Digital cameras... what do you shoot with?

This is NOT a sponsored post... I need some help fellow picture takers!  We are shopping for a new camera.  We had a Canon Rebel XT and loved it, but it started to become too bulky to take everywhere.  So we thought if we bought one of the new point and shoot cameras we could have the best of both worlds- great picture quality and compact design... Wrong!

We've already tried the Sony Cybershot and Canon Powershot SX210 and haven't been impressed with either.  Even at 14MP the picture quality is nothing like it was on our 8MP Canon Rebel.  So now we're looking at possible other DSLR's- like the Canon EOS Rebel T1i or T2i or the Nikon D3100.  I just don't think we can be happy with a compact digital camera coming from a DSLR.

So what do you have, do you like it, love it?   I know most of you moms (and dads) take lots of pictures of your little ones.  Some of you even do it professionally so I'd love some opinions and input.  If you could recommend one camera, or a specific brand, which would it be?

More peas please...

Those words actually came out of my 5 year olds mouth at dinner yesterday evening.  I was shocked!  But I recovered and of course obliged by giving her another spoonful of peas.

And this is my picky eater, the one that only weighs 35 lbs. when her 2 1/2 year old sister weighs 32 lbs.  Usually the only vegetable I can get her to eat is carrots.  Well she does also eat potatoes, in fact she asked for more of those at dinner too!

We've been worrying about this girl and her weight since shortly after birth so I'm happy to finally see her expanding her palette and eating different foods, and bigger portions too.  I know she still doesn't meet all the food pyramid requirements, and no she didn't ask for more chicken too, but at least we're getting somewhere... asking for more peas is a great start.

Do your kids eat vegetables... do you have special tricks to get them to eat more veggies without noticing?

Wordless Wednesday- Sleepy Head

This is what happens when a certain 2 1/2 year old decides she doesn't need a nap (which is pretty much everyday, but this day she just couldn't quite make it through her meal).

And yes, she loves kechup!

This post is linked up at 5 Minutes for Mom and also at

NEW Purex Complete Crystals Softener {Review & Giveaway}

I'm so excited to be part of the Purex Insiders, allowing me to get the inside scoop and sneak peek at Purex products.  I've been a Purex Laundry Detergent user for many years and love it- works great and affordable.  And now I was able to test the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener before it came out in the stores.

I must say I love the idea of this- no waiting (and remembering) to add the liquid softener later on in the rinse cycle and no dryer sheet to wind up stuck to someone's outfit later in the day (it does happen).  The new Purex Crystals are super easy, you add it in right at the beginning of the wash load.  It's safe for all fabrics and can be used in HE washing machines as well.

It super easy to use, smells great, leaves clothes super soft... and it's 92% natural!  I did get a little bit of static cling with my loads while using it, but that happens even when I use a dryer sheet sometimes.  I think the humidity in our house is way off also.  And in keeping with natural you can always add a tiny bit of vinegar to the wash and it'll help with that.

You could also use the crystals as garbage pail fresheners (just sprinkle in the bottom) or in a small dish for in your car.  It's now available in stores in 3 scents- Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, and Tropical Splash.  It'll retail from $3.99- $5.99 depending on the store you purchase it from.

WIN IT:  3 lucky readers are going to win a coupon for a FREE full-size bottle of their own to try

Ways to Enter, do any of the following (leave a separate comment for each one you do, or already do):

•  Tell me what you currently use for fabric softener
•  Follow Purex on Twitter
•  Like Purex on Facebook
•  Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect
•  Subscribe via Email
•  Like my Facebook page
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my daughter in the Fancy Nancy Contest +2 Entries (may be done daily)
•  Post about this giveaway (blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc.) +5 Entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link) may copy and paste the following:

Enter to #Win NEW @Purex Crystals Softener- 3 Winners!! @SusieBHomemaker http://bit.ly/gxxSva #Giveaway ends on 1/15

U.S. ONLY

This contest ends on 1/15/11 at 11:59 pm EST.  Open to U.S. Residents ONLY.  The winner(s) will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email address is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  I received a product for the purpose of the this review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.

Mozaik- Entertain with More Style {Review & Giveaway}

I know we're all familiar with paper plates- we use them when we have people over, at birthday parties, reunions at the park.  Though paper plates have come a long way, have you ever wanted something sturdier?  A better, more stylish option?  Yet still be something that's affordable?  Mozaik by Sabert heavyweight plastic partyware delivers just that!

I was lucky enough to review a Mozaik 40 piece plasticware set, service for 8, for my holiday party.  This set is amazing!  You'd never know by looking at it that it's plastic... it looks like the real deal!  It gives you extra place settings but looks way more stylish and chic.  It's very sturdy too, definitely durable enough to wash and reuse, yet still affordable enough to be disposable for easy cleanup.  In addition to the fabulous 40 pc. set, I also received a 2 pack of serving trays and a plastic bowl with lid.  Again very nice quality and it all blends in well with other porcelain and glass dishes.

And think ahead to summer parties, instead of pulling out the fine china or using cheap, flimsy paper plates, you can impress your guests with Mozaik plastic partyware products.  You can buy Mozaik online, including Amazon.com, and in stores like CVS Pharmacy, as well as these other retailers.

WIN IT:  One lucky reader is going to win a Mozaik party pack of their own!!

Ways to Enter (leave a separate comment for each one you do, or already do):

•  Visit Mozaik and tell me which item you're most excited to try or when you might use this product
•  Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
•  Subscribe via Email
•  Like my Facebook page
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my daughter in the Fancy Nancy Contest +2 Entries (may be done daily)
•  Post about this giveaway (blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc.) +5 Entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link) may copy and paste the following:

Entertain with more Style- Enter to #Win a Mozaik Partyware Prize Pack @SusieBHomemaker http://bit.ly/hmshG8 #Giveaway ends on 1/16

US & CAN RESIDENTS

This contest ends on 1/16/11 at 11:59 pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents ONLY. The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn. Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  The product, information, and prize pack are all provided by Mozaik thru MyBlogSpark.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.