Embracing a Healthy Family: September 2010

Baby GoGo: A Fresh Look for a Classic Friend Baby Dolls

 

The Baby GoGo Goes Home Doll Set

Welcome home Baby GoGo!   This adorable 13-inch baby doll comes dressed in soft, cozy pajamas and a hat.  The minky looking blanket can be used to tuck the baby in and it comes with a great little, illustrated story book all about baby coming home from the hospital.  It's a great tool to help transition a new little sibling along the way or just for play time.

Ages 3 and up
MSRP $39.99





The Diaper Bag with diaper is perfect for the Baby GoGo who is on the go!  Children will have their diaper bag just like mommy.  The adorable 100% cotton canvas bag is the perfect size for little ones to carry.  Enclosed is a cotton diaper with Velcro closures just like mommy uses.  The bag is roomy enough to hold more too.

Ages 3 and up
MSRP $24.99




The Moses Bed will give children's Baby GoGo the perfect sleeping place for nap.  Made of 100% cotton material, with straps just the right length for children to easily carry, the Moses bed will travel with child just like mommy or daddy.

Ages 3 and Up
MSRP $29.99




The Baby GoGo Playtime Outfit provides the child the opportunity to change their baby's clothing with bright, adorable playtime outfits. With easy Velcro closures, children will be able to dress Baby GoGo all by themselves.  Includes a shirt, pants, hat and a pair of slip on shoes.

Ages 3 and Up
MSRP $12.99


Click here to see the review and on November 21 through December 5, you will have a chance to win your very own Baby GoGo!




Visit BabyGoGo here, follow on Twitter and fan on Facebook.

Baby GoGo: A Fresh Look for a Classic Friend Review

Baby dolls have been around for many, many years and it's no wonder that they have survived generation after generation as the innate need to nurture begins with role playing as kids.  I don't know one girl that didn't have a baby doll and heard of many boys who grew up with one.  The biggest difference with baby dolls of the past, they were all really geared towards the girls versus the boys who had GI Joes.  Upon receiving a complimentary Baby GoGo with a diaper and diaper bag accessory, I noticed the baby was very gender unspecific thus allowing for a boy or a girl to play with it.

This 13" baby doll also included cute illustrated story books, outfits and accessories in rich, contemporary colors that appeal to children.  The Baby GoGo is a resource for helping a child prepare for his new sibling.  It allows him to provide care to their own little one while watching mom and dad take care of the new baby.

We received the Baby GoGo Goes Home Doll Set adorned in its own soft pajamas, minky blanket, hat, a story book about coming home from the hospital and the diaper with diaper bag.  This is perfect timing as my oldest daughter, who lives at home, is expecting her first child any day now so it will help my three year old understand more about taking care of her "baby."  I think she might have the hardest time adjusting given her age and how close she is to my oldest but I think the Baby GoGo will help her by having her own baby.

  

The Review:

Both my seven year old and three year old loves Baby GoGo and hasn't put her down.  The doll is realistic looking, soft and easy for little three year old hands to care for.  She loves the accessories that allows her to think she's caring for her own little baby.  I like the fact that the doll's intent is to help teach nurturing habits and it can be for a boy or a girl.

The little diaper has velcro closures making it easy for their little hands to get the diaper on and although the clothing is easy to put back on, my three year old needs help.  I think it will give her invaluable exposure in learning how to tend to another "person."  The baby, clothing, diaper and diaper bag are all of high quality and I expect years of playtime out of them.

Purchase Information:

The baby retails for $39.99 and you can choose to accessorize with the diaper/diaper bag, moses bed or playtime outfit.  Recommended age is three years and up.

Click here for more information on purchasing.

You can stay up to date on Baby GoGo by following on Twitter, "liking" on Facebook, signing up for the e-mail newsletter here or checking out their blog.

Stay tuned for a giveaway with 3 Relatives Christmas Cheer starting November 21!

Auntie Barbara's


Day 4 on Dukan Diet: Six Pounds Lost


Okay, day three was MUCHO tougher than days one and two so we'll see what day four has in store for me!  Yesterday's food was growing more boring but that's how high protein diets are for me.  I just keep reminding myself that it's a short sacrifice to make for wonderful results.  I know some argue the healthiness of the diet but to me, it's a temporary eating plan to kick start into a lifelong change of eating.  Being overweight is equally unhealthy so what's wrong with a kick start?

I've lost six pounds since starting on Monday morning and I couldn't be happier!  I'm taking my multi-vitamin daily as well as the oat bran.

Looks like this morning will start out with:

  • Two eggs
  • Fat free cheese
  • Sausage
Lunch:
  • Turkey breast
  • Cottage Cheese
Dinner: TBD


Thursday's Friends and Giveaways



Welcome to "Thursday's Friends & Giveaways Cafe" hosted by Deb ofMenopausal New Mom and myself.  We love new friends so be sure to follow both of us and our guest host (and we follow back!)






Here is your link for giveaways 

Add your giveaway valued at $25 or more!


Photobucket


Build-A-Bear Star Wars and Hello Kitty Collection

We love Star Wars .. all of us do right down to myself and my husband.  My kids also love Build-A-Bear but then again, so do I!  Since Build-A-Bear expanded with so many characters, it makes it hard to choose.  Some of our favorites include the Han Solo Star Wars Bear:



Han Solo Star Wars Bear

This one is another favorite, the Darth Vader Pawsome Panda:


Darth Vader Pawsome Panda

Have you checked out Build-A-Bear in awhile?  They have great Christmas gift ideas!

Slumber Party Hello Kitty® by Sanrio®

Santa Claus Curly Teddy w/Build-A-Sound

Day 3 on the Dukan Diet: Four Pounds Lost



Woke up and weighed in and I have lost four pounds on the morning of day three and I can't be happier!  The diet is easy to follow and isn't bad.  It's very similar to Atkins with the exception of eating as much cheese as you want except it's fat free or low fat so it doesn't taste as good in my opinion.  You are also limited to the number of eggs with yolk but can have as much egg whites as you want.  Another big difference aside from the oat bran is I can drink my Quick Boost and not suffer from it.  Water day in and day out is too much for me so this is a plus as I can sip it through the day when I need that little something else.


Another difference is on the Atkins, it usually takes me until day seven to lose anything so four pounds in two days is exceptional.


One of my readers posted that he/she has lost 40 pounds since July on this diet and provided this link for more information.


I'm still trying to decide how many days I want to stay on the Attack Phase.  I can go from three to five and then I move to the Cruise Phase which is alternating the Attack (no veggies) with the Cruise Phase (veggies). You stick to the alternating plan until you get to your desired weight and move into the next phase.


The Cruise Phase will be nice because I can now add vegetables like broccoli, pumpkin, cauliflower, asparagus and more with my meat which will dress it up.  Since it's every other day, I have something to look forward to.


From that other site:
The rules:

One to five pure protein days (as the ‘attack’ phase) interspersed with one to five days when quantities of vegetables can also be eaten. 

Increase oat bran intake to 2 tbsp per day. 

Increase exercise to a 30-minute brisk walk each day. 

Keep drinking at least 1.5 liters of water each day.


Here are my links:


Initial Post and Day 1 on Dukan Diet
Day 2 on Dukan Diet
Day 3 on Dukan Diet
Day 4 on Dukan Diet

Take the Lands' End/Every Day with Rachael Ray 2010 Holiday Survey & You Might Win

Take the Lands' End/Every Day with Rachael Ray 2010 Holiday Survey and you might win one of ten $50 Lands' End gift cards and the Rachael Ray cookbook, "Rachael Ray's Book of 10".  Winners will be selected at random and will be notified on or around the week of October 25, 2010. 


Just click here to complete it!

PLAY-DOH CREATIONS - Make 'N Color Creatures

PLAY-DOH: PLAY-DOH CREATIONS - Make 'N Color Creatures


Guess what Play-Doh, markers and creatures have in common?  Hours of fun sparking creativity that your kids will love!  My girls love all three and this great kit, Play-Doh Creations Make 'n Color Creatures is fun and inexpensive.  The kids have 16 different animal parts to reuse and make animals and insects to their wildest imagination.  The accompanied markers allows them to change the colors and then can be easily wiped off.


PLAY-DOH: PLAY-DOH CREATIONS - Make 'N Color Creatures 


The playmat allows them a space to work and each box comes with five, two-ounce cans of Play-Doh.  It's really a great gift idea, a rainy day activity or a just because fun time for the family.  The nice part about it is both my girls cleaned up after they were done!  The only thing it's missing is a little zip lock type bag to place all the parts in but it's easily remedied by using one of your own.


Here are some pictures of them playing with the Play-Doh Make 'N Color Creatures:




Disclaimer:  I was provided product for purposes of this post.

LIFE: What Matters Most to Me Facebook Application & Win

LIFE Foundation - LIFE Fact Sheet


We all know that we can't predict what the future has in store for us. LIFE Happens so make sure to safeguard you and your loved ones. LIFE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and families be prepared.  LIFE was formed in 1994 by six leading insurance producer organizations out of a need to help educate the public on insurance.


What Matters Most to Me Facebook App


As September wraps up as Life Insurance Awareness Month, you still have time to visit the LIFE Facebook "What Matters Most to Me" application.   The app allows you to set up a multimedia slideshow picturing what matters most to you.


You can even win a trip to Aruba by creating your own slideshow and for every friend who indicates they "like" your slideshow, $1 will be donated to Comfort Zone Camp.


Check out my own What Matters Most to Me slideshow here.




*I wrote this post to spread information for a good cause as well as possibly win a prize.

Thomas Bagel Thin Healthier Recipes

I have two favorite bread products:  Arnold Sandwich Thins and Thomas Bagel Thins.  Both provide less calories, less carbs and still taste great.  I get the same satisfaction eating them as I would full sized bread.  Actually, I get a little more satisfaction knowing they aren't gravitating towards my hips.

Bagels

I decided to come up with some healthier ways I eat Thomas Bagel This:

Thomas Bagel Thin Grilled Pizza
  • One Thomas Bagel Thin in halves
  • Pizza sauce made of organic tomotoes (recipe here)
  • Organic mozzarella cheese
  • Brocolli
  • Onions
  • Green peppers
Grill each side first for a few minutes careful not to burn.  Remove from grill, place desired sauce on each half, pile on the toppings and place back on the grill until the cheese is melted.  Keep the flames low to avoid burning.

Chicken Breast Avocado Thomas Bagel Thins
  • Organic, skinless chicken breast
  • Avocado
  • Spices (salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, cayenne pepper)
  • Mayonnaise
  • Tomato
  • Lettuce
Grill chicken on both sides for approximately 15 minutes on each side after sprinkling with pepper, garlic and onion powder until done.

Place sliced avocado, tomato, lettuce and chicken on the Thomas Bagel Thin and enjoy.

More to come.

Follow Me Back Tuesday

BWS tips button


Follow Me Back Tuesday is another day of the week that you can gain more followers and find other great blogs to follow on a weekly basis. 

Follow Me Back Tuesday is hosted by Survey JunkieLittle Yaya'sReview Retreat  & Boobies,BabiesAndABlog..  

Along with this week's special co-host..the always rockin Xenia @ Thanks, Mail Carrier.


Day 2 on the Dukan Diet


Today begins Day two on the Dukan Diet.  Day one wasn't too bad with having a carb free diet.  I thought it would since I overloaded from my daughter's baby shower this past weekend as we made nearly everything.  This morning, I weighed one pound less so that is good.  I don't believe it's all water loss as I drank a lot of water yesterday.  Today might be a little more difficult as I didn't go to sleep until midnight and I woke up at 4 am so I'm going to be tired and I'm already hungry.

Here is my initial post on introducing the Dukan Diet.

Today's menu

Breakfast

  • 2 egg whites scrambled in non-stick skillet (no oil)
  • 1 slice fat-free cheese melted in eggs
  • 2 slices of turkey bacon
Snack
  • Greek yogurt mixed with two tablespoons oat bran and one tablespoon of Splenda
Lunch
  • Peppered crack turkey breast and cheese rolls
  • 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese
Snack
  • Fat free cheese or turkey bacon
Dinner
  • Lean ground beef patty (sprinkled with spices for flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon of mustard
  • 1 slice of fat free cheese
  • 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese

Weigh in updated tomorrow.

I'm going to buy this now as I need more recipes as well as more information as my Attack Phase will only last three more days after this and then I alternate phases which means yummy vegetables will be added!




Girls Lizzie Lou Shoes Giveaway at My So Called Home School Life

Look at these great shoes that My So Called Home School Life is hosting on her site for a giveaway:


 

 

If you don't know about Lizzie Lou Shoes, they are a great looking and comfortable flip flop with beautiful bling! My daughter has the pair on the top and right and they look gorgeous!  I have the matching one on the top and they are the most comfortable pair of shoes!  


The tops of the sole are very cushiony and provide a soft pillow like feel that gently encase your feet leaving them not hurting as some shoes can do.  The rhinestones and other embellishments are very securely intact as trust me, I've snagged them when I was sitting Indian style in my chair with them on (yeah, I know I shouldn't but I did).  Actually, I was reviewing them .. yeah .. I was testing them to ensure they were of high quality!  




Overall, I love them!  They are comfortable, pretty and made of high quality material and workmanship.  The entrepreneur spirit behind these shoes, Sheena, is one fantastic customer service-oriented owner too!  I highly recommend Lizzie Lou Shoes and you really should enter to win here.

DiamondEarrings.org Review & Giveaway 10/18 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

DEE!

An e-mail has just been sent to Dee who has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

**********

Diamond earrings are something that most every girl or woman want to have.  One of the fears I have is losing my earrings as I tend to do that for some reason.  I'm waiting for my two youngest to get older to get their ears pierced but so far, it's just myself and my oldest daughter with pierced ears.  The "losing gene" didn't skip her as she's just as likely to lose them too!  This is why DiamondEarrings.org is so nice as they have offered free simulated diamond earrings to those who posts so we have a pair.  Not only can you receive them from posting but if you Tweet, post on Facebook and so forth, you can also order a pair for free with a small shipping fee of only $3.77! That's a great deal especially when you see how pretty and real they look.




My daughter grabbed them up as soon as we received them and hasn't given them back.  She kept the cute, little velvet box they arrived in too!  Teaches me to let her see things before I get to claim them!   The simulated stone is very beautiful and shiny.  The posts are .925 sterling silver which is good for her as she is very sensitive to jewelry and suffered no irritation or discomfort.




diamondearrings DiamondEarrings.org Review and Giveaway

The 5 mm stud is perfect sized to be seen but more so with shorter hair for obvious reasons.  The cubic zirconia is really beautiful and after comparing the DiamondEarrings.org pair with a real pair, we couldn't tell a difference.

Just remember, share and post online via blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc and then go to DiamondEarrings.org to purchase yours for the small fee of $3.77 for shipping.  I always post about how to save money at Christmas and this would be one of those great ideas!

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive their very own pair!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and let me know!

Extra Entries:
  • Leave the url where you posted your own http://www.diamondearrings.org/ post to share the offer (three entries)
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
Giveaway ends 10/18 at midnight (EST) - winner chosen by random.org.

US only please


This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by: DiamondEarrings.org for this review.

Kohana: Connect with Nature Skin Care Products

What better present than skin care products all the way from Hawaii!  Hawaii's natural beauty and that way of life has led to a luxurious line of natural and organic bath and beauty products created by Kohana




Previously, I received two complimentary products by Kohana and in the spirit of providing a well thought out, thorough review, I used each product for six weeks.  I loved both products after the first use but I wanted to see if I would continue to like them for a longer duration.   The first product I tried is the Kohana Lavender Sugar Scrub priced at $18.00.   This scrub is made of organic sugar and exotic lavender butter that exfoliates and nourishes the skin.  




The scrub is easy to use with application by a small scooping out with the fingers while massaging in circular motions on the dry areas.  The skin feels wonderful as it's not too harsh and there is an immediate softness felt.  The softness lasts longer than just leaving the bath and really delivers.  The aroma is not too strong and just right.  I love sugar scrubs but this is my favorite to date.  I love how my skin feels afterwards and how it's not an oily feel.




The second product I reviewed is the Kohana Lavender Butter Creme priced at $22.00.   This creme is made from pure lavender essential oil, healing herbs and distillate waters.  It's a soothing, light, non-greasy creme that leaves your skin soft and nourished.  Lavender is used for its soothing, calming and restorative properties.  It's also knowns for it's anti-inflammatory effects not to mention the soothing fragrance that is light and airy and not too powerful.


Another great quality is it can be used on the face or body.  It is not thick so it can be applied easily and it doesn't require a lot to nourish the skin.  I liked the feel, how my skin improved in appearance and texture and how I could apply the Lavender Butter Creme without having an overpowering intoxicating odor when I left.  




Both products are wonderful and the fact that they are organic is a plus for me.  I am moving away from many toxic products and am so happy that there are products such as this available.  I would definitely recommend Kohana products.





  


Customers can shop by collection or by product:


Collection:
  • Archipelago Ocean Therapy
  • Hawaiian Rain Forest
  • Jasmine Green Tea
  • Kona Coffee
  • Pala'au Spa


Products:
  • Bath
  • Face
  • Moisturizers
  • Scrubs
  • Gifts
  • Specials
About Kohana:


Exotic butters and extraordinary ingredients such as macadamia nut butter, matcha green tea butter, and lavender butter as well as organic coconut oil, rich Kona coffee and green papaya enzymes have been incorporated to beautify the skin. Rare flower extracts like jasmine and fresh ginger essential oil are among the fragrant scents evoking the atmosphere of the Hawaiian islands. Hawaiian red Alaea sea salt and kukui nut oil provide therapeutic properties to rejuvenate the skin. 


Kohana was born out of love for the beautiful tropical islands of Hawaii. Christie Wanlass and her family began visiting the Hawaiian islands more than twenty years ago. She fell in love with the beauty of the islands and has never felt quite so welcome or at home. Dealing with severe eczema her entire life, she was always looking for effective skin care products that would moisturize and heal her dry and cracked skin. Upon her first visit to the island of Kauai, her skin responded to the sun, the humidity and the minerals of the deep blue Hawaiian waters of the Pacific. Her skin felt healthy and deeply moisturized by the natural elements.


After several years of visiting the islands, Christie began experimenting with some of the tropical oils and butters on her own skin. She found dry skin relief and improvement in her eczema when making simple salves formulated with kukui nut oil and mango butter. These simple experimentations have evolved


Stay up to date by checking out Kohana's blog here.




Kohana has many products for your special someone for Christmas!  

Heard of the Dukan Diet?

I picked up the latest Woman's World due to the cover story on the Ultra Powerful French Atkins Diet story.  In the States, the Dukan Diet is unpublished yet but the basis behind it is it's similar to Atkins yet different.  According to Woman's World, you start out on the Attack Phase for one to six consecutive days.  There is a chart directing you on the path to take pending on how much you want to lose.  After that phase, you begin alternating between "cruise" and "attack" days.  You just alternate each day with the other phase until you lose the amount of weight you need to.


The official site is here.  The Dukan Diet was designed by a French doctor, Pierre Dukan.  From what I read on other sites, it's a hodge podge of the other low carb type of diets.  Here is another site that lists many other blog posts on the diet that I found informative and helpful:

http://blogs.howstuffworks.com/2010/04/29/yesterday-i-finished-a-five-day-attack-phase-on-the-dukan-diet-heres-a-report-on-how-it-went/

I'm going to try it out starting tomorrow with the Attack Phase of lean protein, fat-free dairy and lots of water.  After three days, I'll try alternating the phases as stated with every other day supplementing it with non-starchy vergetables.  Stay tuned on results if interested!


Attack Phase includes (not a complete list):
  • Poultry (skin free)
  • Fat free cheese
  • Cottage Cheese
  • Lean meat - beef, ham, veal 
  • Fish (except canned in sauce or oil)
  • Eggs (two per day and unlimited egg whites)
  • 1.5 tablespoons of oat bran is required
  • Artificial sweeteners like Splenda can be used
  • Vinegar, spices, herbs, mustard, onion (not cooked/raw but spice type), garlic
  • Water, water, water
Note: you will probably want to pick up some sugar free gum as this diet will not be kind to your breath just like the Atkins Diet.


Cruise Phase includes (not a complete list):
  • Everything from the Attack Phase plus 2 tablespoons of oat bran and
  • Broccoli
  • Cabbage
  • French Beans
  • Spinach
  • Cucumbers
  • Celery
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Artichokes
  • Pumpkin
  • Asparagus
There are two more phases but I want to try the first two first to see how it goes!

This site is great for lots of information and recipes: http://www.mydukandiet.com/recipes/index.html

UPDATE:


9/27/10 - Day 1 on Dukan:

I'm a veteran Atkin's dieter so I was very familiar with the protein concept but the fat-free or low-fat component was different.  I have to get used to eating fat-free cheese as it definitely has a different flavor.  I read on one of the sites I linked about that you can have two eggs a day but another site stated no more than four eggs per week but unlimited egg whites.

Today, I purchased the recommended meat, Greek yogurt, eggs, low fat/fat free cheeses and oat bran for the Attack Phase.

For breakfast, I had scrambled eggs - used non-stick pan with pepper and onion salt to season.

For lunch, I ate low fat peppered turkey breasts and cottage cheese.

For dinner, I ate turkey breast, cheese cubes and Greek yogurt mixed in with oat bran and Splenda.

It's now almost midnight and I survived day one with no problem!

We'll see how tomorrow goes when carb cravings might hit harder!



Here are my links:




April 12, 2011 Update:

I've been on and off the Dukan Diet because I just get weak and need to indulge.  However, the diet does work.  I'm back on it again ...surprise!  I restarted on Monday and it's Tuesday now.  I have lost two pounds since weighing in yesterday.

I did purchase the book and it did help to a degree but since most information is centered around the European foods and ingredients, it does present a bit of a challenge with the recipes.  I have found that I can consume salsa with my meals and it doesn't seem to impact me too much as I still lose and salsa definitely helps to liven up the boring meat.  I also add guacamole to some of my meals.  The diet works so well that my oldest is on it with me.


The Pink/Brown Baby Shower Theme Pictures

It's over and I'm exhausted!  The baby shower for my oldest was wonderful and it should have been after all the hard work we put into it.  Between the Cricut Cake, the Silhoutte SD digital cutter and Elmer's CraftBond, we had all the tools necessary to put on a great party.


We made dipped Oreo cookies, dipped strawberries, sugar cookies and more.






We forgot to wrap the cupcakes




We made our pom-poms, banners, tags and more.  The party favor was a photo framed 4D ultrasound picture in a diecut box we created from our Silhoutte (picture to be added later).  It had a baby carriage cut out with "Elizabeth" on the front.  Each brown cloth napkin was wrapped with a flower napkin ring we created from the Silhoutte too.




Present table with Fracture picture frame that was a hit of the baby's 4D ultrasound.





My daughter received so many gifts that this baby is already spoiled.  At least she will have a playmate with my other two younger daughters!