Mamavation Week 12

I've been MIA for a couple of weeks partly out of disappointment for myself with failing yet again and partly due to being busy with trying to prepare a rather large house to sell, small children, losing a job and having someone close to me give me a lot of grief and stress even from a distance.  I'm an emotional eater and I try to overcome it but continue to fail.  I try to find new tricks to trick my mind but I fail.  I'm trying really hard to get into the spirit as I know this is ultimately about my health and longevity.  I do want to be around for many years to come and I don't know why I can't get the mind and the stomach to connect in how important it is to stop this dangerous path of eating poorly.  I just ate my second piece of birthday cake (my daughter turned 3 today) and I know it's bad.  I did ride my bike for 40 minutes in between both pieces of cake .. lol!


One of these days ... one of these days ...one of these days!  It will happen and until then, I have to find the cure for emotional/stress eating!


I hope the other Mamas had a better week then me!

A Message From Our Sponsor

This week's Mamavation Monday blog carnival sponsor is:



Everyone needs some pampering!  Lingerie.com supports all shapes and isn't that great?  They also have great articles with tips and suggestions on making yourself look your best.

Sign up to get on the mailing list for news and specials here.

Pink Power Moms: Honoring Moms & Their Inspirational Fight Against Breast Cancer & Prize Pack Giveaway 6/30 Last Call

Bright Starts™ wants to help these women and support their cause. We invite you to Become a Fan of Bright Starts™ on Facebook and Be a Giver. Through the month of June, Bright Starts™ will donate $1 for every new fan that joins us during the campaign to benefit Pink Power Mom charities. These moms will appreciate your help and support.

 

Want to win either a Pretty in Pink Baby's Place Place Deluxe Edition ($79 value) or the Pretty in Pink Bounce-a-about ($59 value)?  

Have a Pink Power Mom in your life?  One that courageously fought breast cancer?   Recognize that special woman by leaving a comment about that Pink Power Mom and the winning comment will be able to choose one of the Bright Starts prizes above.

If the winner from my blog wins the national level, you get a prize package valued at around $1500 plus a trip to Atlanta for the Pink Power Mom Award Ceremony.  Items to include a $500 American Express Card, Pink Power Mom Fleece Sweatshirt and Pretty in Pink Collection products.

Winner will be chosen in October but entries to this blog entry must be completed by June 30, 2010 by midnight (EST) and you must submit your nomination here to qualify for the national competition in addition to posting the comment here.

Link Up Your Giveaways!

Don't forget to link up your giveaways here!

Friday Follow!

A new Friday Follow!  Hop on board and meet new people!

If you are looking for my giveaways or link up your giveaways, scroll down to the next post or click here.

Walls Need Love Decals & More Review

We have to sell our house for our next PCS (military lingo) move that can occur as soon as we sell our house.  Hubby is in Kuwait for a year but when he returns,  we have to be ready to move to our next location.  I've been busy trying to improve without spending a ton of money.  The use of decals is most interesting and I've tried them before but I found a company that makes them that are so much easier to apply.  


From the Walls Need Love easy to follow instructions, you just peel off, use the tool to even it out and remove air bubbles and that's it!  I love the sticker appeal to them as the one's you scratch and hope that they all will stay are a pain at least to me.


Here is the outcome and I still have another room to do with a daisy theme:

Here is a before and after shot:

EatSmart™ Precision Digital Bathroom Scale w/ Extra Large Backlit 3.5" Display and "Step-On" Technology Review & Giveaway Coming Soon!

 

Want to read why the EatSmart™ Precision Digital Bathroom Scale w/ Extra Large Backlit 3.5" Display and "Step-On" Technology received so many good reviews from over 1500 people?  Check it out here on Amazon or you can read my upcoming review and giveaway coming soon!

Babushka's Beauty Secrets Book Review & Giveaway 7/10 - CLOSED WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO....

VALERIE, LOUIS & JAKIESMOM!

e-mails were just sent and each have 48 hours to respond before new winner(s) are chosen via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

I've realizing that natural is the way to go on so many fronts and on my journey to get healthier and ensure I live a long life, I'm encountering new information.  I have to say that blogging has opened the door to learn about numerous products, gain insightful information and realize what is important.  One thing I was lucky to experience was a complimentary copy of Babushka's Beauty Secrets:  Old World Tips for a Glamorous New You by Raisa Ruder and Susan Campos.  

This handy sized book is inexpensive and comes with a wealth of information on tips and tricks to staying healthier and looking younger without all the high costs of cosmetics and other beauty products.  The book is very basic in that it's black and white with matching drawings so for me, it had that old world appeal.   I loved how the authors described Babushka and all her methods for creating the different recipes.  It was like she was my Babushka too or at the very least, a very cool one to have!


I was so excited to try out the different recipes for beauty that I couldn't decide which one's to try so I had to keep writing them down and I settled first on the grapes.  I haven't tried it long enough to fully know if it works but all the basis behind each recipe was logical to me and I couldn't help but think it would work.  What else would I have to lose anyway?   One of the basic lessons also learned is utilize everything!  My grandmother was the same way and I suspect anyone from that generation as they had to ration everything and it's a lost art today.


Need a solution for cracked lips, crow's feet, hair coloring enhancement, ingrown hairs and so much more?  It's in this powerhouse book!  If you haven't figured it out, I love it!


I would highly recommend the book for both young and old as even if you are in your teens, it's not too early to protect your skin and keep it's youthful appearance.


The Giveaway:


There lucky US or Canadian winners will win their own copy of this fabulous, entertaining and great book!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment!


Bonus Entries:

• Visit Hachette Book Group and tell me what other book you like (two entries)
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter
• Fan me on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 7/10 at midnight.  Winners will be chosen by random.org. 

Open to US and Canada only please!

Good Huggies Deal at Target: As Low as $4.74 Each

Target has a great deal on Huggies baby wipes and diapers!

Buy one box Huggies Wipes – 320 ct at $8.99

Buy one jumbo pack of Huggies diapers (either Little Movers or Little Snugglers) at $8.99

Your total will be  $17.98

Use $3 diaper printable

Use $2 wipes printable

Use $3.50 Target wipes and diaper printable 

      = $4.74 each!

Thanks, Saving Addiction and Frugal Coupon Living.

Don't forget to enter my Huggies five pack diaper giveaway here.

Random Thought: You Know You're a Huggies' Mom When...

As you try to save money and look at the most recent Publix savings, you pass right by the Pampers savings offers.

Or you see offers for free Pampers and you don't flinch but when there is a $3 off coupon for Huggies, you charge right over to the site to print.

Or you see CVS has a special on Huggies and Walmart has Pampers a couple of dollars cheaper but you take the longer drive to CVS to buy the Huggies.

Wonder if we will get pink Huggies Little Movers Jeans diapers next?  I have a grand daughter on the way that would look adorable in them!

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for diapers for a year here and my giveaway for FIVE packs of Huggies here 6/29!

Pirate Brands Smart Puffs Oven Baked Gluten Free Puffs Are Amazing

 

This is not a review post based on a product trial offer rather it's just one I wanted to share with others as we love it!  It's oven baked and all natural!  No preservatives, gluten and trans fat free!  We've been on a slow path towards eating healthier and my girls love Cheetos but after reading some of the healthy books such as Vintage Remedies, it's been opening my eyes to preservatives and additives.


Here is the book if interested as my giveaway for Vintage Remedies already ended.  It's an excellent resource for those wanting to get back to a natural way to eat.

My daughters and I embarked on a mission to Earth Fare and they had samples out of the Smart Puffs and much to my surprise, the girls loved them and so do I!  We ran out and tried to buy another brand but it left a weird after taste.  The Smart Puffs are addicting as the real Wisconsin cheddar is amazingly good.

They are part of the Pirate Brands of food and to date, we've tried the Smart Puffs and the Pirate's Booty Aged White Cheddar.

The first ingredient is corn meal ... no processed, refined flour  .. just corn meal and I can actually pronounce every ingredient on the label which doesn't contain much.

The Pirate Story:

The Pirate Brands story began in 1987 in Sea Cliff, NY with our founder, Robert. Robert, a snack industry renegade and father of two, scoured the high-seas for a tasty treasure that would inspire people to live a little healthier and have fun while doing it. That's when Robert discovered the cheesy rice and corn puffs we know today as, Pirate's Booty.

Thanks to Robert and his tasty treasure, no longer do you have to eat "cheese" puffs dusted with neon orange powder with incomprehensible ingredients. When you buy Pirate Brands products, you are getting wholesome goodness without the guilt.

Check them out here and on Facebook.

Kids of Blogmania 1st Annual Photo Contest

  

HOW DO YOU ENTER?

Add a direct** link to your photo in the link up below.

Enter just your child's first name, age in the correct box.

PLUS*

SEND $1 to blogmaniapr@gmail via PAYPAL with this statement copy, pasted and personalized in the notes section*:

I, your name, give Blogmania permission to use this photo of (child's name and age). I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the rules of the photo contest, that I am this child's parent or legal guardian, and that I have permission to use the photograph I submitted for this purpose.

*This part is very important as it is how we will be verifying your eligibility - by sending the fee electronically with the proper notes are acknowledging you have read and agreed to the rules of this contest. Any photo links without an immediate corresponding deposit via PayPal will be deleted and not eligible to win. NO EXCEPTIONS.

THE DETAILS...

Subject must be dressed and you may enter as many photos as you'd like - each photo will be judged individually - no one finalist will be chosen based on the sum of multiple entries.

Each entry must be accompanied by a separate $1 submission toblogmaniapr@gmail via PayPal with a note on each deposit!

This is because the photos are being judged individually.

As we will be using your actual submission photo on our fan page and website, etc. - you must have taken it yourself or have the photographer's permission to use it for this contest. Feel free to include photographer credits in the body of your deposit and we will share those online if your photo wins.

This photo contest is for photos of children 13 and under. If you or your children are 14-25 - please enter our FRESH FACE of BLOGMANIAmodel search.

{By entering and agreeing to the rules of this contest you are allowing Blogmania to use your photo in any and all advertisements related to Blogmania 2010-11. Photos shown on any Blogmania venuebefore the winner is revealed is for advertising purpose and in no way reflects the standing count of the votes. The person who accepts the prizes is responsible for any tax responsibilities for prizes won.}

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED by JULY 2, 2010 11:59 PM EST

Any entries received after this time will be deleted from contest.

*Links that are not direct links to entry photo will be deleted.

{no exceptions - direct links to blog post of photo only, flickr, phtobucket, etc. ONLY}

*There are no refunds of the $1 verification fee.

ENTER HERE NOW...

Fresh Face of Blogmania 2010-2011 Model SearchBlogmania has lots of GREAT sponsors and prizes geared toward families, home, and babies. It's what we're known for - introducing adults to high quality shops and products via our blogs. BUT did you ALSO know that we have MANY GREAT SHOPS AND PRIZES that anyone under the age of 25 would be interested in shopping at and thrilled to win?!?? Well, it's time we got the word out - and we want your help! BLOGMANIA is holding it's first ever MODEL SEARCH - we are looking for someone to be the FRESH FACE of BLOGMANIA 2010 - and it could be you! HOW DO YOU ENTER? Email a photo of yourself to blogmaniapr@gmail.com with JUST your full name in the subject line, and your age, state or province, and country in the body. PLUS*, SEND $1 to blogmaniapr@gmail via PAYPAL with if you are 18 to 25: your full name and self written in notes. (IE: Jane Smith, self) if you are under 18: your full name and minor, the PARENT or GUARDIAN giving you permission to enter's full name and their relation to you written in the notes. (IE: Jane Smith, minor Julie Smith, mother) *This part is very important as it is how we will be verifying your eligibility - by sending the fee electronically with the proper notes you (and your parent/guardian) are acknowledging they have read and agreed to the rules of this contest. Any photos without a corresponding deposit via PayPal will be deleted and not eligible to win. NO EXCEPTIONS. THE DETAILS... Subject must be dressed PG. You may enter as many photos as you'd like - each photo will be judged individually - no one finalist will be chosen based on the sum of multiple entries. Each entry must be accompanied by a separate $1 submission to blogmaniapr@gmail via PayPal and if you are sending more than one please number both your submission email AND PayPal submission. IE: Jane Smith #1 , Jane Smith #2 and so on. This is because we are judging the photos and need to be able to verify that entrant has agreed to the rules and guidelines for each entry. As we will be using your actual submission photo on our fan page and website, etc. - you must have taken it yourself or have the photographer's permission to use it for this contest. Feel free to include photographer credits in the body of your email and we will share those online. Photos will be judged individually and initially by a select group of Blogmania team members and sponsors to narrow the entries down to the 10 finalists. Photos will be judged on (including, but not limited too) subject, originality, and creativeness. Buzz words to keep in mind... fun, fresh, over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs this September, web EVENT of the year. {By entering and agreeing to the rules of this contest you are allowing Blogmania to use your photo in any and all advertisements related to Blogmania 2010-11. Photos shown on any Blogmania venue before the 10 finalists are revealed, does not mean that they have been chosen as a finalist and are not guaranteed a spot in the finals. The 10 finalists will be announced on this blog on August 1, 2010 and voting will then be open to the public to determine the top 5 finalists. All top 5 finalists will be awarded prizes by our sponsors and will be included in a second round of public voting to determine the winner. Winner will hold the title of the FRESH FACE of BLOGMANIA from September 1, 2010 - September 1, 2011. Winner will also receive additional cash, product and GC prizes from a variety of contest sponsors. Winner is responsible for any tax responsibilities for prizes won.} ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED by JULY 15, 2010 11:59 PM EST

Blogmania has lots of GREAT sponsors and prizes geared toward families, home, and babies. It's what we're known for - introducing adults to high quality shops and products via our blogs.BUT did you ALSO know that we have MANY GREAT SHOPS AND PRIZES that anyone under the age of 25 would be interested in shopping at and thrilled to win?!?? Well, it's time we got the word out - and we wantyour help!

BLOGMANIA is holding it's first ever MODEL SEARCH - we are looking for someone to be the FRESH FACE of BLOGMANIA 2010 - and it could be you!

HOW DO YOU ENTER?

Email a photo of yourself to blogmaniapr@gmail.com with JUST your full name in the subject line, and your age, state or province, and country in the body. 

PLUS*, SEND $1 to blogmaniapr@gmail via PAYPAL with if you are 18 to 25:

your full name and self written in notes. (IE: Jane Smith, self)

If you are under 18:

your full name and minor, the PARENT or GUARDIAN giving you permission to enter's full name and their relation to you written in the notes. (IE: Jane Smith, minor Julie Smith, mother)

*This part is very important as it is how we will be verifying your eligibility - by sending the fee electronically with the proper notes you (and your parent/guardian) are acknowledging they have read and agreed to the rules of this contest. Any photos without a corresponding deposit via PayPal will be deleted and not eligible to win. NO EXCEPTIONS.

THE DETAILS...

Subject must be dressed PG.

You may enter as many photos as you'd like - each photo will be judged individually - no one finalist will be chosen based on the sum of multiple entries. 

Each entry must be accompanied by a separate $1 submission toblogmaniapr@gmail via PayPal and if you are sending more than one please number both your submission email AND PayPal submission.

IE: Jane Smith #1 , Jane Smith #2 and so on.

This is because we are judging the photos and need to be able to verify that entrant has agreed to the rules and guidelines for each entry.

As we will be using your actual submission photo on our fan page and website, etc. - you must have taken it yourself or have the photographer's permission to use it for this contest. Feel free to include photographer credits in the body of your email and we will share those online.

Photos will be judged individually and initially by a select group of Blogmania team members and sponsors to narrow the entries down to the 10 finalists. Photos will be judged on (including, but not limited too) subject, originality, and creativeness. Buzz words to keep in mind... fun, fresh, over $20,000 in prizes up for grabs this September, web EVENT of the year.

{By entering and agreeing to the rules of this contest you are allowing Blogmania to use your photo in any and all advertisements related to Blogmania 2010-11. Photos shown on any Blogmania venuebefore the 10 finalists are revealed, does not mean that they have been chosen as a finalist and are not guaranteed a spot in the finals. The 10 finalists will be announced on this blog on August 1, 2010 and voting will then be open to the public to determine the top 5 finalists. All top 5 finalists will be awarded prizes by our sponsors and will be included in a second round of public voting to determine the winner. Winner will hold the title of the FRESH FACE of BLOGMANIA from September 1, 2010 - September 1, 2011. Winner will also receive additional cash, product and GC prizes from a variety of contest sponsors. Winner is responsible for any tax responsibilities for prizes won.}

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED by JULY 15, 2010

11:59 PM EST 

Blogmania Spotlight: Always B Designs & Summer Sale

Custom stationery and gifts are always a favorite of mine and my Blogmania 2010 sponsor, Always B Designs has a wonderful selection of great gifts.  From clipboards to jewelry to stationery to scrapbooks and even services for logo design, writing/editing and parties, Always B Designs has a lot to offer.

Clipboards:

• They offer both 6x9 (Small - click on clipboard on left) and 9x12 (Large - click on clipboard on right). 
• If you don't see something you like, contact them and they can custom-design one for you.  You can even add a name!

Jewelry:

• Always B Designs offer Domino, Scrabble Tile, and Bottle Cap Jewelry.  They come ready to wear and can add a little sass to your day. 
• If you want a custom made one, feel free to contact them!

Stationery:

• Always B designs offers custom stationery, including note cards, business cards, and invitations! 
• There is no limit to what you can create with them.  However, due to the custom nature of these products, there is no online ordering option with them yet. 
• In each category you will find samples of the types of things they have created in the past.  

Scrapbooks:

• Scrapbooks are a fun and creative way to capture your favorite memories.  They offer custom-made, pre-made, and digital scrapbooks. 
• Custom-made scrapbooks can be tailored to your occasion, theme, colors, and style.  These are quoted based on individual jobs.
• Pre-made scrapbooks come completed and ready for pictures.  All you do is add your pictures.  Themes include Our Baby From A-Z, Our Wedding From A-Z, Baby's Firsts, Wedding Moments, School Days, and more.  These start at $75.
• Digital scrapbooks are scrapbooks made using their digital software.  They allow you to manipulate the design and use digital pictures.  They are not as bulky as non-digital scrapbooks.  Fees are $25/hr.  Paper is provided free of charge, but albums must be purchased seperately.

Right now, Always B Designs is offering a Don't Sweat the Shipping and you can get free shipping on any order with code SummerShip.

Visit Always B Designs at their store site or on Twitter, Facebook or their blog.

Thanks to Always B Designs for sponsoring my blog for Blogmania!