Picture People: Sorry - No Santa Today

A lot of people I know usually have poor things to say about the chain photographers known as Picture People, usually referencing the quality of the photographers as being low-grade. But I actually liked the young staff, as they worked with the kids to make them smile. But I am FUMING right now for two THREE BIG REASONS.

ONE: A few weeks ago I received an e-mail about Santa being at the Picture People. I called to book an appointment for the weekend, but was told that Santa was only available Monday to Friday from from 6 to 8pm. VERY INCONVENIENT for kids on a schedule and people that work, but I booked my appointment since I had a coupon. I made my appointment two weeks in advance for a Friday at 7. My husband left work early to help.

We get to the mall and they tell me they tried calling me - but Santa is NOT there. Did something happen? No, he doesn't come on Fridays - only Monday to Thursday. Okay, are the hours for this Santa just getting more stupid? Plus, they TRIED calling? No one EVER left me a message. I imagine they called 15 minutes before the appointment when I was already on my way and hung up.

They wasted my time and my husband's time and took my children out of their schedule. I had already told my children they were visiting Santa. Yet, all the Picture People could tell me was, "Sorry, we can't just make Santa appear".

They then said I could come back Saturday and get a free pose. But, a few issues there.

• Santa wasn't available on Saturdays according to the first employee.
• I have to drag my kids out again, all dressed up.
• Why could I only come on Saturday?
• I already had plans for the weekend.
• My husband was not exactly cool with the idea of EVER going to the Picture People again after they made him leave work early for NOTHING.

So, forget it. We ended up visiting the mall Santa, to keep my promise to my children. We got a cute picture of Keegan. Lochlan was upset, this being his first time seeing the man in red. And I have no need to see a Santa at the Picture People now.

TWO: Now, here is the SECOND reason I am fuming. I sent a letter to the Picture People after the incident and they never responded. BAD customer service overall! No wonder the employees there are idiots! It comes from the top!

So here is my thoughts on the Picture People. The employees are obviously poorly trained. They can't even book an appointment correctly. And the management really doesn't care if you had a good or bad experience, they just want the plastic in your wallet.

THREE: I wrote this post a while ago and debated about posting it. I decided if they resolved it, I would not post it since it proves they are not all buttheads. When I called them, a very nice associate did help me. But via e-mail today I got the STUPIDEST response from Picture People. I will post that tomorrow. Trust me. I NEED to post this now to warn EVERYONE that Picture People is run by IDIOTS.

The Mom Buzz Weekend

So, without a doubt people have been buzzing around this Thanksgiving and Black Friday! I hope everyone had fun! I just want to keep you in the loop with EVERYTHING that has been going on at the Mom Buzz at a glance. Click the links that interest you! And leave comments when you feel inspired. I :heart: comments.

Contests-at-a-Click
Huggalugs: Currently 11 Entries
JuneBee Baby: Currently 10 Entries
ListPlanIt: Currently 17 Entries
Avon: Currently 26 Entries
Pillsbury Brownies & Smuckers Toppings: Currently 50 Entries
Wii Build-a-Bear Game: Currently 42 Entries

Fun Posts that are Comment-Worthy:
I'm 30
Melissa & Doug Latches Puzzle
Monster-size Your Pet
Happy Hour: How to make a Buttery Nipple

Happy Hour: Buttery Nipple

The first time I had this drink I was in Vegas, coordinating a big event with my boss. She always liked to have a drink before the actual party happened - since by then the hard work was done and we could finally relax! So one of those times she handed me a Buttery Nipple on the rocks. :giggle: It has such a silly name, but I don't think you can call it anything else. And honestly, it is such a girl drink! It is super sweet and tastes like butterscotch. Often it is served as a shot. So consider it on your next wild girls night out. But like most of my favorite drinks, I like it on the rocks for sipping.

INGREDIENTS:
2 parts buttershots liqueur
1 part Irish cream liqueur

Simply mix and pour over ice! If you are doing it as a shot, pour the buttershots in first, float the Irish cream on top and forget about the ice. :wink:

Happy Buzzing!

Crayola Scribble & Sing Winner

As promised, I combined all comments from all Crayola Reviews.

And the winner was about the TaDoodle Crayon Buddy Review:

Felicia said...

Graham loves these too.... although.. he is really getting into the magna doodle!
21/11/08 11:35 AM

Congratulations, Felicia. Graham is getting a Scribble & Sing. Remember the volume control when you get it! LOL! It rocks, though!

Please e-mail me your address, phone number and last name!

And remember...it pays to comment!

Happy Buzzing!

Buzz Review: Huggalugs Baby Leg Warmers

It's that time of year again! Temperatures are dropping and us moms are trying to figure out how best to keep our little ones warm, from their heads to their toes!

Hat - check!
Coat - check!
Pants - check!
Socks - check!

Leg warmers - ... That's right, moms! Your baby and toddlers are not ready for winter without their Huggalugs leg warmers! Made in Australia, these chic baby and toddler legwarmers provide endless benefits turning them from a simple, stylish accessory to a must-have item in your diaper bag!

Why, you ask? Well...

• Changeable Weather

In Florida it is often cool during the morning, warm in the afternoon and then drops drastically at night. But Huggalugs are an easy way to ensure that Lochlan is always dressed appropriately. When we leave the house to go to the library he can wear them with shorts. When we leave the library, I just peel them off and he is still dressed appropriately for the now warmer weather. Or when we run to my parent's house in the afternoon, he can wear his shorts. But when the weather dips, I pull his Huggalugs from the bag to keep his legs warm.

Moms of girls can do the same, putting Huggalugs under skirts! Simply put, it's a lot easier to keep Huggalugs in a diaper bag than three changes of clothing during this time of year!

Plus, Huggalugs can be interchangeable as leg OR arm warmers! So if your child is in short sleeves, just pull on some Huggalugs and it looks like a layered shirt!

• Cover the Gaps

You can also put Huggalugs under pants to keep ankles warm from cold drafts. After all, there is always that one bit of bare skin between the socks and the end of the pants! And children easily hike their pants up with all the moving and grooving they do. Carriers and slings also cause pants to ride up. But the Huggalugs will always stay put, comfortably, and keep those legs warm!

• Potty Training
  

When potty training Keegan, he was (is) often walking around in just a shirt and underwear. In the summer that might be fine, but for children training in the winter they need a layer to keep their legs warm! Huggalugs make it easy for them to practice taking on and off their underwear to use the potty, while still keeping their legs warm!

• Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are so cute now-a-days! So many patterns and colors to choose from! I often see pictures of fluffy butt kids wearing only their cloth diaper and a shirt. Once again, keep those legs warm with Huggalugs!

• Protect Knees
  

Learning to crawl can be tough on the knees, as babies go over rough carpet and floorboards. And those first steps are exciting, but still cause scrapes and bruises on those baby legs! Sp protect those little legs with Huggalugs as they hit those first milestones!

• Pediatrician Visits

Often a nurse will give your child a shot on their legs. try dressing your child in a pair of shorts and Huggalugs so that you don't have to struggle with taking off pants at the office!

• Diaper Rashes

When Keegan was just itty-bitty he got a BAD diaper rash. We did a lot of naked bottom time. But although I wanted to air out his bum, I didn't want him to be chilly. Huggalugs would have been the perfect answer to keeping his legs warm, while his butt healed.

• Protection from Insect Bites
  

If the mosquitoes are buzzing, which is almost always in Florida, we can easily protect Lochlan's arms and legs by pulling on Huggalugs. You can even spray the Huggalugs with repellent, rather than directly on a toddler or baby's sensitive skin!

• Style

And the number one reason I love Huggalugs. The styles are oh-so cute and perfect for boys and girls! Wear them with costumes, tutus and pettiskirts!

EXPERIENCE:
Lochlan (pictured) is wearing Dinosaurus (Item 0211). My other favorite patterns for boys are Smasher, Bomber Jo and Lil Pirate. For girls, be sure to check out the LadyBeetle and Sunshine Fields! I love how easy it is to change his diaper when he is roaming around in a shirt and Huggalugs. Plus, he is doing a combination of walking and crawling, so I like this added protection for his legs.

Cleaning the Huggalugs was a snap! Toss in the washer, cold cycle, then air dry to prevent shrinkage.

Plus, I like how Huggalugs fit Lochlan. You see the chub on that boy! But Huggalugs don't leave marks from the elastic, yet they stay put!

Excited about Huggalugs? I know I am! And one lucky Mom Buzz reader will get to try a pair for themselves!

CONTEST!
Entry 1: Visit Huggalugs, then come back to the Mom Buzz and leave a comment here with your favorite style/pattern.
Entry 2: Why do you want a pair of Huggalugs?

EXTRA:
Once you complete BOTH entries above, you are eligible for extra entries!

• Add the Mom Buzz to Twitter and Tweet this Contest. (I changed my Twitter - so make sure you use the right account - www.twitter.com/themombuzz). Leave a comment after you do this!
• Subscribe to the Mom Buzz via RSS or E-mail. (Options on the right sidebar). Leave a comment after subscribing.
• Blog about the contest, with a link to Huggalugs and the Mom Buzz. Leave two comments if you blog!

Contest is open to Canada and US. Contest ends December 5th.

Happy Buzzing!

Blogger Buzz: The $200 Mission

Who is this sassy brunette in the black jumpsuit holding a gun? Don't panic! It's only Savvy Suzie going on her next mission to save you and me money at The $200 Mission! (Where is the Mission Impossible theme music when you need it?) Her tag line is: One Mom. One Mission. One Dinner Plate at a time.

1. What's your blog about?
"I found myself in a really tight financial spot and the grocery bill was one thing I had a LOT of control over - so the blog grew out of my need to cut our budget dramatically. I thought that $200 a month was a good number to shoot for, and so The $200 Mission was born! It helps keep me accountable - we hit those times when we have extra money, and knowing that I blog about my shopping trips keeps me from spending carelessly. I love being able to share all of the great ideas I find along the way, other great frugal blogs, recipes, coupons, and anything else I think might help someone else save a buck or two."

2. Do you own any other blogs?
"I also have The Recipe Mission - it is my personal recipe book, everything on there is a dish I have tested. I also include cost breakdowns for each dish!"

3. Favorite post from your blog?
Suzie's favorite post was a series called Bricklaying - foundational ideas for shopping smarter. Unfortunately, when she switched blogs the link to it was lost! But be sure to check out hew new spot for other smart shopping ideas!

4. What's one piece advice you'd give the bloggers who read this?
"There are SO many great resources out there to do what I'm doing. And don't be afraid of a little time investment in the beginning...it DOES get easier!"

5. What's a must-read blog - besides your own!
"Too many to choose from - but when it comes to budget cooking, $5 Dinners is my go-to!"

In times like this when money is tight, I think we can all benefit from a $200 mission. And learning to cook and eat on a budget is just a twitter away! Follow Savvy Suzie on Twitter so you don't miss any money saving tips. And make sure you leave some comment love when you visit The $200 Mission and the The Recipe Mission ! Drop an Entrecard and tell her you saw her on the Mom Buzz!

Happy Buzzing!

I'm Thankful: Day 12

This post was inspired by Thanksgiving and MomDot and brought to you by Georgie Tees and Mutsy.

Today is the day to give thanks for the year. I know sometimes the bad really stands out, like needing surgery to remove an IUD and my grandparents trips to the ER. But there has been so much to be thankful for too!

I am thankful to have two healthy, smart gorgeous boys.
I am thankful I got to stay home with both of them this past year.
I am thankful to be married to a wonderful husband.
I am thankful to have the support of my family for all my crazy ideas.
I am thankful that I've met so many new friends, along with good friends from the past.

So, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As usual I have a lot going on at the Mom Buzz. So while in your Turkey Buzz, feel free to buzz around, leave comments and enter contests.

Buzz Buzz.

The Big 3-0

Hey y'all! It's my birthday! Yup, on Thanksgiving. Cool. Stick a candle in the turkey and let's make a wish!

Anyways, I'd love to feel loved. So if you want to leave a comment ... here are some good options that you can cut and paste into the comment box:

1. Happy Birthday!: For the unoriginal crowd
2. OMG - You Don't Look 30: For the white liars...who I LOVE!
3. Turning 30 is better than the alternative: For those with mean humor.
4. Other: If you have a better message for me, then go ahead and leave it! I'd love to read it.

Yup - the big 3-0.

If you Follow Me on Twitter...

100+ people follow me on Twitter. If you are one of them, please switch to my new Twitter Feed. I had to do it...

The old one was MyBruteSquad. The new one is theMomBuzz.

Please switch and don't miss a thing!

Melissa & Doug Latches & Skills Puzzle

I am going to preface this by saying I love Melissa & Doug Puzzles. Keegan owns one, Santa is bringing one for each boy this Christmas and I gave my goddaughter three puzzles for her birthday. I love the chunky puzzles for babies. I also like the Melissa & Doug magnetic puzzles where you move items through a maze with a magnetic pen or catch puzzle pieces with a magnetic "net".

But this puzzle just caught my attention at Toys R Us the other day. It is the Latches & Skills puzzle. It helps your baby and toddler develop their fine and gross motor skills as they "figure out" how 6 different latches work.

Now, at first I thought, "Cool!" But, the more I thought about it, the more I realized aren't latches supposed to keep kids AWAY from stuff? Think how often parents get locked out of the house because their child learned how to lock the door. And now we are helping them develop this skill even quicker?

Well, now I propose that Melissa & Doug up the ante and upgrade this puzzle. How about including the following on their smooth, sanded, solid wood board puzzle. For example, their puzzle should include:

1. Baby-Proof Double-Locks: Teach your child how to open and close cabinets and drawers that are "baby proofed"
2. Child Proof Bottle Caps: Teach them to push down, then twist.
3. And my favorite, a safe lock: To teach your child to become a professional safe-cracker, like Charlize Theron in the Italian Job.

Jokes aside, I think it is a great idea for improving gross motor skills. I would have bought it if I hadn't just spent 20 or 25 dollars on Melissa and Doug Puzzles already!

Food For Thought: Day 11

This post is inspired by MomDot and brought to you by Shi Shu Style and Mimsi Bags.

Thanksgiving dinner is so much fun! We all get together, dressed casual but nice. That means I make sure my hair is brushed! And the conversations always make us laugh. Plus, it's wonderful having family together for a home-cooked meal. And let's face, there is a lot of food, pie, meat, side dishes and desserts to partake in! But what if you could only choose one item to eat on the table? What would you choose? My pick would be the Sweet Potato Pie! It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it!

How about you? If you could only pick one food to eat on Thanksgiving, what would it be? Do you have a home-cooked meal or eat out? Does your family dress up?

Germ-Free Warm Mist Humidifer by Vicks

Lochlan is sick. Thankfully it seems like he only has a cold - a little congested and mucousy. So I did what moms do. I took his temperature. Normal. Then I plugged in the Vicks Plug-In so that Menthol vapors would help clear his sinuses. Finally, I plugged in his Germ-Free Warm Mist Humidifier by Vicks (Model V790). The purpose of the humidifier is to offer relief from dry, indoor air. It will keep his respiratory system moist, relieving cold symptoms, helping him breathe, and allowing for a more comfortable sleep.

We have two humidifiers in this house, which makes sense since we have two boys! So one per room, in case both kids are sick simultaneously - which is bound to happen. The first humidifier we bought was the Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier (V3100). That's because I heard that warm mist humidifiers encourage bacteria growth . But I am comfortable using this Germ-Free Warm Mist Humidifier since it eliminates harmful microorganisms in two ways:

1. The UV bulb shines on the water destroying microorganisms
   
2. The boiling action of water in the reservoir just before mist distribution

The Germ-Free Warm Mist Humidifier is easy to use, which is always a plus. Place the unit on a flat, water resistant surface. Then fill both water tanks with cold tap water and place them on the base. Plug the power cord in and push the power switch to "on". Then turn the humidity knob clockwise until you hear a faint click. It's really faint, hard to hear above noisy boys! I had to do it a few times to make sure I heard it. When you hear the click, that signifies that you are at the lowest relative humidity level. You can turn the knob further clockwise if you want more humidity.

Now, I plugged in a separate Vicks Plug-In. But there is a feature where you can add Vicks VapoSteam or Kaz Inhalant to the mist output. It would be nice to have one less thing to plug in - but I didn't have any on hand. Meanwhile, I always have Vicks refills for my Plug-In (V1700 Vicks Soothing Vapors Plug-in Waterless Vaporizer).

The Warm Mist Humidifier signifies when you need to refill the tank, usually the tanks last 24 hours, and it will also tell you when you need to replace the UV bulb. That's VERY important, since it kills microorganisms! The UV Bulb operates for 2,000 hours! And you can order a new one through Kaz.

We get the most use out of our humidifiers during cold and flu season, of course. So it's important to remember to clean them weekly during regular use to help prevent build-up of bacteria, mold and other microorganisms.

BENEFITS AT-A-GLANCE:

• Kills up to 99.999% of germs, mold, and bacteria in the water
• No filters to buy or replace—ever!
• Use with Vicks VapoSteam or Kaz Inhalant
• Adjustable humidity control
• Three-year warranty

COMPARISON:
This Warm-Mist Humidifier works great! It's quiet, clean and the warm mist is easy to breathe in an otherwise cool room. Plus, you can use it with Vicks VapoSteam or Kaz Inhalant.

But, if you have trouble breathing in warm mist, you may want to consider the Vicks Cool Mist Humidifier (V3100). It's especially great for summer colds, as the vapor cools down the room temperature and makes it easier to breathe.

Happy Buzzing and Stay Healthy!

Buzzworthy: Build-A-Bear Wii Game Give-Away & Auction