Danielle's Beauty and the Beast Birthday Party

Finally another birthday party is rolling around and this time, it's for Danielle who will turn 4.  She's my little miracle since she was born prematurely and had to be taken on the spot post ultrasound.  She spent a week in the PICU but was released on my birthday.  She also suffers from an unknown pulmonary condition that is easier to diagnosis as either asthma and/or allergies as that's how she is medicated.  She was intubated two year's ago and wasn't expected to live.  From some miracle, must have been all those prayers to God, she pulled through it while boggling the doctors who cared for her.  So each year is a remembrance of how lucky we are and what we would have missed out on should she have went to heaven then.

Danielle is a princess and loves all things foo-foo related which couldn't make me happier because the older girls are not into that.  We went to Disney last month and she fell in love with Belle from Beauty and the Beast so this year's party is a Belle theme.  Since we packed, moved and are still living out of boxes, I can't find all my party things so I am resorting to having to purchase most everything.

I found her dress at Amazon and love the Storybook Belle Prestige Costume versus some of the other choices.  I'm opting for a three special where she will get the shoes and tiara too.

For her cake, I'm undecided if I will buy an image personalized with her name and Belle or just buy a Disney Princess Belle Figurine or Cake Topper.  I have found my edible printer and sheets but not sure I can make it happen in time since my other daughter is running for a Pepsi Refresh Grant for her non-profit Angels4Epilepsy as that's time consuming. My choices so far are:

  

I'm going to try to find my Silhouette cutting machine and try to make some other paper things like a banner, invitations, napkin rings and more.

I do like these invitations and necklaces on Etsy:

 

Next month is my busy month as not only do I have my birthday (smile), but my daughter's, my husband's, my father-in-laws and my dear friend, Annie's.  Busy month but I love it!

We had our party and here are the pictures:

Brazilian Peel At Home Peel Review

I've never had a dermatologist strength peel before but had a friend who did and swore by them.  I think I strayed from them due to the costs mostly.  I was introduced to a complimentary pack of Brazilian Peel and after two uses, I am sharing my thoughts.  First, here are some specifics about the at home peel:

• Contains 30% glycolic acid – 5x stronger than most doctor endorsed glycolic products - so results are deeper, stronger, longer lasting.
• Clinically proven to visibly brighten, smooth, firm and tone skin.
• Safe, gentle, easy to use thanks to the revolutionary Q-Mag Neutralizer, a patented delivery system which delivers the strength of a professional glycolic peel without irritation.
• Enhanced with açai, a natural and potent anti-oxidant from the Brazilian rain forest, that helps reduce the damaging effects of free radicals.
• Hastens cell regeneration and restores skins’ collagen building function to create a younger looking appearance as softer, clearer, less congested, healthier-looking skin emerges.
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
• Hyper pigmentation, blemishes and dry patches are reduced or eradicated.
• Helps repair sun damage.
• Helps improve skin’s texture, smoothing away dullness, roughness and dryness.
• Skin becomes tighter, firmer, more radiant and glowing.
• Makes skin surface ready for High Definition attention.
• Allows moisturizers and treatment products to be more efficacious.
• Dye free.

________________________________

My Review:

The Brazilian Peel is the first 30% glycolic acid, medical strength peel for at home use and is stated to be five times stronger than other retail products.  The Brazilian Peel contains both glycolic acid and acai which is a natural super anti-oxidant from the Amazon Forest.

It's easy to use as you cleanse your face, neck and decollete (i.e. neckline) and pat dry.  Dispense the contents of the syringes in the palm of your hand and mix with two fingers which you will feel a warming sensation.  Apply a thin layer, starting at the forehead, working down the sides of your face and your nose, the neck and neckline with downward strokes.  They do caution to stay away from the eyes and nostrils.  You only have to wait 10 minutes and then you rinse with cool water, follow with moisturizer and sunscreen.  They also state that you may feel tingling and tightening which are normal but you shouldn't feel any discomfort.

I found no discomfort with usage, it was easy to apply and I felt the slight skin tightening.  It was easy to remove, had no bad odors and left no greasy or other feel behind.  My face felt smooth and clean.  The next morning after the first use, I thought there was a glow to my complexion and it looked more vibrant.  I used it again for my second weekly treatment and felt my face still had a nice glow from the peel today.  

To date, I will keep using it and will post again after my fourth week of use.

Each box contains a four week treatment and results vary.  They do recommend using Brazilian Peel continuously for best results.

Brazilian Peel was named one of the Breakthrough products in 2010.

It costs $78 with free ground shipping and is available in the 48 states - not yet internationally.

Other Benefits:

• 100% Money Back Guarantee
• Free Continental US UPS Shipping
• Portion is donated to rainforest sustainability
• Success Stories here

Order here at http://www.advancedhomeactives.com/

Follow on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BrazilianPeel

3 CD Norah Jones Collection 6/30 - WINNER CLOSED

Only one person entered so this was an easy one to award!  An e-mail has been sent!


Thanks!


This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won three Norah Jones CDs 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.

The three CDs are:

1. The Fall
2. Not Too Late
3. Come Away With Me

 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 - this is a mandatory entry:


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 6/30 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US please. 

The Vampire Diaries Complete First Season DVD Set Giveaway 6/30 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Dee said...

I follow you on twitter as deegee13

deeg131 at gmail dot com

June 12, 2011 3:22 PM 

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

This is a somewhat easy giveaway as I won The Vampire Diaries Complete First Season 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 - this is a mandatory entry:


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 6/30 at midnight (mountain standard time) - winner will be chosen via random.org.

Open to US please. 

'Supernatural: The Complete Second Season' on Blu-ray

Are you a fan of Supernatural?  Now in its seventh season, the series continues following the two brothers, Sam and Dean, as they hunt down monsters.  If you are into the super natural, ghosts, demons and more, you will love watching Supernatural and now you can also enjoy Supernatural:  The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray!  We finally purchased a Blu-ray player and there is nothing like the quality projected especially when watching Dean.

In Season 2 of Supernatural, the Winchester brothers face a wide assortment of otherworldly creatures including werewolves, shape shifters, ghosts, zombies, vampires and a clown demon.  My favorite episode was Simon Said.  I like how they keep you waiting on the edge trying to figure out is it really a monster or demon or is there another explanation.   My other favorite episode is Croatian.  I like the science type mysteries such as a virus and without knowing what it would really end up being, it kept me watching.  The episodes are addicting!

Order your copy of Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray here today and will be available 6/14!

* Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural: The Complete Second Season on Blu-ray.

Cooking Party Template: Black and White Post Cards from Zazzle.com

Cooking Party Template: Black and White Post Cards from Zazzle.com

Free Father's Day Card at Tiny Prints

Hurry over to Tiny Prints on Facebook, like them and receive a FREE Father's Day card! Talk about frugal!  It's amazing the things you can do with no money and thanks to Tiny Prints, it's your first step towards bringing a smile to that special father!

Don't forget to enter the Father's Day sweepstakes!

USDA Forest Service and Ad Council Launch New PSAs to Re-connect Families and Kids with Nature

Children in the U.S. spend 50 percent less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago. In an effort to motivate families and their children to get outside more often and re-connect with nature, the USDA Forest Service and the Ad Council today launched new public service advertisements (PSAs) to encourage families to take the time to discover the forest.   The Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Tidwell, will unveil the new PSAs on June 11 at Kingman Island in coordination with National Get Outdoors Day.

Initially launched in 2009, the campaign aims to encourage children and their families to get outside and experience the many benefits of nature. Research shows that children who play outside have a reduced risk for obesity, lower stress levels, more active imaginations and they’re more likely to become environmentally conscious adults.

The new television, radio, print and outdoor PSAs, created pro bono by ad agency, Turbine, are being released to coincide with National Get Outdoors Day on June 11. The PSAs encourage children and their parents to visit www.DiscoverTheForest.org (and the new Spanish version, DescubreElBosque.org), which includes an interactive map tool, powered by Google and Nature Find™ that enables users to search for nearby forests and parks, as well as downloadable activities for them to print and take with them when they visit.

“Parents play an important role in encouraging children to get outside in nature,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Our campaign with the Ad Council aims to re-connect families to nature by encouraging them to break free from their daily routines and experience the forest first hand. This gives families the ability to explore and engage in adventurous play, instilling in children a love for nature and fosters a sense of stewardship for the environment and our public lands.”

“We are proud to join our partners at the USDA Forest Service again this year with new materials that encourage families to truly discover the wonders of our national, state and urban forests,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “We hope the result is that more children experience the joys of nature and that it creates a lifetime of interest and environmental stewardship.”

"It goes without saying, the world of electronics pervades all our lives more than ever," says Rob Slosberg, Partner and Creative Director at Turbine.  "This campaign encourages parents to unplug and bring your kids to the forest to experience all the wonders of nature."

The Ad Council and the USDA Forest Service will promote the new PSAs through a multifaceted social media effort on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Visit the campaign's online communities on facebook.com/DiscoverTheForest,YouTube.com/DiscoverTheForest and twitter.com/cheecker.

For more information on local events and ways to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day visit www.NationalGetOutdoorsDay.org. 

Betty Crocker's First Ever Gluten Free Baking Contest & Giveaway 6/25: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

~dab said...

6-23 vote - online and text

June 24, 2011 1:50 AM 

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

For the first time ever, Betty Crocker is hosting a Gluten Free Recipe Contest!  Gluten free products and cooking are still relatively new so finding some good recipes can be a challenge.  Now through June 30th, you can visit www.glutenfreely.com/bakerschallenge for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000!  The grand prize winner will even have a chance to be featured on a box of Betty Crocker Gluten Free desert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix and/or be featured in a Betty Crocker publication!


Entering is easy as all you need to do is submit an original gluten free holiday-themed appetizer, bread or desert recipe using any of the Betty Crocker Gluten Free desert mix or Bisquick Gluten Free baking mix.  Recipes will be judged on five categories:

1. taste
2. creativity
3. ease of preparation
4. consumer appeal; and 
5. appearance.

If selected as one of the 10 finalists, you will receive a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking gift basket and finalists' recipes will be featured on www.glutenfreely.com/bakingchallenge and voting by the Gluten Freely community to determine the Grand Prize Winner.

Click here for more information on the challenge, recipes and much more at Gluten Freely.

You can click here to save 20% on the purchase of any of the five Betty Crocker Gluten Free mixes.

  

We received the Bisquick Gluten Free Baking, Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix, Devil's Food Cake Mix, Yellow Cake Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix.  I will post how yummy these were at a later date but wanted to get the information and giveaway out ASAP.

_____________________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will randomly win a five box gift set of Betty Crocker Gluten Free Baking mixes (same as I received).

To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me if you have ever tried a gluten free mix before.


Extra Entries:

• Share that Betty Crocker will be having a 20% off sale all of June via Twitter or FB with this link:  http://bit.ly/bcgfreecontest for two extra entries
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five extra entries
• See www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com for extra bonus options

Giveaway ends 6/25 at midnight - Mountain Standard Time - US only please

Winner will be selected via random.org




*Disclosure:  Betty Crocker provided you with the product, and information through MyBlogSpark.

MyBlogSpark & Fiber One 5 Cereal Gift Pack Giveaway 6/25: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Tina said...

http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/79574399702941696
merleandtina@yahoo.com

June 11, 2011 11:43 AM 

An e-mail has been sent to Tina who has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks!

Did you know that the recommended daily dietary guidelines for fiber are 25-38 grams?  That might not mean much to you other than the average American only gets 15 grams a day.  It's surprisingly easy to get the recommended amount by little things like a hearty breakfast.  Fiber One cereals provide at least 30 percent of the daily value per serving while some Fiber One cereals offer more than 50 percent.  With such great varieties such as some of our favorites:  Honey Clusters, Raisin Bran Clusters, Caramel Delight and Shredded Wheat, it's a great way to start the day with some fiber.

  

  

In case you wondered, there are two types of fiber:  soluble and insoluble.  Fiber is the part of plant foods that our body doesn't digest.  Soluble fiber dissolves in water and can be found in foods such as beans, fruits and oat products.  Insoluble fiber is what is called "gut healthy fiber."  It does not dissolve in water and can be found in whole grain products like Fiber One cereals.

Fiber has been noted in clinical studies to help in weight management and is good for digestive health.  One of the changes I've made in our lives is switching to whole grains to help ensure my family is eating healthier.  We love the Fiber One cereals not just because of the taste but it provides a flavor for each person's preference.

Check out Fiber One for some a great coupon of $1.75 off, recipes, benefits of fiber and much more by clicking here.

Click here for another 75 cents off coupon!

_______________________________

The Giveaway:

One reader will randomly win a Fiber One Gift Pack of the same five cereals I received - it was a great surprise receiving this in the mail!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me which cereal you like the best from Fiber One or which one you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

• Like Fiber One on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway - can be done daily
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five extra entries
• Click here for other extra entry options

Giveaway ends 6/25 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be chosen via random.org - US only please


*Disclosure:  General Mills provided the information, free product(s) and gift box for this post/giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

Join MyBlogSpark 

Anti-obesity vaccine reduces food consumption

A new vaccine to reduce hunger?  I'm cautious when it comes to non-threatening disease vaccinations as I'm not sure I want to have my body injected with the amazing array of ingredients utilized in vaccines such as heavy metals, animal parts and so forth.  However, when it comes to a possible vaccination to reduce hunger, it might be something I would even look into.  I'm one of those people that look at food and gain weight and unfortunately, I'm a stress eater so it's hard to keep it balanced.  A new research study found that when the appetite-stimulating hormone ghrelin is affected, it reduced hunger in mice.  Sounds promising but we'll see after all the safety and efficacy studies are done.

Click here to read more.

Mamavation Week 10 - Not There Yet

It's another week of non-compliance but I'm okay with it as moving across country with packing up a house and a trip to Disney was too much for me coupled with a cold that wouldn't go away.  It's about day 12 for the cold but it's slowly getting better.  We hit town in Texas and was surprised by the house's broken air unit and broken pool pump thus leaving behind a nasty looking pool but to our chagrin.  I think it just knocked the sails out of all of us as we were looking forward to the pool even though we knew our household goods would be a bit behind due to the move and vacation as well as Army policies.

We made it and are in the mode of unpacking and trying to figure out where to put everything.  I also decided to put extra pressure on myself by having my eight year old compete for another Pepsi Grant for her Angels4Epilepsy non-profit.  This time we're vying for $25k to go to low income parents to purchase bicycle helmets, medical alert bracelets and teddy bears (if you want to vote, the information is on my home page and thank you in advance)!

Back to business, needless to say, I have not weighed myself so have no idea what I've gained or lost.  My clothes fit about the same although a bit snugger.  I have been trying to opt for whole grain Arnold Sandwich Thins to cut down on calories and have tried to eat walnuts and almonds daily.  The plan is to cut calories, exercise in the pool, treadmill and bike daily and then find my path to bikini season!

Even though I've fallen off the bandwagon, I'll be back ... ugh ...not sure I should use anything that is Arnold related.

Join the Mamavation Sistahood by clicking here for more information.

Ficklets for Children's Summer Time Wardrobe

With summer here, your kids are probably spending more time outside and even playing sports.  My eight year old has glasses and is also into making herself be on the cutting edge.  Glasses are fairly standard and although there are some kids designs, nothing really stood out until this amazing new product was created called Ficklets.  Ficklets are the creation of one mom trying to help her daughter like her glasses a little bit more.  They are cute little shapes that affix to glasses easily and are interchangeable and inexpensive which is a bonus in this economy.


The choices are sure to make your child happy and to be honest, I think some of the shapes are ideal to make your own glasses look cool.  Whether your child likes animals, various shapes, flowers, sports and more, the possibilities are endless.

 

About the Inventor, Ros Guerrero:


Hi I'm Ros Guerrero, owner and inventor of Ficklets, the first patented interchangeable eyewear charm hugger. I’m glad you’re here and thank you for your interest in the story behind our product.

To be honest, I’m a little surprised that my “couch potato” idea has come this far. Ficklets was inspired by my teen special needs daughter, Gem, who has worn glasses since she was six. I endearingly refer to my invention as my "couch potato" (instead of kitchen table) idea because the idea came to me as I was sitting on the couch one evening watching one of my favorite business shows, when Gem walked into the room and all I could see were her eyeglasses. As I focused on her eyeglasses, it got me thinking - “Wow, we need to add some color and life to your tired, old glasses.” This, I believe, was my ‘a-ha’ moment.

I outlined different ideas, but quickly realized an interchangeable charm was the way to go. A girl would want something versatile to mix and match with her outfits, right? I developed a working charm and had Gem wear it to school for the first time. That day, to my delight, she brought home a note from her teacher regarding all the positive attention the charm had received from the students and staff. This was when I thought I might be on to something.


Having so much fun changing out the charms each day for Gem, the word "fickle", which means to "change often", quickly came to mind when I started to brainstorm for a product name. As I worked to refine and expand my prototype designs, I deliberated more on the word fickle to come up with a made-up name, a tip I learned from Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx. After a few sleepless nights and several scribbled pages, the name "Ficklets" was born. We launched our website and filed patent in spring 2007; subsequently awarded patent in September 2009.

I would be remiss if I didn't re-mention and give sole credit to my daughter for planting the entrepreneurial spirit in me. It's been my mission to build a business that would not only create opportunities for Gem to give her a sense of normalcy, but also to create a business that would provide for her to live a quality life long after I’m gone. In my quest to start a business, I've dabbled in various ventures over the years, but it was by accident that I stumbled on the Ficklets idea. Since then my entrepreneurial passion has soared like never before… I knew this was IT!

It's fulfilling to live a life where I am creative and productive with a purpose, and I'm grateful to Gem for inspiring me to grow as a mom and entrepreneur. Thank you again for taking the time to learn more about Ficklets and Gem.

To keep up to date, "Like" Ficklets on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

$25 Amazon Card Giveaway 6/11 - US/Canada - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

thight said...

i follow thru GFC (thight) 1

telithahight at yahoo dot com

June 7, 2011 3:49 PM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond/claim before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who voted and please keep voting!

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 - this is a mandatory entry:


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.

Open to US/Canada only please.