Our Ultimate Taylor Swift Party

Every year, I have to have the perfect party for my girls.  My oldest one sort of fell out of the radar since she's 22 and it's hard to really come up with themes so I have my younger ones to have fun with.  All my girls love Taylor Swift so I'm taking the opportunity to have a really cool party for my seven year old.

I'm going to update this post as I go as the party isn't until April but I saw that I've had some hits for the party so I wanted to start sharing my preparation for the party with more to come as I proceed.

For the invitations, I chose these cool backstage passes from EventWrapper.com and they had matching Hershey bar wrappers.  Normally, I make my own invitations and wrappers but it was easier to go this route.  The customer service was amazing and I would recommend them for your party needs.  These invitations were the coolest and were very professional.  My daughter lit up when she saw them and loves them.

The balloons were from Ebay and I would put a link but often times, the links expire due to the seller not selling that product.  You can search both Ebay and Etsy with Taylor Swift for more products.  I also ordered water bottle labels.

For the party girl and her sister, I wanted to order necklaces to make it a little more special for them so I purchased two from Tiny Trees Boutique on Etsy, I bought these two:

 

No party is complete without a photo shoot wearing Taylor inspired dresses which was the highlight for the girls.  We went to JCPenney's for some good deals on dresses in the clearance section.  Sears also has some good deals on dresses.

 

The backdrop consists of purchasing a 50' roll of black paper from Shindigz to use both as the wall backing and the tablecloths.  A roll costs around $20 which is a good deal considering you can have a dual purpose and have plenty left over.  

I just purchased this guitar from an Ebay seller and I sprayed Elmer's Glue Adhesive over silver glitter to give it the Taylor appearance in her beautiful video.  This will provide the perfect prop for their pretend photo shoot while giving her something really cool to hand on the wall after the party for years to come.

I need to apply a second coat but here is how the guitar looks so far:

For the backdrop, I found another Ebay seller who has inexpensive silk paper posters at a fraction of the cost and are more durable than regular paper.  For $18.50 and free shipping, I was able to get all three posters.  The two on the ends are 20 x 13 and the middle one which is the theme is 36 x 24.  These will be placed in the staging area for our photo shoot and afterwards, the guitar and posters will make nice decor for her bedroom.

I used Smarty Had a Party plastic ware for the cups and plates.  With them being clear, I was able to print pictures of Taylor on sticker paper and place on the already upscaled plastic cups and plates.  It added a nice touch.

  

We had our party yesterday and here are the pictures:

 

 

Here are some of my other posts on Taylor Swift parties:

http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-great.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-more-ideas.html


http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2010/01/taylor-swift-party-ideas-buttons-more.html

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut & Biscuit Bill Case #2 Book Review

This cute story, written by Renee Hand, starts out with the main character, Maple Moo who in the midst of having her friends visit her rock collection, her rare mineral goes missing from underneath her large cow nose.  She instantly turns to Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill, the most famous detectives in Acorn Valley, to find it.  But they didn’t know the task was going to be an impossible one.  The reader gets to follow along and find out that the suspects are hard to figure out. With a host of characters, they have to determine who did it.  Was it Candy Cardinal, who committed the crime?  She collects various gemstones to make jewelry or was it Brutus and Betty Blue Beaver?  They also collect minerals and have a fancy quartz collection.  Liam the Llama looks suspicious with his igneous rocks and exploding volcano, or was it Huckleberry Moose with his sedimentary rock collection? Joe-Joe and Biscuit find themselves at a loss until some bullies roar into town. Will the detectives be able to find the missing mineral? Or, will this be a case they won’t be able to close?


The illustrations are in black and white but depict inviting animals that will appeal to children.  I thought it was a delightful book yet challenging for children as it introduced problem solving from a mystery standpoint but also included resources in the back that satisfies the National Science Education Standards for Earth and Space Science.  It contains picture of the rock cycle, terminology, a "did you know?" section about rocks and minerals.  Your child can also conduct some experiments and work on inquiry, creating charts and using variables and constants to determine an outcome for particular rocks and elements.  It brought back memories of my earth science classes that I enjoyed as a child and feel this is a great introductory to open the mind and foster fun learning.  I am partial to books that teach while entertaining and this is certainly one of them.  I would recommend this book.  


Book Details:

• 82 pages
• North Star Press (March 1, 2011)
• 8.8 x 6 x 0.3 inches

About the Author:



Renee Hand writes because it is a passion in her heart. She is a homeschool parent and likes to create books that educate and inspire the children of today. She was born in Michigan and still lives there with her husband and two children. She has a degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. Renee is the author of the amazing mystery series known as the Crypto-Capers Series that encourages children to read by incorporating several topics of interest. The reader participates into the story by solving cryptograms and puzzles to solve the case. She is also the author of the Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series, which focuses on animal detectives. This series is a great way to teach children about animals in a fun and interesting way that captures the reader's attention and yet fills them with knowledge they will be learning about in school. All books are great to use in a classroom setting to supplement various topics or to just enjoy. Renee is an award-winning author, receiving awards such as a Best Book Award, a National Literary Award and a Preferred Choice award for her children's series and adult books. She has just recently won a Seal of Excellence award in Storytelling for her Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Series. She has been writing for over twenty years and when she is not spending time with her family or participating in author events, she is coaching and playing tennis, as well as doing research for her books and many other things that keep her busy. Not quite sure what a cryptogram is and want to learn more? Visit the author's website at www.reneeahand.com to learn about cryptograms and how to solve the ones that are in the books.


Click here to read more about Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill and to download some coloring pages or watch a video.

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/thecryptocaper

Facebook URL: http://facebook.com/cdrahand

*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of this review.

Tiny Prints Free Mother's Day Card

Head on over to Tiny Prints and "like" them on Facebook to try out their cool app to create a Mother's Day card.  Like them and you also get a code for a free card! You can also check out some of these classic designs:

Garlic Gold Review: Great Mother's Day Gift

Doesn't the sound of hand crafted, artisanal and gourmet sound too good to pass up?  Garlic Gold all started at an organic ranch nestled in California's Ojai Valley.  I love garlic and I love organic products so this opportunity to review and giveaway a bottle of Garlic Gold Oil was golden (I couldn't resist).  Garlic Gold doesn't stop at oil as you can see from the picture above, they have many products:

• Toasted crunchy organic garlic mixed with organic extra-virgin olive oil. Stir and drizzle on steamed vegetables, bread, salad, meats and fish for a gourmet garlic experience!
• Garlic-infused organic extra-virgin olive oil.
• A variety of nuggets - use as a condiment to spice up any dish.
• Garlic Gold Vinaigrettes

I sampled the Garlic Gold Oil which is garlic-infused organic extra-virgin olive oil.  They even guarantee it and it's certified organic.  It has a light garlic taste coupled with a great use for sauteeing or frying food to give it a rich flavor to compliment your food.  I usually cook potatoes in butter but I really enjoyed the taste and flavor that Garlic Gold gave them.  I also felt better using extra-virgin olive oil over butter since it's healthier.  I can't wait to try it in a stir fry to see how it picks up the flavor.  The tasty nuggets were amazing on baked potatoes.  I definitely love it and so did my family.  

Garlic Gold even offers recipes here. This one is a must try:

Garlic Gold^® Marinated Vegetable Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces soft tofu
• ¼ cup Garlic Gold^® (nuggets in oil)
• 2-4 Tablespoons white miso paste (to taste)
• 6 Tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
• 6 Tablespoons Garlic Gold^® Oil
• 1 medium sized red onion, cut into thin slices
• 4 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into ½ inch long slices
• 4 medium tomatoes, cut into ½ inch slices
• Sea Salt
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 2 avocado’s, thinly sliced
• 8 slices wheat free gluten free bread
• Additional Garlic Gold^® Italian Herb Nuggets for garnishing

At least 3 hours before, place sliced zucchini on bottom of a large colander; sprinkle liberally with sea salt. Carefully layer tomato slices over that; sprinkle again liberally with sea salt. For the last layer, add the red onion slices and sprinkle liberally again with sea salt. Take a bowl that is slightly smaller than the colander and fill it ¾ of the way full of water. Place bowl on top of salted vegetables in colander to weigh down and draw out excess moisture; leave in sink or other place to drain for at least 3 up to 8 hours.

Meanwhile, combine the first 3 ingredients in food processor to make the spread; adjust miso to taste.

After 3 to 8 hours, rinse the salt off the vegetables in colander, being careful not to break up tomato slices. Blot well with paper towels and place salted vegetables in a medium sized Tupperware-type container. Combine the balsamic vinegar and Garlic Gold^® Oil and pour over vegetables. Allow the vegetables to marinade at least 2 hours, preferably up to 8 hours to develop flavors fully. These will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator if you wish to make them ahead of time.

Assemble sandwiches in the following order: spread on the bread, marinated vegetables, avocado slices, fresh basil leaves, Garlic Gold^® Italian Herb Nuggets.

Serves 4

Helpful Hints:

• Make these ahead of time; they will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator; yes, the avocado will discolor slightly, but they will still taste awesome!
• Allow the sandwich to sit, wrapped in plastic wrap, for at least 2 hours before serving to soften up the wheat free gluten free bread and make it taste better.
• Use your favorite vegetarian mayonnaise instead of making the spread.
• Think of this like you would a crock pot recipe; you need to make it well ahead of time but it does not take that much work.
• Substitute cucumbers for the zucchini, feel free to mix and match with your favorite vegetables.
• Do not skip the salting process or you will have a pool of watery, flavorless vegetables very shortly after marinating.
• Don’t have fresh basil leaves or avocado? Feel free to leave them out.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas a Minneapolis SEO and Web Design firm. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

LocalPages.com $50 Electronics GC Giveaway 5/7: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Gina @ the Crave to Save said...

I entered your thomas the train giveaway!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com

3

May 5, 2011 6:04 PM 

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

I have heard of LocalPages.com but to be honest, never checked them out until now after receiving an offer to provide my readers with a $50 gift card for an electronics item.  LocalPages.com is an online business advertising and search engine.  Local Pages connects companies and businesses with consumers who utilize the internet for products they are wanting to purchase.  When you first visit the site, you customize your location and set your neighborhood for easier use.  My main computer quit working so I entered "computer repair" with my zip code a host of local options appeared along with national contacts.  It also allows options in my search whether I want to expand or filter my search.  I like the map that pops up with the page showing me the locations of the different local businesses I can choose from.

Some other advantages of using Local Pages include links to:

• Local deal of the day
• Local business reviews
• Top online deals
• Local deals
• Coupons
• Local news
• Local events
• Weather

Right now, there is a promotion to "Like" Local Pages on Facebook and you could win an iPad2!

_________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $50 gift card for a television or other electronic from electronic stores found at LocalPages.com.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and this is a little different than my other giveaways (per sponsor request) and with your comment, tell me electronic device you would purchase and include www.localpages.com at the end of your comment.

Extra Entries:

• Like Local Pages on Facebook
• 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 5/7 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

A Healthy Road Trip?

A couple of week's ago, I took the kids and headed out to El Paso, Texas and I can now say that I have completed the longest drive ever.  The girls did surprisingly well considering we had a six month, a three and a seven year old.  One of the hardest parts of the drive other than getting raped at the pump was trying to eat healthy.  I know there are options such as the fast food places new offerings but I often wonder if it's really healthy especially after reading the report about McDonald's oatmeal not being all that it's cracked up to be.  We'll be making that same journey again in about a month so finding an e-mail in my inbox this morning on how to have a healthy road trip was welcomed.


The article from SparkPeople.com's Family Health & wellness suggested:

• Pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and even complete meals. Chopped veggies, fresh fruits,bottled water and juice, low-fat yogurt, peanut butter sandwiches, popcorn, and pretzels make easy travel fare.
• Don't skip meals, and try not to go more than 4 or 5 hours without eating. Being famished at mealtime may hinder your ability to make healthy choices and can trigger overeating. Plus, constant energy levels will keep you alert at the wheel.
• Avoid eating full meals in the car. Take time to stop, relax and enjoy your meals as a family. This way, you can pay closer attention to your hunger and satiety signals.
• Plan exercise and stretching breaks as well. Just three 10-minute pit stops add up to 30 minutes of activity. Go for a quick jog or walk, stretch, and run around with the kids. Back in the car, you'll be more alert and energetic.
• Avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks. While they do give you a short energy burst, the drop when caffeine wears off can make you even more tired. For stable energy levels, drink plenty of water and eat healthy, whole foods that keep blood sugar levels from spiking and dropping.
• Be wary of fast food and roadside restaurants. If you have no other options, choose the healthiest possible items and keep portion sizes small. One way to avoid excess calories and fat is to hold the mayo, special sauces, cheese, and dressings. Also opt for non-breaded items and kid-sized portions for everyone.

The biggest problem I have with a couple of those is I'm on a mission to get there and loath the idea of elongating my trip with tiny breaks or to go in for a meal.  I guess unless I change my mindset and slow down, I'll still continue to not as healthy as I could but I'll choose the snack wraps, apple slices, water and so forth.  The good news is, my just turned eight year old is now choosing the apple slices and milk with her Happy Meals so that's a start.  The cooler sounds like my best option and I'll continue finding ways to move my legs while on cruise control to get a little leg stimulation and burn an extra cal per trip.

Renew Life Digestive Care Company $50 GC Giveaway 5/7: WINNER CLOSED

Update:


Due to my misunderstanding, this giveaway was US only.  Christine was gracious and withdrew her name. In lieu of my error, I provided Christine with 10 extra entries for any three giveaways now or in the future - again my apologies!


The new winner is:

ky2here said...

http://twitter.com/#!/ky2here1/status/66667345082449920

entry 1

ky2here at msn dot com

May 6, 2011 8:55 PM 

An e-mail has been sent!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Christine said...

I like you on Facebook-Christine Davis

ceeenndee at gmail dot com

April 29, 2011 10:45 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!

A few month's ago, I was flipping channels late at night after another bout of insomnia and I stopped at the local PBS channel for a special fund raising series on healthy living.  One of the specials included Brenda Watson for The Road to Perfect Health.  Brenda's topic is an emerging topic that is catching more and more attention in the importance of proper digestive maintenance and care.  Her statement, "Balance Your Gut, Heal Your Body" is how your digestive system can affect many other areas of the body such as aching joints, fatigue and weight gain.


The program was very informative and it taught me a lot so I was pleasantly surprised to be able to participate in a product review which is coming soon but you get to participate in the $50 gift card now!


The Giveaway:


One reader will receive a $50 gift card code for Renew Life!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment if you have tried any digestive care products to date.


Extra Entries:

  

• Like Brenda at Facebook
• Follow Brenda on Twitter
• Follow on YouTube 
• Check out Renew Life and tell me a product you would like to try
• 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 5/7 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org - US/Canada

$25 Stride Rite GC Giveaway 5/7: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kristyn said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/KristynAnn77/status/61619061737537536

Kristyn_Ann(at)hotmail.com

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

Thanks to all those who entered!

I have been holding on to a Stride Rite gift card that I want to get rid of since I'm gearing up to move.  So this is an easy one with one mandatory entry and some extra entries if you wish to participate.

 

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 5/7 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org


US only please

New Bills Could Impact Military Life: Contact Your Representatives

Military life is hard enough let alone having to worry about which cuts are coming next.  I really feel for the privates and don't know how they live as pay is so low and their living conditions aren't that stellar.  I know our country is hurting and there are cuts to be made but I can't believe there are not enough pork projects or other senseless projects that can't be cut before reducing the standard of living of so many who are defending our freedom.  I don't think unless you are in the military, you can truly understand what life is like.  My husband has been deployed (again) for a week shy of a year.  Luckily, I've lived as a single mom before so it wasn't very shocking to me but when they are deployed, the care taker becomes single.  I can't imagine what it would be like to worry about money on top of it all.

Military.com released this new story and I think it's important to band together and make our voices heard.

Several recently proposed bills could impact important aspects of military life, like military pay, retirement benefits, spouse employment and GI Bill benefits. For example, House bill HR 1297 would ensure military pay is safe in case of future government shutdowns. While Senate bill S.745 would ensure veteran students would not lose GI Bill benefits during scheduled school breaks and HR 1451 would protect current student veterans from the financial impact of GI Bill 2.0. In addition, some FY2012 budget proposals include cuts which could result in TRICARE Prime premium and fee increases, limits on access to the VA health care system for certain vets, and a possible military pay freeze.

Let your voice be heard. Contact your elected officials and tell them how you feel about these vital issues.

Celebrating a Sweet 16 Party?

Quite a few year's ago, I was planning my oldest daughter's Sweet Sixteen party but for circumstances beyond my control, we weren't able to.  I love birthdays and go all out for them.  When I plan a party, everything has to be perfect and within a theme.

Here are some Sweet Sixteen ideas which can be made into shirts, magnets, stickers, invitations and more:

Sweet 16 Pink and Black Polka Dot Invitation by jbranam
create an invitation online with zazzle

Pink on White Polka Dot Sweet 16 Party Invitation by jbranam
See more Pink Magnets

Pink Black Swirl Sweet Sixteen Party Invitations by jbranam
create invitations at zazzle

Purple Flower Sweet 16 Birthday Invitation by jbranam
Browse other invite designs from zazzle

Princess Party Invitation Sweet 16 by jbranam
design an announcement at Zazzle.com

Win a Year of Skin MD Natural FREE

Ready for spring and summer?  I am!  I'm also still tackling battles of alligator skin once I quit using my Skin MD Lotion.  I really do use it and I love it because it works and it's natural.  Now you can enter to win a year's supply prize pack that includes:

• 6 bottles of Skin MD Natural Original
• 6 bottles of Skin MD Natural SPF 15
• A natural loofah sponge with wood handle
• Natural lavender epsom salt bath soak
• A natural shower massage glove
• 2 relaxing scented candles
• A soothing gel eye mask
• A sea sponge

Just click here to enter and if you win, you have to share with me!  Okay, you don't!  

Good luck!

Rules for Entry

Entries must be received by 12:00am May 15th 2011. All participants must be 18 years or older or have parents permission to enter. Must be a resident of the US or Canada. Winner will be announced here on the blog and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected. Winner may also be contacted through email, Twitter, or Facebook.

Keep it Whole Live Video Chat w/ Curtis Stone 4/20

I'd be hard pressed to find a woman that doesn't find some appeal with top chef Curtis Stone.  Other than that dreamy Australian accent, the man has charisma and a very charming smile not to mention he can cook!  He sounds like the perfect mate and I'm willing to find out.  Not only is Curtis a recognized restaurateur but he's also  a judge on NBC's America's Next Great Restaurant, a host of Bravo's Top Chef Masters but he's also a repeat guest on my favorite guilty pleasure The Biggest Loser.  Curtis is also a breakfast lover and has partnered up with Post Great Grains to make others aware of his whole-food philosophy and the need to curtail processed foods and move to a healthier, less-processed food path.

I've been on the slow march towards healthier easting and have been alarmed at all the ailments that are attributed to all the processed foods we consume.  Processed flours and sugars are culprits to so many bad things in our diets that also adds to the obesity problem.  I'm finding sneaky ways to move my kids away from it all but know that I have to slowly do it to achieve success.  Post Great Grains starts with real whole grains and mixes in fruits and nuts to make a great breakfast that tastes good and is good for you.  Post Great Grains come in the following flavors:

  

• Cranberry Almond Crunch
• Crunch Pecans and Raisins
• Dates and Pecans Flavors

Mark your calendars because next Wednesday, April 20th, starting at 10:00 am (EST), you can participate in the Curtis Stone Keep it Whole live video chat over breakfast.

Keep up to date on Facebook here.



Disclaimer:  Information provided by Marina Maher Communications, Inc. - This is not a paid post.

Ties.com Review and Giveaway 4/28 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...

Kristyn said...

daily tweet

http://twitter.com/#!/KristynAnn77/status/60915361805115392

Kristyn_Ann(at)hotmail.c

2

April 20, 2011 11:59 PM 

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

UPDATE:  My husband saw his new tie when he returned from Kuwait and really liked it!  He was impressed !

I think I've only purchased a tie once in my life and it was a long time ago.  I remember passing them in the major department stores and was surprised at how costly this strip of material is.  I knew, in most cases, it was due to the designer element but I'm also one of those women who doesn't need a designer purse.  I do buy designer suits for work but in cases of my accessories, I do go cheap.  I was introduced to Ties.com and was surprised at the large selection and prices.

Promoted as "America's Premier Tie Store," they do carry something that should please anyone's taste.  The ability to find what you are looking for is simplified with a search function and a menu of categories reducing the time if you are in a hurry.  They even break it down by price, brand, color and type.  Don't be fooled thinking you are going to get low quality ties either as they do carry name brands such as:

• Gucci
• Jos. A. Bank
• Jacob Alexander
• The American Necktie Co.

Ties.com also has an amazing array of novelty ties too.

 

For this review, I received a complimentary Jos. A. Bank Textured Satin Stripe tie for my husband when he returns from Kuwait.  It's made of 100% silk in a satin pattern of light blue and silver.  It's very professional looking and made of high quality.  This will also make a great gift with Father's Day approaching.  I can't wait to see my husband wear this stylish tie.

About Ties.com:

One of the oldest men's fashion accessories company with a focus on neckties.  Started in 1996 and still operating without outside financial assistance, I think it speaks for their staying power.  They provide quality products, at a competitive price (I think cheaper in some of the designer brands) and a great selection.  Other features:

• Live chat
• Extras such as how to tie a tie
• Custom neckwear
• Wedding shop
• Toll free customer service - Monday through Friday
• 100% Satisfaction guarantee
• 30 day money back policy
• 90 day store credit policy

Overall, I would highly recommend Ties.com.

________________________________

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive their choice of tie ($20 or less value)

To Enter:

Follow my blog and visit www.ties.com, browse the ties and "like" the ties you like via the Facebook "like" function.  In the comments of this post, just state you follow my blog and enter one of the names of the ties you liked.

Extra Entries:

• Follow Ties.com on Facebook
• Follow Ties.com on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries each - can be done daily)
• blog about this giveaway (five entries - can be done once)

Giveaway ends 4/28 at midnight (EST) - US only please

Disclaimer:
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Mamavation Monday

Yes, I know it's not Monday but I've been waiting for a point in my life where it would slow down and although it's not really going to slow down, I wanted to re-join Mamavation.  When I joined, I knew it was a great group of women on a journey to become and stay healthy.  The group is led by a very personal, passionate mom herself, BookieBoo.  I had to leave for a time due to two children with chronic conditions but now I am ready to come back and be motivated and motivate others.  I just recently restarted my weight loss journey and have lost six pounds.

So even though I'm late both for the posting and the request to re-join the sistahood, I wanted to go ahead and participate.  My journey actually began on January 1st as I tried to encourage my family to get healthier.  To date, I have a mother, a sister, a brother-in-law and a daughter who have lost weight.  At the same time, I'm working on little changes at home to get my younger kids healthier.  I was one of those moms who did allow their children to have Coke but no more.  I substituted all the sodas for Juicy Juice and water.  I started eliminating some of the bad snacks and replaced them with Pirates Booty, Pop Chips and Smart Pops.  I'm also trying to buy more fresh organic and frozen foods over processed and canned ones.  I have a long way to go but I'm making the steps that I hope will stay with them to ensure a lifetime of wonderful health.

My plan is completely just baby steps as I know anything drastic will not be tolerated by my picky children.  I'm proud of my eldest who has been purchasing organic fruit and making her own baby food.  This was all due to me and what I've done to educate myself and her.

So this is my first post back before officially being back and I will post again next week and hope to become a Sista once again!


I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win an Orville Redenbacher’s Very Important Blogger Gift Basket

Sound Beginnings (Prenatal Sound Delivery Device) Sale at Hautelook 4/16

If you are a parent to be or planning to be and like the idea of allowing your baby to hear music, sounds and other recordings, you won't want to miss Sound Beginnings (Prenatal Sound Delivery Device).   My daughter used Sound Beginnings during her pregnancy and now only was she able to hook up her iPod but she was also able to have members of our family and our friends send recorded message that can be easily downloaded and played for the baby to be.  This is a great concept for those families that don't live in close proximity of each other.  You can click here to see our past review.

 Starting this Saturday, you can find Sound Beginnings at 50% off at Hautelook.

Thank a Special Teacher: Nominate for America's Favorite Teacher 5/3

I've went through school as a child and as an adult in college and I do realize how a good teacher can impact one's life.  You hear all the time how someone succeeds to the level they want and they usually recognize a special teacher who impacted them early in life.  I had a particular teacher that inspired my journalistic ways but she's really the only one who impacted me.  My oldest went through school without anyone standing out and I just never thought about it until this school year.  My middle child, who is seven, was diagnosed with epilepsy almost three year's ago and has other complications.  She struggled with kindergarten and in fact, they recommended she repeat it which we agreed.  Her next teacher was demanding and pushed her hard so she started to "wake" up and learn more.  Then she moved to first grade and that's where it clicked.

Her teacher, a remarkable southern woman with a strong sweet accent, awakened my daughter.  Maybe it was timing, maybe something changed with her condition or a combination of everything.  All I know, my daughter has a zest for learning, an interest in excelling and a love for her teacher, the paraprofessional and school.  Her two teachers are remarkable women.  DealPop is sponsoring a contest at RunandHug to give a special thanks to the many great teachers that touch the lives of so many.  On National Teacher's Day, May 3rd, one teacher will be crowned "America's Favorite Teacher."

Here’s how it works: 


Simply go to www.runandhug.com and nominate a teacher who made a lasting impression on your life or your child's.  If your favorite teacher is selected, both the submitter and their teacher will win two all expenses paid trips to New York City where they will be reunited in person during Teacher Appreciation Month in May.  You will also be able to award their favorite teacher $1,000 in cash.  In addition, for every teacher nominated, WhitePages will donate $5 to Digital Wish <http://www.digitalwish.com/dw/digitalwish/home> , a non-profit with a unique mission to modernize classrooms and prepare students for tomorrow's workforce by ensuring every child has equal access to technology.


The contest ends 4/22

DealPop: 

Every day, DealPop from WhitePages brings you a different deal on all kinds of cool stuff—all in your neighborhood. You not only get incredible values, you get to discover great new things to see, cool places to eat and awesome places to shop near you.