Fiber One 80 Calories (prize pack giveaway)

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giveaway closed.

Congratulations debijackson!

Yes there is now a delicious new cereal that is full of fiber and actually tastes great!  The brand new Fiber One 80 Calories cereal is on store shelves now! Each crunchy wheat and corn puff square in every bowl of Fiber One 80 Calories cereal has a light honey flavor – a delicious way to start your day. Fiber helps satisfy your hunger and helps you feel full, making it a great tool to help manage your weight.



I personally have cut back on eating cereals because so many have a lot of sugar, and not that much fiber.  With 40 percent of the Daily Value of fiber in one 80 calorie serving, Fiber One 80 Calories cereal is something I may have to keep in my breakfast menu a bit more.  I thought they wouldn't have any flavor but was pleasantly surprised at how good they tasted. 

Are you hungry yet? If so, look for new Fiber One 80 Calories cereal on grocer’s shelves now! Visit http://www.fiberone.com/ for great information on healthy living and coupons for new products. Also, be sure to check out the Fiber One Facebook page and get involved in the conversation.  They would  love to hear how you feel satisfied with new Fiber One 80 Calories cereal!

Want to try it out?  One lucky reader will win a prize pack that will help fuel you up for a good walk and track your progress.   The winner’s prize pack will contain:


1 box of Fiber One 80 Calories Cereal
1 sensor pedometer with USB connector to chart walking progress
1 neoprene iPod/smartphone holder with armstrap

I just used the pedometer yesterday to track my walk.  It works really well and is small enough to just fit right in your pocket.  It let me know the time, how long I walked, the distance I walked, how many steps I took and how many calories I burned. 

To enter the giveaway:  Leave a comment telling me what your favorite cereal is.

Extra entries:
Follow my blog with google friends connect.
Subscribe to my blog.
Become a fan of my blog on facebook.
Become a fan of Fiber One on facebook.
Share this giveaway on facebook. (1 entry daily)
Follow me on twitter.
Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  Only one entrant per household, and you can only win one prize per 30 days on my blog.  This giveaway will end on August 16 and the winner will be chosen by random.org
Disclosure: Fiber One 80 Calories cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark

#mamavation monday

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Well this was my last week of the 6 week LeanGreenYOU bootcamp with LeanGreenMama.  I have learned a lot and really like that I have all the resources available to check out whenever I want to.  I still need to work on my snacking/emotional eating so I will be checking out those resources some more this week. 

I did not lose this week, but I did not gain either.  I did start doing some strengthening workouts this past week, and not quite so much cardio so that may have been part of the not losing.  I also noticed I ate more meat this week.  I have been trying to go to 2-3 times of eating meat a week.  This week was quite a bit more, some because I got in a bad mood a couple days and didnt feel like cooking and ate leftovers.  I definitely feel a difference when I eat meat and junk food.  My stomach really does not like it.  So I really worked on  less meat this weeks menus.  I also decided to make them healthier choices of meats on the days I was going to eat it.  So tonight is grilled fish and veggies. 

Last week I made a menu for all my meals...and it did not work out so well for me.  I think I do better by just scheduling dinners and going from there.  I kind of felt like it was an actual diet planning everything.  I need wiggle room, or I start feeling uncomfortable and guilty for everything I change on the menus.  I also think the one thing in the nutritional guidelines(from the leangreen guidelines) that I just can not get to is the limit for the grains/starches.  So I am going to allow myself double as I feel good doing this, and I know I still lose with this, as I have in the past.  When I try to limit it, I feel like I rebel and end up overeating or eating junk.  One thing I have learned over the past couple years with dieting is that I really can not diet...I change, but I still let myself have certain things.  With the LeanGreenMama I have refined my learning into adding things that I know work, and finding things that really dont work for me.  It has been good having a specific plan to follow instead of getting info here, and info there.  I will definitely be sticking with it! 

Goals for this week: 
check out the LeanGreen emotional eating teleseminar and worksheets
continue strength training, plus add in more cardio (goal is to do 4 days of each)
stick with my healthy menus that I have worked out this week

disclosure:  I received a free spot in the leangreenyou bootcamp.  These are my personal opinions.  The link provided is an affiliate link (which means I could possibly earn money if others purchase using my link)

I can't sleep!

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Here is Zach's remake of the Wonderpets ...he says it is from Save the Duckling.



The part you might not be able to make out is:
"its bad enough we're in this hole, sleeping on the floor"

Teething Bling review and giveaway

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giveaway closed.

congratulations Lindsay!

I have seen Teething Bling around for quite a while, but now that I have a teething baby I finally really became interested.  I know for me trying to carry around a teething toy is kind of hard.  They always end up dirty or tossed in the bottom of the bag.  With teething bling us Moms and Dads can wear an item that our babies will love. 

Did you catch the part where I said Moms and Dads in the last sentence?  That is correct, Teething Bling is not just for Moms.  When I saw that they offer something for Dads I thought that was so cool.  I think their Babe Magnet Ties are such a great idea! 

We received the Babe Magnet Blue Dot Tie.  The Babe Magnet ties are much like regular ties, yet safely tucked inside each tie is a squeaker and a rattle.  While my husband does not really wear ties, I thought these were great for Dads that wear them often.  What a great way to greet your little one when you come home from work.  They can cuddle up, and play with the fun toys wrapped into your tie.  Having three children, and one having a medical condition, we spend a lot of time visiting doctors.  I thought the Babe Magnet ties would be great for pediatricians that wear ties!  They get a sick or cranky child in the office, what a great way to get smile from them by squeaking their tie.  I played with the tie we received with both my daughters and they both seemed to take an interest in it.  The material was soft and silky.  Then the toys were fun to make noise with.  I thought the Babe Magnet tie would make a great gift for our favorite tie wearing pediatrician!

For myself I love wearing the Teething Bling necklaces.  I received a couple of their patterned necklaces to try out.  The first time I wore the Spice necklace I immediately got compliments from some friends.  They did not even realize that it was made from silicone.  They thought it was a stone type necklace that is very popular right now. 

Teething Bling necklaces are made from a food-safe, phthalate-free, federally-approved silicone.  Many of the Teething Bling necklaces are 2x2 donut shaped pendant that hang on a black, silky cord with breakaway clasp. (Safety-reminder: these pendants are intended for adults to wear. Please do not place the pendants ON your child.)

I also received the Star Spangled Bling Pendant.  This was great to wear out on Independence Day.  The Red white and blue design will compliment so many outfits.  I personally like that the red is a bit lighter colored, and can actually match up with many pinks also.  My daughter, who has just started to cut her teeth was automatically drawn to these necklaces.  She pulls them right to her mouth and is comforted by chewing on the flexible silicone necklace.  I love that they can provide style for myself and comfort for her! 

You can also coordinate your necklaces with Teething Bling Bangles.  These are made from the same materials as the necklaces and are a great way to finish off a stylish outfit.  These bangles sell for $12.99 each, and the mentioned patterned necklaces and Babe Magnet ties sell for $19.99 each.  You can purchase any of these products, as well as gift sets by visiting http://www.smartmomjewelry.com/.  They have just started offering some great looking shimmer pendants that sell for $23.99.  I think they are so pretty! 

Win it!
One lucky reader can win a Star Spangled Bling Pendant!  To enter:  Visit Smart Mom Jewelry and tell me another item you like. 

Extra entries:
Follow my blog with google friends connect.
Subscribe to my blog.
Become a fan of my blog on facebook.
Like Teething Bling on facebook
Share this giveaway on facebook (1 entry daily)
Follow me on twitter
Follow Teething Bling on Twitter
Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Only one entrant per household.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email to contact you if you win.  Per my giveaway rules, you may only win one prize per 30 days.  This giveaway will end on August 16 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclosure:  I received the products mentioned for free to review.  These are my personal opinions.

We hear a lot of "Gimme Gimme"...well this time you will want to Gimme with Gimme Clips

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I recently received a collection of samples from Gimme Clips, Gimme Braids and Gimme Couture.  They are a wonderful collection that I am heading off to the store to find more of.  Gimme Clips are available at stores like Walgreens and Target.com.  Gimme Braids were introduced at Walgreens just a couple months ago and have been a hit.   With the three different collections of hair accessories you will find something for every female in the house.  I love using these for Kennedy and myself, and I can't wait until Lauren has a bit more hair to put some of the cute clips in her hair.

Fondant

I have gotten many compliments while wearing some flowers from the Gimme Couture collection.  The Gimme Couture are more sophisticated looking flowers for us Moms.  You can wear these in your hair in many different styles as they just clip in your hair.  You can also wear them on your clothing or handbag as they also have a pin on the back.  The Gimme Clips Blog even has the Gimme Couture decorating shoes.  What a great way to decorate a cute pair of flip flops this summer.  While wearing the Fondant style flower, my husband actually complimented me.  This was a first seeing I just had my hair in a simple pony tail with the flower clipped in at the top.  My favorite one to wear is the sophistacated Serendipity clip.  I think this looks great clipped in along side of a messy bun.  I have gotten many compliments when wearing my hair up with this clip.

All the Gimme collections come in so many different materials and colors.  They have ones that will fit in with any outfits and seasons.  Gimme Clips come as single or double flowers that either are clips, or hooked to pony tail holders.  They also have a collection of headbands and bobbie pins.  They are all very cute!  I really like how the headbands have a small piece of material connected to clip your flower to.  The headband styles also come with matching elastic bands, so you can have fun with the mix and match styles.

For Kennedy we really had a lot of fun with the Gimme Braids.  Some come with a few different ribbons and some small bobby pins.  The ribbons all have one end that has a loop for the bobby pin to fit into easily.  This really helps keep them tucked in the hair.    You can even mix and match with some of the Gimme Clips and create some cute looks.  Here are a couple I did with Kennedy.

So when you hear "Gimme Gimme Gimme" from your girls...go ahead and give in.  Have lots of fun and check out Gimme Clips to "decorate your life"!  For some fun ideas be sure to check out the style tips and videos at http://www.gimmeclips.com/ and http://www.gimmeclipsblog.com/. You can also stay up to date by "liking" them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gimmeclips.





disclosure:  I received free products for this review.  These are my personal opinions.

#mamavation monday

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Mamavation BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Grunt Style. Two blogging carnival participants will receive a shirt from Grunt Style. Answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Grunt Style website. You can participate too...Write a post today and Link up your post here.  You can find the details by clicking here.





Daughter of the Republic shirt from Grunt Style

 I love this shirt from Grunt Style...suppose I should visit the Mamavation TV tonight to check out  Daniel Alarik @gruntstyle who is one of Mamavation's coaches, and owner of Grunt Style.  He will be there tonight to help with questions on strength training.  I should watch so that I can work towards the body to wear this awesome tee! 

Question: What has been your favorite Grunt Style workout? If you aren’t doing his workouts what has been your strength training routine?

I have not really been doing much for strength training lately.  It has been on my goals of adding it from my 6 week bootcamp, and this past weekend I finally started to add it.  I wanted something that was not too complicated to add into my day.  I have done some strength training using the wii active, and some dvd's...but I wanted something that I could do in the morning without making tons of noise.  I tend to do other workouts in the evening where I don't wake others.  So I decided to use the strength training workouts from Denise's Daily Dozen book.  I have 5 workouts that have a dozen exercises that I can do, and can build on as the weeks go by by adding reps/time or increasing my weights.  They are simple to follow, but really make me sweat.  I like that they only take about 15-20 minutes to do, so I can easily get them done before breakfast.  They also do not take any special equipment except myself and some weights.  Plus there are no complicated moves like some of the dvds I have.  My goal is to do these 4-5 times a week and still do my other exercising using the Wii and walking 4-5 times a week.

This week is my last week of the LeanGreenYOU 6 week bootcamp too.  So I have been trying to look at areas that I need to improve on and what I can do.  The one was adding in the strength training and the other was to refine my nutritional plan.  I have had an issue with sticking to the amount of grains/starches in the nutritional plan.  So this week I have made some menus trying to follow the nutritional plan from the LeanGreenYOU bootcamp I am participating in.  I got a recipe for a great dressing from the Lean Green Meal Planner Cookbook.  I was able to even create a healthier potato salad using this dressing instead of eggs and mayonnaise!  It incorporates the healthy fat of raw cashews.  I have also looked through many of the books I have reviewed in the past and have marked off recipes I want to try from four of those books.  This week I am uising recipes from Denise's Daily Dozen and The 3 Day Cleanse.  I have made some smoothies from these, and am making some broccoli slaw, roasted red pepper soup, and black bean soup from these books.  Don't they sound great!  I made up menus for dinner all the past week, and then this week focuses even more and made menus for every meal, so that I can really stick to the nutritional guidelines from Jennifer McCay(leangreenmama.com).

This is working good.  Other area that Jennifer covers are emotional and mindful eating.  So starting today I am going to journal my exercising and food...but go further with that and use her emotional eating journal too.  I have not quite conquered this, and weekends seem to be the worst.  I was terrible last night and I am not quite sure why.  So I thought writing it down so I can see what it is that is causing me the cravings or to grab the junk will help.

I know one thing...I love the nutritional plan.  By following this, even with my cheats, I still have lost.  I have not only lost pounds and inches, but also lost many cravings, and many hunger pains.  I can eat my meals and feel full quite quickly....and stay feeling full much longer.  I know I have lost in the past, yet have never really followed any specific plans.  I love that I have something to follow and give me ideas, and everything really focuses on HEALTHY meals.  I dont have to eat stuff I dont like.  I have eliminated a lot of processed "healthy" snacks, that aren't really necessarily healthy and just lead me to want more junk foods.

So my overall goal for this week is focusing on being healthy!

oh yeah I forgot to mention I lost 3 pounds this week!  So that is a total of 12 pounds after 5 weeks of the bootcamp.


This post is sponsored by Grunt Style and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Grunt Style.  The other books and programs I have discussed in this post have been provided to me free to review, either in the past or presently.  These are my own personal opinions.

Lauren's Baptismal portraits

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showing off her cute piggies.

Wonder what she is thinking about?  Looking kind of mischievous!

Saturday Photohunt: Theme Backwards

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My stepdaughter, Cortnie, leaning backwards trying to stay up on her first time water skiing!

Gorton's 100 Days of Sizzle! Grilled Giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Mami2jcn, Kimberly, and nanoendeavors!

Everyone is grilling right now!  How about an easy meal provided by Gorton's.  They have a great selection of Grilled Seafood products that you can easily open up and prepare in the kitchen or out on the grill.  Gorton's grilled variety naturally contain Omega-3s and are seasoned wonderfully.  They are an excellent source of protein and contain 80-130 calories per serving.  They are a great item to add to your summer menus!

Gorton's is celebrating summer with their 100 Days of Sizzle Grilled Giveaway! 

Every day between May 31st and September 7th they are giving away FREE Gorton's Grilled, and 3 lucky winners will win their Sizzling Beach Bag Grand Prize!


10 Daily Winners of Gorton's Grilled Seafood! We will be drawing 10 winners every day for 100 days - each will win a FREE product coupon for 1 Gorton's Grilled Seafood item!

1 Grand Prize Winner Each Month! A custom Gorton's beach bag made from recycled sails by Gloucester's own Second Wind Sails! Each bag comes filled with summer beach essentials - an Amazon Kindle 3G, an Amazon Gift Card, and a Fisherman's Beach Towel ($400 value)!

To enter visit Gortons at http://gortons.com/
 Also like them on facebook for even more promotions and giveaways.

You can also win right here!  Thanks to Gorton's 3 lucky readers can win 2 coupons for free Gorton's products!

To enter:  Tell me which Gorton's grilled product you would like to try or is your favorite.

Extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow my blog with google friends connect.
Like my blog on facebook.
Like Gortons on facebook.
Share this giveaway on facebook. (1 entry daily)
Follow me on twitter.
Follow Gorton's on twitter.
Share this giveaway on twitter (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US only.  Only one entrant per household.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry, and leave a valid email in case you are the winner.  You may only win one prize per 30 days on my blog.  This giveaway will end on July 27, 2011 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  I received free product coupons from Gorton's for this review.

Have to share this as one mouse to another!

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Zimbbos Elephantastic Pyramids game

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I would have never thought this game, that looks like it is for elementary aged children would be so fun!  My 17 year stepdaughters enjoyed this game as much or even more as  my 6 year old son!  If you are looking for a simple yet fun game to play with your children ages 3 and up check out Zimbbos Elephantastic Pyramids. 

My son loves numbers.  This fun game that can be found in the math toys, Learn to Think category.  It teaches your little ones to count, and number recognition as they have to build the pyramid with elephants numbered 1-10.  They also have to use a lot of reasoning to figure out which is the best way to build their pyramid with out it falling over.  This is where I think the whole family can enjoy this game.  The older children, or even us parents can make it trickier as we think of ways to make it harder for the next player to add on to the pyramid with out it crashing down.  You can really teach your younger children strategic thinking with this game. 

(one of the older ones got strategic and placed the elephant sideways...then the other tried to make a move of the orange elephant on top of the white, but she had to take it down as it has to go either at or above the highest level.  She really did not have great move, and it crashed after.)

This game is a fun circus theme, and made of wooden characters.  So the little ones are sure to love it.  They can take their favorite circus characters and make their own circus act of the balancing pyramid!  It really is cute!

You can purchase this game at Educational Toy Planet for the current Sale Price of  $17.97.  Be sure to stop by for some other fun, education toys for your children of any age!

Disclosure:  I received this game for free from Education Toy Planet for this review.  These are my personal opinions.

Boumy Shoes review and discount

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My little one is 6 months old.  Just the other day one of my older step daughters said "who cares about socks"...and I said "socks and shoes sometimes really make an outfit".  I love cute little socks and shoes!  I have issues with both of these too, trying to find ones that are cute, and actually stay on their feet when they are so little.  I know my little girl is so squirmy and loves to kick her feet.  I now have 3 pairs of shoes, and the only ones that actually stay on her feet are the Star White pair by Boumy.

Boumy shoes have a nice elastic closing around the ankle.  The elastic is tight, but does not actually squeeze around her ankles...so there is no uncomfortable red mark.  They did leave a tiny little indent, but it did not get red, or seem like they bothered her.  They are a little tough to get on at first, mostly because my little one never stops wiggling her feet.  So they are not as easy to put on as her little maryjane style shoes, but the Boumy shoes actually stay on.  Her other types come off typically in just a matter of minutes! 

Boumy shoes are made of 100 % leather.  My little one is not quite crawling yet, so I am not sure yet how well they wear, but seem to be strong. She does roll and push with her feet and they do not seem to wear out.  I even rubbed them to see if the color would come of the toe area, but it did not do anything.

I compared the softness to another shoe that we have with a similar style(but are too small for her now) and the Boumy are so much softer.  The leather is so soft inside and out.  I even let her wear them without socks.  I personally prefer the look of the shoes when wearing pants vs. shorts or dresses, at least for the girls.

I like how flexible the shoe is.  I think this will make it easier for her learning to crawl and pull herself up to stand with help.  The sole is made slightly roughend that is supposed to help them get a better grip on slippery surfaces.  This will be helpful around my house seeing I only have one room that is carpeted, and all the other floors are slippery. I think this roughened sole, added to the flexibility of the shoe itself will really aid in helping her move around.

The Star White pair sell for $32 and also come in a pink color.  Otherwise they have a great selection of other styles as well, and in sizes for ages 0-2 years old. I love their cute little booties that look little cowboy boots!

To purchase these or any other style Boumy shoe please visit http://boumy.com/  Currently they have a discount code for 20% off your total purchase by using the coupon code:  MAB072011  This code expires July 31, 2011 and One redemption per customer.

Be sure to become a fan on facebook as well to find any other current specials or offers.

http://boumy.com/care-instructions

 

Disclosure:  This review was provided through MamaBuzz. The product was provided by Boumy Shoes for this review.  These are my personal opinions.

Magnets.com review

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Are you looking for a way to promote your business, event or blog?  Magnets.com have a huge selection of all kinds of magnets.  They have great selections for businesses. Instead of handing out business cards, you can hand out business card magnets!  Want something fancier, you can make a custom magnet.  You can choose between their many premade shape magnets, or create your own.  I am debating on getting a business card style magnet or a fish shaped magnet for my husband's fish hatchery.  I think the business card style are easy to keep handy, yet the shaped magnets I personally feel are more noticable.  Something I have never really seen ....they have double sided business card magnets. How cool is that!  Also if you are looking to promote your business in a larger way, check out their car magnets.  All of these are great ways to add your business logo or information to a magnet and get it seen! 

They also have other options too like save the date, picture frame magnets, and ribbon shaped magnets.  Now I know where I can get some awareness ribbon shaped magnets for Mitochondrial Disease Awareness.  You can get regular ones or ones for your car.  They even sell ribbon shaped ones that are clips (as well as other clips). 

The magnets are full color.  The sample I received to review were very colorful, clear and easy to read.  Their outdoor magnets are printed on weather resistant vinyl and produced with UV resistant ink.  The shaped magnets are nice.  I even received one that had a nice picture.  So I think if you upload a picture it should come out nice on the magnet.  They all seemed pretty sturdy yet flexible.  I did have one magnet(out of 9) that had an issue.  The back of the magnet had some lines in it, which if you bent the magnet at the line it would crack.  I think it may have had an issue with the cutting of it.  I am thinking this is not a typical issue, as the other magnets were fine.  They are pretty strong too.  I tested them out and they each could hold 3-4 sheets of computer paper.

I think they are a good choice to go with.  They even have graphic artists to help make some corrections or even design your magnet for you...free of charge! Full color printing, online proof, and 100% price guarantee are all included also.  They definitely seem like a smart choice. 

For more information or to purchase please visit http://www.magnets.com/ You can also find special promotions by following them on Twitter and Facebook.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

I have lots of birthdays coming up, so I have been checking out ebeanstalk.com

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I was checking out a toy site I was recently introduced to called ebeanstalk.com.  They have given me lots of ideas for some birthdays that are coming up in the next couple months.  I really like how many different options they have for toys for pretend play.  I know this is an area I could find so many toys for any of my kids.

Ebeanstalk already carries many of the toys that my kids have and enjoy.  They sell the Zip Bin Train Depot that I just got Zach for Easter.  I used it as his Easter basket and filled it with train themed items.  They also have something he was just riding around the house today, the Scoot to Skate by Radio Flyer.  Another favorite of his they carry is the Stablemate Deluxe Animal Hospital.  This is a great toy for pretend play.

I love how easy it is to look for toys on ebeanstalk.com.  They have links to look up toys by category or even by age.  This is great if you are looking for a toy for a two year old.  You can simply click on the link for that age, and then it will bring up a selection of toys.  You can then even choose by gender if you would like.  This makes searching really easy.  When you choose each age group too it will direct you to a page with a handy gift resource guide.  This is quite nice if you are not sure what would be a good gift for a two year old or which ever age you have clicked on.  I like this as it has advice on toys and what milestones that age is working on. 

I can also look through so many toys that I think would be good for Kennedy.  Being disabled it is harder to find items, and I like to look through choices for younger, yet still seem age appropriate.  I see they have some of the items I have gotten for her recently like the Polar Bear Cuddle Cub.  Now I can look around some more and find something great for her birthday!  While I am there I can even enter all the kids birthdays and get a reminder sent to me.  Having so many kids and family members this is a pretty handy tool. 

So if you are looking for any easy site to buy some gifts or get ideas check out ebeanstalk.com.  The site is easy to navigate and looks great!


disclosure:  This post is sponsored by ebeanstalk.  I will be compensated for writing a review of the site.  This compensation does not effect my opinions of the site.  These are my personal opinions.

10 Reasons I would love to visit Virginia Beach

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Growing up going to Virginia Beach was by far some of the best vacations I had!  I went a couple times with my family and once for my Senior class trip.  I have always loved it, and would love to bring my family there someday. 

photo courtesy of  Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau

Why I would love to visit Virginia Beach:

1. The coastline is beautiful.  As a teen I loved walking along the beach, day and night!  I would love to walk along the beach with my husband for a romantic night.  What is more romantic than walking along the beach in the moonlight, hand in hand?
2. The beach is so much fun.  I would love to sit in the sand soaking up the sun.  The kids could build sand castles, or bury themselves in the sand.  We could enjoy swimming in the warm water, or watch others try to surf or do other water sports. 
3. Fishing:  My son is really starting to like fishing.  This would be a great activity that the whole family could enjoy.  I never did any fishing while at Virginia Beach, so this would be a great new experience.  I think it would be a great bonding time for father and son!
4. Boating:  My stepdaughters are just learning to ski.  We could always get a boat for the day, or maybe rent some jet skis.  Maybe we could even get adventurous and do some para sailing!  Ok that is for the others, as I am afraid of heights haha!
5. Go on a cruise:  For our Senior trip we went on a cruise...which was actually in Norfolk, but I would love to take any cruise.  They are so much fun.  I love being able to sit back and check out all the scenery.  I would love to go dolphin watching!  This is something I think the whole family would enjoy.  What is great too is that having a child in a wheelchair, she could sit back and enjoy the ride, the sun and the scenery without having to actually go anywhere!
6. Go camping:  When I went to Virginia Beach with my family we always went camping at one of the KOA campgrounds.  They were so much fun.  There were days we never left the campground.  It is always fun roasting marshmallows on the campfire.  Sometimes you even get to hide out during the thunderstorms!!!  EEEK...yep we experienced that.  It was wet, but exciting and memorable.  We even ordered pizza and had it delivered to the campsite.  The things you remember!  It is always fun meeting other people and having a great time at the campground pool. 
7. Seafood:  OH my the food!  I remember my parents driving all the way there for a weekend, just to make it out to eat at Captain George's!!!  Yummy!  This is a must visit restaurant while visiting in Virginia Beach.  My husband and the twins would be in heaven!  They have a great seafood buffet...and the dessert buffet is just as good!  Ok sure there are other places, but this is a family favorite!
8. Fireworks:  We went one year for Independence day.  The fireworks were awesome!  It is so cool watching fireworks along the beach.  They are just beautiful!
9. Shopping:  I personally love visiting all the shops along the boardwalk.  You can find souvenirs of all sorts.  As a child we went home with hermit crabs!  We loved them, and it was a reminder of our trip that lasted a long time. 
10. Lastly, Busch Gardens!!!  This is such a fun amusement park!  I think I have visited the Busch Gardens three times in Virginia Beach.  I would love to take my family there.  It has been so many years that it would be great to see all the new attractions there.  The most memorable to me are the roller coasters, and I am not a coaster person.  I do remember feeling like I was going on some of the highest that I can remember.  My kids would love it!  There is something there for all of us, from our little one to my husband!

 photo courtesy of Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau

I have always loved visiting there, and all these memories makes me ready to pack up and go again with my family.  Maybe I can get my parents, and sisters, aunt's and uncles, and cousins and their families to meet us there.  This would make such a great family reunion!  It won't be the same without Uncle Jim to go on the roller coasters with.  He was always my protector on the coasters.  Oh the memories.  It is time to make some new ones too....now to talk my husband into it!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Congrats to #mamavation on two years!

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Mamavation 2-Year Anniversary Twitter Party Celebration TONIGHT sponsored by @Gruntstyle!! 8-10pm EST, http://bit.ly/j0tHYQ

Mamavation Monday:

This past week I really slacked.  I let myself give in a few times on all the snacks while celebrating.  I did do good meals though and I think that helped me.  I still managed to lose 1.5 pounds.  I have been trying to stick with the diet plans from LeanGreenYOU bootcamp.  I have made a few new recipes myself, and experimenting with food.  Even tonight I found a new dressing for my salads, garlic rice vinegar.  It is something different and good.  I am soaking some cucumbers in it for tomorrow. 

This past Thursday was my 30 day benchmark for the bootcamp.  I have done pretty well!  I think I have learned a lot.  My clothes are getting looser and some I couldnt get into I can wear now.  I have lost 9 pounds, and 1 inch in each of the following:  waist, bust, and hips.  I know this is something I can stick with!  I mostly have to focus on staying away from the foods that I crave.  Seeing my family really does not want to participate as much as I do I made sure this week to only buy junk food they like, and that I really do not.  I went out and splurged this week grocery shopping and bought some healthier options and am going to really get planning out my meals.  I also need to work out some more.  I slacked last week with that too.  I just seem to be busier lately.  So starting tomorrow I am going to do something first thing in the morning, and if I need then I will take a nap after. 

Late night playing the new Clue- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows edition

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Phew I am tired today!  I put the little ones to bed last night and the twins and I sat down to check out the new Clue game, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows edition.

A Hogwarts student has gone missing and it’s your job to uncover the mystery – Where did the attack occur? Who did it? Which weapon or spell did they use? Players take on the identity of their favorite “Harry Potter” character and then race to decipher clues, uncover secrets and solve the mystery of the missing student!

My sister's and I always enjoyed playing the original Clue game, so when I got the offer to check out this new edition I could not wait to try it out.  The twins are 17, and I let them set the game up.  It did take some extra reading but once we got playing we caught on pretty quick.  The game is full of all the Harry Potter characters, spells, and settings.  The only problem I had was figuring out the board as it is a bit dark...but this is the settings for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  It is probably me just getting old, haha! 

We actually became quite addicted to the game quickly, and ended up playing 3 times before my husband showed up.  He then was very interested, so we had to play one more time even though it was after midnight...just so he could watch.  I have a feeling we might actually have a game he might join in the play. 

This was definitely fun.  It has been quite a while since I have played Clue, but from my memory I like the twists this edition has.  It has wheels that spin on the board which then make it possible for you to jump from some rooms to others by using the lit fireplaces.  It also had doors that would could be closed if the wheel was spun just right.  This made it quite interesting, especially is the Forbidden Forest because you can get locked in.  This happened to me right when two of us were on a race to make an accusation.  It was very exciting...and I have to say that I loved that Twin 1 (who thought it was hilarious that I was locked in) made it to the accusation room first but was wrong!!!  Yeah I got there and won!  I love that the kids are older now and I do not have to feel quilty when I win a game!  This is a fun one!

So if you are out to check out the new and final Harry Potter movie this month....go get this game to follow up!  It could make a really fun family game night! 

Disclosure;  I received this game for free to review.  These are my personal opinions.

Found a sunblock I love!

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Having a daughter with sun sensitivities due to her medical condition, medications, and extremely fair skin.  I have always tried finding a reliable sunblock, but have never been satisfied.  This summer I also have a baby to cover up too.  I found a new sunblock by Banana Boat...Baby Max Protect & Play.  This stuff is awesome!  It has SPF/UVB 100. 

I am always hearing on tv that we do not put enough sunblock on when we do apply it.  Most sunblocks are somewhat thin, and we just spread them on.  The Baby Max Protect & Play 100 is a thicker lotion, so in my experience you pretty much have to put it on thick.  I have used it with both girls, and neither have had a reaction or sunburn!  I was quite shocked to see that Kennedy did not get any pink at all on the 4th while we were out boating.  I put the sunblock on about 30-45 min before we got out on the lake.  She was not always in the sun, but we were out on the lake at least 2-3 hours.  I did not even reapply the sunblock.  Typically I would have reapplied her sunblock at least once within that time, and typically she still would get a little pick.  It worked great, even while she was sweating!  It also worked good for the baby, and did not cause any skin irritation.  The bottle I bought was about the same price as the larger bottles of 50 SPF, but it is definitely worth the money!  I love this stuff, and will be keeping this where ever we go!

Disclosure;  I purchased this product on my own, and this post is not sponsored in any way by Banana Boat.  These are my personal opinions, not a guarantee that this will work for everyone.

EnDangerbles review and giveaway

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giveaway closed

congrats shannon!

I recently was introduced to The EnDangerbles, which is a site that has fun animal characters to teach your family about endangered or threatened species.  You can visit the site http://www.endangerables.com/ to learn about the different characters(or animals).  Your child can become a "Deputy EnDangerble" which they can have fun on the site.  They can play games, see pictures of animals, color, and even download a free song from the EnDangerbles CD. 

To get the free song download they need to sign up to a deputy, select 'SSA' as how they heard about the site and they'll receive and email with a link to the free download.

You can help support endangered species by purchasing the EnDangerbles music CD or plush characters.  I recently got to check out the music CD, that has 9 original songs written and performed by Fred Bogart.  These are fun songs that your kids will love.  Each song is very unique and cover different genres of music, and to me many sound a bit like fun raggea music.  They have a fun girly type song called Girls Rock and Rule.  Then there is a fun song called Puzzle, that reminds me a lot of songs my sisters and I  would sing on car rides when we would travel.  Then there is a fun "old type rock and roll" type song called Crocodile Shoes.  The songs are very fun and catchy!  You can purchase this CD and hear previews of each song by visitting http://www.endangerblesstore.com/

One lucky reader can win this CD plus an EnDangerbles plush of the following choices. 

Plush choices:

• Ulysses (Eagle)
• Milton (Orangutan)
• Sasha (Baby Seal)
• Bucksnort (Indian Rhino)
• Ms. Scarlet (Scarlet Macaw)
• Khul (Tiger)

To enter:  Visit The EnDangerbles and tell me which song you or your child likes the best (by listening to the previews)

Extra entries:

Follow my blog with google friends connect.

Subscribe to my blog.

Follow me on twitter

Tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)

Become a fan of my blog on facebook

Share this giveaway on facebook (1 entry daily)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  Please only one entrant per household/IP address.  You may enter on other blogs, but eligibility to win multiple prizes is at the company's discretion.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry, as well as an email address to contact you if you win.  You may only win one giveaway prize on my blog per 30 days.  This giveaway will end on July 21 and the winner will be chosen through random.org.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of the cd to review.  These are my personal opinons.

See why Rizzoli & Isles won Best Drama at the Women's Image Network Awards

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Rizzoli & Isles won Best Drama at the 'Women's Image Network Awards' in 2010...and they deserve it!  I love watching women in roles that show that women can be in powerful positions and accomplish so much.  I think they are great positive female role models! 

I remember when I was young loving to play with Barbie dolls.  So many people thought that there was so much wrong with these types of dolls because of their shapely figures.  I on the other hand loved that they could portrait so many different careers and you could create strong characters with them.  That is how I feel about Rizzoli & Isles.  While they are both beautiful women, they are both strong in so many ways.  They promote good morals, while having powerful careers.  I remember episodes where Isles would not back down on her beliefs, and no matter what would not lie. 

They have such a great friendship too, and work together well.  I think many women try to be so competitive with other women, but these two really work together to become stronger!  I think more women should be like them.  I think that women who work together can bring more empowerment to women. 

I can not wait to watch the next season of Rizzoli & Isles and hopefully will see them win again in 2011!  See the reason why Rizzoli & Isles won Best Drama at the 2010 Women's Image Network Awards. The first season is now available on DVD: http://bit.ly/mt2Hpo

disclosure;  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Rizzoli & Isles Season One on DVD.

Get 25% off order at www.three60gear.com (& free shipping) til 7/12!

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Congratulations to Erin Cook...You won your shirt of choice from Three60Gear!

Didn't win @Three60Gear shirt? Don't worry...Get 25% off order at http://www.three60gear.com/ (& free shipping) til 7/12! Use promo code: ALLSTAR2011 PLS RT! #AllStarPromo

On these busy summer days don't leave home without your I.C.E. (tags that is)

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I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) is a simple idea that came from Bob Brotchie, a Paramedic in Britain in May 2005.  He thought that everyone could put an ICE contact in their cell phones.  I.C.E. tags used this concept and placed this contact information on a handy tag.  You can order the I.C.E. tags as wallet cards(no hole), keychain tags(one hole), or shoe/helmet tags(two holes). 

Having three children with medical conditions, and another with mild autism I think I.C.E. Tags are a great product to keep where my children are when I am not around.  I personally chose to get most of the kid's I.C.E. tags made into the shoe/helmet tags that way they have two holes if I want to place them on their shoes but can still just use one to place on their backpacks...which is typically where they are.  I also have one on my keychain.  Our I.C.E. tags did not come with any rings or holders, so I used a spare keyring to place them on the kid's backpacks.  The tags are made of a strong and sturdy plastic material(like a credit card). The information does not rub off or wear off and the card is flexible enough that you can bend it and it does not break.  They are small enough to fit anywhere, and simple enough to ensure that a loved one is notified if needed!

I.C.E. tags are a simple idea, but put contact information out there easily so that it is available In Case of Emergency!  You can purchase I.C.E tags by visiting http://www.iceincaseofemergency.ca/

disclosure:  I received I.C.E tags for free to review.  These are my personal opinions.

Keep your kids drink cool with Kidzikoo (saving July 1-4)

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You can now insulate the baby's bottle or your child's sippy cup with a very cute koozie just for kids, the Kidzikoo!  The Kidzikoo keeps cold beverages cold, and warm beverages warm.  We tested it out on the different bottles and sippy cups in the house.  It is made to fit most 8-12 ounce baby bottles and sippy cups.  We really did not have any problems making it fit on the baby bottles.  I even use the playtex ventair bottles normally which are the type that are angled.  They still fit well.  For sippy cups you need them to more of the straight type to fit. They fit over the playtex and nuk brand sippy cups that we have, but the fat, round type like tommee tippee and some MAM types I could not even get them on.  I have a couple gerber and MAM ones that I could get it to stretch over, but they are shorter so the cups would tip over when you tried to stand them up.  I would definitely recommend it if you are using the standard straight cups and bottles!  

Since Lauren started teething she loves her bottles cold.  The Kidzikoo has been great to take along when we go away from home.  It stretches right over her bottles.  With her playtex ventair bottles I can even squeeze a small ice pack in the Kidzikoo while it is packed in the diaper bag.  This was great on a sunny day out to keep the bottle cool until she needed it.  I also liked that when she was drinking from it we could leave it on and her hands didn't get cold holding the bottle (or mine) or wet from condensation.  Which is great seeing most kids are terrible about using coasters on the coffee tables (haha)! 

The Kidzikoo is made of a soft squishy material (70% Neoprene, 30% Polyester).  The material is very comfy to hold and if it gets dirty you can toss it right in the washing machine!  The Kidzikoo comes in a selection of fun designs which can also help you or your child recognize which cup or bottle is theirs.  We got to try out he Lucia Print which is adorable with cute colorful owls all over.  I just realized too that it fits on my son's straw cups (take and toss from learning curve and the new ziploc from first years).  So now I am off to take advantage of the America's Birthday Special!

The Kidzikoo sells for $6.99 at http://www.mykidzikoo.com/ .  Starting today through July 4th you can receive a free Kidzikoo with purchase with their "America's Birthday Special"!  That's a great deal and these would be great for this hot summer!  Kidzikoo is also hosting a giveaway on their site where 1 fan will win a Kidzikoo of choice on July 15....you can enter by clicking here.  You can also follow Kidzikoo on twitter or like them on facebook for special offers, contests, and exciting news.

disclosure:  I received a free kidzikoo for review.  These are my personal opinions.