Don’t get me wrong, I like me some Yanni on occasion. But BgKahuna? He really likes some Yanni. The first time he told me this, I though he was kidding. He doesn’t appear to be the New Age Music type. But sure enough, when our CD collections merged, Yanni: :Live at the Acropolis and Snowfall were some of his contributions.

Touch of Truth is Yanni’s first original album in 8 years. BgK was glad there were only two vocal tracks on this release, although he openly admits he celebrates his entire catalog of work. “His music is timeless, of course everyone celebrates his most popular album, ‘Live at the Acropolis’, but true fans will enjoy this one just as much, if not more.”

BgK was disappointed that Indianapolis wasn’t on Yanni’s 2011 tour schedule. Maybe next time, BgK, maybe next time.

Disclosure: The One 2 One Network sent me a download of Truth of Touch in exchange for my honest review.

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Last Wednesday, I wrote the post on how we were approaching Advent, and so far, it’s going really well. The kids are getting ready a whole lot faster in the morning so we can get the next ring down before we walk out the door. It’s been great doing a short project every day, and it’s inspiring me to make a little bit more of a monthly plan to enjoy knowing that we will get to fun things every month with some planning. (Check out this idea from Heather, I love it)

Today’s activity was supposed to be write a letter to Santa. MaM was kind of intrigued, but got distracted and never brought it up again. If she’s ok with that, I’m ok with that. We did have an interesting conversation about it.

“Mom, I know what I can write to Santa!”

“You do?”

“Yes. I will say, ‘Don’t worry mom and dad, I’m out helping Santa,’ ”

“Oh that would be a letter to us, do you think you’d like to ask Santa for something?”

“Well, I’ll see presents when I help him.”

“True. Is there a present you’d like to ask him for?”

“I’ve already asked him for a pogo stick.”

“Would you like to ask him for anything else, in case he can’t find a pogo stick for you? Maybe some books?”

“Books are too boring. I need something else. Maybe a Barbie bath toy.” (last year’s gift)

And with that, she busied herself with something or other.

So here’s the thing. Actually, two things.

1) She’s kind of obsessed this year with “helping Santa”. As in, Santa is going to pick her up on his sled and she’ll go riding with him Christmas night. And that’s why she’d leave us a note so we don’t worry about her. Of course, every time she brings it up, I take the opportunity to tell her it’s not ok to leave with any Santa Claus who approaches her, anywhere, anytime. And if Santa comes knocking on her window, she must come wake us up. Strange, but I wanted to make sure all of our bases were covered. (Last year, she was obsessed with him visiting her on Christmas Eve)

2) She’s also obsessed with getting a pogo stick for Christmas. Here’s the thing, it snowed yesterday. If she were to get a pogo stick, it would sit in the garage for months before she could really use it. Also, her present this year is a Fisher-Price iXL. Have you seen these? I hadn’t even heard of them, until I went to BlogHer. There I spent some time in the Fisher Price booth, and came out a winner of an iXL. I’m hopeful that she’s as excited about it as I am for her. She absolutely loves using our iPhones, but she’ll have more flexibility with this device. There are games and a drawing program, it can play MP3′s and more. There can also be more than one user profile, so theoretically, the kids can share (we’ll see about that). I need to carefully pull it out of the box and get it ready to go for Christmas morning sometime soon. (disclosure: I won the iXL at Blogher. Just like I said. I am not under obligation to mention this fact, but OMG, this thing is cool.)

So that’s what the first week of Advent in our house. How’s yours going?

P.S. Indy friends, if you’re reading this and it’s not 5pm on Friday (12/3) yet, and you need a Christmas tree, check out this Savvy Savings deal for 50% off a live tree!

P.P.S. There are three huge gift guides over at Grown in My Heart, one for donations, one for goods, and one specifically for fair-trade. There are some amazing organizations you can support this holiday season.

P.P.P.S. I’ve got a few gift guides listed over at Persephone, arranged by age. There’s Baby’s First Christmas, Toddlers, Preschoolers and School-Agers, along with some ideas for large families/copious numbers of small children.

Related posts:

1. Tis the Season for…Wine-Making!

ToyBox Books send me a copy of the book to review, and I am so glad that they did. “Between a Roc and a Hard Place” actually starts with a scene that reminded me of the PBS Kids show, “Dinosaur Train” — an egg lands in the nest of  a different, even a predatory, species. The Roc family is surprised that a dragon has hatched in their nest, but they name her and she becomes part of their family. It doesn’t take long for Tephra to realize that she is different from her siblings, but it’s their similarities which bond them together. As Tephra grows, her life takes her in a very unique direction, being the only dragon among birds. Ultimately, her integration has a very positive outcome for the entire kingdom.

Children who like fantasy books will love this book for the magical land that author Danny Birt has created. The process of giving animals their names will enchant, and the plots against humans will entertain. The book is written for children age nine and older, and has recently won the National Parenting Center’s 2010 Holiday Seal of Approval. The adoption theme, and some of the issues adoptive families work through are present, but I wouldn’t classify this as solely an adoption book. It’s available at Barnes and Noble and should delight many a young reader!

Disclosure: I was sent a free copy of the book to review, the opinions of the book are all mine.

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Often: I make coffee quite often — now that I’m home more, I find myself making a pot either before or after the 3pm school pick up.

Friends: Coffee always tastes better with friends, whether we’re in a diner, a coffee shop or around the kitchen table.

Fresh: I love the smell of fresh coffee

Espresso: I’m not really a fan of espresso, my love is for regular drip coffee

Everyday: It’s true, I drink coffee every single day.

My love for coffee runs deep. I start every day with a cup, and if we’re out, it’s motivation for me to go to the store that very day (in contrast to when we run out of bread, and we just eat tortillas or crackers til the next shopping trip). So when I had the offer to have three bags of Dunkin Donuts Holiday Flavors delivered to my door, how could I refuse?

Dunkin Donuts is known for having outstanding fresh coffee in their stores, and I have to say that the packaged version has the same qualities as restaurant fresh. It’s not quite the same, but it’s really close & I don’t have to drive to get it, so it’s a good substitute. What I like about these flavored versions is that the flavor is subtle – it’s not “Hmmm…is there coffee in my vanilla nut drink?” Of the three I sampled — Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Nut and Mocha Mint, my favorite was Mocha Mint. It hinted at chocolate and it hinted at mint, but wasn’t over powering. All three coffees were smooth, and the right type of mellow for me (these are not bold coffees). Which is kind of ironic, I know, to judge a coffee by it’s mellowness, because coffee has a reputation for not inspiring the mellow in people. But if you ask my kids, I’m sure they’d agree– I’m a kinder, more mellow mommy with a little java in my veins….

Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Smuckers and received necessary products to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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No, I didn’t transpose the numbers, she really is 97 years young. She’s already planning her 100th birthday party, and my parents have moved said party from their back yard to a local reception hall. Because pretty much, if you’ve met her, you are cordially invited.

This past weekend the Indiana portion of her family gathered to celebrate, because, well, she’s 97. Before the party started, we were talking and I once again, realized what an amazing, kind and caring person my grandmother really is. My grandma is still mobile and independent. She still beats me at Scrabble, enjoys playing bridge and is hip to the assisted living center’s dining room politics. She loves fresh flowers, songs she can sing along to, and Everybody Loves Raymond.

She worries though, about her friends at the assisted living center who are becoming, as she puts it “very forgetful”. The friends who sometimes forget when to come to dinner, or forget her name, or don’t remember what day it is.

Last week, when she noticed her friend (who never has visitors and never leaves the center, she tells me) wasn’t at BINGO, Grandma went up to the front desk and asked them to call her friend Mary down for BINGO. The receptionist told her that they couldn’t do that, or else they’d have to call everybody for every activity. My grandma then proceeded to walk back to her own room to call Mary and remind her that it was BINGO day. Mary was surprised and thrilled, because she had, in fact, forgotten it was BINGO day. (according to Grandma, Mary kind of lives for BINGO)

The next morning, my grandma stopped by the manager’s office and complained about the receptionist’s response. After all, isn’t that the point of being in the assisted living center? To get assistance? She gave the manager a short list of her friends who are, in her opinion, becoming a bit “forgetful” and needed a phone call now and then as a reminder.

She then told me that her conversation must have gotten them to thinking, because now that staff is knocking on doors at activity time when the regulars aren’t around.

And I thought to myself, I can only hope to be so thoughtful when I am 97. I mean really, who does that?  (Walking back to her room to call her friend probably took her 10 minutes. She’s mobile, but she moves slowly.)

My grandmother, that’s who!!

So when 1-800 Flowers offered me the chance to send flowers this month as part of their Deliver Birthday Smiles Campaign, I had them sent to her. She was tickled pink, and marveled how they were in the shape of a birthday cake.  She brought them to the dining room to show to all her friends. Then she put them on the shelf outside her room, which typically holds holiday decorations.

Happy 97th Birthday, Grandma!

Want to win a $40 savings pass to 1-800 Flowers to send  a treat to someone you love?? Just leave a comment below — to whom would you send flowers and why? The comments are open through Tuesday, October 26th. Good luck!

Need to send some flowers RIGHT NOW (they have same day delivery!)? Save 15% on Birthday Flowers & Gifts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Promo Code: BIRTHDAY15

(Disclosure: I wrote two posts this month for 1-800-Flowers.com in exchange for these flowers being sent to Grandma. My grandma’s awesomeness? Is all her own.)

P.S. I had a totally different post ready to go, all about how things have changed since 1913. Then I had such a nice conversation with her on Sunday, I couldn’t not write about that. I’ll have to run the 1913 post next year for her birthday. You know, when she turns 98!

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A Flashback: FALL 2008 Junior is more likely kick, rather than sit, on a pumpkin these days

Updated 10/23/10: This giveaway is now closed and the winner is Shelby! Thanks for playing, Shelby look for an email from me.

Five is apparently the age where you start understanding that a break from school is an anticipated event. Sunday night I was talking to MaM and she figured it out — “So I go to school for two days and then there’s FIVE at home days? That’s awesome!” And she’s been counting down ever since.

We’ve got some fun things planned — a visit to the Children’s Museum, a visit to Conner Prairie for the Headless Horseman, and a quick getaway to Brown County and the Columbus Children’s Museum. We’re even hoping to squeeze in a trip to a pumpkin patch (this week’s Savvy deal), and then there’s Trunk or Treat at church on Sunday. Phew. Should be fun!

In the spirit of all that is fall, I had the chance to preview a Taking the Scary Out of Halloween Kit by children’s author, Joy Berry. It’s a fun kit that includes glow sticks (one that’s a necklace! with a whistle!),  a fun projection flashlight and book about Halloween. The kids have had a great time with the flashlight (are mine the only ones who are constantly playing in the dark bathroom? what? they are?), and the book is a good one. It’s filled with safety tips and also some good manners lessons that can make Trick or Treating go more smoothly. The book also has fun stickers and Halloween activities.

Want to win a Halloween Safety Kit of your own? Leave a comment here, telling me your fall break plans or a costume idea or whatever you feel is seasonally appropriate  and I’ll randomly choose a winner sometime on Friday!

Happy Fall Break, Everyone!

(Disclosure: Joy Berry Books sent me a Halloween Safety Kit to review. Note: the first flashlight was jostled and broken during shipping, but its replacement arrived undamaged and worked great!)

Related posts:

1. Happy Fall (or Autumnal Equinox)
2. Fun at Kelsay Farms- A Giveaway
3. Take Me Out to the Ball Game: A Giveaway

Enter Wendy’s new Pick Two for $4.99 campaign. I wrote about their all-new salads last month. Now they’ve made a smaller portion (still loaded with good things) and added an option where you can add a menu item (Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, rich and meaty chili, oven-cooked Baked Potato, grilled or spicy homestyle chicken Go Wrap, Dasani bottled water, small Frosty or other small beverage). So I can appeal to my healthy side (salad!  for this post, I chose Apple Pecan Chicken — SO GOOD) and my decadent side (Frosty!) in one simple order. I like simple.

Of course, you could go totally “good” and get either chili or a baked potato and have yourself a fine lunch with good variety.

But in the effort of full-disclosure, I’ll admit it: I always choose the Frosty.

(Disclosure: I was a sent a Wendy’s gift card to try these new salad/menu combinations. No one told me to get the Frosty, I decided to do that all on my own.)

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“Mommy! Dad showed me the moon is out tonight ,and so’s Jupiter!”

“That’s great honey. You saw the planet Jupiter?”

“Yes, I did. Mommy, who drives Jupiter?”

“Who drives it?”

“Yes. Who drives it? Honey, it’s in orbit around the sun like our planet, Earth.”

“What’s orbit?”

“It means that something goes around something else. Jupiter and Earth orbit around the sun.”

“Oh. What does Jupiter look like?”

“It’s very big, and it’s read and has a big spot on it, there are also nine moons.” (I think. Is it red? or is Mars?)

“But what are the people like on Jupiter?’

“There are no people on Jupiter.”

“But I want to SEE Jupiter. I want to go there!”

“Well, Jupiter is very cold, you’d have to take a spaceship there” (I think it’s cold. Which planet is Jupiter? M V E M ….?)

“A spaceship? How do you drive  a spaceship?” (are they called spaceships? can you even ever get there? would it take light years?)

“Well a space ship travels in space ,and you have to be an astronaut to work in one.”

“An astronaut? What’s an astronaut?” (Where are those Tang commercials when you need them?)

“Well, an astronaut learns all about the spaceship. Most astronauts have been in the Air Force , and you have know a lot of science.” (Is it the Air Force? or is it Navy? Are they even training new astronauts? Is NASA defunct yet?)

Enter Mad Science’s KNOW Magazine. KNOW Magazine is a new, advertisement-free science magazine for kids ages 6-9 yrs old. Colorful photos, activities and interesting articles for parents and children alike will engage any budding scientist. I think MaM is seriously going to dig the experiments. I’m just hoping I can keep up with her!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by  Mom Central on behalf of Mad Science and received the products necessary to  facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me  for taking the time to participate.

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Over cake and ice cream Sunday (for my mom and myself) we determined the only months our immediate family doesn’t celebrate birthdays are May, July and December. Other than that, we have birthday cake nine months out of the year!

On my in-laws side things are a bit more lopsided. Granted, there are a lot more people (BgK is the oldest of seven), but still, here’s the break down is this – ten of twenty one birthdays are celebrated in September-October-November. TEN.

It’s not your imagination or just my Facebook calendar that says September and October are birthday months–it’s an actual statistical fact. The most common American birthday? October 5th! (I have one friend celebrating that day, then 8 more with other October birthdays, just on Facebook)

1-800 Flowers has some fun things planned this fall in honor of all these birthdays. See what they’ve got going on over on Facebook www.facebook.com/1800flowers you could win flowers for a year — or follow them on Twitter www.twitter.com/1800flowers .

Is there a day or a month that is full of birthdays for you? Is it a fall month, by chance? Inquiring minds want to know!

And for those birthday flowers you need to send (the above images are just a small sample of what’s available):

Save 15% on Birthday Flowers & Gifts at 1-800-FLOWERS.COM. Promo Code: BIRTHDAY15

(Disclosure: this is the first of two posts in a series for 1-800 Flowers.com promoting their Deliver Birthday Smiles Campaign. I am receiving a free product for participating in this promotion)

Related posts:

1. Happy Birthday, Grandma!

There are even a few specific dates this month, depending on what kind of mate you have: National Singles Week (9/19-9/25), Wife Appreciation Day (9/19), and National Love Note Day (9/24). (sorry guys, you don’t get a day this month)

1-800-FLOWERS.COMhas a few ideas if you’d like to pleasure your mate (I really can’t wait to see what Aksimet catches after this post), chances are they won’t know that there’s a whole month for this and you could score more points because it would appear to be a “just because” gesture.

1-800 Flowers has a full range of gorgeous bouquets anyone would be thrilled to receive.

And if the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, then you’ll want to send him a Junior’s cheesecake as a little love note. A chocolate cheesecake was sent to me to try (I did share. A little) and it was delicious. It arrived packed in dry ice and still frozen. A small piece goes a long way–it’s 100% creamy chocolatey goodness.

Other goodies to consider from 1-800-FLOWERS.COM to consider this month:

The All About You arrangement

Juniors Heart Shaped Cheesecake

Chocolate Covered Cherries

*in addition to see what Akismet nets, I can’t wait to see the google searcheso n this one too*

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