2022 Total: $6,218.40
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It has been FOREVER since we've done a chalk photo around here and that's because The Weather. It is stupid lately. Super stupid.
Adding insult to injury, I happened to come across the chalk photo we did two years ago today.
No coat.
No snow.
No fair.
Every once in a while, I come across a situation that gives me pause. I just can't look away without at least trying to help.
This is one of those situations.
Kiara's story is here. It's a terrible story that should exist only between the covers of a fictional novel, but that's not the case. It's her story. Her life. Her challenges.
She started life with the deck stacked against her. Various health challenges led her biological parents to believe they couldn't care for her. Fortunately, another couple welcomed her into their hearts and home. The challenges were great, but she thrived.
Then her father passed away.
As if that wasn't enough, time would deliver another blow. Kiara's mother and boyfriend were killed in a car accident. Kiara was in the same accident and suffered severe injuries, but none so crushing as losing her mother.
The accident happened right before Thanksgiving. Now that Kiara's physical injuries are beginning to heal, figuring out her future has become a priority. Fortunately, her older sister is able to care for her, but to do so, she needs some help. There are medical bills to pay, accommodations that need to be made to Kiara's new home, and a long road to a better future to pave.
You can help.
There is going to be a Spring Fling on Saturday, February 22nd. Tickets and information are available over here. Or, check out the YourCaring page that was set up on her behalf.
Either way, you're helping Kiara keep going. Maybe I'll see you at the Spring Fling. ;-)
I’ve always said that Alexis will change the world, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized she already has. She has single-handedly managed to turn my world upside-down, and not just because she’s a small human that I’m responsible for raising.
She turned me into a coffee drinker.
All by herself.
I never liked the stuff before she came along, but when I returned to work after she was born, desperation struck. She Who Doesn’t Believe in Sleep drove me to considering new options in my attempts to stay awake and coherent. Once I found one coffee drink that I liked, I was standing atop a slippery slope. Since then, I have fallen into the abyss of NEEEED. I NEEEEEED COFFEE.
Funny how finding out I would have another small human to care for screwed that all up. I’m an all-or-nothing person, apparently, so I have completely given up caffeine while pregnant. I have tried a few decaf options at my favorite coffee shop and with my favorite make-at-home brew, but I didn’t like anything. Or, more precisely, the Tiny Human objected to the idea.
You guys, I tried a decaf pumpkin spice thing and wanted to hurl. The Tiny Human has ruined me.
So, I gave up coffee.
Fortunately, I’m not all that good at giving up. Even more fortunately, I was sent some samples of Maxwell House International.
COFFEE IS BACK IN MY LIFE, YOU GUYS!
It turns out that the Tiny Human does not object to plain decaf coffee with a few spoonsful of Maxwell House International Sugar-free Decaf French Vanilla Café stirred in, just like you would creamer. Not only is there no objection, it actually tastes really amazing! In honor of Valentine's Day, Maxwell House International would like to encourage us all to try something new by adding some Maxwell House International to add a little romance to plain old coffee. Seriously, it's delicious, like adding a creamer, but without all of the heaviness.
But wait. THERE’S MORE.
You guys, iced cappuccinos are back in my life. HOORAY!
Here’s the recipe I have been using. It makes a magnificent cappuccino in no time.
Iced Cappuccino
2 teaspoons Maxwell House International (Suisse Mocha is my favorite)
1/2 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons warm water
Ice
6 ounces milk
If you want to give this magical concoction a try, Maxwell House International is here to help. They are offering samples and coupons. Just run over here and request one, but hurry! Supplies are limited!
To add another level of fun, BlogHer and Maxwell House International have joined forces for a sweepstakes. I have a $100 Visa gift card up for grabs. Just tell me your favorite flavored coffee drink in the comments below and you’ll be entered to win. There are several to try, including French Vanilla, Vanilla Nut, Hazelnut, Suisse Mocha, Vanilla Caramel, and Café Vienna.
Sweepstakes Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 2/12/14 - 3/24/14.
Be sure to visit the Maxwell House International Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Sidewalk Chalk Portraits