Some of you may or may not know that I am a reformed text book junkie. For the last few years I had been hooked on my text books for college. One of the many downfalls of obtaining a degree is the endless reading of boring text.
Hatchette Books reformed me and I am happy to say they started my rehab off of text books quite well with The Twilight Saga and of course Bound To Please (which was HOT HOT HOT).
I was happy when they contacted me to broaden my reading horizons with this HIGHLY informative book by Michele Hernandez, “A is for Admission” (1999).
I will tell you that this book is a must have for any parent with any aged child. I wish this book was published when I was applying to colleges some-teen years ago after I graduated high school. My dream was to attend an Ivy League college. I am, and was, an academic snob in that sense. I wanted the best education possible, but I could not afford the tuition prices that accompany the Ivy League education status. Some kids, and most parents, want the best for their child and an Ivy League education is on the list of wants but cannot always have as the stigma of you have to have money or know someone or be someone to get into an Ivy League school. Michele helps to share the dirty truths on Ivy League admissions.
Here is the skinny on A is for Admission:
About Author
Michele A. Hernandez graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 1989. She served as an assistant director of admissions at Dartmouth College from 1992 to 1997. Currently, she is the president of Hernandez College Consulting LLC, one of the nation’s leading firms on helping students gain admission into top colleges.
Description
For generations, the admissions process of the Ivy League schools has been cloaked in mystery and myth. Now, a former admissions officer at Dartmouth College reveals how the most selective schools make their decisions.
Now I started reading this and at first I was thinking okay this will just be a tutorial and guide of how to apply to an Ivy League school. WRONG!! This is your ultimate walk-through guide, Bible, and handbook for insider secrets to the admissions process to some of the most ELITE schools. You know them, Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Princeton, to name a few. Like I said, I wish I had this for myself when I was looking to apply to colleges some-odd-teen years ago.
Michele details the process in the beginning of the book drawing the no name face of the admissions staff. A Hodgepodge if you will of Ivy League grads and “Average Joe’s (Jane’s)” skimming through piles and piles of over glorified or under-reviewed applications from the most prestigious families whose children have never gone without, to those families who are barely getting by, but the applicant is the diamond in the rough.
The author, Michele Hernandez, goes on to share the intricate details from the moment your child begins their educational career. Not to push your child too hard, but keep them on the brink of “Challenge” so that they strive harder for themselves, to work towards that not so lofty goal, of a college education, that everyone can attend university and an Ivy League at that.
I resonated with this book so much not only as a college graduate myself, but because I was academically gifted and financially challenged which made an Ivy League dream impossible, or so I thought. After reading A is for Admission I have promising dreams now for my own children to go after that dream of an Ivy League education, that they too can meet their goals and fulfill their dreams.
If you are like me and want to know the insiders secrets to applying and being accepted to an Ivy League college your buck stops here because Hatchette Books and I are giving away FIVE (5), yes FIVE, copies of A is for Admission to The Five Fish readers. Get a sneak peek of inside of the book too over @ Hatchette.
Here are the deets for entering to win:
Now I for one busted my own hump to finish my undergrad with kids, pregnant, working, the whole bit. So I want to hear YOUR story of a college dream and or the college dream for your kids. Leaving me this comment is the FIRST along with your VALID email address as a must to be entered to win one of the five(5) copies.
EXTRA Entries:
Follow my blog, or tell me you do
Follow me on Twitter, or tell me you do
Tweet about this giveaway
Fan the Fish on Facebook, or tell me you already do
It’s Friday night, you and your hubs are planning a great evening out! You have a babysitter lined up, the kids are primed, you take your time applying your makeup and getting ready when the worst happens.
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The babysitter cancels.
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What is a dressed up girl to do? Well why ruin a perfectly good date night!
If you can’t take yourself out on a date with your husband let the date come to you!
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My DH and I love to have a date night in when we can. Maybe grill some steaks, bust out the wine and best of all, the MUSIC!! To me, I think that music can transcend moments in time and set the mood, especially on a date.
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Now the music can vary depending on the evening but I will tell you that the best date night and mood music is bar none Harry Connick Jr. His voice to me is like a lullaby, soothing, romantic, and just has a way to put you at ease and get you moving all at the same time. He has that make you melt like butter voice. So you can imagine how awesome his new CD “Your Songs” is to listen to on a date or even an evening where you want to relax, unwind, and enjoy since he sings some fabulous classics.
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The folks of the One2OneNetwork are helping to promote the new album and I was lucky to get a copy before the release date of September 22nd and I love it! Not only for a date night but also because after a long day with the kids, listening to an absolutely beautiful man singing in my ear is heavenly.
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Some of the classics Harry Connick Jr. performs are “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel, “First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” by Roberta Flack, and “All the Way” by the extraordinary Frank Sinatra. These classics coupled with Harry’s style and grace, a full jazz big band and string orchestra put you in such a wonderful mood and some of them make you want to get and dance!
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Now if you love Harry as much as I do (in the music sense…..though he is delicious looking, has a wonderful sense about him and I would be a wet noodle if I ever met him) you can catch his upcoming TV appearances promoting his new album. For those of you who want to catch this delicious dish talking about his new album and performing tune in on these dates:
9/25 – Oprah “Live Fridayâ€
9/28 – Today Show
9/29 – The View
9/30 – Imus in the Morning
9/30 – Letterman
10/1 – Today Show
Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray
 If you want more info on Harry and One2OneNetwork you can sign up for the newsletter or heck…you can just read the deets to enter to WIN a copy of his new CD.
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That’s right, courtesy of One2OneNetwork and to promote Harry Connick Jr’s new album, I get to give a lucky reader a copy of the new CD “Your Songs” to enjoy in your home and maybe on your date night. Do you want to win? Here are the deets:
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To Enter this Giveaway:
Tell me why you want to win the “Your Songs” CD
Do you prefer Harry the singer or Harry the actor (since he is so multi-talented)
Follow my blog or tell me you already do (bottom of the page)
Follow me on Twitter or tell me you already do
Tweet the giveaway being sure you copy One2One
Fan The Fish on Facebook (now say that 10 times fast!) on the left
The folks over at Yoplait have been INGENIOUS with creating foods especially for those who are on a diet but still want flavor and those who are pressed for time. As a mom of three kids, two are 18 month old twins, time is but a luxury. Meals have to be made and made fast. Leaving me scrambling in the kitchen for something that resembles a meal and a meal that is healthy and filling. Moms are the ultimate short order cooks. So when I am left feeling hungry and not quite satisfied after my rushed meal, or I have a craving for some snacks, or my ultimate comfort food……ICE CREAM…..I have been reaching for the Yoplait Fiber One 50 Calorie Yogurt.
Can you see that!!?? (Please click to see my great circling job!!)
50 calories! 3 grams of protein, ZERO fat, not to mention LOW CARB, look at the 5 grams of fiber. That is the secret to this tasty snack is the fiber.
Fiber is great for your diet. Hello ladies, having trouble with your “deuce?” Yeah, can you say FIBER!
Plus 20 percent of the Recommended Daily Value of fiber. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamins A and D, making this an all-around great choice for dieters and those watching their weight.
Here is the true “skinny” for all of you dieters and moms out there who are curious as to how good this yogurt can really taste, especially at 50 calories. Take it from Hungry Girl okay?
The folks over at My Blog Spark sent me this great Yoplait Snack pack and the opportunity to go get some Yoplait Fiber One yogurt for myself to try out. Truly I love this stuff!! I thought, “Man this is gonna taste like diet food….total ass.” NO WAY!! Still the same great super creamy taste that Yoplait has to offer without the guilt! I can have the perfect lunch of a grilled chicken salad with a side of yogurt and I am completely satisfied. I get my sweet fix without the guilt. I have to admit that the Key Lime pie IS. MY. FAVE! Not too bitter, not too sweet and hey the strawberry is fabulous with chunks of real strawberry inside. YUMMO!
What is even better than telling you about this great snack?
I get to give THREE lucky readers a gift bag that includes a Fiber One yogurt VIP coupon (good for a free 4-pack of Fiber One yogurt), cooler pack, and other storage items for you to carry your snacks and yogurt- it’s great for work and other on-the-go activities!
Here is how you can enter to win:
Leave me a comment telling me what your diet secrets are, your guilty snacking pleasures (mine is ice cream), and or what are you doing to manage your weight?
Want additional entries for these goodies?
Follow my blog (the button is at the bottom) and tell me you do
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet this Giveaway (up to twice a day!) Leave a comment for each tweet status
Subscribe to my feed (on the left)
Fan the Fish on Facebook (on the left)
Fave me on Technorati
Stumble my Blog (not this post)
PLEASE be sure you leave your EMAIL address along with corresponding links for Tweets, etc. Giveaway will end on September 18, 2009 @ 10am Arizona Time.
Let’s get the show on the road with all the goodies and deets!!
I am stoked about the 200 postcards from UPrinting because they are so versatile!
Use them for anything not just postcards.
The cards come in different sizes of your liking: 4×6, 4.25×6, 5×7″. Not to mention the quality of the cards with 14pt gloss or matte, 13 pt uncoated and Full Color on both sides (4/4).
Just leave me your comment…in the form of a coherent sentence, with your email addy of course
Leave me your Tweet info in a comment
Easy Peasy Pumpkin Pie!!
The more comments you leave and the more comments you leave with your tweets the more chances you have to win! I would hate for this giveaway to go to waste!!
Enjoy, be nice, play fair! The giveaway will end tonight @ 10pm Arizona (PDT)Winner will be chosen from Random.org and posted by Midnight in this post.
WINNER
Pretty sad I can only give ONE away when I have this many entrants.
(insert sarcasm and sick humor)
Congrats Shelly!!
Your coupon codes will be emailed to you directly from UPrinting!
Are you running into a snag when out and about and you don’t have a business card with you or something to give a friend, client, or networking associate that has your contact information. Are you left searching for a pen and paper or fumbling through your cell phone to add the contact or they are doing the same? Get your own personalized business card.
The cards do not need to even be business related!
I just got my FABULOUS business cards done for my blog! Yup you got it! I love my blog and myself so much that I created my own business card to pass out that has my blog URL, my contact information and all of my networking like Twitter, Facebook, Whrrl!! No more searching for that info when you meet me.These business cards are fantastic for all the choices too, just take a gander what DigitalRoom.com offers:
Choose Color:Â (4/4) Color both sides; (4/1) Color 1 side , B/W backside; (4/0) Color 1 side, black backside
I know I had fun with the customizable business card sizes and of course the die cut business cards where you can round off your edges for a more unique look and feel. What is even the best part about this offer is the quantity, the quality, and YOU get to build your own business cards. Upload your own design or build one with their design service.
I know I had fun building my card and this is the way they turned out:
So now I have my professional business cards for my employer and my personal business cards just for me for networking and getting what I do for my personal business out there. What will you build your business cards or use them for?
That’s right! You get a chance to win 500 Business Cards!
Here are the deets and most importantlyÂ
 ALWAYS LEAVE AN EMAIL ADDY!!!
 Tell me what you would print on your business cards
Additional entries, up those odds of winning folks!!
Follow my blog
Blog about this giveaway
Subscribe to my feed (I do check)
Follow me on Twitter
Tweet this giveaway (once a day entry!!)
Fan The Fish on Facebook! (See the sidebar option)
Digg my blog
Stumble my blog (not the post…le blog)
Technorati fave the Fish
Now the giveaway ends on September 10, 2009 @ 10am Arizona time. Best of luck and lots of fun!!
One of the most important pieces of gear we can ever invest monies towards is a car seat and the safety of our children in cars. However, along with car seats and infants, toddlers, and young children is the falling asleep factor. All three of my kids are great passengers, they can fall asleep in a matter of minutes in the car. But here is the problem:
Ah yes, the slouching head. They do it from the time they are born and as mothers we do everything we can from the time they are in infant carriers until they are old enough to not be in a car seat where they can prop their heads on their own.So over at TwitterMom’s we had the opportunity to review this great product from Melrose Kids called the Head Snuggler. Here is what Melrose Kids is all about:
Melrose Kids is a company focused on making things more comfortable for kids and just a bit easier for parents. Take a look at our products and check back often as we are always working on new ideas to add comfort to children’s lives and peace of mind to parents. We, at Melrose Kids, believe that parents are full of wonderful ideas but just don’t know how to get them off the ground. Well, you too can be an entrepreneur! If you have a great idea, get in touch with us. We’ll work hard to get your idea developed and on the market (with your direction, of course) and the best part is, we’ll pay you a royalty for every one sold! We’re a family company for families!
What did the Fish Family think about this?
To be honest, upon my first thought was “How awesome…..now how does it work?” Then when I let the information digest I began to think….”well how tight is it, will it really pull hard on my kids’ heads, can it cause choking in the event it falls too low…..etc etc.”
I have been meaning to do this review for some time, but lately….the kids just haven’t slept in the car!! And NO WAY was I going to do a review without really testing out the goods….I mean talk about false advertising. Sheesh.
Anyway, the Seth-en-stein finally fell asleep in the car. He is the worst for falling asleep and the slouch, Little Bitty is smaller and more agile, so she snuggles into her car seat without the slouch.
Here is a video that I snagged of Seth-en-stein sleeping in the car with the Head Snuggler. Now please bear with the video since I was driving and “attempting” to record the boy sleeping and how well the Head Snuggler really works!! I even turned a corner and you will see how I was jostled around while driving and recording and he.stayed.put!
Like I said, I was very skeptical about the product and the overall effectiveness. In fact, I almost gave up on trying to do the review because my kids were not falling asleep in the car. But low and behold….a day presented itself and VOILA! Kids are sleeping and Head Snuggler review here I come!! Seth-en-stein had no idea it was on his head, he would rub a tad, but not like he was trying to pull it off, just that maybe it was itchy in one spot and needed adjusting. The installation is super easy peasy too. You slide it over whatever you are going to use it on…a chair, a stroller, car seat and there are pre-cut holes for fishing the seat belt straps through depending on how the Head Snuggler installs with your car and car seat. I do have to say that if you plan on using it when they immediately fall asleep….I would say have a second person in the car. I was lucky to be at the bank drive thru when he passed out so I just pulled it over his head and he was put in place and no worries about slumping over and cricking his neck.
You can buy the Head Snuggler online and in select stores in Canada right now. Total bummer about only in Canada…but super that we can order online for US residents! The price is $20.99 plus a great low price for shipping. They also come in four fashionable and neutral styles for your kids: green with polka dots, green with purple bears (which is what I have), brown with brown bears and brown with blue bears.
I have to say that this is a great investment for any parent who hates the neck slumping and I think it worked just as they said it would.
I am a modest person by all means. I do not take compliments well, I have learned to smile very politely and show my gratitude but in the back of my mind I am running these questions:
What do they want?
Are they lying to get something?
Do I have shit in my teeth…dang it…forgot to floss
Are they saying this but behind my back saying something different?
Yeah I am a case what can I say. I am not modest with my kids…when people compliment about how beautiful and well behaved they are….I can almost feel my chest puff up in pride, my eyes sparkle, my skin flush and tighten. I KNOW I am a great mom.
So I have been told by some really wonderful bloggy women how I have a great blog….really??
I mean my purpose is to keep it real. I am a voice for PR (plus I get to try out cool stuff…um….tell me where there is an issue with that?), I am a voice for other women who go through the same stuff….so if you are wondering if a child can truly projectile vomit….the answer is yes, at a very HIGH rate of speed and velocity, viscosity is less than desirable and stench is AWFUL!! Invest in a shop vac now and some Holy Cow. Seriously…only thing I have ever used that will take the puke smell out of ANYTHING and EVERYTHING!! Okay, sorry, my tangent.
But really, I am here because I love to write. About me. My kids. As a woman. As a wife. As a Mom. As a consumer. As a student.
I really would LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE for someone to pick me for Type-A Mom Con or SITScation!! I know SITScation is totally sold out…but there is a chance right?! I really do not have luck…but I have a TRUCK load of faith. Not the “Jesus Loves Me” type of faith….just plain, good, old fashioned FAITH. The one where you wish upon a star, you still wish with pennies in a fountain, a shooting star, a blown out candle on your birthday.
So I am putting this out there that I am begging, pleading, asking for someone to send me to these FABULOUS conferences to learn. To spread the blogging word and seed when I come back. To learn all I can in the short amout of time available for both of these events. No I am not one of these big blogs…but really….what do you get from a big blog other than a “fluffed” up number in my opinion. My blog is small….but BIG in heart, soul and love. I know that my readers….are my friends!! They will come here and share woes, they know I follow and read them back….I am not fast…but I am the little engine that could with them. I also know that A LOT of my readers keep coming back!! They are not just a face in the follower list, they are my friends, my confidants, my sisters. We share more than a blog, we share our experiences, our lives, our “Oh good its not just me” moments that make life that much more tolerable and A-OK to operate.
Again, I am begging, pleading, and asking for the opportunity. I saw how BlogHer in my opinion was a JOKE!! I have YET to see a woman come back and tell me what she learned other than how “fabulous she looked” or “I was jipped on swag….asshats!” or “OMG I was so effed up….what happened.” To those I tell you….GROW UP!!! Sure, have a great time…but conduct yourself with some damn class, some pride, and maybe some self respect and not act like a teenage girl dropped off in the big city for a date for the first time off the farm. Sheesh!
I plan to treat these conferences as I have all other conferences I have had the awesome opportunity to attend in the past…..business with a side of pleasure. Sure have a great time….but learn. Learn more about blogging, networking, the whole web 2.0 thang as Kelby puts it.
Really, I am a guppy in the big sea of bloggers, but my voice in all aspects carries a lot farther than just this blog. So please, take a chance, send a sister to one of these great conferences…or heck one of the conferences coming up in 2010. I am your vessel, just help by putting the wind in my sails and I will show you how this girl can fly!
In honor of the Fourth of July and the American and Foreign Military Troops serving abroad, NECCO, New England Confectionery Company, parent company of our favorite Sweethearts candy (normally seen at Valentine’s) has created a new line to celebrate our wonderful country and the military men and women who serve to protect our country!
For the first time in 140 years NECCO expanded the traditional Valentine candy line and Valentine sentiments to include patriotic sentiments in honor of our troops and military families for their service. These sentiments have great lines like “Proud of U”, “Home Safe”, “Miss You.” Sweethearts, is also sending these great candies in packages for our troops which is in partnership with the United Service Organizations(USO).
I for one was not a fan of Sweethearts Valentine candy because of the flavors, but I can tell you that these new Red, White, and YOU flavors are fantastic and epitomize American summers and stereotypes. I was eating them like they were going out of style. Seriously, and I am not a candy fan. I would eat hard candy like Jolly Ranchers every now and again. The flavors are so yummy! The blue tastes like a rich blueberry pie, the red like a sweet and sticky cherry pie, and I haven’t quite nailed the white, but man are they good!
Not only are they tasty little snacks, but they make great craft and recipe ideas. My favorite was the Red, White, and You Flag Cake! So yummy and perfect for the 4th of July BBQ!
Is that cake not scrumptious looking or not!? I would say so! Click on her to get a closer look at the easy peasy directions and make one of your own.
Remember to stay safe this Fourth of July and try to remember the reason why we celebrate this holiday past all the BBQ’s, fireworks, and fun. Be sure to thank our troops, veterans, soldiers for their service to protect our freedoms!
The folks at My Blog Spark sent me these snacks. Now I am a huge food lover! I do. I love food, I hate what food does to me sometimes (the waistline), but I love my food. What I hate are snacks. Snacks are evil. Snacks are hard to find that are healthy without being completely bland, make you want to gag, blah! I received the box and when I opened the shipping package I knew I was in trouble.
DH was standing right there. He has eyes like a hawk for food.The packages were swooped up like a newborn being carried off by the stork.
Before I get into too much detail about how we Fish snacked on these packages, lets present the facts, some information on My Blog Spark and Nature Valley:
My Blog Spark MyBlogSparkâ„¢ is a fun and exciting program that gives you access to exclusive offers, sampling opportunities, prizes to give away to your readers, surveys, and events where you can meet up with fellow bloggers.
Nature Valley A General Mills brand. Nature Valley created the granola bar category in 1975. Today’s lineup includes great-tasting Sweet & Salty Nut, Chewy Trail Mix and Heart Healthy chewy granola bars that are a good source of fiber. Nature Valley also provides consumers with cereal that is bursting with crunchy chunks of granola bars.
General Mills also enriches people’s lives around the world with programs such as Eat Better America and Nourishing Lives, by innovating a way to make people’s lives healthier, easier, and richer.
So now that you have all the fabulous deets on these folks here is the skinny on the snacks:
Nature Valley Nut Clusters come in four different nut cluster flavors for each type of nut and granola lover you may be. Right did I not mention that? These are great little nut and GRANOLA clusters, so the protein of the nut without all the extra calories that you get from eating a handful of nuts! Fantastic right?!
So the four flavors that did not survive a week in my home are: Nature Valley Honey Roasted Peanut Nut Cluster, Nut Lovers, Roasted Almond (one of my favorites….fights PMS too ladies!) and finally Roasted Cashew.
My take: I love that they are these bite size, and I truly mean perfect bite sized snacks that you just pop in your mouth. Some granola snacks get to be messy and fall apart or you have those nasty, salty, sugary, greasy feel from handling nuts (no pun intended there!) leaving you feeling yucky and regretful for eating all those calories. Plus the kids….LOVE THEM. They are perfect for their little hands and very little to no mess and no worries about choking on nut pieces, the nut pieces are small enough their little mouths can handle them. Score! No Heimlich in my house.
The DH’s Review: “You gonna get any more of these? How about you buy some when you get to the store next time? I mean these things are just sinful!” As he stands in the middle of the pantry popping them in his mouth like they are about to disintegrate. in his hot little hands.
Now everything else is up to you whether you are a fan of granola. Are you a fan of nuts? How about both? Have you ever wanted to incorporate both say into a snack, or a dish, these would be great with vanilla ice cream, maybe some yogurt, a salad maybe. What would you do with your Nature Valley Nut Cluster Snacks? Would you devour them like we did or get creative?
Not just because they have goods for me, but because they offer great discounts, get involved in the community, are green, I mean what else can you ask for? For instance, last night at my Busy Bee Mothers of Multiples meeting I could have chalked up tons of hits for the old blog by passing out cards from UPrinting. Just think about the opportunity to have business cards made with your name, blog, and URL to pass out to those you meet, promoting your blog, promoting UPrinting, getting the word out and promoting these incredible offers! Passing them out at BlogHer, Mom Summit, you name it!UPrinting is great for all the great opportunities they offer bloggers, bloggers like me. I wanted to thank them and give a big shout out! You guys rock! In the meantime, here is the skinny on UPrinting and what they have to offer. I applied with them for my Mothers of Multiples Club. I mean 65 ladies with the support of UPrinting, who tell their husbands, friends, they tell their friends….that’s a lot to go around for word of mouth promotion! Not to mention UPrinting is involved in Kiva to support growth in developing countries, just like Purex, how fantastic is that!
Why UPrinting.com isn’t your average printing company:
Blog Sponsorships:
If you are looking to find a sponsor for your blog, UPrinting.com is definitely interested. We offer giveaways, advertising and more for qualified bloggers.
Non-Profit Sponsorships:
The U-Community Program sponsors hundreds of non-profits and education to improve our local communities.
Social Justice Projects:
The UPrinting Kiva account promotes small business growth in developing countries.
Green Printing:
UPrinting supports a sustainable future by recycling, using non-toxic inks, and offering eco-friendly recycled paper stocks for business cards and postcard printing.