Embracing a Healthy Family

Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry® Prize Pack Giveaway 10/17 CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


Tabathia said...

email subscriber
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!


Remember as a kid the commercials for Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry®?  I do but never really had a chance to try them out as we usually had the adult type cereals.  I always loved the commercials especially around Halloween.  Since General Mills' Monster Cereals have been at it for over 40 years, I might be able to say they are older than me but I'm thinking the "over than" might be give a take a few months so ... yeah, I'm old but I'm a kid at heart!   Who was your favorite?  Mine was always Count Chocula® because of the way he talked and he had that cool cape!




From September 26th through October 31st, Target® to see the new checkout aisle for some a new look and some yummy Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® or Franken Berry@.  One of the things that is great about General Mills' Monster cereals is they come in a flavor that most everyone in your family, young and old-kid alike.    One thing you may not know is that they are low in fat, no cholesterol or saturated fat and they do provide a good source of calcium, whole grain and nine other essential vitamins and minerals in those chocolate, blueberry and strawberry flavored cereals with marshmallows.






Click here to watch the "Let's Go Disco" video and download a desktop background of your favorite monster.


We received three boxes of General Mills' cereal:  Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry® cereal, a really cool, very nice special trick-or-treat tote bag and a $10 Target® gift card to purchase Halloween goodies or more cereal.  My KIDS LOVED this!  The boxes are enough to grab their attention especially with Halloween quickly approaching.

Photobucket


The Giveaway:


One reader will receive one box each of Count Chocula®, Boo Berry® and Franken Berry® cereal, a special trick-or-treat tote bag and a $10 Target® gift card to purchase Halloween goodies or more cereal.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and leave a comment on which character is your favorite monster!


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 (worth five entries)
  • Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
  • Always check home page for more opportunities for bonus entries.

Giveaway ends 10/17 at midnight (EST) - US only please


*Disclosure - this prize pack and the giveaway were provided to me by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.




Frownies: Natural Way to Combat Aging

Frownies Anti-Wrinkle Products


This is a perfect gift set for any woman and men too!  No one likes wrinkles and what better way to eliminate them then with a natural product that has been around since 1889!


Available Products:



Under Eye Gel Patch
Forehead & Between the Eyes Patch
Corner of Eyes & Mouth Patch
Rose Water Hydrator Spray
Immune Perféct Skin Moisturizer
Immune Shield Skin Serum
pH Balancing Complexion Wash
Face Lift in a Bag
Beautiful Eyes Bag
Supportive Books & DVDs



Suggested Frownies' Gift Ideas:


Under $100


Frownies (FBE) Forehead & Between Eyes, 144 Patches



Frownies Facial Pads Eliminate Wrinkles While You Sleep

Frownies Patches are the only products available dermatologist approved that retrain the muscles below the skin to release the unattractive creases that have developed and to relax into a smooth, natural position. Frownies do this without any harsh chemicals and since they are changing the shape of the muscle they provide lasting results that continue to improve with continued use.



FROWNIES (FBE) Patches are an anti wrinkle treatment that addresses the physical cause of facial wrinkles between the eyes (sometimes called elevens) and forehead wrinkles. Frownies, traditional patch works at night to eliminate skin wrinkles and in fact, allows the deep expression lines to heal leaving younger looking skin. For lines that are so deep you may be considering a wrinkle filler try Frownies Patch first. Lines can be reversed at night while you sleep. Frownies are applied directly over the wrinkles between the eyes or on the forehead. Smooth out the skin, apply the patch and leave it on at least three hours to gently re-educate the underlying muscles.The entire line must be covered by the patch.

Immune Perféct under the patch accelerates the healing and Immune Shield after you remove the patch supplies Vitamin E serum to build skin integrity.

Never Need Wrinkle Fillers

Before these lines become deep stop them, by wearing Frownies Patches a few nights a month directly over the lines. Lines in their early stages will be gone in three nights, deeper lines taking longer. When the lines are no longer visible; you no longer need to wear your Frownies Patch. When you start to see the lines reappear wear the patch again it is as simple as that. You will never again consider an injected wrinkle filler.



FROWNIES Natural Wrinkle reduction for forehead wrinkles, splint the muscles under the appearing skin lines and watch them change one night after the next. FROWNIES have been called the easiest wrinkle reducer by Good Housekeeping Magazine.

Ingredients:

Frownies are facial pads made from natural, skin-friendly materials of unbleached Kraft paper to allow the skin to breath and a vegetable starch based adhesive that is water activated therefore hypoallergenic. 144 patches in each box, patches are not reusable.




Product Patented by B&P Company Owners of “Frownies”
Rose Water Toner Hydrator is used to activate the adhesive on the patch and add an antioxidant treatment to the skin.



"Your Health in the Kitchen" DVD




If you have ever gone into a health food store and felt overwhelmed, not knowing where to begin, this DVD series is what you have been looking for. Three Culinary class like no other; Kathy gives 3 hours of health supportive principals, shopping tips, brand quality information, supplement education while she demonstrates healthy supportive cooking. $89




Over $100:


Frownies Face Lift in a Bag

FACE LIFT IN A BAG COMPLETE SKIN CARE PROGRAM

You know how difficult it is to chose a skin care system and how often most people switch from one product to another. Frownies products contained in the Face Lift in a Bag will naturally and effectively help prevent problems associated with aging skin. Frownies skin care system helps lift expression lines, tones skin, brightens dark circles, evens skin coloration, reduces puffiness, hydrates, softens and plumps fine lines.

pH Balancing Complexion Wash when used daily will cleanse and tone the facial skin, leaving a brighter younger looking complexion. Retail value $18.95.

Biologically Active Immune Perféct antioxidant moisturizing wrinkle cream treatment reduces fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates, and nourishes the skin at a cellular level. The water soluble melanin in Immune Perféct helps protect the DNA of the skin cell thus strengthening the immune health of the skin. The best wrinkle cream for soft, hydrated, younger looking skin. Retail value 29.5 ml. tube $59.00; 50 ml. jar $99.00

Rose Water Hydrator-Is a toner is used to refresh the face and neck area throughout the day as well as to activate and add treatment to the back of the Frownies facial patches. Rose Water Hydrator can be used under and over makeup anytime you are feeling extremely dry to plump fine lines and wrinkles that come from dehydrated skin. Retail value 60 ml. spray bottle $10.95

Forehead and Between Eyes Facial Patches (The Original Frownies since 1889) is applied over visible expression lines in the muscles on the face that can be seen when you are not expressing. Use this patch over horizontal wrinkles on the forehead and over the eyebrows, and vertical lines between the eyebrows sometimes referred to as “elevens”. Wrinkle creams alone cannot help deep lines. 144 patches in the box retail value $19.95

Corner of Eyes and Mouth Patch (The Original WRINKIES since 1889) is applied over visible expression lines in the muscles around the mouth referred to as marionette lines and the lines on the outside of the eye and face sometimes called crows-feet. 144 patches in the box retail value $19.95

Gel Eye Patches (Newest addition to Frownies) is a treatment to help build under eye collagen, lighten dark circles under eyes, and reduce puffiness under the eyes. Retail value 3 pairs of patch treatments $37.50

Immune Shield (a whole active form of vitamin E) is for lip hydration, fine lines around the lips, blemish control, after sun treatment and any difficult to heal area on the face or body. Immune shield is 40% whole vitamin E serum from organic whole oats. Retail value sample size 2ml $3.00
Coming in a clear plastic travel bag retail value of $215.00 reduced to$128.50 for this special introductory trial offer. Returns do not apply.



Beautiful Eyes Bag

Beautiful Eyes Bag Complete Eye Care Beauty Program

Frownies products contained in the Beautiful Eyes Bag will naturally and effectively help prevent problems on the skin around the eyes. Frownies skin care system will helps you have younger looking skin around the eyes.


Gel Eye Patches (Newest addition to Frownies skin care line) is a treatment to help build under eye and eye lid collagen, lighten dark circles under eyes, and reduce puffiness under the eyes and on the eye lids. Eye Gels are an in home treatment to prevent damage and care for sensitive area around the eyes. Retail value 3 pairs of patch treatments $37.50

Rose Water Hydrator-Used to activate and add treatment to the back of the Frownies facial patches and to keep the Eye Gels moist for storage between applications. Retail value 60 ml. spray bottle $10.95

Forehead and Between Eyes Facial Patches (The Original Frownies since 1889) is applied over visible expression lines in the muscles on the forehead and between the eyes that can be seen when you are not expressing. Use this patch over the eyebrows, and on the vertical lines between the eyebrows sometimes referred to as "elevens" to smooth and flatten wrinkle lines around the eye are. 144 patches in the box retail value $19.95

Immune Shield Immune Shield (a whole active form of vitamin E) is for under eye and eye lid protection from color cosmetics and environmental damage like fine lines, sagging skin and oxidation damage. Use Immune Shield daily on clean skin before application of color cosmetics. Immune shield is 40% whole vitamin E serum from organic whole oats. Great for after tanning to heal the eye skin area. Retail value 60ml $32.00
Beautiful Eyes Bag comes in a clear plastic travel bag retail value of $102.50 reduced to $89.97 for this special introductory trial offer. Returns do not apply.



Frownies has many other beauty products, just click on the links above to find more!


Frownies is part of the 3 Relatives Christmas Gift Guide and is giving away Facelift in a Bag and the wonderful Your Health in the Kitchen DVD!  Over $200 in value!   The giveaway starts November 21st!


"Your Health in the Kitchen" DVD  Frownies Face Lift in a Bag




HEXBUGS! HEXBUGS Nano In-Home Party

Original HEXBUG (random color)

Micro Robotic Creatures?  Does that scare you?  It did one of my daughters at first until she warmed up the little micro robotic creatures called HEXBUGS.  These tiny little power house of fun react to touch and sound and are really amazing.  Innovations First Labs, Inc. is the owner of these hot little toys that will most likely be the big hit at Christmas so better get them now before they sell out!

HEXBUG Ant: Green HEXBUG Crab: Black HEXBUG Inchworm: Pink

The cute thing about HEXBUGS, they arrive in tiny clear test tube containers adding to the appeal.  There are many different types of HEXBUGS too:
  • Original
  • Inchworm
  • Crab
  • Ant
  • Nano

I had the opportunity through BSM Media to host a party with these amazing creatures.   We received 30 HEXBUGS,  a HEXBUGS Nano Habitat Set, spare batteries and a HEXBUGS Nano Bridge Battle Habitat Set.  Combine all of that with kids and it equaled a great party!

We ended up having two parties but here are the pictures from one of them:



The kids had so much fun putting them together and really didn't mind taking them apart.  It was a lot of work and you really need to have some sort of a small tub or case to store them because it takes a lot of room.  Even though there were many, many pieces, it was great fun.  The other nice things about HEXBUGS, you can have loads of fun without the Habitat Sets.  You put them down and they go!  When they hit something, they change directions.  They are really going to be a big hit with many, many boys and some girls too!  They do go through the batteries quick so be prepared.  


Kids can even register their HEXBUG online to keep track of their Nano, play games with others, download photos and learn more about robotic science. 

Check out others having fun with HEXBUGS:



The kids love HEXBUG!

Thanks to HEXBUGS and BSM Media for the opportunity to review and host this great party!

Nano Bridge Battle Habitat Set

Link Up Your Giveaways Friday

Sweeties by Kim; Most Beautiful Cookies I've Ever Seen

I'm a stickler for perfection and love to find the perfect gift for my family and friends.  When I have a party, every detail has to be perfect and I enjoy trying to coordinate my themes.  I found Sweeties by Kim when I was looking for the perfect add on to my daughter's baby shower.  I fell in love at first sight however, the Georgia weather and location does not like chocolate so I had to pass on ordering these beauties:


Designer Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies -Purple Butterflies


Those are Oreo cookies decorated with beautiful pastel butterfly images!  Aren't they gorgeous?  The extra special treat is these are dipped in Wilbur chocolate which is a Lancaster, Pennsylvania favorite.  Kim can even take custom orders for a set up fee.


The cookies arrive in a gold candy box with a clear lid perfecting the display with each Oreo in it's own gold compartment


6 PERSONALIZED CHOCOLATE COVERED OREO LOLLIPOPS -1 Color -1 NUMBER OR LETTER -Birthday Party or Shower Favors Designer Chocolate Covered Oreos Pink Polkadots Birthday Baby Shower Party Favor 

Designer Chocolate Covered Oreos -Ocean Life Design Dark Chocolate Birthday Favor Gift Wedding Shower Beach

Sweeties by Kim also has many different themes:

  • Formal and Music
  • Baby
  • Messages
  • Animal Print and Textile
  • Bright and Fun
  • Double Oreo Pops
Next time you are looking for that added "wow," check out Sweeties by Kim!  Sweeties by Kim also has 100% on her 100 feedbacks.

Designer Chocolate Covered Oreos -Sweet Bunnies Design Baby Shower Party Favor Gift Designer Chocolate Covered Oreos -Pink Snuggle Bunny Design TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK

Christmas Dessert Recipes

I love Christmas and I love to make gifts for my loved ones.  I also love to bake even though I'm not terribly good at it but I try and I keep trying as some day, I might perfect it.  Here are a collection of some very delicious recipes I rounded up from my favorite sites:





Paula Deen's Creme De Menthe Brownies





 Ingrid Hoffmans Cheesecake Flan





Holiday Snacks Shaped as Snowmen





Martha Stewart's Holiday Fudge





Polish Christmas Cookie





Christmas Coffee Drink





Christmas Tree Cupcakes by Martha Stewart





Peppermint Semifreddo by Martha Stewart





Desert Towels (to give to your guest)


Candy Cane Christmas Trees


Bakerella Christmas Candy Cane Cupcakes


Red Velvet Cake Balls


Bakerella Red Velvet Cake Balls


Watch for more to come!

Alight Plus Size Shirt Giveaway 9/30 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

ccllibrary@aol.com (CRAZYCAT)

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

Thanks to all those who entered!



Clothes, clothes, clothes!  Everyone can use clothes or at least I can!  I love shopping for them and I have many.  For some women, finding clothes to fit when you aren't a size 0 can be difficult.  Alight has beautiful clothing for those women who wear plus size clothing or as I like to say, women who wear healthy, natural and wonderful clothing!

Photobucket

Alight has been in the business for 11 years and has an entire selection of clothing to fit your needs.  Another great feature of the website is you can shop by category, brand, boutique, size, sale or view the last 15 items you looked at it.  The site is catered to making the shopping experience easy and there is also online chat help.

Alight caters to women sizes 14 to 28 and carries junior plus sizes too.  I was amazed at the huge selection of clothing and the dress selection for any occasion is incredible.

Alight is going to give a shirt of Alight's choosing to one reader of my blog for three months in the winner's size so if you don't win the first month, you might win again.

Stay tuned for a review.

The Giveaway:

This month's winner will win a shirt chosen by Alight in the winner's size.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and sign up for the Alight e-mail list.  Note:  If you do not sign up for the e-mail list and are chosen, Alight will confirm and I will have to select a new winner, thank you!

Extra Entries:
  • Follow Alight on Twitter
  • Become a fan of Alight on Facebook
  • Tweet about this giveaway using @alight.com in the tweet - can be done daily
  • Blog about this giveaway (worth five entries - please leave url)
  • Follow me on Twitter
  • Become a fan of mine on Facebook

Giveaway ends 9/30 at midnight (EST).


PaperboxPress Review: Invitations, Cards and More


Selecting cards is a big deal in my house as I like perfection.  Whether it's a just because or a birthday, special occasion or a party, I want the perfect card.  When I look for a card, I want a good selection which is where PaperboxPress comes into the picture.  They have a great selection for just about any occasion.


Elegant Wedding Dress Circle Writing New Year

I received a complimentary set of 

Baby Product Reviews


This area is dedicated solely to baby and baby products.  Given my experience with four children along with my panel members who each have their own children to include one pregnant one, we hope to be able to share our experiences with health topics, new products and anything interesting.

If you have a suggestion or request, please let us know!

 Watch for more to come!

Health Product Reviews




Fall Into Good Health Series: Homeopathy Medicines for Children



As part of my series in getting healthier and having two children with chronic medical conditions both linked to elevated risks with H1N1, I am definitely in tuned to alternative methods of safeguarding them. The homeopathic drugs allow another alternative to treating illnesses and diseases without the worry of contraindications. With epilepsy, Keppra has warnings and with severe asthma, the same holds true. As I approach this winter and all the reports of an increase risk with H1N1, this appears to be a good approach for me.

These are some of the ways I'm safeguarding my family:

  1. Everyone washes their hands frequently and in particularly, after a sneeze or blowing of the nose.
  2. Hand sanitizer is used when washing hands is not viable. We go through a lot of hand sanitizer! I don't bombard the house with an abundance of anti-bacterial products as I feel too much of a good thing could be bad.
  3. Vitamins are taken by both myself and my husband as well as my children.
  4. Ensuring everyone is getting good sound sleep and eating a well balanced, healthy meal is also critical.


  5. Light therapy via playing outside in the sun. This was actually prescribed by one of my daughter's allergist for both girls as he was telling me how lack of Vitamin D is increasingly becoming an issue in the US and kids need to spend more time outside.
Click HERE for the full post.

*******************

Organic Beauty Products

The Organic Pharmacy: Carrot Butter Cleanser

The more I learn about the chemicals and preservatives in all products we consume, the more I worry. These ingredients are in our food, our drinks, our our beauty products and I'm sure the list goes on.

With my continuous battle of the bulge, I started reading more and more about these products that are added into everything and became concerned. I never really thought about them being added to our beauty products and baby products until recently.

The Organic Pharmacy has interesting and informative content on this very issue. It states that on average, we use between 5 to 15 products a day that are full of toxins. If you think about it, at least from a woman's perspective, it's very true. Shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, facial lotion/moisturizer, acne medication, deodorant, foundation, blush, powder and so forth. By the time we get ready to eat more toxic products, we are already toxic.

Click HERE For the full post on The Organic Pharmacy and Carrot Butter Cleanser (review).


*********

Prehistin

How PreHistin® Works

PreHistin® is the “World’s First Pre-Histamine.” Unlike most popular allergy "anti-histamine" products, PreHistine works to regulate the production of histamine in yoru body. Histamines are responsible for creating the chemical reactions in your body which trigger sneezing, nasal congestion, and runny nose.

Antihistamines act to block the effects of histamine only after histamine has already been released. PreHistin™ is the first product ever to prevent the over-production of IgE and thus prevent a significant release of symptom-causing histamine in the first place.

Antihistamines often result in uncomfortable and annoying side effects, such as drowsiness or sedation, headache, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, disturbed sleep and overexcitement in children. 100% natural PreHistin™ has none of these side effects.

More Information and a Giveaway HERE

****************
 
Infectiguard
 
Infectiguard by Dr. Fresh is a great new hand sanitizer that is effective in killing germs but not killing your hands. It has a moisturizer built in to not alone protect your hands from germs but also against dryness unlike other hand sanitizer products.


I used Infectiguard for a week and with having two medically compromised children, one with an immunodeficiency, I'm nearly an expert on using these type of products. All the various products up until now, always dried my hands out and have strong alcohol odors to them.

More Information and a Giveaway HERE
****************

Multiple Healthy Product Giveaways

Good health is essential with all the various strains of the flu thriving. Not only do you have to worry about the flu, but just trying to maintain good health should be the ultimate goal. This post is based on a series of products for your health thanks to the opportunity I had as a member of the Product Review Place and Laura.


Certain Dri, Florastor, Softlips, Lipo-Flavonoid, Cystex and CharcoCaps

More Information and a Giveaway HERE
****************

Step Up to Get Fit Challenge

Need help and encouragement to finally get into shape?


Tired of being tired and not feeling great?


Are you ready for a new you?

Why wait until January 1st for yet another failed New Year's resolution?


How about breaking tradition and why not GET IN SHAPE BEFORE January 1st and start the year off great?




*****************
Pur Favor Options Water Filtration System Pitcher Review and Giveaway

I received my Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System pitcher for review from an opportunity on the Product Review Place and Lindsay (thank you!)! I always call my husband a computer geek but I'm starting to accept that I'm a reviewer geek. I waited impatiently for my Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System after reading all the other great reviews on this innovative product that not only delivers purified water but you can purchase flavor cartridges to jazz up the tastes.



More Information and a Giveaway HERE

*****************

Enfant Pediatric Vision Testing System Review

This post in the series for good health, is about the Enfant Pediatric Vision Testing System. The Enfant Pediatric Vision Testing System can be used on children as young as six months of age. What is unique about Enfant™, the child does not have to be able to communicate to have their vision tested. This is great news for parents and children as they don't have to wait until they can understand verbal cues. The testing is non-invasive which means no pupil dilation or sedation.


More Information HERE
 
****************
 
Earth Baby Organic Hair Detangler Review
 
Earth Baby provided their organic Baby Hair Detangler for my review. What I thought was cute were the words "Forget me Knot" imprinted on the bottle. I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.


When I received the Baby Hair Detangler, I liked the bottle as it was attractive and had a tiny picture of the endangered Tarsier Monkey which they are a friend of (support through charity). The bottle was white with light green accents and had an easy flip up top. I stress that as I almost bust my fingernails opening other bottles.


More Information HERE
 
******************


Gluten Free Betty Crocker Simple Joy (Fruit Snack) Review and Giveaway

With more and more health concerns emerging about gluten-free products, Betty Crocker has answered the demand to offer great choices at affordable prices. Not only are they answering the demand to add a variety of products to their line up of gluten-free, they have partnered with Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) to further generate awareness for celiac disease.


Celiac disease, a chronic inherited digestive disorder, can cause damage to the small intestine. It is estimated that one in 133 Americans suffer from celiac disease – 3 million adults and children are living undiagnosed with this autoimmune disorder that is managed by following a gluten-free diet.

More Information and a Giveaway HERE
 
******************
 
Quick Boost Energy Supplement Review
 
QUICK-BOOST in either orange or lime, claims to be a scientifically formulated beverage that combines some of nature's most powerful flavonoid antioxidants with key vitamins and metabolic enhancers. Its energy-producing effects help fight fatigue, attack free radicals, and repair cells, as well as boost energy and performance, and support daily wellness and vitality.


All you have to do is mix with 8-24 oz. of water and in no time, you do feel less tired, more energized and ready to go. The recommendations are twice a day in the morning and afternoon.

More Information HERE



I have more products to add as soon as I finish reviewing them.