Flojos: Kick into Fun. Slip into Style Sandal Review and Giveaway 8/24 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO....


jsc123


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


Thanks for entering!

Ever have a pair of shoes that makes you feel like you're walking on clouds?  I never had one feel so good until I slipped on my complimentary pair of Flojos and all I could think was "wow!"  The motto behind Flojos is kick into fun. Slip into style and that is the truth!    Flojos is the perfect summer flipflop that will leave your feet not aching and wanting more!  What's nice about Flojos is they are available for your whole family ... well, not your pet but everyone else to include your mother-in-law!  Us women have more choices but that's because we are fashionistas and deserve it!


There is a very nice selection to fit anyone's taste whether you want simply casual and functioning or hip and fashionable.

 

For the women, you can choose between Beach Scene, Seaside Chic, Island Style or Shoreline Casuals.  

 

Men can choose between Street Wear or Beach Wear and there are even cool selections for the kids!

I received the Blair which the description does state "take a walk on the clouds with the Blair."   It has a memory foam sock and soft manmade strap.  This was one of the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn.  There is nothing that hurts or causes blisters which most new shoes of this type will rub a blister between my toes when I first wear them.  They have a nice grip type feature on the bottom to avoid slipping since it's not smooth like other sandals.  It's a really nice, well made comfortable sandal for the warm weather. The top layer of memory sock/foam provides just the right softness to keep your feet feeling good!   I haven't taken mine off since I received them other than when I put on my tennis shoes.  

They are available in Black/Lavender, Brown/Violet or Charcoal/Turquoise in sizes 5 to 11 in womens.  They are priced at $31 but the comfort and quality makes this a great bargain!


I definitely recommend them based on the pair I received!


The Giveaway:


One reader will receive a pair too!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which pair you like the most from Flojos!


Bonus Entries (only after the first mandatory entry has been completed):

• Become a Fan of Flojos on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall you entered from Health, Beauty, Children and Family - two entries.
• Leave a comment on Flojos' Facebook site on which is your favorite sandal - two entries.
• Follow Flojos on Twitter - two entries - leave Twitter alias
• Subscribe to my blog - two entries
• Follow me on Twitter - two entries
• Fan me on Facebook - two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries
• Tweet about this giveaway - two entries - can be done daily
• Always check main page for extra opportunities for more entries!

Giveaway ends 8/24 at midnight - winner chosen by random.org

US only please!

Want to know more about Flojos?  Click here to read more!

Disney Extends Free Shipping, Build-A-Bear & FashionPlaytes Savings

Disney Stores is extending FREE Shipping On Your Entire Shipment With Any Back-to-School Item at DisneyStore.com with Promo Code: SCHOOLSHIP. Shop Now! Don't miss it!

Build-A-Bear has a save up to 25% on select stuffed animals from Build-A-Bear Workshop®!

Fashion Playtes has a $10 off first purchase right now!

Tips for Getting Your Kids Ready to go Back to School

I have a bittersweet view of school and although I'm glad my children get to socialize and learn new things, I miss them while they are gone.  I never struggled with it for my oldest but I think it's because she was healthy and I worked full time out of the home.   Two of my children have medical conditions and so I worry about their health.  Home schooling is an option I'm embracing as it allows me to have the ability to safe guard them while teaching them the recommended curriculum as well as good values and morals.  TwitterMoms and HarperCollins have teamed up again to offer this great contest about your tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school and you can join in here.

  

This was an easy one for me as our routine has been the same regardless of the child.  It's always a ritual to prepare in the same manner to ensure their success each year.  Here are my tips:

1. Make sure all needed supplies are bought before the first day of school.  It's essential the children have their needed supplies as it's disruptive to the class when one isn't ready to begin.  Teachers seem to be burdened with purchasing more and more every year and while I'm purchasing all the things on the school lists, this helps my little ones have what they need for class.
2. I plan, purchase and prepare balanced meals that will not only give them the proper nutrition but also to keep them operating on a full tank.  A hungry child is one that will lose focus easily.
3. Proper rest is paramount to a successful year in school.  One week prior to the start of school, we return to our normal school routine of an early bedtime and wake up to make the transition smooth.
4. All needed clothes are purchases ahead of the first day of school.  A child well groomed is happier regardless of the age.  Kids can be cruel so ensuring they are wearing proper clothing will help with self-esteem.
5. We practice reading so the skill set is not lost.  Whether it's reading to them or them reading to me, the practice never hurts and only helps to ensure they are on the right track.

There are so many things to do to get kids ready for school that it continues on for the remainder of the year.  It's essential that parents partner up with the classroom and the PTO to assist wherever possible.  The success of a school is as good as the parents that support it.  Parents are a part of the equation and with everyone working together, children will have a much better chance at learning and succeeding.

Share your tips on what you do to get your kids ready for school whether it's at a school or if you home school.

Disclaimer:  I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set.  For more information on how you can participate, click here.  

GiftZip.com & Win a Wii Giveaway Extended to 8/9!

GiftZip.com extended the giveaway until Monday, August 9th!

GiftZip will be giving out a Nintendo Wii to one lucky winner & a $50 gift card to the blog or website that refers the winner we select!  

Submission deadline is August 9, 2010!


Eligibility

1. Must be a legal U.S. Resident
2. Up to 5 entries will be accepted per person
3. Entrants must follow the Submission Process, #4 of the submission process is required
4. There is no cost for submitting an entry

Submission Process

One entry will be awarded for each of the following:

1. "Like" GiftZip's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/giftzip
2. Follow GiftZip on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GiftZip
3. Retweet the Giveaway. 
4. *Comment on the GiftZip Facebook Page, letting us know you're entering the Wii Giveaway and telling them you heard about the giveaway from http://youthfultips.blogspot.com (this is required in order for them to know that you intend to enter): http://www.facebook.com/giftzip
5. Go to http://www.giftzip.com, locate the shout box & drop them a line.  Click on the "contact us" at the bottom and then click on the "shout."

*Item 4 above is required

Claiming Your Prize 

GiftZip.com will announce the winner on Facebook + Twitter, as well as direct message the winner on both platforms to get shipping information.

Good luck!

Contest presented by GiftZip.com.

Vote for Jillyrh to Win a Treadmill: Voting Ends Tonight!

Want to help out a fellow mom and give her a chance to win a treadmill?  Vote for Jillyrh to win here.

YottaDeals.com is a Sham: Don't Buy From Them

I tried to work out a past purchase with Yotta Deals fairly back before my husband left for Kuwait with no luck. I tried to get the bank involved to get my money back with no luck.  I even contacted the NY BBB and still no luck.  I guess businesses are allowed to rip off consumers and the only recourse would be is to take them to small claims court over $100~.  I think it's sad that online businesses can rip off consumers with no recourse on their part.

My lesson learned:  Look online for complaints before I buy and spread the word that no one should ever by from

http://www.yottadeals.com/

DO NOT BUY FROM YOTTA DEALS!

$100 GC, 2 Kung Zhu & Many Accessories, Shrek DVD & Party Supplies Giveaway 8/31 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO...


SUSAN J

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

Thanks to all those who entered and voted!

VOTING ENDS AT 6 PM (EST) - THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 6 PM (EST)

This is a special giveaway to help my seven year old daughter get votes for a Pepsi Grant in the amount of $5000 for her Angels4Epilepsy project.  Angels4Epilepsy is her project to help other children with epilepsy who are in the hospital.  We started it this year and delivered one set of over 20 bags to the local children's hospital that has a special ward for epileptic children.   The bags were filled with snacks and toys she bought with money she earned as well as from donations from Ficklets, Operation Sweet Dreams and Waussie Books which can all be found on her site at www.angels4epilepsy.blogspot.com.  I also posted today about the Pepsi grant if you would like to read more about it here.


Here is the prize pack for one winner:

• $100 GC to Your Choice (as long as they have online GC capabilities)
• 2 Kung Zhu Sgt. Serge Battle Hamsters
• 3 Battle Armor Packs
• 1 Kung Zhu Special Forces Giant Bridge Overpass
• 1 Kung Zhu Special Forces HQ
• 4 Special Forces Training Ground Packs
• Shrek the Third DVD
• 16 Piece Shrek Party Set - Invitations, Cups, Napkins, Large Poster & 8 3/4 Dinner Plates

*All items are not shown in pictures

 

  

To enter:


Click below and vote for her idea which will take you to the Pepsi website.  You will have to register unless you link in with Facebook.   Voting is every day until 8/31.  After you vote, complete the form embedded below with your e-mail address and the date you voted.


To make it easier for each entrant, I have set up a Google document that allows you to enter your e-mail and date once per day but it counts as three entries.  Come back daily to vote!


Extra Entries:


You can get five extra entries for blogging about this giveaway and tweeting (worth two entries per day).  Just leave your url and e-mail and it will count for the number of bonus entries.


Just added:  You can also get five extra entries for voting for Healthy Habits by clicking here and/or texting 100214 to 73774 (Pepsi) each day.


VOTING ENDS AT 11:45 PM (EST) - THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 11:45 PM (EST)


Open to US & Canada - winner will be chosen by random.org


Instructions:


Step 1:


Click the Vote for this Idea in the gray box and another window will open.  Register or use Facebook and click "Vote for this Idea."  You should receive a "thank you" when the vote is registered.  You MUST vote on the Pepsi Refresh project for your entry to be counted.

Step 2:

Complete the form below to be entered into the giveaway and don't forget to hit "submit."

Tiny Prints and Free Teacher Cards & More

 

Global Influence and Tiny Prints have a new contest and I couldn't wait to join up!  It's all about teachers and one that came to mind that I think is amazing is one my daughter had.  Her name is Mrs. Howlett and she's a kindergarten teacher that has a great understanding and compassion for her kids.  She's tough when she needs to be but has a very innate motherly quality about her that shines through.  This teacher was a tremendous support to myself and my daughter who started school with a new medical condition of epilepsy.  We had many barriers to climb over but this teacher was there and helpful with every one of them to include her paraprofessional, Mrs. Blount.  The two were outstanding!

Tiny Prints is offering teachers a chance to send each student a personalized greeting card for free!  They can use the cards for the choice of reasons whether it's celebrating something or sending a quick message to the parents .. it's their choice and starting Monday,  August 2nd through October 31, 2010, the program is available here.  Use code Apple2010 when checking out.


There will also be a Twitter party this Wednesday from 4 to 5 pm EST.  Join and participate in the Tiny Prints Teacher Greeting Card Twitter Party with the tag #makeitpersonal!




*Disclaimer:  I am trying to win a gift card in conjunction with spreading the word on this great program honoring teachers!

KidKraft Nantucket Table & 4 Chairs $96.54 & Buzz Lightyear Dance on Sale

More great Amazon daily deals:

  

The KidKraft Nantucket Table & 4 Pastel Chairs is priced at only $96.54 which is 48% off!  It's eligible for free shipping too with Amazon Prime.


The Toy Story 3 I Dance Buzz Lightyear would be a hit at my house!  It's priced at 42% off at only $19.

Radio Flyer Kid's Wheelbarrow $29 & Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter $29 at Amazon

This Radio Flyer Kid's Wheelbarrow is so cute and priced at only $29 at Amazon!

The Radio Flyer My 1st Scooter Pink is only $29 too!

Natural Foods & Healing Properties

Did you know....

1. Applying the same olive oil we use to cook with like Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil after you shower is ultrahydrating?  It creates a barrier that protects dry skin and is helpful for people with eczema and psoriasis.  
2. Olive oil can also help dry split ends?
3. Oatmeal is a great gentle exfoliate and helps to soothe a sunburn and poisen ivy/rash pain?
4. Turmeric is used to treat eczema and speeds up wound healing?  I was curious so I found some on Amazon: Clear Face Turmeric Cream and Vicco Turmeric- WSO 60g.  I had never heard of this type of cream before.
5. Turmeric may also help in firming up aging skin?
6. Honey helps wounds heal faster?
7. Pumpkins can help your skin due to the anti-oxidant properties?
8. Green tea can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles?
9. Acai berries protect skin from sun damage?  I had no idea that Acai berry serum was so expensive.  Amazon has AcaiBee Recovery Serum for $69.95!
10. Aloe protects against irritants and bacteria?

It's amazing the healing properties natural products can have if we only use them!  There was a reason why our ancestors used the things they did before all these chemicals and other creations were created.

Read the full article here at Everyday Health.

Withings Wifi Body Scale

The first new wifi body scale is now available!  Isn't it cool?  It hooks up to the internet to automatically register weight, fat and BMI calculations.  The Withings Wifi Body Scale analyzes body composition and automatically stores the data online if you have Wifi capabilities.  It's priced at $159!


Priced high but might be the perfect tool to keep dieters on the right path.  Read more and see a video at Amazon.

Dangers Lurking in Personal Products: Asthma, Cancer & Learning Disabilities

Interesting and timely story since I just posted the L'uvalla review on the dangers lurking in our everyday personal products like shampoo, creams, make up, etc on Health Freedom Alliance:


The Story of Cosmetics, released on July 21, 2010 at examines the pervasive use of toxic chemicals in our everyday personal care products, from lipstick to baby shampoo. Produced by Free Range Studios and hosted by Annie Leonard, the 7-minute film reveals the implications for consumer and worker health and the environment, and outlines ways we can move the industry away from hazardous chemicals and towards safer alternatives. The film concludes with a call for viewers to support legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of cosmetics and personal care products.

Easy Way to Personalize Gift: Wii Game Box with Photo

Planning for birthdays and holidays is where I have the most fun and sometimes the most anxiety.  I always put so much thought and preparation into my gifts because I want them to come from the heart and be touching.  I have been successful in making my father in law tear up a few times with past gifts so the heat is on to make every other present special or unique but I'm running out of ideas.  Luckily, my mother in law bought him a Wii console and I found out he loves the Tiger Woods games so without knowing what game to get him, I decided a gift card would be ideal along with a picture of his favorite golfer.

I copied and pasted a Wii cover image of one of Tiger's games and pasted on the head of my father in law.  It took some manipulation but I got it to work.  Inside, I placed the gift card and the note.  I didn't make him cry but he did love it!


It's a very easy gift to make!