We did pretty well. Only three items were left unchecked--swimming at Hamilton pool--which was postponed due to Lily's injury; tent in the back yard; and ice cream at Water 'n' Ice, which we are doing tonight for family night. Stay tuned tomorrow for my insights and perspectives and lessons learned from summer.
My friend Brittany has issued a fitness challenge and we'd love to have you join us if you're interested. I think it's going to be kinda fun, and I'm always up for a challenge. Accountability with exercise is something most of us need anyway, right? I'm a poor loser, so hopefully I won't have to lose too often. Check out her new blog here.
And lastly, this Saturday is my 41st birthday (I knew you were remembering anyway, right? :) ). I had the best birthday of my life last year, thanks to my wonderful friends. If you weren't reading my blog last year, you can read about it here. This year, now that I'm entering my fort-EEES, I thought it was time to give back. So I'm having a giveaway. Something awesome. Something that fits everyone and everyone can use.
You know you want it. You know you need a little "kids-are-back-in-school" time to yourself. And what better way than $40 to Target?
And none of this complicated "if you follow you get an extra entry, if you post a link you get an extra entry" stuff. Way too complicated for my little self. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post, telling what birthday gift you'll buy for yourself from me. I'll draw a number on Friday--my birthday eve.
Good luck! And Happy Birthday week!
Fun giveaway Jen!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to just mill around in Target knowing that I could spend $ on myself. Maybe some new pj's or workout clothes or some fun boots for Fall! I know it wouldn't be spend on cat food or cleaning supplies, that's for sure!
Happy early birthday!
Thanks for the Plug!!!
ReplyDeleteFor your birthday at Target I am going to by myself some much needed book, "Mistborn,"and I have had my eye on some cute knick knacks for the casa.
Happy Birthday on SATURDAY!!!!
happy pre-birthday week!
ReplyDelete(i'm so not into all the "if you like me on facebook, get another entry" mentality either, lol.)
this'll sound a bit revealing, but i love the champion sports bras at target better than most. so i might have to get new ones so i'll be good to go for getting back into a workout routine once mini-me's back to school in a couple weeks! (TMI???)
again, enjoy your birthday!
Happy Birfday!!
ReplyDeleteAnd if I win the giveaway, I'm finally buying a swimsuit that actually fits my post-preggo body!!
Happy (almost) 41st Birthday! For your Birthday I'd buy me some new soft, fluffy towels..yum! p.s. I linked your blog about 2 weeks ago and it's a good read! :)
ReplyDeleteI love Tarjay, I would buy myself something for my birthday (just past), maybe a pretty lamp? Happy Birthday to you!
ReplyDeletehmm, new awesome towels, a toaster oven or maybe just some good books and magazines. Cant go wrong with target.
ReplyDeleteLOVE your blog! I refer to it often. Been reading it for a few months now and I've learned a lot. I would love to hear about "Ella," the name in the sand... I am assuming it is a sweet child you lost, but not sure. If you ever feel you can post something about her, I'd love to hear her story.
ReplyDeleteYour family inspires me... we have 6 kids under 12 and our hands full. One child with special needs and a whole lot of others to love just as much! I love to read how other moms do it!
Oh- and happy birthday... I'd buy you a massage!
Considering I just had a daughter, I'd buy myself a DELIVERY DAY gift! How fun. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for quite some time now...found you through a link on Clover Lan. You are very uplifting and an inspiring mother.
ReplyDeleteMy birthday is Friday and yours is Saturday. It should be a fun weekend. We are building a new house and there a million and one pretty things I could spend that money on :)
What a great giveaway...a birthday gift from you...except it should totally be the other way around, right?!
ReplyDeleteI would probably buy a new fun purse for this fall! And maybe some cute paper napkins...I am always drawn to all their seasonal stuff!
I would buy the new shower curtain, towels and rugs for my bathroom that I have been wanting.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bloggy Friend!
ReplyDeleteYou look way to young to be 41!
I would love a new camera just for me. . .$40 would be a nice start toward that. . .
Have a great week . . .enjoying some time to yourself!
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteYou are about three weeks ahead of us Canadians. School starts Sept 2nd here. But then our summer doesn't begin until June 28th so I'm not quite ready to think about school yet. As for Target, I wish we had one. Any time I've had a chance to shop there I"ve always be so thrilled. Fun, stylish and affordable. If I were to buy myself something it would be a couple of great throw pillows to start off a new look for my living room. Enjoy the quiet around the house : )
Dana
Happy Birthday...almost!
ReplyDeleteI'd try not to spend it on night-time pull-ups or puppy food and use it to get new towels for our master bath...something pretty and soft and colorful.
Thanks!
The fitness thing is a great idea - I'll watch with interest....and maybe take some inspiration from you!
ReplyDeleteA Target card.......oh boy! I'd buy scarves and bracelets or a bag - something fun!
Well, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
ReplyDeleteEven though 40 (1) is the new 30 (1) you're still giving away 40?
You're such a 'giver'. :)
If I win the contest (and I should say, I'm feeling pretty lucky), I would get these babies:
http://www.damprid.com/
Here in Oregon, being damp is a MAJOR problem!
And guess what? They are on clearance right now at Target.
See what I mean about lucky?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
sweet
ReplyDeleteI would buy myself... some Halloween decorations or a new vase and some flowers or perhaps some new pencil skirts. It would be too fun to peruse Target JUST FOR ME!
Happy Birthday. I knew I liked you. There's something about people with August birthdays that just screams: AWESOME! (yes, mine is on the 31st)
Awesome giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI think I would have to put the money toward the nice sewing machine I was looking at while buying a new iron. Would you believe the iron my husband and I received as a wedding gift finally broke? After 17 years..pretty good huh? Anyway, I spied a sewing machine and thought, "Wouldn't it be nice not to have to hem everything by hand?"
seriously, i could buy something for me? i can't even remember the last time i did that! hmmm... i'll have to think hard on what that would be:) reading the other posts is helping me make a list, though: shoes, pjs, a flat-iron since mine went to college...
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you. I would buy in your honor of course something to add more pizzazz to my dining room. I'm thinking a table cloth or table runner. Thanks in advance for picking me!
ReplyDeleteWell, dear sister, hard to believe that you are going to be 41! Obviously being a mother agrees with you! Have a great week leading up to your birthday. I will call you on Saturday.
ReplyDeleteAs for your giveaway... I would buy some much needed new clothes for my (hopefully) new job!
First off, I'm totally impressed with your list and stealing the idea for next summer!
ReplyDeleteWhen you first mentioned a Target gift card I started thinking about all the things my kids need. Then you said birthday gift for me and I had to start thinking a little harder. Funny how it's easy to think about your kids' needs but not your own. I think I would just go crazy in the book section. Starting with the third installment of The Hunger Games series when it comes out. I always dream about all the books I'd love to own but never actually buy any because there's a library down the street. Makes it hard to justify the expense but I love owning my own books!
Happy birthday!
Happy almost birthday! I'll be honest...I was wondering how old you were. :) I'll be hitting 40 this year, so I'll have to go back and read your post about your last birthday.
ReplyDeleteI would probably look into buying some curtains for my baby's room.
Your list brought back so many great memories - We used to do that too when all my kids were little and at home! So fun!!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are only going to be 41? You are such a young one :) You picked the right giveaway prize for sure, what woman does not LOVE Target!! I would buy exercise equipment - little weights and a yoga mat!
If fact, I am starting a new exercise program today in my own life so your link here is very timely for me - I'm on my way over to visit.
Hope you have a Wonderful Day!
For your birthday I'd buy myself the much needed school supplies for the big back to school at ASU! And a hershey bar! =)
ReplyDeleteI'd buy myself some new pants. I'm trying to get my pre-baby body back but am not yet to my "real" pants.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to all!
How fun! Ok...well my birthday is August 20th, so it would be perfect timing for you to buy me a birthday gift. HAHA! I think I would love a new pair of shoes or a cute dress. You are too generous. I hope I look as young as you when I turn 41. Happy Birthday!! :o)
ReplyDeletehappy birthday this week!
ReplyDeletei would buy something great for my college apartment. it could use a touch of target decor.
Aren't YOU just the grooviest!
ReplyDeleteIn case I forget on Saturday..Happy BIRTHDAY! You know I love ya!
Ok, as for me and my giftcard to Target....I know it's mine, 'cause I have good luck on your giveaways. haha
Anyway, I would buy new towells, or maybe I don't know.. Just to browse and buy for myself, what a concept.
Oh wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really want a pair of nice girly shoes. I only have flip flops and tennis shoes,I do not own one pair of shoes to wear with a dress! I would buy a pair of going out shoes!!!You are super nice to be doing this! May Karma be good for you and may you have a week blessed with happiness.
ReplyDeletejacksoncrisman@yahoo.com
Happy birthday, Jen! And you're right, the simpler the better on giveaways. That last one I did was quite a production!
ReplyDeleteNot that it wasn't fun, mind you, but I may simplify a bit for next time.
=)
Friday is my birthday! I would buy some a new swim suit or some yoga gear!
ReplyDeleteI agree this is a fun and super easy giveaway!
Happy Birthday to you by the way!!
ReplyDeleteThe 40's are the best years, you'll love them! I'm just into them myself. So happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I would buy myself a new handbag for the fall if I won! :)
Happy Birthday Miss Jen!
ReplyDeleteI hope this doesn't make me sound like I'm trying to earn brownie points but I would pass it on to someone who needs it more than I do. Right now God has laid two families firmly on my heart ... a single mom with a pregnant (due very soon) 17 year old daughter ... and a family, of VERY young parents, with a critically, and chronically, ill baby girl. I want to bless both families but neither is geographically close to me and money is tight. So I would ask you to send the card to one of them!
Happy Birthday Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI never knew both of our birthdays were in the same month...must be why we are so great :)
For my birthday next week, your present to me from target would be a new movie, a bigger purse, or some fun games (I ALWAYS need new games for my therapy kiddos, which in turns helps me out!).
Hope all is well with you guys, sounds like you had one GREAT summer! I always love reading your blog entries---you do so many fun things and are quite talented managing everything with all your little ones.
Great idea! I am in the process of removing the awful wallpaper in my bathroom so that I can paint it a beautiful color (to be determined). When that happens, I will need new bath towels and possibly some other accessories.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
Jenny, you're so fun! I think, I will buy the new Hunger Games Book...Mockingjay...and maybe a new outfit. Regardless...I hope you have a fantastic birthday!
ReplyDeletehappy birthday week!!! great list...looks like a great summer to me!!! we are finishing up our list...a couople to go...with still 2 weeks left.
ReplyDeletewhat to buy at Target...i can think of a million things the kids need...but i would have to splurge on a new pair of shoes...fun giveaway...everyone loves a Target!
Happy Birthday to you (on saturday) and I must say that you are one hot 41 year old mama (and no I'm not just saying that so you'll pick me- but it doesn't hurt right?)
ReplyDeleteJen- that is the best giveaway prize ever, because who doesn't love a target gift card? I'd buy something I never buy like shoes or a book, something very non-necessity-ish.
I LOVE TARGET! I think I would get a new book or clothes with the gift card..
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!
A new golf outfit!
ReplyDeleteJen, OHHH I love a birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity for the giveaway!
THANK YOU for your sweet comment on my blog. Hugs to you from me.
I will buy a new shower curtain for my new little house!
Have a pretty day !
Kristin
Happy Birthday! You're a girl after my own heart, milking it All. Week.Long. What would I buy myself? Workout clothes (in keeping with the first part of your post) or some picture frames, as I'm seriously behind in the framing area. Have a wonderful week. Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday on Saturday Jenny!
ReplyDeleteI'd buy dish rags, because I am so sick of opening the drawer and not finding a blasted clean one to wash off the dirty counters and table!!
Then, I'd bring them home and hand them to my kids while I read the book I also bought and consumed the hershey kisses that would have surely made there way into the cart as well.
I would buy some new towels because my kids cleaned with my nice towels and got bleach spots all over them.
ReplyDeleteI love Target!
Oh, and happy birthday!
Traci
First...Happy Birthday to you!! I would buy me a new outfit...or new shoes and and purse. I have lost 25 pounds. I need some new clothes!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you! Hubs is only a year younger than you....he is in denial.
ReplyDeleteMan, if I went into Target with money to spend on myself, I think my head would explode. I could spend so much money in that store. I would probably get some of their cute nicky nack things to go on my walls...Or maybe some cute lamp for my room... Or some storage bins to make my room more organized....I can't decide.
Oh Miss Jenny. Happy birthday! I really need to come visit you and tell you in person! If I won the gift card, I would buy Heather a gift for her bridal shower! Hahah! It would be the gift that keeps giving! I love you and I'm grateful for the influence that you have had on my life.
ReplyDeleteAhhh....Target, oh how I love thee!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway!
I would hit the Smith and Hawkin aisle for something "Fally"!!
I love Fall!!
Enjoy the day and Happy Birthday Week
Happy Birthday!!
ReplyDeleteI follow
ReplyDeleteI would buy frames!
ReplyDeleteHi I'm laura and I'm a Target-holic!
ReplyDeleteYIPPEE TARGET...MY 2ND HOME
and yes wayyyyyyy too complicated to enter! (giggles)
i'm a follower!
i oh so love target! i hope you have a wonderful birthday weekend :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gift to us on YOUR birthday! How thoughtful :) Totally something a mom would do, seeing as we are always thinking of everyone else over ourselves. If I had $40 to spend on myself (for you of course) at Target I think I'd look for a cute top for the fall, maybe a purse to go with, and a little something to decorate the house. And if you are wondering how I'd buy all this with $40 it's because I recently discovered the "coupons" link at the bottom of the Target page where you can print coupons to use in the store (including clothing & shoes coupons!) Never leave home without them now!
ReplyDeleteHappy (early) Birthday Jen! I am really loving my 40's and I bet you will too. If I won, I would put it toward the Simply Shabby Chic® Smocked Duvet Set I would love to have for my MB.
ReplyDelete~ Tracy
I just love Target! I don't even know what I would buy but I would definitely enjoy walking around by myself trying to figure out how to spend it!
ReplyDeleteI haven't bought myself new clothes forever, maybe new clothes..... mmmmm, maybe new shoes.... Oh, maybe a new swimsuit... mmmmm, too many choices, but I promise you when it comes down to it, I'll be able to make the best choice! Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFor your birthday, I'd buy some fall candles and some new sandals! Happy Birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteYAY! Happy early birthday!!! Mine is on the 25th so maybe ill get lucky!!! Thanks for everything you do!
ReplyDeleteAshley Branch
Happy Birthday! This is a fun giveaway. I've never commented but I really enjoy your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love target! I'd probably either buy dishes or some fall/Halloween decorations.
Why I would buy a birthday present for my bestie!
ReplyDeleteLove you and welcome the the for-TEEES!!!
Jen - I guess that this is one way to get all of us blogstalkers out of the closet. I am a daily checker of your blog. My Target run would probably be for some workout clothes to help motivate me back to my pre baby weight after having baby #6 just 8 weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful birthday!
WEll look at all these comments Miss Popular! I would buy tim tams. Mmmmmmmmmmm, tim tams. Tim Tams are happiness in one delicious fudgey, chocolate covered cookies from the happy land of Australia. Then I would buy shoes. Because you can never have enough shoes! And maybe school supplies. Maybe. Happy birthday!! Woo!
ReplyDeleteI love Target! What a fun place to shop...:0)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday a little early. :))
ReplyDeleteI would buy myself a few new maternity necessities. After my first 3 I got rid of stuff and now that I'm expecting again it would be knowing I had $$ that was for me. :D
I would buy something in the fall decor!
ReplyDeleteAlright, I'll comment again! :) I want to redecorate my living room, so you would get me something for that.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Hope you have a great birthday!!
Oh-la-la! The closest Target to me is almost 100 miles away... but luckily there is target.com! And luckily I drive that direction from time to time. If I were to win, I think I'd buy shoes :) I had a baby in January and now have exactly four pairs of shoes that fit me. My feet just decided to change size. But I just can't justify buying shoes for myself with a baby around.
ReplyDeleteneilsenjm(at)gmail(dot)com