Almost Wordless Wednesday

Bonnie is wearing a ninja costume (of Clyde's btw) and her favorite dress up wig-- cuz Hannah Montana meets ninja rogue is always in style!

The Next Step-Selection

Six years ago when Jet Pilot and I were both in the Navy we went to a Blue Angels Airshow and toured all the planes.  As luck would have it the Air Wing that I had deployed with was the one who's planes were on display at this particular airshow.  We walked around and I chatted up with all the pilots that I had previously become very familiar with (after all you spend 6 months with someone and try to NOT become friends thru it all), it was at this time, this day, these hours that a dream was born.  Jet Pilot looked over at me and said "I think I could do this...how cool would it be if I could become a Fighter Jet Pilot?" 
And like the good wife I agreed. 
This conversation sparked a series of events that have 1000% changed our lives in a very short amount of time.  From the beginning he always wanted to fly the F/A-18, now if you are not a super Aviation geek then you may not know all this but there are about 3493 types of F/A-18's. 
Well not that many but you know what I mean. 
And from the beginning he always wanted to fly the F/A-18.

So fast forward 3 years and we are here.  Jet Pilot is still in school (Navy or civilian), learning one Naval Aviation-ish thing or another and STILL wanting to fly F/A-18's.  And I want him to fly those scary awesome and amazing planes.  Fast forward a bit more to me sitting in a Navy conference room (with our friends the "G" Family, the Navy wife who helped me survive the carrier qual week) complete with a Ping Pong table, Navy dudes and a popcorn machine waiting to see what decisions the Good Lord would bestow upon us as our next adventure. 

Not my ideal location-but again, what the heck do I know right?

As the CO walked in and started swapping out old arm patches for new ones that showed the type of plane the guys were going fly I could literally feel myself on the verge of puking.

It was soo bad I asked the other wife in the room to hold my hand...and to slap me if I looked like I needed it, lol, yes I am that much of a basket case.  I used to be tough, I swear.  First guy to get his patches swapped out-BLAM gets his first choice platform and location!  Second guy-FIRST CHOICE platform and location again!  Literally like 30 seconds has passed at this point but in my head it might as well have been 30 years...I don't think I was breathing.

Then my husband's turn, (can you tell I am green at this point?), deep breaths, woo-saah, (swallow the puke) and the CO SLAPS ON THIS:

HIS FIRST CHOICE PLATFORM AND LOCATION-WEST COAST!!
I didn't cry (much) but I was soo ecstatic for the husband that I don't think I could form coherent words...although I know I announced that I was going to pee in my pants from all the stress and build up and excitement.  Cuz they don't think I am crazy enough right?

That's disbelief/joy in his face

So we will be moving to California very soon and we are all so excited.  Nervous. Relieved.  Blessed. Extraordinarily blessed.  It has been an amazing ride and I am eternally grateful that the Lord has blessed me to be the one at Jet Pilot's side through this awesome journey.  Its a wonderful, amazing life.  

Now he is pumped about it!

Its the only kind of life that I can see myself living, cuz after all--change is good.  And with the Military-change is inevitable.

Happy Family post-Selection!!  WE ARE GOING TO CA!!!

The last thing left is the official ceremony.  To put it all in stone and cement it into the fabric of our lives forever.  I can't wait.  None of us can.  We have family coming in from out of town and they are all going to help us celebrate this momentous occasion.

Wordless Wednesday

It's late in the day but better now than never!!

He made it!!!

I have been on a serious hiatus lately.  With the baby growing and me being exhausted and Jet Pilot finishing up Flight School it has been BEYOND CRAZY!!  

BBBUUUUTTTT.....through it all God has seen fit to bless us abundantly again.  

Naval Tradition dictates that when the student Aviator completes their final flight in Advanced Flight School their loved ones get to HOSE THEM DOWN WITH A FIRE HOSE as their form of congrats!!  (Crazy right??) 

But as one of his loved ones, I am totally down.  LOL. 

After that water show, the Big Kahuna (CO or XO at the squadron) pins "Soft Wings" (nametag with actual Aviator wings on them, its just unofficial until the Winging Ceremony) on the Student and welcomes them as part of the crew now.  The Naval Aviator Crew.  

Bonnie getting ready to spray Dad

Jet Pilot was running to get his "Wetting Down"

And she got him!!

The XO changing out his name tage

And then "tacking" it on, so it stays!

The Executive Officer (2nd in Command for the squadron) came out and switched Jet Pilot's name tag from Student to Winged Aviator.

The final BEAUTIFUL "Soft Winged" product!

It was a great day for Jet Pilot, well for all of us really and we were so blessed to celebrate with our friends.  The next steps are finding out what type of plane Jet Pilot is going to fly, where we will be stationed and pretty much determines how we will be spending the next 10+ years of our life. 
No pressure right.
But in my heart of hearts I know God has an AMAZING plan for us and I know that letting Him take charge (even though I really do enjoy leading the helm on our ship...lol) is the best thing. 

Stay tuned for the results of our next adventure!!

WINNERS- SUPER LATE

Slanket Winner is Comment #82 CINDI S WORLD who said "Your button is on my blog, http://www.itscindisworld.com/"

PediaCare Winner is Comment #13 Laura who said "I follow on Networked Blogs #3
tcgirl11(at)yahoo(dot)co"

Flowerzinherhair Winner is Comment #5 CINDI S WORLD (AGAIN LUCKY GIRL!!) who said "I follow via networked blogs."

All winners have been contacted and have 24 hours to respond otherwise new winners will be chosen!!


Thanks everyone for entering and please bear with me as I get back on the giveaway horse!! Merry Christmas!!

Me and my love Rite Aid

I went to Rite Aid with intentions of doing a Garnier deal and a picture frame/photo album deal but the frames were not on sale at my store so I nixed that the second I walked in the door. I live near one small Rite Aid with not a lot of stock but I try to make it work. Plus the whole staff at Rite Aid is amazingly awesome and coupon friendly. So I don't mind the lack of stock, it all evens out. I was hoping to find 3+ Blonde dyes in stock for my mom but they only had 2 so I grabbed some other colors and just figured I would give away to my neighbors or sister in Washington.



Transaction #1
5 Garnier hair dyes-- $5.99
1 Garnier Face Wash-- $4.49
2 Revlon nail polishes-- $4.79 and $2.39

Coupons I used:
$5/25
2 $2/1 Garnier hair dye q's from Flu Booklet
1 $2/1 Garnier VV q
2 $1/1 Garnier VV q
1 $2/1 Garnier Face Wash VV q
2 $3/1 Revlon Nail Polish RA q
3 $3/1 Garnier hair dye IP's from swagbucks.com (printed last month I think)
2 Free Product Q's from Garnier freebie on FB?

Subtotal: -.36 cents
Tax: $2.56
Total OOP: $2.20 in change!!

I planned on spending UP+'s in this transaction but like always I was a smidge off in my math and my subtotal was just a few cents so oh well just paid in change and went on to transaction #2.

Earned $19 in UP+'s for next time





Transaction #2:
1 Contour USB Meter-- $29.99 (with raincheck)
7 Wet N Wild Nail Polishes-- $1.99
2 Trident Gum-- $2.00
1 M&M's-- $1.59
1 Snickers-- .50
FYI: All the candy (not pictured) was a last minute filler, if I was smarter I would have gotten more nail polish to generate more UP+'s but I am not that smart. Blame the hormones. Meh.

Coupons I used:
$5/25
$40/1 Contour VV q

Subtotal: .01
Tax: $2.80
Total OOP: $2.81 in change!!

I way figured my totals wrong and ended up needing $4 more in merchandise, like I said previously if I would have been smart I would have gotten more nail polishes and in turn gotten more UP+'s. Couple that with the fact I had no idea the nail polish was ringing up B1G1 50% off...it was a mess. But I didn't spend any UP+'s and earned some so it's all profit. I guess. I have half a mind to return the candy and get nail polish...lol. I'm a spaz I know.

Earned $6 UP+'s for next time.

Did I mention I love Rite Aid?? Cuz I do. Is it weird to love a drug store?? Cuz I do.

Something to share some Thanksgiving Cheer!!

Wordless Wednesday

Another peek at some CQ'd pilot

Here is another pictorial highlight in honor of our CQ'D Jet Pilot...



The kids and I made this sign to welcome our Jet Pilot home.

**FYI--the newly qualified pilots are called "Hookers" because the thing that actually allows them to stop their jet on the ship is a little metal hook. Hence the term...now if you happen to know anyone that is or has been in the military then you know their "sense" of humor...and you can see how the term would escalate.

It's kind of tasteless but it's pretty funny...that's why we exploited it.

We also made shirts to wear when we picked him up, I will post those later tonight and just add to this post. Those shirts are pretty hilarious...and tasteless too. So be forewarned.

Slanket Review and Giveaway

So everyone has a guilty pleasure (or two), one of Jet Pilot's is that he secretly wanted a relaxing blanket to snuggle in--WITH SLEEVES.  He has never said it out loud to me but I saw the longing in his eyes when Bonnie would bust hers out and relax while watching a movie.  So I did a little digging and discovered a company called Slanket. Here is a little info on Slanket and its inception...

"One subzero night in 1998 during my first semester of college I could not escape Maine's winter bite. While watching Late Night with Conan O'Brien I decided I needed to tear a hole in my sleeping bag so I could keep my upper body warm as I channel surfed during the commercial breaks. During Christmas vacation I commissioned the first Slanket to be made by my mother...and it was born.

--Gary Clegg (Slanket Creator)"

"The Slanket®
The Original Blanket with Sleeves!™
The Slanket is a gigantic fleece blanket with sleeves. A very soft to the touch, lightweight, but warm fleece blanket with large, loose sleeves designed so you don't feel like you're wearing the blanket, simply wrapped up in its wonder. The Slanket is designed to keep your entire body covered and cozy while you still retain the use of your hands. Simplistic and practical, its innovativeness opens up possibilities, but still can replace any normal blanket. " 

Pretty creative right??  I was sent the Slanket Original in Limoges Blue for Jet Pilot and when he came home and saw the box addressed to him I could see a gleam of excitement in his eye.   When he took the Slanket out of the package and tried it on--HE WAS TOTALLY PUMPED.  Never in a million years would he have asked for something like this because he is not the type to ask for anything so the idea that I had gone above and beyond and thought of getting it for him was great!!  

Since the Slanket's arrival Jet Pilot VERY ROUTINELY is seen in our living room wrapped up in it like a newborn while relaxing and watching TV.  

                                      

The Slanket is made from VERY THICK and soft fleece.  Like luxury status fleece.  Like a blanket with sleeves-SERIOUSLY.  I have seen other imitations of similar products and I can tell you hands down this product is a higher end, nicer quality than some of the other knock offs I have seen around.  Slanket also offers a variety of colors and prints and styles...stylish prints...girly ones, boyish ones and just down right cute ones.  Also available in kids sizes and Siamese style--think 2 people, 1 Slanket!!

I almost picked this one cuz Jet Pilot is a CS Major..yeah we roll corny like that!

BUY IT:

Check out the Slanket Store here

 WIN IT:

And just in time for your holiday shopping the Awesome Slanket Creator Gary has extended a fantastic opportunity for one special The Dill-io reader----> YOU CAN WIN A VERY SPECIAL ORIGINAL SLANKET OF YOUR OWN!!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Just leave a comment on this post-with your email addy!
 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Follow The Slanket on FB and tell them "The Dill-io sent me!"
• Follow The Slanket on twitter and tell them "@Navy_frugalista sent me!!"
• Follow The Dill-io thru GFC (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on Networked Blogs (+3 entries)
• Become an email subscriber of The Dill-io (+3 entries)
• Become an RSS Subscriber to The Dill-io (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on twitter (+2 entries) 
• Become a fan of The Dill-io on Facebook (+2 entries) 
• Add my button to your blog & leave a link  (+5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to it in your comments (+5 entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (just hit the Retweet button at the top of this post!!) (+1 entry daily) 

 Giveaway open to residents 18 years old+  residing in the US.  Contest ends on December 3rd at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via email.  The lucky winner will have 24 hours to contact me. If you fail to contact me within the 24 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

I received the Slanket for review purposes only.  I was under no obligation, monetary or otherwise  from any person(s) or company to post a positive review.  All information pertaining to this product was found in literature sent to me personally or obtained online from their website.

 

Rite Aid take 1, 2 and 3

I have been reading several blogs who's writers are Rite Aid deal stalkers.  I like Rite Aid its a nice enough store but before they initiated their +UP's Program I was not one to be down for their Single Check Rebate Program (which they still offer), I only feel this way because I ABSOLUTELY DESPISE high OOP.  I know I shouldn't, especially if you end up getting the money back like Rite Aid's SCR program but I just can't wrap my head around it. 
I dunno, just dumb I guess. 
But I decided to jump head first into Rite Aid where I knew I could have a low OOP scenario with a fair amount of Rite Aid +UP's (Rite Aid dollars) back. 
And it worked.
So I having been trying to work the deals every week. 
And so far Rite Aid has been good to me.  Better than CVS even and I love CVS--ALOT.

This is 3 shops combined and I am on the verge of going in for a 4th trip but I think I might be overdoing it.  The only thing pushing me to go in again is because my mom and mother in law could greatly benefit from some of these items!!

Moneymakers

10 Thermacare Patches $4.99 each

Get $10 +Up wyb 5
Coupons Used:
$3/1 Thermacare from thermacare.com
$1/1 Thermacare VV q
After coupons and +UP's its a $5+ MM per 5 patches bought

4 Revlon Lustrous Lipsticks $7.99 and $3.99 B1G1 50% off
Get $4 +UP wyb 2
Coupons Used:
$5/1 Revlon Lustrous Lipstick Rite Aid q (posted at iheartriteaid.com)
**There are also $2/1 Peelies I found at CVS which turns this into a BIG MM (hence the reason I need to go back for my 4th shop**
After coupons and +UP's its a $2+ MM (even more if you have the Peelies) per 2 lipsticks


Stockpile
4 Huggies Diapers $8.99
Get $3 +UP wyb 1 Huggies 
Coupons used:
$3/1 Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers from smartsource.com
(there is also a $2/1 VV q but I used that last month :( )
After coupons and +UP's it breaks out to be $2.99 per pack of diapers (and with baby #3 on the way this is a go price for me!)

1 Loaf of bread $1.50

No coupons just needed to get my total up to $25 to use a $5/25 Rite Aid q

3 Halloween Candy .08
No coupons but this is a great filler to get my totals up to $25
hile back)About $36 in +UP's

I used 4 $5/25 Rite Aid coupons (printed from Redplum.com awhile back)
Subtotal: $1.57
Tax: $6.40
Total OOP: 7.97 ( I can totally live with that!!) Thank you Rite Aid--I think I love you!!

And I got $40 back in +UP's to spend next week!! YAY!!

Rite Aid is extremely difficult for me to explain to another human being so if you are interested in joining in the Rite Aid fun then I would suggest heading over to West Coast Savings or I Prefer Publix or The Great Shopping Game, they do a much better job than I do and make it look very easy!!

Winner Winner Winner

The Winner of the Hershey's Moderation Nation Prize Pack  is #96 Janet who said:

  
The Winner of The $25 Gift Card from Christen at Scentsy is #222  Ms-Texas who said:

I will be contacting you winners shortly via email so be on the lookout!! Thanks everyone for entering and please continue to do so!!

PediaCare Review and Giveaway

As the seasons began to change around here in Mississippi there is one thing that is crystal clear in the House of The Dill-io----> COLDS ARE COMING.  It never fails, the weather starts to shift from one season to another and like clockwork my kids are getting sick.   With that comes late nights, early morning and whiny babies.  Not that I blame them, I turn into a giant 2 year old when I have a cold.  Its horrible.
However this cold season I am bringing the heat and coming prepared--with PediaCare.

I was sent:
PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever (cherry or grape flavor; ages 2-11) and  
PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5) with dosage directed by pediatrician

and literally the PediaCare products did not come a moment too soon.  Bonnie came down with her change of season cold and within MINUTES so did Clyde.  I called the pediatrician and asked if it was safe to dispense the Multi Symptom Cold to Clyde since he is not 4 yet and I got the okay.  But I hands down suggest asking your MD whether or not this is a practice they recommend for you.  My Clyde runs big, so he is right along the weight/height guidelines for a bigger kid.  Which I assume is the reason the doc gave him the thumbs up.

WIN IT: 
One Lucky The Dill-io Reader will win:

• PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever (cherry or grape flavor; ages 2-11) and 
• PediaCare® Children's Fever Reducer Plus Multi-Symptom Cold (ages 6-11; okay for ages 4 & 5) with dosage directed by pediatrician

MANDATORY ENTRY: Just leave a comment on this post-with your email addy!
 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Enter the PediaCare Giveaway I listed below (+5 entries)
  
• Follow The Dill-io thru GFC (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on Networked Blogs (+3 entries)
• Become an email subscriber of The Dill-io (+3 entries)
• Become an RSS Subscriber to The Dill-io (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on twitter (+2 entries) 
• Become a fan of The Dill-io on Facebook (+2 entries) 
• Add my button to your blog & leave a link  (+5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to it in your comments (+5 entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (just hit the Retweet button at the top of this post!!) (+1 entry daily) 

 Giveaway open to residents 18 years old+  residing in the US.  Contest ends on December 2nd at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via email.  The lucky winner will have 24 hours to contact me. If you fail to contact me within the 24 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

Pedia Care also has this sweet giveaway going on here:  Check out the details and enter yourself to win!! It can't hurt and someone has to win right??  Might as well be you!!

Win The PediaCare® “Kid’s Cold Comfort” Giveaway!

PediaCare wants to help your child stay snug and comfy this cold and flu season, so PediaCare is giving one lucky Woman’s World reader a $1,000 gift card to 1-800-Mattress to buy a new children’s mattress set, along with another $200 toward some comfy pillows, sheets and a bedspread. The prize also includes the collection of PediaCare products for children, with various
formulas recommended by health professionals for cough, fever, flu, allergies and pain relief.

Visit www.pediacare.com/win and click on the “Enter to Win” banner to be taken to the official entry form!

I received products for review purposes only.  I was under no obligation, monetary or otherwise to post a positive review.   All information pertaining to these products was either sent to me personally in literature or obtained from the website online.

Wordless Wednesday (and a peek at some Carrier Qualified Pilots)

Instructor in the blue tee and some new Carrier Qualified Naval Pilots!!

Sidenote on the Wordless Wednesday post...I literally have like 894 pictures I want to share but since I should only pick one or two...well...maybe there will be additional posts on Thursday and Friday as well so I can share all the great things that have gone down lately!!

Flowerzinherhair.com Review and Giveaway

The amazing Amy at Flowerzinherhair.com graciously sent me three super cute and girly Funky Flowers clips for my Bonnie to try out (and completely love!!)  First let me say that I was concerned about comfort.  Bonnie doesn't like rubber bands in her hair sometimes because she says that they make her hair hurt.  (I guess the girl has a sensitive scalp..I dunno!!)  But when the beautiful flowers arrived my worries were quickly dispelled.  Bonnie got cleaned up and brushed her mop right away so we could try them out.  And they caused her no discomfort.  Secondly, the Funky Flowers were beautifully crafted and it was very plain to see that they were going to stand up to the wiles of a 6 year girl and her constant playing, which to me is a FAB thing because Bonnie can be so hard on her things.
All of them

Her favorite Funky Flower Clip

Isn't this the cutest thing??  Bonnie absolutely loved them and asked what other Flowers besides the three she was going to get because she needed them match her other clothes/outfits--especially for church!!  LOL!  The things that come outta that girl's mouth, needless to say she loved them.  And I did too!


Here is a little info on Flowerzinherhair.com
"Each product is meant to be comfortable for your little or big girl so that she will always want to have Flowers In Her Hair.  We only purchase quality materials, and ensure that every item that is sent to you is not only beautiful but packaged in a way that makes it exciting to receive every order!!"


Now onto the fun part!!

WIN IT:

Flowerzinherhair.com has so kindly offered one lucky The Dill-io reader a $15 credit to her store!!  Check it out here

MANDATORY ENTRY: Just leave a comment on this post-with your email addy!
 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Follow The Dill-io thru GFC (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on Networked Blogs (+3 entries)
• Become an email subscriber of The Dill-io (+3 entries)
• Become an RSS Subscriber to The Dill-io (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on twitter (+2 entries) 
• Become a fan of The Dill-io on Facebook (+2 entries) 
• Add my button to your blog & leave a link  (+5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to it in your comments (+5 entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (just hit the Retweet button at the top of this post!!) (+1 entry daily) 
• Became a fan of Flowerzinherhair.com on FB (+5 entries)
• Follow Amy on twitter here (+5 entries)
• Grab her button from her blog and leave a link showing me where (+5 entries)

 Giveaway open to residents 18 years old+  residing in the US.  Contest ends on December 1st at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via email.  The lucky winner will have 24 hours to contact me. If you fail to contact me within the 24 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

Apologies are in order

With Jet Pilot out of town these past few weeks I have been mindfully absent from this blog.  In truth, I have been just trying to survive in his absence.   I missed him so much and his leadership in our home that I was a bit of a mess emotionally without him.  Baby #3 is rocking my body with the hormones and nausea so I have literally been a ball of worthlessness at times.  For this I apologize.  I plan on getting back on the horse because truly I do love blogging--I just love my husband and family more.  So in honor of me sucking so much lately,  I am going to do a Review/Giveaway or Review everyday for a week.  To please both you the readers and me the writer.  Next month my Jet Pilot will be graduating from Flight School to become an official WINGED NAVAL AVIATOR so I am sure the blog will suffer a bit then as we prepare for family, celebrations and outings.  Then there is a potential military move in the works, which means boxes, Internet access, more stress...you kinda get the idea.  But this week I promise to make things just a big better and try just a little bit harder.  
I hope you can find it in your heart to show me some forgiveness over my lack of blogging.

Thanks!!

Jet Pilots+Carriers=FRAZZLED WIFE

Jet Pilot is in Sunny Southern California this week because he is "training" (translation, trying his hand at landing on an Aircraft Carrier, by himself ALONE in the jet.)
Yes I am a ball of nerves.
I know he is awesome.
I know he knows his stuff.
But I am still a knee knocking, nail biting, overly anxious cleaning housewife right now.
And I have to be this way til I hear from him sometimes tomorrow.  I was hoping by some random act of universe love he would call tonight but no such luck.  Or at least another wife who's husband is also "training" with my Pilot would call them and I would have some sort of update.  Sadly, this is not the case.

But I have everyone I know praying for him and I have been praying and sending love and light his way all day.  So I know it doesn't get any stronger than that. 

Yet here I sit, nervous...pacing and unable to sleep.  I hope I get some shut eye in before the morning comes.  Otherwise I will be useless as a mom tomorrow.  So if you happen to be reading this, please say a prayer for my husband.  Or at the very least..think calm landing safe on a GIANT AIRCRAFT CARRIER pleasant thoughts.  Thanks luvies...I appreciate it.

I really do.

Yes....he is always able to spare 5 seconds in the Jet to have a good time!!  The mustache was a Navy "tradition"-- you grow it out to show that you are going to the "Boat" Aircraft Carrier soon.  Jet Pilot's mustache was the thickest and fiercest of all the guys in his training detachment.  Cuz he just has to be the best at everything...even growing a thick "stache" for the trip!!  In this case...I think its pretty serious looking and I know he was proud of it.

P.S.   I have been a military wife 9 years (4 as an active duty member myself and 5 years as a dependent/SAHM)....and it is still as hard this time being apart as it was the first time we separated because of duty.  It never gets any easier....you just learn to embrace the emotional roller coaster ride a little better.

P.P.S.  That last line was meant to increase my own confidence....thanks for letting me talk thru that!!

Time please pass by fast...

I miss my husband.
And he has only been gone 16 hours.
These next 2 weeks just may kill me.
I want him to become the official awesome Jet Pilot that I already know he is, but I just wish I could have gone to beautiful San Diego as well.
Instead of staying here in the sprawling metropolis of Country Mississippi.

Tell me the time will fly by.
It has too right??

Yes, I am OVERLY hormonal...baby hormones....got me all jumbled up.  Hopefully I will wake up tomorrow and have myself together.

Here's hoping so anyway.

CostumeDiscounters.com Costume Review

I was extended the opportunity to review a costume from Costumediscounters.com, after much deliberation Jet Pilot and I decided that he would get a costume for Halloween.  I really wanted one but he kept giving me the puppy dog face.
So I caved.
He chose the Taco Costume and he was more than excited about it.  MORE THAN EXCITED.

 

When we received the costume I have to say it was nicer than I thought.  There was good detailing, I thought the taco costume may not look as nice in person as it was online.  But when it came I was definitely impressed. It also came with directions that said to to stuff it with paper to make the costume look fuller and more taco-ish?  I have worn costumes like this in the past and I never thought to do that...lol.  Smart I know.  So when Jet Pilot did his dry run and got dressed last night..all stuffed and all, he looked awesome. 
He looked like a giant man taco.  We also steamed his costume to get the wrinkles out, which I don't think we would have had to do if we had hung the costume from a regular hanger (like the enclosed directions said too...yeah we don't do so well following directions sometimes...lol).

Costumediscounters.com has a PLETHORA of funny adult costumes, child and pet costumes, too many to list but here are a few of my favorites:

This is just HILARIOUS to me...

I would have totally dressed up like this with Jet Pilot

Waaay to cute to be scary...Bonnie would look adorable in this!!

I have never ordered a costume online before but after going thru Costumediscounters.com so successfully and without any issues I would definitely order from then again.  I am thinking....Incredibles Costumes for the whole family...or clown costumes....something totally random and hilarious. 

THANKS COSTUME DISCOUNTERS.COM for the awesome costume...I just know its going to be a HIT!!!

I was received products from CostumeDiscounters.com for the purposes of review only.  I was under no obligation from any person or company to post a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Navy Videos Plug and My Husband

I literally just had to share this because it is one of the HANDS DOWN ALL TIME MOST AWESOME VIDEOS that features the WORLD's GREATEST NAVY!! It makes me smile literally every time I watch it.

And besides..the guy in the black beanie in the hallway scene, he was my neighbor here is Mississippi...hilarious, wonderful guy and I am seriously so glad that I can say that I know someone in this awesome video!! Its like knowing a movie star...kind of.


And since I am going to plug Navy You Tube videos I am also going to highlight the amazing video that MY Jet Pilot made while going through flight training in Florida. He did an awesome job and you can see him in all his Pilot glory right at the beginning of the video with his helmet and jacket on singing "YO BLACK BETTY, BLAM A LAM"...he did awesome right?? C'mon be nice...my husband reads this blog daily so I am sure he might like a lil comment love.

Hershey's Moderation Nation Review and Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to conduct an email interview Cheryl Forberg, registered dietitian for NBC’s the Biggest Loser, James Beard award-winning chef and a New York Times best-selling author of nearly a dozen books, about a new national program she is spearheading that will provide people with tools and resources to help them achieve a balanced lifestyle.  She has partnered up with Hershey's (I know a candy company trying to get healthy...step in the right direction I say!) to give expert tips and advice on how to live and be healthy.  The movement is called Hershey's Moderation Nation.

Well anyone that knows me that I am part fanatical about the things we eat in this house.  I am always looking for ways eat more veggies, less processed sugar and live better.  Here are the questions I asked Cheryl,

1.  What are some easy tips to get the whole family involved in healthy grocery shopping??  

- I suggest taking them along to the store and letting everybody choose a new product each week for the family to try. Interact with the produce department, they love to share samples of fresh fruits and vegetables that you may not have tried. Be sure to download the grocery list tips on www.themoderationnation.com

 

2.  Top 10 list of foods to always have on hand to help shape healthy kids.

- It's hard to narrow it down to 10, but be sure to take the grocery list tips to the store and you can easily find 10 foods that everyone in the family will like. Keep in mind that what is healthy food for kids is also healthy food for adults.

 

3.  If we have to oils in our cooking what's the best kind??

- It's important to have some good fats in our diet, whether they are from nuts and seeds, avocados or cooking oils. Most of the time, I use canola oil because it has the lowest level of saturated fat and it has a neutral flavor profile that blends well with most recipes.

 

4.  Is almond or soy milk any better nutritionally for you than cows milk (organic or otherwise?)

- Personally, I am a big fan of cow's milk and lean dairy products. If you choose to have almond or soy milk instead, be sure it's calcium fortified.

 

5.  What's your best piece of advice to any family that's transitioning to healthier eating like mine (we've cut out white flour, soda, no frozen foods, juices, but we still occasionally eat out)?

- Keep up the great work! You’re definitely on the right track in wanting a healthy and balanced lifestyle. For more ideas on menu planning and recipes, visit www.themoderationnation.com.

Thanks Cheryl for the great advice and I will say I went to the website and had a looksie around just to see whats what and it really is a great resource.  The grocery tips were something I took to heart because I am always trying to convince Jet Pilot to try random vegetables or fruits and he tends to fight me tooth and nail.  LOL.  But I am wearing him DOWN educating him on the perks of eating healthier.  Besides who doesn't want to live longer??

There is also an iPhone app (which for a tech dork like myself) is a plus, called Activity Snack that helps to encourage and track short breaks of activity throughout the day – as little as 5-10 minutes at a time – in pursuit of the 150 minutes of moderate weekly activity suggested by experts.  Things from walking the dog to playing tag with the kids count so there is definitely something for everyone!!

Couple this with tracking your calorie/food intake in a food journal and really its a great foundation to start with better eating, heck BETTER LIVING. 

And who doesn't love that??  Now onto the fun part!

 

WIN IT:

One lucky The Dill-io reader will win the Moderation Nation Prize Pack shown which includes a package of Hershey’s candy, a t-shirt, and a food journal.

MANDATORY ENTRY: Just leave a comment on this post-with your email addy!
 

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Follow The Dill-io thru GFC (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on Networked Blogs (+3 entries)
• Become an email subscriber of The Dill-io (+3 entries)
• Become an RSS Subscriber to The Dill-io (+2 entries)
• Follow The Dill-io on twitter (+2 entries) 
• Become a fan of The Dill-io on Facebook (+2 entries) 
• Add my button to your blog & leave a link  (+5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to it in your comments (+5 entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (just hit the Retweet button at the top of this post!!) (+1 entry daily)

 Giveaway open to residents 18 years old+  residing in the US.  Contest ends on November 9th at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via email.  The lucky winner will have 24 hours to contact me. If you fail to contact me within the 24 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received products from MyBlogSpark and Hershey for review but was under no under obligation from any person or company to post a positive review. All information on MyBlogSpark and Hershey's was obtained from literature sent to me or published online on their website.  All thoughts and opinions are mine.
 

Winner Winner Winner

The Winner of the Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Giveaway is comment #39 who said:

 And the winner of the WAT-AAH Giveaway is comment #69 who said:

Both winners have been contacted and have 24 hours to respond to my email otherwise new winners will be chosen!! Thanks everyone for entering and please stop by my new Scentsy giveaway, its low entry so far but who knows how long it will stay that way!!

Count me lucky too

Some girls get all the luck...skinny 2 weeks after their babies are born, supermodel tall, or hair that looks like they walked off a shampoo commercial set.
Today I am one of those girls..



Cuz that's my husband right there!! And really, does it get any better than being married to an awesome Jet Pilot??

Just sayin.
Husbands rock.

Scentsy Review and Giveaway

I am addicted to the smell good.
I don't like icky, stuffy smells.
And I have small kids.  Hence, candles are not always a good fit for a family with a wild boy like mine.

So when Christen the fabulous lady who created my new blog button, offered me the opportunity to review some great Scentsy products I was totally on board.  I slaved for hours over what to pick, what scents were right for me and add to that the fact that I loved everything made it just that much harder!  Finally I settled on this Roma warmer and the Rustic Lodge, French Lavender and Simply Irresistible Scentsy Bricks.  My items shipped super fast and once they arrived my Jet Pilot opened the package and set it up right away.

I didn't know much about Scentsy before Christen, so I started reading about it, here is some background:

"On July 1, 2004, Scentsy signed its first consultant and officially became a direct selling “Party Plan” company.
Now celebrating its sixth anniversary, Scentsy has received numerous awards for its growth and ethical business practices, including the Inc. 500 list for rapidly growing privately held companies, the 2010 Direct Selling News Global 100 list of top direct selling companies, and the Direct Selling Association's 2010 Success Award and 2009 Rising Star Award.
With more than 70,000 Independent Scentsy Consultants throughout North America, Puerto Rico, and Guam, Scentsy is poised to lead the industry for the next six years—and beyond."

Well now that I have used the Scentsy products I can hands down say I am a convert.  I love that they are a wickless alternative that's safer than traditional candles.
Because my Clyde has this uncanny ability to knock anything down that he can.

And now thanks to Christen, I can worry just a little less about Clyde trying to burn his hand off with a traditional candle. 

THANK YOU CHRISTEN for opening my eyes to the world of Scentsy!!

BUY IT:

Christen has offered ALL of "The Dill-io" readers a discount!!  Check out her site here

WIN IT:

Christen has ever so graciously offered one
The Dill-io reader a $25 Scentsy Gift Certificate!!!

Can u say awesome!!

MANDATORY ENTRY: Leave a comment on this post! (with your email addy!)

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• Follow The Dill-io thru GFC (+2 entry)
• Follow The Dill-io on Networked Blogs (+3 entries)
• Become an email subscriber of The Dill-io (+3 entries)
• Become an RSS Subscriber to The Dill-io (+2 entry)
• Follow The Dill-io on twitter (+2 entry) 
• Become a fan of The Dill-io on Facebook (+2 entry) 
• Add my button to your blog & leave a link  (+5 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to it in your comments (+5 entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (just hit the Retweet button at the top of this post!!) (+1 entry daily)

 Contest ends on November 10th at 11:59 pm CST. The winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified via email.  The lucky winner will have 24 hours to contact me. If you fail to contact me within the 24 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received no monetary compensation for this review. I received Scentsy products for review and was under no obligation from any person(s) or company to post a positive review. All information on Scentsy was obtained from literature sent to me or published online on their website.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Check out this LOW ENTRY GIVEAWAY

My bloggy bestie is hosting a buysoapnuts.com giveaway that ends in 2 days...and it only has 12 entries!! So for all those crunchy mama's who wanted to win Soap Nuts from the giveaway I posted a while back and did not, check out her giveaway HERE!!!

Winner Winner Winner

And the 2 winners of the Gain and MyBlogSpark "Sniff, Sniff, Hurray!" Giveaway are:
Comment #224 who said: "Re-tweeted giveaway."

 and Comment #49 who said: "I am an email subscriber #1"

Winners have been contacted and have 24 hours to respond otherwise a new winner will be chosen!! Thanks everyone who entered this giveaway and please continue to do so!!

Wordless Wednesday