Embracing a Healthy Family

Cooking Party Template: Black and White Post Cards from Zazzle.com

Cooking Party Template: Black and White Post Cards from Zazzle.com

Free Father's Day Card at Tiny Prints

Thanks for Liking Tiny Prints! Use the code 4FDAY for your FREE Father’s Day card.


Hurry over to Tiny Prints on Facebook, like them and receive a FREE Father's Day card! Talk about frugal!  It's amazing the things you can do with no money and thanks to Tiny Prints, it's your first step towards bringing a smile to that special father!

Don't forget to enter the Father's Day sweepstakes!


USDA Forest Service and Ad Council Launch New PSAs to Re-connect Families and Kids with Nature


Children in the U.S. spend 50 percent less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago. In an effort to motivate families and their children to get outside more often and re-connect with nature, the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council today launched new public service advertisements (PSAs) to encourage families to take the time to discover the forest.   The Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Tidwell, will unveil the new PSAs on June 11 at Kingman Island in coordination with National Get Outdoors Day.

Initially launched in 2009, the campaign aims to encourage children and their families to get outside and experience the many benefits of nature. Research shows that children who play outside have a reduced risk for obesity, lower stress levels, more active imaginations and they’re more likely to become environmentally conscious adults.

The new television, radio, print and outdoor PSAs, created pro bono by ad agency, Turbine, are being released to coincide with National Get Outdoors Day on June 11. The PSAs encourage children and their parents to visit www.DiscoverTheForest.org (and the new Spanish version, DescubreElBosque.org), which includes an interactive map tool, powered by Google and Nature Find™ that enables users to search for nearby forests and parks, as well as downloadable activities for them to print and take with them when they visit.

“Parents play an important role in encouraging children to get outside in nature,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Our campaign with the Ad Council aims to re-connect families to nature by encouraging them to break free from their daily routines and experience the forest first hand. This gives families the ability to explore and engage in adventurous play, instilling in children a love for nature and fosters a sense of stewardship for the environment and our public lands.”

“We are proud to join our partners at the USDA Forest Service again this year with new materials that encourage families to truly discover the wonders of our national, state and urban forests,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We hope the result is that more children experience the joys of nature and that it creates a lifetime of interest and environmental stewardship.”

"It goes without saying, the world of electronics pervades all our lives more than ever," says Rob Slosberg, Partner and Creative Director at Turbine.  "This campaign encourages parents to unplug and bring your kids to the forest to experience all the wonders of nature."

The Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service will promote the new PSAs through a multifaceted social media effort on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Visit the campaign's online communities on facebook.com/DiscoverTheForest,YouTube.com/DiscoverTheForest and twitter.com/cheecker.

For more information on local events and ways to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day visit www.NationalGetOutdoorsDay.org

Betty Crocker's First Ever Gluten Free Baking Contest & Giveaway 6/25: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

~dab said...

6-23 vote - online and text




For the first time ever, Betty Crocker is hosting a Gluten Free Recipe Contest!  Gluten free products and cooking are still relatively new so finding some good recipes can be a challenge.  Now through June 30th, you can visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000!  The grand prize winner will even have a chance to be featured on a box of Betty Crocker Gluten Free desert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication!


Entering is easy as all you need to do is submit an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or desert recipe using any of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free desert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix.  Recipes will be judged on five categories:

  1. taste
  2. creativity
  3. ease of preparation
  4. consumer appeal; and 
  5. appearance.
If selected as one of the 10 finalists, you will receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket and finalists' recipes will be featured on www.glutenfreely.com/bakingchallenge and voting by the Gluten Freely community to determine the Grand Prize Winner.

Click here for more information on the challenge, recipes and much more at Gluten Freely.

You can click here to save 20% on the purchase of any of the five Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes.


Gluten Free Desserts  


We received the Bisquick Gluten Free Baking, Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix, Devil's Food Cake Mix, Yellow Cake Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix.  I will post how yummy these were at a later date but wanted to get the information and giveaway out ASAP.

_____________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will randomly win a five box gift set of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking mixes (same as I received).



To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me if you have ever tried a gluten free mix before.


Extra Entries:

  • Share that Betty Crocker will be having a 20% off sale all of June via Twitter or FB with this link:  http://bit.ly/bcgfreecontest for two extra entries
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily
  • Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five extra entries
  • See www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com for extra bonus options


Giveaway ends 6/25 at midnight - Mountain Standard Time - US only please

Winner will be selected via random.org




*Disclosure:  Betty Crocker provided you with the product, and information through MyBlogSpark.

MyBlogSpark & Fiber One 5 Cereal Gift Pack Giveaway 6/25: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/79574399702941696
merleandtina@yahoo.com



Did you know that the recommended daily dietary guidelines for fiber are 25-38 grams?  That might not mean much to you other than the average American only gets 15 grams a day.  It's surprisingly easy to get the recommended amount by little things like a hearty breakfast.  Fiber One cereals provide at least 30 percent of the daily value per serving while some Fiber One cereals offer more than 50 percent.  With such great varieties such as some of our favorites:  Honey Clusters, Raisin Bran Clusters, Caramel Delight and Shredded Wheat, it's a great way to start the day with some fiber.

  
  

In case you wondered, there are two types of fiber:  soluble and insoluble.  Fiber is the part of plant foods that our body doesn't digest.  Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can be found in foods such as beans, fruits and oat products.  Insoluble fiber is what is called "gut healthy fiber."  It does not dissolve in water and can be found in whole grain products like Fiber One cereals.

Fiber has been noted in clinical studies to help in weight management and is good for digestive health.  One of the changes I've made in our lives is switching to whole grains to help ensure my family is eating healthier.  We love the Fiber One cereals not just because of the taste but it provides a flavor for each person's preference.

Check out Fiber One for some a great coupon of $1.75 off, recipes, benefits of fiber and much more by clicking here.

Click here for another 75 cents off coupon!

_______________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will randomly win a Fiber One Gift Pack of the same five cereals I received - it was a great surprise receiving this in the mail!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which cereal you like the best from Fiber One or which one you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

  • Like Fiber One on Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily
  • Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five extra entries
  • Click here for other extra entry options


Giveaway ends 6/25 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be chosen via random.org - US only please


*Disclosure:  General Mills provided the information, free product(s) and gift box for this post/giveaway through MyBlogSpark.




Anti-obesity vaccine reduces food consumption

A new vaccine to reduce hunger?  I'm cautious when it comes to non-threatening disease vaccinations as I'm not sure I want to have my body injected with the amazing array of ingredients utilized in vaccines such as heavy metals, animal parts and so forth.  However, when it comes to a possible vaccination to reduce hunger, it might be something I would even look into.  I'm one of those people that look at food and gain weight and unfortunately, I'm a stress eater so it's hard to keep it balanced.  A new research study found that when the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin is affected, it reduced hunger in mice.  Sounds promising but we'll see after all the safety and efficacy studies are done.

Click here to read more.

Mamavation Week 10 - Not There Yet

Mamavation

It's another week of non-compliance but I'm okay with it as moving across country with packing up a house and a trip to Disney was too much for me coupled with a cold that wouldn't go away.  It's about day 12 for the cold but it's slowly getting better.  We hit town in Texas and was surprised by the house's broken air unit and broken pool pump thus leaving behind a nasty looking pool but to our chagrin.  I think it just knocked the sails out of all of us as we were looking forward to the pool even though we knew our household goods would be a bit behind due to the move and vacation as well as Army policies.



We made it and are in the mode of unpacking and trying to figure out where to put everything.  I also decided to put extra pressure on myself by having my eight year old compete for another Pepsi Grant for her Angels4Epilepsy non-profit.  This time we're vying for $25k to go to low income parents to purchase bicycle helmets, medical alert bracelets and teddy bears (if you want to vote, the information is on my home page and thank you in advance)!

Back to business, needless to say, I have not weighed myself so have no idea what I've gained or lost.  My clothes fit about the same although a bit snugger.  I have been trying to opt for whole grain Arnold Sandwich Thins to cut down on calories and have tried to eat walnuts and almonds daily.  The plan is to cut calories, exercise in the pool, treadmill and bike daily and then find my path to bikini season!

Even though I've fallen off the bandwagon, I'll be back ... ugh ...not sure I should use anything that is Arnold related.

Join the Mamavation Sistahood by clicking here for more information.

Ficklets for Children's Summer Time Wardrobe



Happy Ficklets Wearers!! With summer here, your kids are probably spending more time outside and even playing sports.  My eight year old has glasses and is also into making herself be on the cutting edge.  Glasses are fairly standard and although there are some kids designs, nothing really stood out until this amazing new product was created called Ficklets.  Ficklets are the creation of one mom trying to help her daughter like her glasses a little bit more.  They are cute little shapes that affix to glasses easily and are interchangeable and inexpensive which is a bonus in this economy.


The choices are sure to make your child happy and to be honest, I think some of the shapes are ideal to make your own glasses look cool.  Whether your child likes animals, various shapes, flowers, sports and more, the possibilities are endless.

Silver Petals w/stone ExoticSoccer Ball

About the Inventor, Ros Guerrero:


Hi I'm Ros Guerrero, owner and inventor of Ficklets, the first patented interchangeable eyewear charm hugger. I’m glad you’re here and thank you for your interest in the story behind our product.

To be honest, I’m a little surprised that my “couch potato” idea has come this far. Ficklets was inspired by my teen special needs daughter, Gem, who has worn glasses since she was six. I endearingly refer to my invention as my "couch potato" (instead of kitchen table) idea because the idea came to me as I was sitting on the couch one evening watching one of my favorite business shows, when Gem walked into the room and all I could see were her eyeglasses. As I focused on her eyeglasses, it got me thinking - “Wow, we need to add some color and life to your tired, old glasses.” This, I believe, was my ‘a-ha’ moment.

I outlined different ideas, but quickly realized an interchangeable charm was the way to go. A girl would want something versatile to mix and match with her outfits, right? I developed a working charm and had Gem wear it to school for the first time. That day, to my delight, she brought home a note from her teacher regarding all the positive attention the charm had received from the students and staff. This was when I thought I might be on to something.


Having so much fun changing out the charms each day for Gem, the word "fickle", which means to "change often", quickly came to mind when I started to brainstorm for a product name. As I worked to refine and expand my prototype designs, I deliberated more on the word fickle to come up with a made-up name, a tip I learned from Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx. After a few sleepless nights and several scribbled pages, the name "Ficklets" was born. We launched our website and filed patent in spring 2007; subsequently awarded patent in September 2009.

I would be remiss if I didn't re-mention and give sole credit to my daughter for planting the entrepreneurial spirit in me. It's been my mission to build a business that would not only create opportunities for Gem to give her a sense of normalcy, but also to create a business that would provide for her to live a quality life long after I’m gone. In my quest to start a business, I've dabbled in various ventures over the years, but it was by accident that I stumbled on the Ficklets idea. Since then my entrepreneurial passion has soared like never before… I knew this was IT!

It's fulfilling to live a life where I am creative and productive with a purpose, and I'm grateful to Gem for inspiring me to grow as a mom and entrepreneur. Thank you again for taking the time to learn more about Ficklets and Gem.

A fun, fashionable, fresh twist to eyeglasses!

To keep up to date, "Like" Ficklets on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

$25 Amazon Card Giveaway 6/11 - US/Canada - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

thight said...

i follow thru GFC (thight) 1
telithahight at yahoo dot com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $25 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.


To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily - this is a mandatory entry:


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/11 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US/Canada only please. 

$25 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway 6/11 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kristyn said...

i voted online5

kristyn_ann(at)hotmail.com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $25 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.


To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/11 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

THIS IS AN E-CODE GIFT CARD - THOSE OUTSIDE OF US CAN ENTER BUT I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU CAN USE THE CODE TO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY.

Plastic Jungle Being a Good Destination for Gift for Dads

Plastic Jungle


Do you have one of those dads that is so hard to shop for that it's nearly impossible to ensure you are pleasing him?  If so, you should check out Plastic Jungle.  You can save on your gift for Father's Day buy gifting him a discounted gift card up to 35% off at Plastic Jungle. Shop from discounted gift cards from one of his favorite retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot, AMC Theater, etc.


You can buy discounted gift cards up to 35% off with FREE shipping!  If you are like me and procrastinate a little, you can also send an eCODE for faster electronic delivery.  This is great for those dads that like to eshop too such as at iTunes, Target, Best Buy, Fandango and more.


Target Best Buy Itunes


Here are some of my favorites:


What better gift to give when you can save money by paying less, receiving free shipping and having the option to deliver electronically without having to pay extra surcharges in delivery?

Plastic Jungle even buys and exchanges your cards so it's a one stop shop!  




*I wrote this post in exchange for a gift card.

Father's Day Gift Ideas at Novica and $25 Gift Card Giveaway 6/17 - US/Canada - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Raven In A Blue Room said...

I tweeted your giveaway

schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

Welcome to Novica.com!

I've been bad because I've put zero thought into Father's Day this year but this was mostly due to a move across the country coupled with seven days at Disney.  So thanks to the Novica, I can start and finish my Father's Day shopping with little effort and I need that more than you can imagine.  If you aren't familiar with Novica, they are associated with National Geographic and provide a global platform for artists and artisans around the world to show their true talent and love of their products.

On my list, I have three fathers to shop for who all have various hobbies and styles.  While looking at the Novica site, I found the perfect gift for my father who is now 74 years young and could use some assistance walking.

 

These walking sticks are interesting in that they offer a variety of styles for different tastes.  From a wood walking stick man to a jester to a cobra man, the choices are plentiful.  They are made in different countries such as West Africa and Andes to add to that authentic, unique flare.  There are also different meanings in the shape that provides an intriguing story behind the gift as well.


Another choice for those that are still in the cold regions are Alpaca Wool Scarves.  If you don't know much about Alpaca wool, it's soft and very warm.  The scarves also have a story behind the crafting of each one.  I find appeal in products made by an actual person.


For the father that dresses up, which is my father-in-law, these cuff links would be perfect!  I like to give unique or personalized gifts.  My first choice are the Garnet Cufflinks, Cross.  Each pair comes with an artisan story card adding that final step of showing you cared by finding something special.  Every review that I've read so far has been extremely positive.

There are so many gifts to find and to get more Father's Day ideas, just click here.

Novica is offering free shipping on many of their summer collection items!

______________________________________________


Interested in making money and starting your own home business?  Novica is introducing Novica Live.  You can host a party or become a consultant.  For $199, you get a starter kit full of over $400 of samples and $150 in business materials.  Just click the link above to find more information.

Silk batik scarf, 'Blue Jasmine' 'Coins of the Kingdom' Blown glass pitcher, 'Confetti'


The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $25 Gift Card Code to use at Novica.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which product from Novica you would like to purchase.

Extra Entries:

  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
  • See main page of blog for extra entry options - varies)



Giveaway ends 6/17 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time) - winner will be chosen via random.org


US/Canada

*Review coming soon

**Disclaimer:  I was provided two $25 gift codes in exchange for this post.

For more great gift ideas or a gift for yourself, check out some of these other products:

http://accessories.novica.com/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/cufflinks/sterling-silver/
http://accessories.novica.com/scarves/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/scarves/alpaca-wool/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/walking-sticks/

$50 GNC Gift Card Giveaway 6/22- WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kristyn said...

I voted online!
Kristyn_Ann(At)hotmail.com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $50 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.



To Enter the giveaway - MANDATORY ENTRY - 


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/22 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

THIS IS AN E-CODE GIFT CARD - THOSE OUTSIDE OF US CAN ENTER BUT I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU CAN USE THE CODE TO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY.