Embracing a Healthy Family

Donate Your Car to help Vietnam Veterans of America

If you read my blog, you probably know that I'm a wife to an Army man. My husband is in Kuwait and has been there for nearly a year now. My father and all his four brothers were Air Force and my sister was a Marine so veterans hold a special place in my heart. You also have probably seen opportunities where donations help charities such as donate a car programs. I wanted to raise awareness to this great program where you can donate your car and proceeds benefit Vietnam Veterans of America.

Our United States Veterans have sacrificed their lives since the beginning of our great country for freedom. When leaving a war, it's hard to adjust to every day living let alone to years of trying to get back on your feet. By donating and lending your support, you are eligible to receive an IRS tax deduction while providing help to those that gave so much of their lives to us. Your support gives back due to the donate car tax deduction opportunity through the IRS. Vietnam Veterans of America is chartered by Congress and has been providing assistance to Veterans and their families for over 30 years.

Donating a vehicle is an easy process that is fast and secure. Call toll free at 1-800-Help-Vets or use the easy online car donation form to schedule a free towing and you can feel good by joining the other car donors who have already helped other Veterans. The process is really quick and only requires some information on one page. I like the fact that even if the vehicle isn't running, they will still pick it up with no costs to you. The tow truck drivers pick it up and provide you with a receipt. I wished I had a vehicle to donate as I love the idea of helping out veterans.

*Disclosure: This is a paid sponsored post.

Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes, Savings and $25 Gift Card Giveaway 3/3 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Laura @ Frugal Follies said...

I'm following via Google Friend Connect, and I love fettuccine Alfredo!

Laura @ Frugal Follies
thefrugalfollies at gmail dot com

February 20, 2011 9:18 PM

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

It's Italian Days at Publix! I will possibly be moving out of the south and it's one of the things that I will miss living here. Publix is my supermarket of choice due to the buy one get one free promotions, stock on hand, cleanliness and above average customer service. We also love their bakery department and all the ways they help you plan meals, save money and not to mention sweepstakes! From February 17th until March 2nd, visit your local Publix to take advantage of some great savings on General Mills brands such as Pillsbury, Green Giant , Progresso and Totino's. When you purchase 20 of the participating brands, you save $5! For all those coupon clippers, this is a big deal!

Join in and enter to win in the Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes where you could win one of four grand prizes of $10,000 worth of free groceries or one of 200 $100 Publix gift cards being given as prizes.

There are three easy ways to enter for a chance to win the Sweepstakes. Enter via phone, mail or at ClickCallMail.com – a convenient one-stop website, where you’ll also be able to download great coupon savings on some of your favorite General Mills brands and other great offers from Publix.

Here’s how it works:

Click – Stay up to date with the latest General Mills promotions happening at Publix by visiting ClickCallMail.com. Once you’re registered and logged in, you can participate in any current promotions.

Call – If you’d prefer to enter the sweepstakes and participate in other promotions via telephone, feel free to call the General Mills/Publix hotline, at 1.800.627.6059, and be sure to say that you want to enter the Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes. Please be sure to provide your complete contact information (Full name/address/zip code/phone #).

Mail – If you prefer to participate via mail-in entry, print and mail your complete contact information (Full Name/address/zip code/phone #) to P.O. Box 43425 Atlanta, GA 30336 and be sure to write “Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes” on the outside of the envelope.

Don't forget about the Box Tops for Education too!

_______________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $25 Publix Gift Card (please note that Publix is not located nationally).

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what your favorite Italian meal is.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog

Follow me on Twitter

Like me on Facebook

Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)

Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)

Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 3/3 at midnight (EST) - winner will be selected via random.org.

US only please

*Disclosure: The gift card, information and additional gift card to give away were all given to me from General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani Review & Interview

I really enjoy books that teach within the entertaining feature of a story. Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani and illustrated by K.C. Snider is a cute book about this little mouse with a huge curiosity and fascination with violins. The book provides an introduction to the creator of the violin, Antonio Stradivari, and the components that make up a violin. It also teaches children about caring and sharing as seen by Stradivari's act towards the little violinist.

The back of the book contains all the pieces of a violin for further learning opportunities, a glossary and a seek and find word puzzle which my seven year loved!

My children enjoyed the amusing story as they are still smitten with the rat that cooks and they love musical instrument. The mystery behind the box also provided anticipation in hearing the end and the illustrations are delightful. I think it's an enjoyable book for any child and would recommend it.

__________________________________________________

About the author:

Mayra Calvani is an award winning author who writes fiction and non-fiction for both children and adults. She has overr 300 reviews, interviews, stories and articles published and is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Follow Mayra on Twitter and Facebook.

Q&A with Mayra Calvani:

I want to thank you for being my guest here on Health, Beauty, Children and Family.

Thanks for having me as your guest! It’s a pleasure to be here.

Do you consider yourself a born writer?

I do. From an early age, it became obvious to me, my parents and teachers that I was a ‘good’ writer. My writing was what made me stand out, what made me popular. I loved to create stories and live through my characters. I would be miserable if I couldn’t write—and in fact, I am miserable on those days I can’t write. I always say a happy writer is a happy mama.

What type of books do you mostly write?

I write in a variety of genres, from picture books, to middle grade and young adult novels, to fiction and nonfiction for adults. I write what inspires me. I believe I should listen to my muse and stay true to my call and creativity.

Do your children inspire any of books, characters, or plots?

Yes, my children have inspired some of my characters. My son was my inspiration for the little boy in my picture book, Crash! My daughter was my inspiration for the protagonist in The Luthier’s Apprentice (an MG novel currently doing the agent/editor roundup). When I’m short for ideas, I always turn to my kids. Children can be very original!

Can you share with us a little about your current books?

My latest books are How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event and Fredrico, the Mouse Violinist.

How to Turn Your Book Club into a Spectacular Event is a 50-page chapbook for girls ages 9-12 on how to start and manage a book club from start to end. It also includes an explanation of the various genres and a resource section with a list of popular authors who write for young readers, including the titles of one of their books and website links. The book encourages a love of books and reading and also social and leadership skills.

To find out more about it, readers can visit my website at: http://mayrassecretbookcase.com/Middle_Grade.html

Frederico, the Mouse Violinist, is a 24-page picture book that teaches the parts of the violin to beginner players and entertains them with a fun, educational story.

Blurb: Frederico is a little mouse with a big dream: he wants to become a violinist. Each day he watches as Stradivari makes his famous violins. Each night, he sneaks into the workshop to play. But the violins are too big! Then, unbeknown to Frederico, Stradivari sees him playing and begins carving a tiny device. Could it be a famous Strad especially for Frederico?

It is available in ebook, hardcover and paperback.

Purchase link: http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/frederico.htm

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write?

I see writing as channeling, as taking dictation. What I do is I watch and listen to the ‘movie’ in my head, then I write those things down. I learned to do this after reading The Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron. The book changed my life and the way I approach writing and creating. I’d advise all writers and artists to get their hands on that book. It’s absolutely powerful.

Before sitting down to write, it usually takes me a few minutes to get in the right frame of mind. I do a little meditation and quiet down my inner critic. Or I write in my journal for a while and dump all the clutter from my mind. That helps a lot. Then I sit down and say, “Leap, and the net will appear.”

What voice do you find most to your liking: first person or third person?

I feel comfortable with both, depending on the type of book I’m writing.

What well known writers do you admire most?

I love Kate DiCamillo. She has a talent for pulling at your heart strings. I always end up crying when I read her books.

I also love Mary Downing Hahn. She has a wonderful gift for creating an atmosphere of mystery and threat in her middle-grade novels.

Is there anything else you would like to share with readers?

I'd like to invite them to visit my website and blog at:

www.mayrassecretbookcase.com

www.mayrassecretbookcase.blogspot.com

I thank you for taking the time to share with me and my readers about being an author.

Enter to Win DeMet’s Turtles Today!

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Enter to Win DeMet’s Turtles! They are giving away boxes of their famous chocolate, caramel, and pecan turtles candies later today so don't miss out!

Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day!

14 Giveaways with 10 Ending Tonight! $100 Red Envelope, $50 SpaFinder & MORE

Not Mine but My Blogger Partner's Giveaways:

Dos and Don'ts of Dinner Table Etiquette

The one thing my mom was very adamant about was manners. This was a behavior she instilled in us and it definitely meant all facets of all lives. I still remember to this day her reminding us, sometimes in a not so friendly way, to get our elbows off the table. To her, dinner time manners were a big thing and maybe it was the English in her or she was just raised that way. I have no idea because my mom came over from England before I was born and I never met her family. Table etiquette is an art that is quickly becoming a part of history with today's "modern" family unfortunately. I think it's sad because it seems that more and more children are displaying a wide array of poor manners and it really does begin at home. I also wished schools would enforce it too just to help. I know my daughter's school they do and I'm very appreciative as it's not only about being polite but also about good citizenship.

When SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese partnered up to challenge us bloggers on the Dos and Don'ts of Dinner Table Etiquette, I jumped as this is near and dear to my heart. Here are some of my family's:

Do not chew with your mouth open. This is my biggest pet peeve and it's something that I have to keep reinforcing with my children.
Do not talk with your mouth full. My children have a big issue with this one and my seven year old frequently chokes and I think it's due to that. My father is the same way and it drives me crazy.
Do not hold your fork continuously. Not only is it bad manners but it also encourages over eating by not taking breaks in between eating.
Do not have your elbows on the table like a truck driver. Thanks, Mom! I agree! It just looks bad.
Do not have the TV on. So many families don't interact and having the TV on only distracts.
Do take the time to make sure everyone is present. This is the time that everyone gathers and has a chance to enjoy each other. It's also a great time to eat healthier! This should be the mandatory meal of the day.
Do make sure please and thank you are part of the vocabulary. Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to be out in public and your children don't say that? My step children do not and I'm surprised as they are teens. I think it's the basic part of etiquette that everyone should use.
Do make sure the portion taken are appropriate. It's not only rude to take too much but it's worse to waste. Ensure children understand that it's polite to share and not waste.

There are many easy ways to instill etiquette in our children. The basic ways can be taught on a daily basis with us as parents, leading the way. By teaching our children at an early age, we ensure they grow up to be aware, polite adults in all facets of their lives.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Kraft Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Review & Giveaway 2/23 WINNER CLOSED

Power Rangers Samurai: EmPOWER Movement

I find it kind of neat that the same show my now 22 year old loved is still going strong and my two younger girls enjoy it too. In fact, they were playing Power Rangers earlier and I decided to partake in the fun until my three year old started pounding on my right forearm and it still hurts! Tonight, the Power Rangers premiered a new episode called Power Rangers Samurai on Nickeldeon.

One of the things you may not have noticed about Power Rangers is they do teach a universal message in every episode which is solving challenges through team work. The Power Rangers emPOWER Movement provides parents and children the tools to work together to grow healthy children and support healthy communities. The Power Rangers values include:

Standing for what is right
Teamwork and cooperation
Confidence
Health and physical fitness
Caring and friendship

Those are all qualities that should be developed in children and taken into adulthood. I love each and every one of them. You can read more about the Power Rangers emPOWER Movement here. You can get some cool fitness tips, ways to empower schools and much more along with episodes, games and downloads. While your at it, why not nominate your little Power Ranger as the "Ranger of the Week?" It's free and what child doesn't like to see them spotlighted?

Every week, the emPOWER website will feature a new young person who's making a difference in their family, school or community. I think I'll nominate my daughter for her work in helping other children with epilepsy. At age five, she was diagnosed with epilepsy and two years later, she's still living with it along with pediatric migraines. That hasn't stopped her as a year ago, she started a non-profit that not only provides gift bags to children in the hospital and at the local Ronald McDonald House but she also won a Pepsi Refresh Grant to move forward in her endeavor.

There is always something available to provide children with positive messages and role models. During January and February 2011, gym kits including fitness guides and bulletin board messages will be delivered among 4500 participating schools. This is a great idea to motivate and give schools a chance in winning a $10,000 donation to their physical education program. Read more at www.facebook.com/powerrangersempower.

Follow on Twitter here or Facebook here.

You can catch the trailer here:

* I wrote this post in my participation with the One2One Network and I may win a gift card.

PostNatural.com Recipe Challenge to Win $1000 in Groceries 3/17

Now that the holidays have come to a close and we’re all trying to eat better, Post Cereals wants to share some recipes that incorporate its Shredded Wheat, Grape Nuts and Raisin Bran, which add much needed whole grains, fiber and antioxidants to meals that you’ll love. The Post Natural website includes delicious recipes for Grab and Go Peanut Butter Bars, Orange Crunch Grahams and even a Spoonable Raspberry Freeze, that are bound to get even the pickiest eaters excited to eat well!

Now through March 17^th, Post is hosting a recipe challenge on PostNatural.com, in which you can enter a recipe for a chance to win $1,000 in groceries and to be featured on their website!

Check out this recipe for meatloaf and click here for more:

Grape-Nuts Cereal, 24-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 4)

GRAPE NUTS MEATLOAF

For 4 to 6 people

Meatloaf is best mixed by hand, not a spoon.

Wear latex gloves if the idea of touching raw meet makes you squeamish.

1 clove garlic
1 large Spanish onion
2 pounds ground beef, lean
1 pound ground pork
1 cup Grape Nuts
½ cup whole milk
2 egg yolks
2 eggs
2T horseradish, prepared (strained)
1t worchestershire
2T kosher salt
1T freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup + ¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup fresh chives, chopped
¼ cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
2T fresh thyme, chopped

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Prepare baking sheet with silpat (silicone baking mat) or parchment paper.

In large skillet over medium heat, sweat onions and garlic in canola oil until soft

and translucent (no color). Remove from heat and transfer to plate.

Cool in refrigerator.

In small mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and egg yolks.

Add Grape Nuts, milk, horseradish and worchestershire.

Stir to incorporated. Allow to set for 10-15 minutes for Grape Nuts to soften.

In large mixing bowl, mix together ground beef and ground pork with hands until

incorporated.

Add cooled onion mixture, ketchup, salt, pepper. herbs and Grape Nuts mixture.

Mix well.

Note: To test for seasoning, make a small meat

Mega Baby Juno 7 DVD, 2 CDs, 2 Sheets of Magnets & Matching Canvas Tote 2/28 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

wendysue said...

I entered your giveaway for roundabouts. 2

February 9, 2011 10:11 PM

An e-mail has been sent. Being that WendySue has won on another giveaway, I suspect she will respond within 48 hours. If not, a new winner will be selected.

Thanks to all those who entered!

If you love Baby Juno or never heard of it, you don't want to miss this great giveaway of 7 DVDs, 2 CDs, 2 sheets of magnets and a very nice matching Baby Juno canvas tote (much better than the ordinary totes).

DVDs:

Not pictured: Baby Juno Juno's Rhythm Adventure, the sheets of magnets and the canvas bags. Way to Go, Juno! has been opened.

______________________________________________

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 2/28 at midnight (EST) - US only please

UPrinting Hang Tags Giveaway 2/17: You Have to See These! WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kimberly said...

Email subscriberqaaaaW
kcoud33 at gmail dot com

February 6, 2011 5:42 PM

An e-mail is being sent after I post this. She has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org. Thanks to all those who entered!

Have you checked out all the great print products available at UPrinting? I had no idea they had custom hang tags and I love them! The variety is amazing and I can think of many things I can use them for both personal and business. They are made by offset printing which the process of printing using plates to transfer images into surfaces like paper. I have had other products from UPrinting and haven't had a complaint yet. The other thing I like about UPrinting is the proof process. They will actually contact you if they see something that doesn't look right. This was a bonus for me as the last time I placed an order, it was incorrect but I didn't lose money due to the great proofing process.

There are some great example designs such as these:

You can also create beautiful custom hang tags through offset printing with UPrinting.com. I can't wait to see what I can come up with!

______________________________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will received 250 Hang Tags

2” x 2” or 2” x 3.5”
14pt Cardstock Gloss
Front and Back printing with Hole Drilling

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you would use the hang tags for.

Extra Entries:

Like UPrinting on Facebook
Subscribe to my blog
Blog about this giveaway (can be done once - five entries)
Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries) - Health, Beauty, Children & Family: UPrinting Hang Tags Giveaway 2/17: You Have to See These! http://bit.ly/i4xf3Q
Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook

Giveaway ends 2/17 at midnight (EST) - Open to US only and those over 18

*Disclosure: I received the Hang Tags from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway.

H&S Candies Box of Chocolate Giveaway 2/19 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

wendysue said...

I subscribe to your rss feed.

February 9, 2011 8:47 PM

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

I know the giveaway ends after Valentine's Day but this is for those that may not have received a Valentine's Day gift or just loves chocolate like me! Besides, who needs an occasion to indulge in chocolate??? I certainly don't and wanted to pass this on to my readers since I get a free box. Heart & Soul Candies (H&S) is graciously giving away a free box of chocolate to one of my readers!

This is where H&S Candies is unique, they were founded with a vision to offer people the faith, hope and love that can be found in the Scriptures. Each of their candies is inscribed with a powerful message of blessing.

For a limited time, you can order special Valentine's Day American Heritage Girls Boxes here. A portion is donated.

You can order here which includes a 50 piece box. Each selection includes the following Scripture:

Milk Chocolate Meltaway - "Grace and peace to you from God the Father" 1 Corinthians 1:3
Solid Dark Chocolate - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us." 1 John 4:16
Milk Chocolate Caramel - "May your unfailing love be my comfort" Psalm 119:76
Milk Chocolate Almond - "Blessed are those whose strength is in the Lord" Psalm 84:5
Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter - "Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good." Psalm 106:1
Dark Chocolate Mint (new) - "The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace" Numbers 6:26

Priced at only $29 per box.

____________________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive their own box!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which flavor you would choose.

Extra Entries:

Become a fan of H&S Candies on Facebook
Follow H&S Candies on Twitter
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on Twitter
"Like" me on Facebook
Tweet about this giveaway (can be done once a day for two entries)
Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 2/19 at midnight (EST) - US only please

Winner chosen via random.org

Donate Your Car to help Vietnam Veterans of America

Publix Italian Days Sweepstakes, Savings and $25 Gift Card Giveaway 3/3 WINNER CLOSED

Frederico, the Mouse Violinist by Mayra Calvani Review & Interview

Enter to Win DeMet’s Turtles Today!

14 Giveaways with 10 Ending Tonight! $100 Red Envelope, $50 SpaFinder & MORE

Dos and Don'ts of Dinner Table Etiquette

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Review & Giveaway 2/23 WINNER CLOSED

Power Rangers Samurai: EmPOWER Movement

PostNatural.com Recipe Challenge to Win $1000 in Groceries 3/17

Mega Baby Juno 7 DVD, 2 CDs, 2 Sheets of Magnets & Matching Canvas Tote 2/28 WINNER CLOSED

UPrinting Hang Tags Giveaway 2/17: You Have to See These! WINNER CLOSED

H&S Candies Box of Chocolate Giveaway 2/19 WINNER CLOSED

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