Small Talk Six

Want to join in? Go here to learn how and to view the weekly list Small Talk Six topics for 2009.

This week's topic is: 6 Disney Characters You Found Most Interesting

1. Cruella DeVille: I don't find her that interesting, I just want to know why Disney would create a character who skins puppies to make coats? It's really rather morbid, don't you think?

2. Tinkerbell: I love her spunk and sass. A whole lot of it for a wee little thing!

3. Dorie: (from Finding Nemo) Again, not that interesting, but completely entertaining.

4. Belle: Ok, I get that looks aren't everything, but this guy is a BEAST. Like, not a human. What makes you attracted to him? I mean, I've had some questionable attractions, but they've all been human.

5. Captain Jack Sparrow: Um. Johnny Depp. Do I need to go further into detail?

6. Mary Poppins: How does one suddenly realize that they need just open up an umbrella and they can fly?

Kushies Children's Products

Kushies specializes in children's apparel, diapering, toys and bedding.

Kushies apparel runs from newborn to 24 months and include some organic selections for both boys and girls. Kushies also carries bedding, some in organic styles. I really like this bedsheet pattern!


If your child is like mine (which I'm pretty sure they are), mealtimes can get pretty messy. This waterproof bib is a great coverall to help keep spills from ending up on your child's clothing!


Kushies also carries a wide variety of children's blankets and toys in many different patterns and colors. Nursing items, including cotton nursing pads, nursing pillows and capes are also available.

There is something for every child at Kushies. Be sure to check out their website and see some of their clearance items, too!

House Hunting is not fun. Sleepovers are.

We are house hunting. We definitely want to take advantage of the first time homebuyer tax credit before it expires. We weren't ready to do it before the original end date of 11/30, but we are now. We've only looked at a few properties, but have also been picky in choosing which ones we do look at.

We're interested in a specific neighborhood, and there are a couple on the market. We made an offer 3 weeks ago on a short sale home that is a great starter home. It also has a 4th bedroom with adjoining bath in the basement that may come in handy if we are lucky enough to have a second child who would fill the upstairs guest bedroom. However, it's a short sale, so we could sit and wait for quite a while. We're prepared, though.

Last night I found a listing that seemed too good to be true. It was. It's in the same development, but a former model home that is gorgeous. And it was listed at $40K under original asking when it went on the market 5 months ago. While the downpayment would be a tight stretch for us, and the monthly payment would be $200 a month higher than the short sale home, we could make it work - especially considering the home would need no work.

But then we found out that it was an unsuccessful short sale which was then put back on the market at $10K less. The owner is hoping to avoid foreclosure and a relative offered to pay the bank the difference between what is owed and what is made on a sale - BUT 1. they won't accept FHA loans and 2. they NEED to close by 12/29/09. If you don't have a calendar handy, that's in 3 1/2 weeks.

We don't have the money to do a conventional loan with the downpayment amount needed. And I don't want to beg borrow & steal for it. AND, I don't want to deal with the headache of having to work with banks in a race against time to try to close the day before the house goes in to foreclosure. So, cross this beauty off the list. Ugh.

So, I've been feeling rather glum all day about this. At least we still have the short sale possibility.

Then my mother-in-law called. She was supposed to come over tomorrow to watch Violet while Scott and I go to the Santa Pub Crawl, which luckily starts at 1pm instead of 4pm this year, and ends earlier. She was calling to ask if, instead of coming over here, Violet could come over there and spend the night. Violet's only spent the night away from home once before - and technically that wasn't even a night away from "home". It was while we were on vacation in Minnesota, and she spent the night at my mom's house while we stayed at my brother's house. But, this will afford us the opportunity to do as we wish tomorrow and enjoy ourselves without worrying about having to be home at a certain time. AND it will give us a chance to sleep in!

So, without a moment's hesitation I said "oh, I guess so..." (meaning "you mean we get to sleep in?!"). The best part is, that she has a blast with her grandma, aunt & uncle, and cousins. They all dote on her and take wonderful care of her.

And we'll get to sleep in.

Do you download music to your cell phone?

Ok, I just realized that I've had phones with mobile music download capabilities for about 4 years now and have never actually downloaded music to my phone. In fact, not only is my personal phone capable of downloading music, so is my work phone.

Do you download music to your phone? Or do you just rely on an iPod or similar device? I've thought about doing it with my BlackBerry, but worry about cellular security depending where I download it from. Those of you who do download to your cell phone, what programs do you use? How do you know it's secure if it's not something directly from your phone company? I'd just stick with my iPod but it will no longer connect with my computer and upload new music to it, so I guess rather than shell out money for a new one, I might as well try downloading to my phone.

Put some PASSION in your life! Interview & Giveaway

***DISCLAIMER*** This giveaway is open only to age 18 and over. By entering you are agreeing that you are at least 18 years of age ***DISCLAIMER***

Recently I had the change to speak with Laura Murdock, a Team Leader for Passion Parties. If you're not familiar with Passion Parties, they are the premier sensual products company in the US and Canada, and have existed for over fifteen years. I thought that perhaps some of my readers would be interested in getting involved with Passion Parties, either by hosting a show, buying some products, or becoming a consultant. Hopefully Laura will be able to answer any questions you may have. Laura was also gracious enough to offer one lucky thinkPINK reader a Radiant Body Lotion in Green Tea ($16.00 value). Here is what Laura has to say:

1. How did you get involved with Passion Parties?

I had attended Passion parties over the past five year and I always had such a fun time. I also noticed the business opportunity and thought it would be a good way to earn extra income for my family. So after five years of being a product tester, I became a consultant.

2. Briefly explain how a party is run.
A hostess invites her friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc to her home. A Passion Consultant will come to your home/venue and conduct an informative, confidential, and fun product presentation. One of the great benefits is that guests will not only have the opportunity to learn, but to touch, taste, and see sensual products in a manner that can not be done in a retail store. We answer questions, give tips and techniques, and offer education on many aspects including how to find and enjoy what many consider the UFO of bodyparts - your G-spot. Women enjoy the confidential and comfortable environment of the party while checking out some wonderful Passion Parties products to enhance their love life!

3. Talk a bit about your success as a Passion Parties Team Leader, and what kind of effort it took on your part to reach the level you're at.

I have been with Passion Parties for 4 months. In my first, second and third month I did over $1000 retail. I have also signed 5 consultants in my first 4 months. I am currently one consultant away from being a Team Manger. I love how I have been able to grow my business at such a rapid rate and I have a great feeling of success.

4. What are the best selling products?
I would say every item is a best seller. It just depends on the individual wants and needs. The #1 top seller for Passion Parties is Purse Satisfaction Enhancement Gel. It warms everything up for both her and him. My top sellers are: Magic Monarch, RomantaTherapy® Basic Set, Gigi, The Progressor, and Fireworks. In fact, this entire collection makes for a great romantic evening.

5. If someone wanted to get involved in becoming a Passion Parties consultant, how would they go about doing it, and what are the start up costs?

To become a Passion Consultant visit my site at PassionPartiesCareer.com.Password: aboutmyfuture ID# 80375. Also until December 31st you can become a Passion Consultant for $149. You can also email me at wesnlauramurdock@yahoo.com and I can provide you with more information on all the support you get when you join my team.

6. If someone wanted to host a party, how would they go about doing that?
Weekends book up fast, so you'd need to be in touch with a consultant as soon as you have a date in mind. You can contact me at my website to get in contact about ordering or hosting your own party.

7. Can people do online parties?
Yes you can. I would recommend an online "catalog party" We would set a time frame for your party and discuss your hostess rewards. Normally you have the opportunity to earn up to $206 in Free product when you host a Passion Party.

To enter to win the Radiant Body Lotion in Green Tea, please complete the following MANDATORY entry:
Check out Laura's website and come back and tell me something you learned about Passion Parties. This entry must be completed before completing additional entries, and if it is not done, your additional entries will not count.

Additional Entries:
1 entry - Follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect
1 entry - Follow me on Networked Blogs
1 entry - Become a Facebook Fan of thinkPINK
1 entry - Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway - may be done once a day, leave me a permalink to your tweet. You may copy the following if you'd like:

Put some Passion in your holidays! Enter to win a Passion Party lotion from @EllisFan14 http://bit.ly/8t3CKW #giveaway ends 12/13

1 entry - Subscribe to my blog via e-mail
10 entries - book a party, sign up to be a consultant, or buy an item from Laura. (up to 30 entries possible)

Contest ends December 13, 2009 at 11:59 MST. Open to US residents.

Silver Star - MMA apparel for the MMA fan in your life!

Are you a MMA fan or do you have someone on your holiday shopping list that is? Look no further for MMA clothing. Silver Star carries a wide variety of men's MMA shirts and women's MMA apparel. They also carry headwear, shorts, and jewelry.

Silver Star carries a large selection of Signature Series representing your favorite MMA and UFC stars. Check out this Manny Pacquio Destroyer MMA shirt!

What is MMA? You might be more familiar with the term UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). MMA is Mixed Martial Arts, a full contact sport which incorporates wrestling, boxing and martial arts. It is becoming widely popular in the US, and Silver Star is the World's premier MMA Apparel store.

You're bound to find a perfect gift for any MMA fan, and if you're not sure what they'd like you can easily buy them a gift certificate for MMA apparel. Check back soon for youth MMA shirts!

Happy shopping! Don't forget to follow Silver Star on Twitter and Facebook too!

Wordless Wednesday - a girl and her (grandma's) dog

Great deal at Sephora

Philosophy Gift Set $5 + FS + 3 free samples-->

Philosophy - Grace Me With a Kiss set $5
Includes:
- 2 oz Inner Grace Shampoo, Bath, and Shower Gel
- 2 oz Amazing Grace Buffing Wash
- 0.5 oz Kiss Me Lip Balm

Click for deal

Use code SHIP4FREE for free shipping (no minimum) and choose 3 free samples at checkout.

LifeFone - medical alert system and alarm

Some of you know that I am an occupational therapist. I work in home health, meaning I make home visits to patients who are home bound. The majority of these patients are elderly, and those that are younger quite often have a permanent disability.

One thing that I emphasize to both the patient and their family living outside of the home is the importance of having a medical alert system or some sort of medical alarm to alert medical personnel when there is a fall or other emergency in the home.

LifeFone is a company who provides seniors or others with disabilities 24/7 home monitoring with their medical alarm and medical alert bracelets.

LifeFone costs less than a dollar a day, and will alert emergency personnel if the medical alarm is activated. After emergency personnel is notified, neighbors or family will be notified, and LifeFone staff will stay on the line with the subscriber until emergency personnel arrives.

Many seniors and disabled persons don't have the resources to hire live in help, or cannot afford specialized housing. LifeFone allows people the opportunity to stay in their own home with safety monitoring for under a dollar a day.

If you're looking for something to get a parent or grandparent this holiday season, LifeFone is a gift that will continue to give, and will show how much you really care.

Flipswap: Cell phone trade in or donation

If you're like our household, you probably have a few extra cell phones lying around that have worn out their welcome. Why not check out Flipswap, where you can trade in your cell phone to earn some cash to be used toward the purchase of a new phone?

Worried about where your phone is going to go once it leaves your hands? Flipswap is a green company who, since 2005, has been actively taking part in cell phone recycling. Flipswap’s program kept the equivalent of 80 tons of solid waste – much of it toxic—out of landfills in the U.S. in 2008.

Flipswap will also accepts cell phone donations, where the phones, if working, can be provided to your favorite organizations or a person in need.

Flipswap is free to use, and takes only minutes to set up an account. You won't pay to send them your phone, and payment is received within three weeks of receiving your phone.

Take a few minutes to check your junk drawers for your old cell phones. Even less popular models can earn you a few dollars. It's the holiday season - do something good for those in need, help keep our Earth green, and trade in your cell phone to earn a little green of your own to use to buy gifts!