Embracing a Healthy Family

$25 Starbucks Gift Card Giveaway 6/11 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kristyn said...

i voted online5

kristyn_ann(at)hotmail.com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $25 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.


To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/11 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

THIS IS AN E-CODE GIFT CARD - THOSE OUTSIDE OF US CAN ENTER BUT I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU CAN USE THE CODE TO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY.

Plastic Jungle Being a Good Destination for Gift for Dads

Plastic Jungle


Do you have one of those dads that is so hard to shop for that it's nearly impossible to ensure you are pleasing him?  If so, you should check out Plastic Jungle.  You can save on your gift for Father's Day buy gifting him a discounted gift card up to 35% off at Plastic Jungle. Shop from discounted gift cards from one of his favorite retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot, AMC Theater, etc.


You can buy discounted gift cards up to 35% off with FREE shipping!  If you are like me and procrastinate a little, you can also send an eCODE for faster electronic delivery.  This is great for those dads that like to eshop too such as at iTunes, Target, Best Buy, Fandango and more.


Target Best Buy Itunes


Here are some of my favorites:


What better gift to give when you can save money by paying less, receiving free shipping and having the option to deliver electronically without having to pay extra surcharges in delivery?

Plastic Jungle even buys and exchanges your cards so it's a one stop shop!  




*I wrote this post in exchange for a gift card.

Father's Day Gift Ideas at Novica and $25 Gift Card Giveaway 6/17 - US/Canada - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Raven In A Blue Room said...

I tweeted your giveaway

schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com

Welcome to Novica.com!

I've been bad because I've put zero thought into Father's Day this year but this was mostly due to a move across the country coupled with seven days at Disney.  So thanks to the Novica, I can start and finish my Father's Day shopping with little effort and I need that more than you can imagine.  If you aren't familiar with Novica, they are associated with National Geographic and provide a global platform for artists and artisans around the world to show their true talent and love of their products.

On my list, I have three fathers to shop for who all have various hobbies and styles.  While looking at the Novica site, I found the perfect gift for my father who is now 74 years young and could use some assistance walking.

 

These walking sticks are interesting in that they offer a variety of styles for different tastes.  From a wood walking stick man to a jester to a cobra man, the choices are plentiful.  They are made in different countries such as West Africa and Andes to add to that authentic, unique flare.  There are also different meanings in the shape that provides an intriguing story behind the gift as well.


Another choice for those that are still in the cold regions are Alpaca Wool Scarves.  If you don't know much about Alpaca wool, it's soft and very warm.  The scarves also have a story behind the crafting of each one.  I find appeal in products made by an actual person.


For the father that dresses up, which is my father-in-law, these cuff links would be perfect!  I like to give unique or personalized gifts.  My first choice are the Garnet Cufflinks, Cross.  Each pair comes with an artisan story card adding that final step of showing you cared by finding something special.  Every review that I've read so far has been extremely positive.

There are so many gifts to find and to get more Father's Day ideas, just click here.

Novica is offering free shipping on many of their summer collection items!

______________________________________________


Interested in making money and starting your own home business?  Novica is introducing Novica Live.  You can host a party or become a consultant.  For $199, you get a starter kit full of over $400 of samples and $150 in business materials.  Just click the link above to find more information.

Silk batik scarf, 'Blue Jasmine' 'Coins of the Kingdom' Blown glass pitcher, 'Confetti'


The Giveaway:

One reader will win a $25 Gift Card Code to use at Novica.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which product from Novica you would like to purchase.

Extra Entries:

  • Subscribe to my blog
  • Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
  • Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
  • See main page of blog for extra entry options - varies)



Giveaway ends 6/17 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time) - winner will be chosen via random.org


US/Canada

*Review coming soon

**Disclaimer:  I was provided two $25 gift codes in exchange for this post.

For more great gift ideas or a gift for yourself, check out some of these other products:

http://accessories.novica.com/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/cufflinks/sterling-silver/
http://accessories.novica.com/scarves/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/scarves/alpaca-wool/
http://accessories.novica.com/mens/walking-sticks/

$50 GNC Gift Card Giveaway 6/22- WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Kristyn said...

I voted online!
Kristyn_Ann(At)hotmail.com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $50 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.



To Enter the giveaway - MANDATORY ENTRY - 


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/22 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

THIS IS AN E-CODE GIFT CARD - THOSE OUTSIDE OF US CAN ENTER BUT I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU CAN USE THE CODE TO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY.

$50 Dillards Gift Card Giveaway 6/22: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

~dab said...

6-19 I voted online and via text

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $50 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.



To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/22 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US only please. 

$50 Kohls Gift Card Giveaway 6/22: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...


Anonymous said...

6-20 voted anndancer@yahoo.com
June 20, 2011 2:16 PM 

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


This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $50 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.


To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774

  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/22 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US only please. 

$50 American Express Gift Card Giveaway 6/22: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Anonymous said...

Text voted today palmerronald32 (at) yahoo (dot) com

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won a $50 gift card online and am going to pass it on to help my eight year old win a Pepsi Refresh Grant for $25,000 for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy.  Jamie was diagnosed with epilepsy two year's ago and has had some struggles along the way.  One thing she learned was to give back to others and this took the form of starting an organization that gives back to children.  Sometimes she gives to children with other ailments or to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House but mostly, she provides gift bags to children hospitalized with epilepsy.  Since starting officially in 2010, she has provided over 300 gift bags to children in Georgia and Florida and soon to Indiana.


 

 


The grant will be used to purchase bears, gift cards for families in need to purchase their children bicycle helmets and medical alert USB bracelets as well as awareness posters about how strobe lights on motorcycles affect some with epilepsy.


Your vote can help her win this great grant to help other children.  Voting is daily and can be done online and via text.


To Enter the giveaway:


Vote by either creating an account on the Pepsi site or login with your Facebook account and you can text daily.


http://www.refresheverything.com/angels4epilepsyincorporated 
Text 106872 to Pepsi 73774


  • Leave a comment that you voted online for one entry - can be done daily.
  • Leave a comment that you voted via text for one entry - can be done daily
* NOTE - online voting entries are those that actually vote via online and will be validated


Extra Entries:

  • Follow my blog for two entries
  • Tweet about this giveaway for two entries and leave the url to the tweet
  • Blog about this giveaway for five entries and leave a link to the post.

Giveaway ends 6/22 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US only please. 

Another Perfect Example of Why Doctors May Be Wrong

Through my years and my time I have dedicated to some innocent projects, I am always curious as to responses I read to various news articles showing the arrest of a person accused of a certain crime.  I know this is off the subject of my blog but I just read yet another warning on a drug that was previously touted as safe called Zocor. It also reminded me of another drug that not too long ago was issued a black box warning due to unexpected deaths.  Zocor, taken by over 21 million people, has had a new alert issued:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday called for a label warning on the popular statin Zocor because of an increased risk of muscle damage when taken in high doses.


FDA Issues Safety Alert for Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Zocor


Now there is nothing noted on long term disability or death but it goes to show you that doctors can be wrong.  This drug went through the FDA's rigorous drug safety program of testing in thousands of volunteers.  There have been countless of drugs recalled due to unexpected deaths or other serious outcomes but we're a society that believes at face value anything we hear from doctors and other agencies like the CDC and the FDA without realizing that nothing is an absolute.

Through my experiences helping on innocence projects, I routinely see people not believing what a doctor is providing from testimony if it contradicts popular belief.  I'm always surprised in the inability to understand that the original belief could be wrong but there is never room to hear the other side in spite of both being medically educated and having the same training.  My challenge to anyone reading this is the next time you read something about medicine or the practice of medicine, remember that it's evolving and it's called practicing medicine because they are still learning.  Just because something appears to be one thing, it doesn't mean it's not.

Tea Collection







Mamavation Week 9

It's been a couple of really bad weeks with the first week getting the house ready to move across the country to visiting Disney for a week to actually getting in a car and hauling all of us 29 hours in two days.  Needless to say, I have not weighed myself and know I will only be disappointed as I am sure I gained back all the weight I had lost.  I was planning on starting the Flat Belly Diet as it seems like a sensible and healthy approach to getting healthier but much to our demise, our new rental home has become a nightmare so not sure when it will become livable and we'll be able to start having the time to eat right.  I know I can make healthier choices but it's hard when it's stressful, you have a sore throat that won't let up and the kids are getting sick to not having suitable housing.

All in all, it's okay because I'll be back in the "saddle" and ready to kick this into gear as I have a pool that will hopefully be clean and ready to use for exercising and fun.

It's a short post but hope my next week's will be more robust and full of better news!  The good side of it all, both girls survived the move with catching a cold for my eight year old and nothing (yet) for my three year old.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that my eight year old's epilepsy stays stable and all the dust and past owner's cat in the new house doesn't trigger any asthma attacks on my three year old given her fragile lungs.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides Pirates Activity Pack to Print


With Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides coming out May 20th, you won't want to miss out on this Pirates Activity pack to download and print for your children.  Click here to download the Pirates Activity Pack.


"Like” PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN on Facebook at: http://www.Facebook.com/PiratesoftheCaribbean

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES sails into theatres everywhere in Disney Digital 3D™ and IMAX 3D on May 20th!

P&G, Kroger & USO Shake Hands with a Hero Initiative



Thank you to Procter & Gamble, Kroger and the USO for sponsoring this blog post and the Shake Hands With A Hero initiative. Please click here to learn more about this program. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

I love history and old war movies.  One of my favorites is Band of Brothers which took me many years to discover such an amazing story of a band of heroes among many.  I instantly fell for the main character by the name of Major Dick Winters along with the his fellow men in arms.  Coming from a family with a long line of military duty to include my father, his four brothers, two sisters and my husband, I have a special place in my heart for those that give themselves for the good of our country and our citizens.  When you are part of a military family, you know that the every day life of being in the military is a challenging one for all involved.  When a member of the family deploys, everyone is affected.  For me, each time my husband is deployed, I take back the role of a single mom.  I'm hardly a hero but I do hold down the fort, make sure the children are well and taken care of and take care of all the in-betweens.  There are so many families playing this role for many years now as the deployment rotation is frequent and reoccurring.

What I've learned from being in the military are the countless men and women who re-enlist in spite of the dangers.  These unselfish people put themselves in harms way in countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan for our security, our rights and our livelihoods.  Many of these great people re-enlist while already serving a combat tour and many volunteer to go back in harms way after already serving more than one tour in a combat area.  I've seen the sadness of these men and women leaving, the happiness as they return and have seen the first hand harm these deployments cause to families.  To me, they are all heroes and definitely deserve a hand shake even if virtual.



I enjoy when others take the time to call out the sacrifices made for our men, women and children all involved in the military family unit.  Having P&G and Kroger partnering with the USO is a wonderful way to call attention and appreciation to our men and women.  The USO is an organization with 150 centers in 27 countries that provides an array of programs to include the famous USO shows that entertain the troops and their families for free.  Through this wonderful program, Kroger will donate $250,000 to the USO.  My husband just returned from another deployment and was lucky to have had some visitors as part of the USO come to their camp.  The USO also offers service to the men and women at airports which can be a great relief to those that have to travel far.

You can easily join in to show your appreciation with the partnership of P&G and Kroger to virtually "shake hands with a hero" at www.honoringourheroes.com.  The first 50,000 people to use the microsite application will receive a coupon loaded to their Kroger card for $1.00 off P&G products.

BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITY



*** BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITY ***


Vote daily for this Pepsi Refresh idea, Send Kids with Muscular Dystrophy to Camp and you can have two extra votes a day for each or all my on-going giveaways.




May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month & $100 GNC GC Giveaway 5/25 US/Canada - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

marcia goss said...

Tweet.
http://twitter.com/#!/mgoss123/status/72396155794882560
entry #2
marcia.goss@gmail.com

GNC Live Well™


Summer is upon us or at least it feels like it with 90+ temperatures in Georgia but I'm not complaining.  I love the warmth and the sunshine and with that comes my continue wellness path forward of getting in shape.  Since April, I have been on a diet with my oldest and have lost 16 pounds.  I am exercising, watching calories and fat intake and losing at a great pace.  I'm also taking a supplement that I purchased at GNC last month called OxyELITE Pro.  I feel it's helped give me the energy to exercise on those days where I'm too tired.  We have a busy month with moving out of our house, a trip to Disney and a move to Texas, all back to back so this has been one of my motivators for getting healthier.  


USPlabs OxyELITE Pro™ - USP LABS 1010125 - GNC


I've been a GNC fan for years and have relied on them for many of the products I use to stay and feel healthier.  The OxyELITE Pro states it's mandatory to get physician approval before taking and USPlabs used Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure high quality and purity.  There is a warning list so if this interests you, please review prior to purchasing.  To date, I've had no issues taking it to include no palpations as I have with other products in the paste.  I definitely would recommend the product based on my personal experiences.


GNC carries an array of products:

  • Vitamins & Supplements
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Protein
  • Diet
  • Cleansing & Digestion
  • Super Food & Greens
  • Herbs
  • Energy & Endurance
  • Pets
  • Beauty Care
  • Equipment & Accessories



Since May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, it's a good time to shop at GNC and to win a $100 Gift Card!   Check out the Community page at GNC for tips and more here.  According to the President's Council's site, the following key takeaways are:



  • Adults 18 and older need 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days a week to be healthy; children and teens need 60 minutes of activity a day for their health.
  • Significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking or raking leaves, 15 minutes of running, 45 minutes of playing volleyball). Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity.
  • Thirty to sixty minutes of activity broken into smaller segments of 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day has significant health benefits.
  • Moderate daily physical activity can reduce substantially the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Daily physical activity helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent or retard osteoporosis, and helps reduce obesity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and symptoms of arthritis.
  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. Physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as regularly active people.
  • 37% of adults report they are not physically active. Only 3 in 10 adults get the recommended amount of physical activity.
  • Poor diet and inactivity can lead to overweight/obesity. Persons who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory problems and some types of cancer.



_____________________________


The Giveaway:


One reader will win a $100 Gift Card to GNC!


To Enter (three mandatory steps and each will be verified):

  • Tell me if you are doing anything to support National Physical Fitness and Sports month such as starting a new sport, exercising, etc AND
  • Become a fan of GNC on Facebook AND
  • Follow @GNCLiveWell on Twitter and Jeff Hennion on Twitter here


Extra Entries:
  • Follow my 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 5/25 at midnight (EST) - Winner will be selected via random.org
    US/Canada only please

*Disclaimer:  I received $100 GC from sponsor to keep and one to giveaway for this post.




*** BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITY ***


Vote daily for this Pepsi Refresh idea, Send Kids with Muscular Dystrophy to Camp and you can have two extra votes a day for each or all my on-going giveaways.


Loft Summer Style Event

LOFT

Loft is getting ready for summer with two sweepstakes starting this Saturday, May 14th, Loft kicks it off with Loft Summer Style Event with a savings of 30% off your purchase all day and you will get an invitation for a chance to win instantly one of five $1000 gift cards by "liking" Loft on Facebook.   You can also win by entering Loft's My Perfect Summer Getaway sweepstakes.

LOFT - LOFT's Summer Style Event on Saturday, May 14th

You can win a trip for two inspired by Loft's design team's favorite destination or eight other prizes including a $1000 Loft gift card.  All you have to do is "like" Loft on Facebook.

Click here to find out more about the two sweepstakes.

I Have Great Readers!

I just announced the names of five winners for my giveaways that ended 5/7 and all five already responded to collect their prizes!  Blogging is great in that I get to make someone's day even if in a small way so it's always nice to be able to close out giveaways quickly.  Last week, one of my readers notified me she never received a gift card she won from way back in October.  I contacted the PR person along with the general e-mail and she received her card the next day.  I am grateful that my readers do understand that sometimes it's out of my hands but I will try all that I can to ensure they receive their prize.

Thanks to all the loyal readers I have as you allow me the chance to receive more products to review and giveaway!
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