Here Comes Honey Boo Boo and I personally can't wait to see her go.

Over the years, I have learned to expect very little from TLC's programming.  For the most part when a new show is advertised, you should expect it to be a train wreck.  You know it is going to be ugly, but for some ungodly reason you can not look away.

"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" is the newest train wreck in the TLC prime time line up.  Alana aka "Honey Boo Boo" first came to popularity on Toddlers and Tiaras.   She was the little girl who, you will recall, was given GO-GO juice (her performance enhancing cocktail of  Red Bull and Mt. Dew, followed by a chaser of Pixie Sticks.)   Last night, the series premiered with two episodes.   The series follows the adventures or misadventures of the would be tiny tot beauty queen and her South Georgia family.

The show opens with a fart.  And well, you can guess where it goes from there.   We are introduced to the Thompson clan lead by stay at home "Momma" June.  Some long time viewers of TLC might recognize June from Extreme Couponers. Apparently, this family has a long history with TLC.

Then there is her husband "Sugar Bear" as June says "her baby daddy".  Who doesn't really seem involved with much of anything going on in the house.   From my first impressions of June, it is probably just easier for him to shut up and go along for the ride.  

That leaves us with the lovely Thompson daughters.  Chubbs 15, Pumpkin 12, and Chickadee 17.   Chickadee, by the way, we learn is pregnant from loud mouth Alana.  I guess we will be seeing her on Teen Moms sooner or later.

After a nutritious breakfast of radio active neon orange cheese balls, the family begins to make plans to attend the Redneck Games.   But don't confuse this family with a  bunch of rednecks.  They " have too many teeth to be rednecks".   They do have some sort of twisted family standards.  June was very vocal about some the other attendees of the games.

 The Redneck Games, is a  south Georgia annual event that could somewhat be compared to the Olympics.   Forget the high dive, try belly flopping into a mud pit.   Or how about bobbin for pig's feet?   Which we do see Chubb's face down in a tub, bobbin away.  

After all the fun and games, it is time to get serious.  There is a pageant to get ready for.   The family is  single mindedly driven to see Honey Boo Boo win a grand supreme title.    Tears flowed heavily when Boo Boo didn't even place at a small natural pageant.    So to reward her bratty behavior, she is given a squealing tea cup pig as a pet.

The judges must be "crazy" (quote from Alana's talking belly) for saying Alana needed to be more refined.   So June arranges to have a etiquette coach come work with the girls.   This poor woman was subjected to Pumpkin and Boo Boo.   Pumpkin loudly declares, "what you see is what you get!  I don't need no manners."   I would hate to sit down to a meal with this family. As, June says,"Nobody can be proper and etiquettely all the time". That's right etiquettely. No, my spell check isn't broken.  Thanks to the show's subtitles for the spelling

Blown noses, farts, and poop jokes  abound. The ignorance displayed and encouraged is sad.  It would be nice if this family was as driven to educate their kids as it was to win a dollar store tiara.  June says of the etiquette coach,  "she is a little more of a tight ass then we are.  The girls clearly learned nothing and that was just fine with June.  

There are 4 more episodes in the series to "eagerly" await.   Can Honey Boo Boo get that elusive Grand Supreme title?

Other reviews have suggested that this show is "what is wrong with America" and "a sign of the Apocalypse" .  I think the Mayan calendar has a picture of the Thompson clan hanging above it.   Clearly, we are dazzled by and wallowing in the ignorance of others.   Honey Boo Boo will bring ratings to TLC because people will tune in, in droves because it is so horrifyingly bad.

Carmex Review and Giveaway

I have to admit that I have a addiction to lip gloss and lip balms.  I always have at least 3 or 4 with me at all times.   I guess I just love a little variety when it comes to flavors.   Carmex has a new pomegranate flavor.   The sweet and tart flavor of pomegranate is the perfect flavor for summer time.

The Carmex sticks offer SPF 15 protection and are water resistant.  What could be better for summer?  It offers great protection for your lips when you are out in the summer sun.   This is a must have for your beach bag, backpack, or purse.

Want to win a Carmex beach bag full of goodies?  One lucky winner will receive a beach bag with 6 Carmex sticks including:  pomegranate, strawberry, original, cherry, and lime twist.  








Mandatory Entry:
Just leave me a comment telling:  What is your favorite summer outdoor activity?

For additional entries follow Carmex on Facebook.

Giveaway will end August 18th.   Open to US residents.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.


** I did receive samples for the purpose of this review.  I did not receive any monetary compensation.   All opinions expressed in this review are my own. **

2012 Hallmark Ornament Premiere

Saturday, I was up bright and early to visit my local Hallmark  store for the annual ornament premiere event.   I love Hallmark ornaments.  I started collecting them when I worked at a Hallmark store while I was in high school.   Since then, my ornament collection has grown to include my husband and children's favorites.

The first ones I always pick up are the Star Wars ornaments.   This years limited quantity release for Star Wars was Momaw Nadon (Hammerhead).   We got tickled at an older lady, who was buying her ornaments.  She said," I don't know what this thing is." "But, I know my grandson will like it."   To us, nothing says Christmas like a tree full of Star Wars aliens.

My oldest daughter has recently developed a deep love for all things Wizard of Oz.  Last year, I got her Glenda and the Wicked Witch.    I didn't think she would care for this year's WO ornament.  But, I was wrong!  This years ornament is a sepia colored Miss Gultch riding her bicycle and a Winky Guard.  

For our son, he is on a total super hero kick right now.  I picked up Thor, Iron Man, and Spiderman.   In October, I will get him Captain America to go with the rest of the guys.    

I am really excited about some of the iconic 80's figures getting their own ornaments this year.   I picked up Mr. Stay Puft from Ghostbusters and I will be getting the E.T and Back to the Future Delorian.   I can't wait to get those!   I am planning to create an I love the 80's Christmas tree.   Last year, I picked up the Gizmo (Gremlins) ornament.

I can't wait to get my ornaments off layaway and pick up the remainder that will be out in October.

Monster High Scary Tale dolls are hitting stores

Last Friday night, I found out that some of the local Target stores had gotten shipments of the exclusive Monster High Scary Tales dolls.    Needless to say, I ran to the store to look for them.    The dolls were not on the shelf yet.    I gave the Target associate the dcpi number, the looked it up, and pulled them from the back!

These dolls are really beautiful!.  My favorite is Draculaura as Snow Bite.  Her shoes are adorable.  They remind you of an apple.   I love the coloring of her dress.  When I first saw the pictures of this line, I wasn't terribly impressed.  But you really have to see them in person.  Pictures just don't do them justice.  

Check your local stores, they are hitting stores

Tiki dolls

We loved the Monster High, Escape from Skull Shores special that aired back around spring break.   That is when I made our first tiki to add to our Monster High collection.

Since then, I have made a few for others to dispIay with their dolls.   I just finally got around to making the blue masked tiki. I am really pleased with how he turned out.   The only tricky part was getting the horns as close to the same size as possible.  

The tikis have their own tumblr.  My children have had fun creating different tiki adventures.   I also have 10 blue and 10 brown listed for sell in my etsy store.

Eshakti- My new favorite site

I just received my sample dress from Eshakti. I am thrilled with it!  I can't wait to write a longer review and include  pictures.     Eshakti is a clothing website that offers ladies sizes 0-26 ready to wear and customized clothing.  

I am not the smallest lady and frankly, clothes shopping can be a less then thrilling event.  I know I have said countless times, "they don't have my size", or "if only it was a little longer".  We have all said those things,right?  

Eshakti gives you the opportunity to customize the clothing to your personal taste.   You can change the neckline, hem, or sleeves to suit you.  It is no problem.  The ordering process is quick and simple!  
The best part is that you can get these beautiful customized clothes at very affordable prices.

Check out their website, you won't be disappointed!  There is something for everyone.

Comfort and Harmony Mombo Nursing Pillow Review

My 3rd pregnancy was a bit of a surprise!  I found myself very unprepared for another child because I had donated ALL of our baby gear.   So I found myself having to regroup and get into baby mode quickly. 

One item that I knew I would need was a nursing pillow.   They are a life saver for a new or experienced mom.  I begin my search for a new pillow, which led me to the Comfort and Harmony Mombo deluxe pillow.    The pillow offered several features that I felt would be beneficial to my new baby girl and I. 

The Firm2Soft, 2-Sided construction, is uniquely designed to offer distinct benefits on each side. The firm side offers enhanced back support during nursing and just the right elevation for baby.  While the soft side creates the perfect environment for lounging. The optional vibration helps soothe baby. Use the vibration anytime throughout the day.

  It has a unique shape and two-sided construction which offers better support, more comfortable nursing and helps keep baby at the right height for better back positioning. The firmness on one side encourages baby to stay awake versus over stuffed pillows that create a nesting environment. The soft side is for increased versatility and added uses beyond nursing such as baby positioning and tummy time.

I received the Hoppi Haze pattern.  It is a playful frog print in neutral colors, great for either a baby girl or boy. There are more colors and patterns to choose from.   Both, my husband and I really liked how the pillow fit around us. With our last pillow, it didn't fit my husband well.  The mombo works well with different body types.

I love the soothing vibrations feature!  It has worked wonders with my daughter when she is fussy.  You can press the button through the pillow to activate it.

If you are looking for a baby shower gift or just something for your new little one, I high recommend this pillow.  The Comfort and Harmony Mombo deluxe pillow is sold exclusively at Babies R Us.  






**i received a pillow for the purpose of this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.