Embracing a Healthy Family

Buzz Lightyear Costumes

Disney Light-Up Buzz Lightyear Costume for BoysToy Story - Jessie Child Halloween Costume (4-6)


My seven year old has a thing about dressing up as boy characters every Halloween.  She's been a Stars Wars Storm TrooperStar Wars Darth VaderSmallBumblebee Costume Transformers and this year, she wants to be Disney Light-Up Buzz Lightyear. To avoid the rush, I preordered and we received it already from an online vendor.  My youngest wants to be Toy Story - Jessie.  The Buzz costume is too small so I have to come up with a helmet alternative as I don't like to send things back.  I saw some great tutorials on how to make a space helmet but most were expensive.


Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Helmet with sounds


I'm thinking of getting this Aeromax Jr. Astronaut Helmet with sounds from Amazon. I think with some stickers of Buzz and maybe some green and purple paint, it might work.  I'm really surprised that Disney didn't market a matching helmet given the popularity of Buzz.

Weight Watchers' Lose-A-Palooza One Day Event 9/14 to Help Fight Hunger





Who doesn't want to pay it forward especially when it costs you nothing than a little bit of time?  I'm always looking for ways to help others and I especially love this type of campaign that raises awareness, raises money and raises good humanitarian spirit.  Weight Watchers is hosting a Lose-A-Palooza and I bet you are wondering what that is!


 Lose-A-Palooza is a one-day social media event created to encourage participation in the Lose For Good® campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.  As part of the Lose For Good campaign, Weight Watchers will donate $1, up to a maximum of $60,000, to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger for each approved mention, acknowledgment or action related to “Lose  For Good” made on September 14th through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and  check-in via foursquare.




Important note: there is a difference between Lose For Good and Lose-A-Palooza. Lose For Good is a 7-week campaign, Lose-A-Palooza, on the other hand, is a one-day event as part of the Lose For Good campaign. The event runs one day only – September 14th – and its objective is to drive as much social media awareness as possible for Lose For Good. Every time Lose For Good is mentioned using an approved method on 9/14, Weight Watchers will track the mention and donate a dollar – up to $60,000.


What do you have to lose?  On September 14th, Tweet, blog, post on Facebook and check in via foursquare to help raise funds to fight against hunger in the US!


Other great ways you can help:






  • Leave a comment on my post with "Lose for Good" in the comment to help maximize the donation.
  • Write a post in the Weight Watchers Community at weightwatchers.com with "Lose for Good" included.
  • Post about "Lose for Good" yourself!



  • Like Weight Watchers, Share our Strength or Action Against Hunger pages.
  • Comment or Like any of the Weight Watchers' "Lose-A-Palooza" updates throughout the day on 9/14.
  • Add a Lose-A-Palooza Twibbon to your profile picture on 9/14 (available on 9/14)


  • Follow @WeightWatchers, @ShareStrength or @acfusa
  • Tweet or RT using hashtag #LoseforGood
  • Add a Lose-A-Palooza Twibbon to your profile picture on 9/14 (available on 9/14)


  • Check in to a Weight Watchers meeting room

*Disclaimer:  My participation may result in winning a gift card or other prizes.


Thank You for the Babble Votes!


Babble has the best of the best and right now, you can vote for me under stayingyoung2!  I was honored that Cynthia from AdorableBabyClothing.com nominated me so if you want, vote and if you have, thank you!


I'm in the top 10!

PERDUE® and Crayola's National Contest


School is back and who has time between working (if you do), chores, errands, extra curricular activities and so forth to fix dinner every night?  I know I struggle and feel bad when I take the easy, less nutritious way out by stopping for fast food.  I try to find simplified meals at times for my little picky eaters and one common staple in our house is PERDUE® chicken.  


I received a complimentary package of PERDUE® breaded chicken breast nuggets from their Whole Grain breaded line for review.  The PERDUE® Whole Grain product line are made from PERDUE® premium all white chicken with whole grain breading.  I like that they are trying to make the chicken healthier by using whole grain breading and it tastes delicious.  My two chicken nugget experts know a good chicken nugget when they taste it!

Another convenience about PERDUE® packages are the easy-open and close zipper bags which means less money and waste in storing the extra servings.  My girls will eat PERDUE® chicken nuggets for a snack or a meal as they don't care as long as they get them!

"The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend that all Americans make half or more of their grains, whole grains. Each Whole Grain PERDUE® product features the Whole Grains Council's Stamp indicating that each serving provides at least one half-serving (8g) of whole grains.:

If you want to know more about Whole Grain chicken, click here:



As an extra incentive to encourage families to make meal time fun, Perdue and Crayola are hosting a  national contest encouraging families to enter an original picture of how they bring fun to the dinner table for a chance to win valuable prizes including a cruise package, a year's supply of PERDUE® Frozen Fully Cooked Chicken and a prize pack of Crayola and PERDUE®  products. Additional information about the contest can be found here.

More about the 
PERDUE® brand:

The PERDUE® brand is the #1 brand of fresh chicken in the Eastern United States.  Ranked third in sales in the poultry industry, Perdue Incorporated is a leading international food and agriculture business providing quality products and services to customers in more than 70 countries.

Privately held and family-run for three generations, the company employs more than 21,000 associates and partners with 2,200 independent farm families -- all who share in the commitment to quality, service and reliability that has guided the company since its founding in 1920. For more information, visit 
www.perdue.com®

All in all, we love PERDUE® chicken!  Next time you are at the store, try some if you haven't already and while you have a chance, try your luck at winning a year's supply of Perdue as well as the Crayola products!

Click here to try some new recipes like this one:

Chicken Cutlets with Bruschetta Topping




Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 large plum tomatoes, chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup (2 ounces) Parmesan cheese, shredded (optional)


Instructions
  1. Heat chicken according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, mix tomatoes, garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar, pepper and olive oil in a large bowl.  Spoon tomato mixture evenly onto heated chicken.
  3. Top each cutlet with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, if desired and serve warm.

CSN Stores: Tables to Fitness Equipment & Much More $55 GC 10/1: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....




kimbly said...

I'm a GFC Follower

I would pick The Sak Indio Crochet Tote in Black - I love this purse!!

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

Thanks to all those who entered!




The holidays are coming and it's always nice to spruce up your house before guests arrive.  We are in the middle of prepping our house to sell and I'm looking for great ways to decorate and use what we have.  When I looked around our house, I noticed we were really missing accessories such as small tables to include coffee tables.  The house presentation is key to a sale and as it stands right now, we need to add to the decor.   I'm a regular of the CSN Stores due to the number of  them having over 200 online stores where you can find everything from coffee tables to fantastic fitness equipment to cookware!  We have shopped there for baby products to cooking ware to even a faucet.  


Innovation USA Cross Contemporary Nightstand or Coffee Table Klaussner Furniture Bandero Oval Coffee Table Istikbal Stella Glass Top Coffee Table


I have provided reviews and giveaways for CSN Stores because they are a store that I trust, deliver high quality products, have quick delivery and exceptional customer service.  I will admit that I have not had too much interaction with the customer service department as when I order, which is all online with no assistance, I receive my products and have had no need to return to date.


Check out the variety of products available at CSN for a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of shopping at many places.


The Giveaway:


One lucky winner will receive a $55 Gift Certificate from CSN Stores!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me something you would like to use that GC on.


Extra Entries:





  • Fan CSN Stores on Facebook (three entries)
  • Follow CSN Stores on Twitter (two entries)
  • Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
  • Fan me on Facebook (two entries)
  • Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
  • Tweet about this giveaway & leave your URL link (two entries - can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
  • Check the first page on my blog for bonus opportunities for extra entries

Giveaway ends 10/1 at midnight and winner chosen by random.org.

Open to US and Canada





*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post - I do shop at CSN and was provided the opportunity to review or host a giveaway.

I Was Nominated for The Babble 50: Top Twitter Moms

Special thanks to Cynthia at www.adorablebabyclothing.com for nominating me for this!  How very unexpected and sweet!  If you get a chance, please vote for me at http://www.babble.com/mom/work-family/top-50-twitter-moms-nominate-favorites/index.aspx


I'm under stayingyoung2


Thank you!

Planning My Daughter's Baby Shower Newest Picture


This is where I am on the desert table for my daughter's baby shower at the end of September.  I'm really loving the Silhoutte that I received for all the digital paper cutting projects.  Glue Dots and a hot glue gun really makes it easier.

The glass was on sale with 50% off at Hobby Lobby, ribbon was all purchased on sale at Hancock Fabrics and the rest is coming from my daughter and I making the decorations.  Using a digital paper cutter is amazingly easy and can't wait to create many more things with it.  My daughter is having a lot of fun knowing we are creating everything for her magical moment which in itself, is invaluable.

We're going to make brownie pops too and tried our hand at cheesecake pops which are hard to make but taste great.  We tried them with a chocolate coating and without and preferred them without it.  The chocolate just overpowered the delicious cheesecake taste which is an absolute no-no in our house.  I'm thinking of using the Cheesecake Factory's vanilla bean cheesecake as inspiration.  White chocolate shavings would look divine on the pops.

Our desert table will have:

Rock Candy
Swizzle Sticks
Cupcakes
Cake
Brownie Pops
Cheesecake Pops

Our food table will have:

Pasta Salad
Fruit Plate
Cheese Plate
Veggie Plate
Cuban Finger Sandwiches
Regular Finger Sandwiches

Drinks:

Tassimo Selection of Coffee and Lattes
Southern Sweet Tea (we're in Georgia!)
Stewarts Old Fashion Orange Soda (dressed up for the shower)
Water (bottles with personalized labels)
Soda (assortment)

Favors:

Photo frame with the 4D ultrasound picture of Elizabeth

More to come ....

Fashion Playtes Free Shipping Code & New Skirts



300x300 BTS Coupon

If you haven't had a chance yet, check out Fashion Playtes as they now have skirts.  Fashion Playtes has a variety of clothing for girls to make themselves.  My seven year old loves it and has already purchased a few of the garments.  She thinks it's a lot of fun and the quality is very good. 

Terralina Ultimate Collection in Recycled Gift Box Review and Giveaway 9/24 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

Shel said...

http://twitter.com/auntiethesis/status/24740251908
shel704 at aol dot com

An e-mail has been sent to Shel who has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.  I make at least two attempts to notify winners as I hate for people to lose out due to spam folders.

Thanks to all those who entered!HEXBUGHEXBUGHEXBUG
Terralina complete skincare system

I have a common theme with this blog and it's to try to share products that are healthier alternatives to most over the counter ones we have been using for years.  You never really think of the products we purchase as being dangerous as we are a trusting society.  We entrust the products we consume as being made of quality products that will not cause harm.  One thing for the internet is the surge in information sharing and I can't be happier on that aspect although sometimes, too much information is not good either!  As I move along life's journey of bliss and sometimes non-bliss, I've been awakened with the appearance of wrinkles and more.  Nothing how I want to stay youthful looking longer, I understand that I must be healthy.  When I decided about a year ago to start looking for more products that are healthier for myself and my children, it opened the door for information.  This is where blogging has come in handy as I get to try all sorts of products and write about them.  


This post is about an opportunity I received as a Mama Buzz participant for Terralina® skincare products.   Terralina® is the baby of two cousins who wanted to create better products for us lovely women while we're pregnant and this is perfect as my oldest is just about due.  With a healthier, superior skincare line  desired, they moved forward with this great line of products.  Terralina® is made of high quality natural ingredients and you can click here to read more.


My daughter reviewed the Ultimate Collection in a recycled gift box which consisted of:



Terralina Gentle Facial Cleanser (3.4 oz) - Sulfate-free formula
Contains oat and bark extracts to cleanse, willow herb and chamomile to soothe, and olive oil to moisturizer the skin.

Terralina Gentle Toner (6.7 oz) - Contains sugar cane, birch and witch hazel extracts to refine the pores, and algae, aloe and chamomile to soothe the skin.

Terralina Gentle Facial Moisturizer (1.5 oz) - Contains antioxidant-rich olive oil and white tea to help combat the damage of free radicals and signs of aging, hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate the skin and lupine protein extract to help increase the skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Terralina Gentle Facial Exfoliator (2.75 oz) - Revitalizes your complexion, cleanses pores and improves skin texture.

Terralina Body Lotion (8 oz) - Contains your choice of our lightly scented regular or fragrance free Body Lotion. Sandalwood, barley extracts, olive and shea butter to provide the ultimate hydration, while jojoba and soy-based ceramide protect skin and lock-in moisture.

Each product was light on application and not heavy.  The light scents were not overpowering and intoxicating.  The Terralina Gentle Facial Exfoliator was one of her favorites so I had to sneak and try it too.  I loved the feel it left my face and it was abrasive but not too abrasive.  It was a perfect combination of both that left my face feeling soft, invigorated and clean.


The Terralina Gentle Facial Moisturizer was refreshing on her skin.  Although she's not really old enough to see any improvements, aged 22, she might offset some if she continues to use it.  She liked the light cleansing properties and did not suffer from any reactions.  She's ultra sensitive to smells and this did not affect her.


The Terralina Body Lotion was again, light and silky smooth.  The bottle had a snap top making it easy to open and close and went on easily.  The scent was not overpowering and it did not leave a greasy feel.  Again, another star product by Terralina.


The Terralina Toner had a light tingly property to it but left her face feeling cool and clean.  The extra step is something she normally does not do and she noticed her skin felt soft after the entire regime.


Terralina Facial Exfoliator  Terralina Toner Terralina Facial Moisturizer


Overall, she liked the products and would recommend it.  She's very concerned, as I am, about products that are harmful and this made her feel better that she was using something that was all natural.


You can purchase Terralina individually or as a collection and right now with the stock up sale, you can buy a product and get an identical one free by clicking here and check out Terralina in the press by clicking here.


Other information:

  • Free shipping on orders of $30 or more
  • 30 day satisfaction guarantee
  • Never tested on animals
  • Committed to environmentally sensitive business practices.  They specifically under-package their products and use recycled, reusable and recyclable materials, and encourage reusability of some of their packaging.



Terralina Collection Price: 


$138; Buy one get one free right now and get 10% off by using codeMAMABUZZ10




The Giveaway:


One lucky winner will receive their own Terraline!


To Enter:


Follow my blog!


Extra Entries (worth one entry unless noted):

  • Like Terralina on Facebook
  • Tell me something you learned about Terraline
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
Giveaway ends 9/24 at midnight (EST)

US only please

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


Free Samples From FreeFlys: Dr. Pepper, GasX, Shout and Kashi




Get free samples from FreeFlys:

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2010 Mom Spark Media Holiday Gift Guide


Christmas is coming and I can't wait!  I know some are grumbling and thinking I'm crazy for looking forward to it so soon but it's my favorite time of the year.  If you want to make gift giving easier, sign up for the 2010 Mom Spark Media Holiday Gift Guide where you can find holiday gift recommendations, special coupon codes, videos and amazing giveaways.

Join the holiday gift guide e-mail list here.



Are you a brand or business who wants in the Holiday Gift Guide?  No problem.  Email Mom Spark Media at momspark@gmail.com. Ad space is filling up quickly.