The fabulous folks from Frigidaire and Mom Central have just made my life a little easier and are giving me a little more time to practice being divine. How? Well I have just been invited to be on Team Fridge. This awesome refrigerator below will be making its way to our household in just a few, short weeks courtesy of Frigidaire.

This month Frigidaire rolls out a brilliant new collection with more than 250 kitchen and laundry appliances, just in time for Mother’s Day! They designed these high-performance products with easy-to-use, time-saving features to give Moms more free time away from the kitchen and laundry room.

Frigidaire recently conducted a survey to get a window into moms’ lives. The Frigidaire Motherload Index revealed that Moms log more overtime than most Americans. The index found that moms spend most of their waking lives – 200 hours each month, in fact – doing the activities we least enjoy rather than the things we love. And yet the majority of us say we “rarely” or “never” feel caught up on our household tasks.

Frigidaire kept all of this in mind when designing their new appliances.  With new features such as a six-minute PowerPlus™ preheat time on their ovens, a Quick Clean dishwashing cycle that cuts the time it takes in half to clean our dishes, the Fits-More™ Dryer that allows us to dry the whole family’s clothes at once, and TimeWise™ technology to make the dryer and washing cycle equal, we can have enough time to watch our favorite shows—or even better—get a manicure!

Frigidaire has so much confidence in the efficiency of these products that they are offering a “More Me-Time” Guarantee: Moms will reduce the amount of time they typically spend on housework by at least 8 hours a month using a combination of three or more select Frigidaire appliances or they can return the appliances to their place of purchase within 30 days and get their money back!

Frigidaire also wants to know what you would do if you had an extra hour of blissful “me-time”.  Starting today, moms can go to Frigdaire.com or to the Frigidaire Facebook page to report the five things they would do with an extra hour each day.   All participants will be entered for a chance to win an entire suite of NEW Frigidaire appliances.  Plus, check out other prizes you can win – like a gorgeous new Frigidaire Affinity washer/dryer.

Follow me here and on Twitter for the next few months as I introduce you to this cool new line of Frigidaire appliances and give you a further glimpse into our lives.

I am a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom and a long time Frigidaire customer.

Blogging Moms-

Are you interested in joining our new Panel of Moms at PTPA Media? I am the Chief Mom Panel Member and there are a lot of exciting things going on at PTPA Media.

Based on incredible demand from our Mom network, PTPA has put together the first Parent Tested Parent Approved Mom Panel and we are now accepting applications!

As a part of a community of uniquely qualified women known as “parent tested parent approved moms,” your experience and recommendations could have a significant impact on manufacturers, the quality of family products and on consumer purchasing choices.

Qualifications for Applicants include the following:

1) An online presence including a blog, and either a facebook or twitter account.

2) Availability to answer emails from interested parents on a weekly basis and participate in product testing and online surveys.

3) Applicant must be willing to commit to the following:

• Monthly surveys regarding products

• Product Evaluations (you get to keep the products in exchange for your honest opinion)

• Blogging about PTPA to help bring awareness of our program and our winning products

• Willingness to display the PTPA Mom Panel button on your site

• Posting the latest and greatest PTPA winners (content and images provided by PTPA)

PTPA WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING:   • Products for you to test • Content for your blog on the latest and greatest products including images • Giveaways for contests which you can offer through your blog to visitors • PTPA button for you to use on your website • PTPA will post your profile including a link to your blog on our Parent Tested Parent Approved Mommy panel page and will announce you as a new member of our panel to our database of 12,000 parents.

INTERESTED? Click here to sign up and leave your email address below so that I can make certain to find your application. Thanks!

The people at Protect-A-Bed have joined forces with bloggers What’s That Smell? and 3 P’s in a Pod to host a pretty cool contest. They are giving away $300 to help with expenses to BlogHer.

I could really use this $300 as I don’t have a plane ticket yet and have been waiting for the fares to go down a little more. Now that the plane fares are down, I don’t have the money.

Since I am fairly new to blogging for myself, there is so much that I need to learn and want to learn. There are many bloggers that I want to meet and most of them will be at BlogHer.

My husband suggested that I sell my ticket toBlogHer but being the eternal optimist that I am, I think that there is still hope to grab a sponsor, donate some plasma or to win this contest.

My entry is a scavenger hunt of sorts. I have hidden it around my blog and to get to the first spot, please go here.

Debuting just in time for Mother’s Day, the new Charm Story Line program by Things Remembered is a great way to help put mom’s personality on display and recount her special memories with a gift that tells her unique story. In fact, the tag line of the line is “Your Words Add the Charm.”

Nothing really says it better than this tagline. This bracelet (or you can choose a necklace) tells the story of your life. I have really gotten more into charms and jewelry with a purpose. My most favorite piece of jewelry is my simple tile necklace that has a picture of my three children on it. I get compliments constantly while wearing it about how beautiful the picture is. I adore that piece of jewelry and I am loving this bracelet as well. While the picture is a great visual, each charm on the bracelet allows you to capture a specific memory such as birthdates or epitomize a person.

Each Things Remembered charm is designed specifically with the personal connection in mind, offering space to engrave a name, date or special message to make each charm a unique reflection of mom. For example, if mom is a runner, you can incorporate a charm symbolizing her first marathon and engrave the name of the race, the date she completed it and even her finishing time. Or, if mom is your strength, you can incorporate a charm representing the Chinese symbol for strength and add the date her cancer went into remission, the date she quit smoking or the date of another inspired moment.

In fact, I think that I perfectly epitomized my four year old daughter with the purse and shoe charm. I had it engraved to say “Annabella, [her birth date], My Little Diva.” Every time that I read the charm, I smile a little because my four year old is most definitely a diva and her little life is all about accessorizing. Literally and figuratively. I love that about her and now when I am not with her, I glance at the charm and I feel that little tug on my heart strings.

Each special charm retails for just $20, as do the new Things Remembered charm bracelet and charm necklace. However, to help start the collection for mom, Things Remembered is offering the bracelet or necklace with one ”First Chapter” starter charm – either a heart, circle, star or dog tag-shaped charm – for just $30. Engraving is a small, additional cost.

The only drawback for me is that the charms are plated with silver. I am someone who is tough on jewelry and I don’t always remember to remove it before getting it wet. That being said, I just have to make an extra effort now. The thing is that make sure you get a charm for each child if you get any. My six year old is still mad that I only got a charm for his two sister’s and not one for him. The girls were just easy to pick for and I planned on getting one for him but that was not much on a consolation. Oops, my fault!

This is a good gift. Well, it is actually a great gift! I have never been much of a scrap booker but now with the Thing’s Remembered charm bracelet, I create a wearable scrapbook and it is really fun and chic.

Want to win a cool charm bracelet or necklace of your own? Thing’s Remembered wants you to and they are giving one away to one reader of The Divinie Miss Mommy.

TO ENTER THIS FABULOUS GIVEAWAY:

1. Head on over to Thing’s Remembered. Pick yourself out a bracelet or necklace. Come back here to leave a comment telling me which bracelet or necklace you would pick and what you would have engraved on it.

EARN EXTRA ENTRIES FOR (leave a comment to note each entry):

2. Following www.twitter.com/tremembered and for Tweeting that you just followed @TRemembered. Leave the Twitter link in the comments.

3. Earn FIVE extra entries for voting for me for the Mother of All Blogger’s on MomLogic. Click here. Leave a separate entry for each of the five entries if you vote.

4. Follow me via Google Follower and subscribe to my feed or let me know if you already do both.

5. Be Divine and grab my badge to post on your blog (sidebar or blogroll). Post the link in the comments.

6. Add my blog to your Technorati favorites and leave me your Technorati name in the comments.

7. Stumble this page and leave your Stumble Upon name in the comments.

8. Tweet this giveaway daily for an extra entry each day (leave a comment each time that you Tweet).

9. Give my pal at  Father of the Blog some comment love. In fact, you can let him know that you found the perfect Mother’s Day gift for this wife!

*Giveaway ends May 7th at 11:59PM EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org.

This giveaway is also listed at the Ultimate Blog Carnival on LiveGiveaways.com. For more, great giveaways around the blogosphere, check them out.

As a mother, I am always looking for ways to consolidate all of the “must have” mommy things that I must carry around. This is often hard to do and as a result, I end up with a purse and a diaper bag. The fabulous Michele at Chic Tots has done it again with the Chic&Carry™ Wristlet. This thing ROCKS!

The Chic Tots website says about the Chic&Carry™ Wristlet:

The Chic&Carry™ Wristlet is a stylish and practical little bag with multiple uses. The center pouch is big enough to hold 2-4 diapers and a matching soft wipes case (included). The wristlet dimensions are 10″ x 6.75″, the coordinating wipes holder is 8.75″ x 5.5″.

This diaper bag has an easy-to-access zippered pocket for personal items. The strap on the bag makes it easy to carry on your wrist or attach to a stroller. It also comes with an oval ring to attach the bag to sling rings or a belt loop. Waterproof nylon makes it perfect for containing wet items.

The Chic&Carry™ Wristlet:
It’s not just a diaper bag, it’s also a wipes bag, and a bag for all your personal necessities!

The Chic&Carry™ Wristlet has been such a lifesaver for me because I just put the strap on my purse handle and I am off. There is no diaper bag needed and I can still carry a cute, small handbag. This is win-win.

Over the years (I am on child #3), I have had several different versions of this diaper and wipes carrier and every version has fallen apart or just plain looks dirty after a while. The Chic&Carry™ Wristlet wipes clean and refills easily.

There are already about six friends that I know of that would absolutely love the Chic&Carry™ Wristlet. This should be on your list for any mother this Mother’s Day.

Chic Tots makes several other great items for mother’s. They have a wonderful Blanket Bag, Baby Slings and even Bibs & Coveralls. Visit Chic Tots today to find a little something that you just cannot live without.

Author, mother and every-woman Suzy Welch offers up ‘A Life Transforming Idea’ in her new book, 10-1o-1o: 10 Minutes, 10 Months, 10 Years.

I have to admit that I love motivational books and I love books that offer new approaches to transforming your life. 10-10-10 does all of this and more. I picked up the book and read it from cover to cover in one night. I have even referred to it several times since writing it and have recommended it others as well.

The premise of the book is that when facing the tough decisions in your life, you need to ask yourself three questions in order to solve your dilemma:

What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes?

What are the consequences of my decision in 10 months?

What are the consequences of my decision in 10 years?

This thought provoking book helps you to live in the now while considering your future at the same time. Suzy recounts stories giving the reader a glimpse of her personal life and what made her into the success that she is today.

Suzy Welch shares, “To live by one’s values, she says, one must contemplate the lasting impact of our choices in our lives. Sometimes, someone is going to take a short-term hit. You’re not going to make everyone happy.”

Suzy really forces the reader to consider the impact of a decision for years to come by delving into “our unconscious agendas, fears, needs, and desires — and ultimately helps us identify and live according to our deepest goals and values.”

While not always an easy read (true self exploration never is easy and really never should be), you are guaranteed to come away with a greater understanding of yourself and more knowledge to make better decisions in your life. 10-1o-1o: 10 Minutes, 10 Months, 10 Years by Suzy Welch is a must read and would make a great gift!

The Word on the Web about 10-10-10:

From Simon & Schuster- “Now, in this immensely useful and revelatory book, she [Suzy Welch] fully explains the power of 10-10-10, a transformative idea that can replace chaos with consistency, guilt with joy, and confusion with clarity.”

From the Boston Herald- “Welch, who co-authored the best-seller ‘Winning’ in 2005 with her husband, former General Electric Co.CEO Jack Welch, is moving on to helping the masses make better decisions…as she shares her secret to living well.”

From O Magazine- “By asking herself three easy-and utterly profound-questions, Suzy Welch has managed to solve just about every personal and professionaly quandary in her life. An amazing, spectacularly snappy guide to decision-making.”

Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals- “This eloquent, witty, intelligent book is a triumph on several levels. Not only does it provide insightful and instructive lessons for making personal decisions but the intimate life stories illustrating Suzy Welch’s decision-making process are endlessly absorbing, captivating the reader’s interest from start to finish.”

Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence- “Suzy Welch sparkles with brilliant ideas. In 10-10-10 she offers a profound, easy-to-apply tool for making tough decisions simple, finding clarity amid life’s confusions. If you’re wondering what to do, which path to follow at the fork, whether to stay or leave — no matter what it may be — 10-10-10 will help you find your way.”

Suzy Welch gives her top five tips for making ’10-10-10′ decisions:

1. Every good 10-10-10 process starts with a ‘values excavation,’ a disciplined, rigorous and candid self-search for your most authentic and deeply held beliefs.

2. The most powerful 10-10-10s always focus on a clearly defined question. You simply can’t make a good decision unless you know what you’re trying to decide.

3. Too often, our decision-making revolves around weighing the obvious options and considering advice from the usual suspects. But 10-10-10 breaks you out of ‘closed-loop’ thinking.

4. Our decisions have consequences right now, in the foreseeable future and when the dust has settled. No single time frame should drive us; when all three are balanced, we are centered.

5. Most of us can’t help it. With all the pressures in the world and the many people we care for, we seem to give in to the two deadly G’s of decision-making: gut and guilt. But values-driven decisions are ultimately more sustainable, transparent and life-affirming.

The Spare Wife by Alex Witchel while not a deep book was definitely one that I found entertaining. I read it the day that it arrived and I couldn’t put it down. The book was a witty jab at New York City’s upper crust. The wealthy widow Ponce Morris is the main character of the book and “the spare wife.” Ponce is the perfect faux wife as throws dinner parties, shops with the women and hangs out with the men without a romantic thought. Her life becomes completely disrupted when aspiring journalist Babette Seele uncovers an illicit affair that Ponce is having with a prominent, married man.

I had read Witchel’s book “Me Times Three” and absolutely loved it. While this one did not pack quite the same punch, I really enjoyed it. So did my mother and sister who both stole it from me! This was a very interesting look into the lives of the uber rich NYC residents and I always love some good chick lit!

Here are snippets from other reviews around the web:

From the New York Times- “There’s no question that Witchel is satirizing rather than celebrating the values and raw ambition of the viperous crew that composed social New York.”

From Random House- “This is a vibrant, trenchant novel about ambition, love, friendship, and the intoxicating allure of getting ahead . . . and trying to stay there.”

From Entertainment Weekly- “Alex Witchel’s Manolo-sharp send-up of Manhattan high society. The fact that many characters bear more than a fleeting resemblance to real New Yorkers (is that Tom Wolfe?) makes it all the more delicious.”

From Penguin Books- “Witchel’s sophisticated, witty, sexy satire provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and loves of upper-class New Yorkers, sharply exposing the foibles of the fabulous.”

This Easter, I am trying to steer clear of the candy laden gift baskets that are certain to produce that inevitable sugar high in my children. I am very pleased that I have found some excellent alternatives to candy that I know will last much longer for my children. There are some great choices out there. Here are a few of my favorites:

Who doesn’t love Mr. Potato Head? I had one as a child and my kids have them in various characters as well. This year, Playskool has taken the potatoes a step further with the Mr. Potato Head Spring Easter Bunny Set.

These bunny slipper adorned Mr. Potato Head’s come in pink and blue with eyes, ears, feet and so much more. My two year old is getting this in her Easter basket and I just know that she will be excited. They even make an entire Easter basket dedicated to a pink or a blue Mr. Potato Head. Hop on down the bunny trail and pick up these wacky spuds today!

Next, since my four going on 20 year old already thinks that she is Britney Spears or Paris Hilton, I could think of no better thing to get her than the FurReal Friends Teacup Pup. Now she can carry around her own doggy in a bag.  The dogs are poseable and comes with their own carrier plus an adoption certificate.  The genius designers at Hasbro have come up with so many types that you may want to get your children two or three.

The FurReal Friends Teacup Pup’s are cute, they are cuddly and a great addition for my budding fashionista. All of this and no mess!!!

Now all we have to do is come up with some kitschy name. I am thinking…

Apple?

BitBit?

Cujo?

Maybe now she will stop asking me for a puppy of her own. Ok, probably not!

Finally, how about a little old school rap meets tot rock? Sound good? You better believe it does! The sounds of Mee Wee remind me a little of my high school school days gone by but with a kiddie twist. Nothing keeps kids entertained longer on a road trip than some solid, quality entertainment. That is what you get with MeeWee Kid’s Hip Hop.

Theses are some catchy tunes. In fact, I was in Target the other day and I suddenly found myself singing “I Can Be Anything.” And, I was doing it outloud. I had to look around to make certain that no one saw this crazy woman singing to herself. I just really love that these songs are filled with optimism, cooperation and other values that I love for my children to have. There are even cool characters!

Back to the trip. I popped the CD in about 10 miles away from Atlanta on our way to North Carolina. Out of the six kids in the car, ranging from two to nine, all six were dancing and singing in their seats. The album includes the following songs:

01. MeeWee Chant

02. Us Bus
MeeWee feat. Gus the Bus Driver
produced by JoChris

03. I Can Be Anything
MeeWee feat. Divinity and Friends
produced by Divinity Roxx

04. Jumping Jacks —-MY FAVORITE!
MeeWee feat. Jabari and Baby Power
produced by Daniel Flannery

05. So Much Love to Give
MeeWee feat. Flutterby and DJ Mike
produced by Daniel Flannery and Michael Flannery

06. HipHop-O-Potamus —-THE KIDS FAVORITE!
MeeWee feat. Jabari and Baby Power
produced by Daniel Flannery

07. Planet Brooklyn
MeeWee feat. Jenny Guitara and Spinz
produced by JoChris

08. Sounds Like Music
MeeWee feat. Spark and Friends
produced by JoChris

09. Me and my Guitar
MeeWee feat. Jenny Guitara
produced by Adam Smirnoff

10. Kung Foo Kid
MeeWee feat. Kung Foo Kid
produced by Daniel Flannery

11. I Need a Hug
MeeWee feat. Cacky the Cactus
produced by Keith Middleton

12. Extra Cheese ——— Great for sleepy kids in the car!
MeeWee feat. MC CheddarMelt
produced by Daniel Flannery

13. Keyvo
MeeWee feat. Keyvo
produced by JoChris

14. Driftee McCloud
MeeWee feat. Driftee McCloud
produced by Daniel Flannery

MeeWee was developed by a former teacher and one of the producers of MTV’s Lyricist Lounge. Co-founder Danny Klein, a former teacher, now devotes his time to help kids express themselves through hip-hop in schools throughout the U.S. MeeWee Entertainment has been doing a great job of outreaching the album.While this is definitely not napping music, MeeWee Kid’s Hip Hop gets the blood pumping and gives you great songs to sing. The music is inspiring AND fun.

Take a trip over to their website and listen to the lyrics. You can buy the album on Amazon. One listen and you will be hooked!

Introducing the Wonderwash from Laundry Alternatives - the space saving, time saving, energy saving Green Clean solution for your laundry needs!  As seen on The Rachael Ray Show ,  through a patented pressure system, the Wonderwash thoroughly cleans a five pound load in just minutes using less water and detergent than even hand washing!

What can you wash with the Wonderwash?  How about a week’s worth of dress shirts, 10 t-shirts, 30 pairs of socks, bibs, cloth diapers, burp clothes….the list goes on and on.

How does the Wonderwash work?  When you put warm or hot water into the drum, fit the lid in place and seal the machine, the air inside the drum will absorb the heat of the water and expand (i.e., just like a hot air balloon). When the air expands it creates pressure inside the drum. The pressure forces the detergent (which is diluted into the water) into & through the fabric (which is porous) about 100 times faster than you could by hand or machine.Check out the Wonderwash today and let me know what you think of it. Also, be sure to take a look at my haunting pile of laundry that gives me nightmares or keeps me up at night. Post yours for a chance to win!

Why Use the Wonder Wash?

• Washes a 5-lb. load super clean in just a couple of minutes.
• Has a patented pressure system that forces detergent into the fabric at high speed for a fast, efficient, economic and very easy wash
• Is ideal for campers, single persons and even for the housewife with small frequent loads like hand washables and diapers.
• Is ideal for delicates such as woolens, silks, knitted dresses and cashmere garments.
• Uses far less water than even hand washing.

Tell Us How It Could Work for You – And Win a Wonderwash PLUS a Mini Countertop Spin Dryer, which quietly spins the water out of your clothes in just minutes.

To participate follow these easy steps!

1. Blog on your site about what YOU would use the Wonderwash and Mini Countertop Spin Dryer to clean

2. Post a photo or a video of your mess and be sure to link back to Laundry Alternatives at http://www.laundry-alternative.com/.

3. Fill out this secure participation form to be entered to win! http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?key=pQkNiVcIl1QbQ7JMLtNHEHg&hl=en

Then join us on Twitter Friday, March 13th from 9:00 to 10:00 p.m. (EST) to tweet with Green Cleaning experts and find out who won the grand prize! Five attendees will also win The TrueGreen Laundry Washing Ball, which cleans your clothes without bleach or detergents in cold water. It does not contain harmful synthetic detergents, perfumes, dyes, or oils!

Check out the Wonderwash today and let me know what you think of it. Also, be sure to take a look at my haunting pile of laundry that gives me nightmares or keeps me up at night. Post yours for a chance to win!

So this is it. My unofficial big day. The day that I really launch this blog. All the hoopla comes later, right? The ponies, the ice cream cones, the parade… If you are reading this, welcome. This feels like a long time overdue for me.

On to the Why?  – I have been a writer my entire life. My mother used to buy me journals when I was a kid because I was a wild child who needed some sort of creative outlet and I never shut up. I would fill them up with stories, observations and even turned one into an entire novel. Although that novel is still unpublished, it is deeply cherished by my mother plus she hides so I cannot steal it from her.

I have spent years writing for business and family. Newsletters, training programs, marketing campaigns…anything at all. I am THAT family member or friend that everyone comes to for a good cover letter or to clean up a resume or even the occasional complaint letter. I also have written for epinions and other review sites for years because I genuinely like reviewing products. I try everything as soon as it comes out and I am also that person who friends and family seek out for advice about new products or to find out where they can get information.

I am new (or fairly new) to the blogosphere. I mean, I have known for year about blogs and checked them out sometimes. But this past year, something happened as I ventured into the freelance writing arena as a way to make a little extra money for my family. I found a cool writing gig that I enjoy and stuck with it.  I started finding some mom blogs, briefly read a few along the way and thought why would all of these people write for free?

It took me a while to realize that “free” meant “freeing.” I was spending so much time looking for work that I was barely writing. I had no niche and I was miserable. I signed up for this cool sounding thing called BlogHer and it was coming to Atlanta. This later got canceled and I was so disappointed. Then I met this cool chick via Twitter and she was planning a conference of her own. I just liked the name BlissDom at first. Had no clue what it was really about except blogging, of course. But who doesn’t need a little Bliss?

So I went to the conference and it was amazing. I met all of these cool mom bloggers and truthfully, I had never really read much of what they have written. I went to the conference to see if I really wanted to be a blogger or not. I had been playing with some ideas.

This conference was amazing. I was in the corporate world for years and I have never seen anything like the Sisterhood of the Mommy Bloggers. In the corporate world (at least the one that I was in) it was competitive. You sabotage help each other out a little but this…this was unheard of in my world.

These women all knew each other (I must admit that I felt a little left out but that was only because I was new) and they all liked each other. Better yet, they helped each other out. Was there something in the water? I couldn’t get enough. They shared leads, they mentored each other, they laughed, they networked…there was something in the water and it was inspiration. It really is a sisterhood. I shared a few things too and people were so genuinely thankful that I was overwhelmed.

All I knew that after leaving BlissDom’09 is that I absolutely had to be a part of it. I came home and literally spent days stalking reading all about these mommy bloggers that I had come into contact with at the conference.  I drank it all in and realized that I had never felt so in place. I had to become a Mommy Blogger. And today, I am!  I am a freakin’ mommy blogger. WOOHOO! Today, I have officially joined the Sisterhood of the Mommy Bloggers. Thanks for making it a place where I really want to be.