It's time for a new & refreshed blog! Please be patient and check back soon for my updated Blog. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring has Sprung!

 

Spring is here!

The season of renewal and rebirth is upon us.  Like a newborn baby, this season brings with it the sweetness of new beginnings and endless possibilities! 

I am ready! Are you!? 

He shall come down like rain 

upon the grass: as showers

that water the Earth.

~Psalm 72:6

Children Spring Artwork Activity

~Bizee Mama 

Where has the Summer gone...Back to School Tips

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to school they go! I have one going back for her teaching credentials, one heading to Louisville for his 1st year of College, a Freshman experiencing his 1st year of High School, one experiencing being top dog of the Middle School as an Eight Grader, Fourth Grader, and a Pre-Kindergartener!

I can't believe the Summer has pasted already...back to the schedule and routine of things! So bitter sweet for me. This has been one of the best Summer thus far! I think as the kids get older it's less stressful for me. We all liked and enjoyed sleeping in, including my 5 year old who slept in until 9:30/10am.
I think when your kiddo's are all younger you really look forward to this day...but, with this day comes lots of future work. Alarm clocks going off starting at 6am, Wake up pats on the back, Homework to be helped with, Grades to keep up with, Tasks to be reminded, Lunches to be made, Sports to be have gotten to, etc., etc., -- Routine and Schedule are key there is no question!

Back to School means Fall is near and change of season is upon us.  

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1

I look forward to and embrace this new SEASON! I hope these few tips may help you with your 'Back to School' routine!

• Ways I implement my routine and schedule for my family is by using a large dry erase board in the kitchen. We have color coded dry erase markers. Every person has their own color. 

 

• I also assign 2 chores each a week for every child. This does not include their upkeep of their rooms and personal belongings throughout the house. 
• Laundry is a day assigned to a child. This starts with oldest to youngest at the beginning of the week. My oldest has Mondays, the next one in line has Tuesdays, and so on. I do my laundry, towels, sheets, etc., through out the weekend and have them put away by Sunday night.
• I also, get back into a good routine of following the FlyLady! This has been a great routine builder for me and family! She has now given us access to a fabulous online schedule keeper and much more at Cozi.com 

 I hope these few tips may help you in implementing your 'Back to School' routine! Hope you and your family and a great year!!


~Bizee Mama

Back to reality after a long holiday weekend...

Hope this finds everyone happy and safe after this LONG 4th of July holiday weekend! Re-entry as my girlfriends and I call it. After a vacation, holiday, or long weekend...back to the swing of things, is not always easy! We celebrated with swimming, boating, BBQ's, and fireworks over the past 3 days! Our celebrations even included a birthday yesterday! I can't believe it is already July! Where has the Summer gone! Well, going to continue to enjoy all that comes with SUMMER and get my booty back to laundry!

I'd like to share our recipe for the birthday celebration dessert my kids and I made for their stepdad.

Ingredients:

White cake

Large tub of cool whip

Fresh Strawberries

Fresh Blueberries

How to: We baked the 13 x 9 white cake and then cut it into one inch cubes.

Rinse your fresh fruit and slice the strawberries.

Then layer your ingredients...

Cake/Fresh Fruit/Cool Whip Then repeat in different order: Cake/Cool Whip/Then layer the fresh strawberries in lines across the dessert to represent the stripes in the american flag. Then place the blueberries in the upper left hand corner to represent the stars!

Enjoy!

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Summer Kick Off Giveaway ~ Bath & Body's Warm Vanilla Sugar

OK...so, it's been like forever that I've blogged! I think I've only blogged a few times so far this year. Wow, how time flies and life goes in cycles. Balance is the key, and I'm still looking for it! -- Just as when my children were small and I'd fall into a nice routine/pattern with them...it would change! It seemed to cycle anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Well, that is my life still today. When I get into something new... boy, I sure go for it! I really enjoyed the blogging world when I came across it a few years ago. I felt it was a great escape on one hand and on another a great way to socialize. Get acquainted with other woman that were enjoying what I was. I almost got to the point of really figuring out this blogging thing. Even on the verge of figuring out how to potentially earn money. Then before the holidays this past year, I tapered off.
I do not know where I'm at at this point in my blogging sphere journey. But, I do know I don't want to lose complete touch.
I really enjoyed getting to know people and through giveaways was one fun way. So, I'm gonna kick the Summer of right here and offer a new fun giveaway to my followers and hopefully meet some new ones!

I love their products and know you will too if your not already a fan! You'll receive both products as a set! 

Bath & Body Warm  Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion 

Bath & Body's exclusive Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer.

• Their original Warm Vanilla Sugar fragrance is an addictively comforting scent where indulgence meets pure seduction
• Key fragrance notes: Vanilla Absolute, Basmati Rice Water, Creamy Sandalwood

Bath & Body Warm Vanilla Sugar Fragrance Mist 

Lavishly spritz refreshing Fragrance Mist all over your body to leave skin lightly scented with our original, classic Warm Vanilla Sugar, an addictively comforting scent where indulgence meets pure seduction.

• Fragrance Top Notes: Sheer Florals, Vanilla Absolute
• Fragrance Mid Notes: Basmati Rice, Coconut, Vanilla Absolute
• Fragrance Base Notes: Vanilla Absolute, Heliotrope, Musk, Veltol, Sandalwood

Usage:

Smooth lotion over body to moisturize and then spray mist lightly to fragrance skin. ~ Enjoy!

Entry:

1. Follow this blog. Please leave a comment letting me know your a new follower and where I can follow you back :]

Bonus Entries: [One entry per each -- Tweets get an entry up to one per day for the duration of the giveaway]

1. Follow @bizeebeauty at www.twitter.com/bizeebeauty. Comment back here with your Twitter link.

2. Tweet about this give away and leave a link  to your status here back to your tweet. (this can be done by clicking on the time under your tweet - it should give you your status url)
 Example: Enter to #win a set of Bath & Body's 8 oz. Warm Vanilla Sugar Body Lotion and Mist #giveaway @bizeebeauty  http://bit.ly/kLiSr1 ends 6/17
3. Add me to your PUBLIC Blog Roll make sure to leave a URL I will be checking. (2 entries)

4. Grab my button and tell me where it is make sure to leave an address I will be checking. The button MUST be on your HOMEPAGE. (5 entries)

Contest ends Friday June 17th at 12:00 noon Eastern. One winner will be chosen by Random.org and posted.

If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment. For example: BizeeBeauty@yahoo.com so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Please respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

This was not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.

~ Good Luck!

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Spring is Around the Corner... Needing a New Playset for the Kiddo's!?

The grounds wet and soggy here in the Mid-West... We are impatiently awaiting Spring time and warmer weather! Eleven days and counting! It's always fun to have something new to look forward to. Like a new purchase, an outing, or trip of sorts. Our yard toys have gone through their cycle of use! With my oldest being 21 and youngest only 4 we've had to say goodbye and hello quite a few times to our yard toys.

I'm looking for a fun new playset to purchase this year for the yard and have been doing a little research. I am excited to have come across these great wooden swing sets ... Hurry and take a look yourself. They have so many choices. Just in time for Spring! I can't wait to get ours!

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Action Relieves Guilt and Increases Joy

Action Relieves Guilt

and Increases Joy

Anti-Procrastination Day - So action is what I'm going to do today!

Need to finish up cleaning the last of the Christmas decorations lingering around the house. Get the rest of the tubs/bins back to the garage where they belong and take the tree to a nearby

Recycling Christmas Tree dropoff!

How about you? What is that thing or things that you have truly proscrastinated on? Today is the day to tackle it/them! 

~Bizee Mama 

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I'm Planning & Playing Today...

I hope I don't wear myself out with this 'New Year' stuff... Being motivated, trying to be up and positive, working on tons of things I need to work on... But, it starts with SIMPLE PLANNING! I'm not obsessing because I know I need to live each day as it comes. Planning is going to be a part of my New Year Goals though. It's not just the planning it's implementing! And that is what I plan on doing! Today is Tuesday Plan and Play [FlyLady.net]:

“He who fails to plan, plans to fail” ~ Proverb quotes

Happy Tuesday!

I have used this Mom's Plan It Planner in the past thanks to my older sis!

It is very helpful in planning and being organized! 

Good Luck with your 2011 Planning!

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Happy 2011! Time to start blogging again!

This bright new year is given me

To live each day with zest . . .

To daily grow and try to be

My highest and my best!

I am ready for 2011! I feel renewed today and am ready to get out of the funk (blues) I was feeling for most of the month of December. Kids are back in school this a.m. I have my sweet little preschooler still at home with me who is loving his one on one time with his mommy again. The house is QUIET!!! Did you hear me? Did I say that loud enough? lol
I have done my Family Home Blessing Hour already thanks to FlyLady [FlyLady.net]. I am workin' on my Cozi Family Calendar and Reminders online [Cozi.com]  -- Check out these great sites! I plan on them being my bestfriends in 2011!
And Wishing ALL my Blog Followers a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year!
I am also looking forward to doing a little more blogging... my blog is in the process of a NEW makeover! So, make sure you stop by again real soon... until then!
 
~ Bizee Mama

Looking for that perfect Mommy Briefcase...

With the Christmas Season upon us Shop, Shop, Shop right!? -- Well, I did not make it out this year for 'Black Friday' but, am doing lots of my shopping online. I came across a fabulous site that have about everything you could want or need! I'm looking at their briefcases right now! -- Looking to find one that will fit my mommy binder, laptop, and a few other Mommy essentials in -- wipes, hand sanitizer, gummies snacks... this list could go on and on... Check out the site! I'm looking forward to doing a review for them and sharing with you! So, stop back by soon! Until then "Happy Shopping"!

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No More Winter Blues Beauty Secret #2

In addition to Hydrating your skin in many ways it is also important to HYDRATE from the inside out!

Do not limit your skin's hydration just to the exterior. Replenishing your body's fluids gives you more energy, benefits your overall health, and will also help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Nourish your skin from the inside out, by eating fresh, healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and supplementing with beneficial beverages such as Votre Vu's SnapDragon.

SnapDragon: Enjoy daily - a delicious, nutritious blend of antioxidants super fruits like mango, pomegranate and acai berry juices, collagen, calcium seven essential daily vitamins, the extracts of green, white, and red tea, and beneficial botanicals like aloe vera, ginkgo biloba, and baobabfiber.

Enjoy one of these SnapDragon Recipes... Either a Mocktail or a Cocktail

Mall Walk Blender Mender 

6-8 oz. SnapDragon

6-8 oz. Water or Milk

2 scoops of protein powder

Ice or frozen fruit (for a thicker option)
- Blend until smooth.

Naughty N’ Nice

1 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Grand Marnier

2.5 oz. SnapDragon
Slice of lemon

Sugar and Ice Cubes

A Votre Sante! [To Your Health!]

I am THANKFUL for....

I have to share the 1st and foremost thing I am most THANKFUL for! I constantly thank GOD for MY CHILDRENS HEALTH! I have SIX beautiful HEALTHY children!

I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! To a wonderful Holiday Season!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog!

My Christmas Card Find This Year...

I have been doing photo Christmas cards for many years now.  My oldest of six is 21 and I've been including a photo almost every year as we've added to our gang! However, it use to be just that, a photo that was 'included' with the Holiday card.  Now, we've come along way with so many choices for Holiday Photo Cards - not only with different card types but ways we can include photo's... even 'do it yourself' cards online! With my goal of getting my Christmas cards done and ready to go by December 1st I was happy to have come across Shutterfly! I went to Shutterfly's website: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards  -- and was ecstatic about ALL the choices! For my card this year, I'm going with one of their Folded Greeting Cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/folded-greeting-cards ~ I like their photo cards that your picture takes up the whole front of the card.  This is the style that works best with a large family/photo. 

 

They have tons of options and great prices! You can't go wrong with Shutterfly!

They have great 'special offers' going on right now as well! http://www.shutterfly.com/special-offers

If you don't or can't get around to Christmas cards... don't fret! They also have New Year's cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards

The best part about Shutterfly is how easy it is to customize your own greeting cards. Designing your own cards is a snap right online!

I look forward to sharing my Christmas Photo Card with you all! Happy Holidays!

No More Winter Blues Beauty Secret #1

Dry, cold and windy weather outdoors and dry, static-inducing central heating inside not only pull moisture from the air, but also from your skin.  the winter elements leave many people's skin feeling tight, itchy, and sometime seven flaky and cracked  - complexions lose their radiance and fine lines look deeper.  Fight back!  Regain that beautiful, moisture-filled skin with these Votre Vu ease...

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
 Moisturize your body immediately after showering, apply lotion to hands every time after washing, and re-apply throughout the day to those areas which dry most easily - like hands, elbows, and feet.  Avoid waxy moisturizers that can clog pores.  And by all means, don't forget to hook up that home humidifier!

• Amour D'Ore
• Use an all-around treatment for sensitive skin like Votre Vu's dry-oil, vitamin-rich Amour D'Ore spray, which is especially invaluable for those hard-to-reach areas - like the back.  Apply as you step out of the shower for deep absorption.  Use alone but for an extra protective moisture layer, apply Amour D'Ore's essential oils underneath Tarte D'Amande Souffle daily body creme.  (One more tip...rub a small amount in your hair to shield and protect your locks form the winter elements and take away that frizz and static for a smooth healthy look.)
• Tarte D'Amande Souffle'
• Use day and night for luxurious moisture protection that's never heavy or greasy.  With a decadent almond pie aroma, fatty acids, vitamins and tropical nut oils in the body souffle' provide the ultimate in hydrated and sensuously silky skin.

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We love our Halloween Tradition of 'Booing'! Do you Boo?

This is a fun family Halloween tradition that we have been doing around here for a long time!  This year a neighbor beat us to the punch. But, all the more FUN. Who could it be? Who 'Boo'ed me?  At least half of the homes or our street and culdesac have been 'Boo'ed so far.  Are you wondering what 'Boo'ing is? Well guess no further... 

You get a fun little Halloween bowl, goodie bag, or whatever creative gifting giving item you can think of.  Fill it with some Halloween goodies ie: candy, stickers, tattoos, spider rings, bubbles. Doesn't have to be too much or anything fancy. If you know the family you can put age appropriate 'goodies' in your gift.

Then you put 2 pieces of paper with your goodies. One that is a picture with the word "BOO" on it.  Then another that has a poem that would say:

 "To our good friends on our street:

You now have been Boo'd, but who could we be? 

We'll never tell, it's a secret, you see. 

We placed these goodies for you and yours

 Then we ran fast, after knocking the door! 

Happy Halloween! 

Place this Boo on your front door

And make sure you Boo two neighbors of yours!"

Then you do just what the poem says... put, the goodies along with the 2 pieces of paper on their front porch. Then ring the doorbell, run and hide, until they have gotten their goodies and gone back inside!
Remember: Ssshhh! It's a secret!

You can print your OWN "Boo" at:

http://www.boograms.com/

Have fun and start a new family holiday tradition!

~Kimberly

aka Bizee Mama

Sweet Grass Farm Lavendar Body Wash Giveaway Winner

EMILY

COMMENT #3

I have contacted you through email. 

You have 48 hrs. to respond to receive your giveaway or a new comment will be chosen!

Thanks everyone who entered and to my new followers! Until the next giveaway!

~Kimberly

a.k.a. Bizee Mama

I love FALL and I love all that comes with it....

The rustling of leaves and their changing colors, cool crisp air, soccer games, bonfires, hot apple cider, pumpkin bread, roasts for dinner, family time, and of course the decorations that come along with the Holiday season. Pumkins, gourds, scarecrows, dried corn stalks, dried leaves dipped in wax, and delicious smelling candles are just the start. I must admit candles are 'one' of my addictions! I have tried so many different brands and the one I keep coming back to is Yankee Candle! I always have to have at least one at all times. With so many scent choices I can choose one that compliments the Season. Their Harvest® is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and musk with a hint of sweet apples and pumpkin is burning as we speak! Enjoy their MacIntosh, Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Cider, Apple Pie, Autumn Fruit, Autumn Leaves, Autumn Wreath, Cinnamon Stick, or Be Thankful. These are just a few of their many scents to get you started for the Holidays. Treat yourself and your home to one. Light it once you've done a quick clean up around the house and put on some nice calm music... take a deep breathe! Lighting for company adds a welcoming touch!  Click Here for a $10 OFF COUPON for your own Yankee Candle good through October 30th! Enjoy your Fall!

~ Bizee Mama

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Don't hide your neck behind a turtleneck

Now that we're in Fall and on our way to Winter don't forget about taking care of your skin that will still be showing even though your body will be all bundled up.  The face of course and your neck 'YES' neck.  Did you know that the skin area on your neck has different hormonal reactors than the face, and as a result, ages faster!? It has fewer oil glands and skin is thicker, creating the necessity for a specialized formula dedicated to refining the skin's texture and reinforcing the tissue for a smoother appearance. Have you heard of  marine collagen and elastin? It strengthens the subcutaneous tissues and promotes elasticity in your skin. Also, have you heard of Centella asiatica? It helps to stimulate collagen and elastin formation while nourishing the collagen fibers beneath dry layers of skin. Well, here is a fabulous product I would recommend for taking care of your neck: Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme. Vitamin E, beeswax, shea butter, rose hips and ginseng protect this often neglected area and renew its vitality, while jojoba restores softness. The neck crème is richer than face crèmes and has more powerful hormone-stimulating ingredients. This luxurious formula absorbs quickly without leaving a stain or residue. You are now ready for your close-up. Keep Your Chin Up.
We don't want to be one of those ladies that look fabulous but, only with a turtleneck on! Do we? So check out Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme.

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100 Days to Christmas - Daily inspiration to get you through the busy holiday season.

My goal this holiday season for the 1st time was to have my Christmas shopping done, gifts wrapped, and Christmas cards ready to go by December 1st with a little encouragment from the FlyLady (FlyLady.net). I have never set this goal for myself before and I was working on it.... then I came across this fabulous site 100 Days to Christmas. This was just what I needed to help me actually accomplish this goal! So far, I've been able to do each of the little daily steps (inspirations) which come through email daily. I get my daily inspirations/alerts on my blackberry... and I love it! -- I'm gonna breeze through the holidays this year and with six (6) children this will be a quite a feat and blessing!

Thanks 100 Days to Christmas for your inspiration and to FlyLady.net - Cruising through the Holiday!

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Sweet Grass Farm Body Wash Review & Giveaway!

I'm so excited to do this REVIEW & GIVEAWAY on Sweet Grass Farm! I fell in love with Sweet Grass Farm products after a visit to New England and staying at a childhood friends home. During my stay, her home smelled divine... she had something from Sweet Grass Farm in every room. Fragrance sticks, candles, hand soap, dish soap, and lotions. As soon as I arrived back home I couldn't wait to get some for myself! I went to their very user friendly website http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/  and found out more about this fabulous company and their products! Sweet Grass Farm started on a premise -- they were always interested in creating their own body care products and soaps. They started in the kitchen, hand stirring batches of creative and good-for-you products, they dreamt of a business that could provide fragrant and gentle products at affordable prices, with a good does of friendly service... and that is just what they have done!

I placed an order for some of their products I just couldn't wait to have in my own home... their Liquid Hand Soap and Shea Butter Lotion in Lavender (at every sink)... of course, I had to have the matching scented 100% Soy Candle, matching Hand Soap and lotion in Lemon Verbena at the kitchen sink with matching Dish Soap and Candle. Their products make my home a 'Home'! Sweet Grass Farm is a way of life for me.

I was thrilled to get on their site recently and see their new Meadow Collection! Thanks to Sweet Grass Farm I got to try their Body Wash in Pure Lavender now this is also a 'must have' on my list! They are also offering one of my fabulous readers one for themselves!

Do you ever feel stressed after a long day's work? Then its time to unwind the stress with some Body Wash. With our daily hectic and tight schedule we don't often get time to get rid of our stress. Well, there is an inexpensive and great way to relax and feel rejuvenated. Take a bath or shower with Sweet Grass Farm Meadow Collection Body Wash (follow with their matching scented lotion). They offer four different delightful scents like Sweet Mint, Almond Blossom, Pure Lavender, & Vanilla Milk that effect your mood in a positive way! After using their Pure Lavender scented Body Wash...WOW... it was so relaxing in the evening but, yet invigorating in the morning!

The Body Wash is a lush, rich body wash that is lightly scented. It will leave your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated. Rinsing cleanly, it is composed of a sugar based, all natural cleanser, and it features extracts of Milk Thistle and Meadowsweet for their antioxidant properties, as well as Linden Flower for its cell renewal properties. A wonderful everyday shower and hand wash for the bath or by the sink.

The Meadow Collection

You'll have to try it for yourself! To enter the GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a Sweet Grass Farm Meadow Collection Pure Lavender Body Wash you'll need to do the following:

To Enter: FIRST YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG.

Next visit: http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/ and tell us about another product you'd like to try in the comments below.

Extra Entries: ( Leave a separate comment for each one!)

1. Like Sweet Grass Farm on Facebook ~ comment on their page and let them know 'Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets Sweet Grass Farm Review & Giveaway sent me'. (1 entry)

2. Follow Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets on twitter. (1 entry) www.twitter.com/bizeebeauty .

3. Retweet the following: ' I entered to #win a Sweet Grass Farm Pure Lavender Body Wash @ Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets! Stop by & enter http://bit.ly/9oGwgd #giveaway ' ~ You can retweet once a day for 1 entry each time (please leave me the URL so I can verify your tweet (1 entry per day)

4. Add me to your PUBLIC Blog Roll make sure to leave a URL I will be checking. (2 entries)

5. Grab my button and tell me where it is make sure to leave an address I will be checking. The button MUST be on your HOMEPAGE. (5 entries)

Buy It: You can purchase Sweet Grass Farm Products at: http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/

Giveaway ends September 30th at 11:59PM EST. US only. Winner will be picked via Random.org. Please include your email address in at least one of your comments. For example: BizeeBeauty@yahoo.com so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Please respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

This was not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.
Good Luck!