Embracing a Healthy Family

Six Weeks to OMG by Venice A. Fulton Book Review

Six Weeks to OMG Get Skinnier Than All Your Friends by Venice A. Fulton is a book that tells you how to lose up to 20 pounds in six weeks. I've done many, many diets so I understood and saw some aspects of this diet in comparison to other diets and have had success on those diets. Knowing that, I know for sure that those aspects work such as higher protein and a mixture of fruits and veggies. I also understand the concept of get moving which the author is spot on. He reinforced the nature of our bodies throughout the beginning and why the way we live doesn't jive with how we were made. There were other aspects of his book that I never tried but they made logical sense. I tried one day but am not ready as I feel you have to be ready and committed to follow the plan perfectly.

Whereas I don't think the concept is hard at all, the idea of the cold baths are something that I'll have to get used to. Overall, I think the entire plan is doable and I also feel it would definitely work. I like the idea of how to plate your meals, how to space your meals and what you should eat and do for staying healthy. The mixture of the why's match the how's which is why I think this is an ideal book for anyone who wants to lose up to 20 pounds in a relatively short amount of time. Some will question the high level of protein but there is a mixture of the right fruits and vegetables to consume that balances out the nutrition value.

After all the books I have read and all the diets I have tried, this is a good book if you are ready to start losing weight and getting healthier.

Six Weeks to OMG will be available on July 10, 2012 publication in hardcover, e-book and downloadable audio formats and will be published on the Grand Central Life & Style list.

See an excerpt from Six Weeks to OMG on Facebook here.

About Venice A. Fulton:

Venice Fulton is an expert in sports medicine who has dedicated himself for more than 10 years to helping his high-profile clientele keep their bodies fit and healthy. He lives in London.

Follow Venice A. Fulton on Twitter.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Walker Edison Bunk Bed Giveaway 7/10

I'm still waiting to hear from the sponsor blogger who the winner was.

Bunk-Bed-Giveaway

Welcome to the The Walker Edison Bunk Bed Giveaway Event! If you gave children, chances are you know that they love bunk beds. They are a great way to save space while giving your kids a fun place to sleep. Not only are they comfortable but they can fit any style or theme of room. If you check out Pinterest, you can find some really cool ideas to jazz up the room IF you win this really cool bed!

One lucky winner will receive the Walker Edition Bunk Bed Giveaway!

Health, Beauty, Children and Family has joined the wonderful blog Children Teaching Mama along with a host of many other great bloggers for this giveaway.

We have to give a special thanks to BunkBedsAtoZ for sponsoring the prize that one or more children will love to receive!

The Giveaway:

A Walker Edison Bunk Bed worth $549

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below and be sure to mention Health, Beauty, Children and Family referred you - thanks!

The giveaway ends Tuesday, July 10th at 11:59pm EST and is open to US only (18 or over)

Utilize the bonus entries to improve your chances of winning!

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Free Blogger Event - Dyson DC 24 Giveaway 8/3 - 8/24

The Dyson DC24 Cleaner Home Giveaway Event hosted by Mom Powered Media: Iowa-Mom, Powered by Mom and Real Mom Reviews is now open to bloggers!

Cost is $5 or free with announcement post. Click this link to sign up bloggers wanted and please refer Health, Beauty, Children and Family.

Prize: Dyson DC24 All Floors Vacuum (retail value $399)

Open to: Worldwide (note – if a winner is selected outside of the US, they will be responsible for shipping costs and fees added by their country).

The event dates: August 3 – 24

Link options are: Email, RSS, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon and Pinterest.

SodaStream Giveaway 7/10

I have a SodaStream and in fact, I need to write my review but in the interim, Free Hot Samples has graciously shared her review and giveaway with my readers! I completely agree with her review of the SodaStream and think you will too if you are a winner!

I have a new favorite thing, Sodastream. I'm not kidding, this thing is fantastic! My husband does too, he was like a kid on Christmas morning when it arrived. You can easily make a liter of soda in less than 3 minutes. I was sent a Sodastream, the Genesis model and tons of sodamix to sample. Each sodamix is enough to make 12 liters of drink, each sparkling naturals contains enough syrup to make 6 liters of drink, each bottle of MyWater Flavor Essence will flavor about 20 liters of water, you only need half a teaspoon for each liter you make of this! Mixer bottles start around $4.99 and go up to $9.99, depending on the size of the bottle.

What I liked the most about Sodastream is you don't need electricity or batteries to work. This makes it perfect to use anywhere you need it. You don't have to worry about plugging it in on the counter or kitchen table. You can use it where it's most convenient for you.

You want to know if the sodas taste good. Yes, it taste just like the soda you buy in the store. There are few differences though, There are less calories and less sugar in Sodastream sodas. Plus, the soda flavors don't have any high-fructose corn syrup in the regular flavors, and no aspartame in the diet flavors. Sparkling Naturals doesn't have artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners or any preservatives.

Watch the video to see how easy Sodastream is to use!

Thanks to the following blogs for taking the time to share this giveaway with their readers!

Mom Blog Society - Mommies with Cents - The Couportiera -Carol's Random Babble - Mommy's Memorandum - Juliana's Bits and Pieces - Health, Beauty, Children & Family - My Life in Utah - Capri's Coupons - Just Jennifer Talking - DIY Fashionistas - Ice Ferry's Treasure Chest - Kathy's Freebies & Savings - Clip This Not That - Bluegrass Bargain Bin - MS Stole My Brain

The Giveaway:

Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit ($99.95).

Kit includes:

Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
1 Carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

The winner of this giveaway will be notified by Free Hot Samples.

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Let's Get Fit Sweepstakes 7/9

If you've been following my Weight Loss Expedition you know that I have been reviewing a few great products like:

The Ozeri WeightMASTER Digital Bathroom Scale

The Ozeri 4X Razor Pedometer

A.C.E. Weight Loss

And Naughty MakeOvers For Nice Girls

Now it's your turn to win some of these great items!! Enter using the Rafflecopter below and see if you get lucky to get ready for summer. I'm big into getting healthier and I know having the tools to succeed is the trick on getting there.

Check out all our other giveaways here!

Good Luck!

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Madame Deals/PhilterIt $200 Walmart GC Giveaway 7/8 US/Canada

Who's ready for the next big Madame Deals Event?

I'm pretty sure you're going to LOVE the prize as I know I do! Who couldn't use a gift card from Walmart with this much cash on it?

Our sponsor, PhilterIt, is offering one of our readers a $200 Walmart Gift Card!!

**Powered by Madame Deals and Slop Swap**

PhilterIt.com is changing the way users experience email. Our inbox is perfect for heavy online shoppers and daily-deal seekers who are overwhelmed by the emails they receive from brands but don't want to lose the valuable content. PhilterIt filters brand messages into icons, so that they are out of the way but not lost. It's also elegant, beautiful and simple to use. Email is getting a makeover for the better.

Take a look at how you can organize your inbox:

It's a pretty cool program isn't it? It's a quick and easy way to find what you want from who you want without the hassles. I don't know if you experience the same issues with Yahoo as I do but often times, I can search for my mail but I am unable to open it. With PhilterIt, the problem is gone.

You can sign up for you own PhilterIt account by going to http://PhilterIt.com and using the the code: HEALTH

*In order to WIN the giveaway, you must register with PhilterIt with the code above.

You can find PhilterIt on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Check out all our other giveaways here!

New Tide Pods: Pop In. Stand Out. Review #PopInAPod

I'm lazy or have my moments of being lazy and laundry is my biggest chore I dislike. I think if I had a set up like a laundromat, I might not detest it so much. I think the worse part is folding and putting the clothes away. My girls have too many clothes and not enough room so putting them away is not fun. As part of my participation with Vocalpoint, I received complimentary New Tide® PODS™. They have a revolutionary three-chamber design that cleans, fights stains and brightens all in one.

Just pop ‘em in to give your laundry a clean that is seriously deep down and thorough. I tried one out by popping in both whites and darks together. One of my daughter's white shirts had some serious red pop cycle stains on it.

As I pulled out each piece of clothing, no colors bled, whites stayed white and the stain was gone. I was sold! I have now become a Tide® PODS™ customer. I want laundry simplified and this is definitely one way to achieve that. My middle daughter likes to help with chores and the Tide® PODS™ allows her to help with a simple pop it in and start the machine.

Learn more at Tide.com.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary sample for myself and one to give to a friend from Tide as part of my participation with Vocalpoint.

Pillsbury® Baguette Chips Review & 6 Bag Giveaway 7/10 US

Are you a snacker? Do you like to snack but are trying to be good? Then you have to try out the Pillsbury® Baguette Chips. They are hearty chips sliced from oven baked bread and topped with great seasonings to make you crave more or at least I did! You can choose between Italian Cheese & Herb or Cheddar Sun-Dried Tomato. They are also versatile from eating as a snack alone or with some soup, a sandwich, salad and more. More good news! You can indulge in about 21 baguette chips at only 130 calories (a serving) and they contain 50% less fat than regular potato chips.

I received three bags of the Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Italian Cheese & Herb and three bags of the Pillsbury Baguette Chips in Cheddar Sundried Tomato. My girls preferred the Italian Cheese & Herb and I liked them both. They also make nice little snacks with a dab cream cheese, bacon bits or even some salsa. I can put salsa on about anything! They were crunchy but not overly crunchy to hurt you teeth or the roof of your mouth. They had a rich flavor without being overwhelming or leaving a long after taste in your mouth of spices. They are perfect for a quick snack in between meals or to compliment a meal. They get a thumb's up in my house!

Now you get to find out how great they are by entering to win the same six bags I received!

Save 75 cents now with this Pillsbury® Baguette Chips coupon and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter.

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

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Open to US only - Ends 7/10

Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

FREE Blogger Opp: Kindle Fire & Diamond Candles Giveaway

Diamond Candles are really hot these days and you can see the great reception it’s getting from all the reviews and giveaways on the web! And why not? You can get a ring worth $10 to $5,000 with every candle! And of course, the Kindle Fire is still the leading Android tablet in the market!

And since Bay Area Mommy will be celebrating its 1st year anniversary on July 27, we’re gonna have a Kindle Fire & Diamond Candles giveaway with 2 winners!!!

Giveaway Dates: July 25 – August 15

Signup Fee: FREE for 1st link, $3 for each additional linkOpen worldwide. If the winner is not from the US, he/she will get the cash equivalent.

Just click on the link above to sign up!

Timeless Events: The Dutchess

I just finished watching The Dutchess with Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes set in the 1700's in England. I thoroughly enjoy the English movies around that time period and I never was much of a Knightley fan until I watched this movie. It's one of those movies that leave you feeling unhappy and feeling such sorrow for the character. I think the sorrow erupts mostly due to regardless of the time period, many women and probably men can relate. It's a sorrowful story but it celebrates motherhood and the all out costs associated with loving your children. In a time period where we hear of parents murdering their children along with strangers, you have to wonder what went wrong. This story is what should be the standard of love a parent has for a child.

Forsaking one's happiness for the good of a child is still common place today as it was back then. Although it wasn't as easy to depart in those days, it was still done. Our struggles may have grown and differed today but the end result of the struggles are still there. I'm sure we all know of at least one person sticking it out for the sake of the children. You hear folks say perhaps it's better to part instead of forcing children to endure dysfunctional behaviors. It's hard to say in such a 'me, me, me' society.

If you haven't watched The Dutchess, I think it's a must see not to make you feel sad or gloomy but for the storyline, to experience a true love battle of emotions and just a little history even if it's not altogether accurate.

From Wiki:

Set in the late Eighteenth Century, the story follows the life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. While her beauty and fashion made her famous, extravagance and gambling made her infamous. She is married to the cold and much older William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire. Despite the Duke's blatant infidelities, Georgiana becomes a fashion icon, a doting mother, a shrewd political operator, and darling of the common people. Reeling from her husband's affair with her best friend, Lady Bess Foster, Georgiana takes on her own lover, the future prime minister Charles Grey, with whom she gives birth to a child in secret, Eliza Courtney.

Children's Book Review: The Labyrinth by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck

The Labyrinth is part of the Lima Bear Stories by authors Thomas Weck and Peter Weck. This is the second book I have read from the Lima Bear Stories and was equally impressed with the storyline, the characters and the message of forgiveness. I also like an emphasis on female characters holding positions of power so my girls understand that both males and females can hold important roles. Even though the hero of the story is a male bear, the idea is there and it shows how gender makes no difference as both can work together to solve a problem. L. Joe Bean also proves that size doesn't matter and that heroes come in all sizes.

When Princess Belinda Bean is chosen by her father to become the Queen and ruler of Beandom, Mean Ol' Bean becomes jealous and decides he has a plan to take over as King. Through an elaborate plan, Mean Ol' Bean utilizes a labyrinth to trap her until L. Joe Bean, the Wiseman of Beandom, intercedes. Of course I can't tell you how it ends as that would spoil the story!

The illustrations are well done and blend softly with the story pages. I also liked the word art exhibited such as the word cheered having a wavy appearance and "Oh, Mean Ol' Bean" rhythm appearing bold and in a different font and color repeated throughout the book. It's a cute story that ends with a lesson.

I also enjoyed the back section that is called Extend the Learning and Activities. From suggestions to help your children before you read the book to during the reading and after reading, the questions are ones that reinforce what they will learn in school. The Activities section details fun things to do with your children that coincide with the story. It's a perfect educational supplement to the story.

The Labyrinth is a good children's book that teaches a wonderful lesson of forgiveness, caring and giving as well as the inclusion of a back section that furthers educational opportunities.

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy The Labyrinth from KSB Promotions. The opinions are of my own.

CeliAct and CeliAct Fish Oil {$57 value} Giveaway - US/Canada

CeliAct complements the gluten free diet to provide a complete nutritional solution for people with Celiac Disease. CeliAct provides your body with nutrients and compounds to minimize the risk of the complications that people with Celiac Disease suffer from the most. Did you know that simply implementing a gluten free diet is not enough for people with Celiac? There have been a number of recent studies that show those of us with Celiac have a significantly higher need for vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This can be concerning if you are just finding out you have Celiac Disease or perhaps were never told.

This review linked in the post and written below was done by DonnasDealsAndMore. She had the opportunity to try both the CeliAct and the Fish Oil. There are 5 components to CeliAct.

Digestive Enzyme Support
Multivitamin/Multimineral Complex
Intestinal Healing Blend
Probiotic Defense Complex
Bone Building Formula

Normally when I take my vitamins I get a stomach ache. I had started taking them at night so I could sleep through it. I have been taking CeliAct 3x a day and have had no issues with stomach aches. In fact, I don't feel bloated and "bleh" at all. I have completely removed all glutens from my diet and had no idea that taking a supplement made especially for those of us with CeliAct could have such a positive impact on me. I've also been taking the Fish Oil. My only complaint would be "fish burps". Thankfully it only happens with in the first few hours after taking it.

CeliAct also has an amazing newsletter. It is not spammy at all. I love the information they provide. They have interesting and educational articles that are pertinent to me.

You can purchase CeliAct HERE and if you use coupon code DONNASCELIACT at checkout, you'll save 25%!

CeliAct is giving one lucky reader a prize pack of CeliAct and CeliAct Fish Oil {$57 value}

*Open to US and Canada, must be 18 years or older

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Check out all our other giveaways here!

*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Health, Beauty, Children and Family is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

My Frigidaire Do-Over Moment

My Children, Grand-baby and Son-in-Law

Life is a roller coaster of good bad and everything in between and one thing for certain, we don't get to do it over. I suppose that isn't necessarily accurate as there are some decisions or situations we could do over but for those that we can't, should we look back or move forward with the knowledge we gained? I suspect we have many of those times we thought if only but we didn't. I think about what I'd do over and wonder if I really would want to do anything over in case it changed the path I ended up. To have a life without my three beautiful daughters is unimaginable or at least that's how I see it but my dad has another take on that theory in that we are who we are and would be regardless of the parent. Interesting concept to say the least. I wonder how many people's do overs involve love or a relationship because it can definitely have long lasting ramifications if the wrong path was chosen. In a different circumstance, my do-over moment would be a choice I made at the ripe ol' age of 18.

My Girls and I

Life is full of unknowns but we think we know at that age. Throw in some insecurities and you have a recipe for a surprisingly cautious young lady. I could have stayed where I grew up or move along with my family across the state. I ended up moving away and started a new life. I could have stayed and often wonder what would have happened had I stayed in the place I grew up in. I still have contact with some of my friends and their lives haven't changed a lot. Some are still there and some moved away. I think the only thing I really missed out on were the close connections with all those friends. I have moved so much and never firmly established myself so I missed out on the years of bonding with friends. Although not much a do-over moment it's the one thing that if I had done over and made a different decision, my life would have been vastly different. However, I wouldn't change a decision if it meant my path now would be any different.

Even though we cannot have do-over moments, especially that long ago, we can ensure we do things right the first time without having to second guess our experiences in this wonderful thing called life. I'm glad I stuck with my decision to move away because it afforded me with so many opportunities and experiences that I wouldn't have had if I stayed put. Having the opportunity to travel across Europe, meet such interesting people, having an incredible career and three beautiful children reminds me I made the best decision. I think I do have a suggestion for Johnny Depp, he needs a do-over moment with picking me as his future wife! A girl can dream can't she?

*Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Bring a Smile: Vote for Two Momprenuers (Small Business Owners)

A final push for votes for two wonderful women who have businesses they juggle out of their homes while being caretakers for their families. I'm very big on moms who can manage to take that plunge and start their own businesses. I became close to both women through blogging and both have routinely supported my nine year old's non-profit along with other charitable causes. These two women are dynamos!

Cynthia from Adorable Baby Clothing has three reasons she would love to have your vote and win the Chase Small Grant's program to proceed to the next level. She has three grandchildren that she helps to tend to while her daughter just finished nursing school. Cynthia is a great person and puts her all in her business in ensuring each and every customer is happy and satisfied. She's a small business owner who tries to keep up with the chains. This grant would give her the ability to do things she hasn't been able to due to the economy. Her business will be given a new breath of fresh air to start accomplishing more goals.

Ros from Ficklets is another mom-dynamo! Ros' invention of interchangeable eyewear charm huggers was inspired by her daughter who is a special needs child. Ros, as most mothers, want the very best for her daughter and thus the idea of Ficklets came about. She wanted her daughter to like her glasses and developed these cute charm huggers that will fit on eyeglasses and give kids a little more personality to their boring glasses.

Ros would also benefit greatly from winning this grant and it would allow her to further her product line, reach out to more people and just expand her small business.

A quick, one-time vote is all that is needed along with a Facebook account. Just click on the Chase Mission link, login in with your Facebook account, type in Ficklets, hit search, vote. Then type in Adorable Baby Clothing, hit search and vote. Please share and get your family and friends to vote. They need minimally 250 votes each by June 30th and they are so close!

Six Weeks to OMG by Venice A. Fulton Book Review

Walker Edison Bunk Bed Giveaway 7/10

Free Blogger Event - Dyson DC 24 Giveaway 8/3 - 8/24

The Dyson DC24 Cleaner Home Giveaway Event hosted by Mom Powered Media: Iowa-Mom, Powered by Mom and Real Mom Reviews is now open to bloggers!

SodaStream Giveaway 7/10

Let's Get Fit Sweepstakes 7/9

Madame Deals/PhilterIt $200 Walmart GC Giveaway 7/8 US/Canada

Who's ready for the next big Madame Deals Event?

Pro-Form Booty Firm Giveaway 7/11 US

New Tide Pods: Pop In. Stand Out. Review #PopInAPod

Pillsbury® Baguette Chips Review & 6 Bag Giveaway 7/10 US

FREE Blogger Opp: Kindle Fire & Diamond Candles Giveaway

FREE Blogger Opp: Kindle Fire & Diamond Candles Giveaway

Timeless Events: The Dutchess

Children's Book Review: The Labyrinth by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck

CeliAct and CeliAct Fish Oil {$57 value} Giveaway - US/Canada

My Frigidaire Do-Over Moment

Bring a Smile: Vote for Two Momprenuers (Small Business Owners)

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