't played myself, because these just aren't the kind of games that I get into. I have heard nothing but good things from all five of them though, ranging in age from 8 {almost 9} to 32. So big of a hit in fact, that my brothers put it on their wish lists for Christmas this year.

Gift It!

You can buy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 for$49 at Amazon.com

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Palooza - Aqua-Leisure Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

"Aqua Leisure Industries, Inc. is a family owned company that has been in business since our founding in 1970. There are currently three generations of family members proudly involved in day to day operations of the firm."

Living in Wisconsin, we get lots of snow in the winter months. Of course we still have to find fun things to do outdoors even though it's so cold we can barely stand it!

Lucky for us, we have a sledding right across the street through the golf course. It's a pretty decent size hill, although there are better ones around. They're just not as close.

This year, we got to venture to the hill with the Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube from Aqua-Leisure. It fits 2 people and includes the following features:

•Gigantic 68 inches long
•Constructed of heavy-duty cold-resistant PVC materials
•Includes 4 heavy-duty PVC handle gips
•Seat panels in center of rider area to help keep your bottom dry!
•Cool colorful Uncle Bob's graphics

This tube is great for our family because both of the kids can go down at the same time on it. Or, if mom wants a turn, I can just hop on with one of them and the other can take a regular sled down. We've had a great time sledding with this tube and can't wait to get in more time during Christmas break! Now that Lil Man has his cast off and Big Bro got his stitches out, we don't need to be as cautious going down either. There's no more wounds to worry about!

Gift It!

You can buy the Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube for$34.99 at Amazon.com.

How would you like to win your own Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Aqua-Leisure and tell me something else you'd love to give or receive this year! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

"Like" Aqua-Leisure on Facebook and let them know you entered to win an Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube @ Outnumbered 3 to 1
1 extra entry if you have the "Holiday Palooza" banner on your site. {Leave a link}
Enter one of the Holiday Palooza giveaways at Monkey Mayhem {Leave me a comment leting me know which one you entered}
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {2 entries for each}
Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
Comment on any non giveaway post {1 entry for each post commented on, max 2 extra entries}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win an Inflatable Uncle Bob's 68 in Double Snow Tube @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway #Holiday Palooza

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US & Canada excluding Alaska until January 6th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Contest Tuesday Giveaway Linky 12/21

Please enter your contest like this on the linky:

Blog Name - Giveaway Title - End Date

I've got a few giveaways going on here. They can all be found to the right. -------------------->>>

Holiday Palooza - Peace, Love & Juicy Couture Review

"The world's juiciest message is all about peace and love. And couture, of course! Our eternal quest for joy and happiness has been achieved with Peace, Love and Juicy Couture, a whimsical eau de parfum to bring out your inner flower child.

Drenched in florals, this juicy treasure is an aromatic revolution. Savor the fusion of freshly cut blossoms soaked in natural accents and wildly feminine wood harmonies. Liberate your senses and celebrate the freedom of being both hippie and chic!"

Peace, Love & Juicy Couture may just be one of my perfect matches in fragrance. It features a variety of delicious scents sure to tantalize your senses.

Top notes: Meyer lemon-tree blossom, wild hyacinth, sweet apple accord, black currant bud absolute.
Middle notes: sambac jasmine absolute, star magnolia, Malibu poppy, honeysuckle, linden blossom.
Drydown: orris extract, sheer patchouli flower, enveloping musks.

I really, really like this fragrance. It has floral hints, but not too overbearing. It's a great mix for me, because I'm not too big on smelling like a floral shop.

Oh, and the bottle. I could go on and on about that adorable little thing! The bottle itself is beautiful, with the little peace heart and all. But then there's the little embellishments. There's a string of turquoise with little tassels and charms hanging down from it, enveloping the cap to the bottle. It's simply breathtaking!

Peace, Love & Juicy Couture is definitely a perfume that catches your attention by the packaging, daring you to come see what's inside. After you open it, it's like a breath of deliciousness.

Gift It!

You can buy the Peace Love and Juicy Couture Gift Set for $95.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Palooza - Hamilton Beach Personal Cup Stay or Go POD Brewer Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

"As one of the country's leading distributors of small kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. sells over 35 million appliances every year.
Our company's most famous brands -- Hamilton Beach®, Eclectrics®, Proctor Silex® and TrueAir® -- are found in households across America, Canada and Mexico. Now we're expanding into new areas as well, delivering our "Good Thinking™" approach throughout the home.
We're proud that our product quality, wide variety of options, superior customer service and brand name strength continue to earn us kudos with consumers. And we're committed to helping make your day a little easier, more creative and flavorful through Good Thinking™ applied to the style and function in all of our small electric appliances."

I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I do enjoy a cup here and there. I usually just end up grabbing a cup of cappuccino from the gas station or something, because it's pretty pointless to make a whole pot of coffee for just one cup.

I was recently introduced to the Stay or Go Personal Cup Pod Coffeemaker from Hamilton Beach and it's really perfect for me. It allows me to make just one single cup at a time. I can use a normal coffee mug, or use a larger one. The part where the cup sits is adjustable. so I simply flip it either way for a large or small cup. It's so simple.

The Stay or Go Personal Cup Pod Coffeemaker uses Senseo Pods, which are available right in the grocery store. You use one pod for a normal size cup, and two pods for up to 14 ounces.

I was very pleasantly surprised that the whole process of making a cup of coffee took about 2 minutes. That's really a short time to wait! I really appreciate it, because when I am in the mood for coffee, it's for a reason. i need a very quick pick me up, and I don't want to wait around forever to get it.

Gift It!

You can buy the Hamilton Beach Personal Cup Stay or Go POD Brewer for$27.99 at Amazon.com.

How would you like to win your own Hamilton Beach Personal Cup Stay or Go POD Brewer? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Senseo and tell me which flavor coffee pod you'd like to try! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

"Like" Senseo on Facebook {Feel free to tell them Outnumbered 3 to 1 sent you}
1 extra entry if you have the "Holiday Palooza" banner on your site. {Leave a link}
Enter one of the Holiday Palooza giveaways at Monkey Mayhem {Leave me a comment leting me know which one you entered}
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {2 entries for each}
Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
Comment on any non giveaway post {1 entry for each post commented on, max 2 extra entries}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a Hamilton Beach Personal Cup Stay or Go POD Brewer @OutnumberedMama http://goo.gl/fb/S0ynd #Giveaway #Holiday Palooza

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until January 4th at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Kids Say - All About Mammals

Kids say the funniest things sometimes, so this weekly tribute is all about them. If you'd like to play along just grab the button code and write your own "Kids Say" post. Don't forget to come back here to link up every Sunday so everyone can check out your post, and you can visit other "Kids Say" posts!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We were talking about mammals that are domestic one day like cats and dogs.

Lil Man says: Kita's {our dog} not a mammal. She's a female.

We all just cracked up on this one, then of course had to explain was a mammal was opposed to a female.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Holiday Palooza - Monopoly Streets Wii Review

"To celebrate its 75^th anniversary, the world of Monopoly comes to life through a living, breathing city that you can build, own, and monopolize. MONOPOLY STREETS has everything you love about the board game, presented as a street level tour of Mr. Monopoly’s fully animated world.
Engage in a head-to-head race to evolve the surrounding city, accumulate the most wealth, and own it all! Play against your friends live and online on Xbox 360 and PS3! Fresh takes on classic features such as property auctions, add new excitement to the classic play.
From the cheap motels on Baltic Avenue to the luxurious Boardwalk suites, there is excitement around every corner in this remade classic."

Can you believe that Monopoly has been around for 75 years? That is a very long time! I have to say, Monopoly was definitely my favorite game growing up. I played as often as I could. In fact, a friend and I used to have slumber parties and stay up all night playing until like 7 or 8 am. Yes, we were die hard fans, I suppose!

When I heard that Monopoly Streets was coming out for the Wii, I admit that I was ecstatic! Come on, who wouldn't be?! Nobody likes to play Monopoly around here, so I haven't played for years. I could not wait to check Monopoly Streets out and play!

I've only played one game so far because I simply just don't have the time to play games right now. I played against one AI {computer generated} player and the game seemed to last forever. I never did end, so I just gave up. They wouldn't trade properties or anything, except ones that wouldn't even make sense for me to trade. I think next time I'll make sure there are 3 or more players total. I think that will work out better.

Besides that first frustration, the game really is fun. I can't wait to play next time with more opponents and to try out some of the other boards. It's definitely a fun way to get my "Monopoly Fix". Maybe since it's a video game, I can get the rest of the family to join in!

Gift It!

You can buy Monopoly Streetsfor $29.99 at Amazon.com.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Winners 12/17

Here's some more winners! Congrats to them all!

ATG Stores $100 Gift Certificate Claimed

#542 deb c

Recent Toys Claimed

#72 DEBIJOT

Socks4Life $20 GC Claimed

#210 karenmed409

Bakugan

#38 amber01sw

Holiday Palooza - Worry Woo Monsters Review & Giveaway {CLOSED}

"The WorryWoo Monsters, a series by Andi Green, was first seen in a New York City art exhibition in 2001. Originally called The Monsters in My Head, Green wanted to create characters with a story that each embodied an emotion. Using her design and illustration background she built 5 light boxes, 24”X36” in size, each containing a monster with its story Xerox-transferred to the front of the box. From loneliness to confusion, she began tackling complicated feelings and transformed them into quirky, loveable characters. Her message of “embrace your emotions” received such a positive response, she was asked by many if she ever considered turning her single art pieces into storybooks. In 2002 she began to expand her concept, but it wasn’t until 2007 that she decided to publish and produce her new collection."

We all have such emotions as humans. I myself am a very emotional person, and so are my sons. We hurt very easily.

When I came across the Worry Woo Monsters, I thought to myself "What a great concept. Something fun that teaches children about their emotions at such young ages." Growing up, I struggled bad with my emotions. I'm hoping that this will help my kids.

We chose Rue, The Monster of Insecurity to review. I thought it fitting, because Big Bro is kind of insecure. Also, because I think Rue is cute, despite his insecurities!

The book is wonderful. It's just a simple sentence r so on each page, so the book really isn't as long as it looks. The plush toy is just darling and great quality.

Gift It!

You can buy the Rue and the Nose That Didn't Fit Set for $36.

How would you like to win your own Fuddle the Monster Set {pictured above}? I have one to give away to one lucky contestant!

To enter the giveaway head over to Worry Woo and tell me another character you like or something that you learned! This step must be done before you can qualify for extra entries.

Extra Entries:

"Like" The Worry Woo Monsters on Facebook {Feel free to tell them Outnumbered 3 to 1 sent you}
Follow @WorryWooMonster on Twitter
1 extra entry if you have the "Holiday Palooza" banner on your site. {Leave a link}
Enter the Worry Woo giveaway at Monkey Mayhem
Follow Outnumbered 3 to 1 through Google Friend Connect
Subscribe to Outnumbered 3 to 1 by email or in a reader {2 entries for each}
Become my Friend on Facebook, "Like" Outnumbered 3 to 1 on Facebook or Follow me through Networked Blogs on Facebook {1 entry for each}
Post my button on your blog sidebar, leaving a link
Add my url to your text blog roll, leaving a link
Comment on any non giveaway post {1 entry for each post commented on, max 2 extra entries}
Share this post using the "share" button below {Let me know where you shared it and your user name if applicable}
Post this giveaway on a contest linky or contest site, put link to site in comment {1 entry for each giveaway site posted on, max 2 entries}
Blog about this giveaway, linking to the giveaway post as well as the sponsor. Make sure to leave a direct link {5 Entries, commenting 5 times}
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet this giveaway using the following tweet and leave a direct link to your tweet {Can be done daily}

#Win a Fuddle the Monster Set @WorryWooMonster @OutnumberedMama http://outnumbered3-1.com #Giveaway #Holiday Palooza

Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry, otherwise it will just be counted as one. Your loss.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US until December 31st at 11:59 pm.

Check out a complete list of giveaway rules.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Palooza - The Sims 3 DS Review

I am a total "gamer girl" if I'm in the right mood. How could I not be, really? After all, I do live in a house full of boy.

The Sims was one of the very first video games I got into. Yes, I am talking about the first one, horrible outdated graphics and all! Then I got the Sims 2 and it was a little bit better, although there were still things I would have liked to have been able to do.

Since the launch of The Sims 3, I have wanted it. I just never got it, because I had the first two already and honestly because my wants usually aren't met. I find something that someone else needs or wants instead. Oh the sacrifices of selfless mothering.

"In The Sims 3 for consoles, create Sims with unique personalities, fulfill their desires, and control their lives within a living neighborhood. Unlock all-new Karma Powers and unleash them on your Sims: help your Sim “get lucky,” bless them with “instant beauty” or curse them with an “epic fail.” But use these powers wisely, because they may have unexpected results!
Design and build your Sims’ dream home and share your creations with others. As you guide your Sims through life you can complete challenges to unlock additional items, town upgrades, and buildings upgrades.
For the first time ever, upload and download content from your game, including furnishings, houses, Sims, and more!"

See the trailer below to see confessions from the makers of the Sims 3. I got quite a few good laughs from it and I bet you will too! Just please, let me know in a comment how you play your Sims. Do you try to ruin their lives or make them thrive? For me, it all depends on the family. Hey, we all need some misery, don't we?

See more Game Videos at EA.com.

Well lucky for me, I had the chance to include The Sims 3 for DS in the Holiday Palooza! Yay for me! It's definitely not the same as on the computer of course, but it is still totally fun! I love it and definitely can't get enough! It's definitely very convenient to play on the go. Since my boys are so accident prone and I have been spending a lot of time in doctor's offices and emergency rooms, the DS has come in handy for me big time. There are only a couple of games that I actually play, so I was glad to add the Sims 3 to my collection!

Now that I've played the DS version, I am definitely getting another copy for either the Wii or the computer because it is just too addicting and I need a bigger playing screen!

Gift It!

You can buy The Sims 3 for DS for$25.49 at Amazon.com.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.

Holiday Palooza - Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling Gumball Machine Gift Set Review

How many times have I told you now how much I love perfume and yummy scents? I know it's been a lot! Are you ready for one more?

I recently tried the three fragrances from the Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling Gumball Machine Gift Set and I am telling you, they all smell absolutely divine! I'm really not sure if I could choose a favorite because I love them all. However, the Honey is especially sweet.

"Fragrance Notes
Mine Again
A combination of chocolate raspberry with a touch of magnolia creates an addictive fragrance.

Ribbon
A mouthwatering fragrance inspired by the flavor of the blue raspberry Ring Pop is combined with a beautiful floral bouquet.

Honey
An irresistible fragrance, a touch of honey combined with pineapple creates a bright and sunny scent."

I am a total butterfly fanatic. It's my absolute favorite creature because they are just so breathtakingly beautiful. So of course, I just adore the perfume bottles from the Lollipop Bling set! They are sitting oh so beautifully right on my shelf in my room too.

Gift It!

You can buy the Mariah Carey Lollipop Bling Gumball Machine Gift Set for $70 {a $105 value} at Macy's.

I was given a product for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.