Embracing a Healthy Family

Delightful Pups Are Back: Spooky Buddies DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Packs 9/26 - Winner Closed

Congratulations to ...nicolesender said...follow you on twitter @minibea
September 24, 2011 12:23 AM - An e-mail has been sent!  Thanks to all those who entered!

My girls LOVE the Buddie movies and this will be no exception as you can imagine, Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. Now with the new Spookie Buddies coming out on DVD/Blu-Ray Combo packs on September 20th, I know my girls will be pushing me to go buy a new movie. Not only can you have fun watching your kids get into this movie but there is a cool widget that has tips and activities.  They were smiling watching the trailer!


The children will also love the Buddy quiz that will let them find out which Spooky Buddy would be their buddy!


Check it out:





The Giveaway: 


One reader will win their own Spooky Buddies DVD/Blu-Ray copy!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which pup is your child's favorite if they are already fans of the Buddies.



Extra Entries:
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries (example: Spooky Buddies DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Packs ~ Health, Beauty, Children and Family http://bit.ly/n4sZIR 9/26
  • Add this giveaway to another giveaway linky for five entries - can be done up to five times


US Only Please - Winner selected via Random.org - Giveaway Ends 9/26 - Mountain Standard Time


*Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post and sponsor will provide product for giveaway.

The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD

A product thumbnail of The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fourth Season (Blu-Ray)Roommates are something that every person should experience at least once in their lives.  Whether in college or just trying to make financial issues easier, a roommate might be the cure .... or is it?  Roommates are tricky and if you choose a friend, it can be even more complicated.  I had a roommate once and never again.  I kind of like my freedom and say so in everything.  I stepped over the boundaries and started dating my roommate though so that made things a bit hazy at times.  So at the end of day, it didn't work out although he was wonderful with my young daughter at that time and was even cooler when I started to date someone else.  It was just too weird to stay so I opted to leave.  


On The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon and Leonard are best friends and roommates but at least they won't be faced with my situation.   They annoy and pester each other as is expected!  What fun would it be without these two at each other all the time not to mention their "blinding Roommate Agreement!"  Have you ever had a roommate and if so, did it remind you for Sheldon and Leonard?


Pre-Order The Big Bang Theory on Season 4 - DVD now!



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I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

A Must Have: Braun Satin Hairbrush with Active Ion Technology



I'm a gadget geek and first and foremost, I long for anything that may make me feel better or look better.  I have curly-wavy hair so getting straight smooth hair is like mission impossible especially when you throw in that I color it too.  My hair is damaged but I can still manage to straighten it without too much effort.  After the first straightening, it still has a somewhat frizzy appearance which settled down after a few hours but I don't always have a few hours to wait.  I was skeptical upon receiving a complimentary Braun Satin Hairbrush with active ion technology as part of my participation as a Yahoo Shine Beauty Guru.


The hair brush arrived with two batteries that had to be put inside the brush.  It was so easy, my eight year old was busy telling me how to do it.  I think my two younger ones were more excited than I was as they grabbed it from me and went to town trying to get that princess look.  It's been three days now and these girls, who never pick up a hair brush, have brushed their hair at night and in the morning each day and I love it!  They think the hair brush is really neat and they enjoy brushing their hair now.

Here is my eight year old's before and after shot:


Granted her hair wasn't fully brushed in the before shot, you get the picture at how smooth and silky it looks afterwards.  They have so much fun brushing each other's hair and their own.

For me, I also am a new fan!  Just a quick click of a switch and the ion technology turns on.  It also has a lock in case you travel so the on/off switch doesn't accidentally turn on.  You can hear it working as you brush your hair because it makes a subtle sound.  The brush lights up so you know it's on and in no time, your hair looks remarkable better.  Here is my before and after shot post drying it straight down with a hair dryer and regular brush:


You can definitely see the improvement in the after shot.  Normally, I would have to use a hot iron to finish smoothing my hair but with just a few brushes from the Braun Satin Hair Action Ion Brush, it looks amazingly better.  The extra bonus is it took less the time then if I had used a hot iron along coupled with less damage to my hair.  Did I say I'm a fan?

How It Works:

Active ion jetThe ion jet releases millions of active ions that creates a halo around your hair.  These active ions are similar to a conditioner and it works instantly to tame the frizz and fly aways as you can see in my picture.  You can learn more about Active Ion jet here.
Seamless bristle technology

To prevent damage to your hair, the seamless bristle has technology that provides a super smooth surface for gentle brushing.
Removable cushion padThe cushion pad is removable and is dual purpose.  The extra soft cushion is designed for those of us with sensitive scalps so it's gentle brushing without snagging your hair.  The pad can be removed and cleaned.






To learn more, check out the Braun Satin Hairbrush with Active Ion Technology here.


Overall, it's easy to use, it works, my kids love it and I'm a huge fan!


Mamavation Monday

Oh boy ....those scales are unforgiving and just cruel!  I found out that I must weigh myself daily to avoid those fainting moments of reality hitting me in the face with numbers.  So this post was started on Saturday evening and will be posted either later on Sunday or Monday.  This harsh reality was my wake up call to get it together.  It's so easy to say, "tomorrow" but tomorrow is here and it's time.  Today, I rode my bike for 56 minutes and did try to watch the intake a bit more today.  Tomorrow is Sunday and it IS my tomorrow of the day to get serious.

Boboli Pizza on the Grill

Ready for those tailgating days or just some end of summer grilling out recipes?  I don't go to football games but I definitely grill out year round.  I also am a HUGE pizza fan so much so that my oldest used to grumble when I wanted pizza for dinner.  She was tired of the same old pizza from the same old place that is until we stumbled on some great recipes from Boboli Pizza.   


When I was offered some complimentary coupons for more Boboli pizza crusts coupons, how could I resists?  My oldest is in Georgia so I lost my creative pizza co-cook but that didn't stop me from making Buffalo Chicken Pizza.


What I love about the grill for cooking pizza is the taste.  The crust i so much crunchier and maybe because it just seems cool to grill it, it tastes great. 


Check out the recipe here:






Ingredients

1 12" Boboli® Original Pizza Crust
4 tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 c. hot cayenne pepper sauce*
2 c. chicken, cooked and diced
1/2 c. celery, chopped
1 c. crumbled blue cheese
1 tsp. chives

Directions

Preheat oven to 450° F.
Bake time: 10 – 12 minutes

In a medium bowl, combine the butter and hot sauce; mix well. Add the chicken and celery; toss to coat well. Spread evenly over the pizza crust then sprinkle with the blue cheese.

Grilling Instructions:


Preheat grill for 10 – 15 minutes on medium-high heat. Please follow any safety instructions provided by your grill manufacturer prior to grilling. If you have a gas grill, turn off one of the burners. If you use charcoal, push charcoal to one side. Brush a dash of olive oil (or melted butter) on each side of your Boboli® pizza crust. Place the crust on the side of the grill with the burner turned off or without the charcoal. Grill the crust 2 – 4 minutes per side. Remove from grill. Add toppings, including any pre-cooked meats and vegetables and return to grill for 8 – 10 minutes. Grill until the cheese is melted (if applicable) and the crust is golden. Remove from heat, let cool for 2 minutes, and enjoy!


Boboli BBQ Jerk Chicken Boboli Greek Pizza


For more recipes, check out Boboli online and stay up to date with Boboli on Facebook.








*Disclosure: I received coupons for Boboli products.  I chose to write the review and my opinions are of my own.



Project Iris Clothing: Combining Style with Substance

Giving back is always good and makes one know they are doing something good to pay it forward.  To those lucky enough to be able to do good in terms of a monetary contribution, buying something that goes back to something good is always a win-win.  Sometimes we get the lucky bonus of buying something where the maker gives back to a cause or their community.  This holds true of Project Iris.  Project Iris' vision is to "grow into a world changing community that makes a dramatic impact on world hunger, malnutrition and women and children health in developing countries."

Project Iris clothing are made in the USA and are made for women who like fashion to buy and give back as well as to promote healthier living.  From an array of short and long sleeve shirts, they are the perfect casual wear to go anywhere or to exercise in.

   

I think they are very stylish, pretty, feminine and perfect to lounge, shop or work out in.  Sizes range from x-small to x-large so the fits should fit most women.  They are 100% combed ring-spun cotton which is cotton spun prior to knitting so it's softer and more durable than regular cotton.  I have not reviewed one of the beautiful shirts rather I chose to offer a giveaway but you have to wait until September 16th for an incredible blog hop that will feature this great shirt:


Check out Project Iris on Twitter and Facebook and sign up to be on their mailing list.


Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD

A product thumbnail of Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-Ray)
What's better than a couple of hunky brothers fighting the supernatural demons of the world?  I wonder how many watch because of the good looking guys or just because of the fantastic story lines?  Sam and Dean took on both heaven and health together traveling the supernatural while conquering the demons and more.  The brothers do so much to help one another and then in season 6, they learn the truth about Castiel.   I think if I had to go up against an epic battle like this, I just want both Sam and Dean on my side!  Who wouldn't?


Don't forget to check out and purchase Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD here.






*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural Season 6 on DVD.

The Middle Season Two on DVD/Blu-ray


With today's crazy 'have to do it all' mentality, kids have no idea what pressure has been put on themselves.  Seems parents feel a child should have non-stop activities from the time they wake up until bedtime.  I'm not one of those parents as although I do admire some for getting their kids exposed to so much, I don't want to put undo stress on them.  My eight year old has epilepsy and migraines so she doesn't need to be stressed.  My other one has an unknown pulmonary condition so I'm one of those don't come over if you have a cold  mom.  I'm not a fanatic but I don't want her sick as a cold could mean death for her and I'm not exaggerating.  Watching The Middle shows this life style.

Seeing how the Axl and Sue have busy lives outside of school with football and cross country, the Heck's get to figure out who's meet or game they will attend.  I'm sure it's a situation that many other parents laugh at because it mirrors their lives.  I just get to laugh because it's not mine!  

Don't miss an episode or re-watch an episode you like by buying The Middle Season Two on DVD/Blu-Ray.


*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Middle Season Two on DVD.

The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD





The second season of The Vampire Diaries on DVD/Blu-Ray has some extra bonuses that might make you wanting more.  I love the bonus feature material on movies because it can provide more insight into the movie itself, sometimes they show interviews and of course, who doesn't like gags?   It's always the little bonus gift for buying the movie as a thank you in my opinion.  The second season of The Vampire Diaries was full of all the drama you love along with some romance with the two hunky boys.  After a season full of surprises, the special features was the icing on the cake.


The gag reel is my favorite as it's always funny to see others mess up during their lines.  Not sure why but it seems like it's human nature to laugh when someone falls provided they aren't hurt.  Seeing the slips, the running into things and the set falling apart gives a little depth into the characters and the show.  Of course seeing them fumble their words only proves they are human and not the flawless actors we see.



Special Features Include:
  • Pages of the Wolf: 3 Featurettes – The Myth & The Mystery (Werewolf Lore), Building the Beasts (Working with Actual and Mechanical Wolves) and Howling at the Moon (Michael Trevino’s Transformative Makeup Process)
  • Her Own Worst Enemy…Elena, Catherine and Nina!: Nina Dobrev Rises to the Challenge of Playing Two Roles
  • The Perfect Love Triangle: Vampires, Werewolves, Witches: Setting the Record Straight on Who’s Nibbling on Whom for the First Two Seasons
  • Unaired Scenes
  • Audio Commentary on “Masquerade” With Executive Producers Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec
  • Second Bite AKA Gag Reel




The special features also provided a great look into the creation of one actor portraying two people.  That is always a cool trick that doesn't really provide a good understanding on how difficult it is to pull off not only from the camera people and the editing crew but also the actors.  Nina Dobrev's role is one in which she plans two characters and how painstakingly difficult it is.  The feature shows how it is done and how hard it must be for an actor to be able to shift gears and act against a person not there.  It was probably my second favorite part of the bonus material.  I'm sure many would opt for the featurettes given the popularity of werwolfs!


It's a great bonus in purchasing the second season.  


Order your copy of The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray here today!






*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Second Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips After Review & Giveaway 9/24 ($49~ Value) - Winner Closed


Congratulations to:  
purplelover04 said...
i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/116643045428043779 pt 2
I had the opportunity to review the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips and although I posted on the before picture and my thoughts on the process, I'm providing an update comparison and ONE lucky reader will receive their own box.  I love Crest products and it's all that is in my cabinet.  I have tried many brands but love the Crest line.  I've also tried the different varieties of Crest Whitening Strips in the past due to their effectiveness.

As part of my participation with One2One Network, I was able to receive a complimentary box of Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips for the purposes of this review to include this before and after comparison.  To read the before post, please click on my before Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips review.

Here is my comparison:



My Review:

  • The box comes with four treatments so that makes the cost very reasonable.  
  • Since you have to wear them for two hours, the strips are made differently from the other ones I've tried.  They affixed the same way but they were stayed in place and didn't sleep easily.  The grip was stronger which was very nice not having to worry about moving my tongue the wrong way or talking too much.  I actually thought they were easier to place on my teeth since the strips were a bit thicker.  They still felt natural and although my speech was temporarily affected, I found it better to not talk too much. 
  • I experienced no discomfort and at the end of the two hours, I removed the strips very easily.
  • After only two hours, I saw an improvement and although my picture may not fully show it, my teeth looked whiter and I loved the results.  I will definitely use them again.

  
Check out Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips on Facebook.

Save now by clicking on this Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips coupon link.


____________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will win their own Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips (a $49~ value)!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have a life event that you would whiten for in just two hours with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips.

Extra Entries:
  • Subscribe to my blog
  • "Like" Crest on Facebook
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • "Like" me on Facebook
  • Tweet this giveaway - can be done daily for two entries (example: Win Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips from @Stayingyoung2 9/24
  • Add this giveaway to another giveaway linky for five entries - can be done up to five times


US Only Please - Winner selected via Random.org


*Disclosure: I was given this product for free to review as part of the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips campaign hosted by One2One Network. By participating, I am also eligible for additional incentives provided by One2One Network. All opinions are 100% my own.

KB Teachers: Great Site for Teaching

In my pursuit of engaging my girls with my attempts at homeschooling, I'm up for websites that will provide educational opportunities and/or fun for my girls.  With fall upon us, I was looking for some activities and found these printables at KB Teachers.

Thumbnail image of an autumn writing activity - A is for...

These are going to be great for my four year old.  There are so many resources available ranging from math to science to reading and much more.  I had never heard of KB Teachers until I saw a tweet and cannot wait to make this a routine stop for some additional learning activities.

First Year at Homeschooling Using the Robinson Curriculum

We made the move again.  In my eight year old's short little life, she has went from Indiana to New Jersey back to Indiana to Hawaii to Georgia and now we reside in Texas.  We are military and that is the life of what is so charmingly deemed a military brat. I'm sure it's purely an endearing adjective because all military children I've met seem to be pretty good kids.  Not only does being in the military present it's challenges to children with the endless number of moves adapting to new schools, new culture and new friends, but it's also just plain difficult at times especially when you have children with chronic medical conditions.  Of course that is not a cop out for taking them out of the school systems rather it just might be easier on them.

Tuesday was the first day of home schooling my eight year old while making attempts at educating my four year old at the same time.  I perused through many blogger sites trying to find the ideal curriculum as we just don't have the money to pay a monthly fee to one of those online schools.  I know there is one free site available here but I opted to try it on my own.  I chose the Robinson Curriculum.  It's cost effective and versatile.  It was created by a family who home schooled their children and each of the five children are successful in their pursuits of higher education.  Their mother passed away suddenly and science based dad stepped in and perfected the curriculum.  It's based on three fundamental learning subjects:  reading, writing and arithmetic.

The curriculum from the reading and writing perspective is secured from hundreds of old books in print that perform the basis for so much.  The notion of reading and writing provides the cornerstones for other subjects is spot on to me.  The math component is by Saxon.  Her Georgia school must have been high caliber or Saxon is behind because she won't learn anything until the second workbook is used.  However, the concepts are good reviews for her as her neurologist stated she has a listening disability so repeating the knowledge will only help to reinforce it.  I also chose this curriculum because it's based on the old school philosophy and from what I've seen of my father and prior generations are an abundance of men who barely graduated from high school to move forward with remarkable inventions, abilities and careers.

I'm only touching on a few basics of the Robinson Curriculum and some might feel my thought process is flawed by it's what I'm going with for my first year.  Extra curricular activities will be forthcoming along with subjects such as art and history but for now, I want to focus on getting them acclimated to a different learning environment as me, the teacher and them, the pupils.

Fall Giveaway Festival Coming Soon!


I am very excited to be a part of this HUGE Fall Giveaway Festival being sponsored by Retail Me Not. There are 112 blogs participating & the giveaway goes live September 16 and ends September 30, midnight. 




Thanks to Retail Me Not for sponsoring the grand prize: an iPad 2!