Labels: books, contests, giveaways, reviews
I'm a firm believer in being both a mom and being trendy. I've tried as hard as possible to not give in to comfortable sweats, ponytails and sneakers (on most days) no matter how hard it may be. It's my belief that if you feel good about yourself, you'll feel good as a mom.
Anna Johnson, author of The Yummy Mummy Manifesto (published by Random House), believes as I do; that us moms can be "yummy" while still being "mummy."
While there are tons of books out there devoted to style and trends, this is the first one I've seen geared towards moms. From pregnancy to toddlerhood, The Yummy Mummy Manifesto should be considered your fashion, health, beauty, home (and more) bible.
While the information you'll find in typical parenting books is important, this book will be your secret indulgence. The one that says it's okay to make time and take care of YOU (and how to do it) while taking care of your kids.
The book is as fun as it is informative. The sections are broken down into easy-to-read chunks for us busy moms. The book covers everything from healthy eats to naming your baby to decorating your home and nursery. I wish I could list each topic the book covers but there are SO many you just have to read for yourself. I promise you won't want to miss a word!
I'll give you a sneak-peek into my favorite part: "Blood-and-Guts Basics for Brand-new Mothering.""Find small ways to baby yourself: soft-lined slippers, pretty comfortable clothes, a brand-new fashion mag on the nursing table, healthy snack bowls all over the house, and one really decent soaking hot bath (or shower with candelight) a day...or two."
and this, which I really loved:"Ease up on your routine to meet your own pace. A dirty diaper is not the end of the world; make that cup of tea first if you really feel the desire."
Ahhh...no guilt parenting. Where was this book when my kids were babies????
I am sitting here getting so excited with each bit of advice I'm reading, wanting to share it all with you. It's that good.
Read what USA Today and The Daily News have to say as well.
I am giving away one copy of The Yummy Mummy Manifesto to one lucky winner! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here letting me know how you try to stay "yummy" in this hectic world. One entry per person, and there must be an email address for me to contact you should you win.
You have one week to respond to the winning notification email, or else the prize will be forfeited and another winner will be selected. US and Canadian residents only for this one. Sorry!
Deadline to enter is Friday, May 30. Winner will be announced and notified on Saturday, May 31. Good luck!
I have always been a big fan of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. If we're having unexpected company or I only have five minutes to do a quick clean-up of the house, they are perfect for wiping down any surface. I especially love using them for cleaning the bathroom.
Clorox has developed a new brand of wipes that are thicker and better textured to cut through sticky messes. Plus, they contain a streak and bleach-free formula so you can now use them for cleaning all hard surfaces, including mirrors, windows metal fixtures and more. Best of all, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria, including salmonella, E.coli and the flu virus.
I was able to review the new wipes in lavender scent and it smelled so good I was looking for excuses to wipe down surfaces! I use them all the time to clean up after our puppy who is taking forever to be potty trained. It's comforting to know that any bacteria that might have gotten onto the floor's surface will be killed with the wipes.
Visit Clorox to learn more about keeping your home clean with Clorox Disinfecting Wipes!
Note: I have lost my Internet connection and am working from a temporary one for the time being. Thus, posts here will be less frequent until this is fixed. Thanks for your patience. :) Labels: winners
Congratulations to Hazel, mom2gabnnat, and Heather! They have each won a box of children's and adult GO3 Omega 3 Supplements!
Here's what each had to say about staying healthy:
Hazel: "I buy lots of fruit and try to make sure everyone eats enough fiber."
mom2gabnnat: "We have been getting a lot more exercise (especially with the high gas prices) and I have been making sure we eat healthier foods with plenty of fresh produce."
Heather- "I introduce healthy foods to the kids, and avoid buying sugary things (but I'm still working on getting the hubby to stop buying poptarts and ho-hos."
Great tips (and I giggled at the ho-hos). Thanks to everyone who entered and thanks to GO3 for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway!
Labels: food and beverage, reviews
I can still remember leaning over my Rice Krispies as a kid, listening carefully for the "snap, crackle and pop" in the bowl. It was like magic to me as I really thought the Rice Krispies characters were in my cereal, hard at work making it sing to me.
Rice Krispies has been delivering such magical moments to families for more than 80 years! Today, there are so many more delicious varities to choose from than there were when I was a kid.
From fruity, to chocolatey, to classic, there's always a Rice Krispies to fit your mood.
Of course, we can take any of the cereals and make all sorts of delicious recipes with them, including Rice Krispies Treats, one of my favorite snacks.
No time to mix up a batch? There's a whole line of pre-made Rice Krispies Treats so you can just pick a box and go!
Head on over to "Childhood is Calling," the official Rice Krispies site, for special offers, music, games, and more. Enjoy!
Labels: food and beverage, reviews
With today's busy schedules, breakfast can be one of the most challenging meals of the day. But it's also the most important. Without a healthy breakfast, our children (as well as ourselves) can't get off to a good start. Energy, concentration, mood and more can all be affected.
Kellogg's recognizes the importance of a healthy breakfast and has a stellar reputation as a leader in breakfast foods. Their newest product, Frosted Flakes Gold, is yet another nutritious and tasty cereal with the added benefit of long-lasting energy. Even atheletes are turning to Frosted Flakes Gold as their breakfast of choice.
Frosted Flakes Gold is made with the same, delicious, crunchy flakes you've always loved, but these are baked in honey. Yum!
More importantly, they contain 10 g. of whole wheat per serving, ensuring long-lasting energy throughout your day.
Click here to "earn your stripes" and to learn more about eating right with Kellogg's Frosted Flakes Gold.
Labels: food and beverage, reviews
If there is one thing that moms need in abundance, it is energy. I feel like each child I birthed took a huge chunk of energy from me that I'll never get back (and it shows in them and in me!)
Unfortunately for me, my stomach is too sensitive to handle coffee, so if I wake up in a fog, I have to stay in it.
That's why I was thrilled to review new Cranergy by Ocean Spray. Cranergy gives you the energy boost you need without making you jittery or edgy.
The drink is all-natural and uses B vitamins and green tea extract to give you the energy you need. No harsh or artificial stimulants at all. There's also high levels of antioxidants (from the cranberry juice and green tea extracts) that help the body fight free radicals and stay healthy, as well as Vitamin C to help boost your immune system.
I found Cranergy to be delicious and my stomach was not bothered at all by the natural caffeine in the green tea extract. I did feel some extra vigor, and part of that could be related to hydration. Recent studies have shown that a 5% reduction in body fluids can lead to as much as a 30% loss of energy!
Cranergy comes in two delicious flavors: Cranberry Lift and Raspberry Cranberry Lift. Each contain only 35 calories per eight-ounce serving, so you need not resort to calorie-laden beverages when you need a boost of energy. Just reach for Cranergy instead! I will from now on.
Click here for a coupon and to learn all about Cranergy. Use their "energy meter" while you're there (I'm "The Balancer"...see what results you get....the quiz is really fun). You can also check out energy tips, find recipes, and join the Cranberry Club.
Enjoy!
I hate to cook. Even more than cooking, I hate to clean. As a busy mom, I don't have the time or energy for either, but I still have to do it of course.
I had the chance to review a product that I am SO happy to have found and has made cooking and cleaning a little bit easier! New Ragu Fresh & Simple Pouches make dinner simple and convenient. You simply snip off the corner of the pouch and heat for 90 seconds in the microwave. "Clip it, pop it, pour it!"
No messy pots or pans to clean! How great is that?
Our family loved the tomato, onion and basil sauce the best. We've always been a Ragu family. It's been our favorite brand for years. The Ragu Fresh & Simple Pouches have the same great taste our family has always loved. And just like their traditional sauces there is no sugar added, no artificial additives or preservatives, and each pouch contains Vitamin C, calcium, fiber and protein.
We added the Ragu Fresh & Simple Pouch sauce on top of rigatoni pasta and topped it all off with parmesan and mozzarella. A healthy and easy dinner....that everyone loved! What more could a mom ask for?
For more information, visit the "Feed Our Kids Well" website, and while you're there, check out tons of great tips, meal ideas and more!
Labels: giveaways, health and beauty
Ummm....two words: David. Beckham. Got your attention? :)
Mr. hotness Beckham is the new spokesperson for GO3 Omega-3 supplements. His message is, "Put goodness in to get a head start. Go for it!"
I had the opportunity to review both the children's and adult GO3 Omega-3 supplements and I can say with the utmost assurance that this is a high-quality product.
First of all, the children's version is chewable. I know what you're thinking. Chewable fish oil? But the makers of GO3 have miraculously taken out any "fishy" taste and instead it is strawberry flavored. So kids will actually enjoy getting their recommended daily allowance of healthy Omega-3 oils. My kids loved them!
I tried the adult version and it did have a bit of a fishy aftertaste (you swallow the adult ones), but I found if I took it with food, I couldn't taste anything at all. 
The American Heart Association recommends 2-3 servings of fatty fish per week, but most Americans are too busy or too concerned with the amount of mercury in many fish so they opt out of Omegas. But Omega-3 fish oils are important and provide several health benefits:
~Supporting a healthy heart, circulation and joints
~Fighting inflammation (now considered one of the top skin-agers)
~Improving general mental health and cognitive performance in normal aging
Pretty important, wouldn't you say?
Want to try it out for yourself? GO3 is giving away a box of adult AND children's supplements to THREE lucky winners! (That's a value of $44 for each winner!)
To enter, simply leave a comment here and let me know what you do to keep you and/or your family healthy. One entry per person. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, May 20 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
For a bonus entry, link to this contest and to GO3 on your site, then leave a separate comment here with the link so I can give you proper credit.
Winner will be selected at random using random.org and announced here on Wednesday, May 21 (winner will be contacted by email as well, so be sure to leave a way for me to contact you or I will have to discard your entry...sorry!)
You have two weeks from the date of notification to claim your prize. If the prize is not claimed, I reserve the right to select another winner.
Good luck to all!
As moms, we all want our children to have the best, most nutritious diet available. Convenience is sometimes put aside in order to accomplish that, as many "convenient" foods/drinks are often unhealthy. Labels: food, reviews, toddler
That is why I was so impressed by First Juice, an organic fruit and vegetable juice for toddlers that contains nothing artificial and is low in sugar and calories. Plus, it comes with a convenient, removable sippy top so that you can grab a bottle on the go.
My kids are well beyond the toddler stage but they LOVED the juice. They were a little reluctant to try anything with the word "carrot" in it (we tried the banana/carrot and apple/carrot flavors), but they were pleasantly surprised by its delicious taste.
First Juice is running a "Drink Outside the Box" campaign, where they are asking moms to try the juice out with their friends. Simply visit their website and the first 50 moms who sign up will receive a free CASE of First Juice sippy-top bottles to share with their friends, family and their toddlers.
If any of those whom you share the juice with provide their feedback on the site, you will receive an additional case of 32. oz bottles free!
Simply click here to sign up. Enjoy!
Congratulations to Cindy who won the Suri Cruise Ladybug shoes giveaway, sponsored by Skimbaco! And thanks to Katja at Skimbaco for sponsoring the awesome giveaway! Labels: winners
Thanks also to everyone who entered and linked. I wish you much luck in future contests!
For a very inspirational story, you must stop by Katja's blog to read her entry on what this experience (Tom Cruise showing and mentioning the shoes from her store on the Oprah show) has done for her.
Katja is one of those selfless, giving people who takes an opportunity and creates something amazing out of it. She has been through so much lately, yet she still remains positive.
Instead of simply basking in the publicity on her own (which she would have every right to do), she instead has decided to create a charity to help other bloggers and mompreneurs garner publicity themselves. She is simply amazing.
Click here to read all about her new venture and if you're in need of a little PR, Katja is your go-to woman. Good luck and congratulations, Katja! You totally rock!
Happy Mother's Day to all the mom readers out there! I hope you're having a fabulous, fun and relaxing day. Labels: winners
The lucky winner of the Mother's Day Book Extravaganza Giveaway sponsored by Hachette Book Group USA is....
~Bebemiqui from Young Mom in the Big World. Congratulations!
And many thanks to Hachette Book Group USA for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway!
If you didn't win, don't worry. There are always tons of fabulous contests going on here, with lots more coming up this week. So keep an eye out and good luck!
First of all...wow! There were over 370 entries into the Pizza Hut Tuscani Pasta Giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered.
I discovered a glitch in the set-up of this site during this contest. When you go directly to the contest page, only the first 200 entries show up. I will be contacting my blog designer to fix that, but I wanted to assure everyone who entered that EACH entry was counted (I simply clicked the "post a comment" button to pull up all of the entries...Haloscan entries were also counted, of course).
So without further adieu, the winner of the Pizza Hut Tuscani Pasta Giveaway is...
~Trishden (non-blogger)! Congratulations, Trish! I will be emailing you with info on claiming your prize. Enjoy!
Many thanks to Pizza Hut for this awesome giveaway, and thanks again to all who entered. If you didn't win, don't worry. There are always lots of contests going on here, including these current giveaways:
~Click here to enter to win Suri Cruise's favorite shoes from Skimbaco.
~Click here to win FIVE hip and fun chick lit books from Hachette Book Group USA.
There will be another fantastic contest announced soon, so keep an eye out. Good luck! :)
I have a very special giveaway in celebration of all mothers. Thanks to Hachette Book Group USA, I am giving away not one...not two...not three...not four...but a bundle of FIVE fabulous books to one lucky winner: 
~The Woman Who is Always Tan and Has a Flat Stomach by Lauren Allison and Lisa Perry."Allison and Perry take on soccer moms, video dads, rabid gardeners, and grating couples in this collection of short, punchy essays. Less-than-perfect moms and dads everywhere will be sure to relate to the authors' portraits of the most annoying people around!"
~Odd Mom Out by Jane Porter. (Read my review of this book here)"Can this ex-urbanite remain uniquely herself without alienating the inner circle of smug, cookie-cutter executive wives? And when push comes to shove, can she stop being the proud odd mom out and take a chance at something frighteningly-and tantalizingly-new?"
~Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter (sequel to Odd Mom Out)."As a young California girl growing up in a blue collar neighborhood, Taylor Young dreamed of being popular, beautiful, and acquiring a wardrobe to die for. Not to mention marrying a handsome, successful man and living happily ever after in a gorgeous house with three wonderful children. Now, at 36, Taylor has reached the pinnacle of her dreams, but is it all about to unravel?"
~Names My Sisters Call Me by Megan Crane."When her longtime boyfriend proposes, Courtney decides it's finally time to call a truce and bring the three sisters together. After all, they're grown-ups now, right? But it turns out that family ghosts aren't easily defeated--and neither are first loves."
~Carpool Diem by Nancy Star."...when an obnoxious co-worker conspires to force Annie out of her job, she finds herself out of work and face-to-face with her family, who, it turns out, isn't quite as well-adjusted as Annie thought."
I have to say, I am personally in love with Hachette Book Group USA. They put out THE best chick lit! You will not be disappointed! And with this bundle of books, you'll be set for weeks for the best poolside reading you've ever experienced.
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite book of all time is. For a bonus entry, link to this contest on your site, then leave a separate comment here with the link so that I can give you credit.
Deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, May 10. Winner will be selected at random using random.org and announced on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11. Good luck and happy reading!
Labels: celebrities, giveaways, kids
