DVDs »,
Movie Talk »
Movie Talk: New Spy Kids Sparks Family Togetherness
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
"I call the farting dog," shouted my 9-yr-old son. It's our little game every time we invite another family friendly film into our home. When CARS 2 hit theaters, we all
fought over who was going to be Finn McMissile. I won that one. It's fun for us to "pick" a character out of the movie and live, vicariously, through him or her in the movie.
This time, however, we're not fighting over Cars characters, but Spy Kids Characters. The latest movie in the series,
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, is now on DVD and BluRay. It's quickly become one of our favorites, sparking loads of family togetherness, something I'd pick every day if I could.
What would you do with all the time in the world?
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Christmas »,
Home Deco »
Christmas Decorating with Outdoor Nativity Sets
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
You have NO idea how excited I am that Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is on it's way. For me, Christmas brings such joy to my heart with family togetherness and the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
While I love buying Christmas decorations for my home, I rarely purchase things for the OUTSIDE. I'm always worried about the INSIDE because that's where we spend most of our time as a family. Plus, it's always so hard for me to put up Christmas lights and my husband LOATHES the process as well. This year, however, we're pretty excited to decorate outside our home. We've got a Home Depot trip planned this weekend for lights, but we've already got a head start with our
Outdoor Nativity set.
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Cleaning Products »,
Laundry Detergent »,
Whirlpool Moms »
#WhirlpoolMoms: Making It Work When Your Garage is Your Laundry Room
Monday, November 28, 2011
I've lived in close to 10 homes since getting married. We've moved a LOT. The two rooms in the house that are my absolute favorite (because I spend the most time in there) are the kitchen and laundry room. If I'm going to be in there half the day, I want it to look nice and welcome me each time I walk in.
The laundry rooms I've encountered have been all shapes and sizes including small closets, mud rooms (yes, this one had an actual toilet right next to the washer, yuck), some have been in the kitchen, and others? Well, they just sit in the garage. That's where my laundry room is now and I hated it the first few months I lived here, until my
Whirlpool Laundry Room Make-Over. I've learned to love my "laundry room" and made it work for me. Do you have your washer and dryer in your garage?
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#ArcticHome »,
Charity »,
Coca-Cola »,
Parenting »
Coca-Cola #ArcticHome Mama Bear: Going the Extra Mile and Parenting in the Wild
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Have you guys seen the crisp white transformation Coca-Cola has made this Holiday Season? In partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Coca-Cola launched this very special program to call attention to protecting the Polar Bear's home in the Arctic.
Do you guys remember my excitement when I, first, announced I was an official
Coca-Cola Mama Bear? It really got me thinking how these polar bears protect their cubs in the wild and the lengths they must go to in survival with their children. It forced me to reflect my own parenting methods....
How do I go the extra mile for my children?
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Toys »
2011 Holiday Shopping: Top 15 Toys Your Kids Will Go Nutso Over
Friday, November 25, 2011
As I sit here in the warm, cozy, house I can't help but chuckle a little over all the Facebook status updates from friends and family who shopped today for Black Friday. Everyone is off to fight the crowds to get the best deals on all the must-haves of the Christmas Season, but not me.
Not to toot my own horn, but I have most, if not all, of my children's gifts as of about two weeks ago. They've let me know which toys they'll go "nutso" over and I aim to please, but what about the children in your home? What will they go "nutso" over? Do you know the top toys of the season? I got a little help from KMart's Fun Ambassador, Rico Rodriguez, with the
Top 15 toys for Christmas that'll have your kids "Nutso."
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Family »,
Holidays »,
Thanks »
Happy Thanksgiving: Here's 5 UnobviousThings I'm Thankful For
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Today is Thanksgiving and I am so very blessed to be covered in love and yummy food. This year we traveled a little bit in order to be with family, whereas, the years past, I cooked the entire meal all by my lonesome for just my husband and children.
This year, I can list all the obvious things I'm thankful for, like the love of a wonderful man, the amazing family I have, the beautiful children I'm raising, and the Church home our Spirit dwell in, but it's kind of implicated that I'm PURDY thankful for all of the above. No. THIS year, I'm bringing you five quirky things I'm thankful for.
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Christmas »,
Disney »,
Movie Talk »
Get in the Holiday Spirit with Disney's Prep and Landing
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
As we prepare for a Thanksgiving road trip this week, we've got ONE thing on our mind........ Christmas.
I know, I know, it really isn't fair that Thanksgiving gets absolutely no playtime during the year, but after Halloween we have our hearts and our budgets set for the big day. We prep and anticipate this wonderful season. Some of my favorite times spent with my kids is settling in with hot chocolate, warm blankets, and
Christmas movies. So, what did we pack for the Thanksgiving road trip? Disney's Holiday Movie
Prep & Landing. Have you ever wondered what happens inside your house BEFORE Santa arrives?
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Jennifer »,
Recipes »,
Thanksgiving Side »
Thanksgiving Side Dish: Honey Carrots Recipe
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
To be honest, I have never been much of a cooked carrot fan unless it was in pot roast, beef stew or soup. These carrots, though, are outstanding. They would complement any meal and would be a great addition to you Thanksgiving dinner.
We are having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister-in-law’s house but I am preparing a few side dishes. The Honey Carrots are great because I can make them a day ahead of time and warm up for dinner.
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Ice Cream »,
Sweet Tooth Finds »
Pair Ben & Jerry's Vanilla Ice Cream with Thanksgiving Pies {Giveaway}
Monday, November 21, 2011
"You're going to miss the warm gooey pecan pie. Oh and the pumpkin pies," my father taunted me. With family miles away, we're sacrificing Thanksgiving away from my side of the family, in order to spend time with my husband's side of the family, but my Papi just had to remind me that I'll be missing all of my Mami's yummy Thanksgiving pies.
While, I hate to miss her pies, I'm thinking she's going to make me one for the road (or at least I hope she does). It'll be perfect with ice cold
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream right on top. Don't you think? What do you top your Thanksgiving Pies with?
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Movie Talk »,
Slippers »
Keep Your Feet Happy on Behalf of HAPPY FEET TWO {Giveaway}
Today starts a WHOLE week of my kids being home for Thanksgiving Break. Yesterday we had a jam packed day of family pictures and gearing up for Christmas. We decorated the tree and when it was all said and done? Our feet were SO tired. We slipped on our favorite pjs and
cozy slippers to watch Christmas movies all evening.
Here, at Momma Findings, we're all about family togetherness and want to give you the gift of happy feet too. On behalf of the newly released movie,
Happy Feet Two in 3D, we've got your chance to win two pairs of Deerfoam Slippers just in time for the holidays!
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Beauty Products »,
Blush »,
CATTIVA Cosmetics »,
Make-Up »
Beauty Finds: CATTIVA Belazza Blush Bronzer Mineral Duo {Giveaway}
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I've become quite the make-up enthusiast in the last year. Whereas, before, I was under the belief that Moms don't have time for beauty, skincare, or fashion. We're too busy with the kids, right?
WRONG! I love all things beauty and lately? Well, I've come to the conclusion that I AM worth it and the investment keeps me confident and boosts my self esteem. It's nice to feel good about yourself! Today, I'm DYING to tell you guys, I am officially a CATTIVA Cosmetics
Beauty Blogger and will be bringing you guys the latest in
make-up once a month and giveaways? Yup, we got those too! First up? A blush bronzer duo that is perfect for olive skin like my own.
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Cheerleading »,
Cookies »,
Diet and Health »,
Karate »,
Snack food »
Surviving the Chaos of Youth Sports {HUGE WhoNu? Cookies Giveaway}
Friday, November 18, 2011
Just last night, I turned to my husband and said, "I am just so tired. We go and go and go and it seems we don't have time to even breathe. How did it get so crazy?" His answer didn't surprise me at all, "It's the kids in sports. We're there. We just need to hold on and pray through it."
Okay, youth sports isn't so bad. My two son's are in Karate and really? They're all about structure, so I can dig it, but cheerleading? I will admit it's pretty chaotic. Add in practice, events, competition, uniforms, and fundraisers, when does she have time to even eat? We always grab something on-the-go and it's never healthy, but thanks to
WhoNu? Cookies we're surviving as best we can and guess what? Momma Findings and WhoNu? Cookies have teamed up to give YOU guys the chance to not only "survive," but to add in a little nutrition to your kids diet, while giving back to the team!
Read the full story
Disney »,
Movie Talk »
Movie Talk: Why We Won't Be Watching The Muppets
Thursday, November 17, 2011
So. There's this movie that is getting mad buzz online by critics, bloggers, and parents. While, I absolutely love Disney, I can't positively promote this movie...
The Muppets.
Don't get me wrong, I loved The Muppets as a child. When I, first, heard there would be a Muppets Movie, I thought
Wow! I can't wait for my kids to see it. They're going to LOVE it! I was wrong. Way wrong. The reaction to the trailer, heck I'll be honest here, the reaction to the SIGHT of The Muppets has been none other than a strain on our family when we're out shopping, or at the movies, even watching TV. When a movie completely interrupts our every day life? To the point where we have to avoid regular activities we enjoy? Well, it's not going to be a favorite on my list, you know?
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Frugal Living »,
Grocery Stores »,
Kroger »,
My Blog Spark »
Frugal Living: Save on General Mills Products at Kroger {Giveaway}
If you're like me, you try to avoid the grocery store at all costs the week of Thanksgiving. In years past, we were so far away from family and friends that I was in charge of the ENTIRE Thanksgiving meal for my husband and kids. So, I shopped early. I planned smart and, moreover, I didn't fight the crazy shoppers in the parking lot.
This year, however, we're spending it with family and I'm not in a stressed out kinda mood. I'm ready to enjoy the season and
Thanksgiving Deals So, going to the grocery store? Not a big deal, especially with the General Mills savings event at Kroger.
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Jennifer »,
Meal Ideas »,
Recipes »
Meal Idea: Buffalo Chicken Burgers for Dinner
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
We use the grill year round in our house. I love it because it is a healthy way to cook but also because less there less pots and pans to wash!
This recipe is a favorite in our house. My husband ( who originally balked at the idea of chicken burgers ) requests it often. The indulgent flavors of moist chicken, wing sauce and blue cheese make you feel like you are being bad but your not!
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Disney »,
Preschoolers »,
TV Shows »
TV Talk: Jake and the Neverland Pirates are a Hit this Year
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
My little one loves him some
Disney Junior. Ok. Ok. We ALL love this family friendly channel and have, especially, enjoyed Jake and the Neverland Pirates. I mean, who doesn't love those adorable kid pirates. Izzy happens to be my favorite, but Jake is the coolest in my child's eyes.
Since its launch this past February, Disney Junior continues to grow and break all previous records for Disney Channel's preschool programming! Anchored by hit series,
Jake and the Never Land Pirates, cable's #1 series for Boys 2-5 since its launch and on track to be Disney Channel's #1 preschool series ever, Disney Junior continues to soar. The show currently is among one of the most co-viewed preschool series, with 45% of moms watching with their preschooler.
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Bargain Shopping »,
Christmas »
2011 Holiday Shopping: 6 Tips to Avoid a Mental Breakdown {Giveaway}
I'm ALMOST done with my Christmas shopping for my babies. To say that BEFORE Thanksgiving, is actually shocking for me. I'm usually that schmuck at Walmart on Christmas Eve picking up
last minute Christmas gifts, but this year? This year, I've planned accordingly, shopped smart, and accomplished the ONE thing that gives me a the MOST stress during the busy Holiday Season........ Shopping for the kids.
Today, I'm on a mission to help YOU shop on a budget with a little less burden. Sears has all kinds of simple solutions for gift giving this Holiday Season. To me? That means minimal driving from store to store looking for that perfect gift for friends and family.
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Discipline »,
Momma Express »,
School Chat »
Momma Express: Are Bad Grades a Reflection on the Parents?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Four C's and one ZERO. That's what I found in an email sent from the school today.
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Beauty Pick of the Month »,
HEB »,
Nail Polish »
November Beauty Pick: Nail Polish Perfect for the Holidays {Giveaway}
November is all about turkey, thanks, and well... more turkey, but for me? I've got nights of Holiday parties in cocktail blingy bling dancing in my head. I just LOVE the look and feel of the Holiday Season, especially when we dress up for Church events or attend the annual Nutcracker with the family.
That's why we're proud to present our
November Beauty Pick of the Month, the 2011 Essie Winter Collection. These nail polish colors are bold, festive, and perfect for Holiday Celebrating! In fact, they match my daughter's
Holiday Dress, from
Garnet Hill, perfectly!
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Events »,
Houston »,
Local Findings »
Local Findings: 12 Days of #ArthurChristmas in Houston
Today, I woke up with Christmas in my heart. I'm counting down the days until we can start putting up Christmas decorations. Realistically, I almost did it yesterday, but I'm not TOTALLY insane. I know I should wait until at least after Thanksgiving.
If you're like me and just DYING to start celebrating this great Season, make sure to check out the
Houston 12 Days of Arthur Christmas Events. Tons of great activities in tons of great places! If you attend and take a picture, make sure to send it to me so I can post right here at Momma Findings. We missed the Tree Lighting, but MAN there are STILL so many events in the works over the next 10 days.
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BluRay »,
Electronics »,
Momma Express »
Momma Express: Help! My Media Room Is a Mess
Friday, November 11, 2011
Yesterday I was about to pull my hair out. Little man wants to watch a movie, but surprise surprise.....
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Cars 2 »,
Drinks »,
Nestle »
Juicy Juice and CARS 2 Family Movie Night {Giveaway}
I turned to my husband last night and said, "Can we slow it down this weekend? We need to rest as a family." From Karate to Cheerleading, UIL and Church, it has been beyond crazy in the evenings. I'm not used to this chaos and I miss the days where we can spend time together, eating dinner or watching a movie.
Do you ever get like that? Where you just want to relax with the family and enjoy a night in? Well, I'm bringing you JUST that! Thanks to Nestle, I've got a
Juicy Juice and CARS 2 Movie Night prize pack for one lucky reader! So, grab up some rockin' snacks, enjoy limited edition Juicy Juice drink boxes, and relax to watch one of the most popular movies of the year!
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
DVDs »,
Movie Talk »
2011 Holiday Shopping: Make it a Beethoven Family Movie Night {Giveaway}
Thursday, November 10, 2011
You know one of my FAVORITE things about the Holiday Season? The shopping. I love getting together with my sister and just shopping our little hearts out, then grabbing lunch, doing more shopping, and finishing it off with some coffee. The day ends perfectly with popcorn and snuggling on the couch with my little ones and watching
Christmas Movies.
This year, we have an array to choose from. We have our favorites, like
The Grinch and
The Santa Clause series, but we also have some new movies like
Beethoven's Christmas Adventure, now on DVD. It's very important for all of us to slow down from the Holiday chaos and spend time with family. So, we want you to take the time out this year to snuggle with your kids too with a Beethoven Family Movie Night!
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Discipline »,
Momma Express »,
Parenting »
Momma Express: Have You Ever Thrown Your Kids Toys in the Trash?
As we sat eating pancakes this morning, my 4-yr-old says, "I WAS gonna play the Wii, but I forgot you threw the remote in the trash.
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#TheStoryCD »,
2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Book of Esther »,
Contemporary Christian »
I Am the Exception: Learning The Story of the Bible as an Adult
I am one of those people who came to know Christ as an adult. I am the exception to the rule. I was united with my Father at the age of 24. He welcomed me with open arms, His lost child, His love.
My testimony has been this incredible, heart wrenching, story of love, hurt, and self reflection that has grown me into a woman of faith. It's not easy becoming a Christian so much later in life than most. I relied on children's DVDs to learn the stories of the Bible. In fact, I learned them right along with my toddlers. I was a baby Christian, just like them. I think that's why I'm so emotional as I listen to this new album, written by Nichole Nordeman and sung by some of the biggest names in Christian music. It's called
The Story, 18 songs that take you from creation through the Bible and onto revelation. It's incredible.
Read the full story
2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
Leapfrog »,
Preschoolers »,
Toys »
2011 Holiday Shopping: Leapfrog My Own Story Time Pad {Giveaway}
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
I, literally, couldn't sleep the last few weeks. Call me crazy, but I am just SO excited about all the awesome
gift ideas and giveaways I got for all of you. Yesterday, I brought you one of my favorite gifts for girls from
American Girl. Today, however, it's all about the little ones with Leapfrog's My Own Story Time Pad.
Kids are all about being like Mom and Dad, so why not give a gift that helps them build vocabulary while mirroring today's tablet. With
My Own Story Time Pad, children can listen to stories, music, and even open email from Mom and Dad.
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2011 Holiday Gift Guide »,
American Girl »,
Dolls »,
Raising Girls »,
Shopping »
2011 Holiday Shopping: American Girl Dolls Marie-Grace and Cecile {Giveaway}
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Welcome to our first feature in our
2011 Holiday Gift Guide! I have so many awesome ideas for the family this year, but I just couldn't wait to unveil my top gift for girls this Christmas.
American Girl is iconic when it comes to really embracing a girl's imagination and curiosity. We fell in love with American Girl last year, when we participated as a
Shine on Now Ambassador. After learning about the brand and how passionate they are about helping parents raise a generation of well-rounded, giving, and intelligent girls, I couldn't help but show my support. This Holiday Season the
NEW American Girl Dolls, Marie-Grace and Cecile, are ready to come into your child's heart.
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#SpeakNow »,
Beauty Products »,
Events »,
Houston »,
Music »,
Raising Girls »
5 Things I Learned at the #SpeakNow Taylor Swift Concert
Monday, November 7, 2011
Last weekend was beyond amazing for my 8-yr-old daughter and I. To say we were excited would be an understatement. We. Were. Thrilled.
Thanks to
CoverGirl, we were asked to attend the
Taylor Swift Speak Now World Tour as a special guest. We got to go backstage and meet with her, first hand, and I can't believe how sweet she is. As a Mom, I'm excited to see such a stellar role model, like Taylor Swift, for young girls today. Her story and her presence left inspiration in my daughter's heart that will last for a lifetime, but what did I learn? How did I feel seeing young girls go crazy over this music sensation?
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Bedroom »,
Home Finds »,
Pillows »
Sleep Number AirFit Pillow: When Was the Last Time You Replaced Your Pillow? {Giveaway}
Ok. This is going to be hard to admit, but here it goes.... I napped for 4 1/2 hours yesterday. Please pick your jaws up off the floor. It's a little embarrassing to admit because that is so not like me. I have to go even FURTHER and say I slept in on Saturday until 9:30am and again Sunday morning (the time change helped me on that one because it could have easily been 10:00am).
No, I'm not sick. I'm not pregnant. I'm not even abnormally tired. I have no idea why I slept so much this weekend, but it MAY have to do with this
awesome pillow that now lays under my sweet Momma head. Just this month, Sleep Number introduced it's NEW AirFit Adjustable Pillow and all I can say is
Wow.
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HEB »,
Kitchen Items »,
Recipes »
5 Easy Foods to Cook in a Dutch Oven
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Brrr. It's cold outside. You'll probably read that line, here at Momma Findings, only a few times a year because, here in Houston, it's NEVER cold. It might be "nippy" or "chilly" or even "frijo," but never just cold. Those are the words I'll use today. We've finally been invited to the
Fall Ball and it's pretty nice to join the rest of the country.
So, now that the temps are FINALLY dropping here in Texas, I'm pondering a few ways to use my new
Dutch Oven from H-E-B. Did you know they carry this amazing new line of kitchenware? It's colorful. It's practical. Heck. It has completely inspired me to try new recipes.
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#ArcticHome »,
Charity »,
Coca-Cola »
I've Been Chosen to Be a Coca-Cola Arctic Home Mama Bear!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I am beyond excited to announce that I've been chosen to be
Coca-Cola Mama Bear! When I told my kids that I was officially a "Mama Bear" they just giggled all the way to school, but when I told them that Coca-Cola cans would be WHITE starting this month, their jaws dropped.
So, what does that mean exactly? Well, it means I'll be helping Coca-Cola raise awareness and funds to protect the polar bears' arctic home. Starting this month, be on the lookout for really cool Coca-Cola themed giveaways, here at Momma Findings, along with a big Twitter Party bash with other
Coca-Cola Mama Bears. It just warms my heart to team up with this amazing brand for such a good cause and how cool is it that you'll be drinking soda out of
Coca-Cola white cans?!
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#spon »,
Oral Care »,
Toothpaste »
Does Brushing Your Teeth Make You Smarter? {Giveaway}
Last week, I was brushing my teeth. Well, I brush my teeth every day, but last week while I brushed my teeth, I got this awe inspiring idea. Within those few minutes, a business venture was created in my little Momma brain. It would serve as a stepping stone in Social Media, here locally, and I'm thrilled to implement this plan in my community. So, what did I do? I Facebooked it, "
An amazing idea just hit me while I brushed my teeth. Local businesses would benefit immensely! So excited to begin."
I'm using the recently launched Crest® & Oral-B® Complete product line, an innovative collection of
toothpastes, mouthwashes, toothbrushes and flosses that you can actually feel working, but does it get your brain working as well? It got me thinking does brushing your teeth actually make you smarter?
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Breast Cancer Awareness »,
Home Finds »,
Safety »
Breast Cancer Awareness: Sentry Safe Goes Pink to Save Lives
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Although October is officially over, our
Breast Cancer Awareness coverage continues because really? We feel supporting the cause all year long can do wonders. In fact, we plan to do just that ALL the way until Christmas!
Our hats go off to a company that's investing in saving lives and protecting futures. Sentry Safe is donating $1 {up to $25,000) to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for every limited edition
Pink 1100 Fire Chest purchased. Really? Who WOULDN'T want a pink safe?
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