Giving Comfort: Fighting Cancer with Comfort Kits is a Wonderful Idea

This is a pro bono sponsored post.  I refused payment for this post due to my passion for helping others with cancer and I fully support this non-profit.

Did you know that this year, more than 1.6 million people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer?  My father beat stage 4 colon cancer seven year's ago, my maternal grandmother beat breast cancer and so far, my middle daughter's favorite teacher from another school continues to beat her breast cancer.  Cancer is a part of our life and one of the things we do to fight back is to volunteer our time.  From participating in walks and activities that support walks to giving to efforts that provide smiles and comforts to children with cancer.  We have our own non-profit in which we deliver to children with asthma and epilepsy but last year, we delivered specifically to children with cancer at our local hospital.  Giving back is something that each and every one of us can take pride in doing and I believe teaching kids early is essential.  This is why the Giving Comfort program is something that is very near and dear to me.  Giving Comfort is a non-profit program of the McKeeson Foundation.

The Giving Comfort kits are not just for children as they are ideal for any age and gender.  I received the Younger Girl's Essential Kit and I have to say it's a wonderful gift to send a  little girl with cancer.  From my experiences of delivering gift bags to children, the price is also amazingly low.  The Kit included:

• Custom children's design pillowcase
• Fleece throw blanket
• Sleep cap
• Socks with Grippers
• Animal crackers
• Toiletry bag contains Burt's Bees Lip Balm, toothpaste, Extra soft toothbrush, Hand Sanitizer, Unscented lotion
• Magazine voucher for 1 year free magazine
• Custom coloring book w/pack of crayons
• Playing cards
• Stuffed animal
• Back Pack

It all fits inside the full size back pack and is just adorable.  The stuffed monkey is of high quality along with the rest of the products.  As soon as I received this, I told all my friends especially on Facebook because I have a lot of friends who work with children with cancer to spread the word about this wonderful non-profit, Giving Comfort.

There are kits for boys, girls, men, women, teens as well as caregiver kits.  Everyone is covered and if you know how devastating and draining cancer can be which is why I also love the men's and women's Harmony and Tranquility Kits.  These kits are created based on providing comfort your loved one with products that they will enjoy and use.  Even if you don't know someone personally with cancer, purchasing one of these and donating them is such a wonderful way to give back.  These kits will let your loved one or adopted stranger that they are not alone.

From my experience with my father fighting his cancer, he didn't talk about it.  He did keep his sense of humor and rarely complained.  I still remember him mowing the yard at the age of 71 while undergoing chemo and radiation post surgery.  He was a trooper but I'm sure he struggled inside because he confides in me that he's not ready to go yet.  I also have experience seeing children with cancer embracing gifts they receive from others and can see the smile in spite of the pain they are enduring with their treatments.  Nothing is more special to a little one than receiving a gift unexpectedly.

Here is just how special Giving Comfort Kits are to those fighting cancer:

To learn more about Giving Comfort, please click on the link.

 *Disclosure:  I did not receive payment for this sponsored post.  The opinions are of my own.  I did receive a complimentary Giving Comfort kit that I'm donating to my local Ronald McDonald House to give to a child with cancer.

After a Month, Big Savings with the Best Wireless Plan Found at Walmart Family Mobile

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias #cbias and their client #FamilyMobileSaves.

Walmart Family Mobile Saved Us Big Money #shop

Last month, I posted about an opportunity that I had to try out the Walmart Family Mobile plan.  This was a challenge to myself to see if I could really make a difference in the budget by switching to a cheap wireless plan and I was surprised as I did!  There were no hidden charges or add on charges I wasn't expecting AND the phone and service performed better than I had expected.  We took this phone up through Texas, Colorado, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico and had no issues with service other than an expected area within Yellowstone National Park.  The clarity was great and there were no drops offs.  My middle daughter used it mostly to text to her older sister along the way and she's all smiles with being able to try out the phone in that capacity.

There were many things that drew me to the Walmart Family Mobile plan, such as:

1. No contracts!  No worries if you have to cancel the plan.  No renewal of the plan if you want to upgrade the phone.  No contracts!  Anyone with one of the "other" businesses know how costly it is to cancel a contract and how inflexible they are.  
2. The price is amazing!  When we signed up for the Walmart Family Mobile Unlimited plan it included talk and text starting at only $29.88 a month and we purchased the optional web access for $10 more a month to have up to 5 GB of 3G high speed web for the low cost of $34.88.  
3. The option to add up to five additional lines at only $24.88 per line which is another big savings given my old plan which had four lines and it was priced at $35 per line.

After seeing my first month's bill, I can see a huge savings over a typical $80+ bill from one of their competitors just for ONE line.  Granted we didn't save enough money to pay for the whirlwind trip to see Mt. Everest and Yellowstone, but in time, it could!  My daughter loved being able to take pictures too with the phone.

What We Were Able to Do When We Switched to Walmart Family Mobile and Saved Money #shop

Other great features about the Walmart Family Mobile plan are the ease of activation once you pick one of the available phones and they have a great selection to choose from.  The activation was via online or telephone and was extremely simple.  The ability to set up the account was equally easy and allowed many benefits from changing features, paying the bill, setting up parental controls and much more via online account management and information.  It's really the all in one place to establish and keep mobile phone service whether you are one or have a family.  Having the ability to set controls and limits really provides me with a peace of mind with having children. Walmart wins hands down with the Walmart Family Mobile plan.

Check out my photos from last month's post on Google+:  Walmart Family Mobile plan.  There are still great tips and ideas in the SoFab Back to School Digital Magazine that includes an article on the Walmart Family Mobile plan.

Party Like a Football Star Giveaway Event - ARV $698 - 9/12

Prize:

Best of Times Ultimate Personal Bar Package (A.L.L. Review)

ARV $698

Hosted by:

A Ladybug on the Go
and 
M.O.O.N.
"The Best of Times Bar is the ultimate piece of party equipment for entertainers from all walks of life. The portable bar is perfect for any occasion, and can be customized with a variety of interchangeable wraps."

Our Twist on Old El Paso Tacos and Cool Gift Pack Giveaway - 9/14 - US - $54 Value

We are a Mexican food family and tacos are the number one item along with nachos.  Being we live in El Paso, what better product to use then Old El Paso?  It truly is the brand I turn to for nearly all my Mexican food ingredients.  While living in El Paso, I have picked up some variations on how I used to make tacos and nachos and loved having the opportunity to try them out as my Old El Paso gift pack arrived.  As you can see, it's a really cool prize pack that really motivated me to try it out that night as I had everything on hand especially since the gift pack included everything except cheese, meat and salsa.

Our twist on tacos is deep frying them as it adds a nice crunch.  It's not the same as corn shell hardness but a light flaky crispiness that tastes amazing.  It's now the preferred way to fix tacos and I tried it out with our Old El Paso Taco prize pack.  It's easy and it's just like making a taco except after filling it with the taco meat post cooking it per the taco seasoning package mix and adding refried beans to the meat mixture, I add a little cheese, fold over and secure with a tooth pick.  Then I fry it for just a minute or so and then I let it drain on some paper towels.  It's easy and quick and the kids love it!

My nachos are similar as I just used the flour shell tortilla's from Old El Paso and cut in fourths with a pizza cutter to get clean lines.  I then fry them for about one minute on each side, drain, let cool and then add a layer of beans and cheddar cheese and bake in the oven at 350 for about five minutes. They turn out crispy and perfect!

Check out Old El Paso for great recipes, product information and more at Old El Paso.

The Giveaway:

This very cool prize pack will be given away to one reader:

• Rinse & Chop foldable chopping board
• Prep & Serve nesting storage bowls
• Fold-flat grater
• Old El Paso® Soft Flour Tortillas
• Old El Paso® Traditional Refried Beans
• Old El Paso® Taco Seasoning
• Retail Value: $54

To enter, please use the Rafflecopter form below.  Ends 9/14 - US only please

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Disclaimer:  I received this prize pack as part of my participation with My Blog Spark.  The Sponsor, Old El Paso, provided the prize pack that I was able to review and the one that will be given away.  The opinions are of my own.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Luvs® Super Absorbent Leakguard Diapers have 15% More Absorbency

I was reminded of the need for good quality diapers as I was removing my little granddaughter's car seat from next to my daughter's car seat and all of a sudden a liquid dripped out.  After a few seconds, I realized it was her urine as her diaper didn't do such a good job so we had quite the mess to clean up.  My oldest decided to buy a different brand of diapers this time.  She's 25 year old and is on a budget.  Sometimes buying a lesser expensive diaper or a brand you think is better is not always the case.  Luvs® is priced right and has the features of a good quality diaper that does what it says it will.  I know as I have quite the variety of ages at home.  I remarried later in life and started all over again.  It's more than alright as I love the idea of having children surround me most of my entire adult life.  As an experienced mom, I also know the importance of having quality diapers that I can depend on such as Luvs® with super absorbent leakguard diapers.  As any mom knows, a princess must be dry!

#TheClueIsInTheBlue

Luvs® Super Absorbent Leakguard Diapers come in all sizes making it the ideal choice for a growing baby.  From sizes newborn all the way to size 6 (over 35 lbs).  They are designed to lock away wetness which is key in avoiding diaper rashes.  What's even better is there is actually a money back guarantee!  The contour fit gathers around the legs while providing a cottony softeness and provides 15% more absorbency than other Luvs®. Luvs® is priced right too which is great for those of us on a budget.  The convenience of purchasing small or large packs is also nice.  

Check out Luvs® at your local Walmart or other retailer and don't forget to visit Luvs® on Facebook and Luvs® on Twitter.


This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/Luvs®

A Sound Economical Change to a Cheap Wireless Plan

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community.  As part of my participation, I was recently chosen to evaluate the Walmart Family Mobile plans. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias and their client. 


It's amazing how much monthly expenses add up and with the economy, it's always a good idea to look for ways to cut and save a dollar here and there.  Over the course of the past few years, I've looked at ways to save money and made some changes but there have been other areas I overlooked mostly due to procrastination.  I firmly believe that my grocery bill goes further when I shop at Walmart as the prices just can't be beat overall and the quality of product is as comparable to other markets.  When I think of Walmart, I never really thought about cheap wireless plans as I just perceived them as a place to purchase goods.  When I saw the opportunity to check out what the Walmart Family Mobile service powered by T-Mobile has to offer, I jumped on it as I not only have a cellular phone bill by a competitor that is way too high but I also have family members who could use the lowest price rate plan since they are on a fixed income.

One of the biggest problems I have with my current cell phone provider aside from the enormous costs, is their requirement to extend the contract and now when you upgrade, they charge an additional fee just to upgrade while you end up having to extend the contract for another year or two. The add on fees are just too much and having the contract clause really keeps you locked in without having options.  

#FamilyMobileSaves #shop

The idea to switch to a no contract wireless plan is very appealing. I proceeded to check out the Walmart Family Mobile plan and this is what I found:

• The plan starts at $29.98 for unlimited talk and text or $39.98 for unlimited talk, text and web.
• The unlimited talk, text and web provides up to 5 GB data for web and 3 G speed for e-mail, video, pictures and social media updates like Facebook and Twitter.
• Unlimited plans for data (high speed is capped - see above).
• Ability to purchase extra GB's of high speed data at around $10 per GB
• Options to use more than one type of phone for example, a variety of smart phones to non-smart phones are compatible with the Walmart Family Mobile Plan. This is good because my father does not like the smart phones and would not utilize the features.
• Ability to check online with the online account management and information link.
• Ability to implement family controls, alert and notifications and everything else my current plan offers at the lowest price rate plan.
• Additional pack option to call and roam internationally and a speed boost option.

#FamilyMobileSaves #shop

There is nothing different that the Walmart Family Mobile plan provides that is different from my existing plan other than a huge savings!

#FamilyMobileSaves #shop

Last month, our cellular bill was $233.50 and we used 1.18 GB of data in our family plan. By switching, we would save at least $100 a month! That is a HUGE savings! It's also ideal to save that much money in the upcoming months since we are leaving Sunday for a long road trip to Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park not to forget, I just spent over $200 on school clothes. At least I will make the clothing purchase up in only two months by switching to the Walmart Family Mobile plan. Here is my break down for the initial purchase and activation of the phone:

• myTouch phone - $129.88
• Starter kit - $25
• Tax - $12.77

When I purchased the Walmart Family Mobile myTouch 4G cell phone, I also purchased the $25 Starter Kit and I was ready to go. The beauty about this activation is you can do it at home without having to wait to go through all the paperwork that takes a long time as it did when I purchased my iPhone at Best Buy this past year. The process is easy and step by step, you are done in less than five minutes. If you decide to not transfer your number, you can select your local area code as well.

#FamilyMobileSaves #shop

As I mentioned previously, Walmart Family Mobile also has an online account management and information website where you can pay your bill which you can also pay via your phone or at the kiosks inside Walmart. It was an easy five part set up to establish a new user. Here is where you can do all things such as see current/past bill details, set up automatic payments, add a line, set limits, set access, add packs and much more. It's a great site that allows you to manage your phone and achieve optimal savings while ensuring you have the ability to set up precautions protecting your children if they have a phone as well.

#FamilyMobileSaves #shop

You don't have to just take my word for it, check out the latest Live SoFab Back to School Digital Magazine for other's experiences as well as some great back to school ideas:

Now I have my new phone, my new Walmart Family Mobile plan and I'm ready to go.  T-Mobile has my service area covered along with any place that I might end up going in the foreseeable future so it's time to test it out!  So far so good and stay tuned for an updated post to see how much money I saved and how happy my family is with the change.

Check out my Google+ album for more pictures of my shopping experience.

iPad with Retina Display Giveaway 32 GB - Black - Value $599 - 8/19 - US

Hosted by: 

NYSavingSpecials 

and 

Your Fashion Resource

Co-Hosted by:

Barbara's Beat, Simply Sherryl, 

The Stuff of Success, Uplifting Love, Quick Tattletails, 

Charis by Design, Bay Area Mommy, 

Romania and Missions, Magical Mouse Schoolhouse, Capri's Coupons, The Penny Hoarder and A Day in our Shoes

We are giving away an IPad with Retina  display 32GB  Color Black

Value $599

This giveaway is only for US residents!

Dates July 29 - August 19

Winner will have 48 hr to request prize or a new winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Disclosure:  Health, Beauty, Children and Family is not responsible for prize.  If you have any question about this giveaway please send an email to nysavingspecials@gmail.com.  All entries are optional, if you do any of the tasks with multiples entries, even if you do one entry you can get the extra entries,. but if the winner tasks is a tasks you did not complete, a second winner will be chosen. If the winner tasks is the one you did you will be the winner.

Check out my other giveaways here.

Party Like a Football Star Blogger Free Opportunity

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.makeourownnetwork.com/2013/07/party-like-football-star-moon-giveaway.html" title="Make Our Own Network" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUbkU8BJn1AeYqt2XO1RvJpUR9xA4fHo_nHf4RI2NXpb2W7lNVrlr_vL_cTOqRRb31G56bdCL8pu4DF7sXN23tKnxcuLIFxIOE-l6To1J8GYPrz4UKv41pSV4DHeLKaYKEanjteBl66D7/s1600/67277931.jpg" alt="Make Our Own Network" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Prize:

Best of Times Ultimate Personal Bar Package

ARV $698

Hosted by:

A Ladybug on the Go
and 
M.O.O.N.

Sign-ups close 8/26

**The blogger with the most referrals will receive the additional links at no cost

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com

Check out my other giveaways here.

July is National Ice Cream Month: Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Review

July is my favorite month next to December (Christmas).  In July, we celebrate a lot of birthdays, it's hot and usually sunny.  I'm a summer person so July is naturally a month for me.  I also love vanilla ice cream so it only makes sense that July is National Ice Cream month.  I use vanilla extract in all my baking recipes as well as things like pancakes and french toast.  I received a complimentary bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract and all I can say is, it's heavenly!  The  aroma is delicious and the intensity is wonderful.  My daughter made a white chocolate vanilla bean cheesecake for my birthday over the weekend.  She skipped out on the whole vanilla bean to try Nielsen-Massey's brand and it was delicious.  The mix of vanilla and bourbon added a finishing touch to her amazing cheesecake.  My youngest ended up devouring the rest of it and turned away from her Oreo box version cheesecake.

My oldest also used it to make this gorgeous cake for my youngest daughter's birthday.

This morning, I used it in our pancakes and the taste came through with each bite.  My girls all love my pancakes and think they taste better than anyone else's and I'm sure it'st he vanilla.  I am an avid vanilla extract fan and am a new fan of Nielsen-Massey's.  I reach for vanilla extract in just about anything I make where it makes sense.  You can't go wrong with vanilla extract and it just leaves that extra 'mmm mmm good' taste.

Pancake Recipe

3/4 cup organic milk

2 tablespoons white vinegar

1 cup organic flour

2 tablespoons organic sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 egg, caged free organic

2 tablespoons organic butter, melted

1 1/2 tablespoons Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract

Coconut cooking spray, organic

Directions

• Combine milk with vinegar in a medium bowl and set aside for 5 minutes to "sour".
• Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. 
• Whisk egg and butter into "soured" milk. 
• Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients and whisk until lumps are gone.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and coat with cooking spray. 
• Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles appear on the surface. 
• Flip with a spatula and cook until browned on the other side.

Are you an avid vanilla extract fan?  If you are, you really should try the Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract.  If you are also ready to get creative there are some amazing looking vanilla extract recipes to try.  Nielsen-Massey has a host of other flavors as well as other products.  You can visit them online here and on Facebook.

Check out my giveaways here.

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary bottle for the purposes of this review.  The opinions are of my own.

Two $150 ToAdorn.com GC Giveaway - US - 8/2

ToAdorn.com is an exciting daily deal site including fashion, handmade and home decor items at up to 85% off retail. New deals go up each day and run for 3 days each or until the sell out (whichever comes first). So if you see something you can't live without and I know you will, make sure to snag it right away. Even better ToAdorn.com items are delivered right to your door within a matter days on most occasions.

With the fall season quickly approaching, shop ToAdorn for your and your child's back to school gear. From handcrafted hair accessories to shoes, ToAdorn has you covered in the most unique, fashionable styles.

Here are a few items we love from today's sale:

ZigZag Dress

Cute Ruffles Legwarmers

ToAdorn.com is also a place where vendors can connect with buyers to offer their greatest deals on boutique-style fashion, accessories, and home décor. So if you are a retailer looking to place your quality merchandise in a fast paced sell environment with loyal and fun consumers, ToAdorn.com is the the place to be.

Event organized by Mom Powered Media.

Please take a moment to also visit our lovely co-hosts: A Spectacled Owl, Keeping Your Cents, The Nurse Mommy, Mew Review and Secret Southern Couture.

Two lucky winners will each receive a $150 ToAdorn.com Gift Certificate.

Giveaway ends August 2nd at 11:59pm, open to USA residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Health, Beauty, Children and Family is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Check out my other giveaways here.