New Place, New Start

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Kati

It has actually been more than a month since I promised my return.. but man things have been crazy! I have been working crazy hours at work attempting to keep my budget together and am even considering a 2nd job. If you’re looking for a low-key way to make your child feel extra special, our simple half-birthday celebration ideas are just what you need. Celebrating half-birthdays at home the simple way

As for my divorce… well that is still a work in progress. We are learning to compramise with the children and doing our best to be civil about the situation. I am really trying to get over the anger and resentment that I have for him and just live my life for myself. Heath really is a great guy.. but just not the one for me. Curious how a day without complaints can shift your family's perspective? We tried the challenge and shared our biggest takeaways in this post What Our Family Learned from a No-Complaints Day Challenge.

I finally moved into my own place and I am working on the details as far as my work and home schedule. I am super nervous about making my bills on time and other such expenses. I have a nice townhouse just outside of Beachwood, OH. It is great. I was able to purchase some new furniture and I even have a new washer and dryer which is exciting. For the first time in my adult life I no longer have to use the community facilities. I still have some organizing to do and I need a table for my dining area.. but with Serenity’s birthday just around the corner.. that is going to have to wait. Yes.. I have a giant empty room!

I also have a new man in my life.. but I will wait a little while before I introduce that topic and it won’t come without controversy.. I promise.

Posted in About Me | 1 Comment

I’m Back

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Kati

Hi Everyone!!! Ooooh how I have missed you all! It has been a long couple of months and A LOT of things have changed in my life. I really have missed my site as well as my bloggy friends and I cannot wait to jump right back into writing about my family as well as reviews and such.

I am not officially divorced yet.. but that is a work in progress. Heath and I have been able to work through everything.. piece by piece and are learning how to live seperately but for the kids.

I am moving into a new place next month.. 30 days in fact. I am renting a townhome twice the size of our previous apartment. It will be nice to have something that is “mine” vs “ours” and I will really be able to move forward with my healing process and life. I have been working tons… and I am slowly getting my finances in order and learning how to budget on one income. I am paying off debts and I even have a small savings account set up.

Also.. I am happy to report that I have a new man in my life. We have been hanging out for a little while now and he is just wonderful. Of course it is too soon to say that anything serious will come of it.. I am still working on myself.. but it sure is nice to have some company. We can talk more about that later…

Anyway… I look forward to reconnecting with everyone.. see you soon!!!

Posted in About Me | 5 Comments

Monster Jam Review

Posted on February 23, 2011 by Kati

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take the kids to a showing of Monster Jam. I would like to say that you to Feld Entertainment for once again providing me the opportunity to have a super day out with the kids!

Welcome to Monster Jam, an incredible family-friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks! These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – OR smash through. Monster Jam provides a massive night's entertainment tailored perfectly for your family's budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old!

We had the opportunity to be part of the pit pass experience in which we were able to go down on the arena floor and see the trucks up close and in the dirt. We were able to get driver autographs and photos. The idea is spectacular.. but the overall execution was miserable. We had to wait in a line that stretched around The Q twice. It was so jam packed that you didn’t know whose line you were in… if a line at all… and the adults were just acting crazy pushing little kids over in the dirt. I might suggest that they limit the number of pit passes available per show rather than all during one show.

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Monster Jam Ticket Winner

Posted on February 11, 2011 by Kati

I am so excited for the opportunity to give away tickets to Monster Jam!! I would like to say thank you to Feld Entertainment for once again providing us the opportunity to have a super day out with the kids.

Congrats to our winner #38, Tonya

We hope to see you at Monster Jam on February 19th!

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Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is coming to the Quicken Loans Arena from February 19th & 20th

Ticket Offer: Use the code M JMOM to receive flat rate $15 tickets on ALL performances. This offer is not valid on Front Row or VIP seats. This offer is not valid with any other discount code. Limit 6 tickets per order. You can also visit the Quicken Loans Arena for more information and for tickets.

Check out these great shows:

February 19th:2 PM & 7 PM
February 20th 2 PM

Posted in Reviews/Giveaways , Winners | 1 Comment

Peaceable Kingdown Review

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Kati

Peaceable Kingdom Review

About Peaceable Kingdom

Peaceable Kingdom Press was started in 1983 by Olivia and Thacher Hurd. Thacher is the son of renowned children's book artist Clement Hurd who illustrated the classic picture books Goodnight Moon and Runaway Bunny . One day, Clement made a painting based on the art from Goodnight Moon and asked Olivia and Thacher if they wanted to sell it as a poster. They printed 1,000 posters, sold it to stores in Berkeley, CA and the next thing you know, a company was born.

Over the years, we have added hundreds of new products that feature the art from renowned children's book illustrators. We now work with more than 100 artists and our product offerings include birthday cards, games, stickers, paper dolls, puzzles, diaries, and valentines. All of our products have one thing in common – they nourish children's hearts, eyes, minds, and funny bones!

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So, What Did We Really Think?


We really love the Peaceable Kingdom products. We had the opportunity to try out the cards that doubled as a puzzle which allows for expanded play opportunities. Serenity loves puzzles so she immediately went in for that. We used the flash cards for Caeden. Serenity really loves working with her brother and trying to help him learn what things are.. so this worked great for the 2 of them to play together.

Posted in Reviews , Reviews/Giveaways | 1 Comment

#28 Buy a Pair of Red High Heels

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Kati

#28 Buy a Pair of Red High Heels

Yes, I finally checked off another thing on my 101 in 365 list and I feel super sexy. Every girl should have a great pair of red high heels and I searched high and low for a pair that I loved. I actually walked passed these shoes at Journeyz on my way in the mall and on the way out.. I HAD to try them on. Score!!

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Check out my full list and other completed tasks.

Posted in 101 in 365 | 1 Comment

Winners

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Kati

Winners

Squinkies

Squishy, squooshy, squashy and totally adorable, Squinkies is the eagerly awaited new mini doll and pet, accessory and playset line destined to be the hottest new must-have kids' collectible toy sensation. Read our thoughts about Squinkies .

Congrats to the winner #72 Amy W

eden fantasys

You all know about my close relationship with eden fantasys. You also know that I am a pretty outspoken person and blogger, but even I succumb to the stigmas associated with talking about sex. *Gasp* With Valentine's Day right around the corner.. it is time to start thinking about new ways to heat up the bedroom. Read my recommendations for Valentine’s Day at eden fantasys .

Congrats to our winner, #80 Caiti

Posted in About Me | 1 Comment

Valentine’s Day is Almost Here!!

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Kati

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it is time to finish up your shopping. Finding the perfect Valentine’s Day present can especially be a challenge when shopping for a man. I know I feel like the guys in my life just have everything especially when it comes to their particular interests.

Adrenalin offers the best in unique Valentine’s Day gifts for men . The best in adventure is available for the special guy in your life. Choose from a wide variety of trips including helicopter rides, a cocktail making class, a race car experience and more! This is truly for the man that has everything!

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Be sure to stop in and check out all that Adrenalin has to offer at:

http://www.adrenalin.com.au

**This was a sponsored post. I was compensated for this post but all ideas and opinions are my own**

Posted in Paid Post , Reviews/Giveaways | Leave a comment

The Anniversary Rose/Icon Puzzles Review & Giveaway

Posted on January 31, 2011 by Kati

The Anniversary Rose/Icon Puzzles Review & Giveaway

About The Anniversary Rose

Stainless steel roses? How about leather or wood? Roses are the ultimate symbol for love and affection and a new Web site, www.theanniversaryrose.com, offers an array of flowers handmade from materials that follow the traditional anniversary gift list.

Theanniversaryrose.com company has finely-crafted roses in materials that follow the anniversary gift list. The top 10 are: paper, cotton, leather, fruit, wood, candy, wool, bronze, pottery and aluminum. Some even come with personalized poems.

"I was always searching for cool gifts made from materials on the list; it's just not that easy to find a truly romantic gift made of aluminum or wood," Mark Dietzel, founder, said. "That is when I thought of making roses from the various materials on the anniversary list."

After having managed a Christmas and anniversary gift site for several years, Dietzel became interested in the traditional anniversary gift list and was receiving lot of e-mails asking for help in finding a gift that followed the traditional list; he discovered a niche market and sought to fill it.

So, What Did We Really Think?

To be honest, this was a bittersweet and very difficult post to write. I want to publicly apologize to the sponsor for taking so long to get myself together. Were supposed to have this finished for Christmas, but as many of you know that Heath and I are no longer together and would have celebrated our 5 year anniversary at the end of January. Despite my personal trials, I am holding up my end of the bargain and posting my thoughts.

I chose to do the review of the The Anniversary Rose because I thought it would be a great way to celebrate our anniversary with a unique year by year gift. The fifth wedding anniversary has a traditional gift of wood. So, I chose to beautiful “Love is…” custom wood frame .

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The frame was beautiful. The customization was smooth and just flowed on the frame. It was very classy and really matches any decor and makes a beautiful gift for your anniversary or for Valentine’s Day. They have an entire list of Anniversary Gifts by Year , so you will have no problem finding the perfect gift this year.

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Buy It: Can't Wait?! You can make your purchase on www.theanniversaryrose.com .

Win It: One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Card to the sister store, The Icon Puzzle. You can get a beautiful custom puzzle.

To Enter: Visit their website at www.iconpuzzles.com and tell me what your custom puzzle would look like.

Additional Entries

Button: Add my button to your page [Leave me a link to your site]

Facebook: Become a Fan of Country Girl, City Life

Facebook: "Like" this post. [Click the button at the button of the post]

Post: Post a Blog about this giveaway

Twitter: Follow me at @BHBarbie AND tweet about this giveaway ONCE PER DAY

You will have until 2/14 to enter this contest.

Get your entries in, and be sure to spread the word!

Posted in giveaways , Reviews/Giveaways | 42 Comments

Durex House Party: Let’s Get to the Good Stuff [Giveaway]

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Kati

Durex House Party: Let’s Get to the Good Stuff [Giveaway]

This is the last post in the series and I have a super fun giveaway for this one! We have kept it pretty clean to this point.. and now that those drinks have us all a little tipsy, its time to get to the good stuff.

Durex is the leading brand in condom and lubricant options. But we all like to mix it up from time to time with a little spice. Let’s talk about sex toys for a minute.

Do you use them? Have something you really want to try? A little shy?

Don’t be! Leave your inhibitions at the door, girly!!

I’ll go first. I love sexy lingerie and a good strip tease. Of course I turn to eden fantasys for the best in sexy striptease kits to help me out.

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With Valentine’s Day around the corner.. you are now fully prepared with condoms and lube.. and now this is your chance to really surprise your partner by going after his fantasys.

Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys store

Perhaps your partner has been dying for you to try oral sex but your really not that into the idea. It’s time to take that step.. and eden fantasys has a ton of options to help you on that journey. They have a variety of products and books to help. And I am sure your partner will thank you for that.. hopefully without words ;)

It may also be time to explore a new position or add a vibrator to the mix. And of course do not forget your sexy lingerie , romantic candles , or perhaps massage oils .

Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember!!!

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Buy It: Can't Wait?! You can make your purchase from Eden Fantasys at www.edenfantasys.com

Win It: One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Code to spend on/toward your purchase!!

To Enter: Please visit eden fantasys and tell me which product you would like to try!

Additional Entries

Blog: Post a blog about this giveaway

Button: Add my button to your page

Buy: 5 entries for making a purchase from Eden Fantasys during the contest period.

Facebook: Become a Fan of Country Girl, City Life

Facebook: "Like" this post. [Click the button at the button of the post]

Follow: Follow me

Twitter: Follow me at @BHBarbie AND tweet about this giveaway [Simply Hit the RETWEET button at the bottom of the page] ONCE PER DAY

You will have until 2/21 to enter this contest.

Posted in Blog Parties , giveaways , Reviews/Giveaways | 71 Comments