Embracing a Healthy Family

$50 PayPal Flash Gift - 1/2/15 - 1/4/15


Christmas is over and it's the new year so are you ready to try to win some New Year's CASH to help you on your way to your new year's resolution if you made one?  If not, why not try to win and buy yourself a gift!  For THREE Days ONLY we are offering this Flash Giveaway! One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!! This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now! 

We are making it easy peasy to enter! 

Just use the form below. Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Jan. 4, 2015! 

Tell your friends so they can enter, too! Good Luck! Enter GT Code HERE 

Disclosure: This giveaway is organized by Giveaway Booster.com. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Must be 18+ to enter. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.  My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

If you have any questions about this giveaway please email Tina at branchpropromotions@gmail.com.



Purple and Gold Flower Wedding Invitation Set at Zazzle

Affiliate link included


I'm helping a friend plan her wedding and so far, we have come up with a purple and gold flowery wedding theme but not sure I'm really loving it.  We have put together non-traditional invitations, matching envelopes, postage stamps, RSVP cards as well as round stickers, wine labels and a "forever" box.  I definitely love the purple since it's also used for epilepsy awareness but just not too sure about the layout.  


I think purple and gold would definitely works and it does look elegant.  Any thoughts?


Oreo Thins





New Year's™s Rituals Around the World



Around the world family, friends and loved ones come together on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to celebrate bringing in the new while remembering the old.  Time really flies by doesn't it? In the United States, we gather on New New Year's Eve to a ringing out the old and ring in the new by raising our glasses at midnight while sharing hugs and kisses.  Time Square is the big deal here in the US.

The term, ringing out the old and ring in the new comes from the United Kingdom where, at the approach of midnight, the head of the household would open the front door and hold it open until the twelfth chime from Big Ben has rung in the New Year then he would close the door;  The song, Auld Lang Syne comes from Scotland, where it is sung at the beginning of their New Year's Eve hogmanay festival, a festival where men parade throughout the streets swinging great balls of fire over their heads).

Other cultures around the world use clothing, food and effigies to celebrate the New Year. For example, in the Philippines people wear polka dot clothing believing it will bring luck for the New Year. In Italy people wear bright colored underwear-red for passion and love and yellow for wealth and happiness. In Mexico, some people wear white clothing believing it to ward off illness and bring good health for the New Year. In Ecuador, they burn effigies at midnight of people who have brought them harm in the past year, while in Panama they burn effigies of popular celebrities or politicians.

People of many other countries celebrate the New Year by eating food.

Spain-In an effort to use their surplus of grapes and get more customers, several Spanish wine farmers in 1865 began a tradition of having their customers eat 12 grapes at midnight. They chose 12 grapes to represent each of the 12 months of the year. At the stroke of midnight, and for each of the 11 chimes of the clock thereafter, Spaniards eat one grape. It is believed if you consume all 12 grapes your dreams will come true. It's actually funny to watch everyone stuffing grapes into their mouths in an effort to get them all down with each chime of the clock.

Netherlands-The Dutch believe eating donuts (called Oliebollens) on New Year's Day brings luck since the shape of the continuous round sharp of the donut symbolizes the continuous passage of time from the end of one year to the beginning of the next.

Argentina-People eat beans before midnight because they believe it will bring them good luck in their careers in the year ahead.

Cuba-Since the US has announced that you can soon travel to Cuba, if you are there on New Year's Day you most likely will eat pork. The Cubans believe because pigs never move backwards, eating pork will help them move forward into and through the New Year.

Asian Countries-Most Asian people cook unbroken long noodles and eat them on New Year's Day believing the Long Noodles will give them longevity in life, but only if they eat them whole.

And in other countries such as Canada they celebrate New Year's Day with their traditional Polar Bear swim. With all due respect to the Canadians, I just as soon celebrate New Year's Day drinking a warm mug of Sippity® hot cocoa by my fireplace.

Countdown Recipe



Recipe Ingredients
1 Envelope Sippity® chocolate flavored hot cocoa mix
1.0 Ounces Whiskey

Preparation Instructions
Heat 6 ounces water in microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds.
Stir in 2/3 of 1 envelope of Sippity® chocolate flavored hot cocoa mix until smooth.
Add 1.0 Ounces of your favorite whiskey.
At 10 seconds to midnight on New Year's Eve begin the count down: 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! (Drop the whiskey shot glass into the glass of hot cocoa mix), 2! 1! 0 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!



Written by Bob Jenkins, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Beverages.

Bob has had the privilege of working for some of America’s largest and well run public and private companies, including Philip Morris, Canada Dry, Dr Pepper, Cadbury Schweppes, Snapple Beverage Corporation, Tasker Capital Corp. and The Water Club and River Cafe, two of New York's finest fine dining restaurants. He has worked in various capacities as Finance Manager, Controller, Director of Finance, Vice President Finance & Administration, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Bob holds a Masters of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Arizona.

Southwest Beverages® is a manufacturer and marketer of two brands of premium quality dry mix beverages: Sippity® hot cocoa mix and Kemosabe® gourmet flavored coffee. All Southwest Beverages® products are uniquely blended flavors that contain all the ingredients necessary for you to enjoy the ultimate hot beverage experience. Simply add water and stir-then sip, savor and enjoy.

For more information, please visit www.southwestbeverages.com.

SleeKeys keyboard for iPad Air or Air2 Giveaway - 1/20/15 - US

* No form of compensation took place. This is for an iPad Air.





Anyone that has a tablet knows that typing on them is a bit of an adjustment as it's not like a keyboard obviously.  For those with bigger fingers or a medical condition, it can be harder to type as well.  A new type of keyboard called the SleeKeys keyboard for iPad Air and Air2 is a possible solution for many.  Not only is it thin and lightweight but you just flip the keyboard to use!  




Some other features:
  • A durable, stylish protective case
  • No batteries or wires
  • A Qwerty keyboard set up
  • Available in black, red or red
  • Multiple stand positions
  • Travel friendly


The keyboards available will work with the iPad Air or Air2 and remember, no batteries or wires making it easy to take on the go. The patent-pending typing solution of having an integrated physical keyboard is a novel idea eliminating losing parts or having to lug around more.  It all fits into the normal case that you are use to.

It will work with all major carriers and it will not scratch your iPad Air screen.  The cover will not hinder the ability to charge the device either and it's priced at only $59.95!

You can enter for a chance to win either a keyboard for your iPad Air or Air3 for yourself but if you don't want to wait, head over to SleekTech to buy one now!

Read more about SleeKeys at SleekTech USA:

http://www.sleektechusa.com/

Purchase at Amazon:

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Dermwand Deluxe System Retail Kit Review

Affiliate Link
 
I decided to tryout the Dermawand Deluxe Skin Quench Retail Kit with 2 Derma Vital Skincare Products - Derma Wand For Wrinkles | Puffy Eyes | Saggy Skin | Non-Surgical Face Lift | High Frequency Machine since I've seen it sooo many times on infomercials.  I was skeptical as most are as it seems the "as seen on TV" products don't usually work but I gave it a try.  It reminded me of the NuFACE Classic Facial Toning Device, White that I already have but this seems to be more precise in where I want the attention given.

The DermaWand alleges to 'stimulate and rejuvenate by sending out a gentle stream of low level micro-current impulses up to 168,000 cycles per second, imitating hundreds of tiny fingers that massage your skin - and massage helps improve circulation bringing oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin's surface. The gentle micro current also has a thermal effect on the skin's surface, helping the skin look more toned and tight, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus DermaWand oxygenates by giving off enriched oxygen that cleanses and purifies, helping breathe new life into your skin's surface.'

So after about a week's use, this is the after picture (bottom):


The eyes don't look like they are hooding as much and as I read with other reviews, you do have to use daily to maintain the work.  I'll post again!



Jabra Headphones from Best Buy will Greatly Help in Your New Years Resolution

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.



Alright Christmas is over and it's time to start thinking of the new year and a new you.  Whether it's accomplishing goals such as a new job, going back to school or losing weight among many other things to check off next year, it's time to start planning.  I always, like many others, say to myself THIS will be the year that I will get healthier because after all this time, I finally realized it's not about losing weight as it is more about getting healthy.  I have my own little gym in the basement so I have no excuses ... well, I do have one.  I am inspired and motivated when I can listen to music.  I can't always use the speakers as my girls are watching TV or playing on their gaming system.  I am unable to count the many times that I get horrible reception, have my ear buds pull out or have them fall out due to being sweaty after running on my treadmill.  It's really the worse and those that exercise and love music know what I'm talking about.  I got really excited when I saw this project for Jabra Sport Wireless Headphones as it is the answer I've been looking for!



I haven't purchased them yet but I will!  The Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless has many great features such  as:

  • An all-in-one training power house that not only provides an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor but with immersive Dolby® Digital sound and real-time voice coaching!  That is so cool!  It's really the answer to what I've been wanting and more.  
  • It also has the U.S. Military grade durability certification that should entice fitness buffs at all levels.  
  • It has a built-in intelligent app called the Jabra Sport Life that will allow the user to get the most out of their Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds.  The app helps to plan, track and evaluate each workout so you can see real time results that will keep you on track and on your toes.  I've never been good with monitoring my heart rate or tracking my performance but with this, it seems so easy.  
  • I also love that it's compatible with smartphones with BT capabilities.  It's truly the fitness item to purchase with that extra Christmas money!


Whether it's working out at home, in a gym or outside, the Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is the sure fire way to help you achieve your goals in my opinion and I cannot wait to get mine!  What keeps you from working out?

@BestBuy #JabraHeadphonesBBY

$20 Walmart or Target Gift Card Giveaway

Love receiving responses from winners:

Hi Judy, thanks so much for the giveaway! I think I am going to go with Amazon and an Ecard would be great. Thanks again, I really appreciate it! Michelle


NOTE:  THIS IS STILL HAPPENING AND YOUR ENTRIES WILL NOT BE COUNTED IF DONE WRONG!

DO NOT MAKE THE ENTRY BLOG COMMENT ON THIS POST!

THE ENTRY DIRECTIONS STATE ON THE LINK!

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Great Holiday Gift Ideas from Best Buy will Leave them Happy Year Round

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.


It's not too late to finish the Christmas shopping and sadly, I can admit I'm not done yet even though I normally am.  I've been busy making two Christmas dresses for my daughters so in between, I'm watching and shopping.  One of the places I first stop shopping is via e-mail watching for the great sales such as the ones I receive from Best Buy as with expert service and unbeatable price these top gifts are on my list this Holiday and here's why they should be on yours:

Xbox One is the place for games ... just as my girls!  They love their Xbox and I know the Xbox One is high on their list!  In case you are wondering, what is the Xbox One?  

The Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers so that probably has a lot of people perking up their ears.  As gamers, we know that gaming products have to be the best because they know gamers demand more! With the best exclusive titles  such as Halo and Sunset Overdrive which my son-in-law loves and the biggest blockbusters like as Assassin’s Creed, which is under the tree for same son-in-law as well as Call of Duty, he's going to have some fun after he opens his presents!  They also have the hottest sports franchises  such as Madden 15, FIFA 15 and NBA 2K15 as well as top family titles like Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15 and Skylanders.  Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level and I doubt you will be sorry when playing these fun games.In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device as it enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through some of your favorite apps.  No more switching the remote over to different inputs as with the Xbox One, all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

Another great gift idea is JBL and you might be asking what is a JBL?  The JBL gives superior sound and easy portability.  When I listen to music, I want clear, vibrant sounds and not a muffled or fuzzy sound.  The JBL is the best choice that I can see and they have the following options:
The JBL Charge 2 has twin passive radiators for deep bass and the massive 6000mAh battery as well as the hands-free conference speakerphone  provides the main benefit of Bluetooth Social Mode.  This allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker which is a very nice must have if you have a lot of music lovers in your house!

The JBL Flip 2, aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port has the key benefit of SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.  What a great feature!

The JBL Reflect Earbud headphones are sweat proof ergonomically designed and anyone who exercises and listens to music knows this is a HUGE pro!  With a five hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables thus allowing you to have the ultimate run without worrying about sweaty, slipping out buds.


Finally, for those who get lost a lot or travel, no road trip is complete without the Garmin and TomTom!  I need a better GPS system as mine is just horrible.  It tells me when to turn right as I'm supposed to turn, it has no lane assist and to find an address is like asking for a miracle.
The Garmin and TomTom features bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  When you drive, nothing is worse than trying to fumble around and trying to find your phone.  Other great features include lane assist, lifetime traffic and map updates.  Being able to see forthcoming traffic is a time saver and not to mention having updated maps giving the never ending road construction always changing routes.  For the techy lovers, it also has Voice Recognition Technology.   Here are some other great features of the Garmin 52LM:
  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions
Garmin 2597LMT:
  • 5.0” display
  • Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates
  • Lane assist with junction view
  • Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
  • Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
  • Spoken turn-by-turn directions

 TomTom Go 50s
  • Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
  • Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
  • 3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
  • 5" touchscreen with advanced lane guidance


This holiday season, Best Buy really does have the best gifts for everyone on your list!  


@BestBuy #HintingSeason@Xbox, @TomTomUSA @Garmin #TomTomGo 

doTERRA Essential Oils Lavender Headache Pad Gift Idea


I just posted the other day how I discovered DoTERRA Essential Oils and now I'm having fun with creating different things.  Since I signed up (my link above), I've been playing around with the different oils trying to see what is helping me and what isn't.  In the meantime, I decided to make a gift for someone who travels a lot and has two Shar Peis. First I purchased an embroidery file on Etsy and then I just took scrap material I already had and cut out two rectangle shapes.  I finished the edges with a zig zag with the fur material to keep it from shedding and on the pouch with my oatmeal and DoTERRA Lavender Essential Oils, I placed a decorative stitch on the edge.

To make the oatmeal mix, add desired drops to oatmeal and allow about a week to dry.  The packs can be used in the microwave or kept in the freezer if you want hot or cold.  The cover will allow her to wash it without having to throw it all away. 



Have you created anything with your essential oils?

To learn more, just click here for doTERRA.





About Essential Oils:

f you have ever enjoyed the scent of a rose, you’ve experienced the aromatic qualities of essential oils. These naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compounds are found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants and play a role in plant pollination. In addition to their intrinsic benefits to plants and being beautifully fragrant to people, essential oils have long been used for food preparation, beauty treatment, and health care practices


Essential oils have been used throughout recorded history for a wide variety of wellness applications. The Egyptians were some of the first people to use aromatic essential oils extensively in medical practice, beauty treatment, food preparation, and in religious ceremony. Frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh and cinnamon were considered very valuable cargo along caravan trade routes and were sometimes exchanged for gold.

Borrowing from the Egyptians, the Greeks used essential oils in their practices of therapeutic massage and aromatherapy. The Romans also used aromatic oils to promote health and personal hygiene. Influenced by the Greeks and Romans, as well as Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic use of aromatic herbs, the Persians began to refine distillation methods for extracting essential oils from aromatic plants. Essential oil extracts were used throughout the dark ages in Europe for their anti-bacterial and fragrant properties.

In modern times, the powerful healing properties of essential oils were rediscovered in 1937 by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, who healed a badly burnt hand with pure lavender oil. A French contemporary, Dr. Jean Valnet, used therapeutic-grade essential oils to successfully treat injured soldiers during World War II. Dr. Valnet went on to become a world leader in the development of aromatherapy practices. The modern use of essential oils has continued to grow rapidly as health scientists and medical practitioners continue to research and validate the numerous health and wellness benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oil.

Essential oils are used for a very wide range of emotional and physical wellness applications. They can be used a single oil at a time or in complex blends depending on user experience and desired benefit. Essential oils are usually administered by one of three methods: diffused aromatically, applied topically, or taken internally as dietary supplements.

Aromatic Uses

Our sense of smell influences many physiological pathways including the stimulation of hormones and other metabolic processes. Aromatherapy is founded on the body's predictable response to specific olfactory stimuli. Essential oils are widely used in aromatherapy applications. Certain essential oils, when diffused in the air, can be very stimulating while others can be calming and soothing. Beyond emotional benefits, diffusing essential oils can purify air of unwanted odors and some airborne pathogens. Low or no-heat essential oil diffusers are recommended as they do not change the chemical structure of the oil being diffused. Essential oils can also be used as cleansing and purifying additives to laundry and surface cleaners throughout the home.

Topical Uses

Due to their natural molecular composition, essential oils are easily absorbed by the skin and can be safely applied topically. Application of essential oils can have immediate, localized benefit to the target area of application. They have restorative and calming properties and can be used effectively with massage and beauty therapy. They are also natural disinfectants. The chemical structure of essential oils also allows them to be absorbed into the bloodstream via the skin for internal benefit throughout the body.

Internal Uses

Essential oils can also be used as dietary supplements supporting a variety of healthy conditions. Some essential oils have powerful antioxidant properties while others help support healthy inflammatory response in cells. Many essential oils are generally regarded as being safe for dietary use, but some oils should not be taken internally. Do not use any essential oil product internally that does not have the appropriate dietary supplement facts on its label.
Using essential oils can be both profoundly simple and life changing at the same time. Working with someone who has used essential oils before will help first-time users have a more beneficial and enjoyable experience. A large amount of information is readily available for those desiring to increase their knowledge of essential oil applications.
(Be sure to use only pure therapeutic-grade essential oils and follow all label warnings and instructions. Essential oils should not be used in the eyes, inside the ear canal, or in open wounds. If redness or irritation occurs when using essential oils topically, simply apply any vegetable oils such as fractionated coconut oil or olive oil to the affected area. Consult your physician before using essential oils if you are pregnant or under a doctor's care.)
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