Military Children Get in the Swing: Free Golf Instruction

Beginning in the New Year, The First Tee will offer golf instruction combined with character and life skills education to military children and to children of geographically separated National Guardsmen and Reservists. The initiative is made possible as part of a two-year agreement with the Department of Defense (DoD). The goal is to welcome at least 6,000 school-aged participants from military families to The First Tee program at no cost to families. Prior golf experience and equipment are not necessary.

Trained coaches and staff at over 200 Chapters of The First Tee offer a progression of lesson plans that create a fun and safe learning environment. The curriculum fosters curiosity about the game of golf and teaches how the positive values inherent in the game can be used at home, in school and in other areas of everyday life. New sessions start throughout the year and dates and times vary by location. Military families can sign up at The First Tee Chapter in their community or download a voucher. In addition, The First Tee will provide curriculum, equipment and training to 20 overseas bases located in Spain, Germany, Guam, Japan, South Korea, Cuba, Italy, and Puerto Rico.

For further information, Chapter locations or to download a voucher, families should visit http://www.thefirsttee.org/.

(Source: http://www.thefirsttee.org/club/scripts/section/section.asp?grp=0&NS=DD)

The House of Tia Crystal: London Born Artist

Tia Crystal Bio

Tia Crystal has literally changed dark days to bright times with just a few strokes of a paint brush. The London-born Tia says she always had that artistic streak in her. It wasn’t a life her family really understood or supported. The mother of three only dipped into that distant but strong feeling a few times in her life working in interior design and cake decoration. Tia’s most trying struggles were with anorexia, bulimia, and battle of her own self worth. At 40 years old it all changed during a simple stroll on a street in Italy.

Tia says she found a paint brush just laying there. She picked it up and excepted the moment as sign to finally pursue her long standing passion … fine art. In just a few years, Tia has completed more than 500 paintings that hang on walls across the continents; she is commissioned for private paintings, and has sold her work to a long list of the world’s elite. Her dramatic use of colors portrays Tia’s exuberance and love of life, a feeling she hopes those who collect her fine art consistently feel. She credits the pursuit of her passion, for turning the tables on her toughest times. Tia believes her life story and work support her philosophy, “art inspires the energy of the soul”.


The House of Tia Crystal

The House of Tia Crystal recently opened in Boca Raton, Florida. The gallery’s main feature is the beautiful and unique paintings of artist Tia Crystal. Also on display are sculptures, jewelry, and clothing from around the world. Tia’s goal is to make sure her gallery is about more than just the fine art. She says The House of Tia Crystal is a spiritual sanctuary and comfortable setting for all. On a daily basis, The House of Tia Crystal hosts art inspired yoga classes, meditation sessions, storytelling through the arts, women’s support groups, and art lessons for children.

For more information visit tiacrystal.com and become a fan on Facebook.

Melissa & Doug Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand Giveaway at Go Graham Go!

If you have small children or even tweens, they love the idea of playing grocery store or having a lemonade stand.  Go Graham Go! has a great giveaway for a Melissa & Doug stand.

Here is an excerpt from her giveaway:

I can see this toy also being a valuable educational tool. Use the bins to separate foods by color and label the chalkboard accordingly. You could even start practicing food groups. If you have a cash register, this could be a fun way to introduce making change and counting money. If it's a sunny day, why not open up an actual Lemonade Stand and put your child's math and social skills to work in real life?


The Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand is perfect for children ages 3 and up and does not include food. Melissa and Doug have some adorable play food you can purchase for about $19.99 to go along with this. You can purchase the Grocery Store/Lemonade Stand for about $129.99 online or at a retailer near you.

Go HERE to enter as it ends today!

Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex Review Update

Everyone wants to look younger and if you are still young enough to not worry, you should!  There is no better time to fight aging.  I have tried product after product and am quickly becoming a fan of The Organic Pharmacy.  I'm still using the Carrot Butter Cleanser that I tried and reviewed earlier.  My face glows with the gentle cleansing, softening ingredients of carrots with shea & cocoa butter.  This is a definite favorite of mine and I've barely made a dent in the jar.  I feel it's well worth the costs as this will last a long time.  It was even awarded the Best Organic Skincare CEW award.

Megan Brown from Light Year's Ahead provided a bottle of The Organic Pharmacy's Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex.  The bottle is slender enough to take on trips if you are a traveler and is very easy to apply.  The product information states this is "an intensive treatment aimed to make skin 10 years younger by targeting the collagen and eslastin in the skin."  The best part is it is suitable for any skin type so you don't have to worry about choosing the right type for your skin.  I am prone to acne and most products will increase my acne but this did not.

It's very light, goes on without a heavy residue and has a fantastic scent.  Most facial creams and serums are either heavy or greasy and require your hands to be washed after application.  This is not like that.  I just applied after my nightly cleansing and my face feels cool and wonderful. 

Four unique ingredients were isolated due to their novel and effective action thanks to extensive research.  Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex's four unique ingredients were combined with other organic extracts known for their antioxidant and healing activities. 

Overall, I really like this due to the fact it is made of 100% natural and 81% organic ingredients.  The picture on the top was taken two weeks ago when I first received the Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex.  Granted the lighting is different, I can see a subtle change in the fine lines around the corner of my eyes.  My skin is softer and looks better in my opinion.  I didn't expect a miracle but it's enough to keep me using it.  The scent is wonderful, the feeling is light and with the two products to date, The Organic Pharmacy is becoming my favorite place!

Update:  I stopped using the Organic Pharmacy Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex and switched to Strivectin.  After two weeks, my eyes had more noticable wrinkles and were sagging (upper lids).  Once I started back on the Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex, my eyes lost all of the new wrinkles and looked years younger.  I still have the usual aging wrinkles and crow feet but the areas around the eyes have improved dramatically.  I would definitely recomment!

Here are the ingredients and intended results:

• Hibiscus Abelmoschus extracts helps to stimulate growth factor & cell growth collagen boosting as skin is regenerated and the skin's texture, elasticity and density are maximized. 
• The unique dill extract stimulates LOXL, protecting Elastin degradation and stimulating Elastin production. As we age, LOXYL decreases but with this dill extract, elasticity is increased, wrinkles are reduced and facial architecture is restored.
• Milk protein provides bio active peptides that increase cell renewal, collagen and fibroblasts.  This assists in reducing deep and fine wrinkles leaving a radiant youthful appearance.  I noticed my skin was smoother and definitely softer.  I thought the texture looked much better and I saw a slight reduction in the fine lines but keep in mind, I only used this for two weeks.
• Marine collagen, chondroitin, sodium hyaluronate and ursolic acid derived organically increases elasticity and the reduction of wrinkles.
• The special combination of Kigelia Africana, Calendula Officinalis, Rose Hop, New Zealand Fern and Goji Berries help the skin to heal and protect from free radicals, helps to firm while giving skin a radiant appearance that is firm and hydrated. 
  

To read my full post The Organic Pharmacy's Carrot Butter, click HERE.

To read April's post on The Organic Pharmacy's Glam Eye Make Up Review, click HERE.
I highly recommend this to men and women of all ages to stop premature aging and provide better looking, firmer skin.  I will post an update in two weeks.

The bottle is 35 ml and sells for $185.96.

This was not a paid post and honest opinions were used. The product in this review was provided to me free of cost by the representing PR agency for review only. Opinions in this review are mine and are in NO way influenced by monetary compensation.

House Party and Jenny McCarthy's Fun, Fit and Guilt-Free Party Review

I was sitting trying to win at another Twitter Party and I had just wrapped up my second no win event.  When it appeared I wasn't going to win at my third one this week, I checked my e-mail and saw that if I were one of the few quickest to create my invitee list and party page, I could be a host for House Party's Fun, Fit and Guilt-Free Party.  Needless to say, I was on it and forgot all about the Twitter Party. 

Four things drew me to this particular House Party:

1. I have a wii game system; 
2. I'm trying to get in shape; 
3. I love House Party parties as they are amazing!; and
4. I love Jenny McCarty. 

Jenny is really a very funny person and being with Jim Carrey is so ideal given how the two seem to enjoy laughter.  Jenny also has an autistic son and fights for what she believes in for autism.  I applaud her for that as it's full of controversy but she sticks to her guns and raises awareness.

This party is about Jenny's new wii game to help you get in shape.  It's called Your Shape that builds in a workout program based on YOUR fitness level, goals and schedule.  After the party, myself and guests will get to indulge in Mousse Temptations compliments of Jello-O with only 66 calories!  What more can you ask for?  I'm so excited as this might be the thing to get me motivated.  Colleen and Mary Ann are leading the way in my fitness challenge so it's time to step up to the plate and get moving.  I also want to get in shape for my husband's deployment as I will need to be as healthy as possible to tackle working full time, two small children with chronic medical conditions and everything else that goes along with a house and preparing for our next PCS (move lingo for an Army's next assignment).

You can watch a video HERE with Jenny about the game.  Here are some of the features:

• Personalized to You - Your unique plan is based on the results of your fitness test, combined with your personal fitness goals. This plan will mix the right level of intensity with exercises focused on achieving your goal.
• You’ll Always Do the Exercises Correctly - The camera projects your image onto the TV screen so you can see yourself exercising next to Jenny.
• Exercise Controller-Free - The camera sees you, so it works without requiring any additional hardware (such as Wiimotes, nunchucks, and balance boards), leaving your hands free to focus on the exercises.
• Exercise That’s Fun and Motivational - not only is Jenny your in-game workout buddy, but you can choose from 6 background colors, 100 motivating animations, and more than 75 music tracks.
• More Exercises Than Any Other Game - Your Shape includes close to 500 exercises – which means that your routine is always focused on meeting your goals.

Click HERE for a .55 cent off coupon on Jello-O Mousse Temptations.

My Review:

I've been using Jenny's game for a week now and I really like it although I think the movements are really fast. That will take a little time participating to get used to the exercise routines.  A nice start up routine for beginners would be of benefit. 

I read a lot of reviews about how the camera picks up everything in the room but I've not had that issue.  I also read that it doesn't track your movements that well.  I have noticed that the camera/game is very sensitive and you have to do it just like Jenny does.  One minor slip up, movement off or timing off, you will get the warning to follow her.  The primary thing to remember is even if you aren't perfecting the movements as needed, you are still moving and still benefitting from getting the exercise.  I'd suspect as time moves on, the ability to follow perfectly will fall into place.   I've lost 3 lbs this week so far.

For the Jello Mousse Temptations deserts....AMAZING!  These tiny deserts pack a wonderful, delightful punch without socking it to your calories.  At only 60 calories, they are perfections in a cup and will give you that quick fix for sweets.

I should be receiving the EA Sports Active and More Workouts any day.  I will provide a review of that product as well.  I'm still favoring Gold's Cardio for Wii.

*Disclaimer:  I received the Jenny McCarthy Your Shape Wii game, Dance Dance Revolution Wii game and free coupons for Jello Mousse Temptations to participate in the House Party.

Pint-Sized Fashion Editors: Totsy Guest Bloggers Nicole & Audrey

Less is not more when you are four.  And I'm learning to embrace this notion thanks to my young daughter.  We are a house of strong opinions, and my two girls make themselves heard.  Here are some words of wisdom from my oldest fashionista:

"Mommy you wear too much black." Guilty as charged.  I live in NYC a glorious cultural mecca, exciting to be sure, but without a doubt FILTHY.  I embrace black as my signature color out of practicality.  Thanks to my daughter, I experiment with color these days.  Two key pieces: a vibrant yellow Mackintosh and a pair of bright pink wool pants.  I've been wearing both pieces (not together) a lot this fall and I get a ton of compliments.

"Mommy why don't you ever wear this necklace?" Little girls love going through jewelry. My observant girl, picks out the items she never or rarely sees.  She's been a helpful reminder to not get stuck in a rut and to try something new.

"You should wear high heels every day." Clomp, clomp.  Uttered as she shuffles around the hall in my 4" Jimmy Choo stilettos,   Well, this isn't entirely practical considering I walk at least 2 miles everyday.  On the other hand, I do have a standing date night with my husband and I should slip into my pre-baby shoe collection more often.

What have you learned from the pint-sized fashion editors living in your house?

Free Software for Kids & Free Leapfrog Board Book

I didn't know PlanetCDRom has free software and all you have to do is pay shipping. Shipping for one item is $6.49 and it goes up from there.  Go here to learn more:  http://www.planetcdrom.com/

Did you buy a Leapfrog Junior Tag book over Christmas?  Link up your Leapfrog toy to the Learning Pad to get a free board book.  Just go here for more information: http://www.leapfrog.com/en/freebook/splash.html

Taylor Swift Birthday Party Theme

If your daughter is really into Taylor Swift, I gathered resources to help plan as my own six year old loves Taylor.  I really like Taylor as she's staying true to herself and is not buying into the whole sell your body mentality of Hollywood.  She's, so far, a good role model.

Party Decorations & Favors:

When planning your party, you will want to get the perfect party supplies for decorating.  It appears that Ebay is your safest bet in securing the party plates and other ware such as that.  Ebay and Etsy will also have party favors and other decor.

Here are links to my other posts with various Etsy shop's with unique, cute and nice Taylor Swift themed products such as invitations, buttons, magnets, Scrabble tile necklaces, bottle caps and much more:


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-great.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-ideas.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-buttons-more.html


Staging Area:

Once you decide on your party supplies, you can start planning for the "staging area" for decorating which you can find on Ebay, Etsy or be creative.

• Buy posters at Walmart or local stores.  Those will make nice decorations on the walls and can be easily transferred to the bedroom for a memorable party favor or given away as favors to your guests.
• Print pictures from the internet and make your own poster collages of Taylor.  If you are looking for a particular color theme, be choosy over the photos you select and most of the Ebay/Etsy sellers will customize so don't be afraid to ask for customized products with your own picture.
• Chicoparty.com has white musical notes that you can add to pink guitar picks such as the ones at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ and decorate the table.  The guitar picks also make nice party favors to take home.  If you are crafty, you can even decorate the guitar picks with Taylor Swift pictures.
• Add the balloons, banner and streamers and you are ready to go with the decor.

Activities:

As the guests arrive, as they never arrive on time and it can be boring for those that arrived early or on-time, have Taylor's music playing in the background.  A fun activity to start off with is making something as it also breaks the ice for those that don't know one another. 

• Make name tags and let the girls decorate with bling.  Use the cheaper stick on types or if you are creative, you can make them out of cardboard.  Use pictures you found on the internet and print on sticker paper for a better look.  Etsy sellers will also sell stickers pre-made to give it a more professional look.  Choose stick on gems to add the bling that all girls love.  This is an activity that will keep them busy when they first arrive.
• Make Taylor inspired necklaces by choosing the Scrabble tiles (linked above) and buy your own string to have the girls finish the masterpieces.  They can use colored string to braid the colors together.  The possibilities are endless.
• If you are going to have food to take home, buy take out boxes and have the girls decorate with stickers and other craft items to personalize it to give it a Taylor look.  You can even have a contest on the best Taylor box.
• Get the new Wii Band game that has Taylor singing to let the girls be their own star or just have her music playing with the girls singing to them.  Buy blonde wigs, jewelry and let them have fun. Make a video as a keepsake of their band performance.  If you prelabel the CDs, it won't take long to download the video and save to each disc.  You can also preprint the CD covers with a picture of Taylor and let the girls decorate the CD covers.  They will love the idea of seeing themselves and each other again and again.
• Play Taylor Swift trivia by making little cards (index cards work great) and place the question on one side and the answer on the other side.  If the kids are little, an adult might have to read.  Turn the theme into anything Taylor related for a fun time.
• Have the girls decorate sugar cookies in the shapes of guitars and music notes.  This is always fun to do if you have selections of icing and cookie toppings like sprinkles.
• If you are disgustingly rich, you can book Taylor for your daughter's birthday at: http://www.bookingentertainment.com/artists/country/Taylor_Swift.php

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:


http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html

Boz! The Green Bear Next Door Updated Review

There's a new kind of preschool program: BOZ! BOZ, the green bear next door, loves exploring God's world and discovering exciting new things with his friends Drew and Gracie, their family, and all their friends in the neighborhood.  Thanks to MomSelect, I received two full-length BOZ DVDs:

Bananas, Bubbles and Busy Bodies also came with a free toothbrush and my two year old LOVES it!  Boz and his friends, Drew and Gracie, provided entertaining fun that educated with exploring the world of God. 

BOZ, Drew and Gracie discover:

• God helps us grow stronger as we play with our friends
• That when we’re hungry for a tasty treat, God’s fruits and veggies are great to eat
• Getting everything squeaky clean — including ourselves — is lots of fun!

Click HERE for a free peek at the trailer.

A WowieBOZowee Christmas has fun sing along carols, a special retelling of the Christmas story and a great lesson that the best presents are not store bought but come from the heart.  It lasts 45 minutes which is perfect time for this wandering minds but there is enough action to keep them wanting more.  It even has bonus material that includes Boz's Christmas Around the World, Let's Go Caroling with Boz and Boz's Build Your Own Snowman game.  I was surprised as I didn't think my girls would sit and watch both DVDs back to back but they did.  There was laughing and participation with no fighting!  You can click HERE for your own sneak peek.

Both titles included song-filled stories, music videos, and lots of bonus activities designed to entertain, educate, and inspire preschoolers.  Both my children, ages 2 and 6, really enjoyed the videos. I even caught both of them dancing but of course when I grabbed the camera, they stopped as I wanted to capture a video for this post. 

Right now, you can get a free Start Singing with Boz DVD when you purchase one of the selected DVDs available HERE.  There is also free shipping on all orders over $30 within the 48 contiguous United States.

There are great family fun activities HERE to introduce or expand their knowledge about God.  My children loves these activities as they can color and I can sneak in teaching without them realizing it.

The entire collection is a great resource for your children and teaching them all about God.  The products range from DVDs, music CDs, books, toys and more.  My girls really did love the DVDs much to my surprise since they are pretty rigid with the shows they like.  It was entertaining and promoted activity as they were up dancing and singing.  I highly recommend this to parents with preschool children.

Updated:  My two kids, 2 and 6, still LOVE Boz!  Everytime it's on, they start rocking with the music, they watch it intently and thoroughly enjoy it.  It's a great series that teaches good things that include God.

Disclaimer:  I was provided the two DVDs noted in the review by MomSelect.  I provided my honest opinions and was not financially compensated for those opinions or this post. 

Atkins Free Quick Start Guide & More

Enter your address to get your Free Quick-Start Guide, which includes and Atkins Carb Counter & 3 Free Bars.  On Akinks, you could lose up to 15 pounds in the first 2 weeks.*

Your Atkins Kit includes:

The Atkins Quick-Start Guide includes the Atkins Comprehensive Carb Counter & 3 FREE Atkins Bars

No obligation required. Open to US residents only. Limit one per household.

* Most rapid weight loss typically occurs during Phase 1. Results will vary as actual weight loss varies by individual.

Click here to get your own:  http://community.atkins.com/security/collectAddress.jsp?rc=FreeBars

* Courtesy of UtahDealDiva

ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Party Calendar for January

By TwitterButtons.com

Do you like Twitter parties as much as I do?  I especially like ResourcefulMommy's Twitter Parties because they are fun and if you win, you get the prize pretty quick.  They are full of great ideas, learning events and more.  Here is the schedule or click HERE to see more about ResourcefulMommy.

• January 8 - Sponsored by #EarthFootwear - 9 pm - 10 pm
• Januay 11 - Sponsored by Milk - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 15 - Sponsored by #Chuggington - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 21 - Sponsored by Q-Tips - 9 pm - 10 pm
• January 29 - Sponsored by Lunchables - 9 pm - 10 pm

All times are EST.

2009 Year in Review

I'm sitting here watching "1984" and have noticed that it's been playing a lot lately on cable which is ironic as at one time, it was nearly impossible to ever see this movie.  Granted, I've never watched it but heard about it from my father and since 2009 carried forward, more people referenced the movie "1984" and "big brother."  There are many fears we are turning into a country that looks a lot like this movie.  So for my year in review, the change in atmosphere is one of the biggies of the past year.  Time will only tell how it ends up in history but in my little world of history, my year was a good year and deserves a toast:

• My middle daughter's epilepsy finally was controlled and her medication is just right.  She is doing great in school now and is happy and full of life.
• My youngest stayed out of the hospital for a change!  2008 was a bad year that included a near death experience of being on a vent and intubated for two weeks.  Her asthma and allergies are now under control and she's a very active, lively, funny two year old.
• My baby turned 21 over the summer and it's so hard to believe!  She has grown up to be a very warm, caring, loving, responsible adult.  I'm very proud of her.
• My father remained cancer free which was a huge relief to all of us.  He will see his 74th birthday in April while my mom remains healthy at the great age of 69.
• My husband adopted my middle child back in October and words cannot describe the meaning behind this! 
• The Indianapolis Colts almost remained undefeated this season until they threw the game away ... boo!
• I entered the world of blogging and "met" some really nice people such as Cynthia, Colleen and MaryAnn along with many others from great sites such as TwitterMoms, SheBlogs, Mamabuzz, MyBlogSpark, Global Influence, MUIB, Product Review Place, MomBloggerClub, MomSelect, One2One and so many more!

Although I'm missing many other blessings, here's to 2010!

Book Giveaways' ReadingGlassesShopper Giveaway 1/19

Need some great looking reading glasses?  Check out Book Giveaways' review and giveaway for a $20 gift certificate to get your very own stylish reading glasses:

"Thanks to readingglassesshopper.com I got to review their super cute reading glasses! What a fun way to start out the new year with these. I picked the red and black Yolanda to try. The Yolanda is a delicate women's frame adorned by rhinestones and laser flower detailing. The sturdy plastic frame is a great all-purpose reader and comes with a protective case. I love the detailed flower on the sides and the rhinestones!

The are light weight and look and feel great! Thanks readingglassesshopper.com
for the great products!

If you don't wear reading glasses or know someone that does, they also carry a really cute glasses clutch that can also be used as a small purse!"

To Enter, go here:  http://bookgiveaways.blogspot.com/2009/12/reading-glasses-review-and-giveaway.html

Pearl Necklace Winner Announced

Litfuse is excited to announce that Carol from Carol's Notebook won the necklace!


Carol left a comment on Freda Man's blog.


They are also giving away 5 copies of the Pearl Girls book this week on the Pearl Girls' blog. All they need to do to be entered is leave a comment before 1/8/10.


(The winner was chosen using random number integer.com. Amy from Litfuse).

Taylor Swift Party Ideas: Buttons & More by Creative Clam on Etsy

I think this will be my final posting on Taylor Swift theme party ideas showcasing Etsy sellers.  I was only looking for Taylor items but upon looking into the site, Creative Clam, I discovered they had more such as:

• Bags, Purses and Pillows
• Celebrity Buttons
• Celebrity Magnets
• Celebrity Keychains
• Music Collectibles
• Sports Collectibles
• Fruits and Flowers
• Funny Collectibles
• Medical Alerts
• More Stuff

All of the items are reasonably priced and she has received 100% positive feedback!  Here are two my favorite Taylor designs both in a magnet and a button:

The medical alerts are a great idea and are available in buttons and keychains.  My children would be covered if there was one for epilepsy but Creative Clam takes custom orders so that's not a problem.

Next time you want a button, keychain or a magnet, check out Creative Clam and don't forget to look at all the products for sale!

About Creative Clam:

Creative Clam offers original paintings, pet sketches, ACEO Art Cards and a clever collection of buttons, keychains and fridge magnets, and beautiful handbags/purses made from recycled clothing for purchase from Virginia Beach artist Tracey Riedel.

*I did not review a product and I did not receive any financial compensation in exchange for this review.

Here is what I have put together for our own party still in the planning stage:

http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/01/our-ultimate-taylor-swift-party.html