Saturday, June 30, 2012

Tell Congress to Protect SNAP Funding

No child should have to go hungry. Tell Congress to Protect SNAP Funding in the Farm Bill. Why Should You Care About Federal Nutritional Programs? Every parent does their best to give everything they can to their children: food, shelter, clothing, education and positive social experiences, just to name a few. Many of us are fortunate to not have to worry about where our next meal will come from, but what if you or your spouse/partner lost their job, became sick or otherwise unable to provide for your children? Federal nutrition programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been put into place to help out during those times of need. Members of Congress are working to reauthorize the Farm Bill, legislation that provides funding for the SNAP program and for the SNAP education program. Drastic cuts to SNAP are on the table for the Farm Bill, and nearly half of all SNAP participants are children. If Congress cuts funding for this poverty relieving program, it will affect millions of children and families, leaving them even more vulnerable to hunger.

As one of the wealthiest nations in the world, we cannot afford to let our children go hungry. Ensuring our children have enough to eat must be a priority for our nation. What We’d Like From You: Support the Farm Bill and No Kid Hungry by visiting http://nokidhungry.org/farmbill to send a message to Congress, share your story or make a pledge. This is an issue every mom can get behind.

Farm Bill & SNAP Overview: •This spring and summer, members of Congress will be working on the re-authorization of the Farm Bill, legislation that provides funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, and the largest nutrition program in the Farm Bill. •SNAP helps struggling families buy more food and fresh vegetables to feed their kids. •SNAP faces potentially devastating cuts in the Farm Bill. These cuts could reduce, or even eliminate, millions of Americans’ access to SNAP benefits, forcing families across the country to go hungry. •SNAP also provides important economic benefits to communities across the country. For every SNAP dollar spent, $1.79 is returned to the economy. As our economy slowly begins to recover, now is not the time to cut programs that help local businesses and families. •A family of 4 making less than $23,000 net income qualifies for SNAP.

Quick Hunger Facts: •1 in 5 kids in America doesn’t get enough to eat. •Nearly 50% of SNAP participants are children. •More than 46 million Americans – a majority of whom are seniors, children, or people with disabilities - rely on SNAP to feed their families. •The average monthly SNAP benefit = $1.48 per meal •More than two-thirds of the funds in the most recent Farm Bill help feed these hungry kids through Federal Nutrition Programs.
About Share Our Strength: Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Through its No Kid Hungry campaign - a national effort to end childhood hunger in America - Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs; invests in community organizations fighting hunger; teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals; and builds public-private partnerships to end childhood hunger, at the state and city level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org.
 

Belle Banquet Placemats *Giveaway*

Belle Banquet sets a beautiful table! Make your table a work of art with their exclusive place settings. These unique place mats will enhance any occasion whether eating alone at your kitchen counter, entertaining friends, or throwing a belle banquet.
I chose the Dragonfly Place Mats. I love them! It is a set of 6 place mats, 11" x 17". They are high quality with full, rich color printing. These place mats are durable and affordable. You can update table for every season or holiday! I love them, did I say that yet? With all the great designs, you can make a change every month if you want!

One lucky reader will win a set of place mats! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.
 5. Tell me which design(s) are your favorite from the website.

Giveaway ends July 16th. Good luck!
 
I received a product from Belle Banquet in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Safari Ltd. Toys

Play is the essential joy of childhood. Through play children learn about themselves, their environment and the larger world. At Safari, they design toys that assist the joy of play. In a highly technical world, the most endangered species is the imagination. Without imagination, the individual loses the creative spark.

I received some amazing toys for Callan to play with, and to learn with also! He was in Heaven when he got them, and he even asked me if he could take the toys to bed with him. They sure were a hit with him!
The Insect Toob: Discover a world of fascinating award winning miniature collectibles in a myriad of popular themes. Each collection is professionally sculpted and finely hand painted. Great for school projects or it's just fun to display near your computer. Excellent "carry-along" for any excursion since the figures are neatly packed in a reusable acetate tube. The Insects Toob includes: Dragonfly, Praying Mantis, Grasshopper, Ant, Cockroach, Caterpillar, Ladybug, Spider, Bumble Bee, Scolopendrid, Fly, Scorpion, Yellow Butterfly, Brown Butterfly.
Hidden Kingdom Black Widow Spider: The mysterious world of tarantulas, dragonflies, butterflies and other small creatures fabulously replicated in authentically sculpted figures. The Black Widow Spider paralyzes prey trapped in their webs with powerful venom and then liquefy their flesh with digestive juices. Although their venom is 15 times more poisonous than a rattlesnake’s, their painful bites are usually not deadly to humans because they inject such a small amount.
North American Wildlife Pronghorn Buck: The Wild Safari Forest series was designed for the hands of the smaller child. Each figure is finely hand painted and sculpted by experts which ensures authenticity. The Pronghorn Buck can run 58 mph - almost as fast as a cheetah! Males have slender bodies and branched horns up to 17 inches long.
Wildlife Bactrian Camel: The Wild Safari Jungle series was designed for the hands of the smaller child. Each figure is finely hand painted and sculpted by experts which ensures authenticity. The Bactrian Camel can withstand temperatures from -20°F to 100°F. After a drought, they can drink 29 gallons of water in only 10 minutes.
Wildlife Wonders Lion: Jumbo soft and realistic wildlife animals that spark the imagination of all children young or older! Superlative sculpting teaches children how the animal actually looks in the wild. Great tool to teach and additionally encourages imaginative play. The Lion lives in the Savanna and open forests of much of sub-Sahara Africa, and the Gir Forest of India. As social animals, lions live in groups called “prides” across Africa and Asia that follow a strong hierarchy, lead by one dominant male. Females are responsible for hunting and instructing young cubs, giving birth to up to six cubs at a time. As excellent predators, they attain speeds of 36 miles per hour over short distances.

So cool! Check it all out at Safari Ltd. on Facebook, as well as Safari Ltd. on Twitter.
  
I received products from Safari Ltd. in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Trash Pack Review & *Giveaway*

Introducing The Trash Pack! The grossest guys that live in your garbage! There are over 100 Trashies to collect, with each one having a different rarity.
We got two different Trash Pack Toys. The Atomic Drum Ooze Chamber: There's heaps to do with the Atomic Drum Ooze Chamber! Squish your Trashies in the compactor, lift them to safety in the lift or lose them in the Atomic Ooze! Contains: Atomic Drum Ooze Chamber Playset, 2 Exclusive Trashies - Molecular Mouse and Atomic Ant.
The Wheelie Bin Ooze Slide: Watch your Trashies grind through the grotty cogs. Slide 'em down the ooze slide or flip 'em from the top of the bin! Contains: Wheelie Bin Ooze Slide Playset, 2 Exclusive Trashies - Ear Wax Ball and Gutter Grub. Callan adores these! He can play for hours with these simple but fun toys. He even took them to bed with him the first night, and a few nights later in my own bed I woke up to one of the Trashies on my pillow. Hmmm. You can buy The Trash Pack toys at Toys r Us.

One lucky reader will a Trash Pack! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends July 13th. Good luck!
 
I received products from Litzky PR and Moose World in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Spoonful Of Comfort Gift Basket

If someone you love is sick, sad, or having a bad day.....send a little comfort their way. Spoonful of Comfort Chicken Soup. They'll feel better and so will you!

I received the Get Well Gift Basket. It included: One 64oz jar of Spoonful of Comfort Chicken Soup. Gift packaged with enclosed custom gift card. One half dozen made from scratch rolls. One half dozen oatmeal raisin cookies. It was packaged so beautifully, and everything tasted sooooo good. We devoured the soup. I am going to order more. It is the best chicken soup I have ever had!

 
I received products from Spoonful Of Comfort in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Foto Fun Fridays - 4th Of July Weekend

Have a safe & fun 4th Of July Weekend!





I'm bringing Foto Fun Fridays back. Play along and post pics of the things you love, etc. each week on Friday, and feel free to share your posts with us! Have fun!
 

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Loving It Up Here In The Northwoods

Mama and her favorite boy, loving it up here in The Nothwoods of MN.
 

Win a Kindle Fire at @KimCashTate's Hope Springs Author Chat Party {7/10}!

Celebrate the release of Hope Springs with Kim Cash Tate by coming to her Author Chat Party on Facebook.


Find out what readers are saying here.


Grab your copy of Hope Springs and join me for an Author Chat Party on July 10th at 8:00 PM EST (that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 MST, & 5:00 PST)!


During the evening Kim will be sharing the story behind her new book, posting book club questions, testing your trivia skills, and of course, there will be plenty of chatting and fun giveaways - books, gift certificates and (I'm so excited about this) - a Kindle Fire!


But, wait there's more – she’ll also be giving you a sneak peak of her next book too!


RSVP today and then come back on the 10th ... and bring your friends!

Dry Idea Sweepstakes & *Giveaway* 3 Winners!

Dry Idea stands for professional performance. For over three decades, Dry Idea has been one of the industry leaders in reducing under-arm perspiration and body odor. Dry Idea antiperspirants provide all day protection to help keep you dry and fresh.
I received the new roll-on deodorant, and totally love it! Roll With It! Regular, Unscented and Powder Fresh Roll-On (2.5 and 3.25oz.) Silicone-based formulation - the secret to dry. This formulation puts the “Dry” in Dry Idea antiperspirants. It contains no water – for a drier application. And it’s time-released for longer-lasting odor protection and fragrance. Dry Idea Roll-On available in Unscented, Powder Fresh and Cotton Dry: ·Superior All Day Protection from wetness and odor. ·Fast Drying Microcotton Formula ·Hypo-allergenic ·Contains Vitamin E.
Don't forget to enter the sweepstakes! $1,000 Dry Idea Advanced Dry Sweepstakes! Grand Prize is $500 and 20 winners will receive $50 for second place!
 
I received a product from Dry Idea and Purex Insiders in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

All Mighty Pacs

All Laundry Detergent has been fighting tough dirt and stains for over 50 years!
Introducing All Mighty Pacs, their most concentrated detergent ever! Conveniently pre-measured with active stain lifters. Powerful Clean, Mighty Results! The Mighty Pacs are conveniently pre-measured to contain the right combination of powerful concentrated detergent with active stain lifters. They dissolve completely, leaving behind nothing but clean. Available in original and free clear.

They are really easy to use, and I love that, especially when I have a preschooler who needs my attention a lot of the time. No measuring out detergent or spilling. Just pop the pac into the washer and go! Awesome!

Check it all out at All Laundry on Facebook!
 
I received a product from All Laundry and Cone Inc. in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

#EclosBeauty Information

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

éclos Skin Care beauty product feature Apple Stem Cells extracted from a rare Swiss apple which have shown tremendous ability to stimulate skin stem cells, encouraging aging skin to behave like younger skin. Plant extracts, vitamins, and anti-oxidants combine with the Apple Stem Cell technology to help minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and tired skin.

Similar products were once only available from specialty brands at department stores with a high price tag to match. Ã©clos Skin Care is the first brand to bring this active ingredient to mainstream stores at a fraction of the cost - making beautiful and younger skin available to women everywhere, of every age, and every financial bracket.

Each kit contains one of each of the following:

• Facial Cleanser Skin Prep

• Cellular Activator Face Serum

• Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream

• Restorative Eye Cream

• Instant Radiance Facial Scrub

• Skin Renewal Clay Mask

• éclos Terry Cloth Head Band

These products look really great, and I am excited to try them. The most interesting to me would be the eye serum - The eye area shows the first signs of aging. Scientists now believe that Plant Stem Cells can reinvigorate skin stem cells, tightening, and dramatically reducing the appearance of fine lines. Potent plant extracts quickly hydrate to further smooth and firm.  Even at my younger age of 32, I am starting to show those fine lines around my eyes, and I hate that!

I would also be interested in the Regenerative Cream - The latest in Plant Stem Cell technology helps protect skin’s ability to renew itself.

Oasap Fashion

Oasap is an online shopping store dedicated to high-street fashion by offering various kinds of women’s apparel, bags, shoes, jewellery, accessories, etc.. They keep updating products at a high rate every day to ensure that you can find the latest and best styles.


I got a cut-out lace top that I love love love from Oasap. The t-shirt is crafted in cotton, featuring cut-out lace shoulder design and cut-out design of back, round neckline, short sleeves, in medium length cut, all in loose fit. I love the detailing. It is so simple, but totally gorgeous.


I also got the cutest pair of shoes, just in time for 4th of July! The canvas shoes are crafted in fabric and rubber, featuring low top, color block of the vamp, white stars printing, lace-up fastening design, low cut with rubber sole. They are really very comfortable, and so cute in jeans or shorts. I love that the side of the shoes on the outside say Wonder Woman! Totally adorable. I am so pleased with these items, and can't wait to tell people where I got them!

Check out Oasap on Facebook, as well as Oasap on Twitter.
 
I received product from Oasap in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dramamine Sweepstakes

Dramamine, the leading brand of motion sickness relief for adults and children, is encouraging consumers to conquer their motion sickness with the opportunity to win a week-long cruise!
 
From June 11th through September 30th, 2012, adult consumers are invited to enter “The Dramamine Travel Challenge Sweepstakes”.
 
Entering is easy! Just visit the Dramamine website and tell in 50 words or less why you wish you had used Dramamine during a recent trip, and you could be chosen to win a week-long cruise for four people!
 
The sweepstakes is a way to educate consumers about the benefits and uses of Dramamine, especially its effectiveness in easing symptoms associated with motion sickness.
 
To enter, simply go to www.Dramamine.com and click on the “sweepstakes” banner. The sweepstakes period runs from 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on June 11th, 2012 and ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on September 30th, 2012. Limit one entry per household per day.
 
Winners will be determined by random drawing. The sweepstakes is open to residents of the United States of America who are 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. For additional contest rules and limitations, visit: www.dramamine.com/sweeps/rules.
 
One Grand Prize winner will receive a week-long cruise package for four. The cruise package includes airfare to port of departure and additional expenses (Approximate retail value of $8,000). Additionally, Four Finalists with receive a travel package containing headphones, e-readers (Kindle Fire), neck pillows, eye masks and Dramamine, a $200-$400 retail value.

Mompreneur & Boogie Wipes Contest

Supporting Little Busy Bodies’ core values, Julie (the owner of BoogieWipes) maintains a vigorous schedule of speaking engagements and call-in chats, all while contributing to the company’s business-themed blog (www.thebusinessofbeingamom.com) in order to share her “mompreneur” knowledge with others while continuing to grow the Little Busy Bodies brand.

Now, she is taking it a step further by creating the “Make Me a Mompreneur” contest. To submit yourself or someone you know for the Little Busy Bodies’ “ Make Me Mompreneur” contest please email a 1000-word or less explanation of your business, difficulties you are facing, the success you have had and why you need/deserve a mentoring session with Julie to boogiemoms@boogiewipes.com.

One lucky winner will be chosen on August 1, 2012. The winner will receive a daylong mentoring session with Julie in the winner’s hometown.
 

Miracle-Gro Kids *Giveaway*

Miracle-Gro Kids Gardening sets include everything you need to grow your own Flower, Vegetable, and Herb gardens. These specially designed kid-safe grow kits feature the Miracle-Gro Gro-Pod system and real Miracle-Gro Gro-Mix! Peachtree Playthings and Miracle-Gro are planting seeds with the gardeners of tomorrow.
We recieved a Miracle-Gro Kids ModPots Vegetable Pod. The Miracle-Gro Kids ModPots gardening set can be arranged again and again with snap-able, switchable plant pots. The ModPots set also includes Gro-Pod containers with Miracle-Gro Gro-Mix, seed packets, plant marking stakes, a planting stick, a Gro-Chart and plant care instructions. ModPots sets are available in both flower and vegetable varieties that can be combined to create an even more exciting garden design. You can find these products in your local Home Depot or Kmart stores. Callan and I were so excited to plant his tomato pod. He wanted it to grow much faster than it did, hee hee, but the end result were cute little tomatoes which we all enjoyed! So much fun! A great summer activity!

One lucky reader will win a Miracle-Gro Kids Mod Pot. Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends July 11th. Good luck!
 
I received a product from Litzky PR & Peachtree Playthings in exchange for a review on my blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Spring Equinox

~Hayley