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CaringBridge Contest

Posted by html404 on November 1, 2013
in Encouragement for Moms, Family Stuff, Giving Back/Charity, Health, Kids Stuff, Parenting, Uncategorized

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for CaringBridge. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

It wasn’t too long ago that I posted about CaringBridge. Just to jar your memory the post shared about a family we know who used a site like CaringBridge to keep friends and family up to date on how their child was doing just after she was born with a rare condition. They still use the site today for the same reason since their child is still going through treatment several years later.

This post is to celebrate and support caregivers, the strong personal heroes who tirelessly help families get through one day at a time when experiencing a hardship, CaringBridge, the nonprofit caring social network, and Hallmark Cards are kicking off the “Caring Messages” card contest during National Family Caregiver Month.

From October 28th through November 17th, the “Caring Messages” card contest encourages participants to draw on personal experiences as a caregiver or as someone receiving care and create a message of love and support appropriate for a caregiver. Participants can submit one card idea in each of the following categories to www.hallmarkcontests.com:

Support and Encouragement: What can you say to lift someone up or help them get through the day? Let them know you’re thinking of them, send happy thoughts and cheer them on.
Compliments and Appreciation: Let someone know how much you admire them: What they do and how they do it. Words from the Wise: If you’ve experienced something yourself you understand what it’s really like. Write a supportive message for others based on what you’ve learned or what you needed to hear.

This partnership aims to provide patients, caregivers and supporters with love, hope and compassion. Winners announced in February will receive a cash prize, and their entry will be sold at Hallmark.com with in-store sale to be determined.

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The Silver Strand

Posted by html404 on November 1, 2013
in Ebooks, Kids Stuff, Reviews, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

The Silver Strand is a kid’s fantasy book. My 13 year old daughter wrote this review of The Silver Strand by L.J. Clarkson. Here is what she had to say:

I thought is was a good book. I really liked Isabelle. She was a strong character. I liked how her mother helped her. Her friend was a good friend. Esme was hilarious, so was her partner or whoever he was. I cannot remember his name.

I liked the dragon. He didn’t eat Isabelle. He was nice.

The school bully was just mean.

Isabelle’s dog was cute.

It made me happy when Isabelle and her friend, Bianca, made up.

It was cool how the world was set. The fantasy world was cool.

The Silver Strand part was weird, but good.

The ending left me thinking where was the rest of it. I wanted more. It was a cool book.

Learn more about L.J. Clarkson and her other two books at http://mastermindacademy.net

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Miss Moo is…..

Posted by html404 on October 31, 2013
in Animals, Family Stuff, Farm Stuff, Home, Pet Food, Uncategorized

Miss Moo is….not expecting a calf. 🙁 Sniff. Sniff.

On Monday our vet came out to check to see if Miss Moo bred, but unfortunately the August AI (artificial insemination) did not take. We were disappointed but we are trying again. This time the vet gave Miss Moo a shot to bring on her heat cycle, which should occur any day now. Once we see signs of her heat we will call the vet and he will come out and AI her again and give her another shot, if I am understanding correctly. All of this is new to us so forgive me if I get a few things mixed up! Trying to keep things straight but somehow think it may take another time or two of going through AI before it sticks in this brain of mine.

Now….here’s to hoping for a 2014 fall calf.

The vet was impressed with how much weight Miss Moo had put on since late August – yay for the new pasture and the extra grain portions! We really couldn’t take the credit…but we are very, very happy that he noticed the difference. He said she was in “working condition” and could probably still use another 150-200 lbs, so we will keep her grain portion the same and feed her our hay, which is better quality than the stuff we previously got. She was hardly gaining anything on the old hay but our hay is “gold” ;). Seriously, Miss Moo doesn’t even want to eat the old stuff anymore, that’s saying a lot for a cow because cows usually are not so picky. And she really does prefer our hay.

Unfortunately, our second cutting just got cut last week and was baled on Monday. The weather conditions were not the best so our hay did not dry as it should have, but it’s ok for cows. Our horse does not eat hay due to his teeth. Older horses like him (29+ years) often have poor teeth, if any at all. That’s why we feed him mush. More about older horses in a future post though!

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Curel intensive Healing

Posted by Professor on October 31, 2013
in Uncategorized

I am a BzzAgent and received these products from BzzAgent.com for review at no cost to me. I receive no monetary compensation for my open and unbiased review. The purpose of BzzAgents is to generate word of mouth sharing of information – both good and bad – about the products offered by both familiar and unfamiliar companies.

DRY SKIN GOT YOU DOWN?

When your skin’s excessively dry, cracked or irritated, daydreaming of comfort and relief is an everyday thing. But in your dreams, was the answer ever a heavy – and, ugh, sticky! – lotion or cream? This is the part where you put down those other lotions and pick up dermatologist recommended Curél^® Intensive Healing Cream:

Spreads easily, non-greasy and absorbs quickly
Provides immediate healing relief and revitalizes cermamide levels for long-lasting hydration
Clinically-proven to help chapping and chafing caused by dryness
Fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic
9 out of 10 dermatologists recommend using it
Pediatrician tested: suitable for children 6 months and older
Excellent for dry skin associated with diabetes — Curél^® is a proud partner of the American Diabetes Association

WHAT ARE CERAMIDES?

Ceramides are natural lipids and a major component in surface skin structure. They serve as part of the “glue” that holds surface skin cells together.

WHY ARE CERAMIDES IMPORTANT?

Dry, irritated and sensitive skin often lacks ceramides. As a result, skin’s protective barrier is compromised and becomes more susceptible to environmental factors, changes in the season and other irritants.

Research proves that dry and damaged skin is often linked to depleted ceramide levels. Ceramides are naturally found in your skin’s outer layer, helping skin retain its moisture. While traditional lotions only hydrate the surface of your skin, Curél^® Intensive Healing Cream works at the source of dryness to strengthen skin’s moisture retaining capacity — so you’re not just relieving symptoms, but actually preventing dry skin from returning over time!

Relieve irritated and dry skin instantly; lock in moisture for all-day hydration and repair skin by forming a protective barrier to keep future irritants out. Feel the difference Advanced Ceramide Therapy makes every time you apply Curél^® Intensive Healing Cream.

Our review:

This is by far the MOST hydrating cream I have used EVER! It is my NEW favorite. I have always loathed cream that left a greasy feel … this cream DOES NOT! I admit I was leery of its hydration qualities but it is so thick and luxurious it just melts into your skin for a luxury hydration experience.

I often use hand cream while I am working and/or on the computer…so I want something that will go on fast and seep into my skin without that greasy after feeling. This does the trick! Goes on sooth and fast and works instantly! Whenever I feel dry I just dab some on my hands…or ANYWHERE my skin needs moisture and VIOLA! I am instantly satisfied!

For more information visit http://www.curel.com/products/intensive-healing-cream.aspx

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Kmart Layaway

Posted by html404 on October 30, 2013
in Deals, Holidays, Saving Money, Seasonal Stuff, Shopping, Uncategorized

This is a sponsored post. I am a Kmart blogger, though all opinions are my own.

I’ve never actually used a layaway plan before but have always thought it was a great idea. Whether or not you want to admit it; the countdown is on to the holiday season! Although many of us don’t start shopping, decorating and celebrating until after Thanksgiving, there are a few holiday ‘musts’ that you need to start sooner rather than later (we’re talking before Halloween). First, putting your big (or small) items on Layaway. Since most Layaway contracts are eight weeks long, this is the ideal time to shop now and pay over time. You don’t want your wallet to go into shock on November 29th, do you? Didn’t think so. Still need convincing?

Kmart Layaway

Here are a few ‘Layaway Lessons’ to keep in mind:

1.) The cat ate your Christmas tree. OK, so even if you don’t have a cat but last year’s Christmas tree was on its last limb and this is the year you need a new one. On the other hand, maybe you just got a cat and the days of having a real tree are over. Either way, you need some new decorating digs. Pick up a pre-lit tree (because that’s the way to go), LED lights, wreaths and village houses now and pay them off in time for decking those halls! Or simply buy a real Christmas tree.
2.) Your gift list has grown. Maybe you’ve found a new group of friends, entered into a new family or you’re just feeling extra generous this year. Long gift lists call for Layaway. Fill that cart to the brim and roll it over to the Layaway counter. Your pals won’t know you paid their gifts off over time.
3.) Money is tight this year. It’s not just you; many of us are watching our spending. If you’re having trouble staying afloat while keeping those bills paid, Layaway is a must. Not only will you avoid ‘wallet shock,’ you’ll keep your pre-holiday peace of mind.

Whether you have one or 100 items , you can Layaway almost everything on your list without paying a service fee through 11/23. Plus, you can pay in store, online or using a mobile phone. Eight or 12 weeks later (depending on your contract) pick up your items and you’re good to go! Bonus: After you figure out how easy it is, you can Layaway all year round at Kmart.

Do you use a layaway plan during the holiday season?

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Halloween Tru Moo

Posted by Professor on October 30, 2013
in Contests, Coupons, DVDs & CDs, Health, Holidays, Kids Stuff, Reviews, Uncategorized

TruMoo^® is dressing up for Halloween this fall, with the same delicious taste and feel-good nutrition underneath.

THE TASTE KIDS WANT, WITH A LOOK GHOULS LOVE

To kids, TruMoo^® must feel like a trick — Mom’s letting us drink flavored milk again!? — but it’s really just a nutritious treat children and parents can’t help but agree on. Made with pure, fresh milk from your trusted dairy, no artificial growth hormones and no high fructose corn syrup, TruMoo^® has the delicious taste kids go crazy for, now with 35% less sugar* than a leading chocolate milk brand. And this bewitching season, there’s even more to treat your family to:

Get into the spooky spirit with limited edition TruMoo in classic Chocolate and NEW Vanilla in Halloween Orange!
Learn how you can enter to win a Goosebumps Haunted Hollywood Vacation and instantly get a $2-off coupon for any Goosebumps DVD with your next TruMoo^® purchase

*A leading low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk brand contains 28g of sugar per serving. TruMoo^® low-fat and fat-free chocolate milk contains 18g of sugar per serving.

Do not forget to “peel and play” once you buy your own tru moo product!

Our review:

My children LOVE Tru Moo… it is a special treat for them since I do not buy chocolate milk that often. However Tru Moo has become their preferred brand… its thick, rich , chocolateness delights their taste buds! As a mom I am glad to be able to give them this treat once in a while!

We were also pleased to see Tru Moo pairing with our FAVORITE Halloween TV show… R.L Stein’s Goosebumps. goosebumps books, DVD’s, and TV show has been a long standing favorite in our house!

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6 Tips to Healthier Eating

Posted by html404 on October 29, 2013
in All Natural Products, Food and Treats, Health, Health and Garden Tuesday, Health and Nutrition, Organic, Recipes, Uncategorized

This is a featured post.

I was recently in a discussion with some other moms about how to start eat healthier. It made me think back to when we began to revamp our eating habits. It became a blog post idea so I thought I share some of the ways we changed our diet when we started to read labels and take a closer look into our pantry and refrigerator.

6 Tips to Healthier Eating

1. Read food labels. I cannot tell you how important this is. Reading labels will change your food buying habits. Learn what ingredients are bad and what ingredients are good for you to ingest.

2. Eliminate food dyes and artificial flavors from your diet. Dyes and artificial flavors are in a lot of things. So read labels and refuse to buy any food with these dyes and artificial flavors. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. We noticed a huge difference in how our children acted after we eliminated these from our diet.

People are fed by the FOOD industry, which pays no attention to health….And are treated by the health industry, which pays no attention to FOOD.

~ Wendell Berry

3. Buy as much organic as your budget will allow. There is a meme out there about organic food. It went something like this, “Think organic food is expensive? Have you priced cancer lately?” Pretty much says it all. Cancer is rather rampant. Organic food is usually non-GMO (Genetically Modified Organism), if labeled Non-GMO. Organic food also has a lot less pesticides and insecticides used on it. Organic food can be bought in most grocery stores now. Start with a couple of products and slowly increase it over time so the slight increase is only noticeable over time.

4. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Shopping the perimeter of a grocery store generally means buying more fruit, vegetables, dairy, juice, eggs and meat. It reduces the amount of packaged convenience food you buy.

5. Substitute junk food with healthy snacks. We rarely buy potato chips any more. We buy organic tortilla chips or make popcorn on top of our stove. You can also eat your favorite veggies and fruit in place of your favorite junk food.

6. Reduce and eliminate your soda pop intake. Start drinking water. You can add lemon or lime for flavor. Have a glass or 100% juice with your breakfast. Soda pop offers no nutritional value and causes weight gain when used in excess.

There are many other tips I could share but these seemed like the easiest to start with. For recipes to aid you in your healthier eating journey visit apple crisp recipe and this blueberry muffin recipe appeals to my sweet tooth and love of blueberries!

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Happy Halloween with Crest and Oral B

Posted by Professor on October 29, 2013
in Cleaning, Coupons, Health, Uncategorized

Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.

Imagine a Halloween without sweet treats – Crest and Oral B asked my young trick-or-treaters to try some healthy alternatives to traditional Halloween candy and the results were…scary.

Why don’t you try it ~ Dig into Halloween candy and keep your teeth cavity-free with Crest toothpastes and Oral-B toothbrushes. Plus, visit your dentist to keep away the scariest monster of them all: tooth decay. That means more candy and whiter fangs for all!

Halloween is a fun time in our house… going door-to-door trick or treating and then devouring candy! I always have my children brush and brush some more after ravenously eating those sweet treats! It can be disheartening to see chocolate smiles… BUT I know that Crest and Oral B will be there to make things sparkly again! Fortunately my children enjoy their brushing adventures! They love the Crest for Kids toothpaste (so glad this came out) with its sparkling fun!

Before I found Crest for Kids I was always fighting with the children to brush… now because of the good flavor and sparkle fun brushing is no longer a chore for mom! AND did I mention the cool Oral B flossers???

They are an awesome way to get kids to floss, a must try! …This being said NOW on Halloween my children will brush away the sugar bugs from all the candy and I can sleep easier knowing that Crest and Oral B have helped my children continue their good oral hygiene.

Make sure to check out the CREST COUPON site so you can SAVE on your future Crest purchases!

For more information about CREST and ORAL B products please visit http://www.crestprohealth.com/

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Milk Unleashed

Posted by Professor on October 28, 2013
in All Natural Products, Family Stuff, Food and Treats, Uncategorized

Milk Unleashed helps moms get their kids to drink more milk –anytime –anywhere!

Just because busy families are often on the go, they don’t have to sacrifice nutrition. Thanks to Tetra Pak cartons, milk has officially been unleashed! Milk is packaged in the same shelf safe cartons as juice boxes and not requiring refrigeration until they are unopened. Moms can take milk to the beach, the park, sporting events and picnics – anytime, anywhere. It is the same nutrient-rich Grade fluid milk – but packaged for convenience.

How is this possible? The milk is flash-heated at higher temperatures (ultra-pasteurization) to eliminate bacteria and then put into Tetra Pak shelf safe cartons, which protect the milk from air, tight, and other contaminants. Shelf safe milk stays on the shelf without preservatives until it is ready to chill and drink.

Here are a few tips from Milk Unleashed website for getting kids to drink more milk:

Stock the refrigerator (and pantry) with flavored and white milk in single serving cartons for a healthy snack on the go.

Put in the kids’ lunchboxes. If it’s there they will be more likely to drink it.

Try offering flavored milk. It has the same nutrients and only a little added sugar.

Appeal to their eyes by adding a drop of food coloring to make milk fun!

Be a role model. Kids will be more likely to want milk if they see you drinking it.

The Milk Unleashed website is packed with information for moms on the go, ideas for increasing milk in their families’ diets, nutritional facts about milk, plus promotions, contests and information about the various brands of shelf safe milk and where to buy.

Tetra Pak’s shelf safe milk boxes enable milk to retain its quality without refrigeration for several months. Families can purchase large quantities and store it safely in their pantry until they are ready to chill before opening, if they choose. For more information visit www.milkunleashed.com

Our Review:

We LOVE milk in our house we go through 3 sometimes 4 gallons a week! I was excited to try the options from Milk Unleashed in the Tetra Pak containers. The containers are a very nice size (larger than a normal juice box). We received various brands and flavors from milk unleashed. We received Organic Valley Farms White and chocolate milk, Hershey’s chocolate and white chocolate milk, TruMoo vanilla and chocolate milk, and Cow Wow Chocolate milk. All of the brands and flavors were a hit… except I have to say the children did not like the Organic Valley farms regular milk, they did not mind the chocolate flavored milk but honestly hated the regular milk. I tasted the Organic Valley milk and it did have a differently flavor to it… not sure if this was because it is organic or because of the pasteurization but it did taste different. But that was the only one that was not a hit.

The milk was so popular that the kids drank it down before I got to take a nifty picture for the blog of all the flavors and packaging that we received (sorry!) but here are some stock photos of the packaging…

I LOVE the idea of safe shelf milk… this is a great alternative to juice boxes. We do not do juice boxes often, we opt for water bottles instead…BUT now we have an even better option with the new Tetra Packaging of milk!

We also visited milkunleashed.com for more information about the available products and information about shelf safe milk. There is a wealth of information on the website so PLEASE if take some time to peruse the website it will certainly be informative!

WWW.MILKUNLEASHED.COM

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One Thousand Gifts Review and Giveaway #1000gifts

Posted by html404 on October 26, 2013
in Books, Encouragement for Moms, Gift Ideas, Holidays, Reviews

I am not sure what I was expecting when I agreed to read Ann Voskamp‘s book, One Thousand Gifts, but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. All I know is I was interested in Ann’s book because she lives on a farm, has six children and homeschools. I thought she and I had a lot in common and I’d be interested in what she had to say. It turns out we had more in common than I thought.

Ann lost her two year old little sister when she was four years old. A delivery truck driver didn’t see her and backed over her. 🙁 Talk about tragic. Talk about the family being grief stricken. Ann did not get over it easily, even though she was four years old, as a matter of fact, it seemed to take her years. Her journey is at the root of One Thousand Gifts. It is Ann’s story of going from a less than joyful existence to living more fully in the joy of the Lord.

One Thousand Gifts is not “candy” reading. Remember when I said I like to read “candy” books to relax and just get away from every day work and life. It’s my rest so to speak. This book requires deep thinking and even personal examination, if you are willing to delve into your soul on a new level. I know I couldn’t just zip through reading the book at high speed. I took it slow so I could digest its words.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ann’s word studies, especially on eucharisteo (you’ll have to read the book to find out what that is! 😉 ) It really helped me see some areas in my life where I’ve been lacking. I will say one thing about living a joyful life, it is first necessary to be a thankful person. Discontentment is a sure fire joy robber.

I’d encourage all women who are looking for more meaning to life to read this book. It is definitely inspiring, soul searching and taught me enough to make me want to change my outlook from one of discontentment to joy and to choose to make gratefulness an every day habit. It’s definitely a must read.

Could you make a list thanking God for 1000 things in your life? If you could, how do you think that exercise would change you? Or would it?

One Thousand Gifts may be purchased at any major book retailer.

One Thousand Gifts Review and Giveaway

If you are looking for a great gift for mom, just because gift, encouraging gift, birthday gift, Christmas gift……enter to win a copy of One Thousand Gifts below!

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