Who's Getting The Crafty Bees Web Design Facelift?

It was three weeks ago today that Emily of "The Crafty Bees" agreed to gift one of you lucky ducks a Blog Facelift.

Unfortunately, only one of you can win this gift but that doesn't mean that you can't WIN! Stop by The Crafty Bees and check out all that they have to offer. Don't see exactly what you want? Send Emily an email or wait a day because her and her sister are adding new templates all the time.

Once again, a big thanks to Emily for working with me on my design. I know that the lucky winner will be very pleased.

Speaking of which, the person who has won a Blogger, premade design template from The Crafty Bees worth $25 is...

Zoe H. "Shared this on Facebook"

Zoe has been contacted via email and has 48 hours (until July 13 at 7am EDT) to confirm her win. If confirmation is not received by this deadline, another winner will be selected using the same method.

I hope that Zoe will leave us a comment when the transformation is complete so that we can all go take a look!

Don't forget to enter the other giveaways that we have going on. All are open to Canadians (check the post for other eligibility). Be sure to check back often or subscribe to receive up-to-date details. You can also check the "Giveaways" page or the list of "Current Giveaways" in the right hand column.

1. Handmade Goods $175~07/16
2. $100/$50 Amazon GC from PromoBooks~07/20
3. Xbox Kinect Bundle~07/22
4. I've Burdened you Enough~07/31

Besos, The Zoo

WW: Point Proven Regarding Questionable Genetics

This further proves my point regarding my kids questionable genetics.

Look at those nails!?

Besos, The Zoo

In Love with a Garbage Can. Thanks to Rubbermaid.

When Rubbermaid came out with their new Hidden Recycler, I had visions of sugar plums dancing in my head. Okay, maybe not but I was pretty happy.

You see, we moved things around in our kitchen. The spot where my garbage can used to be was replaced with a dishwasher. The only place left, underneath the sink.

Rubbermaid was having all these giveaways for their Hidden Recycler so I entered a bunch. I know, I needed a garbage can not a recycle bin but...

I'm frugal.

I waited.

I entered some more giveaways.

I waited.

I brokedown.

I went out and bought a competitors product. Not because it was better but because it's what Canadian Tire had. Of course I have a Canadian Tire Mastercard (I heart Canadian Tire) so I have tons of "free money" on the card.

Fortunately, Ed is a procrastinator. Because, that night, I won one of these...

(Sound of Harps Playing)
If only that was my kitchen but it's not.
I got this photo from Rubbermaids website.

Unfortunately, Ed is a procrastinator. My kitchen has looked like this for months.

Not pretty.

That is until today.

Tada, my new garbage can. Fits like a glove.

Frugality aside. The reasons why I came up with the idea to make it my garbage can are:

1. It's machine washable. No more scrubbing. Like I did anyways.
2. It's portable. If the bags I get from neighbours buy don't fit or fall down, I can just pick the whole thing up and take it to our big garbage can (now on the back porch) and don't need to drip garbagie wetness all over the floor. I think I just made up a new word.
3. It was the perfect size. It wasn't too big or small so even though Ed had to cut out one half shelf (he would have had to no matter what we got), I can still use the space behind it.
4. The price!

Now all I need to do is find some garbage bags that fit!

Got any stories about your own creative geniusness?

  Besos, The Zoo

How Artemis Got her Name and Some Useless Information

Yes, Artemis is named after Artemis the Goddess but I'm not talking about that name. I mean, the only person that calls her that is me (and you too if you know what's good for you).

I'm talking about the name that Ed and Max call her... Fitoo.

Pronounced "fee-two"

Ed claims that the name came about because when Artemis was really young she would walk like she had "two left feet". Truth be told, he's forgotten and that's the best that he can come up with.

All that time trying to pick a name that she wouldn't be mad at me about for the rest of her life and she gets stuck with Fitoo. No insult is meant to all the 7,903,541 people with this first name.

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Today I went grocery shopping with the kids alone for the third time in 2.5 years. I'm not exaggerating by even one time.

I brought along my camera and notepad in the hopes that I would get tons of blog content (you don't think that I'd take them for fun do you!?). I had visions of writing about a real "Clean Up in Aisle Four", Tantrums in the Dairy section and/or streaking in the parking lot.

Nothing.

Well unless it counts that Artemis ate an entire container of cherry tomatoes before we got to the checkout (yes, I paid for them) and Max running up and down the checkout line yelling "Check-out, Check-out".

Why can't those kids misbehave when I want them to?

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I can't count the number of times over the past 12 years that I have said "Ed, you are so full of useless information".

You can't imagine how full of it he is.

On two occasions (that I know about), he has bored the beegeezes out of explained to someone how to make a record. No, I'm not talking about the archaic method of putting sounds to circular objects but how to make said "circular object".

Seriously, who knows how to "Make A Record"?
Secret: I made this graphic myself. I know!?

And it doesn't end with that.

He uses big words like "trebuchet" and actually knows what they mean. Sometimes I try to impress him with "I had a trebuchet for lunch". I know, I make it look easy.

Every once in awhile all this useless information really comes in handy.

Trivial Pursuit anyone?

What's Your Useless Information?

Besos, The Zoo

Giveaway: Xbox Kinect Bundle Pack ($300), WW, 07/22

Have you heard? We are having a Techy Summer over at Mom to Bed by 8, the "Iowa Mom" and want to help you continue on with your sensational summer by offering you a chance to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle Pack (including Xbox 360 console, Kinect Sensor and Kinect Adventures Game). Retail value $299.

Special thanks to our lovely co-hosts TechyTribe, I Love To Gossip, Giveaway Bandit, As Mom Sees It and Couponing4you for their support in bringing this gamer giveaway to life!

Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect

Product Description
The Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect. Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways – no controller required. Easy to use and instantly fun, Kinect gets everyone off the couch moving, laughing and cheering. See a ball? Kick it. Control an HD movie with a wave of the hand. Want to join a friend in the fun? Simply jump in. Wi-Fi is built-in for easier connection to the world of entertainment on Xbox LIVE, where HD movies and TV stream in an instant. Xbox 360 is more games, entertainment and fun.

Product Features

Kinect Sensor: With the Kinect sensor, you can experience gaming like never before. Easy to use and fun for everyone, the Kinect sensor utilizes revolutionary full-body tracking to put you in the center of the fun. This amazing new technology allows the sensor to recognize your body and mirror your movements in the game, making you the controller. With Kinect Xbox 360 now has the best controller ever made – YOU.

Built-in Wi-Fi: The new Xbox 360 is the only console with 802.11n Wi-Fi built-in for a faster and easier connection to Xbox LIVE. Stream HD movies and TV or download games from Xbox LIVE in 1080p and 5.1 surround sound from anywhere in the house. Compatible with b/g/n networks.

Xbox LIVE: Xbox LIVE brings a world of entertainment to you. Instantly watch movies and TV streaming from Netflix. In crystal-clear HD, or download game add-ons like new levels, characters, maps and songs. Easily jump right into online multiplayer fun and play along with friends around the world. Plus, get your favorite music from Last.fm, connect with friends on Facebook and post Tweets on Twitter. Xbox LIVE is your connection to more games, entertainment and fun.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black): This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries.

More ports: Connect more accessories and storage solutions with added USB ports. Now with a total of 5, (3 back/2 front) you’ll find more places to plug and play. Plus, in addition to the standard Ethernet port and HDMI output, we’ve added an integrated optical audio out port for an easier connection to the booming sound of your A/V receiver.

Kinect Adventures game: Float in outer space. Experience the thrill of roaring rapids. Tackle mountaintop obstacle courses and dive into the deep to explore a leaky underwater observatory — all from your living room. With Kinect Adventures, you are the controller as you jump, dodge and kick your way through exciting adventures set in a variety of exotic locations. Rated “E” for Everyone.

What’s In The Box?

• Xbox 360 4GB S Console
• Kinect Sensor for Xbox 360
• Kinect Adventures game - rated "E" for Everyone
• Xbox 360 Black Wireless Controller
• Xbox 360 Composite A/V cable (standard definition)
• 1 year limited warranty on console

Duration: July 8 to July 22, 2012.

Eligibility: Open Worldwide (winners located outside of the US/Canada area will receive cash equivalent). Must be 18 or over.

Questions: Please send an email to Journeys of The Zoo at journeysofthezoo at hotmail dot com

Please use the Rafflecopter Form below to enter to win an Xbox Kinect Bundle Package sponsored by Mom to Bed by 8. Good luck to all!

The Rafflecopter Form was Removed.

Besos, The Zoo