Embracing a Healthy Family

M&M Fan? Don't Miss This Sale! Ends Monday



Beyond the Rack has M&M products at a great savings but you have to hurry as sample sales only last so long and are of limited quantities.  This is just a sample:

Pants normally priced at $38 are $19
Cups normally priced at $15 are $7
Cups with handles normally priced at $25 are $9

There are containers, boxer shorts, bowls, plush animals and more.





Youthful Tips

Hershey Bar Wrapper Ideas & Green Toy Gift Idea



Here are a couple of things I made this morning.  Granted Hershey wrappers are not new but I did make a variation to make little S'mores kits.  I wanted an idea to jazz up a child's cooking toy such as the one I'm giving away from Green Toys.  The Chef Set is a perfect set to add a S'mores kit.  All I did was create a wrapper from Microsoft by measuring the paper.  I added clipart from Picnik.com and then wrapped the Hershey bars in black shiny paper to hide the wrapper.  I placed the graham crackers and marshmellows in their own bags and used double sticky tape to hold everything together to include the wrapper.  I grabbed a scrap piece of ribbon from last year and secured it together with a plastic star ornament.  I'll end up using plastic wrap or tape to secure in the pan as shown to withstand wrapping.

Interested in winning your own Green Toy Chef Set, click HERE.


Need more information on how to make your own S'more's kit or Hershey Bar wrappers, send me an e-mail at staying_younger@yahoo.com

If you want to save your printer ink, you can use stickers instead.  Either way, they look nice and you can personalize however you want.













Youthful Tips

Santa Letters for School & Five Free for You


Last year, I offered to create Santa letters for all the kids in my daughter's class.  It was a nice surprise for them as the teacher had them write letters to Santa and then on the day of their party, they had these personalized letters to read when they went home.  This year, I offered again and although I am disappointed in the paper I found at Target, it will have to do. 


I used Picnik.com to get a Santa Express image as well as a postmark for the envelope.  I also included a small candy cane on each letter.  It was easy to do and a lot cheaper than buying one for each kid.  I only wished the paper was better and that I had through ahead of time to find something better.

If you want a free letter sent to your kids, send me an e-mail at staying_younger@yahoo.com, I'm willing to send out five for five of my readers.


Youthful Tips

December 11th - Build-A-Bear Alvin & The Chipmunks





Go to Build-A-Bear on December 11th to build your very own Alvin from Alvin and The Chipmunks the Squeakquel for $22.00!  Of course the others will be available too!











Youthful Tips

What Giveaways Are You Looking For?

As I was trying to determine what type of giveaways are most popular, I figured I'd poll you, the readers, on what it is you really want?

Feel free to leave comments!

Thanks!

Youthful Tips

Applications Now Accepted for National Military Family Association Military Spouse Scholarship Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA December 4, 2009 — The National Military Family Association is accepting applications for its Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program. Scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to military spouses to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school. The program consists of a general scholarship, a scholarship for spouses of the wounded, and a scholarship for spouses of the fallen. Thanks to a partnership with the Fisher House Foundation, Folds of Honor Foundation, and BAE Systems, the Association is able to provide scholarships to a larger number of deserving military spouses.


Applications will only be accepted online at www.militaryfamily.org/scholarships and must be submitted by midnight January 31, 2010. Spouses of uniformed service members (active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retirees, and survivors) of any branch or rank are eligible to apply. The scholarship funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees, and school room and board.

The National Military Family Association recognizes that unique challenges like frequent moves and deployments can interfere with military spouses’ ability to complete their education. In order to help spouses reach their career and educational goals, the Association has created a web portal stocked with military spouse education resources and information. Visit www.militaryfamily.org/get-info/spouse-education to access the information.




Youthful Tips

New Scar At Home Treatment: ScarAway

I've been blessed with no real visible scars unless you took a magnifying glass and see the tiny one above my lip where a dog bit me as a kid.  I can imagine the pain that must occur with visible scars mainly on the face.  From what I can recall, there was only one over the counter treatment but I don't remember the name.  I was reading about a new treatment that is sold over the counter called ScarAway.  The product claims to "effectively shrinks, flattens and fades hypertrophic (raised), red, discolored and keloid scars."

Numerous clinical tests have supported the efficacy and safety of their silicone sheeting that allows a reduction and prevention of scars:

One study concluded that “Overall, the success rate (somewhat improved to greatly improved) for the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars is high (95%)” * ScarAway (an FDA class 1 medical device) represents a significant improvement over scar minimizing creams and ointments both in terms of results and ease-of-use. ScarAway silicone sheets deliver direct pressure to the scar that helps to diminish its appearance.

This is great for us mommy's that had to have a c-section like me.  I'll have to try it and see how well it works.  This is also a relief in case one of my kiddos suffers a mishap.

They are sold in a patch-like format that stick directly on the scar.  The sheets are reported to last one week with removal for baths and showers in their case which is provided in the kit.

Here is more information or to purchase ScarAway go to ScarAway.  Drugstore.com and Amazon.com also sells it at reasonable prices.

Mitchell-Vance Laboratories, LLC, is based in Guilford, Connecticut and specializes in the treatment and prevention of scars through a patented silicone application and are a woman-owned business!

As a side note, they also have stretch mark therapy. 

You can get more information from ScarAway HERE.  


I'm curious if anyone has tried it yet?

Youthful Tips

'Manda Blogs About Build-A-Bear Holly & Hal Giveaway! 12/15


Head on over to 'Manda's for your chance to win to win a set of both Holly and Hal!  Here is her blog entry:

I was so lucky to be given the opportunity to review and giveaway both Holly and Hal Moose from The Build-A-Bear Workshop for free in exchange for this review. I LOVE Build-A-Bear, it's one of my most favorite stores ever! Chase loves it too. He took Hal and I added Holly to my collection.


Of course they are super soft and cuddly like all of the Build-A-Bear animals are and they have the cutest, most adorable clothes and accessories that I've come to love and expect from The Build-a-Bear Workshop. Both Holly and Hal came to us dressed as seen in the picture above. Holly has the cutest little hat with holes in it for her ears and her hair and a very cute little red coat. She is also wearing a white t-shirt, jeans and boots. I love the way the jeans have a little hole in the back so that her tail can stick out. Hal is just as cute with his little ski goggles, camoflauge jacket and black boots. He is also wearing a white t-shirt and jeans with the same little hole so his tail can stick out too. Hal has a secret though - when you press his hand, the Christmas lights on his antlers light up! Chase thought that was awesome! I'm sure these guys would make a great Christmas present for a little girl or boy, especially if you get the movie to go along with them. What movie? The Holly and Hal Christmas cartoon that premiered on ABC Family! That's right, these guys have their very own Christmas movie.
Now for the giveaway! I am giving away one set of both Holly and Hal Moose from The Build-A-Bear Workshop. This giveaway is for the US ONLY and ends on Dec. 15, 2009. For your first, mandatory entry, visit http://www.buildabear.com/ and leave me a comment telling me which animal you want the most. You can do any or all of the items listed below to gain additional entries. Leave a seperate comment for each item you complete.

She has many, many chances to win so don't wait!


Youthful Tips

ThermaFuse HeatSmart Serum Review


ThermaFuse products are formulated to protect and repair heat-styled hair by utilizing their registered technology HeatSmart Complex.  This combines a silicone molecule with a wheat protein molecule that penetrates to smooth frazzled cuticles while adding a shine.  This HeatSmart Complex works three times better at an elevated temperature which is what occurs when you blow dry and use hot irons/curling irons on your hair.  The Ceramide-2 and Ceramide-6 helps to replace the hair's natural glue that is often destroyed by the heat.

ThermaFuse HeatSmart Serum is a leave-in treatment, styler and finisher that will instantly absorb, provides a light soft non-greasy feel while delivering a smooth shine.  It is for all types of hair with a proprietary blend of three certified organic oils:  Argan, Acai and Flaxseed. 

I found it's really a light weight formula that did not weigh my hair down nor give it that greasy look that some other anti-frizz or shine products do.  It's alcohol free so it won't dry it out either and the oils really do make your hair shiny, frizz free and soft.  I applied it to damp hair and it was much easier to comb through as I have major tangle issues having curly hair.  I like ThermaFuse HeatSmart Serum because it has certified organic botanicals and white tea extract and no artificial coloring. 

The aroma was a mild vanilla musk with a touch of blackberry and rasberry.  It was very pleasant.  I really did like this product and will continue to use it as it's kept my hair frizz free even on rainy days.  I love that it didn't weigh it down or give a greasy look and feel.

It sells as a 2 ounce bottle retail at $19 or 6.8 ounce professional.

ThermaFuse has an entire collection of hair care products:
  • Sulfate-Free Moisture Shampoo and Condition
  • Sulfate-Free Strength Shampoo and Condition
  • Sulfate-Free Weightless Shampoo and Condition
  • Sulfate-Free Color Keeper Shampoo and Condition
  • Sulfate-Free Relief Dandruff Shampoo and Condition
ThermaFuse's Treatment Collection includes:
  • Sulfate-Free Color Brite Shampoo and Leave In Conditioner
  • Asset Astingent for itchy scalp
  • HeatSmart Dry Oil Treatment
  • Intense Repair Deep Conditioner
ThermaFuse Stylers:
  • Fixxe Volume Mousse
  • Boost Thickening Spray
  • Esculpt Medium-Firm Gel
  • Control Extra-Firm Gel
  • Straight Smoothing Balm
  • Coil Curl Definer
  • Shine Polishing Sporay
  • TAC Texture Taffy
ThermaFuse Sprays:
  • Support Working Spray
  • Nuage Finishing Spray
  • Uphold Aerosol Spray
Find a spa/salon near you to try it yourself by clicking HERE.


Youthful Tips

Winner of the AdorableBabyClothing eGift Card Announced

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY RANDOM.ORG WINNER....
KRISTY for the $25 www.adorablebabyclothing.com eGift Card!

An e-mail has been sent. If Kristy doesn't respond, a new winner will be selected.
 
Thanks to all those that entered and if you are reading this, you get five bonus entries to any open giveaway I have. Just add in your comment that you read the post for the winner of the ABC GC.

Don't forget to enter one of the other open giveaways!


Youthful Tips


Caught The Sample Site Sale Craze?


If you haven't discovered the numerous sample sites yet, you should.  The sample sites are great ways to find bargains on name brand items and in all cases that I have seen, a considerable better price.  Before I purchase anything from one of the top sampe sites such as HauteLook or Rue La La, I always price check and they are in fact marked down as they claim in the latest sale.  I just received a Tommy Bahama shirt I purchased for $30 somthing that was normally priced at $120.  I also received a box full of high end, delicious chocolates at a fraction of the cost as well. 

eBay has jumped on board the sample site express and it's called the Fashion Vault.  You can sign up for the special alerts on new sales which is what I just did.

The Skinny is another newer site but this one is dedicated to offering top-shelf skin care products at exclusive prices.  Upcoming events include Bare Escentuals, Dermaquest and Perricone MD.

Have any favorites?  Leave yours here and get five bonus entries to any of my other giveaways. 


Youthful Tips

Adorable Baby Clothing $25 Gift Card Giveaway 12/03/09: WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUCKY RANDOM.ORG WINNER....

KRISTY!

An e-mail has been sent.  If Kristy doesn't respond, a new winner will be selected.

Thanks to all those that entered and if you are reading this, you get five bonus entries to any open giveaway I have.  Just add in your comment that you read the post for the winner of the ABC GC.


I love the clothes at AdorableBabyClothing.com and above our the Christmas dresses I just bought as well as the matching headbands.  They are high quality and look great on the girls.  Other than the excellent customer service I enjoy with AdorableBabyClothing.com, the high quality of clothes and the selection, I can easily pick two dresses of such varying sizes easily.  I remember going to Dillard's last year trying to find two of the same dresses in different sizes and it was impossible.  It took a long time as I when I found one, the other size wasn't available.

There are many choices to choose from at AdorableBabyClothing.com ranging from newborn to the bigger kids.  The selection of formal wear is also wonderful.

The Giveaway:

A $25 eGift Card for AdorableBabyClothing.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment.  That's it!

Extra Entries:

  • Go to AdorableBabyClothing.com and return here with what you would buy with your gift card for 1 comment.


  • Follow me on Twitter for 2 comments.


  • Subscribe to my blog for 2 comments.


  • Enter one of my other giveaways and leave 2 comments.


  • Tweet about the giveaway for 2 comments (can be done daily).


  • Blog about the giveaway for 2 comments.


  • Vote for me at DivineCaroline (see widget on left side of blog) for 5 comments.

Giveaway ends 12/03/09 at midnight.

Winner will be chosen by random.org.

Good luck!

*I was not compensated in any wa for this review/giveaway.

Youthful Tips

Clinique Sale: 10 Days of Specials

With any Clinique.com purchase, you get a standard shipping plus Youth Surge SPF 15 Age Decelerating Moisturizing free.  It's a .5 ounce jar and you can even pickk the type for your skin.

Very dry skin - use code YOUTH1 at checkout
Dry combination - use code YOUTH2
Combination oily - use code YOUTH3

Offer expires at 11:59 pm tonight (12/4) so hurry.  Click here for the daily special.

Youthful Tips

$25 AdorableBabyClothing Gift Card Closes Tonight at Midnight EST



Don't forget to enter for your chance at a $25 Gift e-Card for www.AdorableBabyClothing.com.  Fantastic holiday choices as well as everyday clothes to special occasions.  The choices are amazing and beautiful.  Check out my girl's Christmas pictures as I purchased their dresses at www.AdorableBabyClothing.com.










RugsUSA.com House Accents Company Rug Review

The holiday seasons are quickly approaching and between my obligations as an Officer's wife and my husbands deployment in May, I wanted to spruce up my house for our year end celebrations to make it even more special for him since he will not be home next Christmas.  One area I try to focus on is the entry way, which I feel a well planned one, will set the right mood for holiday cheer.  This year, although I started a tad bit early and for the picture that I will include, it is by far no way near finished with decorating.  I received this great looking from RugsUSA.com.



I placed the red background "Ho Ho Ho" door hanger on to show that the colors match perfectly for a holiday theme yet it still looks great against the hardwood floors.

This is the Homespice Decor Cotton Braided Collection Santa Fe Sunrise Red Rug made of 70% Cotton,18% Viscose,12% Synthetic and is Machine Braided.  It's available in many sizes but this is the 2' x 3' version with an optional padding (recommended).  It's definitely high quality and it looks great on the wood floors and with Thanksgiving and Christmas, it adds just enough of the fall colors to look great and complimentary.

RugsUSA.com has a variety of choices to fit anyone's needs. Ranging from contemporary, braided, kids, outdoors, traditional and Shag & Flokati rugs.  They offer a huge selection of types and sizes under each category.  I partiularly loved the kid's rugs.  Whether they want a rug to play construction site, scenes of outerspace, sailing along on Noah's Arc or pretty pink flowers, you will not be disappointed in the selection.



If I hadn't already had area rugs for the other rooms, this would have been my choice for the living room:


The colors are warm and wonderful.  The Traditional Wool Handmade Smaath Beige Rug is 100% wool and hand tufted.  Hand-tufted rugs are created without tying knots into the foundation.  Wool or arcylic yarn is pushed through a primary backing which creates a tuff.  Latex glue holds these tufts in place.  The next step is to apply a secondary foundation that is then covered by a third and final cloth backing to protect your floor. The final step involves shearing the tops of the looped tufts to create the pile.

This beautiful rug is a direct import from India which allows RugsUSA.com to provide it a lower cost. 

My husband and I bought four large sized area rugs and spent well over 3k on them.  We knew nothing about rugs and chose the first store we found when we moved here from Hawaii.  I wished I had known about RugsUSA.com now as we would have had a much better deal with the same, if not better quality.  Free shipping alone would have swayed me!

Better yet, if you are in need of a rug, check out RugsUSA.com as they are having a sale right now! 

Become a fan on Facebook and sign up to receive an e-mail invitation to RugsUSA.com Black Friday Private Sale as well as be alerted for special sales and events.  You can also sign up on the RugsUSA.com home page for e-mail alerts for coupons and discounts.

Other advantages of shopping through RugsUSA.com include:
  • Free shipping
  • No hassle returns
  • Rewards program
RugsUSA.com has been featured on Extreme Homemaker Edition (Go Ty!), Ty Pennington's Style, Apartment Therapy and HGTV so you know you can trust them for good quality rugs.

* I was provided the rug that was reviewed in this post by RugsUSA.com.  No other compensation was provided.  All opinions are mine.

Youthful Tips

Somber Yet Good Holidays: Deployment Five Months Away



We're five months away from my husband's deployment to Kuwait for a year.  This makes our holidays sad because we know we'll have to bypass being together next year.  The unfortunate countdown is underway and as the clock ticks down, I can tell it's taking its toll on my husband.,  I guess it wouldn't have been so bad but he just returned from Iraq in August and he was gone for a year in 2005-2006 ...again, Iraq.  That's not even a list of all his deployments as after being in the military for 17 years, you endure many.  He's sad to be missing out on an entire year of our two youngest children as a year is a long time when it comes to early development.  Since we don't have custody of his children, that's a long time to go without seeing them as well.  No matter what though, he believes in what we are doing and that makes it so much easier on me because I do as well. 

Just remember to enjoy your time with your loved one's and remember our men and women who are serving overseas as well as the soon to be 30,000 more! 

Youthful Tips

Out of the Box Sampler Win



Thanks to Sheila over at http://www.livingsmartgirl.com, I won the Out of the Box Sampler in her giveaway and I can't be more excited!  I ordered soaps (see prior post from Intentions) who was a sponsor for samples with Out of the Box and love them!  Even my Army husband likes the soap that was included especially for him. 

If you are not familar with Out of the Box Sampler, you really need to check them out as they are an excellent source for a variety of great products ranging from homemade goodies to jewelry to body products and much more.  Each month, they gather a sampling of great products in one box for a very low price. Each month they change too which leaves you with an opportunity to find new favorite sellers, products and potential gifts to have on hand for those emergencies where you might have overlooked a special occasion.  You can click HERE for this month's sampler or HERE to sign up for their newsletter.

NOTE:  I didn't get anything out of posting my win! I just wanted to give my readers a chance to enjoy this great product themselves!

Youthful Tips

What are your five tips & tricks for getting your kids to bed on time and getting them to stay in bed?

Getting two children to sleep at the ages of 2 and 6 can be very difficult.  When one gets up, the other wants to get up.  When one yells out for "mom," the other yells for mom.  It can be a daunting task at times!  TwitterMoms and St. Eve Kids have asked bloggers this question with a great link to http://www.dramau.net

My routine is simple:
  • Make sure they have full tummies!  Nothing worse than a grumbly tummy!  My girls will not sleep if they are hungry so if we had an early dinner, I'll make sure they get a light snack.
  • I give them a bath that not only gives them the great aroma of lavendar but it also allows them to get some extra play time in.
  • Dressing them in warm jammies is a big key to keep them sleeping.  If they get cold, they will wak up.  Footy pajamas are the best since neither one will keep a blanket on them.
  • Bed time isn't complete without a good bedtime story.  I let the girls pick from the library of books they have and I read to them.
  • Finally, a night light is used to give them just enough light to not be scared.
It doesn't always work but most of the time it does.  Sometimes they still need mommy time and I have to stay with them until they fall asleep.  Who doesn't mind a little extra cuddly time anyway?

Have any great tips or routines, enter yourself at TwitterMoms.com or go to www.DramaU.net.

Youthful Tips

Help St. Jude's by Purchasing Target GiftCoins

Target donates $2 of every purchase to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® when you purchase any GiftCoin package between 11/1/09 and 12/24/09. Maximum donation of $750,000. 1-800-4STJUDE.

Give them as small gifts, rewards or prizes.

Ages 3+

Learn more about how Target supports St. Jude at Target.com/targethouse.

The names and logos of ALSAC and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are used with their permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, expressed or implied, of any product or company.

Youthful Tips

Winners Announced!

Random.org was used to select all winners from eligible comment entries.  Each winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to respond with mailing information.  If a winner does not respond, random.org will be used to pick a new one.

Thanks to everyone who has entered and follow my blog.  I truly wished I had enough to give to everyone especially during Christmas.

Amazon GC - Anndancer
AMC GC - Gradschoolmommy
SmartKnit Sensitive Socks - Carol
THERAFIRM GOGO Energy to Go Review & 2 Pair Giveaway - Checkers
THERAFIRM Therapeutic Gradient Compression Hosiery - Belinda M.


Youthful Tips

Operation USO Care Package

Distributed to deploying service members, care packages may include snacks, entertainment items, toiletries, sunscreen and other items requested by troops. With a donation of $25 you can sponsor a USO care package and include a personal message of support and encouragement. To support Operation USO Care Package, click here.

The trip over to Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan is long and boring as told by my husband!  Once they get there, they could be stuck for days waiting to be processed.  Anything they get can be used and greatly appreciated!


 
Youthful Tips

3 Relatives Christmas Cheer - 11/21 - 12/5



Photobucket
Christmas Gift Guide

The holidays will be here before we know it and Health, Beauty, Children and Family, My So Called Homeschool Life and Baby Plus Me wants to help you celebrate with less to worry about.  We're putting together a holiday guide full of ideas, gift suggestions and giveaways.


Stay tuned as the fun will start the end of November for the giveaways but until then, you can see what we have prepared and see our sponsors.  We have more sponsors coming on board so this is just the start.  



Preparing for the holiday:


Christmas Girl With Gift

Gifts by Category


Children (click on the title)


Boudreaux's Butt Paste
Uncommonly Cute - Clothing
Amy Adele


Women (click on the title)


Everyone (click on the title)

Zuvo 150
Spin & Go Mop
Hem-Eze (easy way to hem clothes)






Check out our fine sponsors below and stay tuned for all the giveaways!



Starbucks $10 GiftCard Winner Announced

Congratulations to Kristy as she was the random.org lucky winner of the $10 Starbucks Gift Card.  Kristy has been sent an e-mail.

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Click here to see the original post: http://youthfultips.blogspot.com/2009/11/10-starbucks-gift-card-113009.html

Youthful Tips
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