General Mills/Walmart Star Wars Limited Edition Cereal & $25 GC Giveaway 10/31

If you are like my family, you already own the 9-disc Star Wars: The Complete Saga that came out on Blu-Ray on September 16th.  We are HUGE fans and have been to Disney twice just to catch the annual Star Wars Days.  You can imagine my children's surprise when we opened our box from MyBlogSpark that contained specially marked General Mills cereal with the Star Wars episodes on the back!

I thought it was Christmas to hear the squeals of delight in seeing not only were their favorite cereals included BUT they had Star Wars on the back!  It was perfect timing as we were out of a couple of those cereals too.  Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios and Cinnamon Toast Crunch are some of their favorite cereals.  I'm partial to the General Mills line of cereals due to the whole grain content.  They even have a whole grain guarantee to ensure what I'm giving my children is what I think I am.  You can learn more about the grain content and more at Whole Grain Nation.

These limited edition boxes are only available at Walmart so you need to hurry to grab up your very cool box that comes in the following varieties:

• Honey Nut Cheerios
• Cinnamon Toast Crunch
• Lucky Charms

Isn't this so cool?   When the girls realized it made a scene, they were even more impressed.  They are loving this!  Did I mention we are Star Wars fans??

Now for the fun stuff!  One winner will receive one box of each of the cereals that I did along with a $25 Walmart card to run and buy your own specially marked boxes!

Click here for all my other giveaways.

Disclosure: The cereal, gift card, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

No Greater a Miracle than a Child

I'm reminded daily on what a miracle children are.  They have the ability to turn a frown into a smile.  The innate ability to be there for you when you are sad or upset.  They seem to read an adult like no other at times.  I'm always marveling at how my children can bring an instant smile to my face no matter what.  Children are something to be cherished, to be loved and most of all, to be held in a light of nothing less than nurturing love and respect.

I've learned a lot from raising my children and was truly blessed in having to get to repeat the journey of motherhood.  I have a 23 year old and then I have one as young as four.  I also have a grandchild and can say that while some might cringe at the thought of starting over, I'm more than thrilled to have almost my entire adulthood (before old age) spent raising children.  Granted they can at times add to the stress with what seems like endless bickering or fits, it's small enough to be overshadowed by the beauty of a smile, a laugh, a hug, a kiss or a silly face.

To hear, 'you are the best mom ever' is magical.  Nothing compares to a love of a child and during the darkest moments, it's immeasurable.

Carpet Headaches? Try the BISSELL Stomp 'N Go Pads

What better way to demonstrate a product than at a party, right?  I thought it made perfect sense along with an inclusion of bring all your kiddies too!  As part of my participation with Mom Central, I received the BISSELL Stomp 'N Go kit chalk full of BISSELL Stomp 'N Go packages and carpet pre-treated with grape juice stains to test.  I was happy to see that as I really didn't want to stain and play with my own carpets unless I had to.  

These truly are magical and easy to use.  Just open the package, place on the stain, stomp on the stain and you are ready to go.  After a 30 minute wait, or 24 hours for tough stains, you come back the stain has diminished.  I suspect that I needed to go the extra time on a couple of the stains but they work.  I'm amazed at how easy they were too use and how effective they are.  They are inexpensive too considering you are getting five stain lifting pads for each box.  I was skeptical when I saw the stains on the carpet remnants but as you can see below, even after a quick demonstration, they work!

 

After

One thing I did notice is you have to be careful if you pick up the pad and try to move it around to get a non-touched part of on the stain as the stain did bleed a bit on the part of the carpet it was touching.  This is a must have to hand on hand and with the convenience, it's ideal for any family whether you have children or not.  They are perfect for quick clean ups, handy as you stomp and throw away.  There were no odors or fumes and it left no sticky residue.

I definitely think they are worth the money and would recommend them to anyone with carpeting.

*Disclosure:  I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of BISSELL and received a party kit and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival 1/3 - 1/10

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe

Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival

Calling all bloggers!  Want a great way to kick off the new year?  Join in the New Year's Resolution Blog Carnival from January 3 - 10.  There is a paid to participate option or a FREE option!  Yes, I said free!


Head on over here to find out more and sign up!

Christmas Gift Guide 2011- Seeking Sponsors

Health, Beauty, Family and Children is joining My So Called Homeschool Life again this year for a Christmas Gift Guide and giveaway event.  Join many other confirmed participants in this year's event.


To participate in having your business or product promoted in our Guide or to receive more information, please send an e-mail to staying_younger@yahoo.com.

Must Have Release: Happiness is Peanuts: Snow Days Release 10/18

Fall is quickly upon us and so are the cooler temperatures which is perfect time for watching movies with your children with a wintery theme.  Warner Brother's is releasing Happiness is Peanuts:  Snow Days on October 18th.  The DVD is perfect to add to your classic Peanuts:  A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  This new release, Happiness is Peanuts:  Snow Days is a new title celebrating one of kid's favorite days of the year, snow days!  


This new DVD is a newly remastered classic along with three short tales.  It's the Peanuts you grew up with without any new changes that many others do when an older show is released.  It's a perfect DVD to watch with your kids to bring back the memories and to make new ones.


My youngest shrieked in delight when she saw her beloved Snoopy on the cover and both have already watched it twice since receiving it.




*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this DVD for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.  I was not financially compensated for this post.  


About PEANUTS WORLDWIDE:

The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC(R), DANSKIN (R), ROCA WEAR(R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ZOO YORK (R), MATERIAL GIRL(TM), and PEANUTS brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

About Warner Home Video:

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group:

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to-DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD, electronic sell-through and VOD, and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.  

Totino's Fun Friday Nights Giveaway 10/28

Do you remember Totino's Party Pizza when you were growing up?  I do and they were heavenly then just as they are now.  I love those little pizzas and so does my family.  They are a quick snack or even a dinner when you throw in a salad or some veggie strips and dip for some good family fun.  Totino's is synonymous with Fridays for me because as we were growing up, my father was paid on Fridays so they went grocery shopping.  We were not rich by any means so the trip to the grocery store meant the special treat of Totino's Pizza for us on Friday nights.


My kids will eat Totino's anytime whether it's lunch, dinner or a snack and since they are so easy to pop in the oven, I don't mind them when I'm rushed on time or just don't feel like cooking.  The bonus is they have Box Tops for Education and although I'm homeschooling, I still collect the Box Tops and send to my daughter's school.  Totino's still has the same zesty sauce I remember and comes in a variety of toppings to please everyone.  

Totino's Pizza Rolls and Party Pizza has it all ready to make our Friday more fun with Fun Friday Nights.  Look for specially marked packages of Totino's Pizza Rolls and Party Pizza to get the fun going.  When you purchase four Totino's Party Pizzas or two Totino's Pizza Rolls (40 count), you will receive a free one-day Redbox DVD promo code that can be redeemed at:

• Rolls: totinosfridaynight.com/redbox_pizzarolls
• Pizza: totinosfridaynight.com/redbox

I received a complimentary prize pack from Totino's as part of my participation with MyBlogSpark and my kids were delighted to see the two pizza shaped plates, the popcorn bucket, the free Redbox rental and not to mention, they devoured the pizza and pizza bites we received (coupons).  I love the two in one pizza cutter.  We've already used the pizza plates a few times as well as the popcorn bucket.  It was the perfect pack for kids! 


To find more information on Totino's, visit www.totinos.com and "like" them on Facebook.  For Redbox, visit www.redbox.com and "like" them on Facebook and follow on Twitter.


The Giveaway:

• 2 VIP coupons
• Free one-day redbox DVD promo code
• 2 pizza slice plates
• 1 popcorn bucket
• 1 pizza cutter

Click here for all my other giveaways.

Disclosure: The VIP coupons, prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by Totino’s through MyBlogSpark.

Lysol ® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes Versus the Other Brand & 5 Product Giveaway 10/28

Cleaning is not my most favorite activity I have to do every day.  When I do make myself clean, I want to make the most of it with the least amount of effort and I'm a stickler for killing germs.  I want to ensure that I'm wiping out potential germs that might be lurking from foods or other contaminants.  My children have chronic conditions so I'm a bit more of a worrier when it comes to germs and I feel better knowing that if someone didn't wash their hands and touched a surface, I can kill it on the spot.  I was provided complimentary samples of Lysol ® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes to use on my own or against my current disinfecting wipes.

I compared the wipes and liked the Lysol ® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes because it has one side with built in fibers that helps to provide a scrubbing action and the other side wipes it up for touch up cleaning.  My other wipe has one side that offers no scrubbing component.  Lysol is a brand I trust for killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria.

I used my test on a pizza sauce/cheese spill from the night before so it was hardened and not going anywhere.  I tried my competitor wipe on it with not a budge and then I used my Lysol ® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes on it and with little effort, it cleaned up that hardened spill and the other side completed the job.  You might question if I "loosened" it up with the other wipe but I don't believe I did.  The scrubbing abilities of the Lysol® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes are what is wonderful about these wipes.  These are definitely my new wipe of choice!

Enter to win two grand prizes of a $1,000 gift card:

The Dual Action Wipes Challenge also lives on the Lysol Facebook page and they are offering daily giveaways of Dual Action Wipe canisters and two grand prize winners will each receive a $1,000 gift card.  


One winner will receive FIVE tubs of Lysol ® Dual Action Disinfecting Wipes! 


Click here for all my other giveaways.



*Disclosure: I received complimentary product for the purposes of this review but the opinions are of my own.

Bob Evans Farm Festival Correspondent & Excited

Did I mention that I'm excited to be going to Ohio this weekend to participate as a Bob Evans Farm Festival Correspondent?  It's one of the bigger things to do in Ohio and especially for the area it's located in.  This is the 41st annual festival so it's something that is a big deal.  If you are like me, you love Bob Evans food and restaurant and it's one thing I miss about living in Indiana.  I used to go there for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoyed it every time.  Since I moved away, I can still have the great taste at home with products available at my local store.  There is just something dreamy about those mashed potatoes and gravy or heavenly about the breakfast menu that is making my mouth water thinking about it because I'm going to be eating at Bob Evans while I'm there too!  It's a double win for me and my family.  I don't think my younger children have ever at there so they will get a great experience from the festival and the restaurant.  


The Bob Evans Farm Festival takes place from October 14 through the 16th in Rio Grande, Ohio.  It's also very inexpensive at $5 per adult, $3 per child ages 6-18 and free for children ages 5 and under so you can't beat that for some family fun while eating great food, having fun, learning a thing or two and supporting some wonderful non-profits who will be there.  I'm of course looking forward to the food, arts & crafts, kids activities and demonstrations.  


We're going to embark on a very long drive to get there and my cousin has even made travel binders for our way back so the children won't be bored.  I suspect they will be hyped up as much when we leave as they are now!


Look at the beautiful flowers and a craftsman working from last year:

  

I've been studying the maps and planning our trip to ensure we all have fun.  I'm even meeting my cousin and her family there so the memories are going to be even more special as we share this time together in the first time in over 20 years.


Additional Details of the Festival:

• Camping
• Handicapped Parking
• Kids Farmyard Fee - activities such as face painting, lead rides, kiddie train rides and more
• Contests - team cow chip tossing, hula hoop, feed sack and more
• Food Tent - smoked sausage, fried chicken, bratwurst, baked beans, cotton candy and more
• Entertainment - clogging, puppet plays, square dancing and more
• Demonstrations - sheep shearing, cow milking, horseshoe pitching and more

As a homeschooler, this is a treat for my children to see some life experiences while having fun.  I'm definitely excited about attending and cannot wait to show you how it was so stay tuned for more posts!

Check it the Bob Evans Farm Festival here and while you are there, check them out on Twitter and Facebook.


Disclosure:  I am attending the festival on behalf of Bob Evans and Blog Friendly PR, but all opinions are my own.

No Guts, No Glory: Chuck The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray

No Guts, No Glory!

I can honestly say that I've never had a situation that can be defined as a no guts, no glory situation but if I had to come close, I'd have to say .....da da da dum .....marriage!  Okay, seriously though, I have not but that is why we have television to give us what we don't live.  Having Ashley running for her life or trying to stay a step ahead or watching Chuck try to elude the CIA and stay alive is all the action I need.  I'll just live vicariously through them!   


Just like in the fourth season finale, Ashley has been shot by the “Norseman” device and only has twelve hours left to live.  Chuck turns his back on the CIA and despite all warnings sprints throughout the episode to find Volkoff and the antidote.  See, they have it all!  Drama, guts and glory or do they?  Do you watch Chuck?  Did you miss any of the season four?  If so or you just love it so much you have to have it, I have great news for you!


In season four, the geek gone spy is putting everything on the line, available for pre-order here: http://bit.ly/r3n2er


Check it out on Facebook too:

Facebook

Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Chuck The Complete Fourth Season on DVD/Blu-Ray.

New Gold Bond Sheer Ribbons Lotion: Natural Silk and Pearl Radiance

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Triad Retail Media for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Gold Bond is a name that is very familiar to me and probably many others.  They are a brand that I have used in the past and will continue to use in the future.  I was happy to hear that Gold Bond now has a new Sheer Ribbons Lotion available in Natural Silk and Pearl Radiance.  If you are like me, you use lotion every day and I need the moisturizing for what is termed alligator skin.  I have a hard time finding a lotion that I like because it's either too greasy, too fragrant or doesn't work.  I have tried many and haven't found one that I'm loyal to.


The new Gold Bond lotion Sheer Ribbons replenishes and renews the skin with seven hydrating moisturizers.  It's available in either Pearl Radiance and Silk Softness. Silk Softness provides seven hydrating moisturizers while the natural silk proteins work to promote smooth skin.  Pearl Radiance uses natural pearl extracts that lightly capture and illuminate light providing a silky, glow.  It also has the seven hydrating moisturizers but is lightly scented with citrus-nectarine, fresh rosewood and Asian teas.  Even though the Silk Softness has a fragrance of mimosa petals, cyprus and apricot and sounds heavenly, I think I would prefer Pearl Radiance for the lustrous skin appearance.  There is just something magical about a radiant glow.  Both lotions sound wonderful and I like the sound of the different fragrances.

Gold Bond has many other products in their Ultimate line that you can try if you haven't already.  From body wash to lotions and creams to moisturizers to body powder and now Sheer Ribbons Lotion, they are sure to have you covered.  Find more about each product and Gold Bond Ultimate here.

Click here for a $1 off coupon Sheer Ribbons lotion and take it to your local Walmart to use.
 

My Slim-Fast Journey

Interested  in Slim-Fast?  Check out my posts on my journey to get healthier starting on 10/24/11:

My Family Weight Loss/Get Healthy Challenge & New Slim-Fast® Shakes Plan

Week 2 on the 1-2-3 Slim-Fast Diet - 4 Pounds Lost

Weeks Later - 15 Pounds Lost

iPhone, iPod Touch & Smartphone Must Have: The Zhip w/ Special Discount Code 11/20

Just about everyone seems to have an iPhone, an iPod or a smart phone and many use these devices on trips, at home and work.  These devices are great for information, fun things to do, music and more but sometimes, it's not always suitable for on the go ease or even for reference purposes such as following a recipe or reading how to unclog a blocked drain.  I use the net for so much and if I don't print, I'm constantly walking back and forth to get the instructions or if I use my iPod Touch, I have to keep picking it up to continue.  I was introduced to this little ingenious device called the Zhip (pronounced zip).  


As the information states, it's perfect for the airplane, gym, car, office and more.  It's a small device that expands to fit any mobile device, has scratch-free padding, 100% bullet-proof polycarbonate so it won't break if dropped and expandable desktop stand.  The 3' retractable "no drop" zip cord allows you to slip it over things like the back of a car seat head rest to let your little ones watch a show on that long trip.  It's so versatile and easy to use.  I'm always amazed when I see such simple inventions and marvel at how easy the concept is as well as the practicality of the device itself.

I tried it out with my iPod Touch and it worked great with the stand when I was following a recipe and will use it next weekend in my car on a very long trip.  My girls will really love having it to watch in front of them versus having to hold it.  It held the iPod snug and it didn't drop.  The cord is sturdy and the decision is really nice.


The other part that is nice about the Zhip, it's inexpensive at only $14.95 MSRP and is available through a variety of retailers.  Get the ZHIP Stand with 3 Feet of Retractable Zip Cord for iPhone, iPod and All Other Smartphones at Amazon and at www.theZhip.com - and also online at BestBuy.com and Newegg.com. It also has a 100% money back guarantee.

You can see the Zhip in action by watching a quick two minute video at www.TheZhip.com to see how people are finding tons of cool new uses for their smartphone.

For readers of Health, Beauty, Children and Family, you can now get the Zhip for only $9.95 by using code zhipmom at www.thezhip.com.  The code expires November 20, 2011.

Enter the discount code in the "Gift Certificate" box on the third page of the "Shopping Cart" and you will need to hit the "ADD" button to activate the discount.

For more information and to stay up to date, check out the Zhip here:

Facebook and Twitter

 

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary sample in exchange for my post.  The opinions are of my own.

Real Steel Opens Today!

Today is the day that Real Steel opens and if you are a Hugh Jackman fan, you want to miss it! Also, don't forget to enter my giveaway for the Real Steel Prize Pack!









“Like” REAL STEEL on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/realsteelmovie.

$100 Shopbop GC Giveaway: Paige Jeans & More - International 10/24

Brrrr.....fall is coming and we know winter is next.  Although some of us live in climates that still allow us to wear those fashionably True Religion Shorts, others have to pull out the Paige Jeans to stay warm yet fashionable.  I don't like the cold weather but I do like to have a change such as my favorite pair of jeans along with some boots and a coat.  I was looking at the Free People for a new coat and found one I really like.  The thing about Shopbop is they have so many choices from so many designers that it really makes it hard to make a choice!

  

What is your favorite season?  Do you enjoy shopping for the latest fashions and saving money?  Follow Shopbop on Twitter to stay up to date on the latest and greatest.  If you are new to Shopbop, they have some great features to their sites like saving your favorites so you can come back with ease to find them, you can search by your favorite designer and you can save and share your wish list because Christmas is coming!   Shopbop also offers free worldwide shipping on orders of $100 or more in three days or less and free return shipping (USA only - restrictions apply).  The Lookbooks are also something I like to have some help in staying fashionable.

Click here for all my other giveaways.