Ten Reasons Why I Want to Visit Virgina Beach

Summer is here and so are family vacations.  It's a hard task in trying to figure where to go so that everyone will be happy and have a good time.  Planning a great vacation is also fun and the outcome can create a lifelong memory to behold.  I try to plan my vacations so that I'm not only giving me children a great time to remember but I'm also trying to teach them by example to take to their future kids.  I think many people think you have to go away to some exotic place to thoroughly enjoy and embark on something magical but the best things we have are sometimes in our back yard such as Virginia Beach.  From what my family and friends have told me, Virginia Beach is a memorable place full of fun and exciting things to do.  Here are my top 10 reasons why I want to visit:

• I've never vacationed in Virginia Beach so I feel it would make a great trip coupled with the history of the area.
• I would love to go sailing and Virginia Beach is ideal for this activity.
• I can't forget about the opportunity to camp.  What better way to build some memories and have some great family time?
• Healthy!  I can take the time to relax, try some yoga, go to the spa or visit the heritage store.  I'm all about being healthier this year.
• Sandcastles!  Did I mention sandcastles?  Oh my!  My girls love the sand and the water and would be in heaven just having some water and sand time.
• Shopping of course!  Who can go anywhere without shopping?  I'd be right there spending money!
• Oh the history!  I love history and in fact, I'm busy writing my first novel based on historical facts.  Some of my family even were in Virginia.
• No vacation is complete without the stop at the amusement park and with Busch Gardens, we're in luck as they have a nice little special for military families.
• Okay, can't leave an activity out for the husband so fishing it is.  Not only can he fish fresh water fish but the ocean is abound!
• It's in the United States so visiting will help the economy so that is high on my list for wanting to visit Virginia Beach.

Wherever you start to plan for this year's summer vacation, always remember the diamonds that are within reach.  I didn't know how much Virginia Beach had to offer until writing this post but it definitely looks like a place that could make every person in my family happy.  I would love to visit and take tons of pictures for the scrapbook.

*Disclosure:  I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Virginia Beach Tourism blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

To Buy or Not to Buy: Crystal Light Mocktails?

Summer is here ladies and what are you drinking?  So many weight loss articles say watch what you consume as those calories can be plentiful in drinks alone.  It's so easy to suck down a milkshake or tons of soda when you are hot and the sun is beating down on you.  If you are a fan of Crystal Light as I am, you might be pleased to hear that now you have more flavors to enjoy with:

1. Mojito
2. Appletini
3. Margarita

These three new flavors will give you a new reason to love summer but wait....they are new but are limited edition so get yours quick to see if you are hooked.  As with the other flavors, Crystal Light Mocktails are available in multi-serve canisters with two quart packets so invite the girls over and have some fun watching Johnny Depp on TV or just gossiping.

Don't forget that they are just FIVE calories and ZERO carbs per 8 fl. oz. serving!

Check out Crystal Light here, on Twitter and on Facebook.


What's your favorite summertime drink and have you tried new Crystal Light Mocktails yet?




*Disclosure:  I was compensated for my time for sharing this information as part of the Crystal Light campaign hosted by One2One Network.  All opinions are my own.

100 Years of Skincare Celebration with Rihanna & Chance to Win

NIVEA and award-winning singer, Rihanna have teamed up to get #skin2skin in 2011. NIVEA and Rihanna have joined forces as part of the 100 Years of Skincare celebration and Rihanna's international LOUD tour.

Embracing NIVEA’s 100 year-long commitment to bringing loved ones closer through touch, the skincare brand is giving its fans the opportunity to see and possibly meet Rihanna. All you have to do is show how you get skin2skin with your loved ones on the new #skin2skin Photo Challenge App on the NIVEA USA Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NIVEAUSA). 






HOW TO WIN
To enter, fans can upload their “skin2skin” photo to the #skin2skin Challenge app on Facebook – http://on.fb.me/mKAA0n. Once uploaded, fans can share their photo entry so friends can comment and “like” for a better chance of winning daily and weekly prizes. Submissions for the European Adventure close on August 8th, 2011. The voting period for the grand prize to Europe runs from August 11 - August 25, 2011.

Those who need some skin2skin inspiration can check out submissions here.


PRIZES
There are daily prize pack giveaways of samples and full sized NIVEA products, coupons and gear. Concert ticket giveaways started June 23rd, 2011 - the first of which was over the 4th of July weekend where a lucky NIVEA Facebook fan saw Rihanna's concert during her LOUD tour stop in Las Vegas (see photos here). NIVEA will continue to give away tickets to several US tour stops and one lucky fan will fly to NY to meet Rihanna. In addition, there is a grand prize trip for two to see Rihanna perform at one of her European LOUD tour stops! The grand prize winner will be selected at the end of the voting period based on weighted averages of votes and comments. View details here (link: http://on.fb.me/mKAA0n).

Anyone Try Body by Jake Tower 200?

Anyone try the Body by Jake Tower 200?  My husband is wanting to try it because a buddy in Kuwait said it's the ultimate workout without having a gym.  I worry most about how sturdy it is and assume it's based on the hardware of the door.  We have a double French door and not sure it will hold up and since we are renting, not too keen on damaging a door.  I did read the reviews and overall, it received decent reviews and no one else had too harsh reviews on the sturdiness.

I was thinking of getting it for him for his birthday since he left his Bowflex behind when we moved hoping to try out this.  It's on sale through Amazon but I also want to ensure it's a good product.


   

Frigidaire's Accessories $30 GC Giveaway 7/24: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

My So Called Homeschool Life said...

I follow your blog. Never heard of their Accessory store before!

July 15, 2011 11:06 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to claim prize before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

If you have a Frigidaire, this is the store for you!  From kitchen to laundry to air conditioners and outdoor kitchens to grills and more, they have you covered.  One of the things that I noticed when I entered the site is a very cool program for water filter replacements.  You can sign up for an auto filter program so you don't have to run out and not have one when that little red light (or whatever alerts you) is on.  This is a big one for me as I always forget.  I had no idea that Frigidaire had an accessory store and that other features include:

• Free regular shipping on all Frigidaire refrigerator water filter orders
• Toll free number to contact
• Parts and accessories for your Frigidaire appliances

Here are some of the items you can purchase:

  

The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $30 gift card to purchase from the Frigidaire accessory store (tax and shipping are not included).

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you had heard of the Frigidaire accessory store before.

Extra Entries:

• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done once a day for two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook

Giveaway ends 7/24 (midnight - mountain standard time) - US only please

Full Year of Parents Magazine for $4!

Only 33 cents an issue, you can get Parents magazine for only $4 for an entire year!


Just click on the link and use code:   PX0408

Piperlime’s Zoe Cute! Contest Starts Today

Piperlime’s Zoe Cute! Contest Starts Today

Piperlime has partnered with 7 For All Mankind to create this one of a kind

Zoe adorable baby gift for their guest editor Rachel Zoe.

Well…two of a kind.  They created one more for a lucky contest winner!

It is easy…know a supermom who juggles it all and still manages to look amazing?

Visit the Piperlime Blog today through Sunday, July 10^th and tell us about her stylish ways (or nominate your deserving self).

The best story will win this exclusive 7 For All Mankind baby outfit…the same one we gifted Rachel Zoe and her dapper little bundle of joy.  They’ll also award that stylish mom with her own pair of 7 For All Mankind denim – she deserves it!

Please Save & Send Pepsi Power Vote Codes

My eight year old is running for a Pepsi Grant next month and we need those Pepsi Power Vote Codes in specially marked bottles and cases.

Here is what they look like:

Please send those to us all of July and August so she can help her Angels4Epilepsy, Inc., provide gift cards to low income children to purchase USB medical alert bracelets.

Thank you!

Nutra Planet Fitness Swag Giveaway 7/30

Have you heard of Bookieboo?  She's the fierce leader of a group of moms on a journey to get in shape over at Mamavation.  She had led this group for nearly two years on a path of losing weight, motivating one another and getting healthier.  She's now partnering with Nutra Planet in this great Nutra Planet Fitness Swag Giveaway and you can win too!

One of the products they sell is OxyELITE Pro which I have tried and like it.  I feel it helped me lose the 16 pounds I lost between May and June.

Just click here to enter!




I’m posting this to enter a contest offered by OxyElite Pro at Nutraplanet  at Mamavation! I want to win the Nike Watch! Enter to win here!

Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Multi-Action Skincare+Make Up Beauty Balm

Skin care products based on no-fragrance, no-colorant and non-alcohol is appealing to me as it's something that I prefer.  Dr. Jart+ is a product line created by a Korean doctor with the J in Jart being the founder's initial followed by the word "art."  Dr. Jart+ utilizes scientific and bionic studies to create a line with the slogan of "Doctor Makes the Difference."  Dr. Jart+ claims to be safe for men and women of all ages and people with troubled/sensitive skin.  No artificial ingredients or unnecessary additives are used.  You can click here to see the certifications and awards received.

I received a complimentary Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Multi-Action Skincare and Make-Up for the purposes of this review.  Since I just moved to Texas, we have a pool so protecting my skin is critical.  Having a light weight make up to protect my skin while not leaving a heavy feel of make up is ideal.  It's been averaging 100 every day and nothing is worse then to feel a thick, sticky base make up on your face.  I like that the make up goes on smooth, provides coverage and give me an SPF of 25.  Other features:

• Oil free hydrating moisturizer
• Hyaluronic water based technology
• Sunscreen plus aloe
• Corrects while it protects (per box)

The bottles are sleek and appealing to those that want to feel they are getting a trendy product.  The price is comparative to many other similar products but since it combines coverage, protection and treatment, I feel it's a great deal.  It provided the coverage to smooth my uneven skin tone while covering my blemishes.  I haven't used it enough to notice any corrective properties but I do like what I have seen so far.

You can purchase Dr. Jart+ at Sephora here.

  

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary product for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.

Bee-a-Thon 2011 - Help the Bees While Having Fun!

On July 16, bee counters across the nation are hosting “backyard bee parties” and other garden events as they celebrate Bee-a-thon 2011, the first-ever online “town hall” event dedicated to our pollinators and broadcasting live to worldwide audiences from 9 am to 9 pm US-Pacific Time.  I'm writing you to see if you will help spread the word, through your network, friends and family, about this free grassroots event to help raise awareness around the plight of our disappearing native bees.

Bee-a-thon 2011 is a fun, interactive family-friendly event featuring top experts in science, conservation, youth engagement and education.  People can tune-in to Bee-a-thon anytime throughout the day from living rooms, gardens, mobile devices and “backyard bee parties” all over the world, to listen in and ask questions in real time.

Bee curious, bee aware, bee a good neighbor

Here are three ways you can spread the buzz and help the bees:

1 - Put a bee-counting widget on your blog if you have one. The "bee-o-meter" tracks the populations of honeybees across the country.  You can click on it to find the number of bees in your zip code.  Their goal for 2011 is to have one bee counter in each of the 43,000 U.S. zip codes. Supporting blogs and organizations will have their logo, name and a link back to their site placed on the YourGardenShow.com website. To get your "bee-o-meter,"   visit: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/news51.

2 - Forward this email to your network of readers, friends and family.  Invite them to RSVP for the Bee-a-thon here: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/bee-a-thon.

3 - Host a "backyard bee party" or other "rooftop" event.  Rally your friends and join Bee-a-thon for a day of engagement and celebration.  Downloads and other resources are available here: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/bee-a-thon.

Bee-a-thon 2011 is hosted by YourGardenShow.com to kick-off the Great Bee Count, a national Citizen Science campaign to count bees across North America and help shape bee conservation efforts.  To find out more about the Great Bee Count with The Great Sunflower Project, visit: http://www.yourgardenshow.com/citizen-science/great-sunflower-project.

The event is free and open to all.  We hope to see you there!

My Circle of Moms Best Product for Moms

As part of the top 25 Circle Moms, I presented my pick for a top product for moms.  I chose new moms and I picked the 4Moms Mamaroo Infant Seat.

Want to see why?

Just click here and you can even vote if you agree!

Betty Crocker Baker´s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest Deadline 6/30!

Don't forget to submit your entry to the Betty Crocker Baker´s Challenge Gluten Free Recipe Contest which ends tomorrow.   For more information, just watch the video below and good luck!






Disclosure:  Video was provided by Betty Crocker via MyBlogSpark.

Preschool Fun DVD 8 Adventures: Barney, Kipper, Angelina & More Review & Giveaway 7/12 (US/Canada) - WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

jakiesmom said...

voted online 2
nannypanpan at gmail.com

June 28, 2011 10:46 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Jakiesmom and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!

What a great way to help teach your preschooler then with their favorite characters.  With Hit Favorites: Preschool Fun, they will see all their favorites in eight adventures to include:

• Barney - Days of the Week
• Timmy Time - Timmy's Jigsaw
• Fireman Sam - Sheep on the Road
• Roary the Racing Car
• Bob the Builder - Scratch's Star Turn
• Kipper - Pig's Sweater
• Angelina Ballerina - Angelina and the Poster
• Thomas and Friends - Best Friends

66 minutes of fun combined with learning is a great DVD by Liongate and HIT Entertainment coming July 5th.  The lessons are plentiful from loyalty, friendship, cooperation, sharing and much more.  

Since my soon to be four year old is a fan of most of those television characters, she really enjoyed the DVD.  It wasn't long before she was reciting the days of the week and other key episodes that she enjoyed.  I was pleased to see that not only was she entertained but she was learning at the same time.  Sometimes they need a break from traditional teaching and watching their favorite characters is ideal.  If you have a preschooler, I would recommend this DVD given the number of characters/episodes and the learning aspect.

____________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win their own copy of this DVD.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me who your child's favorite character is that is featured on this DVD.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries per day
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries
• Tell me another DVD you would like to have from Lionsgate
• See main page for other bonus entry opportunities

Giveaway ends 7/12 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time) - Winner selected via random.org - Open to the US/Canada.



*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this DVD and the opportunity to give one copy away.

Mamavation Monday

Where does the week go?  It seems ever since moving here, time flies and I find myself every weekend saying I'll do better and be more committed but it's like I'm living the movie Groundhog's Day.  It hasn't been for naught as I keep bouncing around with one to two pounds up and down and still maintaining my 16 pound loss.  I've been making it a habit to exercise in the pool daily.  I read that if you job in waist deep water, you can lose 17 cals per minute so even though five minutes isn't long, I've been doing that coupled with laps and playing tag and Marco Polo with my girls.  I've also been incorporating some foods like almonds and walnuts for the nutritional aspect.  I still need to get healthier with my eating but I've been on a Mexican food kick ... hmmm...wonder why???

This past week consisted of 20-30 minutes of pool workouts and that's been it!  This coming week, I plan to kick it up a notch and actually report a weight loss next week.  I'm reading a book titled Think, Act, Love, Lose Weight by Shane Jeremy James and he takes an approach that many don't which is behavior modification.  I know this is something that Pete routinely touches on for us Mamavation Moms.  Shane does a good job dissecting it and it sticks in my mind at times which is good.  I'm hoping when I've finished it, it will really stick in my mind.

This week's Mamavation Blogging Carnival Question is:

How have you recently stepped up to support someone in your life?

(online or IRL)

I started a Facebook group with my family to garner some weight loss motivation.  It actually started in January and has dwindled down with little enthusiasm.  Combined, the group of us around seven, lost over 70 pounds which is wonderful!  I plan to kick it back in ASAP.   Mamavation Moms was my inspiration to help my family lose weight so thanks, Mamavation!

This week's carnival is hosted by EatSmart Products.  I have a small non-electronic scale which comes in handy but I know a digital scale by EatSmart would be perfect in precision.

This post is sponsored by EatSmart Products and I’m writing this to be entered into a EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale giveaway hosted by Mamavation .