Mamavation follow along

>

I was doing pretty good during the week...then had a bit of an unexpected change for the weekend and lost all my motivation.  So I am not even weighing myself as I want to not get discouraged and jump back on that wagon and get back to it!  I have managed to get at least 7 servings of fruits/veggies every single day this week again!  I didnt come anywhere near my goal of 5 hours exercising this week though.  I actually havent exercised since Thursday.  I haven't even blogged since Friday...and if you missed that one go check out my Fitness Friday post reviewing the book "Start Somewhere"...That is where I will be starting right now...I am off to get in some sort of workout tonight and will hopefully be better this week!

Fitness Friday: We all need to "Start Somewhere"

>

Start Somewhere by Calvin Nowell

Losing What's Weighing You Down from the Inside Out

List Price: 14.99 

ISBN: 978-1-4143-2331-2 

Trim Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding: Softcover 

Release: December 2009

How do you go about losing 215 pounds? The same way you gain it—one step at a time. In Start Somewhere, Christian singer/songwriter Calvin Nowell shares the story of his astonishing weight-loss journey, his search for a truly healthy lifestyle, and his faith that made it all possible. Not your usual “quick-fix” diet book, Start Somewhere offers a path to lasting, transformational change—starting from the inside out—to everyone who feels trapped by unhealthy behaviors or circumstances.

For so many of us losing weight is not just about becoming physically fit, but becoming emotionally and spiritually fit.  We hear so much about emotional eating and having will power.  Calvin Nowell really brings perspective to these topics in his book Start Somewhere.  The book is more about turning to God in our struggles, what ever they may be, than it is a diet or exercise book.  He really shares his journey about listening to God and leaving his weight in sin in God's hands.  Having been on a weight loss journey for the past year reading this has been very inspirational and insightful.  I love how he not only talks about weight, but other areas that people may have sinned, and how turning to God can help.  For Christians that are struggling with weigh loss I would really recommend reading this. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers

Perricone MD Serum Prep giveaway

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations bayctygrl!

Dr. Nicolas Perricone, MD, FACN, is a board certified clinical and research dermatologist, and CEO of NV Perricone MD, Ltd, a leading manufacturer and retailer of skin care products and supplements.

After years of research, Dr. Perricone arrived at the conclusion that cellular inflammation may be the underlying cause of wrinkles. According to Dr. Perricone, this inflammation is not the redness that is visible to the naked eye but rather microscopic irritation that takes place in your cells leading to cellular damage. He believes that this inflammation is responsible for skin-related problems like breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness.

Dr. Perricone’s holistic approach to aging treats this inflammation in three ways: diet, nutriceutical supplements, and his award-winning line of skin care products and cosmeceuticals.

One of these cosmeceuticals, Serum Prep helps to repair damaged skin and to diminish the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles.  Serum Prep is a unique face lifting serum containing high levels of DMAE that helps to firm and tone skin, while dramatically diminishing the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. Also formulated with Phospholipids to hydrate and help repair more damaged skin. Serum Prep enhances the benefits of all Perricone MD treatments. Paraben-free.


DMAE - Patented
- Provides ultimate contouring benefits to skin beginning to lose elasticity
- Delivers lifted, tightened and toned appearance to the skin
- Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Phospholipids (Phos E)
- Repairs damaged skin
- Hydrates and helps treat dry, more fragile skin
- Mimics lipids found naturally in skin, allowing for quick absorption

Thanks to Perricone MD one lucky reader can win a bottle of Serum Prep...that is a $145 value!!!  To enter:  Leave a comment telling me why you need or want a bottle of Serum Prep.  (1 required entry)


Extra entries:
~blog about this giveaway linking back to here and the Serum Prep link above. (5 entries)
~follow my blog with google friends connect (1 entry)
~add me to your blog roll (1 entry)
~subscribe to my blog (1 entry)
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry)


This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.  The giveaway will end on March, 12 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry (If you blog about it, please leave 5 separate comments with your blog link).  Please leave a valid email in one of your comments. 

disclosure:  This giveaway is brought to you by Perricone MD.  I have not personally used any of these products at the time of this giveaway.  I may be compensated with free products in the future for hosting the giveaway. 

How do your children help others? (Betty Crocker giveaway)

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Ellen!


Kids know how much fun it is to win, but they also understand the importance of giving to others and want to help make a difference in the world. Now they have a chance to both win and give with Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks. 

With specially marked boxes of kid favorites – including Fruit Roll-Ups, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, and Stickerz & Shapes – your child could win one laptop to keep and Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks will donate another to a child in Africa.

Each day from now through May 30, 2010, one laptop prize will be awarded to a U.S. winner. For every laptop won, one laptop will be donated to an African child through One Laptop per Child, an organization that creates educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. For your chance to win, simply enter the unique online code printed on participating Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snack packages on http://www.winonegiveone.com/. 


Thanks to MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker I was able to receive a couple boxes of fruit snacks with the codes to enter to Win One Give One.  MyBlogSpark also donated $25 to One Laptop per Child on my behalf!  Gotta say I forgot how yummy fruit rollups are.  They were also cute with the africa inspired designs on them.


They also are offering this to one of my readers!  One reader can win two boxes of a variety of Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks and MyBlogSpark will make a $25 donation to One Laptop per Child on your behalf. 


To enter:  Leave a comment telling me how you inspire your kids to help others.

Extra entries:
~follow my blog
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter
~tweet this giveaway


This giveaway is provided by MyBlogSpark and Betty Crocker.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on March 11 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

wow am I a ditz!

>

Ok So I thought Kennedy had 3 doctors appointments scheduled for tomorrow and I had Zach's parent teacher conference scheduled for later today.  Well Kennedy has been sick all week, so I call the hospital to reschedule her appointments to find out they were TODAY!  Holy crap, I had just missed one appointment as a no call no show, was calling at the time of the second appointment, and wouldnt be making the next appointment!  DUH.  Well luckily all the schedulers were really really nice and got all the appointments rescheduled.  I have never done that before!  I even had it written down in my pocket calendar for today, but had them written down on my dry erase fridge one for tomorrow.  

Ok but that isnt the end of my ditziness!  Well yeah Zach's parent teacher conference ended up being yesterday not today.  I was going to email his teacher about not coming to it today because it is snowing a lot, and saw the email that I said Tuesday was ok....yeah so here I am apologizing for another appointment missed  without even a call! 

Weigh in Wednesday

>

So here we are again at Blogging the Weight away.  Last I reported in on Sunday I was down...today I am the same as Sunday.  I thought maybe I would be down a little today, but not necessarily suprised as last week I had a day of fasting that probably really helped lose those couple of pounds.  I am continuing with my fruit and veggie challenge and doing well with that.  Getting in at least 7 servings a day.  I am doing pretty good with my Kettleworx program.  I am on week 5...just 1.5 weeks to go to have officially finished their 6 week program.  I have lost inches and pounds doing this so far and am feeling stronger.  I am also still using some various exergames on the Wii also.  I should go out and shovel today, but it is windy and that snow is cold blowing in my face...so I dont feel like using that for exercise today.  I think eating healthy has been good for my health too.  Both of the kids have had colds and I have managed to not get it, even though they are coughing in my face a lot.


Anyways...here are my stats:

Today 177.5
Last Wed. 179.5
One month ago 181
Total lost since 1/09 51.5lbs

Need some help with healthy grocery shopping...check out my review for SuperMarket Smarty.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wordless Wednesday

>

One word::

DUCK!

Do you use canned goods?

>

Watch the Field to Table VideoCanned Food Alliance  

Fresh is best, but when you need to get in your servings of fruits and veggies sometimes going with canned goods is a great way.  I actually have been trying to limit canned stuff somewhat when I learned that many canned goods are lined with plastic that contains bpa.  This however is soooo difficult.  I love so many canned soups, tomatoes, and fruits.
 

These veggies and fruits are so good for you.  Last night from watching Mamavation TV show with Dr. Renna I learned how we should really pair up our breakfast cereal with a piece of fruit.  One of my favorite recipes is so simple and yummy.  My recipe for a simple fruit salad: I love to take canned crushed pineapple with canned mixed fruit and mix together with a little whipped cream.  This makes a delicious addition to any meal, or a snack.   

There is a lot of nutritious value in canned goods, just from the items themselves.  While again I recommend going with fresh foods...you also have to remember that many fresh foods contain chemicals from pesticides used and that we need to make sure we wash these very well before consuming.  So sometimes going with canned goods we know these are already cleaned well before going through the canning process.By watching the food to table video(link at top) you can learn many things about the canning process.  Some canned goods contain more nutrients than fresh as they are canned at their peak so they dont lose their nutritious value, like fresh while being left to sit.  They also have a precise cooking process to lock in nutrients.
If you want to learn more about canned goods or see how you could win a gift pack go to Twittermoms. If you want to read more on bpa in canned goods here is a link to consumer reports.

The Survivors Club by Ben Sherwood

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Gianna, Kathy Pease, Nickolay, Melissa B, and David Johnson!

Read an excerpt

Which is the safest seat on an airplane? Where is the best place to have a heart attack? Why does religious observance add years to your life? How can birthdays be hazardous to your health?

THE SURVIVORS CLUB

Each second of the day, someone in America faces a crisis, whether it's a car accident, violent crime, serious illness, or financial trouble. Given the inevitability of adversity, we all wonder: Who beats the odds and who surrenders? Why do some people bound back and others give up? How can I become the kind of person who survives and thrives?

The fascinating, hopeful answers to these questions are found in THE SURVIVORS CLUB. In the tradition of Freakonomics and The Tipping Point, this book reveals the hidden side of survival by combining astonishing true stories, gripping scientific research, and the author's adventures inside the U.S. military's elite survival schools and the government's airplane crash evacuation course.

With THE SURVIVORS CLUB, you can also discover your own Survivor IQ through a powerful Internet-based test called the Survivor Profiler. Developed exclusively for this book, the test analyzes your personality and generates a customized report on your top survivor strengths.

There is no escaping life's inevitable struggles. But THE SURVIVORS CLUB can give you an edge when adversity strikes.
 

Thanks to Hatchette book group 5 lucky readers can win a copy of this book!  To enter:  Visit thesurvivorsclub.org and tell me something interesting you found on the site.

For extra entries:
Follow my blog
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
follow me on networked blogs
grab my button

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email.  This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and can not be mailed to PO boxes.  The giveaway will end on March 10 and the winners will be chosen by random.org 

disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy to review from hatchette book group.

Celtic Woman~ Songs from the Heart

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Melissa B.

This exciting new CD is from Celtic Woman, a 5 member Irish female ensemble known for putting a modern twist on the Celtic Sound.  The Songs from the Heart CD includes contemporary hits like Sting’s “Fields of Gold” ,Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel" and Mariah Carey's "When You Believe". 

Celtic Woman is all over the Billboard charts, selling more than 3.8 million records in the U.S. alone, and has had 7 sold-out US Tours. Celtic Woman features vocalists Lisa Kelly, Chloe Agnes, Lynn Hilary, and Alex Sharpe, with violinist Mairead Nesbitt.  They’ve performed on Dancing With the Stars and will have an upcoming PBS special.

I recently had the pleasure of listening to the Celtic Woman Songs from the Heart CD.  It was a very soothing sound.  I could really see this being a CD to listen to help relax.  I really liked the remake songs, "Fields of Gold", "When You Believe" , "You'll be in my heart" and "Goodnight Angel".  I thought the instrumental parts were really nice in many songs.  This is typically not a genre that I would listen to very much.  Some songs seemed a little long and some vocals high where I needed to turn down the volume.    I would have loved to hear some more faster songs, as many were slow.   I would love to play "You'll be in my heart" and "Goodnight Angel" to my daughter at bedtime.  I think they make great songs to a child from a parent, very heartfelt. 

You can find more information on Celtic Woman by visiting http://www.celticwoman.com/ 

Celtic Woman is currently on tour now including dates at Radio City Music Hall.  Check out the tour dates at: http://www.celticwoman.com/trellis/US-New-map

One lucky reader can win a copy of Celtic Woman Songs from the Heart Live Concert DVD! 

To enter:  Visit http://www.celticwoman.com/ and tell me something interesting you learned. (1 entry~ this is required first before gaining extra entries)

Extra entries:

~Blog about this giveaway linking back to this page and www.celticwoman.com (5 entries)

~Follow my blog with google friend connect( 1 entry)

~Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry)

~subscribe to my blog (1 entry)

~Follow me with networked blogs on facebook (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email in one of those entries.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.  This giveaway will end on March 8 and the winner will be chosen by random.org 

I received the CD from EMI Music as a member of Music Moms for free in hopes of a review on my blog.   Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday Madness

>

Well last week was supposed to be quiet as we had no appointments.  I guess all the kids decided that wasnt going to be the case.  We started the week getting a phone call that Cortnie had another seizure at school.  So now they play around again with meds....and hopefully some less stress will help things.  Then we also got a call that Zach was coughing all day and gaggy.  He ended up staying home the rest of the week having a yucky cough that didnt want to go away.  Then Friday while bringing Kennedy home she had two seizures.  Checked her and she was running a fever all weekend.  Now today she is coughing.  So Corie, if you are reading this, hopefully you are not sick too! 

So this week we have parent teacher conference scheduled for Zach on Wednesday and then Kennedy has appointments scheduled for Thursday.  So hopefully she will be better so we dont have to reschedule 3 appointments that we were able to schedule on one day. 

Storytime Sunday: Changing of the Guard, The Yellowstone Chronicles by Ted Rechlin

>

Changing of the Guard, The Yellowstone Chronicles by Ted Rechlin

ISBN: 978-1-4327-5008-4

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Date of publish: Dec 15, 2009

Pages: 38

S.R.P.: $22.95

About the author:
Most of Ted Rechlin's time is spent at the drawing board, either working on illustration projects or teaching his craft to aspiring artists. When Ted is not in his studio, he can usually be found hiking the Yellowstone back country. For more information on his art, teaching and public appearances, visit http://www.tedrechlinart.com/


About the book(back cover):
You know Yellowstone, Now see the park in a whole new light.  Where we see bison and girzzly bears today, there were once triceratops and tyrannosaurs.  Changing of the Guard:  The Yellowstone Chronicles shows you this incredible place seventy million years ago and today.

My thoughts:
I think the book Changing of the Guard:  The Yellowstone Chronicles will entertain both children and adults.  I found this book very interesting.  My children were a little too young to really enjoy it, but I would definitely recommend it for children 7yrs and older.  It is very interesting to see the comparison of the creatures that roam Yellowstone now and those that roamed millions of years ago.  I love how Ted Rechlin starts from the smallest of creatures, to the largest and most feared.  The readers are taken from the wild animals of today back to the lives of dinosaurs.  You will find pages filled with creatures like the ground squirrel from today, compared to the purgatorious, a similar creature from millions of years ago.  Rechlin talks about the similarities of these creatures and their daily lives in Yellowstone.  You will see illustations of the creatures side by side.  He illustrates and describes how certain creatures like the grizzly bear and tyrannasaurus rex were similar in their habits and daily lives.  You will see the awe in the well drawn illustrations.  I loved how the wild animals of today were side by side with the dinosaurs on each page.  It is a great story of past and present, of small or timid to large and feared!  It is a story of the wildlife of Yellowstone and it's "changing of the guard".

This book is available at http://outskirtspress.com/changingoftheguard

I received this book free from the author for review.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Mamavation follow along

>

I got myself in the mindset to work harder this week on my eating and exercise...and I have done just that!  I am doing great with the fruits and veggies challenge...I have managed to get in at least 7 servings every day, somedays I have gotten up to 10-11 servings!  I feel like I am eating a lot, but have managed to lose 3 lbs this week!  So there is my successes for the week..yeah!  My challenges is my workouts.  I do have to say I think I have done pretty good, but I still want to get in more morning workouts.  I find this easier on weekdays right after I get Zach on the bus.  This week he was home sick so I only did this Monday and Tuesday.    So hopefully I can get these in this week.  With that said I did get in workouts 6 days totalling 4hrs.   My goal this week is to get in at least 5hrs. of exercise in which those workouts are broken up into 20-40 minute sessions. 

My stats:

Todays weigh in:  177.5

Last weeks:  180.5

Last month:  181

Total loss since 1/09 51.5lbs

Photohunt: Cuddly

>

Decided to search through some old photos cause my kiddos are pretty cuddly!

Rainbow Brite

>

Giveaway closed.
Congrats Cass!

Do you remember Rainbow Brite?  I sure do...and am happy to hear about the relaunch of Rainbow Brite! Rainbow Brite has arrived back with a great makeover full of vibrant colors.  She will continue to delight children with her empowering and imaginative adventures as she spreads her positive messages of courage, kindness and hope.  In this celebration I was able to check out a promotional CD full of games, puzzles, coloring pages, theme song and more.  Kennedy really enjoyed the colorful characters and the cute theme song.  Zach loved playing the games like memory and one similar to bejeweled.  What was nice with the games is they would get more difficult if the child was able to complete that game.  

You can visit Rainbow Brite online at http://www.rainbowbrite.com/ and view four new Rainbow Brite animated mini episodes.  Join Rainbow Brite, her two loyal friends Moonglow and Tickled Pink, and their companions horse friends:  Starlite, Shimmer and Sunrise on their adventures through Rainbow Land.    You can also find the newest Rainbow Brite fashion doll collection is available at Target and Toys R Us.  

Thanks to Momselect and Hallmark I was able to share some of these promotional CDs with my children and friends children.  I would also like to pass this along to one of my readers!  One lucky reader can win two copies of the CD(one for them, and one to share with a friend).  To enter:  Visit http://www.rainbowbrite.com/ and tell me something you liked.  (1 entry~required to do this first before gaining extra entries)

Extra entries:

~Blog about this giveaway (5 entries)

~Follow me with google friends connect(1 entry)

~Follow me on networked blogs on facebook (1 entry)

~Subscribe to my blog (1 entry)

~Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email in one of those entries.  This giveaway is open to US residents only.  This giveaway will end on March 5 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Fitness Friday: Rethink your grocery list with SuperMarket Smarty

>

Thanks to Supermarket Smarty I have been able to make a full grocery list, keeping healthy food options in mind. The Supermarket smarty is a reuseable dry erase grocery list.  It helps take the guess work out of smart healthy shopping by providing symbols for healthy choices.  There are symbols for whole grains, fiber rich foods and  omega 3 fatty acids, as well as others to help incorporate the nutritional values right in your shopping list.

The list is laminated and folds easily for convenient storage.  I loved all the categories being separated.  It makes shopping so easy.  The produce section is even color coded for the different colored produce...to help you choose from all the different nutritional options of those different colors.  Dont just stick to green veggies, how about choosing a red or orange fruit or veggie.  Everything is right on there too...so when you are making your list you can just check off the items you want and you can see them so you are less likely to forget something.

Friday I went shopping with my traditional written out grocery list...having to skim through different spots to see what items I needed.  When I came home I realized I forgot an item on the list, and forgot many items that I never even put on the list.  The Supermarket Smarty arrived in the mail and I was looking through the list and realized how many items I forgot earlier that day.  I immediately checked them off.  I went shopping again Monday with my new "smart" list...remembering everything on there.  I loved having the items already listed so I could easily see if there was something I needed that I hadn't thought of.  I love that it really focuses on giving you healthy reminders too.  It also has a handy label magnifying lens to help you read small nutrition labels. 

There are sections with notes so you can write in specific brand items, sale items, or a rare item that might not be on the list.  It also has a handy spot for coupons also.  I like this as I typically do not have a lot of coupons so I do not always carry a coupon organizer and the coupons may get lost in my pocket.  When I was shopping I  did not forget anything that I wanted! 

You can get your own SuperMarket Smarty for $12.99 by going to http://www.supermarketsmarty.com/index.html  

SuperMarket Smarty includes:

• Easy dry erase surface
• Menu planner
• Coupon pocket
• Magnifying lens (to help read fine print)
• Magnet clip/pen holder (that attaches to a wall or refrigerator.)
• Retractable and refillable dry erase marker

Progresso "Souper You Debut"

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Molly K!

Celebrate the New Year and a new you with Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups because from January 4 through March 15th, you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou

to enter the Progresso "Souper You Debut" contest for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 21st-23rd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in a NYC hotel, a full makeover, a $1,000 wardrobe shopping spree and personal consultation at a New York department store.

To enter, you´ll need to do the following:

• Go to www.Progresso.com/SouperYou
  
  
  
  to learn more and enter the contest
• Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love Progresso Light or 100 Calorie Soups and why you would like a makeover
• In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once you enter, you´ll have the chance for your photo and/or an excerpt from your essay to appear on www.Progresso.com/SouperYou

, so be sure to check back frequently! Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou

from March 29 through April 12 to vote for your favorite.

In addition, throughout the duration of the contest you can visit www.Progresso.com/SouperYou

to download a coupon for $1 off any three varieties of Progresso Soup!

With surprisingly hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, corn and rice, and flavor-packed vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups offer varieties with a good source of fiber and a full serving of vegetables. Satisfying your taste buds, Progresso Light and 100 Calories Soups can help curb your hunger, making it easier for you to stick to your weight management plan.

I LOVE Progresso soups...I have been a huge fan for many years and typically buy some every time I go grocery shopping.  I was very excited when asked by Myblogspark if I would like to join the spark to tell my readers about the "Souper You Debut" contest.  Thanks to Myblogspark and Progresso I also received a Progresso "Souper You Debut" gift pack that included 15 cans of several different varieties of the Progresso Light and 100 Calorie Soups, as well as a Progresso digital jump rope that keeps track of jumps and calories burned and a Progresso soup mug. I really have been enjoying my soup on these cold days.  I love that it is an easy way to enjoy a healthy meal and watching my calories.  I love all the veggie varieties and these have helped me in my challenge to add more vegetables to my diet.  I know I could really use a makeover.  I have been challenging myself to become healthier over the past year and have been successful at losing 50 pounds, exercising regularly and eating healthy. 

What is so great is that one of you lucky readers can also win a "Souper You Debut" gift pack thanks to Progresso and Myblogspark! 

To enter:  Leave a comment telling me why you would like a "Souper You Debut" makeover. (1 entry)

Extra entries:

~blog about this giveaway and the "Souper You Debut" makeover contest linking to both. (5 entries...leave 5 separate comments with your blog link)

~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry)

~follow my blog with google friends connect (1entry)

~subscribe to my blog (1 entry)

~tell me your favorite variety of Progresso soup (1 entry)

This giveaway will end on March 5 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email in one of those entries.  Giveaway is open to US residents.

Progresso provided me with free products, information and giveaway through myblogspark.

Pro

Wordless Wednesday

>

How do we go from this....

To this in less than 5 minutes....

Gotta love magic erasers!  Oh  and he was coloring the train in his workbook and decided to draw train tracks if you notice them on the right hand side of the picture...so I didnt yell too much because this is the first time he has really has drawn a picture.

Weigh in Wednesday

>

So I ended last week not too motivated and was actually up a pound.  Then Sunday I decided to get back with it and did a good workout.  That got me pumped up and I started doing my two workouts a day schedule again.  I feel a lot more energized doing that.  When I weighed myself this morning I was back to the same as last Wednesday, but that is good seeing I was up a pound on Sunday.  So next week I will be reporting some good news...I just know it.  I am in that mindset that I am going to work hard this week and will succeed!

  I also started a fruit and veggie challenge with the fitness cheerleader...where I am going to get in at least 7-8 servings of fruits or veggies every day.  The first day this was kind of hard, but then I went shopping and stocked up ...then yesterday I actually got in 10 servings, maybe even 11...Sometimes I am not quite sure what a serving size is.  I believe it is a half cup fresh, frozen or canned, 1 cup leafy salad, or 1 piece of fruit.  I think a whole potato is considered two and possibly the same for a banana but I am not sure.  I kind of go by the size of them. 

Today starts Lent also, and I have decided to give up the junk food/candy.  I have been highly tempted by these recently and thought these would be a good thing to give up. 

This week is a month that I have been doing the bloggin the weight away challenge, so I took my measurements to see where I was at.  I am down 1.5" in my waist and 1" in my hips...otherwise surprisingly I havent noticed too many changes in measurements...although I think my legs and arms and my upper abs look more tone.

Young and fabulous... How do you overcome your obstacles?

>

My goal:
spend more quality time as a family and become a healthy family.

My Challenges: 
~Quality time:  let disability be an excuse to not do as much
~Health: let kids eat what they want, and then I follow in that.  

This week we need to discuss what our resolutions are to overcome these challenges.  For quality time I have been following some blogs about ideas on things to do with children with disabilities.  I still need to put these into action more, but coming up with more ideas helps.  I also have been trying to do more during the times I have to be there, like changing and medications.  I am a quiet person, but need to talk more, especially to my kids.  As far as getting healthy...I went shopping to find healthier options, and hoping that having these around more will lead me to eating them more which will in turn lead the kids to. 

Mamavation follow along

>

So I still do not have much to report this week.  I have been struggling with the thoughts of not having the energy to exercise.  I did get in workouts last week, but didnt do two like I was trying to do.  A couple of days the workouts just consisted of shovelling snow and a day of none.  I really want to kick that habit in the butt...and got off mine last night and did a really good golds gym boxing workout.  Oh I could really feel it in my core.  I loved the workout.  I had to duck and twist a lot and think this is a great workout to shrink the waist.  I got back into gear this morning and did my first workout ...again doing the golds gym.  Later today I will get in a kettleworx workout.  I tried doing those in the morning last week, and I think me and weights in the morning just are not working.  I do them so much better in the evening.  So I am going to work on an aerobic workout in the morning and strength training at night.

This Wednesday starts Lent, so I will use that to help me get over eating junk food.  That has been a struggle the last week and a half.  So that will be a good temptation to give up during Lent (then I will do something else too that will be between God and I).  So hopefully by next week I will be back down where I was two weeks ago.  Wednesday I will post my measurements for the month.  I do a post on Wednesday as a challenge with some other bloggers and it will be a month since starting that.  I think thanks to adding the Kettleworx and Golds Gym in I will definitely be seeing some smaller measurements!

My stats:
Yesterdays weight = 180.5 
Last weeks weight = 180
One month ago = 182.5
Total loss since starting(1/09) = 48.5lbs

ok..since posting this I have decided to join in Fitness Cheerleaders healthy challenge ... 
lets get in 7-8 servings of fruits or veggies everyday! 

Not me Monday!

>

Happy Monday!  How was everyone's weekends and Valentines Day? I am sure we all had a romantic dinner and didnt just go through  McDonald's drive thru for that special Valentines dinner...I mean come on, I dont eat McDonalds, especially on a holiday!  Oh and you certainly wouldnt go through two times right...letting your child have it for a late lunch, then going out again for dinner and letting your hubby tease your son while he is begging for more soda...Not me!  Hey it aint all bad....I got a box of candy....My hubby wouldnt go without getting me a box of chocolate right....well maybe...but how about a box of skittles LOL!  I certainly wasnt the bad mommy that would sneak a blow pop or nerds from my sons Valentines bag either...Not me! 

Anyways...Not much going on this week.  We have no appointments so lets keep it that way. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love (giveaway)

>

Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Purango, Merrie L, and anonymous(crystal_lynn)

What a great way to spend celebrating Valentine's Day, reading love stories.  I have been reading many of the stories from Chicken Soup for the Soul, True Love.  Some stories are cute and will make you laugh, while others are very heartfelt and will either bring a smile or even some tears.  In Chicken Soup for the Soul, True Love you will find 101 heartwarming and humorous stories about dating, romance, love and marriage.  You may relate to Timothy Martin in his story "My Final Date with Veronica", or laugh like me while reading "The Counterproposal", by Michael Jordan Segal.  You may be moved to tears by reading stories like "The Last Valentine" by Caroline S. McKinney.  With all these short stories, you will find how many people define "True Love".

How would you love to celebrate Valentines Day by having the chance to win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul, True Love!  Whether you are searching for love, or in love, you will find something touching about these stories.  Three lucky readers can win a copy.  To enter:  Tell me how you plan on celebrating Valentines Day(or celebrated a past Valentines day).

For extra entries:
~Blog about this giveaway linking back to my blog (5 entries)
~Follow me through google friends connect(1 entry)
~Subscribe to my blog(1 entry)
~Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry)
~Follow me with networked blogs on facebook (1 entry)

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only.  Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email in one of those.  This giveaway will end on March 1 and the winners will be chosen by random.org.

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Storytime Sunday: Books for Valentines Day

>

A couple of our favorites:  

Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
 The story of Little and Big Nutbrown Hares' efforts to express their love for each other

Heart Prints by PK Hallinan
A story of children helping others and leaving heartprints all along the way. 

Wish list:

Roses are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane DeGroat
When Gilbert writes two not-so-nice valentines to his classmates, his prank quickly turns into pandemonium. But there's always time for a change of heart on Valentine's Day. 

You are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano
I am your parent; you are my child.
I am your quiet place; you are my wild. . . .

A day in the life of parent and child-full of smiles and giggles, messes and meals, boundless energy and well-earned naps. Not to mention lots of love. 

Love Your Heart by Tim McGraw and Tom Douglas
Tim McGraw and songwriter Tom Douglas once again join forces to write another book about the precocious Katie and her dad. Katie has many talents, but she wonders which one will win her school's talent show. With the help of Dad and her faithful dog Palio, and after several amusing mishaps, Katie finally chooses one talent that includes Palio. But at the talent show, she decides to drop out of the contest to help her friend, showing kindness is the best talent of all. Katie's proud dad reassures her that she did the best thing and that while he loves many things about her, he loves her heart most of all.

Love Splat by Rob Scotton
It's Valentine's Day and Splat has a special valentine for a certain someone in his class. Her name is Kitten, and Splat likes her even more than fish sticks and ice cream. But Kitten doesn't seem to like him at all—she always ties his tail and pokes his belly when she sees him. And then there's Splat's rival, Spike, who also likes Kitten. Will Splat's heartfelt valentine win Kitten's paw in the end? 

EASe CD series to help children on the autism spectrum

>

Giveaway Closed.

Congratulations MeghatronsMom!

The EASe Cd series has been used effectively since 1996 by many tens of thousands of parents, therapists, schools and organizations the world over to help children on the autism spectrum learn to cope with noise and balance issues.

The purpose of all Electronic Auditory Stimulation effect (EASe) products is to stimulate, challenge, and promote sensory processing in children on the autism spectrum and others experiencing difficulty with sensory processing and organization.

The EASe audio CDs are the original disc-based auditory stimulation program.  As it is difficult for many children to just sit and listen to music, children were allowed to play with toys or video games while listening to their EASe audio CDs.   Now with the EASe computer games, children can listen to the audio, while enjoying stimulating, fun and nonviolent driving and flying video games.

We first received the new EASe Funhouse Treasure Hunt game to try out with Zach.  We first tried this game with Zach sitting on my lap while I played the game.  He was initially ok with this but did not want to play the game himself.  He got very upset when I sat him at the computer to the play the game and actually had a meltdown.  Having questions I was put into contact with creator Bill Mueller.  He was very helpful and thought that Zach was probably too young for this particular game.  It is recommended for children 6 and older.  He really wanted to help Zach and offered to send another game called EASe Off-Road.

We have had a very positive experience with EASe Off-Road.  From the start Zach was curious about the game and liked playing it.  I thought we were going to have an issue when he drove his buggy into some water.  He hates crashes.  He started to melt down, then realized that his buggy didnt crash into the water, that he was able to drive through it and back out onto the terrain.  He continued to play and began enjoying it more.

We have had the game for few weeks...and I have to admit, Zach plays it everyday.  How can I refuse to let him play a game that he personally asks for every single day.  He hums along to the music and has his own name for the game, asking to play "cars".  I love that he is enjoying it so much.

At first I wasnt sure if he was getting anything more than enjoyment out of it, but the other day I saw a positive effect from the game.  Zachary still has problems toilet training and we were in the bathroom cleaning up.  Zach was not listening to me much and was not cooperating well.  I was getting frustrated and started to yell at him.  I myself should know better than to yell, because typically this just upsets him more and he will bang his head into the wall very hard.  This particular time as I yelled, instead of banging his head, he started humming one of the songs from the game, and then started to cooperate!!!  I couldnt believe it.  He found a new coping mechanism, and a much more productive, positive one at that!

EASe Funhouse Treasure Hunt has six unique rooms, each with a different personality and challenges.  The player controls a tiny toy tractor, a bit like a child pushing the tractor around the floor of a gymnasium, providing the sensation of exploring a huge space.  The rooms are filled with elevators and multiple levels to explore.  Some rooms have ball games stimulating the challenging a child's concentration.  All of the rooms ar fun to explore, encouraging the child to willingly participate in their own therapy.

The treasures range from word cards, to dot cards(quantity), to images of human faces(emotions), to colors, geometric shapes, fruit and more.  The player is encouraged to follow directions, to concentrate, to explore, and to exercise their memory skills.

You can go to http://www.easecd.com/ to download a free demo of this game.

EASe Offroad is an exciting driving game that takes the player through a lush landscape in search of glowing 100 and 500-point targets, while EASe music plays automatically in the background.

In their buggy of choice, the player will explore two large-scale levels: an exotic desert island, and a hilly meadow bordered by towering red rock canyons. EASe Offroad features a realistic terrain, complete with flowers and tall grass, so watch out for boulders and trees!

While playing EASe Offroad, the player will experience vestibular challenges, as their buggy bounces and leaps across hilly terrain. Visual challenges are also inherent in the pursuit of targets from a distance, and in foliage flying by.

EASe Offroad’s buggy is controlled by the mouse, and is selectable in multiple colors and two speeds: a slower speed for beginners, and a faster buggy for more adventurous players.

You can order these or other EASe video games or audio CDs at http://www.easecd.com/

One lucky reader can win the new EASe Funhouse Treasure Hunt.  To enter:  Visit EASe and tell me another game you think your child may like.  (You must do this first and then can do any or all of the extra entries).


Extra entries:
~Blog about this giveaway linking to www.easecd.com and to my blog. (5entries...leave 5 seperate comments for each to count please)
~Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway(1 entry)
~Follow my blog with google friends connect(1 entry)
~Follow Kidz blog (1 entry)


Please leave a separate comment for each entry and leave a valid email in one of those entries.  The giveaway will end on Feb. 27 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.  

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

Schooled in Lies by Angela Henry

>

 

About Angela Henry

Angela Henry was once told that her past life careers included spy, researcher, and investigator. She stuck with what she knew because today she’s a mystery writing library reference specialist, who loves to people watch and eavesdrop on conversations. She’s the author of four mysteries featuring equally nosy amateur sleuth Kendra Clayton, and is also the founder of the award-winning MystNoir website, which promotes African-American mystery writers, and was named a “Hot Site” by USA Today.com. When she’s not working, writing, or practicing her stealth, she loves to travel, is connoisseur of B horror movies, and an admitted anime addict. She lives in Ohio and is currently hard at work trying to meet her next deadline. You can visit her website at http://www.anglehenry.com and her blog at http://angelahenry.blogspot.com. Connect with Angela on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mystnoir.

 

So many of us remember those lovely days of high school.  Most were probably like Kendra Clayton's and we could sometimes care to forget those days!  Kendra is even less thrilled about those high school days when she is tricked into serving on the high school's reunion committee.  When Kendra and the other committee members start receiving  threatening letters and having odd accidents, Kendra starts getting nosy.  When one of the committee members accidents ends up fatal, Kendra believes it is murder....and believes it is one of the committee members that did it.  Trying to figure out who leads to a lot of secrets, lies and betrayal being revealed. 

I loved how this story had so many twists and turns, more rumors, more secrets, and more lies.  I think I like it because ...I am a woman....I love gossip.  Kendra gets to dig up so much dirt on her old high school enemies.  She gets to see the most popular group finally not at their finest, and see another outcast get some glory.  Besides the suspense with the murders and lies, I liked the personal drama of Kendra's current relationship. 

I thought the book was really suspenseful and I had a hard time putting it down.  This was the first I have read in the "Kendra Clayton" series, but will not be the last! 

Fitness Friday: Valentines Day Healthy Options

>

Well obviously the tradition flowers and teddy bears are pretty healthy options....but I am talking get rid of the heavy box of chocolates and high calorie dinners.  What are some special ways you can celebrate valentines and remember to keep that heart healthy at the same time?  Here are some options I have come up with...

How about a day out at the spa....
what a great relaxing way to spend the day together. 
You can always keep the spa at home too, who doesnt like a good backrub?

Going out to dinner?  How about staying in....
try the Chef Requested 100 calorie steaks
You can pair this up with some healthy veggies, a nice salad, and even a glass of wine!

Dont want a huge box of chocolates...try a beautiful delicious arrangement made by Edible Arrangements 
You can get some that is just fruit...or get a little chocolate added and get the berry chocolate roses.

Ok so you know me...I love the Wii...and it can be very family friendly and you can have a lot of fun playing together.  How about the game Just Dance.  Why go out dancing, when you can stay in...and then even the children can play too.

How about some healthy treats for the kids.....  fruit smoothies, some fresh fruit with yogurt dip that you tinted pink by adding some food coloring,  or even some heart shaped sugar free jello jigglers.

A thousand words Thursday

>

You say Snow Angel, He says butterfly....

 

Young and fabulous....whats stopping you?

>

Last week Cherrie from Young and Fabulous asked what my goal was....
My goal was to spend more quality time as a family and become a healthy family.

This week she asks us to blog about what’s stopping you from getting what you want. Take a step back and look at your life and your current lifestyle closer. Identify the challenges your having, and preventing you from accomplishing what you want.


I have been trying to lead a healthier life myself...but I find with the kids I let them eat what they want, and influence my eating. As I was saying earlier today in blogging the weight away, we made cookies, ate ice cream cake and celebrated the superbowl with junk food. Well that isnt going to make us a healthy family.

I guess I really need to start pushing the healthy food with the whole family. Zach is an even more difficult one as he is soooo picky. I really gotta quit buying the junk and leave those options out of his choices...then he will hopefully choose healthier foods.

As for the quality time....well I am trying. This is something I really need to work on with Kennedy. Her disability limits what she can do, but I shouldnt use that as an excuse to let her watch tv most of the day. I really should be doing more and that is that.

Blogging the weight away

>

Well not too much exciting this week....oh well we all have those weeks right.  I am a social eater and this weekend was definitely a time to eat.  The twins came over for the weekend and have been asking to make no bake cookies the past couple months.  I actually had the ingredients so we made those...then we also finished off my birthday ice cream cake.  Then of course it was Superbowl Sunday and instead of the healthy options we all made for the last playoff game, this time it was all high calorie party food....mmmmm is all I gotta say.  So on that note I have to admit I gained a pound back from my nice loss last week.  Luckily I had a fairly good week exercising so that saved me from gaining even more.  Hopefully next weeks weigh in will have better results. 

Wordless Wednesday: crazy dog

>

Ok so today I have to share what a nut my dog is!!!  He likes watching out our large front window and lately he sees our reflections as we walk by and he follows them thinking someone is walking to the front door.  Here is a little video from the other nights as we caught him doing this.  Not too hard to fool him lol!

sorry video is kind of dark....but you can catch him looking out the windows and watching as our reflections(that you cant see really) walk towards the front door.

Need a new dog toy? Check out Doglogs by Petprojekt

>

 Giveaway closed  .Congratulations Paula Michelle!

Doglogs™ are safe non-toxic squeaky toys for your furry friend of any age or size! Doglogs™ are soft yet durable with a realistic fluffy plush tail for added fun! Collect 'em all!!!

•Phthalate Free
•BPA FREE

Dimensions (H / W / D): 2.4" x 7.5" x 2"



We had the pleasure of trying out the DogLogs with our 12month old dog Zeus.....and if he could speak he would say he LOVES it!  Although he cant speak, we pretty much can tell by all the time he plays with it and brings it to us that he really enjoys his new toy.

The DogLog is almost like two toys in one.  Zeus loves the chew on the log section and make it squeak.  He loves the little fake cut off branch sections to nibble on.  It is a fairly large toy so there is room for a lot of air in it.....I say this because it squeaks a lot and can squeak for a long time with one squeeze or bite.  Zeus loves that...we on the other had have had to take it away at times for our own sanity(like while we are watching tv or talking).  At times when he wants to play tug of war with it we occassionally cover the hole that allows the air to go in so it does not squeak. 

Zeus really likes the tail part.  He has tried and tried for the past week to chew that tail off and has not been successful!  He loves whipping it around and having the tail swoosh through the air.  We really like that it has two different sections with different types of material to chew on.  What is nice with this tail is that there is no stuffed animal connected to it.  We have gone through several toys that Zeus loves the furriness of, but he ends up tearing them apart because of the stuffed body.  We like that he has not been able to destroy this!

Thanks to Petprojekt I have a brown DogLog for one lucky doggy spoiling  reader!  So what would you love to spoil your dog with?  To enter:  Visit Petprojekt http://www.otomik.com/ and tell me another item of theirs that your dog would love and why. 


For extra entries:
~Blog about this giveaway linking back to me and otomik.com (5 entries)
~follow me and petprojekt on twitter and tweet this giveaway. (1 entry)
~follow me with google friend connect (1entry)
~subscribe to my blog (1 entry)
~email 3 friends and cc colleen_mouse at yahoo.com about this giveaway (1 entry)


Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Please leave  a valid email in one of those comments.  This giveaway is open to US residents.  It will end on Feb. 24 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles: The Secret of Indigo Moon

>

The Secret of Indigo Moon

Read the first chapter

About the book:

From best-selling author G.P. Taylor comes the highly anticipated second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a series that combines art and traditional text to help “reluctant readers” discover the wonder of books.


Erik Morissey Ganger, famed explorer and detective (well, in his dreams), and his mischief-making sidekicks, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple, didn’t go looking for a secret tunnel beneath the school. They never intended to make the acquaintance of a shifty private eye with a nose for trouble. It wasn’t part of the plan to come face to face with an old enemy, one with an agenda of his own that could destroy them all. And unraveling the “secret of indigo moon” was the farthest thing from their minds.

At Isambard Dunstan’s School for Wayward Children, these things just seem to happen.

In The Secret of Indigo Moon, confirmed troublemakers Erik, Sadie, and Saskia plunge headlong into a new and perilous mystery, one that challenges everything they thought they knew about their lives, themselves, and whom it’s safe to trust

My review:
I actually decided to do this one a little differently than I typically would.  I found this book to be more appropriately read by a youngster, than by an adult.  I did like how the layout of the book switched from a more traditional style novel to a comic book style throughout the story.  I think the comic book style really added to the suspense, mystery aspect of the story.

I also let my 11 year old niece read this book to help with the review.  She really enjoyed this and was able to read it very quickly.  She also liked the comics in it.  She found the whole story interesting and loved finding out "who did it".  She really loved the character and her great imagination.

I think this book would be great for that age range and having the comic style would keep the interest of even a little younger children(even if they need some help reading it). I would suggest age 8-12years old.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review.  Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.