Pop Weaver Made with Canola Oil

My girls love popcorn and we have one of those counter type popcorn makers that is really good but I don't always feel like putting it altogether nor spending the money as the popcorn we use is a little more costly.  We turned to that popcorn maker when we found we weren't happy over existing microwave popcorn until I had a chance to receive a complimentary box of Pop Weaver popcorn made with canola oil.  

Here are some facts:

• The first and only microwave popcorn made with canola oil, which makes the popcorn lowest in bad saturated fats.
• Canola oil is 93% composed of beneficial polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that:
• supply Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fats
• lower bad LDL cholesterol
• help prevent coronary disease
• Canola oil is trans-fat free and is lower in calories and saturated fats than palm oil, soybean oil, corn oil,
  sunflower oil, and even olive oil.
• A full bag of our Extra Butter has 0g trans fat, 2g saturated fat, and only 260 calories. Let's see any
  other microwave popcorn beat that.
• Canola oil is sourced in North America and does not contribute to the destruction of rainforests.

Pop Weaver's Butter Burst flavoring is maximized at the time of popping and coupled with the canola oil, it provides a robust flavor.

I found Pop Weaver was fresher tasting and had a buttery yet not heavy taste.  My daughter loved it and has already ate the box that was provided.   Since it's the first to use canola oil, which is better for you, I am more inclined to purchase Pop Weaver again due to the health factor, the freshness and taste.

To learn more about Pop Weaver, click here and you can follow them on Facebook here.

Pop Weaver was also just featured in the July 2010 edition of Prevention for being a company that makes it easier to swap bad fats for good ones.  Click here to read more.

Agoo 50/50 UV Sales Event: $50 Giveaway Open to US & Canada 7/19 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO... simone/ thebubbledies  An e-mail has just been sent to Simone as Peggy did not respond so Simone has 48 hours to respond.   Please remember if you enter giveaways, always check spam folders! Thanks to all those who entered!     You may or may not have heard of Agoo but if you have not, they were founded on the desire to provide exceptional clothing for kids with active lifestyles.  They are a different company for children as they have what are called Features and are broken down into four categories: Performance - Agoo offers an UPF +50 rating on all their activewear; Wick away activewear helps to pull moisture away from the skin helping to keep them dry and more comfortable; Stain resistance fabric helping to keep your kid's clothing looking great longer; Agoo activewear is constructed with 4-way stretch to twist, turn, jump, roll and move just like the kids do. Comfort - Agoo Activewear is constructed using Flatlock stitching which ensures a comfortable finish against sensitive skin; Tag free clothing!  The information is imprinted so no more tearing away of tags or tags that irritate; Clothing with a little extra length in the sleeves and body to ensure longer wear which saves us money. Technical - The Activewear, Rainwear and Outerwear are made of special fabrics to protect our children even more.  Read more here. Feature Fabrics - Agoo supports conservation and uses Repreve (made from recycled materials) and Bamboo (naturally green fabric).   Agoo offers many variety of clothing from Baby Clothes, Kids Clothes, Tushie Huggers, Agoo Leggings, Accessories to Outerwear. The Girls Leggings seem to be a big hit on the blogosphere from what I read.  They are cute, trendy and fashionable.  Available in so many different styles, they are also affordable and before we know it, summer will be gone and these will also compliment any fall/winter wardrobe. Another nice thing about Agoo, they offer products for both boys and girls.  Boys want to be fashionable too!   Agoo is having a 50/50 UV Sales Event!  Not only do you get to save a great deal of money but you also get to enter to win a $50 gift certificate! Want to stay on top of the latest deals, sales and more from Agoo?  Become a fan on Facebook, follow on Twitter, check You Tube and even Flickr. To Enter: Leave a comment that you follow my blog and want to win! Bonus Entries (mandatory entry has to be completed for bonus entries to count): Leave a comment on Agoo's Facebook page that you entered YouthfulTips giveaway - (2 entries) Follow Agoo on Twitter - (1 entry) Sign up for the Agoo newsletter - (1 entry) Follow me on Twitter - (1 entry) Subscribe to my blog - (1 entry) Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily) - (1 entry) Write this on my Facebook page: I entered the Agoo 50/50 UV Event givaway. Blog about this giveaway (only once allowed) - (five entries) Enter any of my other open giveaways (five entries) Giveaway ends 7/19 at midnight.  Winner chosen by random.org. Open to US and Canada (yeah for my Canadian readers!) *Coupon code is good while supplies last.

InvitationBox $25 Gift Card Giveaway 7/22 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Aileen!

An e-mail has just been sent to Aileen!

Thanks to all those who entered!

Summertime is made for gatherings and special events and it's one of my favorite seasons.  I've always enjoyed the sun and the warmth and loath the winter as I'm not one for being cold!  It's been a busy summer for us already with a husband who left for Kuwait, numerous birthday and parties and a baby shower to plan for in early fall.  I love planning the perfect party and find that the perfect party begins with a theme and then progresses to the right invitation.  I had never heard of InvitationBox.com until just recently.

 

When I find a company that I like, I want to find one that covers all the special occasions and then some.  Not only does InvitationBox.com have invitations but they have all the major special occasions covered to include stationery, moving announcements, baby announcements, gift shop and more!

 

As you can see from all the pictures, InvitationBox.com has so many products to fit all your party and gift giving needs.  The stampers are really cool and I can see giving my father-in-law a Tennessee gift from that!


I will post a secondary review but in the meantime, here is the giveaway:


One lucky winner will receive a $25 Gift Certificate!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and follow InvitationBox.com on Twitter - return and leave a comment that you follow my blog and what your Twitter handle is.


Bonus Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter
• Fan me on Facebook.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Check out my review of InvitationBox.com here.


The winner's orders must be made before August 31, 2010.

Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act

A little over one year ago on June 22, the President signed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act into law.  What many people don’t know is that tough new rules on tobacco marketing and sales to kids will went into effect on the week of June 28th. 

I'm a big supporter of tobacco laws and although I do understand the flip side on how people feel it's an infringement of their rights, I think kids need to be protected.

Tobacco use kills more than 440,000 people each year and costs $96 billion in health care expenditures annually. Today, 3,900 kids will try a cigarette for the first time and 1,000 kids will become addicted, daily smokers. 

Here are the new rules regarding cigarette sales include:

• No cigarette or smokeless tobacco sales to minors (less than age 18) under federal law for the first time
• No production or sales of cigarettes with misleading labels such as “light”, “mild” and “low tar”
• No packaging of smokeless tobacco without larger, stronger warning labels
• No vending machine sales or self-service displays of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco except in adult-only facilities.
• No sales of cigarettes in packages of fewer than 20 cigarettes
• No branded product tie-ins (e.g., T-shirts with brand names or images) with purchases of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products.
• No branded sponsorships of athletic or cultural events by cigarette or smokeless manufacturers, distributors or retailers.
• No free samples of any tobacco products, except limited free samples of smokeless tobacco products allowed in temporary adult-only facilities in certain restricted situations.

Native Remedies: The Natural Choice

I received some information today on Native Remedies and was curious about them so I checked them out.   They were founded in 2002 and are formulated to offer a complete solution for holistic wellness.  One of the things I liked what I read was:


All Native Remedies products are manufactured in an FDA and GMP registered pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of an expert team of herbalists, naturopaths, homeopaths and responsible pharmacists.


That was important because the natural remedies/treatment industry is not regulated so anything can go.  With having the FDA and GMP involved, there is a great assurance in quality.  Here is additional information:


All of our herbal products are created using our Full Spectrum Approach™ (FSA), a set of standards and processes that combines the best quality, laboratory-tested, raw ingredients, good manufacturing practices and a Full Spectrum manufacturing method to guarantee you products of the highest quality, safety and effectiveness.

All remedies contain no animal products, gluten, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, are not tested on animals, and backed by our One Year Unconditional Money Back Guarantee. Plus, individual homeopathic ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).


They have a wide variety of products:

MamaGize Pick-Me-Up Spritzer^™ 

Uplifts, invigorates and energizes the spirit - just spray on body or in any room

• Supports energy and stamina
• Soothes the spirit
• Energizes and revitalizes your body and soul
• Supports healthy sleep patterns and a peaceful night’s sleep
• Promotes a pampering and uplifting aromatic experience

Faithful Feet Massage Oil^™

Natural massage oil using pure essential aromatherapy oils for foot massage

• Soothes tired and aching feet, especially during pregnancy
• Supports circulation to the feet and ankles
• Relaxes, energizes and revitalizes your body and soul
• Pampers and uplifts you through an aromatic experience
• Is safe during pregnancy

ImmunityPlus^™

Provides complete and effective immune system support

• Builds a strong and healthy immune system
• Supports overall systemic balance and cellular health 
• Helps to protect the body against threats
• Improves energy levels and vitality
• Promotes healthy circulation and blood flow
• Maintains healthy liver functioning
• Safe and effective concentrated tincture

KiddieBoost^™

Supports healthy immune functioning in children

• Maintains healthy childhood immunity functioning
• Supports a developing immune system
• Supports vitality, vigor and healthy development
• Supports healthy circulation and oxygen-rich blood flow to all systems in the body

Bio-Oxidate Defense^™

Supports cell integrity with natural antioxidants to discourage aging due to lifestyle factors

• Acts as a natural anti-oxidant to promote cell health
• Supports the cell integrity of each cell in the body
• Discourages common aging due to lifestyle factors
• Encourages the body’s ability to counteract the effects of oxidization on cells
• Encourages overall systemic health and support of the immune system 

*Information provided by TransMedia - this post is not a review nor endorsement as I have not tried these products.

Blogmania Scavenger Hunt Details: Starts July 1st

Here is a quick look at all of the sponsors for the Blogmania Scavenger Hunt that starts July 1st.  You could win $100 to your choice of one of these shops simply by finding the Blogmania image hidden among their pages.  

To get a jump start, bookmark the Blogmania blog and get ready to go!  The post will go live at midnight Wednesday night which will contain the master list, complete with instructions on how to join the fun, and clues to help you find our image!

The Pat-a-Cake Baby
Clutch That
Susie Cues
Milkin’ Cookies
Oh Goodie Designs
The Peach Tree
Tiny Dots by Robyn
Always B Designs
Candied Bath Bakery
Evelyn White – Fine Fabric Fancier
Ficklets
Soapy Ventures by Jamie Johansen
Catnap Cottage
Waste Not Recycled Art
The Sterling Custom Shop
Lilly Queen
Pocket Full of Daisies
Pottery by Deborah
Batwa
Karen’s Kreations
The Purse Place
Cayenne Peppy
Invitations and More
Candle Kitty
Pane in the Grass
Crzy Bag Lady Designs
Pretty Little Pearl
SquackDoodle
Scentsy (Kimberly Robinette)
Altered by Jenn
Pink Dixie
It’s My Favorite Boutique
Adorable Baby Clothing
Peanutbearys
Better than Normal
Japanesesque Accents
Just for the Art of it
Couture Unraveled
Royal Rugrats
Sasa Originals
Snowman Collector
Cierra’s Sweets
Travel Time Crafts
C’s Charms
A little Lollipop Tree
Sew Lucky Embroidery
Pieces of Me Pendants
Decal Show
The Story Book Cottage
Less Ordinary Designs
Vintage Lures
The Decorative Bee
Muddy Puppys
Paint Myself Pretty
Ultimate Essentials
Loretta’s Crafts
Itsy Bitsy Paper
Ruby Ryder Attire
The Wicked Mama’s Emporium
Fragile Elite Jewelry Designs
Fuzzy Mug
Orglamix
2 Blondes and Bling
Julie the Fish Designs
Sea Glass Treasures
Bird Crafts Party Shop
Cards and Notes
KD Designs
Michelle V Custom Leather Jewelry
Faith Heart
Tribute Books
Posh Pixels Design Studio
Angie’s Store
Scrivener’s Retreat
Island Girls Jewelry
Mommy Mart
Rainbow Swirlz
Darkling Treasures
Kolcraft
T and Little S Designs
GIGART
ColorMe Art Spa
Lavender Moon Oasis
d.s. lookkin
dj2designs
Sadie Olive
Serendipity Rose
Creative Visions Woodworking
Tweet Memories
Lovely Pieces Design
Dahzay Designs
A Dash of Kennedy – A Dash of Style
Amby Creations
New Leaf Handmade Goods
Loverly Vintage
Lunarra Star
Charm Factory
Nanna’s Knitting
Ellie Blossoms
Jewelry by Aisha
Always Personal
Inkspot Workshop
Creative Artworks
Dove Chocolate Discoveries (Kim C.)
Lucy Blaire Creations
Pomella
She’s that Girl Soap Shop
I am Joolienn
Giggles Galore n More
Raceytay
Kitsune Yuki
Bubalina Beauty
Jewelry by Jackie
WeeLittlePea
Sprinkles of Love
Alyssabeth’s
Tickled Pink Paperie
Jolex USA
Sarahsewta
Brynn’s Beautiful Bows
Zo-Be Designs
Wired Whimsy
Relm Handmade
Necklace Necessities
It’s the Small Things
Uniquely Pampered
Untangled Living
The Posh Event
Scrappy Gifts
KG Style Designs
Mama Hoot Designs
Gussy
ATG Stores
Saint Francis Couture
Sora Designs
Creative Baby

Blogmania Spotlight on The CatNap Cottage

Looking for handcrafted afghans and throws?  Housewares, linens or pillows?  How about sachets, bedspreads or blankets?  If you want handcrafted products with a 100% positive feedback on over 1000 purchases, please visit The CatNap Cottage.  

  

A Little About Catnapcottage's Shop:

The CatNap Cottage  has an eclectic mix of unique vintage finds and handcrafted goods.  She is a vintage textile collector. who loves to restore linens, spreads and fabrics. If they cannot be used for their original purpose, she gives them a new life, mostly as pillows. Her pillows are about the fabric used to construct them. In her travels, she has come across other unique vintage items that she could not pass up and lots of them ending up in her shop. 

If you want to read a little history on fabrics, she does a beautiful job in understanding how the fabric, barkcloth came about here.

Here is neat fact:  One of The CatNap Cottage's pillows was featured in Real Living Magazine!

      

The CatNap Cottage will combine shipping from purchases from all her shop:

• Crocheted Scarves & Birdie Brooches @ http://CraftyNanaCreations.etsy.com
• Vintage Modern Pillows & Decor @ http://MidCenturyModern.etsy.com 
• Lampwork Bead & Silver Jewelry @ http://DanglesandBangles.etsy.com
• Vintage Barkcloth Yardage and Pillow Panels @ http://VintageTextileJunkie.etsy.com

You can also check out The Catnap Cottage's blog here.  Facebook here or follow in Twitter here.

Layaway is available - Pay How Much You Want and When You Want! - Just send her a convo!

Radio Flyer Wagons & The World's Largest Wagon Mosiac

 

I think the image of Radio Flyer Wagons reminds me of apple pie and baseball.  It seems as much the American tradition to grow up with one.  Shhh....my girls don't have one and I know I should have bought one by now but my oldest did have one.  This great American icon in their ever so loved signature color has been around since 1917!

As a kid, we had one and you can't forget the tricycles!  Those were also part of nearly everyone's home if they had children.  It's not just the red wagon anymore as there are many other products ranging from scooters to ride ons and as I noted, tricycles.  Summer fun and Radio Flyer go hand in hand!

Writing this post brought back so many memories and I had no idea that Radio Flyer made so many of the products I grew  up with.  I remember my brother riding to town on his rocking horse and who can forget the Inch Worm?  So beloved!

  

However you have fun making memories this summer with Radio Flyer, add your photo of your fun by participating in the World's Largest Wagon Mosiac.  All you have to do is capture those moments and add your picture(s) to help the legacy of the little red wagon to live on!

I posted this not only to spread the word on this great project to keep Radio Flyer around for many generations to come but also as part of the MomSelect program in hopes of winning a prize.

Our Kung Zhu Zhu Party

Thanks to the folks at Zhu Zhu Pets and MomSelect, I was able to host a Kung Zhu party for my daughter and some of her neighbor and school friends.  Zhu Zhu Pets were a big hit in our house this past Christmas as they were among many houses.  I even had to resort to buying a couple from Ebay to be able to give gifts.  The only Zhu Zhu I was able to purchase in a store ended up not working as soon as I opened it and the great folks at Zhu Zhu Pets replaced it for me due to the holiday depletion of all Zhu Zhu Pets.  I thought that exemplified excellent customer service on their part.

Back to our wonderful party!  We received this AMAZING party pack full of Zhu Zhu Pets and accessories.  The kids LOVED it and that's an understatement.  I did have to reserve one as my husband wanted me to send him one all the way to Kuwait.  He thought it would be cute to have in his room since they aren't allowed to have pets and serving in a war can be lonely.

Here is the deal on the great new addition to Cepia's line of Zhu Zhu Pets:  Kung Zhu are the new ninja themed Zhu Zhu Pets that are marketed to boys but I can vouch that girls love them too!  These cool battle hamsters are interactive and have their own personalities.  Whether you choose the Ninja Warriors or the Special Forces or even both your kids will have so much fun!  Each group has their own set of personalities and you can choose from special armor, weapons, vehicles and training ground to include a really cool battle arena.  All the parts are easy to set up and come apart easy for changing your training area or for each clean up as it does evolve into a large set up.

The theme behind these Kung Zhus are they have to be trained and transform into one of the Ninja Warriors or Special Forces so this gives the kids a mission.  Each hamster has their symbol of allegiance on their back and they have their own unique personalities.  With so many choices, the kids had such a great time choosing who they wanted to play.

After the party, we had water fun!

 

Overall, we had a great time!