Halloween is Creeping (ugh) Up!!

Punny title, eh?

Is this the same dog??

My kids are talking all about Halloween right now.  What are they going to dress up as, how much candy are they going to get, who are they going to trick or treat with?

PET TIP #1 - Of all candy, chocolate is one of the most toxic for pets – which also happens to be very popular around Halloween. Keep your pets away from the candy bowl and trick-or-treat bags off the floor to avoid choking hazards. It’s also important to inform your children of how dangerous tasty Jolly Ranchers and Kit-Kat bars can be to their furry friends. If you have this chat in advance, kids might be more cautious and won’t be tempted to share their treats.

My older girls are doing something special with the youth group at our church.  Instead of asking for candy, they are going to ask for a donation to the food bank!  I think this is a great time to plan this, just in time for the Christmas Hamper season!

I know that I have talked about my kids, pretty much all the time, but I haven't talked much about our pet. We have a dog named Lady, she is a Jack Russel/Poodle mix, and as much as I am not a pet person, she has grown on me! We have had her on and off for just about 6 years now, and she has ALWAYS been a barker. Halloween is a bit stressful here, because Lady is a barker...we usually try to keep her in the back hall to keep her from scaring the trick or treaters away.

PET TIP #2 - With the door opening and closing all night, animals might take this as an opportunity to run away. Make sure to keep pets in a safe and enclosed area – even turn on a radio or TV to help suppress knocks at the door and outside sounds. If you plan to let your dog or cat in on the excitement, don’t forget they might be frightened by people in costumes. To keep them calm, say things such as “it’s OK” or “don’t be scared” in a soft and sympathetic voice.

She "claims" she is our guard dog, but we know the truth.  If someone comes to our door when no one is home, Lady can't be bothered to get off the couch.  However, if we are home and someone comes to the door, she is sure to let us know!  So, she is like our "fake" guard dog.  She doesn't like being "dressed up" too much, but some dogs do (and my kids really do try!!)

PET TIP #3 - If you choose to dress your dog or cat up this year, make sure costumes aren’t too tight. A sailor hat may look cute on your cat’s head but the string attached may be irritating its neck. Just like people, pets need to be able to breathe comfortably and move safely without tripping or being unable to see and hear.

Lady and Faith (before her trim)

 Lady is also very protective of Faith and will sleep with her at night, and keep an eye on her.  When Faith is about to have a seizure, we know because Lady will go and lay right by her, to keep her from rolling and hurting herself!  While she is protective of Faith, we need to remember to protect her in return...which brings us to...

PET TIP #4 - Candles and jack-o-lanterns should be kept at a safe distance or up on table tops. The flames or hot wax can cause burns on your pets and even a fire if knocked over. As an alternative, use flashlights and LEDs to safely spook-up your house. If your jack-o-lantern or other decorations has a power cord, make sure your pet can’t chew them.

She is a part of our family for sure!  Do you have any other tips? Tricks? Treats (ugh again;-)

Feel free to share your pet dress up pictures with the Iams family on Twitter.

You can also find safety tips for your pets year round at:  SPCA, OSPCA, Iams or on the Iams Facebook Page. 

Disclosure: I received compensation for this blog post, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Mothers Day!! How Do You Celebrate?

What better way to celebrate Mothers, then with an AMAZING Spa Package Giveaway!!

With this set, you will be able to pamper yourself at home, and trust me, as much as I like to get out for pampering, the realities of our lives don't always allow that to happen...

Today, I received cards, plants, fruit, pizza and lots of hugs and love from my kiddos.  We were able to spend some time at my parents to bring over a fruit bouquet that we bought from church for my mom.

It has been a nice day, and to be honest, I have enjoyed being home to spend the time with them.  Tomorrow though, I will have a quiet house...wait a minute...Tuesday I will have a quiet house, while they are all in school, and I think that it will be my time to pamper myself:-)

My family has fallen in love with the Pantene Shampoo and Conditioner products through this program, and I am always keeping my eyes and ears open for sales and coupons so I can stock up! With 6 heads to to be washed, we go through a LOT of hair products!!

I was also really excited to receive the candle.  With a dog, and 5 kids, it definitely is helpful to keep my house smelling like a relaxing place:-)

P&G is providing a Mother’s Day Spa giveaway valued at $95*. The bundle includes:

Febreze Vanilla & Moonlight Candle 

Pantene Repair & Protect Conditioner

Pantene Repair & Protect Shampoo

Pantene Overnight Miracle Repair Serum

Pantene Stylers Hairspray Flexible Hold

COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss Grapevine

COVERGIRL LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara

Olay Massaging Bar Soap

One Free Clairol Hair Colour Coupon

COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm

Open to Canada only.

Ends on May 25, at 11:59pm EST.

Leave a comment with your email address for each entry.

Include any links you have to earn the entry.

Mandatory Entry:

• How do you find time to Pamper yourself regularly?

Extra Entries:

• Like Pantene on Facebook
• Like Olay on Facebook
• Lke Clairol on Facebook
• Like Covergirl on Facebook
• Like Febreze on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Twitter
• Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): '#WIN a #MothersDaySpa prize pack  @momsmusings http://bit.ly/10svT0Y ends: 5/25/13 #giveaway #PGmom'
• Blog about this contest (5 entries)
• Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. By entering the following contest, you are accepting that if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program, however, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more then once, another winner will be selected

Ding Dong Diaper Ditch #pgmom

I have had a secret for a few months.  A secret that is finally making its way out there, but man was it hard to keep this special news to myself!

I have a friend who found out she was expecting her fourth child (her other 3 are 11, 9 and 7) and I was just as surprised as she was.

Starting over again, after 7 years, is a big deal.  She says she feels like a first time parent again!

Yesterday I was able to attend her ultrasound appointment, and I LOVED seeing the little hands and the dancing legs, the oh so strong heartbeat and the perfectness of this little miracle:-)

This person is....

Are you ready for it?

My BFF Cheryl!!

So, really, Cheryl having a baby is like me having another one:-)  Cause we are practically family, and while I was worried about her at first, I realized that I am so excited to help her out with her newest family member, and add another "honorary" member to our family!!

Last month, I had the opportunity deliver a special package to a friend who was expecting and she was my choice.  It is going to be so interesting to feel like you are starting over again, and I wanted to give her a little bit of a head start!

P & G sent me a package of:  Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (size 1) and Pampers Sensitive Wipes, Ivory Snow Liquid detergent, a copy of “Caring for Kids: The Complete Guide to Children’s Health” and a
Canada onesie

I thought it would be fun to have Faith deliver the package, since she is so smitten with babies... Here is the video!

Cheryl was so excited to receive this package and begin collecting some of the many needed items she needs to start over with...I was glad to be able to help her out a bit:-)

She is due in August and I absolutely cannot wait to hold and love and snuggle her bundle of joy....

The miracle of life is AWESOME!!

Well.ca wants to help new parents too by ensuring mom and dad don’t have to go past their doorstop for a refill on Pampers. Subscribe to Pampers on well.ca before April 15th and get a 15 per cent discount and up to 500 Gifts to Grow points on select Pampers purchases! Plus – get 50 bonus Welcome points when you sign up!

 Disclosure: I am a P&Gmom. As part of my affiliation with this group I receive products and special access to P&G events and opportunities. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Loving Tender Care for your Hair - Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Giveaway!!

If you are a regular follower of my blog, you will know that I have 4 girls and 1 boy...Yup, 5 kids!!

When this Vidal Sassoon package arrived at our house, I had to HIDE the evidence...because, if I didn't, then I would have lost (and not been able to try) the Vidal Sassoon products that came:-s

Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Moisture Lock Shampoo, Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Moisture Lock Conditioner, Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Boost and Lift Foaming Air Mousse, Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Repair and Finish Spray, Vidal Sassoon The Mega Firm Hold Gel

My favourite product from this line is the Moisture Lock Shampoo and Conditioner.  I love how my hair feels after my shower, revitalized and refreshed!  I am almost ready to share these with my girls, and I am pretty sure my oldest will like the Repair and Finish Spray along with the Boost and Lift Foaming Air Mousse.

The Moisture Lock Shampoo cleanses and quenches hair’s thirst, while the Moisture Lock Conditioner helps to seal in moisture, leaving hair soft and silky. The rich moisturizing formula helps prevent dry or damaged-looking hair, leaving it noticeably smooth and irresistible to the touch.  

The Boost & Lift Foaming Air Mousse contains a foam technology that helps control unruly hair for a fashionably weightless and pumped up feeling. This formula provides up to 24 hours of flexible hold, long lasting volume and is easy to comb out.

The Repair & Finish Spray creates a conditioning shield to help protect your hair and restore smoothness. The formula helps protect damaged hair from breakage while helping to seal in style and taming flyaways.

The Mega Firm Hold Gel provides a strong hold, allowing for perfect and customized control for up to 24 hours. This professionally inspired formula helps lock out frizz, while smoothing hair to keep your style all day.

I have one of these prize packs (worth app. $44) to giveaway here on my blog

Open to Canada only.

Ends on March 9th, at 11:59pm EST.

Leave a comment with your email address for each entry.

Include any links you have to earn the entry.

 

Mandatory Entry:

• How often do you pamper your hair and what product would you love the most?

Extra Entries:

• Like the Vidal Sassoon Facebook page
• Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Twitter
• Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): '#WIN a #VidalSassoonProSeries prize pack http://tinyurl.com/a339lcy @momsmusings ends: 3/9/13 #giveaway #PGmom'
• Blog about this contest (5 entries)
• Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

Disclosure: All opinions expressed in this post are my own. By entering the following contest, you are accepting that if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR agency for the purpose of mailing your prize. This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program, however, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway. If your name is chosen more then once, another winner will be selected

Brighten Up Your Winter with the Olay Total Effects Giveaway

This winter, in Ontario, has become so cold!  Just a few weeks ago, we could barely move outside due to the amount of snow that had fallen. 

I am DONE with winter!!  In my younger years, I thoroughly enjoyed the snow...but now, I just want to cuddle up indoors and not step outside at all...however, I have 5 kids, and that means that I have NO CHOICE!!

I do have a choice though, when it comes to taking care of my skin and helping my skin stay "healthy, beutiful and young looking!"

It is never too early to start taking the necessary precautions to protect your face and fight the signs of aging that comes with time.

I received the Olay Total Effects package, and while I haven't been one to regularly take care of my skin properly (I have been a soap and water kinda gal), I have enjoyed these products and what they are doing for me.

Olay Total Effects Daily Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation Cream,  Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Eye Cream Line and Dark Circle Minimizing Brush, Olay Total Effects Refreshing Citrus Scrub, Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Night Moisturizer, Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting Eye Treatment

I absolutely LOVE the Citrus Scrub (I love anything citrusy:) and the Eye Treatments.  For some reason (could it be my crazy, busy life?) I have always had dark circles under my eyes.  These treatments have received a VERY HAPPY welcome to my life!!

I have one of these prize packs (worth app. $140) to giveaway here on my blog

Open to Canada only. 

Ends on March 3rd, at 11:59pm EST.

Leave a comment with your email address for each entry.

Include any links you have to earn the entry.

Mandatory Entry:

• What tricks/tips do you do to take care of your skin/face during the harsh winter months?

Extra Entries:

• Like the Olay Facebook page
• Become a Club Olay Member (you will receive offers and coupons!)
• Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
• Like Mom's Musings on Twitter
• Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): '#WIN a #OlayTotalEffects prize pack http://tinyurl.com/ajdf5wt @momsmusings ends: 3/3/13 #giveaway #PGmom'
• Blog about this contest (5 entries)
• Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)    

Disclosure:  All opinions expressed in this post are my own.  By entering the following contest, you are accepting that if you win, your contact information will be shared with a P&G PR agency for the purpose of mailing your prize.  This giveaway may appear on other blogs as part of the #PGmom program, however, to be fair, you can only win once per giveaway.  If your name is chosen more then once, another winner will be selected

Home Survival Kit Giveaway

Welcome to 2013!!  It is going to be a lucky year:-)

I know that with the holidays behind us, I have begun purging  my house.  I want this to be the year that I make our house our own. 

I need to lose a lot of “stuff”, and I am sure there are others out there who are in the same boat as me.  I have been picking small areas and cleaning them out, getting rid of things, and I feel such a sense of accomplishment when it is complete. 

I was sent a great Home Survival Kit, from Proctor and Gamble, to review (and even one to giveaway!).  Every single item in the kit is something that I have used and I really have grown to love. 

The Febreze has come in handy both in my house (the bathroom, in particular;-) and in my van.  I really love the Febreze Car Vent Clip.  A friend got into my van one day and made the comment that it smelled like “15 dryers had been opened at once”!  I never really realized how much I loved the smell of Fresh Linen…lol.

My kids were thinking that it would be great fun to use the Swiffer Wet Jet pads, while they were attached to their feet;-) Brings a whole new perspective to cleaning…

And I just love the candles…I even shared one with my parents!

The Home Survival Kit includes products from Swiffer, Cascade, Mr. Clean, Febreze, and Dawn.

This giveaway is open to Canada only. 

It will end on January 12, at midnight EST.

Mandatory Entry:

Give me your best organizing tip
For Extra Entries:

Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
Follow Mom's Musings on Twitter
Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day): " #WIN a Home Survival Kit http://tinyurl.com/bg7629g @momsmusings Closes: 1/12/13 #pgmom "
Blog about this contest (5 entries)
Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

I received products to review.  All opinions on this blog are my own.

Charminize Your Washroom Giveaway

I was asked to join the ranks of a P&G Mom.  I was so excited to have been included in this great program and I loved meeting the others who are a part of it as well.

I haven’t had access to a computer that I could actually blog on, for quite some time, now I do, so I am looking forward to posting all these great giveaways!

As a P&G Mom, I received a HUGE bucket of products, back in November.  I was so excited to open that box, and take pictures, and try out some products that I may have not tried before.  My kids were ecstatic to have a GINORMOUS box to play in:-)

In that bucket, I was sent a bottle of the Downy Unstopables.  I fell in LOVE!!  I haven’t always been the one to do laundry at my house, but all of a sudden, I am actually getting excited…I know, crazy!!  This beads are a great addition, and just add a wonderful, scented touch to all the laundry now.  I love how my clean clothes smell (and the scent really does last a long time!)

I also was sent a pack of Charmin Ultra Soft toilet paper, and let me tell you…it IS soft!!  I am choosing not to share this toilet paper with my kids (they use waaaay too much, I don’t want to run out of it too soon;-) We haven’t used the Fresh Wipes yet, for that purpose, but we have used some for other things and my kids were so excited for the Puffs…although, we usually use toilet paper, and the Charmin would be just as good, it is nice to have a box of tissues in the house, especially when company comes over.  LOL!

If you are out and about, as much as I am, you HAVE to check out this great app that Charmin has.  It is the Charmin Sit or Squat App, and it helps you to find and rate local public washrooms.  It helps you find the ones that you really want to use!!

· Charmin giveaway pack includes two (2) packs of Charmin Ultra Soft, two (2) tubs of Charmin Fresh Wipes, two (2) boxes of Puffs tissue and one (1) bottle of Downy Unstopables. Valued at $40*

This giveaway is open to Canada only.

It will end on January 12, at midnight EST.

Mandatory Entry:

Which of the giveaway items would be your favourite to receive?
For Extra Entries:

Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
Follow Mom's Musings on Twitter
Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day):

" #WIN and Charminize your washroom http://tinyurl.com/baa3sfm @momsmusings Closes: 1/12/13 #pgmom "
Tell me what you think of the Charmin Sit or Squat App

Blog about this contest (5 entries)
Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

I received products to review. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Pepto Holiday Kit Giveaway

With all those turkey dinners out of the way, I am trying to come up with some great meals, that don’t include all the “normal” holiday ingredients. 

That, however, leads me to a lot of heartburn!  Just the other night, I thought I would have a drink of my favourite pop, after not having pop for a while, and I regretted it, drastically, all night long! 

The Pepto Holiday Kit showed up at my door just in time!!  Along with the great spatula and oven mitt, I was able to get a coupon for $3 off any Pepto Bismol product, and I put that to quick use!!

I have, not 1, but 10 of these kits to giveaway to readers!!  You read that correctly, 10!!

· Pepto Holiday Kit includes: Pink Pepto branded oven mitt, pink spatula, $3 off coupon of any Pepto Bismol product. Kits are valued at $15.

This giveaway is open to Canada only.

It will end on January 12, at midnight EST.

Mandatory Entry:What food bothers you the most?

For Extra Entries:Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
Follow Mom's Musings on Twitter
Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day):

" #WIN a Pepto Holiday Kit http://tinyurl.com/algguqc @momsmusings Closes: 1/12/13 #pgmom "

Like Pepto on Facebook
Blog about this contest (5 entries)
Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

I received products to review. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Holiday Survival Kit Giveaway Pack

This is an amazing assortment of products!!  We always make sure that our homes are clean and presentable, we need to enter this new year taking better care of ourselves! 

I received these products in the big bucket that arrived.  My favouritest (yes, I just made up a word) item is the Venus & Olay Razor.  Hands down!!  I love that I just have to “add water” and can shave in a quick moment.  With 5 kids, I only ever have quick moments!!

I also really like the CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara.  I loved how it made my lashes just *POP*.  I am not one to wear a lot of makeup, but I find that if I just put this mascara on in the morning, it changes how I look, drastically, in a good way:-)

I also have really enjoyed using the Secret Outlast deodorant.  I have always been a Secret user, but this Outlast version seems to really “outlast” any of the other ones I have used.  I am not joking either.  It really does last a long time. 

· Holiday Survival giveaway pack includes one of each: Pantene Moisture Mask, Venus & Olay razor and Satin Care with a Touch of Olay Shave Gel, Herbal Essences Set Me Up Heat Protection Spray, CoverGirl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara, CoverGirl Blast Flipstick, Secret Outlast deodorant, Tide to Go and Duracell. Valued at $65*

This giveaway is open to Canada only.

It will  end on January 12, at midnight EST.

Mandatory Entry:

What is the one thing you do, everyday, to make sure you take care of you?

For Extra Entries:

Like Mom's Musings on Facebook
Follow Mom's Musings on Twitter
Tweet the giveaway (up to once a day):

" #WIN a Holiday Survival Kit http://tinyurl.com/a659h2z @momsmusings Closes: 1/12/13 #pgmom "

Blog about this contest (5 entries)
Post on Sharing Sites (Digg, Stumbleupon etc...)

I received products to review. All opinions on this blog are my own