Embracing a Healthy Family

Arctic Ease Review and Giveaway 2/8 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Shellie & Brutus said...

I currently use pain patches from the drugstore for discomfort. Gollowing you publicly via GFC.
fatmeatloaf1 at gmail dot com


If you are into exercising, sports or are just sore from time to time.  Arctic Ease has a quick solution for you in these easy cryotherapy wraps.  Arctic Ease can be used for minor burns, bumps, bruises, muscle cramps and arthritic pain.  As their website states, "it's an ice bag without all the ice."  I find this very convenient and with it's targeted cold therapy, no need for refrigeration, eco-friendly, non-toxic wraps, a win-win for anyone. The fact you don't need to keep it refrigerated is a big plus especially for athletes and those who work out since they can be conveniently placed in your gym bag or locker.

 

Other great features for the pad include:

  • Stays cold for hours
  • Odorless
  • Cools and doesn't freeze like ice bags do
  • Conforms to the injury or sore area without having to hold in place (big plus for kids)
  • Convenient and easy to use right out of the resealable bag
Other great features for the wraps include:
  • Stays cold for hours
  • Odorless
  • Cut to fit so no waste
  • Cools and doesn't freeze
  • Conforms to the injury
  • Convenient and easy to use right out of the resealable bag

These pads and wraps work by absorbing heat energy thus enabling a thermodynamic cycle in which heat is removed from tissue allowing for tissues to be cooled.  You can read more about application and the science behind Arctic Ease here.

The Review:

I had two women, ages 63 and 69, also try the Arctic Ease to see how it helped their arthritic pain.  They both had no complaints especially with the ease of use.  One had the pads and one had the wrap due to an old knee injury.  They both complimented the comfort of coolness over freezing sensations often experienced with plain ice packs.  They found comfort in their pain levels with one more so than the other.  Ultimately, they both recommended Arctic Ease.

I tried it on my upper arm where I seem to have reoccurring pain and loved the cooling sensation.  I have a seven year old who has migraines and I wanted to see how it felt on her forehead as she usually wants a cold compress.  It was perfect! It was enough to stay put without being sticky or leaving a sticky residue.  It was cool and not freezing cold which she really preferred as it remained cold unlike cold compressions. Overall, I recommend Arctic Ease due to the many uses it has, the ease, the comfort.

Arctic Ease Cryotherapy Wrap 4 Inch X 60 Inch Arctic Ease Cryotherapy Pads 3 - 4" X 6" pads, (Pack of 3)

To find retailers who sell Arctic Ease, click here.

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive an Arctic Ease gift pack.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me what you currently use to ease discomfort.

Extra Entries:

  • Like Arctic Ease on Facebook
  • Follow Arctic Ease on Twitter
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
  • Blog about this giveaway (five entries - can be done once)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 2/8 at midnight (EST) - US only please


*Disclosure:  I received complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.



Right now, you can click here to find out how to save $2.00.

Coming Soon: Valentine's Day Giveaway from My So Called Homeschool Life!


VALENTINE'S DAY GIVEAWAY

February 1 - February 7th

Enter to win some great prizes being offered from the sponsors below. As a side note, I would like to thank our sponsors for their patience and for graciously allowing us to reschedule what was to be our Christmas Giveaway. Winners will be drawn on or around February 8. Contest open to U.S. residents only please, unless otherwise stated. 

Click HERE for JUMBiES review.

Click  HERE for Glee Gum review.


Click HERE Uncommonly Cute review.

Click HERE for Mineral Hygienics review.

Click HERE for Klutz review.

Click HERE for Violight review.


Anyone Interested in a $50 Spa Your Choice Giveaway?

SpaFinder - Find Spas, Spa Gifts and Spa Deals

I received a $50 spa gift card to Spafinder and was curious if anyone was interested if I offer a giveaway for it?

You can click here to see if there is one near you:  http://www.spafinder.com/

Time to Vote for Centrum Ultra Women's America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman

Home
Did you nominate someone for the Centrum Ultra Women's America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman?  If you did or even if you did not, it's time to vote for one of these five women here.


Teri Sofsky 



Teri Sofsky, Ocala, FL

Wonder Woman, Super Woman, and the Bionic Woman do not hold a candle to my wife, the mother of our 4 children (ages 6 months to seventeen). Her platter (not plate) is always full! Carpooling kids to school, volunteering at a local thrift store, assisting friends with odds and ends, exercising at the gym and feeding the local homeless in our community on a weekly basis are just a few of her many triumphs. Obtaining her second post-graduation degree, handles all 3am feedings, manages our household finances and cooks a family dinner most every night. She does it all thru her love for God, her family, and others. And with all of this on her plate on most every day, she still finds time to slip away and give me a little time for just ourselves. She is an incredible wife and keeps our family soo well balanced. She is my Super Hero!

Bernadette O'Brien

Bernadette O'Brien, Glen Rock, NJ

Bernadette O'Brien, who turned 80 in November, has been my water aerobics instructor for the past three years. You never met a more energetic lady! Before she retired, she was principal of PS 9 in New York City. Since her retirement, she has become an excellent physical instruction teacher. About 40 faithfuls take her class in water aerobics twice a week at the YMHA in Wayne, NJ or in the Glen Rock, NJ pool in the summer. In addition, Bernadette teaches Yoga and Tai Chi in the water once a week. Not only that, she participates in three additional water aerobics classes at the Y every week. She even has a brown belt in karate! Bernadette makes exercise so much fun that you forget you are working out. Just today, our class (women ranging from 50 to 83) attempted synchronized swimming. Bernadette just took a test for an additional prestigious water instructor certification - the next oldest person to her taking that exam was only 29. She is a dedicated member of the Glen Rock Chapter of the Red Hat Ladies, and enjoys socializing, seeing plays, and marching in parades with her fellow members. She is a devoted grandmother to several grandchildren, including one special child who happens to be deaf. This Christmas, Bernadette is preparing to host twelve people for dinner. She will then leave for Puerto Rico, where she will study new water aerobics instruction techniques for four months with her special advisor. She always has a smile on her face and makes us smile and laugh as we become healthier under her tutelage. Bernadette is the most energetic 80-year old woman I know, and all of us in our water aerobics class think she is the perfect candidate for your award (plus, she even takes Centrum Silver).

Autumn Moricz

Autumn Moricz, Pinckney, MI

Loving us and wishing nothing but happiness and prosperity for our family is what keeps my wife going. She is the most energized person I know. Around the holidays she kicks it into full gear. She works overnight from 2am to 12 noon Monday through Friday and takes care of all of us here at home. Our kids happiness comes first and she makes sure we all stay active and involved in family and our community. How she manages to work, take care of our 3 kids (with one more on the way) and still make time to be a scout leader and active volunteer at the kids school is impressive. It is all about time management and making all the pieces fall into place. With her scheduling and adventures of the day it all falls into place.

Kathleen Selman

Kathleen Selman, Tampa, FL 

Kathleen Selman is the wife of an active-duty career US Army Officer, who is often deployed. They have a blended family with five children and are currently stationed on MacDill AirForce Base. Kathleen also works full-time in the healthcare field, and in her free time fosters underage kittens for the Humane Society of Tampa Bay and volunteers her time for Hope Children's Home, which houses 80 orphans. Her most important time is spent with her children though and she loves to see them happy and healthy. Weekends are packed with trips to the Zoo, the Aquarium, the Science Museum or participating in beach clean-ups. Her secret to achieving great health during the holidays: Don't stress out, have fun. Life is short. Take your Centrum Vitamin in the morning with a glass of juice and live your life without worrying about getting sick and not being able to attend all of those fun holiday events with family and friends. Her secret to balancing life and love during the holidays: When your soldier husband is able to be home during the holidays, make an amazing meal, decorate the house and make the holidays extremely fun and stress-free! Most importantly, make sure you enjoy all those little moments with you children (baking cookies, decorating the tree, viewing Christmas Lights). Life is too short not to be happy and to spend an amazing time with your family! Thank you.

Leanna Loud

Leanna Loud, Mt. Pleasant, SC
 
She wakes up in the morning, trying not to think of the first thing that enters her mind, turns her aching, beat up body and swings her legs over the edge of her bed. As her toes hit the floor, she takes a deep breath. She walks into the kitchen and sees her three children waiting and ready for breakfast. She smiles, knowing that every smile matters. She is tired, but she never wants her kids to know what it is like without her. So she pulls from within her deepest core, and finds the energy and strength to hear their laughter and help them plan their days. These are the moments that she cherishes, the reason she digs deep and finds energy every single day. Today is the walk, so after she takes time with her precious family, she pulls on her running shorts, laces up her shoes, and feels the adrenaline rise from her belly. She has $2,000 riding on her walking this race, and she refuses to let any of her donors down! She is a mom. She is a woman. She is proud. And she is a cancer fighter. Pushing through Invasive ductal carcinoma - breast cancer - as a young woman, with children and a husband to take care of, she fights to energize herself for them every day. As she walks the Susan G. Komen Walk on October 16, 2010, she inspires millions. To get up, get to it, and not live with an excuse. Live with a purpose, an energy, and a faith. She is Leanna Loud, and she is the most energized woman I have known in 2010.... by strides!

The grand prize winner will win dozens of exciting adventures to share with everyone she cares about. Four runner-ups will also win great prizes.

Limit one (1) vote per e-mail address per day. Be sure to check back on February 2, 2011 when they announce our grand prize winner! 

MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® Prize Pack Giveaway 2/8 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...



janetfaye said...

2. Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/30469952368541696

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com



I have written many post on getting healthier this year and as I've noted before MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® are a part of my plan.  Keeping track of my food intake, exercising, soliciting the help from family and watching the Biggest Loser are key motivators in keeping me going.  This week, I've lost four pounds and I plan to get healthier once and for all.  I have my box of MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal next to me for those quick snack attacks when I just have to have something.  With only 150 calories with 1/2 cup of skim milk, I can indulge in some multiGrain goodness withi Cheerios.





With my participation in MyBlogSpark, I'm sharing my experience with MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and my path in getting healthier.  My kids and I all watch The Biggest Loser so I am more than pleased to take part in this endeavor.  I was so dedicated into finally getting it right this time that I even created a Facebook group and have my family taking part to not only get myself healthier but them too.


MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® can help you also get started on your weight management goals with a free 7-day plan. 



With tips, advice, and inspiration, the MultiGrain Cheerios website can help you start your weight management journey. After entering the code found inside specially marked boxes of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal, you can access exclusive tools, including:




  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to gauge how much weight you may need to lose or gain to be considered healthy and not at risk for serious health problems
  • An exclusive 7 Day Plan that pairs daily meal plans with cardio and strength-training routines
  • 15 tasty recipes that will give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day
  • Daily workouts that couple cardio with mobility and resistance exercises to hit major muscle groups


Along with using the online tools, eating MultiGrain Cheerios cereal in the morning is another simple step you can take toward helping to manage weight. Studies have shown that people who eat more whole grain tend to have healthier body weights, and with 110 lightly sweetened calories per serving, MultiGrain Cheerios has more than 16 grams of whole grain per serving (48 g recommended daily) to help keep you on track for a healthier you this New Year!

You can also join in on the fun with MultiGrain Cheerios on Twitter™ during each episode of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” Tuesday nights at 8PM EST through May 24, to connect with past contestants, share weight loss tips and discuss how to become your own Biggest Loser.  Be sure to follow @MGCheerios and use the hashtag #mgcheerios to keep up with the conversation! 


______________________________________________________________


The Giveaway:


A box of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal with an exclusive online code, a gym bag, water bottle and cereal container!



To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me something you are doing to get healthier this year or who is your favorite past Biggest Loser contestant?  Mine is Mikey!

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) "Enter to win MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® Prize Pack Giveaway 2/8 http://bit.ly/gIj8nj #myblogspark #mgcheerios"
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways
Giveaway ends 2/8 at midnight (EST) - US only please


Disclosure:  Cheerios provided me with the product and information through MyBlogSpark.

Be The Biggest Loser At Home with Cheerios Multi-Grain Cheerios

Have you taken that step in getting healthier?  I have but I incorporated help from my family to get me there when I started a Facebook Get Healthier for Life challenge with them.  Inspired by The Biggest Loser, the winner is chosen by the greatest percentage lost and will receive $100.  I figured this is a great incentive for me because I don't want to give away $100 but then it's a great motivator for them.  With The Biggest Loser and my enrollment with Weight Watchers Online, I'm using General Mills MultiGrain Cheerios to achieve the goal of getting healthier.

Be the Biggest Loser at home with MultiGrain Cheerios

When you purchase a box of MultiGrain Cheerios, inside is a special code to access this site with great tips and tools to help achieve your goals.  I can eat one cup of MultiGrain Cheerios for 3 Weight Watcher points which is pretty good since these little things are portable and can be treated as a snack or for anytime with some fat-free milk.  The website offers a seven day plan to get you started which is what I'm using.

 

The plan provides suggested menus and exercise plans that can be printed.   There are great recipes to supplement and remove some of the boredom from that four letter dreadful word of DIET.  As a bonus, you get Bob motivator videos that I just love.

Judy Joyce

My plan is to:

  • Stick to the suggested meal plans in conjunction with my point counting with Weight Watchers and include my daily intake of Cheerios just because not only do I like them but my younger daughters love them.
  • Exercise daily
  • Tune into my favorite show, The Biggest Loser.  My daughter and I have watched that show for many seasons and I find true inspiration in the contestants and Bob and Jillian.

Disclosure:  MultiGrain Cheerios has provided me with the product, information, prize pack, and giveaway.

Thought About Selling Avon?

Curves® for Women Air Cushion WalkerGrowing up, I had a good friend who's mother sold Avon and was very successful at it.  I always wanted to sell Avon but was so busy with college and kids and then a career and kids that I never made that jump.  As I seriously ponder the prospects of starting a new career, yes, a career as with the benefits Avon has to offer, it can truly be a career pending on what you want it to be.  I'm an Avon customer and love the quality, the money back guarantee and the prices associated with Avon products.  I've also grown to love the variety they offer from tried and true products like Skin So Soft to Curves for Women Air Cushion Walkers.  Avon is an all encompassing in helping us women not only take care of ourselves but our families with the array of products available.

The products available range from make up to fashion to home to men and much more.  Avon has established its reputation for many years and in many cases, sells itself.  The campaigns that Avon sponsors with celebrities such as Reese Witherspoon also makes it easier being an Avon representative with their star exposure and free advertisement for you, the Representative.

Shake Up Your Makeup 5-Piece Collection 
Food Savers Gruen Status Watch

As I move forward with becoming a Sales Representative, I wanted to share my journey and hopefully you will also want to hear more about a career with Avon.   Send me a message and let me know!

*Disclosure:  I am part of the AvonDreamers Ambassador and am not affiliated with Avon.

Children's Allergies and Family Pets Does a diagnosis mean Fido and Fluffy have to go?

When our youngest first exhibited pulmonary issues, we thought it was related to the new dog we bought so we immediately found him a new home.  This article sheds light on whether or not you really have to get rid of an animal due to asthma and allergies.

Cats and dogs are among the most frequent causes of allergies. If your child is sensitive to other allergens, it is likely that with a pet--especially an indoor pet--in the home, he or she will develop an animal allergy sooner or later.
 
Contrary to what many people believe, it's not just animal hair or fur Boy with Runny Nosethat causes asthma and allergies in sensitive youngsters. While hair or fur may be a problem for some, dander--the fine scales of dead skin that animals normally shed--and saliva can often be more potent sources of difficulties. Cats and dogs lick people who pat them, thus passing on loads of allergens. They also groom themselves by licking and nibbling, leaving an allergenic saliva coating on their fur.

Cats are commonly more allergenic than dogs. Although certain breeds of dogs are said to be less allergenic than others, studies don't support this claim. Comparisons of dogs also show wide differences in allergenicity between individual dogs of the same breed. Reptiles, fish, and amphibians are not generally causes of allergy.
When family history makes it likely that a baby or young child will develop allergies, it's best to postpone adopting a pet for several years until you are certain that your child is not allergic. However, in the case of an animal that has been part of the family since before the arrival of a child with allergies, decisions can be more difficult, especially when older children have formed strong attachments to the pet.

Finding out that a beloved pet is a trigger for a child's asthma confronts many families with wrenching choices. The best course--although not a simple or a pleasant one--is to find a new home for the animal. However, for a child whose asthma is under control with medications and environmental controls, it may be enough to keep the pet permanently outside. 
If this is not a practical solution, here are some other ideas to try to reduce shedding of allergenic particles and hair and keep saliva-coated hair and dander from collecting in the household dust:
  • Sweep, dust, and vacuum frequently.
  • Weekly bathing of the pet in warm water has also been shown to lower the allergenic potential of cats and dogs, including those that never venture outside.
  • Frequent brushing may also help to make an animal less allergenic.
  • Be sure to keep any pet strictly out of your allergic child's bedroom and play areas.
  • Mattress covers, air cleaners, and carpet removal are also useful.
Dogs and cats aren't the only culprits. Small house pets such as mice, rats, rabbits, hamsters, and gerbils are occasional sources of allergens, contributing to the chronic airway inflammation of asthma. If you decide to keep any of these as a pet despite your child's allergies, confine theLittle Girl & Kittyanimal strictly to its cage, clean the cage daily, and keep the cage away from your allergic child's room. A youngster with allergies should not take part in cleaning the cage or caring for the pet.
 
Be sure to let your child's teachers know of your child's animal allergies to avoid difficulties with small animals that are sometimes kept as school residents, or with animals that other children may bring on classroom visits.
 
A household pet may be unjustly blamed for causingallergy symptoms. Don't automatically banish Fido to the doghouse unless the results of skin testing or a specific IgE blood test (sometimes referred to as RAST) suggest that your child has an animal allergy. Occasionally, symptoms that seem to be caused by an animal are, in fact, caused by other allergies. What happens is that pets explore outdoors, then come back into the house with a load of pollens and outdoor mold spores on their coats. Every time the hay fever sufferer pats the pets, an invisible cloud of allergens is stirred up, triggering symptoms.
Family
So, while every family must make the decision about pets when a child displays allergy symptoms, make sure the pediatrician and/or allergist help you understand the options before getting rid of Fido or Fluffy.
Michael J. Welch, MD, FAAAAI, FAAP, CPI, is the editor of Allergies and Asthma: What Every Parent Needs to Know, 2nd Edition, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Welch is co-director of the Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center in San Diego, CA, and clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Read more about the book at www.HealthyChildren.org.
-------------------------------
Allergies and Asthma provides the latest findings on food allergies and treatments -- along with new approaches for monitoring asthma control. Pediatricians who specialize in these conditions have extensively reviewed it to be sure it contains the most up-to-date information possible.

Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security Giveaway 1/31 - WINNER CLOSED


CONGRATULATIONS TO ....



Tabathia said...




tweet #1
http://twitter.com/#!/ChelleB36/status/32065916451692544
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com


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

Thanks to all those who entered and stay warm if you are experiencing the winter storm!


Kaspersky PUREInternet security is a big topic especially if you have a lot of sensitive documents or even documents and pictures that you don't want to lose due to a virus.  When trying to find the right product, there are many choices to make and it's not always easy.  There are the usual ones that you hear a lot about but I've had issues in the past with them which is why when I was offered a complimentary one year subscription to Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security, I jumped.  It is a complete protection product for your computer and network of computers if you have one.  Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security does not require separate licenses or extra costs to manage that network which is a nice feature.  Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security is available starting on January 24th.

Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security Features:
  • Secures and scans on one or all your PCs
  • Automatic file backup and restore functions to ease loss of data even if you forget
  • An integrated password manager for that extra identity protection
  • Extra privacy features such as data encryption and file shredder
  • Remotely performs file backups on one or all your computers
  • Identifies and fixes security issues before they become problems
  • Have kids?  Kaspersky PURE provides parental controls so kids protected even if you aren't near to watch them as well as controls if you want to limit time on the computer
  • This is another great feature as it limits access to the internet.  This gives me a piece of mind knowing that certain areas of the internet can be blocked.
  • An ability to feel safe with the protection provided to secure your files and data.
  • A communication-safety hub 
There are so many great features with Kaspersky PURE Total Internet Security that you will want to try for yourself to see.  


Once I installed, I didn't notice any slowness with my computer.  My oldest is a gamer so this is important to her.  It also didn't interfere with the playing of online games another key feature to those who love their games.  We have multiple computers and in the past, to protect them all, we had to purchase separate protection which really adds up.  This isn't how it is with Kaspersky as all computers are protected which saves a lot of money.

I store many, many pictures and documents on my computer and sometimes I forget to make a back up which is why Kaspersky is key to my piece of mind.  I would literally cry if I lost all that I have but knowing it's all backed up, is a huge relief.  It's really a great all around product to protect your self, your data and your children.  I hope I never have to use the recover and back up features but if I do, I feel confident that I won't be let down.

You Can Buy It Here when it goes on sale January 24th.

One of my lucky readers will win it!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me a feature you are most interested in.

Extra Entries:
  • Follow Kaspersky Lab's on Facebook 
  • Follow Kaspersky Lab's on Twitter 
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Like me on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries each day)
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once - five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries for each giveaway entered)
Giveaway ends 1/31 at midnight (EST) - US only please


*Disclosure:  I was provided an item for review from Kaspersky Lab

Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins Naturals & Getting Healthy

Arnold / Oroweat Sandwich ThinsIt's no secret if you read my blog, you know that I'm an Arnold Sandwich Thins fans and I couldn't be happier when I learned the latest product from Arnold called Naturals and the one I'm trying today is 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber Rolls.  I've read a lot on Flax and even purchased a box a couple of weeks ago that I sprinkle on top of certain foods for the health benefits.  As is always the case in January, I'm on a mission to lose weight and I have my entire family and some of my extended family involved on the quest to lose weight.  Arnold Sandwich Thins' has a good motto on their Facebook page right now, "Don't Diet Just Try It."   There are even great recipes that are low in calorie but big in taste (see below for examples).

Anyone who follows a diet knows how hard it can be to stick to something so rigid but a diet doesn't have top be rigid if you just follow some basic changes like switching out refined/processed sugars and flours for whole wheat products.  Of course calories do count which is why I love Arnold Sandwich Thins as they are only 100 calories for two slices (or a thin/roll).  When you count calories, that's important and some of us on the diet are so this is great for us.  Arnold Sandwich Thins are made of whole grains, 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of fat and has no high fructose corn syrup.

If you follow Weight Watchers, they only equate to 3 points and with a little smart toppings of vegetables, you can make a pretty low point sandwich that really satisfies.



Here are some of my favorite recipes with Arnold/Oroweat Sandwich Thins:


Autumn Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients
2 slices Oroweat® Health-full 10 Grain bread
1 teaspoon cranberry sauce
2 slices of bacon, cooked and cooled (option: turkey bacon or reduced-fat bacon)
2 oz. deli turkey breast
1/2 serving Spiced Sweet Potatoes*
1/2 cup spinach leaves

Serving size: 1 sandwich

*Spiced Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4" cubes
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
2 teaspoon walnut oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
Prep time: 5 minutes
Toast two slices of bread and spread a thick layer of cranberry sauce on one slice. Layer turkey, sweet potatoes, bacon and spinach on the bread slice; top with the other slice. Cut in half and serve.

Nutritional Value (per serving)
370 calories
11g fiber
30g protein
46g carbs
10g fat

*Spiced Sweet Potatoes Directions (10 servings)
Prep time: 30 minutes
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine all ingredients in a roasting pan; stir well to coat. Bake for 10 minutes; stir and bake until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes more.





Hawaiian-Style Breakfast Sandwiches
Ingredients
Oroweat® 100% Whole Wheat English Muffins
1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon apricot preserves
8 ounces low-sodium ham, or Canadian bacon
4 sliced pineapple rings
1 Italian plum tomato, sliced
4 slices Muenster cheese (garnish)

Serving size: 4 sandwiches
Directions
In a small bowl, stir together cream cheese and apricot preserves; reserve. Grill ham (or Canadian bacon), pineapple rings, and tomato slices over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until browned (you can use a specially designed grilling pan/rack to prevent food from falling through the grill). Spread the top half of the toasted english muffins with the reserved cream cheese mixture. Place Muenster cheese on the bottom halves. Arrange the grilled ham, pineapple, and tomato slices on the cheese. Cover with the top halves and serve. To reheat, microwave sandwich for 1 minute, or until warmed through.



To see more great recipes, click
here and here.

After receiving my complimentary package of Arnold Sandwich Thins Naturals 100% Whole Wheat Flax & Fiber Rolls, I can definitely say I'm hooked.  The best thing I like about the Sandwich Thins are they made of whole wheat and don't have that real strong wheat flavor or texture that some have.  I also like that there is no high fructose corn syrup added which is important to me as I try to eliminate products with that in it.  I also enjoy the ease of using Sandwich Thins in that I can pop them in the toaster for a quick snack or I can pile on any topping to make a delicious sandwich.  I'm also lucky in that I live near Publix Supermarkets and they routinely have these on the buy one get one free sales so I stock up on them.  If you haven't tried them yet, you really are missing out and even if you aren't counting calories, they are healthy since they are made of 100% whole wheat.




*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary product pack.  I was not required to post as the viewpoints are mine and I am a repeat Arnold brand customer.

JustLuxe Trips of a Lifetime: Win a Trip

  

Dreaming about an exotic vacation?  I've been to many countries in Europe but I never made it to Italy.  It's one country that I would love to see.  If you are like me, you would love the chance to win a free vacation.  Chances are and you might be able to win it in the “Trips of a Lifetime” sweepstakes, sponsored by JustLuxe.  JustLuxe is the largest affluent lifestyle guide in the world, and they’ve teamed up with some of the most prestigious hotels in the world to offer luxury vacation giveaways every month.  Featured destinations are Paris, Greece, St. Lucia, Vienna, and others.


The grand prize winner will get a 4 night stay in suite at the Halekulani Hotel and Resort in Honolulu, roundtrip airfare, and if that is not enough, an exotic car rental complete with a personal chauffeur.  Paying for that yourself would cost more than $30,000.  I used to live in Hawaii and it's very expensive but it's one place that I think everyone should visit at least once.

Head to JustLuxe HERE to enter.

I'm an AvonDreamers Ambassador


I think I've been an Avon customer ever since I was in my late teens.  I do not buy all my products inclusively from Avon but I've always had an interest in Avon starting with the mom of one of my best friends who sold the products.  Through the years, I kept up with Avon and once Avon was available online, it offered another venue to stay up to date on the products.  Through my blogging, I've also been introduced to new products which I very happily accepted because I've always counted on Avon to deliver products that I would love and if I didn't, they took them back.  I've also contemplated through the years on selling Avon but never made the jump over.  I figured here is a company that has been around for years and is trusted by so many households.

I say households because Avon isn't the same Avon you might have grown up with.  Avon has products for everyone and the variety to include sales, makes it more appealing to me.  To be able to shop online or have an Avon representative come to me is a win-win.  I was one of four ladies selected to become an AvonDreamers Ambassador and what that means is I get to introduce my readers to great products both the tried and true and new products.  I'll also get to have some giveaways so stay tuned for that!


Have you ever thought about selling Avon?  There is no time like the present to begin as with the economy the way it is, we never want to hold back on looking good and with the Avon line, the products are very reasonable and they really do sell themselves due to great branding and reputation.


Right now, you can become an Avon Representative for only $20!  

This includes all your brochures for the first two campaigns, samples and a tote bag.   There are also incentive programs and a great commission program on sales.

Each campaign period is two weeks which gives you a good amount of time to pick up those orders.  You can also choose to have an online store which can enhance your sales if you spend a lot of time online.  Send books to your friends, check in on neighbors and make friends with new ones.  If you e-mail a lot, add it to your signature line to let everyone know you are an Avon Representative to generate more exposure.  There are many ways to gain customers while representing a great company such as Avon.

Take that step and send me a message to learn how easy it is to start a new career with Avon!




Disclaimer:  As noted in the post, I am acting as an ambassador and am not affiliated nor paid by Avon.  My posts might provide an opportunity for an incentive prize.

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