Embracing a Healthy Family

Shopbop $100 Gift Card Giveaway: Michael Kors Flats & More 9/23: Winner Closed

Congratulations to: 
Faith J. said...I am following Shopbop on Twitter as ZombiMeow. fashionkitten03 (at) hotmail (dot) com September 7, 2011 10:07 AM  
An e-mail has been sent to Faith and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org. Thanks to all those who entered and the sponsor!


Fall is coming and with that, comes new fall fashions!  For me, it feels like a new wardrobe since I get to bring out the fall and winter fashions but I still love to shop as who doesn't want to have some new clothes. Have you heard of great fashion designers such as Michael Kors?  Kors, who branched out on his own in 1981, launched an accessories line in 2001.  This great line can be yours with Michael Kors Flats, Michael Kors Watches and Michael Kors Handbags all at the Shopbop sale!  Finding bargains is always fun especially when it comes to designer clothings and accessories which Shopbop has.

Not familiar with Shopbop?  They have shopping and accessories set up in a great way that you can search by designer, what's new, clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, bags, boutiques and sales.  It really makes the shopping experience much better when you can easily look for what you want.  I also like the LookBooks because they give you an idea of the latest fashion, a designer spotlight and great picks.  Once you register, you can set up your favorite designers, items you love and a wish list.  It's a fantastic set up for the fashionistas.

Here are some of my hearted items from Michael Kors:

Anytime I want to go back and look at them, I can since I'm registered.  I think it's a really cool feature of the site and since you can save your favorite designer, you can quickly find out what Shopbop has new from him/her.

Now, the fun part has come where I get to provide one reader with a $100 Gift Card compliments of Shopbop!  I'm envious as I didn't get one but you do!


To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have heard of Shopbop.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow Shopbop on Twitter
  • "Like" Shopbop on Facebook
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries (example: Win a $100 @Shopbop Gift Card from @Stayingyoung2 - Get great deals on Michael Kors & more - ends 9/23
  • Add this giveaway to another giveaway linky for five entries - can be done up to five times

Giveaway ends 9/23 and midnight - Mountain Standard Time - Winner selected via random.org

US Only Please!



*Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post and Shopbop provided the $100 gift card to giveaway.



Cinderella Story DVD Giveaway & Fun Extras

If you haven't signed up to win the Cinderella Story DVD Giveaway, you can click here to enter and in the mean time, here are some fun extras:


The Cast lip syncing to "Run This Town:"






The Cast answering questions from "Write Your Cinderella Story" Quiz:




Mamavation Monday: Where Did the Week Go?



MamavationI'm sitting on my recumbent bike riding as I type and I know I would get a better effect if I wasn't trying to do both but I figured I might as well try to get some physical activity in while I type and especially a Mamavation post!  It's been a busy week since the last time I posted as my eight year old, with an amazing online support of way too many people to note, helped her win $25,000 for her non-profit helping other children who have epilepsy like herself.  That was triumphant and tomorrow starts our first day of home schooling so that shall be interesting.

It's another week another week of excuses because if you ask, I can give you one for every reason as to why I'm still singing the same ol' song for not losing more weight.  Now I have a new goal and that is my oldest is coming back home for a month or so with her baby next month so I want to get in shape by then.  I've kept off the 13 pounds that I lost since May so I have a bit more I want to lose to be happy.  I know the health factor is critical and I know that I can still lose weight if I ate healthier and counted calories but I'm just one of those people who need an immediate response so here I go again on the Dukan Diet.  I have gained back three from the original 16 so I'm still happy with the results.

It's getting cooler here and without the pool heater working, the pool is just too cold to be motivated into exercising there so it's back to the bike and with homeschooling, I plan on using the Wii for additional opportunity for movement.

All in all, not too bad but it could be better.  Now that one area of my life is calming down, I can re-focus on health and it's one of the planned courses for the girls which is health.

40% Off Discount Code on Paul Frank Products at Sparklebee 10/31


Paul Frank and Hello KittyMost of us know who Paul Frank is and instantly think of Hello Kitty or the ever loving and famous monkey.  My girls all love the Hello Kitty products and my oldest was always a fan of the monkey.  Right now, there is a special discount of 40% off of these four products directly from Sparklebee for the first time ever!


Hurry as you have until October 31st to use your discount code JUD119 for a 40% off savings but you have to sign up for Sparklebee and follow my blog.  


Don't forget to use the special discount to save an extra 20% from what is listed at Sparklebee for a total savings of 40% off on these four great products:


SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL SPARKLEBEE MEMBERS: You can now purchase extremely cool Paul Frank items for 20% off the original price for a limited time only. Be the first to receive these products before they hit stores!!  Hurry this offer ends October 31st.




This is a great way to get a jump on Christmas gifts at a great savings!




To stay up to date on the cool new products, news and specials, "like" Sparklebee Facebook page and follow them on twitter @sparklebee

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips Before Review

Ever have one of those moments where you want your teeth white for a special event or outing?  My dad was just talking about how everyone on television has perfect white teeth and how expensive it must be.  One easy way to whiten and less expensive is to use the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips as I did.  I love Crest products and it's all that is in my cabinet.  I have tried many brands but love the Crest line.  I've also tried the different varieties of Crest Whitening Strips in the past due to their effectiveness.


As part of my participation with One2One Network, I was able to receive a complimentary box of Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips for the purposes of this review.   With a recent move across country, settling in to a new house, dealing with chronic medical conditions with two of my children along with many other things, my teeth were a bit neglected so it was ideal to give them a boost.  My daughter also won a $25000 grant so I needed to be prepared for any possible media contacts.


Here is my before picture:


Those are my Invisalyn brace anchors showing.




The box comes with four treatments so that makes the cost very reasonable.  Since you have to wear them for two hours, the strips are made differently from the other ones I've tried.  They affixed the same way but they were stayed in place and didn't sleep easily.  The grip was stronger which was very nice not having to worry about moving my tongue the wrong way or talking too much.  I experienced no discomfort and at the end of the two hours, I removed the strips very easily and ... you will have to wait for the results!
  
Stay tuned for a giveaway! In the meantime, check out Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips on Facebook.


Save now by clicking on this Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips coupon link.




What life event would you whiten for in just two hours with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips?






*Disclosure: I was given this product for free to review as part of the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips campaign hosted by One2One Network. By participating, I am also eligible for additional incentives provided by One2One Network. All opinions are 100% my own.

The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD/Blu-Ray

A product thumbnail of The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth SeasonThe guys on 'The Big Bang Theory' have a very fun and playful work dynamic, often joking around with each other and playing games.  Because they work at CalTech, most of their jokes revolve around astrophysics and Wolowitz's lack of a PhD!  I used to work at a pharmaceutical company and thanks to great co-conspirators, we had some great fun!   We used to cube decorate for birthdays in silly themes like Powder Puff Girls for this one guy or Barney the Dinosaur.  We did other practical jokes and it was always so much fun to have that closeness with your colleagues and to provide so much laughter to others.  It became the norm for everyone to expect us to be involved with something at any point.


I definitely can relate to the fun they have on The Big Bang Theory and it makes me miss work just a little bit but only for my old colleagues!  Have you ever worked in a place where everyone mostly got along and had great fun?  It definitely made a difference!


Pre-Order The Big Bang Theoryy Season Four now on DVD/Blu-Ray.








I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

Bounce it Off Millions & Win



Ever had a question and wasn't sure what to do?  Wanted to ask many people to get a general consensus on how you should proceed?  Now, Bounce has this new app on Facebook where you can ask a question and bounce it off of others to get an opinion.  There have been many times where I struggled with a decision and to have the ability to ask others would have saved me a lot of time and grief.  Sometimes there are others that have been in the same situation or has some other invaluable experience that could shed new light on what direction to take.


It started on August 22nd but you can still head on over to Facebook, click on the Bounce it Off Millions app and submit your question.  A poll will be created and the Bounce Fanatics will be able to respond and help guide you in the right direction.  You have four weeks so head on over for a chance to win and while you are there, don't forget to enter to win two Bounce bars which I love!  I have one in my dryer now and love that I never have to remember the sheets again.

The Bounce it Off Millions ends September 17th.


Disclosure:  I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing.  All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song Clickcast DVD Giveaway 9/7 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Robin Quick said... I follow you on twitterRKQuick

mnrquick at yahoo dot com
An e-mail has been sent and Robin has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via Random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered.
A modern day version of Cinderella in song? Who can ever grow tired of Cinderella stories? My girls love Cinderella and when you throw in a modern musical component, it's sure to be a hit. Now with the release of this cool Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song click-cast widget, you can check out some enchanted features and activities.






Here are just some of the features your kids can do from the click-cast widget:


  • Write Your Own Cinderella Story! Take our interactive quiz and make your own musical fairytale come true!
  • Lip Sync Music Video Contest! Film a short YouTube video to the sounds of Lucy Hale’s song “Run This Town.” Dress up! Be creative!
  • Achieve Your Dreams PDF! Download “Top 10 Ways to Stand Bright” and write your own goals!
  • A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song! Sneak a peek of the Cinderella Story Three trailer!
  • Stars of the Movie! Check out Lucy Hale take the quiz and Freddie Stroma and the gang lip sync along to the song!


One thing you may not know is that hidden behind the fun is a subtle message.  PartnerHub has teamed up with the Confidence Coalition, a national movement geared towards promoting self-esteem and confidence among girls and women.  We all know that girls and women need to have positive messages for self-esteem in a society so focused on appearances.


____________________________




The Giveaway:


One reader will receive their own Cinderella Story: Once Upon a Song DVD!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me if you have heard of this DVD.


Extra Entries:
  • Like me Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
  • Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)




Giveaway ends 9/7 at midnight - Mountain Standard Time - winner selected via random.org



*Disclosure:  I was provided the chance to give away a copy of this DVD in exchange for the post.

Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD

A product thumbnail of Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-Ray)
Remember early in the season when Supernatural brother Dean surprised Sam with a sudden paternal side that emerged when the two brothers investigated a case of missing babies?  Sort of surprising seeing this side of him wasn't it?  Every now and then, someone in our lives will surprise us with something unexpectedly from their normal behavior.  It's definitely a show stopper and it can make you think.   


I had a co-worker who seemed to thrive on other people's bad fortune.  She seemed to take great delight in other's misery so I kept her at arm's length trying not to be her next victim.  This person exhibited an unusual care towards me when I was having pregnancy complications.  I thought there were false sentiments only being used to extract new gossip to spread but the intent was sincere and she's still a caring person towards me.  I never understood how she decided to truly like another as most were her next target in the wait.  


I guess we have those moments when a loved one or a friend surprises with a deviation from their normal behavior. Sometimes good.  Sometimes bad.


You can pre-oder Supernatural Season 6 on DVD here.











I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural Season 6 on DVD.

Nikita Season One on DVD Available Now

Ready to buy Nikita Season One on DVD?  If you are a Nikita fan, you won't want to miss out on purchasing the entire season one on DVD now.  Catch up on Nikita and Alex and how they grow their relationship into a team.  As the series progresses, Alex's desire to help Nikita could result in his death but he continues to risk his life for her.  In life, we are faced with many requests and although most of us will never be put in harm's way due to one of these requests, some are.  The only time I can remember of being put in a compromising situation was someone very dear to me was suffering drug withdrawals trying to clean herself up.  She wanted me to purchase illegal drugs which of course I refused.  I love my family and friends but I would never put my safety or life in jeopardy.  


I've heard of crazy requests before but I suspect my life it a tad bit boring as I don't have anything stranger or potentially dangerous then that.  How about you?  Ever had any of those daring Nikita and Alex moments?




Love Nikita?  Check out how you can purchase the complete Nikita Season One on DVD now.





Nikita: Should Have Told Michael
 
Nikita: Reassure Me
 
Nikita: Towel Girl




I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita Season 1 on DVD.  http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

Gossip Girl Season Four on DVD: Own It Now!

Gossip Girl fan?  If so, you already know that the complete fourth season DVD collection is available now!  Not only does the collection come with the 22 episodes of all the drama you expect from the girls and their famous male counterparts but it's also filled with great bonus features:

  • Go abroad on a spree in Paris with the cast and team
  • The making of episode 18
  • Gag reel
  • Unaired scenes



If you are already a fan, you will love the never before seen enhanced feature titled Bisoux a Paris that provides an inside look into Serene and Blair's summer in the City of Love or Lights as some refer to it as.  Also, The Art of Making an Episode provides an inside look in how the Gossip Girls story builds from page to screen along with unaired scenes.  I think many people overlook the bonus features on DVDs but they hold such great information.


Buy the Gossip Girls Season Four on DVD here.







I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Gossip Girl Season Four on DVD.

Aetna Healthy Food Fight Sweepstakes

Aetna Healthy Food FightThere is such a focus on eating healthier in our country yet there are still so many overweight adults and children.  It's easy to cast judgement on others for being overweight but there can be an array of reasons why a person may be overweight ranging from knowledge to money.  I've been on a quest to get healthier for myself and my children for well over a year and although it's a slow process, we are making baby steps.  Signing up with SheSpeaks who partnered with Aetna for the Healthy Food Fight was a no brainer for me.  I am the first in my family to try to encourage them to eat healthier and exercise.

You can join Aetna's Healthy Food Fight by checking out their site and entering the sweepstakes to possibly win a Circulon gourmet cooking set donated by Meyer Corporation.  When you go to the site, you will see one of my beloved chefs, Bobby Flay who will provide tips, recipes and more by clicking on the Healthy Test Kitchen.  There is more!  Starting October 1st, you can watch the regional cook-offs in Pomona, CA., Dallas, TX., Atlanta, GA., and Philadelphia, Pa with the final even occurring December 2 in New York!

Interested yet?

Submit your healthy recipe here and then get ready to get your friends and family to vote.  Up to 48 people will get to move forward to compete in person.  Voting is by region and dates of open voting vary so click here to learn more about how to vote for the healthy recipe contest.


About Aetna:

Aetna provides a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicare plans.

Enter here:


 SheSpeaksbutton

Twitter Party Recipe Swap
When: September 15 @ 8pm EST
Follow: #SSFoodFight and @shespeaksup

Like SSFoodFight on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

Brand New from Kleenex

Kleenex® Brand Logo


Everyone know Kleenex and every parent especially knows Kleenex as it's one of the first brands to pick for facial tissue.  Every school year, before this one since I'm home schooling, I purchased a few boxes to contribute to the school.  Kleenex has a variety of products that makes it easier to keep those noses clean and to help stop the spreading of germs.  Whereas I love having the larger boxes for home, I really love the new smaller packs that allow you to take them on trips, stick in your purse or even throw in a back pack.



Kleenex has added a new product line for those of us who love the on-the-go packs now with Sneeze Shield.  I have a younger daughter with chronic medical conditions so I fear the common cold as it can mean life or death for her literally.  Having the tools to protect other children from bring home these germs are essential for many children that also have chronic medical conditions.  Besides, who really wants to be sick anyway?


These on-the-go packages include:
  • The wallet pack. It is thin and sleek, so you can always keep a tissue on hand. Their trendy design and convenient size make it the perfect accessory for hip tweens and teens.
  • The auto pack. It fits perfectly in the car door or glove compartment – no need to lug around a box of tissue or fumble in a purse for a tissue while driving.
  • The new and improved pocket pack. A long-time favorite has been improved to feature three-ply tissue.

Each pack has a different set of box designs to make it a bit more personalized.  This is my favorite Wallet Pack:

Sugared Lace


Click here for a money savings coupon from Kleenex On-The-Packs.

Also, just in time for the 2011 – 2012 school year, Kleenex brand facial tissues is committing $500,000 to help schools across America keep field trips as a part of the educational curriculum.  This is a big deal as schools are fighting budget cuts and this is one area that is affected.  



This is how you can help by entering the 
Kleenex brand Back to School sweepstakes to help your school win a share of the cash to help fund school field trips:



  • Visit www.Facebook.com/Kleenex
  • Click on the “Field Trips” tab at the top of the page
  • Vote for your favorite participating school -or- 
  •  Register the school of your choice by clicking the “Add a School” box and filling out the digital registration form 
  • The top 100 U.S. schools that finish with the most votes on the Kleenex brand Facebook page will receive a $5,000 award from the Kleenex brand. 
  • Voting ends on September 14 
  • Visit Facebook.com/Kleenex for complete entry requirements and to learn how you and your friends and family can help win field trips for your child’s school.


Overall, I love the packs and the convenience with being able to take in my purse, my pocket, in the car or the backpack.  The stylish designs make it also look nicer than a regular plain package.  Kudos to Kleenex!

*Disclosure:  I received complimentary samples of product for the purposes of this review as a member of MomBloggersClub.com.

Mamavation Monday!

Mamavation

I've just been down and out this month with my eight year old's run in the Pepsi Refresh project.  I've had little time to do anything but network to get her votes.  I try to exercise when I can.  Today, I rode for 30 minutes on my recumbent bike and then jogged in the pool for 30 minutes but I've been four days without exercise and picked up five pounds this month.  Once this dreadful popularity contest is over, I can get down to business in between my first time at home schooling but I'm incorporating exercise into the lesson plan so they will encourage me and I'll keep them healthy.

My food has been horrible with many Heath bars, Rockstar Energy drinks and lots of Excedrins.  I'm the poster child for unhealthy this month.  I did eat some salads though ..smirk.  Overall, when this is over, I need to take the time to reflect on what went wrong and ensure it won't happen again.  I know all the things I did to get that temporary energy boost were counter productive as it was a short term fix with a big draw down.

I have learned a lot and know that I must change the mind to be successful and cut out the excuses otherwise, tomorrow will always be tomorrow and I'll be missing out on all the pictures I don't want to take because I'm unhappy with myself.   At least it was therapeutic to write this and it gave me a moment to get back to reality!


MAMAVATION TV: Join us Monday night at 7pm PST/10pm EST on Mingle Media TV