Mamavation & Chicago

  

There is just something about Chicago that I find so beautiful at night!  I grew up near Chicago and have so many fond memories.  Of course, I could focus on the not so fondness memories but I think it's healthier to stay focused on the good.  Now that I've finished my first week of the new year, I didn't lose any weight but I gained.  I gained in that my focus is on healthy and I'm still learning to not eat out of anger, sadness or stress.  I've gained a lot over the last year and for that, myself and my girls have benefited.

Last night, for example, the girls asked for almonds.  Big deal to some but almonds are great for you.  They could have asked for chocolate or cookies but they asked for almonds.  My four year old hijacked my apple on Saturday.  They ask for salads now and for being four and eight, I'm very proud because it's been my influence that has shaped them.  My 23 year old is in Georgia and she took what I have been focusing on over the last year and has incorporated it into her lifestyle.  I wasn't always a mom who focused on healthy eating and chose convenience mostly.  Single moms who work full time have trouble keeping it balanced if they were not raised or shifted to the healthy culture as how I was.

All has changed and I'm rearing to go.  After I write this, I will run my two miles and then proceed with continuing my healthy mamavation challenges of being the best that I can be.

Gift Card Gala 1/9 - 1/16

 

Debbie Does Coupons has teamed up with 26 of the most amazing bloggers to bring you another GIFT CARD GALA GIVEAWAY! Every one of us have sponsored at least a $10 gift card that will be mailed/emailed to the winners! This event will run from 1/9 - 1/16 and you will have lots of opportunities to win the gift cards!

Rules: * You must complete ALL mandatory Entries to Qualify, you earn 1 entry for every one you complete and we do put this through a verification process before the winners are announced! * We are asking you to follow all of us on Facebook! There are additional entries that are not mandatory and are at the end f the rafflecopter. 

SIMPLY FOLLOW EACH BLOG THEN CLICK THE DO IT" BUTTON FOR EACH ONE, THAT IS WHAT ENTERS YOU INTO THE GIVEAWAY? WE DO VERIFY ALL WINNERS BEFORE WE CONTACT THEM TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE FOLLOWING! Have fun and good luck. The following blogs are participating in this event and while it is not required, it would be nice if you visited their blogs to see what they have to offer.

  Debbie Does Coupons Coupon Frenzy Mom JustFindIt4U Couponing Away Debt My So Called Homeschool Life Sweet Pea Savings Gone Klippin' Krazy Capri's Coupons Baby Coupons & Stuff Bloggity Blog Health, Beauty, Children and Family Ficklets Frugal Fanatic Penny Pincher Jenny Centsible Stewardship Mark Your Savings Books R Us Divine Deal Diva Eco-Crazy Mom Coupon Spice The It Mom SunEGrl Loves To Shop Shore Savings With Patti Saving and More Fabulous Deals and Steals Extreme Couponing with shuriken Mom with a dot com a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sesame Street Free e-Books

If your little one loves Sesame Street, don't miss out on the free e-Books of the week!  Just click on the Sesame Street e-Books to see more! 

   

Live Q&A with Angelina Jolie 1/12 at 8 pm ET & Win a Poster 1/12

I'm a HUGE Angelina Jolie fan and was excited to be able to share this with you!  Just leave a comment on this post if you have a question for Angelina and it might be asked!  One person will win a special collector's edition poster of In the Land of Blood and Honey!  


Angelina wrote and directed In the Land of Blood and Honey and it has been nominated for a Golden Globe. In the film, Angelina Jolie tells the love story between a Bosnian Serb who is in charge of a prison camp and a Muslim artist who is taken prisoner during the Bosnian War in the early 1990’s. 


Hurry and post your question before 1/12 to enter to win!

Pediped Rewards Program and Purchases with Purpose Fundraiser

pediped^® footwear launches the pediped® Rewards Program with

“Purchases with Purpose” Fundraising Sale

Beginning January 5 pediped^® footwear will host a Purchases with Purpose Sale to benefit the pediped foundation™.  During the fundraiser which will run through February 5, select styles available on pediped.com will be marked down as much as 50 percent.  Half of the sales from the selected styles will be donated to the pediped foundation™ to help children in need. 

In addition to kicking off the New Year with the “Purchases with Purpose” sale, pediped® announces the launch of the pediped® Rewards program.  Customers who make a purchase onwww.pediped.com are automatically enrolled in the pediped® Rewards program, which allows for them to earn cumulative rewards for every purchase they make:

·         Level 1 (spend $100 or more) - At Level 1, customers will receive a $5 credit to use on a future order and they will continue to receive a $5 credit for each additional $100 spent. 

·         Level 2 (spend $150 or more) - At level 2, customers will receive free shipping on any order of $30 or more for the remainder of 2012.

·         Level 3 (spend $200 or more) - At level 3, customers will receive free return shipping for the remainder of 2012.

·         Level 4 (spend $250 or more) - At level 4, customers will have through December 31, 2013 to use all of the rewards they have earned.

"We are committed to giving back to the community and to our customers,” said Angela Edgeworth, President of pediped® footwear. “The ‘Purchases with Purpose’ fundraiser is the perfect time for shoppers to receive pediped® Rewards and make a difference in the life of a child at the same time. Our new pediped^® Rewards program allows us to thank our customers for their loyalty with some great shopping incentives including credits and free shipping."

Since the company’s inception in 2005, pediped® has been committed to bettering the lives of children and has donated nearly $1,500,000 in monetary and product donations to children's charities.

For more information on pediped® footwear or to make a purchase visit www.pediped.com.

About pediped®pediped^® footwear was founded in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company the fastest-growing children's footwear brand in the United States. pediped^® footwear has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for the promotion of healthy foot development, and preeminent orthopedic medical professionals, Dr. Mininder S. Kocher and Dr. Thomas W. Vorderer, deem pediped shoes an excellent choice for parents/caregivers who want their children’s feet to develop naturally and healthily. In 2011 Earnshaw’s, the premier media resource serving the children’s market recognized pediped® with Earnshaw’s Earnie Awards for Company of the Year and Best Footwear.

pediped^® footwear is sold in over 3000 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120  designs for boys and girls between their three lines, Originals®, Grip ‘n’ Go™ and Flex®. Originals® (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2), Grip ‘n’ Go™ (thin rubber-soled shoes for children ages 9 months to 3 years) and Flex® (rubber-soled shoes for children 1 to 8 years) are available in EU sizes ranging from 17 to 33. For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.

About the pediped foundation

Headquartered in Henderson, NV, the pediped foundation™ is the work of pediped® footwear’s founders and co-owners Brian and Angela Edgeworth and co-owner Rudy Glocker.   The mission of the pediped foundation™ is to enhance the lives of children through financial and product support to charities and organizations that are aligned with the foundation's mission. 

*Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post.  I posted as a public service.

Share the Love Giveaway Hop 2/7 - 7/14

The Share the Love Giveaway Hop is proud to announce that Tweetalicious will be joining the event as a grand prize sponsor!

The goal at Tweetalicious is simple: To give people a place to find, manage and use the best deals and coupons on Twitter from anywhere and at anytime. The site is an invitation only destination where members can discover great deals from brands they love and share with friends on Twitter.

Tweetalicious will be sponsoring the grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Fire as part of the Share the Love Giveaway Hop!

Registration is still open if you are interested in participating in the Share the Love Giveaway Hop. Don't forget to come back on February 7th and hop around to win some fabulous prizes including a Kindle Fire from Tweetalicious! They are definitely sharing the love this Valentine's Day season!

JumpStart and MathBlasters 3 Month Giveaway 1/20

If your children love computer games, then they are like mine and will love JumpStart and MathBlasters!  JumpStart is this online community of games that teach while your kids don't even realize it because they are having fun.  Both my children, ages 4 and 8, love both JumpStart and MathBlasters.  My eight year old had difficulties with the learning how to move around a year ago but quickly learned and has a blasts.  Being the four year old is ambitious and headstrong, she keeps up with her older sister with no problem.  Their website even boasts over 30 million parents who trusts JumpStart.


The way it works for JumpStart, your child creates their own character and can have a make over later.  After they create their own character, they start their own adventure.  Mine love how JumpStart changes the environment for the season or holiday.  They particularly had a blast with the Christmas items available and the scenes.  JumpStart has been around for over 20 years in providing safe, age-appropriate games that provide parents the ability to place controls for added security.  An extra bonus is Piggyback which is an easy to use Facebook application that allows parents to review their child's progress and provide rewards for free.


You can add up to six children per membership which is very nice for those of us with multiple children.  There are even other games you can buy along with different apps.  The recommended ages are 3 to 10 and includes interactive adventures and award winning learning games.  MathBlasters takes it a level further with focusing on math adventures.  I think they prefer JumpStart more but they enjoy taking turns and playing with both.  You can read more about the area for Parents here.


  

Girls Playing

I cannot say enough about the two games as they do love it and they are learning without the pain of making them learn!  I love JumpStart and MathBlasters!


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

The Giveaway:

One reader will win a three month membership to JumpStart and MathBlasters.

To Enter:

Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this giveaway.

Happiness Is…Peanuts: Friends Forever

Who doesn't like Peanuts?  It's like tradition to turn on a Peanuts cartoon at any holiday or even every day for a laugh.  Peanuts are timeless and it's great that we grew up with them and now our kids get to experience what we did.  My girls love Snoopy and in fact, their birthday party a couple of year's ago was in a Snoopy theme.  This Valentine's Day, you can experience some Peanuts laughs with Happiness Is Peanuts: Friends Forever!  

The release includes the 1968 Emmy Nominated television special, You're in Love, Charlie Brown.  Friends Forever is the latest installment in the Happiness is ... Peanuts collection and is available for purchase. The great thing about these new compilations from Warner Brothers is the variety you receive.  Not only do you get to follow Charlie interest in meeting the little red headed girl but you also get to see skits from The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show.


My girls loved the DVD and have already watched it a couple of times.  They are fascinated by Snoopy and at times confused with Charlie Brown's friends.  It's fun to watch their reactions and answer their questions but most of all, wonderful to hear the squeal of excitement from my four year old when she sees Snoopy.  It's a must have this Valentine's Day!


To purchase, check out any store or places like Amazon.

About PEANUTS WORLDWIDE

The PEANUTS characters and related intellectual property are owned by Peanuts Worldwide LLC, a joint venture owned 80% by Iconix Brand Group, Inc. and 20% by members of the Charles M. Schulz family. Iconix Brand Group, Inc. owns, licenses and markets a growing portfolio of consumer brands including CANDIE'S (R), BONGO (R), BADGLEY MISCHKA (R), JOE BOXER (R), RAMPAGE (R), MUDD (R), LONDON FOG (R), MOSSIMO (R), OCEAN PACIFIC(R), DANSKIN (R), ROCA WEAR(R), CANNON (R), ROYAL VELVET (R), FIELDCREST (R), CHARISMA (R), STARTER (R) and WAVERLY (R). In addition, Iconix owns an interest in the ARTFUL DODGER (R), ED HARDY (R), ECKO (R), MARC ECKO (R), ZOO YORK (R), MATERIAL GIRL(TM), and PEANUTS brands. The Company licenses its brands to a network of leading retailers and manufacturers that touch every major segment of retail distribution from the luxury market to the mass market in both the U.S. and worldwide. Through its in-house business development, merchandising, advertising and public relations departments Iconix manages its brands to drive greater consumer awareness and equity.

About Warner Home Video

With operations in 90 international territories, Warner Home Video, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., commands the largest home entertainment distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video's film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Video and New Line Cinema.

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution, interactive entertainment/videogames, direct-to- DVD production, technical operations and anti-piracy businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. WBHEG is responsible for the global distribution of content through DVD , electronic sell-through and VOD , and delivery of theatrical content to wireless and online channels, and is also a significant worldwide publisher for both internal and third party videogame titles.

*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for this review.  All opinions are of my own.

Shameless Season 2 Premieres this Sunday!

Have you caught the hit show Shameless yet?  It's an interesting story about Frank Gallagher, William H. Macy, who plays a father out of work and is a shameless drunk.  He spends all the money drinking it away at the bar while his children fend for themselves.  His daughter, Fiona, plays the responsible, too soon to be an adult sister to the siblings.  She doesn't get to have a life like other girls her age and has the responsibility of being the one who brings order.  Fiona is always challenged to make up for the shortcomings of their father.

Imagine if Frank, just once, gave that money to Fiona to tend to the family and what that would mean.  It's heart breaking to see adults act this way and although it's just a TV show, it's reality in some families.  Frank's character is extremely and sadly realistic.  Your heart aches for the children and you tend to think of what if  Frank actually did the right thing for a change?  When he blows his money instead of giving it to Fiona to show the other kids some love and provide them what they are needing, it really is sad.  Just to do something so simple as to take the kids out to eat and an amusement park just once would be ideal.   Frank doesn't get it though and the kids suffer as does he.

The show is full of ups and downs but it shows the dynamics of a family who has to pull ahead of the dysfunctional adult and move ahead.  Season 1 allowed us to see the dark side of Frank and the resourceful side of the children.  Season 2 premieres this Sunday, January 8th at 9 pm (ET/PT) on Showtime.  I'm sure Season 2 will include many more antics by Frank but maybe the children will get him to open his eyes and come to his senses!


If you are already a fan, check out Shameless Season 1 on DVD and Shameless Season 1on Blu-Ray available for Season 1 now.

Shameless 'Disability' by thewbdotcom

*Disclosure:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Shameless Season One on DVD.

Phix: Energized the Natural Way

Getting energy at times can be a difficult thing especially when wanting to get it a better way versus popping some energy pills or consuming energy drinks made from who knows what.  I was introduced to a new natural energy alternative called Phix Energy.  Phix is an all natural, herbal energy drink powder blending green tea anti-oxidants, energy restoring NADH and yerba mate for enhanced vigor.  Phix also added some vitamins and minerals to help feel healthier.  Phix Energy was designed by a leading naturopathic physician and licensed dietiticians.  

  

Yerba mate is considered safe by the FDA and is consumed widely in other countries as a drink.  The yerba mate provides Phix Energy with a small amount of caffeine and the green tea extracts and NADH also provide a mild stimulant quality.  This per Phix Energy, provides a mild pick up without the spikes and crashes that some caffeine or stimulant products can.  The anti-oxidant value has been proven in many clinical trials on the good effect it has on the body which is definitely a factor I like.  The other ingredients such as vitamin C and Eleuthero are also good for promoting healthy immune function.  Phix also contains chromium which helps to balance blood sugar levels.  You can read the ingredients and supplement facts here.


I received three complimentary samples of Energy and Sleep.  My sample flavors were:  Energy Tropic and Teaberry and Sleep Lemon.  I am a highly picky person when it comes to taste so I knew this would be a challenge as I don't like coffee or tea so that shows you my range in tastes!  I was surprised with Tropic as I did like that and I did like the Sleep Lemon flavor.  I did not like the Teaberry.  Each stick or stix, as they call it, is one serving.  There really is a lot in each stick so if you are using a water bottle such as Aquafina as I did, you will need to drink a little out of the bottle to give it room to shake.  It was a very light flavor that I had to have very cold.  I did notice improved energy that sustained me without the usual crash that I have experienced on energy drinks.  It was a nice energy in that it was so much easier to run my two miles after consuming it.  I also have problems sleeping and the Sleep Lemon was instrumental in putting me to sleep without waking up at around 3 am wide awake. 


I can't really explain the Teaberry flavor other than it was a weak flavor of something that I cannot pinpoint. However, keep in mind that I'm terribly picky and if anything has the slightest tea flavor, I am not a fan of it.  

The nice part of Phix, other than it being natural and providing reported benefits, is you can try it for free!  You will receive six Stix of two of each flavor so you can determine which flavor is the best.  That's worth $12 and all you have to do is pay $4.99 for shipping and handling.  To me, that's a pretty good way to test something without committing to the price.  Just click here to be taken to the page to try out Phix Energy for free.


Check Phix on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Mamavation Week 12

A new year and a new me!  I finally found my groove of where I want to be and last year was goodbye to the unhealthy me.  I have figured out the stress eating and will turn to the treadmill over food when I need to relieve some anger or stress.   2011 was a bad year yet a good year.  Bad because I picked up quite a few pounds over the course of many months due to stress but something clicked and I became motivated to get my family involved.  With the help of my oldest, my sister, two cousins and a reluctant mother who is 70 years old, we have progressed nicely since October.

From the height of my horrible weight gain, I have lost 26 pounds and have kept it off to date.  Since October, I have lost 16 pounds and am proceeding with making greater strides of being healthy.  I consume the multi-grain breads, eliminated Coke, turn to more fruits and vegetables and have started running two miles a day and am pushing to increase it.  I am amazed at how fast I can already go as I know about two month's ago, I would have thought 4 was fast.  I'm very pleased and happy and have picked up that exercise high and guilt when I don't.  Out of three of the six, we have lost a combined 32 pounds since October which doesn't include my previous 10 pounds on top of the 16 since October.


Here's to a new year!

Friday the 13th $100 PayPal Giveaway Coming Soon 1/12 - 1/15

Mark your calendars for the $100 Friday the 13th Paypal Giveaway starting January 12th and ending January 15th!

New Year's Resolution Blog Carnival 1/3 - 1/10 - $25 Amazon, PayPal or Starbucks GC

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival. My New Year's Resolution is to find ways to save money and still look good! I am helping you do that by offering you a sweepstakes of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, $25 Starbucks GC or $25 PayPay - winner's choice!


Don't forget to check out my other giveaways!
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Crane Hello Kitty Humidifier Giveaway 1/20 ($49.99 Value) - US Only

Crane's motto is Design for Better Living and that sums up the products available from Crane.  If you are about as old as I am, you remember those older, plain looking humidifiers that were purely functional and had no kid appeal or decorative appeal.  Crave has products that are not only functional, they are perfect for so many  decors.  I can honestly admit that I've been a Crane customer for years.  Given my children's chronic medical conditions, I'm right there on the whatever I can do to offset colds.  A humidifier is one of my first defenses once a cold hits and I'm thinking of running one now because the air is so dry lately which I don't know why I'm only thinking of it now!

 

Crane has a host of products ranging from humidifiers to air purifiers to germ defense humidifiers and purifiers to heaters and fans. I have not tried any of the other products other than humidifiers.  We currently have the Dragon Adorable Humidifier and have had it for a few years.  My oldest has the Hello Kitty Humidifier for her baby.   We will be reviewing the Hello Kitty Humidifier but I wanted to give one of my readers the giveaway first as I know you will love it!


Why I like the Crane Humidifiers:

• Increases air moisture which helps for easier breathing
• Helps to relieve colds, cough and flu symptoms to include nose bleeds, dry skin and more.
• The one gallon tank will operate for 24 hours so no worries for having to refill it through the night.
• Mists provides up to 2.1 gallons of moisture per day.
• Provides moisture to a room up to 250 square feet which is ideal for a bedroom.
• Includes a night light function on many of the models.
• Auto shut off safety sensor.
• Energy efficient as it uses less energy than a standard light bulb.
• Does not require a filter so you save money.

Stay tuned for my review but again, I can tell you from the Red Dragon Humidifier, it works great and I've had it for a few years.  It's nice to have more than one especially when you have more than one child.

Don't forget to enter the Crane USA Facebook Name that Toon contest!


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer:  I will receive a Crane Hello Kitty Humidifier in exchange for this review and giveaway.  The opinions are my own and were not influenced by the opportunity.

Intimina by Lelo: Women's Intimate Care via Kegel Exercises Giveway 1/18

I remember talking to an older woman not too long ago complain about urinary incontinence.  I know about that subject as I used to work at a pharmaceutical company that was working on a drug for that condition that prevents women from doing many activities and can be quite frankly, embarrassing.  One thing that comes to mind about urinary incontinence is the cause behind it. I may not know conclusively what that is but I do know that giving birth causes the weakening of the muscles that causes urine leakage.  I've read repeatedly about the benefits of Kegel exercises to help build up the muscles or prevent them from weakening.  I think it was always in the pregnancy literature I read.  For women who have those concerns, you can now purchase the Laselle Kegel Exerciser to help ensure you are doing it correctly.
  Intimina by Lelo has introduced a product line just for women to help with their intimate health.  Whether it's the Kegel Exerciser or the Feminine Moisturizer required for the exerciser, they have products made for women.  The Laselle Kegel Exercisers are small and discreet and offer an easy and effective way of strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor.  You can wear it discreetly inside during daily activities.  They provide the private workout by helping you to locate your pc muscles while providing a solid object for you to flex around.  Within each of the Exercisers is a small weight that responds to your body's movement causing gentle kinetic vibrations to help prompt pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax as you walk around.  As you progress through the exercises, you can increase the weight of the ball.

The Exercisers are FDA approved and made of phthalate-free silicone and ABS making them safe for the body per the Intimina site.  There is a leash for easy removal.


The Giveaway:


One reader will win a Laselle Kegel Exerciser and Feminine Moisturizer.


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway *Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post or giveaway.

Why Purple?

Ever wonder why I use purple for my blog?  I only mention it because I was reading a comment about the dark colors for my blog so I thought I would explain.  I have two children with chronic medical conditions. One almost died when she was a little over a year from an unknown pulmonary condition in which she takes two medications twice a day.  The other one, who is eight, was diagnosed two weeks before my now four year old with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy or BRE as it's called.  Purple is the official color for epilepsy awareness and it's the reason I chose it for my blog.


At the very top of my blog is a woman with a purple ribbon again acknowledging epilepsy.  My daughter will most likely outgrow this type of epilepsy which I'm praying it is so.  We started a non-profit to help bring awareness to epilepsy as well as to deliver gift bags to children hospitalized at various times throughout the year.  Epilepsy is very important to me as through our journey with it over the last three years, I have met some pretty incredible people.  One of our volunteers, Stacey, is a prime example of inspiration.  Stacey has epilepsy and not too long ago, had brain surgery as a last resort to get her seizures under control.  She is an amazing young lady and continues to encourage my involvement with the epilepsy community.  There are so many others that it would take a long time to complete this post.






I just wanted to write a little about the inspiration between my blog colors and perhaps bring some awareness to epilepsy.  Epilepsy can be a devastating diagnosis and what many don't realize, there is no cure and epilepsy does kill.  Whatever your passion is, for 2012, make a difference even if it's just writing a post, sending out a tweet, voting on some social contest to raise funds or whatever.  Bring awareness as it can be easy and it can be free.  


Happy 2012!