Friday, June 28, 2013

Kids and the internet... are they safe? sponsored


I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.



Internet safety... it's a big deal! Kids have a relationship with technology much earlier now, and that can be a good thing... but it can be a not so good thing, too. 

Our older children, and especially one of our 9 year olds, are always wanting to use the computer, our tablet, or my cell phone. They want to be as involved with technology as I am. I do have to admit, I am nearly always connected in someway, so I understand that my children want to emulate that. 

The problem is, I don't want them to get into situations that I can protect them from. There are predators out there, scouring the internet, looking for their next victim. There are things on the internet that I simply don't want them to see. Then there is also cyber bullying, which I don't want them to experience. How can we protect them from all of this when technology is such a large part of our lives?

I know as my children get older they will be more and more active on the internet, and likely become even more tech-savvy than me! 

 BGCA has created a brief quiz to test your cyber smarts - click to take the Cyber Survivor Challenge Quiz . 

I took the quiz... I'm a Cyber Survivor!

Although I had to go with what I "would" do for some of the questions (since my children do not have Facebook accounts or Cell phones, yet), I do feel like I will be able to protect my children to the best of my ability. They might not like it, but I prefer them to be safe.

Take a visit the CyberSafeFutures.org website and check out all the great resources to help parents learn how to keep their children more safe on the internet. There are some great tips and some great conversation starters.

How old are your children and how much are they on the internet? What do you do to help your children be safe on the internet? 

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Our little people are being bombarded... #HealthyBaby

I received compensation and product in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own, and I really feel like this is an important cause. Thank you for reading.

Our children are growing up in a hostile environment, and they don't even know it. Heck, most people don't even know this! The chemicals that surround us at nearly every moment are terrifying once you start researching what goes into nearly everything we use. There are chemicals in our clothing, chemicals in our furniture, chemicals in our self care products, and yes...chemicals in our food. 



Unless we make an active choice to live much differently than most people, we cannot get away from these things in our everyday environment. What can we do? We can try our best to lessen the chemicals that we are exposed to by making smart choices. We can choose products that vow to help us stay away from chemicals, products such as Seventh Generation products. We can also teach others how to make smart choices...and together, what we do, will all add up. We may not be able to make ALL the bad things go away, but making them less is better than doing nothing at all.

Check out  Healthy Child  and see what's going on. There is SO much information available on the website, and it is amazing to see how bad somethings are...and yet how simple (and free, or cheap) some of the solutions can be to avoid being exposed to those chemicals!

Another way to help make a difference....
Right now The Chemical Safety Improvement Act, legislation that would work to protect our families from toxic chemicals, is before Congress.  Contact your senator to ask him or her to strengthen and pass this act.  It's very easy – it takes just a click to find and message your senator.

You can help your friends learn more, too. Starting next week, there will be 2,000 of these parties happening in communities all over.  You can get more information and tips along with a $1 E-coupon from the Healthy Baby Home Party website.. For just $25 (shipping and handling), you can host a party with samples and information for your friends, after all... we want all our friends to be healthier, too!

What did you find most surprising about the video? How do you try to avoid chemicals in your home?






Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Baby's almost ready! Is Mom? #DulcoEasePink



Holy smokes, it's nearly July already! I am due in about three weeks....THREE weeks until baby Orrin will be here!

This pregnancy hasn't been too difficult for me, especially compared with my last two pregnancies. I have been very thankful. There can be many pregnancy issues that women deal with, thankfully there are also some solutions to those issues as well.

One thing I see most on some of the "mommy boards" that I belong to is constipation. True story. It's an uncomfortable issue, both to talk about and to experience! But, really, with the extra iron in prenatals (and possibly extra iron on TOP of those prenatals), AND a more sluggish digestive system...some women just need some help.

That's where DulcoEase Pink can come in handy.
A stool softener can help make your day a little...easier.

As always, ask your doctor before you take any medication, especially when pregnant or breastfeeding!

I've never had much issue with this when I was pregnant....but let me tell you, when I was recovering from my c-sections. Oh the pain, oh the discomfort! The pain medications and the sluggishness of my system made things so horrible! I was very glad for my stool softeners, and it is one thing I recommend to ANY mother who has (or will have) a c-section!

What is something that you wish you would have had (or think you should have) in your new mom tool kit?
Check out the link below for more stories and click on the big pink circle to get a valuable coupon!


Every new mother’s toolkit should include DulcoEase® Pink™, the #1 OB/GYN recommended ingredient* for going #2. So if you are pregnant or breast feeding, ask your doctor if you should think Pink. Find savings on DulcoEase® Pink™ at www.MomsTalkDulcoEase.com!
*Among stool softener ingredients

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of DulcoEase® Pink™. The opinions and text are all mine.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Subaru Backseat Living #SubaruBackseat



This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Subaru. The opinions and text are all mine.



Ahhh... life in the backseat. If you have kids, you know a lot can go on back there! In our vehicle, it's never boring. The kids are always doing something, whether that something is fighting, playing, being hilarious, or being whiny depends on the day, of course.

While we don't have room for any pets in our backseat, this little girl sure knows how to entertain! One of my favorite things to do is watch our children dance and sing to some of their favorite songs while in the car (while I watch safely from the passenger seat, of course). To hear them giggle and laugh is one of the most amazing things, and all of us being together and experiencing things with one another makes it even more magical.




The all-new Subaru Forester is built from the backseat forward, to hold your most precious cargo. So, we’ve put together some great moments in the backseat on Subaru's Life in the Backseat page! Enjoy.

If your backseat could tell a story, what would it say?

Saturday, June 8, 2013

VISIT FLORIDA




This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of VISIT FLORIDA for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.


Ponce de Leon first explored Florida in 1513 paving the way for 500 years of exploring the Sunshine State by billions of visitors from all around the world. What better way to celebrate 500 years, than to give away a trip every week in 2013?

Florida’s 500 Years of Adventure Sweepstakes launched on January 14 and runs throughout the year. VISIT FLORIDA is showcasing why Florida has been the world’s destination of choice for 500 years. From our beautiful beaches and world class spas to fabulous fishing and Old Florida Charm, there’s more than enough adventures here for another 500 years.

Enter the Florida’s 500 Years of Adventure Sweepstakes for a chance to win a new Florida adventure every week! Each week we’ll be giving away exciting Florida adventure packages that include rental car, hotel accommodations, and other exciting “what to do about town” activities!

I have never been to Florida, but I would love to VISIT FLORIDA! While summer is finally starting to warm up here in Michigan, I know I will be longing for the wonderful warmth of Florida when it is snowy and cold up here in Michigan.

Oh, the daydreams I have in the winter of the warmth and sunshine that Florida offers! Where in Florida do you day dream about? Daytona Beach sounds nice...or how about Key West? Yeah, that sounds good, too!



I entered to win this week, it was very simple! A form to fill out, then a couple clicks!

Here's a screenshot of part of the process... the best thing is that once you've  entered your info, all you have to do is log in and click enter to enter future sweepstakes!



And, SUBMIT! Entered!

You can enter, too! (I highly recommend... I mean, who wouldn't want to win a wonderful trip to Florida?!)
Be sure to follow @VISITFLORIDA on Twitter to keep up with the latest Florida adventures.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, June 7, 2013

Man of Steel - See it first! #SeeSteelFirst #ad.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Warner Bros.



What are you doing this Father’s Day?



Man of Steel Horizontal Billboard Image

I know that my husband will be going to see Man of Steel with his dad next weekend! 

With all these little boys, we have a TON of Superman fans, but dad is going to be given the extra special treat of seeing the newest Superman movie FIRST!

RJ was our biggest Superman fan... he wore his Superman costume for nearly 2 weeks straight!
 
We will definitely be watching Man of Steel as a family when it is available on Blu-ray!

But until then...

For the first time ever, tickets to the EXCLUSIVE pre-screening of Man of Steel [PG-13] on June 13th are available only at Walmart! The pre-screening will be shown at specified theatres at 7PM – making it the perfect family event for Father’s Day or to kick off the summer.



That's right! If you want to see Man of Steel first, Walmart is providing the opportunity for movie go-ers to purchase tickets to the Man of Steel premiere showing at 7 PM on June 13th, 2013 in every Walmart Electronics department across the countryBuy your Man of Steel tickets at Walmart and you will get to see the movie before it debuts nationwide. This is a groundbreaking offer that is the first of its kind!
 Tickets can be purchased at any Walmart in the Electronics Department. With the purchase of your ticket you also get an exclusive digital comic book written by David S. Goyer, the author of Man of Steel, in addition to an exclusive opportunity to pre-order an HD digital download or Blu-Ray copy of the film.


Walmart MOS Tickets

Purchase tickets to the exclusive pre-screening of Man of Steel [PG-13] on June 13th, 2013 at 7 PM at your local Walmart! Tickets can be purchased in the Electronics Department and include an exclusive digital comic book written by David S. Goyer, author of “Man of Steel”, as well as an exclusive opportunity to pre-order an HD digital download or Blu-Ray copy of the film.
Go to your local WalmartVisit the electronics departmentPurchase your EXCLUSIVE Man of Steel prescreening tickets (available in 2D or 3D)
Take your family to the theater location noted on your ticket and watch the EXCLUSIVE 7 p.m. premiere of Man of Steel on June 13th!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Warner Bros.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

DEEP!DEEP! and yuuuummmmmy @LittleCaesars #Giveaway



I received promotional items and gift certificates for the purpose of this review.



Yum. Little Caesars. I know, I know, definitely not a nightly treat, but when you're on the run with the family and need a fast meal (or a yummy treat), Little Caesars is one of my favorite places to eat.

My personal favorite item on their menu is the Italian Cheese Bread. I remember when I was pregnant with my first it was one of the things I craved the most. Well, Little Caesars has a new item on the menu...and of course, it's tasty, too!

^ See! It's new, and it's at your local Little Caesars!




It's the Little Caesars new DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza featuring 8 caramelized corner slices that delivers a
crispy, crunch in every bite!  That's a large, DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza, HOT-N-READY everyday
between 4 & 8 p.m. and only $8 at Little Caesars!


That's our lovely, cheesy, hot, DEEP!DEEP! Pizza! I like extra sauce, so we got some sauce to dip with, too. :)

It was definitely a yummy treat on busy day for us. The kids enjoyed it, but they did say it was thicker than they preferred...perfect for me, though!



ENTER!ENTER! For the chance to win FREE DEEP!DEEP! Dish pizza for a year.

Annnd, ENTER!ENTER! Our great giveaway, too!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

When Hair Starts to Thin....



I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Viviscal. I received product samples and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

My husband's hair has been thinning since I met him (over 10 years ago). It's been a gradual process, and I really don't notice his hair loss much. While it doesn't bother me, I know that it is something he is self conscious about. 

My Husband, Raymond, first noticed that his hair was thinning when he was about 19. When he went to boot camp, and they shaved his head, he said that he noticed it never grew back quite as thick. As a teen, he had long chin-length hair... once it was cut he noticed the difference. 

While he is balding, he says that "it is what it is", but if he had the chance he'd try products to help improve the look of his hair, or regrow his hair.

He's not alone. Statistics show that one in two men will experience hair loss at some point in their lives.

Viviscal® has a couple of new products that can help men who are experiencing hairloss. 


Viviscal® Man is scientifically formulated to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair grownfrom within. Along with the exclusive AminoMar™, Biotin, Zinc, Vitamin C and Horsetailextract, Viviscal Man supplements also contain Flax Seed.

While waiting for Viviscal® Man supplements, Viviscal® has another product that may help:


The newly launched Viviscal® Hair Filler Fibers are the perfect solution for last minute touch ups while waiting for your Viviscal supplements to arrive. These fillers contain microscopic, electrostatically charged fibers, which stick to the hair and create a volumizing appearance while instantly making thinning hair look thicker and fuller.

Viviscal® is the leading brand of dietary supplements in the US* for the nourishment of thinning hair and promotes existing hair growth for both men and women. Originally developed in Scandinavia, Viviscal uses a proprietary marine complex called AminoMar™, identified by a Scandinavian professor in the 1990s. The Viviscal hair growth program is supported by six worldwide scientific studies, including researchers from the Swedish Alopecia Association, Helsinki Research Center, Finland’s Department for Dermatological Research and Dermatological Clinic in Leverkusen, Germany. Viviscal is owned by Lifes2good, whose U.S. headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois.

I can offer my readers a 10% discount on Viviscal Man and Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers on Walgreens.com. To take advantage of this discount enter the promo code “VIVISCALMAN” at checkout. This offer runs through the month of July!
 
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