Mamavation - Week Six Even Mothers Need Mothering

This past week was an interesting week with the return of my husband from Kuwait and an upcoming move and more.  I decided to reward myself one day and ate too much and then on Friday, I ate half an order of General Tso's Chicken from my favorite Chinese place.  Luckily, it was one of the worse orders I have had from them so I didn't eat it all which is good.  Bad is my daughter brought home a Mother's Day from school which they partnered with the local grocery store who makes awesome cakes so I splurged on that.  That would have been alright as Saturday rolled around as I was doing well until 5 pm when I broke down and had another piece of cake and then a ton of chips and salsa.  I haven't even weighed myself as I know from early yesterday, I picked up a couple of pounds so I'm sure I'm still there.

After receiving my Mother's Day gift from my eight year old, I teared up to see how far she has come with writing her own cards and making gifts.  My youngest was dressed and playing with a puppet that my very kind friend at AdorableBabyClothing sent them.  The picture reinforced why I have to get healthier as I want to see them make all the milestones from childhood to adult.  Today, I'm being pampered as a mother should be from time to time!

I'm on a race to get in shape for our trip to Disney May 20th.  I have been trying and retrying and I keep failing until about three week's ago where I was able to stay committed to my diet of the moment.  I had lost 16 pounds but since I picked back up 2, I'm at 14 down.  I am not letting it set me back as I know that I was rewarding myself for being a mom and although my food choices could have been better, I'm still learning. I did pick up a Kit Kat bar and ate only one of the four bars and put it down.  It wouldn't have been too long ago that I would have devoured the whole thing like a lion to a gazelle but I am learning on my baby step journey.  Today, starts the renewed diet path forward, being patient with myself, so cheers!

________________________

This week's Blogging Carnival question:

Do you know when to back off of your efforts? When is the last time you took a step back in the name of gentle kindness to yourself?


I would say that I don't mainly because when I back off, it's all or nothing and when it's nothing, I binge-like eat.  I don't know limits sometimes and I've always been a stress eater.  I'm learning though and when I fall off the band wagon, I think of Pete telling us to reward ourselves not with food but with something else.  I'm making slow progress but I'm making progress so I can't be too hard on myself.  Gone are the days of telling myself I'm fat and never going to do it.  I've been afraid to tell my family that I'm on diet #98789 because I keep failing but to me, as long as I keep trying, I'm not failing.  It took some time to not be so harsh toward myself but I feel success is there as every day, I'm getting there and it's an every day habit.  


I wrote this blog post while participating in the Mamavation Blogging Carnival for a chance to win a Jillian Moriarity workout  DVD from Jillian Moriarity” at the end of your post if you enter the blogging carnival.

Happy Mother's Day!

A Mother Casts Her Dreams into the Sea


A mother casts her dreams into the sea;
We, the words sent bobbing towards the sun,
The eggs of stone, the shards of prophesy.
Because she must conclude her melody
And fall back to the sweet dark hush of One,
A mother casts her dreams into the sea,
Hoping to cross that wild infinity
And on some infant shore again to run,
The eggs of stone, the shards of prophesy
Outside the fiery circle of memory,
The howling surf, the incessant years undone ...
A mother casts her dreams into the sea
And then dissolves into a tapestry,
Her rolling, helpless drift again begun,
The eggs of stone, the shards of prophesy
Afloat once more upon eternity,
Once more the alien fury, never done ...
Again, again, her dreams into the sea,
The eggs of stone, the shards of prophesy!

Music: Fugue #2 from Four Fugues By Robert Schumann. Sequenced by Segundo G. Yogore at Kunst der Fuge.

MyExtra Customized Gum Packs Review

I just created my own MyExtra Gum packs with a picture and text for Mother's Day.  My oldest, who is a new mom, loves gum so it seemed like the perfect idea to test out my complimentary review pack on her.  It's very easy to get started and all you have to do is select your theme if you have one.  They have all the special events covered with great looking templates to further simplify the process.  After I selected the Mother's Day theme I liked, I allowed a connection to my Facebook account so I could just grab pictures since I'm not on my main computer with all the other pictures.  See how neat it is?

Each MyExtra pack contains 15 sticks available in peppermint, spearmint or watermelon.  If you need some ideas, you can look at the gallery.

  

It's very user friendly and provides that extra touch since you can personalize it.  Makes for great party favors, party invitations, wedding favors and much more.  I think it's a great idea and the ordering process is so easy!  Stay tuned for the final review on delivery, appearance and taste!

Here's my final product:

$50 LocalPages GC Giveaway to Museum 5/18 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Gwwg said...

I follow you on twitter! gnwg

ziggyga athotmaildot com

May 18, 2011 10:54 PM 

As long as this winner has not won previously on other LocalPages giveaways, he will win the $50 GC.  An e-mail is being sent to the winner and LocalPages to verify.  If she does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner will be selected as well as if she is a past winner.  Thanks to all those who entered!

I haven't been to a museum in years but I have fond memories of them while in school.  The educational experience alone should be making me feel ashamed of myself for not taking my children to one sooner.  I think the only one in our area closed down but all I have to do is check out LocalPages.com and search for the closest one.  I was surprised that there are three other museums in the Augusta, Georgia area.  


I'm really loving the LocalPages feature of finding anything I want so quickly not to mention local deals, coupons and more in one spot.  It's really a great resource for everything local!

LocalPages.com is providing another gift card to one of my winners but this time, it's for the museum in your area!  A $50 gift card could go a long way in bringing the family to enjoy some wonderful family time.


To Enter:


Follow my blog and this is a little different than my other giveaways (per sponsor request) and with your comment, tell me which museum you would visit in your area and include www.localpages.com at the end of your comment.  The winner will receive a gift card to that location.

Extra Entries:

• Like Local Pages on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 5/18 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

Eligibility Notes:

In order to be eligible to win, commenters must be at least 18 years old, reside in the U.S. and must not have won any Local Pages giveaways within the past 30 days. There is a one prize per household limit per 30 day period. Winners will need to provide their first and last name, e-mail address, shipping address and phone number (used only for the purchase of gift cards).

*Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this giveaway.

The Megasaurus Book Review

The Megasaurus by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck is a delightful, creative story about facing problems, solving problems and having respect.  This 40 page hardcover book is full of wonderful illustrations by Len DiSalvo and caught the eyes of both my girls.  The story is set in the Kingdom of Beandom where the bean-shaped bears face a terrible monster and have to figure out how to save themselves.  The King calls on his advisors, three wise owls, to come up with the solution.  In spite of all that Howl the Owl, Towel the Owl and Vowel the Owl think they know, they have no time to hear what L. Joe Bean has to say.  As each one takes a turn at their "wise" idea, the story ends with a surprise.

L. Joe Bean is just an ordinary bear so they laugh at his plan and discount it.  The outcome shows kids that sometimes, the solution is found where you don't expect it.  My girls, ages 4 and 8, really enjoyed the book and my 8 year old was able to read it herself.  The recommended ages are 4-8 so this was perfect for them.  I also enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

The last two pages include Extend the Learning Activities ideas for parents, grandparents and teachers to share even more with the children.  I definitely prefer books that offer educational benefits coupled with life lessons and this is one of those.

The Megasaurus is the first title in a series of books being published by Lima Bear Press, Inc.



*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy for the purposes of this review from KSB Promotions.

Handmade TG Bears Giveaway 5/18 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Jen said...

Following your blog :D And I LOVE the Jenny bear!! :D

May 10, 2011 3:59 PM 

An e-mail has been sent to Jen and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected.  Thanks to all those who entered and special thanks to TG Bears for sponsoring!  TG Bears are adorable!

Teddy bears make the perfect gift whether it's a birthday, a new baby, new love or for no reason at all.  Finding a bear that shows you care is hard to do because there are so many stuffed animals on the market but rarely do you find handmade ones that are so cute, adorable and have an emphasis on safety.  TG Bears makes each bear in-house by the same person which to me, means quality as it's not manufactured in mass production facilities.  Each bear has safety eyes, noses and joints and are washable (once any applicable accessory has been removed)!  Can you believe that?  Washable!  What a great feature as anyone with children know that their stuffed animals take a beating at times.

Another feature from TG Bears are the choices you make when ordering your very own TG Bear.  If you select Classic Bear, you can choose the color of ribbon you want from the available colors.  The Signature Collection have custom neckwear from Tall Guys Ties.  The neckties and scarves are 100% silk.  The Specialty Bears vary but all bears are 16" and you can choose the optional growl feature and personalized right sole at an additional cost.

TG Bears offers an easy way to search to find the beary best bear by category:

• Bears for Babies
• Lady Bears
• Service Bears
• Tall Guys Ties
• Classic Bears
• Romance
• Just So Bears
• Accessories

_____________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive a $40 coupon code to redeem at TG Bears* (please read note below).

To Enter:

Follow my blog AND tell me which TG Bears you like the most.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" TG Bears on Facebook
• Follow TG Bears on Twitter
• Follow TG Bears on their blog
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 5/18 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

*Please note:  Open International - Value of Gift Card of $40 US dollars only - any additional costs over the amount of the gift card, shipping, taxes, etc, are the responsibility of the winner.  Shipping is the responsibility of the winner.

*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post.  Sponsor is providing the gift card for the purposes of this giveaway.

No Work Spanish Review

 

I've always wanted to learn a new language and wanted my children to be able to speak another language.  Spanish seems ideal given the increase of a dual language society.  I was excited to receive my complimentary copies of No Work Spanish Poster Girl and Yaks Walk on Washington.  What makes No Work Spanish different is there is no homework, no language drills as all you do is listen and learn.  This brand new concept introduces the language in English first and then in Spanish so you learn Spanish by listening.  At the start of each chapter, an introductory to repeated words is provided.  After you listen to the chapter which is spoken sentence by sentence first in English and then in Spanish, the entire chapter is repeated in Spanish.

The lessons are available in CDs or can be downloaded.  They range from 50 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes with each story having a different reader.  You can try it for free here.

My Review:

I've been listening to the CDs while I wait for my daughter to get out of school.  I find the time I have is quiet and I can focus on giving it my undivided attention  I have picked up words from listening and I'm sure after longer use, I could pick up sentence structure too.  I do like that I can hear the pronunciation of the words.  The stories provide an enticement to listen as you want to know what happens so that is also a bonus.  I don't think my eight year old would be patient enough to listen to the story over and over again to pick up the words but I think given the right person, it would be a good tool to reinforce the Spanish language and to learn.

You can read an additional review here.



This is a mamabuzz review.  i received product from the sponsor for the purpose of this review. 

Agents on a Mission Tour - Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 2” in Atlanta 5/22 & 5/23

Disney's Cars 2 Multi-City tour is coming to Atlanta 5/22 and 5/23 and unfortunately, we're going to miss it but we will be Disney on that day!  Presented by State Farm, "Agents on a Mission" will be at the Perimeter Mall from noon until 6 pm at the northeast parking lot and on 5/23, from 1 pm until 7 pm at Studio Movie Grill in Alpharetta.

Not in Georgia, click here to see if they are coming to a city near you.

Stay up to date by choosing to "like" Pixar Cars on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

MemorableGifts.com Mother's Day $40 eCard Giveaway 5/7: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Mami2jcn said...

I follow you on Twitter (@mami2jcn)

mami2jcn at gmail dot com

May 5, 2011 7:25 AM 

An e-mail has been sent!  If a response has not been received, a new winner will be selected via random.org.

For all those that procrastinated and didn't realize Mother's Day is this weekend, I have the giveaway for you!  No gift shows you care more then a personalized Mothers Day gifts and Memorable Gifts has you covered with an array of personalized gifts.  I really enjoyed looking through the large selection of gifts categorized by:

• Accessories for Mothers
• Home and Office Gifts for Moms
• Mother's Day Jewelry and Keepsakes Boxes
• Mother's Day Keepsakes

I'm choosing some of my personal favorites here with first the First Time Mom's gift idea which would be perfect for my daughter:

This Retro Blue and Brown Monogram Leather Jewelry Case is really nice:

A beautiful God Created Grandmothers Tapestry Throw:

For the working mom, this Elegant Desk Organizer with Built-In Bookends:

There are many gifts to choose from and Memorable Gifts are not just for Mother's Day as they offer personalized gifts and unique gift ideas for all occasions.

Right now, save 10% off any purchase with code 100511.

_____________________________

The giveaway:

One winner will receive an electronic gift card for $40!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and let me know which item you would purchase if you won the gift card.

Extra Entries:

• "Like" Memorable Gifts on Facebook
• Follow Memorable Gifts on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 5/7 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org - Winner will be expected to respond to e-mail within 24 hours.


US/Canada* only please

* See details on shipping/charges for Canada

*Disclaimer:  I did not receive any compensation for this post.  Sponsor provided gift card for the purposes of this giveaway.

SmartLab Snap Fashion Jewelry Kits Review & Giveaway 5/18 - WINNER CLOSED

 CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Linda Henderson said...

I am an email subscriber.

seriousreader at live dot com

May 15, 2011 12:49 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered!  Thanks to SmartLab for sponsoring!

Kids love to make things and girls especially love to make jewelry.  When they can make jewelry of their own design it not only is fun but it triggers creativity.  I love anything that can promote a desire to try something new and an ability to put themselves into a project.  To have a complete project in a box that allows my children to create an array of different items is also a win-win.  SmartLab created the Snap Jewelry Fashion Studio that makes rings, necklaces, barrettes and more.  The kit includes:


Includes: 
• Customizable snap maker 
• 25 domes and backs to cover with fabric 
• 5 necklace and bracelet snaps 
• 2 snap rings 
• Necklace with hook and clasp 
• Charm attachment 
• 16 1.5" precut fabric circles (8 styles, 2 each) 
• 12" ribbon 
• 12 birthstone gems 
• 5 ml bottle of glue
• 24-page book bedazzled with ideas

 

The book has some really cool projects which to me, completes or makes the kit.  The concept is easy with the precut fabric circles, domes and snaps.  The customizable snap maker was a neat little tool that allowed them to make their cool designs.  They did have trouble with the final step of putting the snap together as they weren't strong enough so I had to help them with that.  They had fun and were excited to make their own jewelry.  I think it's a great idea and I'm pretty sure my older nieces would LOVE it!

Snap Fashion Jewelry is available for $24.99 here at SmartLab Toys, Amazon.com and select retailers.  They also have free download-able activities for kids here.

Right now, SmartLab is giving Health, Beauty, Children and Family readers a 25% discount at www.smartlabtoys.com  by using the code BLOGBUZZ at checkout.  Offer expires 6/30/11.

To Enter: 

Follow my blog and visit SmartLab Toys and leave a comment on this post telling me which toy you'd like to win.

Extra Entries:

•  Like SmartLab Toys on Facebook
• Follow SmartLab Toys on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done twice at least 7 days apart for five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 5/18 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org


US only please

This is a mamabuzz review.  I received the snap fashion jewelry studio from smartlab toys for the purpose of this review.