Fashion Playtes Birthday Party Special Offer & Code

Birthdays are supposed to be a fun celebration with friends! And for those girls who are total fashionistas, FashionPlaytes has a fantastic new idea... throw a FashionPlaytes birthday! They have a fun, creative, and mess-free way to make sure your daughter and her friends have a great time!  With Fashion Playtes, your girls will get to express themselves by designing their own dream outfit, while saving you from carpooling down to the local mall! FashionPlaytes also has a ton of party ideas that will make a great addition to the creative, girly, fashion party! **Plus, they have a special BIRTHDAY offer: If you throw a birthday party with 5 guests, then the birthday girl will get a free t-shirt! Simply use the code "birthday100" and when you buy $120 in gift certificates, we will only charge you $100! This is a great offer that lets each girl design her own Jane t-shirt!

Visit FashionPlaytes.com - where girls 5-12 are fashion designers - get $10 off your next purchase!

Princesseneige Etsy Shop

Looking for necklaces, children's bags, legwarmers, scarves or more?  Don't forget to check out Princess Eneige's Etsy Shop.  Some of the handmade items feature the softest baby alpaca from Perou.   Here are just a few of the beautiful handmade items available:

  

About Princesseneige's Etsy Shop:

Original, luxurious and poetical hand knitted clothes and accessories for babies, kids and moms.

In my boutique you can find unique items for you or somebody you love. Each piece is unique and knitted with great care and special attention to details.

Using only 100% natural yarns and fabrics such as alpaca, cachmere, wool, cotton, linen, mohair and silk, this collection is made in France.

Visit her web-blog at http://princesseneige.canalblog.com/

Princesseneige has partnered up with Blogmania 2010 to provide this great giveaway item to one of my lucky winners:

Thanks to OneMillionMoms for Protecting Our Families

In a society that really makes me fear sometimes for the future, I wonder how much other generations in the past had the same fears of what is happening with our country and what is going to become of it?  I probably should do more to make changes and invoke a difference but I just keep too much on my plate and have differing priorities.  So when I can't completely do what I want to do, I have found an outlet in trying to protect my children as much as possible through other venues.  I understand there is a fine line with freedom of speech and parental responsibilities but there is also a line to draw when the material is clearly and blatantly up front and not just on TV but in advertisements and businesses.

One of my personal favorites is OneMillionMoms.com which is a project of the American Family Association.  I signed up with them a few year's ago and they are a web based, e-mail alert program that asks its members to contact certain businesses when their advertisements cross the line.  The latest one which inspired this post was asking members to contact Sears.  For their Father's Day event, there were a series of nude and semi-nude posters available for purchase.  The posters were found via a specific search and I was really surprised that Sears actually sold these posters online.  Granted, porn is everywhere and when you have a society that utilizes half dresses women to sell anything from grass killer to tires to animal feed (I am exaggerating a bit), it's no wonder there is a focus on nudity.  However, I do expect to have some decency in places that I would have expected to be harmless.  I never envisioned that I would have to monitor my kid's searching on department stores now.


So after my rant, I wanted to say thanks to the American Family Association's OneMillionMoms.com for being the voice of decency in areas our children have access to ...namely advertisements and more!  Thank you!

Flirty Apron Sale & Father's Day Gift Idea

Time to catch those adorable Flirty Aprons on sale or get your favorite dad one for Father's Day!  What better way to encourage them to cook and keep you from the task then to buy a new apron and use the excuse to try it out!


Even though they are irregular, at $12.99, you can't beat that!  Click the link at the bottom of the page for more great irregular aprons on sale.

  

June 12th National Get Outdoors Day

Did you know that children in the U.S. today spend 50% less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago? It's no wonder with TV, the internet and video games that they are too occupied to get up and get moving.

This Saturday, June 12th, is the National Get Outdoors Day and the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council are promoting this day to help you get your kids and families outdoor and spend some time in the forests getting reconnected with nature and all the great offerings an active lifestyle can give you.  

The DiscoverTheForest.org website will give you the tools and motivation to get out there and build some memories while doing something good for all of your health!

At http://www.DiscoverTheForest.org you can find…

·         An excellent “nature finder” tool that lets you simply type in your zip code and find the nearest forest, park or nature sanctuary

·         Lots of fun online games that will teach parents and kids interesting things about nature, like how to identify wildlife tracks or use a compass

·         Tips for parents on how to help get their kids outside and enjoying nature, including an activity book of stuff to do when out in nature

·         You can fan them at facebook.com/DiscoverTheForest for access to fun photos, tips, nature information and much more

They're celebrating the great outdoors on Twitter, too. Discover The Forest’s Twitter “spokes-animal,” Cheecker the squirrel, has a hashtag (#DiscoverNature) for people to show their support for getting kids into nature. 

Spread the word on Twitter with this message as I just did:

RT @cheecker Saturday is National Get Outdoors Day! Get out and #DiscoverNature with our site: http://bit.ly/bfQlh6

The Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service have also partnered with DreamWorks Animation for a new series of PSAs featuring Shrek. Want to help get your kids outside? Watch this video to remind yourself, and them, that surprises exist everywhere in the forest: 

Avon: Traveling & Packing is a Breeze

Make packing a breeze this summer with Avon! Whether you’re visiting museums and monuments in Europe, enjoying a tropical honeymoon, or treating yourself to a weekend get-a-way, Avon has the perfect styles that will make traveling stress-free and stylish.  With all fashi

on favorites under $30, you won’t have a melt down if your luggage gets lost.

Dress to Impress

Create show-stopping style with the Rolling in Roses Dress ($29.99). Embellished with a subtle, yet chic, rose trim, this black, wrinkle-free number is super flattering and will go with everything in your suitcase!  

Beach-Ready Fancy Footwear

Perfect for the beach, sightseeing, or dining out, you cannot beat the comfort and style of the Jelly Blossoms Sandals ($14.99). Topped with a blooming red flower, these sandals will brighten your day :)

Funk it Up with Glam Jewelry 

Embellish your look with the Multistrand Beaded Bracelet ($14.99). The versatility of this bracelet is perfect for traveling and easy to pair with shorts and sandals for day, as well as with a dress and heels for evening. (Try stacking three of one color for a more chunky look!)

Top it Off with Snazzy Shades

Protect your eyes and add chic style to your look with these Modern Aviators ($14.99). A classic shape with a thin rim frame that is available in white or green, why not go for both!

Eager to find more Avon styles for the fashionable jet-setter? Check out the complete Avon Summer Fashion Collection, all available through an Avon representative, at http://www.avon.com.

*Disclaimer: Information provided by company or PR representative.

Guest Post: Men's Health Week by Steve Jasper

Every year, Men's Health Week falls on the seven days prior to Father's Day. The significance of this event would mean nothing without first realizing that one's health is not only a measure of the lifestyle you lead, but how you stay in shape as well. A fraction of men are regular gym-goers who work out tirelessly with exercise equipment in order to keep their bodies healthy and active. Men realize that working out serves a more important function than just building muscles. Working out can help you improve your body image, self confidence, and even add years to your life.

 

Men's Health Week (June 14-20^th) is a week of awareness involving health issues and diseases for men that easily can be averted with early action, treatment, and healthy prevention. It's no coincidence that Men's Health Week leads right up to Father's Day because Father's Day is where we celebrate a man we love and wish nothing but health and happiness to. Yet, how can more men be proactive in staying healthy and avoiding illness and heath issues? Well, a good place to start is to be educated about how to use the gym, and exactly how important it is to do so. A better knowledge of how to properly exercise is integral to fighting obesity and improving your health.

The list of ailments that go along with obesity is almost endless: diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, respiratory problems, and even cancer all have higher incidence rates in the obese. This is scary enough, but looking at the statistics, it's even more frightening. The Journal of the American Medical Association states that 72 percent of men over the age of 20 are considered to be overweight or obese while 32 percent are dangerously obese. This is too much- especially when studies held by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have shown that physical activity may greatly reduce the risk of both obesity and most health conditions in men.

Depending on who you ask, going to the gym may either seem like a hobby or a chore, but following those routines are important to staying fit and healthy for men everywhere. Now, we all come up with excuses as to why we can't work out. When polled, the biggest reason men gave for not being able to exercise is, "not enough time." The best way to overcome this hurdle is by getting your hands on one of your own personal home gyms. When you factor in the time it takes to travel back and forth from your fitness center, the gas money spent to do so, and the various membership fees, a home gym starts to look like a very reasonable option. And if you are more likely to work out regularly on your home gym than you are at your club, then all the more reason to pick one up.

Steve Jasper is not a medical expert. If you have any serious medical concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional before undertaking a new fitness regimen. Steve is a contributing blogger from Gymsource who writes an all topics related to fitness equipment and more.

Free 4x6 Photo Book & Free Photo Wall Calendar from Vista

Perfect for Father's Day or that summer birthday, shower or wedding coming up!


Vista Print - Free 4x6 Photo Flip Book. The handy 4” x 6” size is easy to carry wherever you go. Upload your photos and customize with captions. Includes 10 pages with one photo per page. Promotion Allowed: Contextual, Newsletter, Banner, Social by clicking here.

Vista Print - Free Photo Wall Calendar. Wall Calendars Impress family and friends. Choose icons, add captions and upload photos for a special touch. Size: 11" x 8.5" Easy to design and order. Makes a great gift for customers, friends and family. Fun, unique and affordable . Promotion Allowed: Contextual, Newsletter, Banner, Social by clicking here.

Deals & Next Week's Coupon Insert Preview & Sales

Okay, we are still learning on how to best utilize the whole coupon-deal saving thing especially at CVS.  We thought we had that great deal down on the razors but in our hast of thinking if we both went through the line to complete our first transaction as I already had five ECBs and that I would hand the five ECBs to my daughter to purchase the same razor, we messed up!  Duh ... we both need a CVS card!  I should have known this as I messed up last week with a deal by trying to purchase two items and forgetting the ECBs were one per product/customer purchase.  So thanks to CVS Deals on WeUseCoupons, we did get two razors that would have cost over $19 for under $5.  Still not bad for newbies!


Our Target deals are coming and thanks to WeUseCoupons, we found some good deals here: Target Deals on WeUseCoupons.


Want to get a jump on next week?


CVS Preview and Matchup for upcoming Week here.

Wags Preview and Matchup for upcoming Week here. 

RiteAid Preview and Matchup for upcoming Week here.  

Food Lion Ad for Upcoming Week here. 


Coupon Preview for Next Week here.

Part of Avon: Mark Products Did You Know?

I signed up to be a Mark Rep year's ago and never really did much with it due to competing priorities (i.e. kids with chronic conditions).  I recently received an e-mail asking me to get re-involved and after looking at all that Mark has to offer, I thought I would share as I had no idea how much they have changed.  Look at some of the cute fashion they carry:

This is a reversible skirt so you can get two looks with one purchase:

Don't forget about the make up as there are great options and don't forget Mark is part of Avon!

Martha Stewart's Magnetic Gardening Gloves Craft Project

I love this project because I'm always losing my gardening gloves. I hate the idea of weeding and finding a spider hidden so the gloves are my way of feeling better. I think I've also learned to not wear my glasses because if I don't see them, they aren't there, right? It's what I tell myself anyway along with the label on bars of chocolate. I'm a Martha fan and I'm proud to say it. She's amazing in every way and I hope I look as great as she does!


My e-mail this morning revealed this great simple project that will help me keep track of my gloves.


Here it is compliments of Martha Stewart's website:

1. Cut two 1 1/4-inch-long pieces of 3/4-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon. Sew 1 piece of ribbon to inside of cuff, leaving 1 side open (for a neater hem, fold under the cut ends of ribbon before stitching).

2. Slip a 1/2-inch rare-earth disk magnet into the pocket; stitch to close. Repeat process with second glove. In the garden, keep gloves within reach by attaching them to a metal bucket or to each other around one of your belt loops.


So easy and smart!  Why didn't I think of that??

Swagbucks: Way to Get Prizes and More! I Just Ordered a $30 Target Card

Join Swagbucks for great prizes and more!  I cashed mine in for a $30 Target gift card and right now when you sign up, you can get 50 Swagbucks by using code SUMMEROFSWAG!


It's free & easy!

It's a Girl-to-Be!

The ultrasound confirmed my daughter is having a girl!  What a surprise as we were sure it was a boy!

CONGRATULATIONS TO APRIL & CODY!

Breast Cancer Awareness Event - Coming Soon!

Coming from a family with a history of breast cancer, this is near and dear to my heart.  

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant(cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease—differing by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumors themselves. Obviously no woman wants to receive this diagnosis, but hearing the words "breast cancer" doesn't always mean an end. It can be the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts and finding hope.

The best way to fight breast cancer is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages. Start your Early Detection Plan today.


Click here to make your own plan from the National Breast Cancer Organization.


Stay tuned for more information on breast cancer.

WeUseCoupons Great Savings & Affiliate Program

Saving money is always good and with all the great sites out there, it makes it even easier.  WeUseCoupons.com is another great place to join others in the pursuit of saving money.   You can search the database for free coupons, read the forums for special savings and deals and so much more.  If you are a blogger, you can even sign up to be an affiliate and earn money.

Stay tuned for more information and thanks to Simply Stacie for the lead!

Kt Steppers: Custom & Unique Step Stools for Kids

I am a big fan of Womentorz so here is another feature store:  Kt Steppers is a relatively new wonderful shop for handmade, high quality step stools for your little ones.  They offer custom & unique step stools that can fit so many themes or taste.  I highlighted the Kidskreate line because my kids love chalk and they love to draw.  One likes to draw on the walls but I won't mention names .... she knows who she is!  See how cute they are?

Not only does KT Steppers have many customized step stools to choose from but they have different styles too.  If you can't find the one you want, just let them know as they will work with you too .. how's that for customer service?

You can read more about Kt Steppers here or check out the great gift ideas here.   I've not reviewed the Kt Steppers but they look amazing and do know that the other lesser versions I have tried are not sturdy and do slip out whereas these look much better!

Whatever your need, Kt Steppers has you covered if you are looking for an adorable, unique kids step stool!  

Taking it Easy on a Sunday & Tomorrow is the Big Day

Today was a day of rest and kiddie fun at the school's playground.  We have a swingset/play area at our house but it's backed up against the very woodsy backyard and with the increase of snakes, I'm a little reluctant to let them out in the area.  I've never seen so many spiders and snakes than I have since we moved to Georgia and I can't say that I'm going to miss them one bit when we live unless we trade it in for something worse!   That's one benefit to military life is the ever changing new environments we get to experience every three years. I'm not sure how the kids will do with school so I will have to figure out ways to help compensate for that when the time is right.


We did something that I vowed I was not going to do often which was elect for fast food.  After watching a PBS special on Diet Free and reading the great book Vintage Remedies which I posted a review on, I am worried even more about modern day foods.  I want to get on a mission to make the right food choices and what I noticed both from the program on TV and the book, you make little strides to make it work.  You can't change everything you have done over years and years in a day which is absolutely correct.  I've already eliminated sodas from my diet with an occasional one here and there but no more than two a week if even that much.  I sadly admit that I let my seven year old drink them but starting yesterday, she gets one a day until we run out of the existing supply and then it will be only a treat.  It's all water from here on out with some juice.  She usually drinks Glaceau Smart Water 24 20oz Bottles as with epilepsy, I read the replacement of electrolytes is good.


I diverged a bit but after we ate, we played and then went home for more needed rest.  I needed it more because my soon to be three year old kept me up through the night with a sore on her tongue.  I think she's been chewing on it or she bit it.  She had a chewing fetish on blankets that just ended about two weeks ago so I think this is a carry over. 

   

Tomorrow is a big day as my oldest, almost 22 years old, will find out the gender of her baby that is due 10/10/10!  I am so excited and can't wait to find out as is she and the father!  My husband will have to get the news via e-mail as is everything else.  This is the second summer in a row that he'll be in the Middle East.

She did take the Intelligender Gender Detection Test Kit so we get to see how accurate it is!  

Cellfires Bonus Surprise Up to $10 Coupon for Kroger is Up but Hurry!

Just click HERE to see if you can snag up to a $10 savings to Kroger or to a Kroger-owned subsidiary store.  You must be a member of Cellfire already logged in so if you are not, click the box below and join!  The value will be up to $10 but will vary.