My Blog Life: One Year Later

I guess it's an anniversary of sorts.  I've officially had my Blogger account for 1 year now.  I started blogging here on December 2010.  My son had just turned 6 months old and I thought it was time for me to revisit an old hobby of mine: Blogging.  I first started blogging in 2004 (well BEFORE marriage & motherhood).  My first blog was on Xanga.  I fell in love with blogging INSTANTLY.

Some of you may already know my little secret:  that I do TRY to maintain more that one blog.  Reason:  I never did find my "niche" with blogging.  I may seem scatter-brained in blog life, but as I see it:  I am organized in my own chaotic way.  I don't find a need for a formula or to follow any guidelines. I blog for the enjoyment of blogging.  Pure & simple.  I am hoping that 2012 will present more time for me to invest in blogging.  We shall see!

My BLOGGER Blogs:
Mommied Life by Cynthia | My Life as Mom

• Married Life by Cynthia | Happy Wife, Happy Life
• Life by Cynthia
• Confidential Conversation
• Dollars & Sense
• Recollection Collection
• The Skinny
• The Novice

I mention my BLOGGER Blogs above because to add to the mix I also have other ventures out there.

This is my life. Thanks for visiting it!

Sprint's 3 Day Sale - Just In Time For Holiday Gift Giving

This post brought to you by Sprint. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Sprint is having a 3 Day Sale 12/12-12/14. This is great news if you still have some holiday shopping to take care of.  Most of our gift giving is for the young ones in our family.  The oldest is 11 years old, the youngest is 6 months old.  For now toys, clothes, and books fit the bill. Once the teen years approach, I'm sure that tech devices like laptops, cameras, and Smart Phones will appear on the wish lists!

 

How many of you put together a wish list for yourself?  Let's see... Clothes, shoes, books, cosmetics, electronic devices and maybe a handbag?  How about a Smart Phone? Is that something that has found it's way on to that list?  If so you can find some great holiday deals on Android™ powered EVO 4G or EVO™ Shift devices for a limited time at Sprint!

 

As a matter of fact you could get the HTC EVO™ 4G or EVO™ Shift for FREE only on Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY.

 

PLUS get waived activation for new lines of service and free shipping from Sprint here: http://bit.ly/rBqHmY.

 

So if shopping for yourself, or for a loved one - check out Sprint Android™ powered EVO 4G devices

Skin Cancer Scare

I am suffering from post surgery pain as I write this.  I had a biopsy done not long ago to test for skin cancer.  I had a mass on the back of my right leg.  The results were that the sample was benign. My doctor recommended removal.  We did just that yesterday.  It was a sizable surgical excision that required quite a few stitches. I will have a 3 inch scar, but I don't mind that so much as I am relieved that I do not have a form a skin cancer. Today, I am off from work for recovery.  I am in SO MUCH PAIN.  I am taking pain medication that does dull the pain. However, it leaves me feeling nauseous.  I am just waiting now for the medicine to take effect.  I was fine yesterday and slept without any problems.  When I woke up this morning - the meds wore off.  It was the first time I had felt pain.  I am cooped up in our bedroom as my son is in the care of his father.  I am not looking forward to the "stitch itch" a little later on in my healing process. The stitches are scheduled for removal on the 20th.

Dear Body,


Please heal quickly. I am not a fan of pain. Even though I could not have prevented this particular course of events from  happening - I will take better care of us!  2012 will be met with good health! Hello 40's!


Me

Message to you, dear reader, please take care of yourselves - mind AND body. If you notice something "not quite right" or are feeling "not so well", go to your doctor and make sure you can be (or get) as healthy as you can be!

Wordless Wednesday: Thanksgiving

2010

Only Chocolate Will Do

Today was "One Of Those Days".  I don't want to get into it but wanted to blog about what the cure would be: CHOCOLATE.  Most preferably, Chocolate Mousse!  I first learned of Dove Discoveries while attending my first BlogHer Conference earlier this year.  They had reps & samples all over the San Diego Convention center.  I've been following Dove Discoveries on Twitter and always check out their yummy recipes.  This is actually a picture of a mix that they sell. Easy. I want!

Source: dove-chocolate-discoveries.com via LifebyCynthia on Pinterest

Please send chocolate my way! 

Kooba

It may seem that I've been shopping a bit. But I really haven't been spending all that much.  I am pretty conservative when it comes to spending. Once in a while I will treat myself.  Today was one of those days.  I've been wanting a new purse but holding off.  I have to break the habit of allowing our son's diaper bag to be my purse.  I have several favorite bags in my collection, as many ladies that I know do.  I am not obsessed with purses though, because for some it can be an addiction.  I do like a nice, quality bag.  I prefer understated, classic styles versus the overly monogrammed  styles. I was in market for a black purse. Found one.  I have been eyeballing Kooba for a while, and may be getting one....Does anyone have a Kooba bag? Love?

I couldn't bring myself to pay the original price but with this sale I'm finding it a little hard to resist:
Was: $525.00
Now: $185.97
65% OFF
Kooba Anya Satchel  

Online Shopping Justified: With Cooler Weather, I NEEDED a Jacket (OR 2)

Confession: I shopped. With the anticipation of cooler weather, I purchased a new leather jacket. I had donated my former buttery soft leather jacket a couple of years ago. Last winter I was pretty warm with our bun in the oven so didn't find much need for a jacket.

Over the weekend my niece and I met with a Professional Stylist for an event held in one our local malls.  A colored leather jacket was on of the recommendations made for me. I will post the outfit designed for me when I find a bit more time.

I found a similar jacket by one of my favorite designers:  Michael Kors.  I can hardly wait until it arrives!

Michael Kors Double Zip Leather Jacket in Gunmetal

•Stand collar.
•Exposed dual-zip closure at front.
•Four front zip pockets.
•Snap flap hand pockets.
•Long sleeves with two-snap cuffs.
•Straight back yoke.
•Fully lined.
•Shell: 100% leather;
•Lining: 100% cotton.
•Length: 23 in


I was on a roll and found another MK jacket that I liked and would be better suited for rainy days.

Michael Kors Oil Cloth Army Jacket

•This sleek jacket is purely timeless.
•Shiny jacket with zip closure & self-fabric belt.
•Attached hood hides away in the collar when not in use.
•Four military-inspired pockets along the front with button snap flap pockets.
•Long sleeves with snap cuffs.
•Adjustable drawstrings at the hem for style and comfort.
•Shell: 49% polyester, 45% cotton, 6% metal.
•Lining: 100% acetate.

Save Money For College With Upromise

This post brought to you by UPromise. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's never to early to start saving for your child's college fund.  Our son is barely over a year old and we are actively saving for his future.  On Birthday's and other gift giving occasions, friends and family have been generous to gift our son monetarily.  Those gifts go straight to growing his college funds!  We utilize Upromise, which is a rewards program that can help you to earn & save for college costs.  With your everyday spending, such as grocery shopping, gasoline purchases, and online shopping - you can automatically earn a percentage.  It's really simple and can add up very quickly.  You can also sign up for a credit card through Upromise to earn rewards even faster!

Upromise members have received more than $600 million in college savings through their rewards program, and it wants to celebrate all of the ways it has helped to fuel those sparks that made children into the people they are today and the adults they will become tomorrow.


In addition to the program offered by SallieMae, there is another exciting way for you to earn funds for your child:  Upromise is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary by giving away $20,000 to users who share a story that tells how a parent has supported a child's dream!


Simply participate in the sweepstakes by submitting a story. Upromise will give away $1,000 to 10 winners and a grand prize winner for $10,000 will be selected from the participants as well.
Upromise invites you to join the movement, share your experiences and give a spark to help fuel the flame of their future dreams.


We have posted our DREAM and hope that you will consider "liking" our submission. Your vote would mean so much to us! I want to invite you to not only post YOUR DREAM but to leave a comment here on this blog post as well.  I would love to know your thoughts and feelings of your hope for your kids!

For more information, please visit: www.upromisetodream.com.  You can also read the dream wall official rules for more details on this great opportunity!.

If you don't have children yet perhaps you can share this contest with your family, friends, and co-workers.

Review: WEN BY CHAZ DEAN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner

Naturals VoxBox Review:  WEN BY CHAZ DEAN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner ($29.95)
This product was provided to me complimentary for my testing and review. I did not receive any compensation and all of my statements are my honest opinion.

I think that I have found my new hair care "treat"!  I was a bit skeptical that the WEN Cleansing Conditioner would really get my hair clean as the product is non-sudsing.  I thought that I would need more than the recommend amount since I have long, thick hair.  Surprisingly 10 pumps was just enough!  This product is suitable for ALL hair types.  You will discover that you don't need a sudsy lather to get your hair really clean and highly conditioned!

I've used many hair care products ranging from Costco sized shampoo/conditioner to high end imported hair care products.  Lately, I've been more of a saver than a spender so I am not so sure if I would pay for the cost of the whole WEN system.  I'd like to, however saving is my main focus at this time.  The product is great and aside from cost, I have only positive at things to say.  The product really cleansed my hair and left it feeling soft and smooth.  The fragrance reminds me of my Palms Springs spa weekend at Rancho Las Palmas with my bridesmaids right before my wedding.  It was like an aromatherapy bonus in the WEN bottle!  Though I didn't use it as a leave in conditioner, you can use it for that purpose.  I am very impressed with the Cleansing Conditioner and would LOVE to try the entire WEN Healthy Hair Care System.

Please stay tuned for the rest of my Naturals VoxBox product reviews!

Express Business Suits: Work It!

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Have you seen the Express campaign "Work It"?  They feature both men's suits as well as women's suits.   I've been "dressing down" quite a bit at the office.  I have to admit that I am now inspired to "spice things up" a little bit and rev up my professional appearance!  9 to 5 dressing doesn't have to be drab!  With all of the hoopla that surrounded fashion week - I've been longing to spruce up my career attire! I love the feeling of being "put together" that a suit offers. You can't help but to feel professional, confident, and ready to take on anything at the office when powered up in suit.  What better way to welcome Fall dressing than with a smart tweed suit?  I'm SO ready for a Fall head to toe makeover.

Express has the suits that every man/woman needs! For a limited time, enter everyday for a chance to win a $500 suiting makeover from Express!  Personally, I think that a $500 makeover from Express is quite generous.  $500?!  Don't forget to enter!  For details: Express sweepstakes.

Now let's suppose that you are the lucky winner....which suits styles would you pick? What events would you wear your suits too? Work, networking events, job interviews?

I Just Received My 'Naturals VoxBox'!

I am very excited to try out the wonderful assortment of products that I have received for review.  Please check back with me soon as I test out these products:

• WEN BY CHAZ DEAN Sweet Almond Mint Cleansing Conditioner ($29.95)
• THE NATURAL DENTIST Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse ($6.99)
• DERMA E Very Clear Problem Skin Cleanser($15.50)   
• FOOD SHOULD TASTE GOOD All Natural Tortilla Chips ($1.29)
• JASON NATURAL Pure Natural Soothing Aloe Vera Hand Soap ($9.49) 
• JUICE BEAUTY Conditioning Lip Color ($18.00)
• PROBAR Halo Snack Bar ($1.59) 
• AVALON ORGANICS Nourishing Cherry Aloe Lip Balm ($2.99)

I have been provided these items for my honest review and did not/will not receive compensation for my feedback.

Oprah's Lifeclass

I have reserved my spot in Oprah's Lifeclass and wanted to share this wonderful opportunity. Please click the image to better read Oprah's message. Reserve your spot now!

Don't miss your chance to sign up for Oprah's Lifeclass and get a copy of Oprah's class journal to track your progress.* It's OWN's gift to you! You can also be entered for the chance for you and a friend to MEET OPRAH at O You! in Atlanta on Oct. 15!**

Reminding Myself to RELAX

I haven't written a post here for far too long.  Mostly because I've been busy.  Partly because I've been lacking the motivation to compose my thoughts into a blog post worth reading.  If you throw in a bit of anxiety that I have been having about my health and add a loving touch of family encouragement to get pregnant (keep in mind I'm 40!) then I am sure you can understand why I can't think straight these days!  I'll also admit to feeling just plain LAZY....I'm sure that we all have days like that.

I've had a lot on my mind.  Usually I like to "blog it out", but not lately. Here's a few things rattling around in my head:

• I am considering a career change.  

• Our son recently weaned - all on his own accord.  I was NOT ready for that.  I haven't breastfed in weeks and I'm a little sad about it.

• My dear MIL has SEVEN grandsons (bless her heart).  Her one & only birthday wish:  She REALLY wants a granddaughter.   She blew out the candles and made her wish OUT LOUD. My husband & I have been "designated" to take care of that wish. Uh...

• I have a small mass (let's not call it a tumor yet) on the back of my leg that I couldn't "wish" away.  I am getting it checked out tomorrow.  I should have seen the doctor  months ago. Let's pray it's nothing.  I am hoping that you will send your "it's benign" thoughts my way.

I hope to get over my non-blogging rut very soon.  I haven't been keeping up with reading blogs either, so please fill me in on what's been going on out there.

BlogHer '11: My 15 Minutes of Fame

Today I read a tweet entitled: BlogHer Conference Update -- August 12, 2011 | BlogHer.  Cool.  Since I attended the conference, I wanted to read the write up.  I open up the attachment and lo and behold!  I see my face!  Admittedly, it is not the most flattering of photos since I am clearly in mid-speech!  I was telling my new blog buddies what I blog about.  I am thrilled all the same.  What a great souvenir of my BlogHer moment!

Asher-Sears Photography

I am now able to cross "Have my photo on front page of BlogHer website" off of the bucket list! It's already quickly being bumped lower and lower on the page as more posts are put up. But at least it was up there at ONE point. I'm giddy!

Also pictured is Nicole Aro of The Sunlight Foundation which is a non-profit. I met a few ladies that are involved with non-profit organizations. She was kind enough to ask if I wanted company at breakfast since I was eating alone. It touched me even more that she came up to me because there were PLENTY of other empty tables available.

Shopping for Summer Shoes!

I think that I have probably mentioned it a time or two that Summer is my favorite time of the year.  I have many reasons for picking the Summer as my favorite.  From happy memories of being on break from school, to family vacations, to spending time at the beach and/or pool - my list can go on and on.  I'll spare you the details of EVERY little thing that I love.

I was inspired to write this post because I LOVE summer dressing! Shorts, dresses, sandals!  Though I can probably get away with summer dressing year round (since I live in Sunny San Diego) - I always look forward to the summer months because it is so enjoyable during the warm evenings out and about with my family.

I could go on and on about my favorite clothes but will stay focused with this post!  As you know, I spent the past weekend at BlogHer '11 and thankfully I had the shoe savvy to stay comfy!  I wanted to share some of my fave footwear.

One of my favorite looks for my feet is either flat white sandals or silver flip flops to show off my french pedicure!  Though I haven't had a chance to work on a summer tan, I think that these two options that I mentioned look extra summery!

Even though I'd like to live in sandals & flip flops, I do need to wear actual SHOES once in a while, especially between pedicures!  I am not a huge fan of bulky, clunky, "shape up" types of shoes (you know which ones I mean).  I prefer a sleeker, old school look like the nike eclipse ii.  More comfy and retro looking. But whatever your choices are, just stay comfy!  I hope that you all have a fun summer season!  I know that I will!

Thank you to our friends at www.become.com for supporting Confidential Conversation.

BlogHer '11: Day 1

Too tired to blog about it as there is SO MUCH to say! I will post a few photos though. I didn't bring a camera since I didn't have a buddy to snap photos for me/of me/with me. I will bring one tomorrow.  I apologize in advance for the poor quality photos taken with my DumbPhone.  I think I was the only one in the entire Convention Center without a SmartPhone or a Tablet! OH - and the only one without business cards. Well...I ordered some but not in time. Boo.  Oh Well.

Note: No pictures of me with fellow Bloggers = I was feeling shy!  No shyness though with the Sponsors.  Weird, I know.

One of the Welcome Banners & Attendees Registering

Meeting Room for session that I am in charge of the Mic.
I scoped it out early for Saturday's Session, just planning ahead!

EXPO Floor: Awesome sponsors!  Met really sweet people.

Diane Amos & Me: That's the power of Pine Sol, baby... 

Cookie Monster, Elmo, and ME.  I plan on bringing our son  before the conference ends.

Brawny Man & Me

My Coke Rewards Schools Program

This post brought to you by My Coke Rewards. All opinions are 100% mine.

Some of my favorite school memories are art and P.E.  OK, it may sound silly but those two things really stick out.  Recess = fun. Making art projects to bring home to mom & dad = fun.  We did a lot of homework and a lot of studying of course.  But things like art and playground activities (jump rope, dodge ball, tether ball) really bring back great school memories.

School budget these days probably don't allow for much anymore.  But we can easily do our part to help schools by simply donating our My Coke Rewards points to the My Coke rewards for schools Program. Due to my Diet Coke consumption, we accumulate quite a bit of points but even the smallest point contribution can lead to great things for students in your community. If you donate to your school, it can get rewards like art supplies and sports equipment, and support all the ways kids play.

Parents, please check with your children's school administrators to see if their school is enrolled in the program.  If not, you may want to encourage them register their schools in the program so they can make great things happen for their students.

 

There is a catalog of items that can be earned by redeeming points for the things they need like classroom supplies, sports equipment, books, etc. To view the catalog visit: http://www.mycokerewards.com/school-catalog.

From July 13 through September 30, Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds, worth $25,000, to schools and are giving consumers who purchase and enter a code from any package of Sprite/Sprite Zero an entry into the sweepstakes to help their school win. In addition, every three points donated to the school through the Sprite Spark Parks for Schools sweepstakes will give the school additional chances. Any new school that registers will be given a chance to win.

How it works for Schools (How to Donate)

• Purchase your favorite participating Coca-Cola product (there are 15 participating brands)

• Enter codes at mycokerewards.com/schools to get points.

• Pick your school and donate the number of points you would like to give.

• Your school uses the points to get rewards like athletic equipment, classroom supplies and more.

How it works for Schools (How to Registration)

• Identify a School Coordinator to manage your school’s account.

• Go to mycokerewards.com/schools and click on “Register Today” to find your school and complete the registration process.

• Once you’ve completed registration, start spreading the word & encourage parents to donate My Coke Rewards points to support your school.