Check out Medieval Times Dallas Facebook for more details. It’s a win-win. Give a little, get a little (plus some good karma on the side). Have I mentioned how much fun the new show is?

Speaking of things I don’t like to do when I get home, I also had to throw in a load of laundry. Today while working on a project, I accidentally got red highlighter marks all over the sleeve of one of my favorite sweaters. The horror! First thing in the door I peeled it off and went to work scrubbing with Purex Triple Action. Dave said I was SOL and that the red marks were permanent, but I am happy to report that thanks to Purex and a little old fashioned elbow grease, the stain is gone. Vanished. Disappeared. Poof! Also? It smells so fresh. I get so many complements on how my clothes smell since I have started using Purex. And oh how Purex has made my life easier (thanks to Ultra Packs, Crystals (my fav), and Complete 3-in-1 Sheets). Whatever my laundry situation, they have had me covered for the past several years.

I may have the opportunity to provide a few readers with coupons for one or more of the products mentioned above. If you are interested, keep your eyes peeled for a giveaway soon.

Disclosure: I am a Purex Insider and occasionally get to try their new products for free. I have not been compensated nor was I required to post a review.

You know: college, job, husband, house, and then baby. Check, check, check, check, and nope. I always wanted to be a youngish mom, but now in my 30s I’m starting to feel really old. I never dreamed I would have to deal with hypothyroidism and PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which basically leaves my fertility status in a state of uncertainty. The worst part is all the judgment and questions. I know people mean well, but it’s still hard to stomach, and is among several topics I just don’t want to talk about or even be asked about. I understand that it is human nature to just assume it is going to happen, especially when someone is married. It is even harder for me, because I also just assumed it would have before now. I have become increasingly depressed (especially around the holidays) and wonder if this will ever be in the cards for me.

In case you didn’t know, PCOS makes your cycle wonky. That means I can go months and months without having a period at. all. Trips to the doctor’s office are expensive, and it is also a beating to have to have fertility chats when really I am just there for my yearly exam.

I was really excited to discover that First Response (the makers pregnancy and ovulation tests) have also come out with a fertility test ($2 off coupon and more information). It can be taken on the third day of your cycle.

While my disease may adversely affect the reliability of this test for detecting FSH levels, it is still comforting to have this at-home test as an option that provides me with a glimmer of hope that someday I will be lucky enough to be called a mom.

The instructions are simple, the results are easy to understand, and it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. If you are trying to conceive or are feeling like your chances of being able to are less likely due to age or other factors, this is a great tool to help ease your mind or guide you to your doctor for further tests.

Disclosure: I was selected for this #spon post by Clever Girls Collective, which promotes Blog With Integrity as do I. I received a First Response kit to try in addition to being monetarily compensated.

I don’t want to share the exact one online yet. I usually post it on Christmas Eve or Day. Plus I want everyone to be surprised when they receive it. Hey, I take my cards very seriously.
If I didn’t pick my top choice what would have been my second? Well… I loved that there was the option of ornament cards. These are so fun! I can imagine hanging them on the tree or even using them as gift tags or part of a holiday craft project.

What else do I love about Tiny Prints? They have online customer service. I had an instant message conversation to get my questions answered and didn’t even have to pick up the phone. Genius! Also the shipping is always quick and the cards are excellent quality. I always get so many complements on them. Many of the cards even have coordinating address labels. So what are you waiting for? Which holiday photo card will you choose this year?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints. I have been a customer of theirs several times in the past. I was not monetarily compensated, however I will receive a set of cards in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed are my own.

I really do miss when we used to have professional family portraits taken every year, especially with our dogs. We would always coordinate clothing (usually black and white) and it is fun to look back at them every year. It was always an adventure trying to get both Peanut and Brownie to look at the camera. This photo was taken the year after we got married, so even though it’s not my absolute favorite it is still special.

Shutterfly also feels my pain and understands that a lot of people don’t like making personalized cards because they don’t have the right picture. That’s why they have created Family Photo Days where they will offer advice and inspiration for getting the perfect photo to use on your Christmas cards. Some of the planned activities are an online digital toolkit, Facebook tie-ins, and House Parties that prompt sponsors to create family photos at their homes. They are also holding a photo contest with five winners, so if you have already taken a great holiday photo share it with them for a chance to win.

I’ve also browsed their selection of cards and it’s HUGE. I like this, and this, and the idea of doing this. It is going to be hard to choose! What are you doing for your holiday cards this year?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Shutterfly. I have been a customer in the past and ordered our holiday cards from them last year. I was not monetarily compensated for this post, however I did receive a code for complementary cards. The opinions expressed are my own.

Earlier this year I discovered a fun new site, Storkie.com. In addition to photo cards, they have a great selection of other unique and stylish Christmas cards too.

It’s never too early to take a peak at new designs and trends and decide what style to go with in December. You’ve heard the term Christmas in July, right? There is no shame! Here is one of my favorites that is simple, yet matches my preference for black & white designs. I definitely see one of many glittering Eiffel Tower photos being perfect for this one. Just picture me, Dave and lots of twinkling lights. It will be perfect.

The fun thing about photo cards is looking back and seeing how your friends and family’s children have grown. What do you do with the cards you have received in previous years? Since building our house almost four years ago, we’ve spent three holidays here. When I fully pack up the decorations in February, I always stash the cards we received that year in the box with the ornaments. The next year when decorating, I go back and look at the cards from year’s past. I am the type of person who never-throws-anything-away. I keep everything. I have cards my parents and grandparents gave me when I was a child. Rest assure that if you send us a card at the holidays it will be enjoyed for years to come.

What style card are you thinking about for 2011?

Disclosure: This is part of a series of posts sponsored by Storkie.com via Global Influence. The opinions I have expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint despite receiving monetary compensation for my participation.

We’ve learned to roll with the punches. We were married in the Fall of 2004 right during the period where four Hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne) hit Florida and the Bahamas. The trip had been planned almost a year in advance (without insurance), so there was no turning back. We went, observing debris and destruction in quite a few areas. We also lost several days of our cruise, and spent part of the night in the Orlando airport before making alternative arrangements to travel to the port where our ship was departing. We still had a great time and were even able to enjoy a day at Disney on our way back. The lesson is, no matter how much you plan (and I’m a planner by profession) you have to expect the unexpected and make the best of it.

Are you looking to plan the perfect getaway? Perhaps JetSetVacations.com can help. They are a travel wholesaler with 15 years of experience that can serve all of your travel booking needs whether you’re looking for a family adventure, quick weekend away, or romantic trip for two. Every booking provides you with white glove service which includes a vacation concierge to assist you with your needs while you are on vacation, and they guarantee the lowest rates to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica. They even specialize in helping families travel on a budget if you’re in need of a little guidance.

Would you you like to learn more and enter to win $1,00 vacation credit? Uh, yes you would! There will be a JetSetVacations.com Twitter Party this Wednesday night (that’s tomorrow, people) from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/ijMbgq. You never know, you might be packing your bags for a trip of a lifetime! Here’s hoping there are no hurricanes in your path!

Disclosure: This is part of a series of posts sponsored by JetSetVacations.com via Global Influence. The opinions I have expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint despite receiving monetary compensation for my participation.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned I would be participating in a Tweetup at Pier 1 in Dallas. Pier 1 Imports is one of those stores that I can easily walk in to browse and walk out 30 minutes later with a bag full of items. This day was no exception. I immediately loved all the pretty Spring home furnishings and had no trouble identifying things that I wanted to take home with me.

I'm pretty sure I had all of my Twitter followers convinced they need that pillow. It comes in a ton of colors and looks fabulous in all kinds of different chairs. I'm also a sucker for candles, flowers and butterflies, so the second display I came upon was right up my ally too.

They also had a big selection of outdoor items for your patio. I loved the bold colors of these fun seat cushions. I've also always had a fascination and love of wicker. Don't ask me why. Our patio needs a splash of color, and I bet yours does too.

It was also nice to meet and chat with a few new local bloggers, though we were hoping there would have been some planned activities to keep us occupied. Dave was lucky enough to win the last of the $50 gift cards, and I was able to go home with some new decor for our Parisian bedroom so the evening was definitely a win-win for me.

Thank you to Pier 1 and IZEA for putting me in the mood for Spring. I have already returned several times to pick up items I discovered that night!

I am also fortunate and have some great friends who are wonderful mothers too. Along with my own mom, I will definitely not have a shortage of people to turn to someday for sanity and advice. These women deserve to be celebrated, and one of my favorite way to do that is to send a card– especially to those who unfortunately do not live nearby.

Tiny Prints is my go-to online card store that offers a huge variety of cards for every occasion. I love their quality and selection of fun styles, many of which can be personalized for the recipient. I have purchased many cards from them including holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas and thank-you cards for donations to my breast cancer walks. They are truly awesome. See this card? It’s fun, right?! There is bound to be one that fits your mom’s personality or hobbies.

How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints via Global Influence. I have been a customer of theirs several times in the past. I was not monetarily compensated, however I will receive complementary products from the sponsor. The opinions expressed are my own.

Tiny Prints provides simple, modern and unique stationery from Fathers Day Cards to personalized greeting cards to thank you cards, business cards, and even custom wedding invitations or photo birth announcements. Offering exclusive designs from the nation’s top designers, easy card personalization, a powerful preview engine and top-notch customer service and paper quality, their designs have been lauded by numerous television networks, publications and celebrities. With Tiny Prints by your side commemorating every holiday and momentous occasion is a cinch! They offer perfect party invitations for every occasion and memorable personalized photo-gifts like notebooks, photo books and calendars to commemorate the event.

I’m sure you’ve heard the commercials for the company, and actually I’ve been to a few of their “parties” hosted by friends in the past few years. It is really fun to get together with a group of women and enjoy a girl’s afternoon (or night) discussing the products and educating women about their bodies. It is even more fun if you have a mixture of different kinds of people, some who are really comfortable with sharing their experiences and others who are hesitant at first. Everyone really lets loose eventually and has a great time.

I am a huge fan of Coochy. I feel a little dirty saying that, but it’s true. It is the most fantastic shaving cream EVER. It is seriously LIFE CHANGING. You will never ever ever want to use any other product again. Why? It is a rash-preventing cream that relaxes the hair follicle which gives you a clean, smooth shave. It helps eliminate red bumps from shaving (for both men and women), and can even be used as a hair conditioner. It is FAB-U-LOUS. I cannot say it enough. I have bought it many times back in the day when it only came in Original and Pear Berry. It now comes in Green Tea, Grapefruit and Pomegranate too. I have loved getting to try the new scents, and love that these are travel size.

The other products are pretty great too. I love the smell and taste of both Ex-T-Cee and Dust Me Pink, and the lubes and toys are good quality too. They have a huge assortment of products, and are allowing me to share the love this Valentine’s Day with you!

Would you like to win a Mini Nights of Passion variety pack that includes all of Pure Romance’s most popular products in one convenient collection including a bottle of Aura, Ex-T-Cee, Excape, Sensations and Sweet Seduction?

Tell me who what you are doing for Valentines day and which Pure Romance product you’d most like to help spice it up (mandatory). You can be as vague or detailed as you’d like, and please check out their site. To receive extra entries:

1) Follow me, @laurie_pooh on Twitter and send the following message:

I entered to win a Mini Nights of Passion variety pack from @laurie_pooh and @pure_romance: http://tinyurl.com/PRVDAY

2) Follow my blog using the Google Connect in my sidebar to the right.
3) Subscribe to my blog in a reader.

U.S only, please. The winner will be selected randomly from all valid entries on or around February 17. You must leave a comment letting me know which product you’d like to spice up your life, as well as additional comments letting me know what else you have done to earn extra entries. Please also use your real first name and leave a valid way for me to contact you should you be selected as the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond to my e-mail before another winner is selected. Good Luck!

Disclosure: While Pure Romance sponsored this review, the opinions I’ve expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint. I did not receive monetary compensation, however I did receive the complementary products listed above from the sponsor and Global Influence.