10% Savings at Fashion Playtes

School is almost back here in Georgia so we began the journey to purchasing school supplies and clothing.   Every now and then I'll hear a parent complain at the number of supplies parents are required to purchase but I guess coming from a state where we had to pay book rentals and a slew of other fees in addition to school supplies, I think Georgians have it pretty good.   I think it's a prime example of using taxes for what they were suppose to be for and being able to have free books is a nice perk compared to what I was used to.


I regret that my seven year old is not into clothes as I would like her to be.  I love buying them clothes but she's so hard to buy for because she's picky.  One place where I have had luck is Fashion Playtes.  I think she loves them because she gets to design exactly what she wants and I think the bonus name on the label is appealing to her as she's a very creative child.  


I've purchased a few items from Fashion Playtes over the past several months and this is one of my daughter's favorites.

If you haven't checked out Fashion Playtes, you should as your daughter will love it!





Create Tees & Denim with FashionPlaytes. 10% Off on Gift Certificates or Any Order minimum of $25! Use Coupon Code: save10forschool

Six is Enough

I've read a blog not too long ago about how us moms must have an alarm on our butts as when we sit on the toilet, one of our children needs us.  I have found more so over the last few weeks with my nieces visiting, they always need me and it's only when I'm doing something I want to do.  I can sit in the living room with them and they all get along, play, have fun, play games, watch TV and so forth but the minute I try to write more on my historical novel, my blog, exercise or anything, they act up.  I found it amusing at first more so due to the irony of it but am growing perplexed as to what's the deal?


I brought my three nieces for a visit from Indiana since we don't see them often.  One returned home a week ago and the other two will go home later this week.  It's been nice having them and being able to spoil them a bit but I also learned how difficult it is to have so many children in one home.  Our power went out last night for over five hours so I took them to Walmart for a cool retreat as it was 89 inside.  The greeter said "hello girls!"  Then he added on "oh, hello many girls!"   We definitely pulled some looks given how many of us there were and I wondered if people had sympathy thinking they were all mine or if I was just some crazy lady who babysat a ton of kids.  

All in all, I'm in awe with the women who can manage MANY children, a house and sanity!  I always think of another blogger who wrote something like "I like giving home made gifts ... how many of my kids do you want?'  Cute humor and this will be a very memorable summer as I love my nieces very much!

British Retailer Marketing to Obese 3 Year Olds?

Plus Fit - As there's no such thing as one size fits all, we've cut these more generously for larger sizes

What a sad story I read while looking through the Fox News website, "British Retailer Sells 'Plus Size' Clothes to 3-Year Olds."  I routinely glance at Yahoo, CNN and Fox News just to see what is going on and to get all sides but this one is sad to me.  I understand overweight children most likely would like to have clothes that fit but to produce clothing that is "two-and-a-half extra inches around the waist" and cater to the epidemic seems socially irresponsible to me.  I'd much rather see more physical education type programs or games produced along with a reduction in costs for eating healthier.

I noticed with myself that as long as I have or purchase larger clothing sizes to accommodate my weight, I will most likely pack on more.  When I get to the end of my current clothes, I have a rule that I will not buy anymore regardless of what I have left.  For me, this is a deterrent from apathy and it makes me do something about it.  I also feel that by accommodating the growing traditional sizes, it just allows for more growth.  I reviewed some great products by Dr. Sears and he promotes grazing with children which is a great idea.  Grazing is only successful if done by eating proper food.  I've had experience with a grazer, outside myself, and saw the reason behind this child's obesity.  In spite of the mother stating she rarely ate and didn't eat large meals, I witnessed first hand why on more than one occasion.  This child grazed but she grazed on chips, cookies, cupcakes, donuts, etc.  Her grazing habits allowed her to stay constantly content or full but she consumed empty, fat-laden calories which caused her weight issue.  When it was time to sit down for a meal, she was already full and ate very little.

I also started witnessing my own seven year old start picking on the pounds towards the end of the school year which I directly attributed to the daily Happy Meals post school.  I made the mistake that due to her epilepsy, she needed to eat ASAP to stave off the effects of the condition.  When I think back, I'm not sure why I chose such a bad path but I remedied it before school ended and bought the Sneaky Chef cookbook.  Between better eating, physical activity outside along with doctor recommended sunshine therapy for Vitamin D and playing active games on the Wii, she is back to where she needs to be and I feel so much better.

Even though I have a ways to go, it's still sad to read stories like that.  To read the full story, click here.

Essential Swimwear Review & Giveaway 8/11 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO....kngmckellar!

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond.  Winner chosen by random.org

Thanks to all those who entered!

Summer isn't over yet and I've been on a buying trend for new swimsuits.  Granted, I still have to lose the weight I packed on recently, I'm working on it and my great EatSmart scale is helping me get there!  Regardless of those extra pesky pounds, I still like to have plenty of options available for when I want to lay out in the sun, hit the beach or go on vacation.  I received a complimentary suit from Essential Swimwear in exchange for my review and one lucky reader will win one too!


What started out as one woman frustrated with finding a suit that fit right, Brittney started hand making her own suits and that grew into making them for her family and friends.  Once word spread on the high quality, perfect fit suits, she started selling them.  Although they are no longer hand made, the same quality and styles are still what Brittney started with at Essential Swimwear.


Essential Swimwear has suits broken into tops, bottoms and swim skirts which allows the customer to customize the size they need.  I cannot purchase a two piece together as the top never matches my needs for a bottom or vice versa.  This option is perfect for those of us that have different proportions from the swimwear standards.  There are 16 different top styles to choose from (three shown below):

 

There are 16 different types of bottoms (three shown below):

 

Essential Swimwear provides a size chart to ensure you choose the correct measurement as well as a fit guide.  All you have to do is find your shape and they recommend the perfect suit to accentuate your features!


I chose the White Out Ruffles Halter Top and the White Hipster Bottoms.

 

Made of 80% nylon and 20% spandex, they don't hug too tightly thus showing those few pounds of fat which I love!  The bottoms are priced at $18.99 and the top at $32.99.  The halter top has a slightly padded inner lining which prevents water making it see through and the fabric is a little heaver than what I usually see and again, I prefer this as I don't want a see through suit.  The seams are double reinforced and it really is high quality.  The size was also perfect for what I needed.  They even provide a special care instruction to retain the look of your suit.


I would recommend Essential Swimwear based on the sample I received.


Little more about the company:

• Every Tuesday, there is a 20% off one item listed on their blog here.
• You can check out the sale items here.
• When an item sells out, it's gone for the season.

The Giveaway:

One winner will receive a swimsuit of their choice (subject to availability)!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and sign up for the e-mail newsletter here.  You must follow my blog and sign up for Essential Swimwear's newsletter to enter the giveaway.  

Extra Entries:

• Become a fan of Essential Swimwear on Facebook (worth 2 entries).
• Follow Essential Swimwear on Twitter (worth 2 entries).
• Become a follower of Essential Swimwear's blog (worth 2 entries).
• Subscribe to my blog (worth 2 entries).
• Follow me on Twitter (worth 2 entries).
• Become a fan of mine on Facebook (worth 2 entries).
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - leave time/stamp url - worth 2 entries).
• Blog about this giveaway (worth 5 entries - leave url).
• Enter any of my other giveaways (worth 5 entries).

BONUS ENTRY:

VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:

Giveaway ends at midnight (EST) on 8/11 and winner will be chosen by random.org.

US only please!

Brugo: A Perfect Degree of Taste Mugs Review & Giveaway 8/4 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO....


evelyn_white@hotmail.com!


An e-mail has just been sent!

How many times have you burned your mouth on a cup of hot coffee or cocoa?  I listen to my husband slurp as he drinks his (which is annoying so if you are reading, honey ....).   I normally steer clear of hot drinks as I have no patience to wait so I go without but I know others, like my husband, would absolutely LOVE the Brugo Mug.  

Here is how the Brugo Mug is different:

The cooling chamber at the top works because you are separating the sip from the main chamber, the “brandy swilling” motion cools that sip in the top chamber. Most people use them for travel whether that be in the car, train or bus, in the office, at the home and especially by new mothers.  Brugo offers an immediate solution to drinking tea and coffee on the go, in the office and at home. You can drink any hot beverage immediately... yes... no more having to wait 20 minutes for you first sip.  This would be ideal for my husband and I'll be sending him one all the way in Kuwait!

   

Not only is the Brugo Mug different from the technology aspect but they have a mug to fit your personality or lifestyle.  From the Jazz/Executive Series to the Sports Collection, your Brugo Mug should be the envy of others once they learn how cool it is.  I prefer the Jazz/Executive series due to the colors and sophisticated appearance.

   

The Brugo Mug is simple as you tip and sip.  The liquid quickly enters the Brugo's patented Temperature Control Chamber and is instantly adjusted to the perfect temperature while keeping the remaining liquid hot.  There are three options for using the Brugo Mug:  Lock to prevent spills, Tip & Cool to drink on the spot and Sip.  You can see the Brugo Mug in action here.  I tried it out and it works just as it states it does and it really looks upscale and trendy.  I may not send it to my husband after all!  It washes nicely, does well in the dishwasher and looks amazingly fashionable!   I would recommend the Brugo Mug to any hot drinker whether at home, on the way to work out or in an office environment.  Where else can you drink something hot on the spot without scalding yourself?  

Here is something also great for my international readers, you can get the Brugo Mug as Brugo is an international company in spite of being American!  

Right now, you can save when you buy two or more at $14.95 each versus $19.95 for one and free shipping on orders over $50.

The giveaway:

Your very own stylish, fashionable, trendy and cool Brugo Mug.

To Enter:

Just follow my blog and tell me what color you would pick.

Extra Entries (not required but the initial entry is):

1. Like and tell Brugo what color you would choose from Brugo's website on their Facebook page (two entries): "I would pick ___ color & I entered from YouthfulTips blog."
2. Follow Brugo on Twitter and tell them what color you would choose (two entries)
3. Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
4. Post about this giveaway on your blog & leave your link (five entries)
5. Tweet about this giveaway (two entries and can be done daily)
6. Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
7. Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

BONUS ENTRY:

VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:

Giveaway ends 8/4 at midnight (EST).  Winner chosen by random.org.

International giveaway!

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary sample from the represented company or PR representative.  The opinions reflected are honest and were not influenced by the sample received.

Black & Light: Simply Sophisticated Candles Review & Giveaway 8/11: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO ... 

Fionen

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond.  Winner chosen by random.org

Who doesn't love candles?  They are pretty, elegant, fun, cheerful and so much more!  Candles can decorate a house, change a mood or make someone smile.  I love candles and was more than delighted when I received a complimentary candle from Black & Light Simply Sophisticated Candles.  There were so many to choose from which made the selection process even harder but I did narrow it down to the 6" Divine - Black on White candle.

As you can see, it's very sophisticated, elegant and pretty!  It burns for 90 hours and is fragrance free.  I don't know if it burns for 90 hours as I didn't want to burn it up for this review because it's so pretty!  I can vouch that it burns slowly and it doesn't smell.  I know some people have an aversion to smells so this is ideal for them.  I also prefer a candle that is fragrance free so this was perfect for me.  


Here are some other areas that Black & Light are different:

1. The candles arrives in a beautiful recycled gift box and being an eco-friendly company, the box has another purpose to be re-purposed and given to someone else.  It is a very sturdy, elegant box that will house a like sized present and look beautiful!
2. The candle also arrived with a small box of matches completing the entire set as one beautiful, sophisticated package that anyone will love.  No detail is spared and the elegance alone is worth every penny as this is no ordinary company!
3. Black & Light is a family owned company which I also like to patron as it's always nice to see someone's dreams fulfilled and each candle is made in the US!
4. Black & Light also partners with mentally and physically disabled adults to pack and fulfill each product.  This is a wonderful way to give back to the community as well as acknowledging a person is a person regardless of any limitation.  I love this fact about Black and Light.  Black & Light also supports other charities so they are truly a socially responsible company.
5. Each candle glows from wick to base emitting light from every angle of the candle!  That is really unique and sets them apart from any other candle I have seen or purchased.
6. Custom candles can be ordered as well.

As you can tell by what I wrote, I definitely recommend Black & Light!   Here are more examples of their beautiful candles.

I took this picture to try to show the glow factor but it looks much prettier in person:

There are so many varieties that you need to check them out for yourself and don't forget to check out the clearance sale for extra savings.  Buy three and get free shipping!


The Giveaway:


One lucky winner will win the candle of their choice!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which candle you like from Black & Light.


Extra Entries:

• Follow Black & Light on Twitter (worth 2 entries)
• Fan Black & Light on Facebook (worth 2 entries)
• Follow me on Twitter (worth 2 entries)
• Subscribe to my blog (worth 2 entries)
• Fan me on Facebook  (worth 2 entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - worth 2 entries).
• Blog about this giveaway (worth 5 entries).
• Enter any of my other on-going giveaways (worth five entries).

BONUS ENTRY:

VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:

Don't forget to check out Black & Light's blog here.


Giveaway ends 8/11 at midnight (EST)  - US only please


Winner chosen by random.org from valid entries.  The first entry requirement must be made prior to determining winner.

Cheerios: What Do You Love To Do & Win 8/3 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


CAROL SUE!


An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen via random.org.


Thanks to all those who entered!

When I think of Cheerios, I always think of finger food for toddlers when they first begin to eat table food.  I always forget that as part of a heart healthy diet, eating Cheerios cereal, which is made with 100 percent whole grain oats, is an easy way to help maintain a healthy heart.  Cheerios is a staple in our house as we also purchase Honey Nut Cheerios and Frosted Cheerios.  I like they are made with whole grain and are low fat.


Cheerios is giving you the chance of a lifetime by partnering with country music superstar Martina McBride and professional athlete Cal Ripken, Jr. for the “Do What You Love” Contest. McBride and Ripken will recognize two lucky people with prizes that will make their hearts race.

One music lover (and a guest) will tour the Country Music Hall of Fame^® and Museum with McBride, hang out with her in her recording studio – the world famous Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tenn. – and even get VIP tickets to one of her upcoming concerts.

Another lucky baseball enthusiast (and a guest) will have the chance to hang out and play catch with Ripken and to tour the Ripken Youth Baseball Academy in Aberdeen, Md., with the “Iron Man” of baseball himself. In addition, the winner will throw out the first pitch at the Cal Ripken World Series and sit in Ripken’s reserved seats at a Baltimore baseball game. 


Can you imagine getting to hang out with Cal Ripken??  I would love to!

Now through July 23, 2010, all you have to do is submit your 150-250 word original story and photo, showcasing what you love to do. For a chance to win the experience of a lifetime with McBride and Ripken, visit http://www.cheerios.com/love today.

The Giveaway (in addition to the above contest):


A "Do What You Love” prize pack that includes one box of Cheerios and a $25 American Express^® Gift Card.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me what you love about Cheerios!


Bonus Entries:

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

BONUS ENTRY:


VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:





Also, check out Cheerios on Facebook today! Visit Cheerios on Facebook to “Like” the brand and keep up with the latest news from Cheerios.


Giveaway ends 8/3 at midnight and open to US only please.




Disclaimer:  The box of Cheerios, gift card, information contained in this post and giveaway were all provided by Cheerios through MyBlogSpark.

Dr. Sears "America's Pediatrician" Healthy Eating Made Fun Review & Giveaway 8/14 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...JENNIFER H!

An e-mail has been sent to Jennifer and sorry if you are reading but Jennifer has won past giveaways so I'm sure she will be responding within 48 hours!

Thanks to all who entered!

Who isn't struggling with eating properly and instilling good habits to last a lifetime in their children?  I know I am and have battled the scales for years and years.  I get pregnant, gain the weight, lose the weight, get stressed, gain the weight, lose the weight.  It's been a lifelong journey of missing the obvious and it's healthy eating.  Why? Maybe I'm weak and succumb to temptation too easily.  Maybe I wasn't raised with a focus on healthy eating or maybe I'm just lazy and don't cook as often as I should have when I worked full time.  Regardless, it's not too late to pick up a good habit and although I keep going back and forth to the "this is it" mentality, I slip mostly because I have such picky eaters.  


My middle child who has epilepsy is affected by not eating and if I give her something she does not like, she won't eat...period.  I haven't found the balance yet and even though I've tried the "let's cook together" and the Sneaky Chef cookbook, I'm still not achieving the success I would like.  My other younger daughter will eat more than her but they are both definitely affected by the utensils and other table settings so I use that to my advantage.  This is where Dr. Sears comes into play.  I'm an avid fan of Dr. Sears and have been following for about a year now due to his dedication to the most valuable assets we as parents have and that are children.

Taken from Zak's Design website:


Dr. Sears, or Dr. Bill as his "little patients" call him, is the father of eight children as well as the author of over 40 books on childcare.  Dr. Bill is an Associate Cinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine.  He received his pediatric training at Harvard Medical School's Children's Hopsital in Boston and the Hopsital for Sick Children in Toronto -- the largest children's hopsital in the world, where he served as associate ward chief of the newborn nursery and associate professor of pediatrics.  Dr. Bill is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and a fellow of the Royal College of Pediatricians (RCP).  Dr. Bill is also a medical and parenting consultant for BabyTalk and Parenting magazines and the pediatrician on the website Parenting.com.





A child's lifelong eating habits are typically developed between the ages of one and three.  This is the age when toddlers begin exporing solid foods, and it's also an important time for parents to ensure they are giving their kids the right kinds of food to taste.  Introducing young eaters to fresh foods will help children develop an appreciation for both the taste of these foods and their ability to satisfy hunger.  Dr. Sears knows that the habits developed early truly get passed to the future.  


Another aspect of Dr. Sear's philosophy's are to change our mindsets of three meals a day.  Given the size of a child's stomach, roughly the size of their fist, it takes less to fill them up.  Teaching them to graze is a healthier alternative to avoiding obesity as this is a big one in the weight loss medium.  Allowing children to eat smaller meals and snacks avoids the overstuffed feeling.





This is where Zak! Products and Dr. Sears have developed products to enhance your children's eating experience through fun.    I received the following complimentary products from Zak! Products:

 

The Nibble Tray can come apart with the first part of the pineapple shape storing six different types of food and a stay cool detachable section for dipping.  This tray is perfect as if your children are like mine, they don't want their foods mixed and the sections go from bottom to top so they won't mix once the lid is placed on the container.  Both the trays and lids have cute happy fruit, food and veggies so the children can be entertained by the pictures.  The outside of the earth friendly box offers the same tips and suggestions from Dr. Sears and it is dishwasher safe.  In spite of being BPA free, another great bonus, it is recommended to not be placed in the microwave.

 

The three piece Snack Container again is BPA free and packaged in an earth friendly box.  It is a handy three piece snack plate that comes apart and keeps the food separate.  You choose exactly what you want whether you need one container, two or three and you are also saving money by not using baggies and saving the environment.  The lids are adorned with those cute smiling fruits, vegetables and with translucent lids, parents can see what is inside easier.

No set is complete without the bowl!  The non-skid base helps to prevent those "uh oh" accidents of scooting it off the table.  The wide bottom helps to prevent spills and tip overs while the divided sections prevents foods from mixing.  Another great eat and store product that allows you to see what's in the bowl while proving it can be portable to take on the road if needed.  The top resembles a watermelon .. yummy!

 

Now you have the fun fork and spoon set designed especially for toddler hands and adorned with cute broccoli and carrot shapes.  Each Dr. Sears product contains age appropriate information.  

 

The drink collection is left with two choices: 

1. The 11 ounce Smoothie Sipper has a TPR-ringed bottom which helps to prevent tipping and slides.  Pear shaped to allow for an easier grip with for toddler sized hands and is a great way to sneak in some healthy smoothies!
2. The 8 ounce Sippy Cup with Flo-Control Valve is spill proof, leak proof and the patent pending Flo-Control Valve allows parents to control the flow based on their children's preferences which is a great idea as some children, like one of mine, chokes easily.

Summary:

I like the Dr. Sears line of products due to the appeal to children, the idea of healthy idea behind each product, the fact that they are BPA free, dishwasher safe, portable and made from eco-friendly packaging.  Dr. Sears has years of experience and being a father to eight, I know he has the practical experience as well.

The only issue I see are how the detachable units attach.  I like the idea that they slide in and sort of lock but I could also see a kid accidentally detaching them and either spilling contents or throwing a fit when they can't fit them back together.  I love the concept though and not really sure a better way could be developed as it does take a little effort to detach.


I would definitely recommend!


The Giveaway:


One lucky winner will win their own set of Zak! Products line of Dr. Sears Healthy Eating Made Fun products that I received.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me a healthy snack or way you get your kids to eat healthier.


Extra Entries:

1. Become a fan of Zak! Products on Facebook (two entries)
2. Follow Zak! Products on Twitter (two entries)
3. Visit Zak! Products and tell me about another product they make and you like here (two entries)
4. Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
5. Follow me on Twitter  (two entries)
6. Fan me on Facebook (two entries)
7. Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
8. Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries)
9. Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

BONUS ENTRY:

VOTE FOR MY DAUGHTER'S PEPSI GRANT PROJECT FOR THREE EXTRA ENTRIES PER DAY UNTIL GIVEAWAY ENDS:

Giveaway ends on 8/14 at midnight (EST) and winner will be chosen by random.org from eligible entries.  The first entry is mandatory and must be done before any other entry is valid.

Open to US only please!

*Disclaimer:  I did receive a complimentary product(s) for the purposes of this review.  Opinions stated in this review and/or giveaway are of my own.