April 25, 2012
UPrinting Family Business Cards Giveaway Deadline Extended.
There were very few entries on the UPrinting Family Business Cards Giveaway, so I extended the deadline until midnight on 5/3. It is a good prize, so I want to make sure more people know about it. Good luck!
April 21, 2012
Planter's Peanut Butter Challenge
Planters is
launched “Peanut Butter Doug’s Peanut Butter Challenge” on Facebook, which called on
consumers to enter a photo, video, recipe, or written entry that proves how much
they love peanut butter. The top 16 submissions, as voted on by the fans, will
win a case of Planters peanut butter. The grand prize winner will receive not
one, but two lifetime supplies of Planters peanut butter.
· Voting for Top 16 Finalists:
4/25-5/2
· Voting for Winner: 5/3-5/28
· Winners Notified: 5/29
Vote for your favorite on Facebook.
All 3 varieties:
Contain no cholesterol
Good source of Manesium and Vitamin E
Good source of protein with 7 or 8 grams per serving (depending on variety)
They are good for baking and cooking. I mainly use it for sandwiches, but my daughter likes to snack with spoonfuls out if the jar. I would recommend it.
I received samples for my review. No compensation was received for this post.
April 17, 2012
The Clorox Lounge and the Last Comic Sitting Competition and sweepstakes
Well, it could be said that I am frugal. I don't want to be cheap, but why pay more when you can get the same thing for less? I love using coupons on items that are already on sale. I also enter sweepstakes and giveaways. Winning free coupons or gift cards can really help the weekly budget.
I believe it is important to teach our children about saving money. My kids say "Mom won't get it unless she has a coupon." Now I don't know if I am that frugal, or maybe I am. :)
I was asked to tell you about a time when being frugal backfired. I can't think of any frugal disasters, but sometimes different brands tastes different. I remember buying generic cheese once. That stuff was nasty! That was many years ago, so hopefully they have improved the taste. I don't know because I have been afraid to try it again.
I remember saving specially marked cans to save on theme park admission, then I left them home. :(
Oh well, at least I tried.
We are all busy, but we need to remember to take a break occasionally. The Clorox Lounge has several funny comics. They are offering lots of ways to earn chances to win awesome prizes. You could win Clorox Products, coupons, rewards or $10,000! Check out this video-
Sweepstakes
Could you use $10,000? Well, you could win the sweepstakes. It is easy to enter. Just by joining The Clorox Lounge and registering for the site, you will be entered for a chance to win $10,000.
You can earn two additional entries per day. To get more entries:
Log in daily
Leave a comment on one of the blog posts, stories or photos.
The Weekly Competition
You can earn great rewards by participating in weekly community contests. Sherri Shepherd will ask about a funny moment in your life every week. Share that story and you'll be entered to win a $100 gift card. Stories will be judged on relevancy to the topic, quality and creativity of your submission.
But even if your story isn't chosen, you still have a chance to win one of 10 Clorox Prize Packs given away every week. You will receive a $1 off coupon from the Clorox Family of Toilet Products the first time you share a story.
So check out the The Clorox Lounge and have some fun.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and The Clorox Lounge blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own.
April 11, 2012
UPrinting Family Business Cards Giveaway
Have you hear about Uprinting? They sell a variety of customized items such as address labels, postcards, business cards, and many more things. I have ordered from them several times. I am a happy customer.
Great news! I have been allowed to host a giveaway for UPrinting Family Business Cards.
One winner will receive this:
250pcs Customizable Die-cut Business Cards
Choice of: 2x3.5" Rounded Corners, 2x2" Rounded Corners, 1.75x3.5" Rounded Corners, 2x3.5" Leaf, 2x3.5 Rounded one corner, 2x3.5" Half Circle Side, 2x3.5" Oval, 2.5" Circle
14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
6 Business Days Turnaround time
Free US shipping only
April 10, 2012
Annies Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies Sale at GoPicnic
Annie's Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies: 36 Pack (36 - 1oz. packages) |
| "Baked with organic wheat flour and real Wisconsin cheddar, Annie's Cheddar Bunnies Baked Snack Crackers are great tasting and wholesome because they contain absolutely no hydrogenated oils, saturated fats, or trans-fatty acids. Annie's Snack Crackers are ideal for toddler-sized hands, but their crispy crunch and real cheesy flavor will tempt snackers of all ages to eat them by the handful." At GoPicnic use the coupon code Bunny40 for 40 percent off a 36-pack of Annies Homegrown Cheddar Bunnies. You can get them for a great price. GoPicnic is the leader in great-tasting, ready-to-eat meals. Last year they launched five all-natural and three deli meals that are pre-packaged, ready-to-eat and require no refrigeration or preparation for $4.99 each. Six of the eight are gluten-free meals, making it easy for consumers with gluten sensitivity to eat the foods they enjoy in one great-tasting package. Each meal contains a well-balanced meal that includes a protein, whole grains, fruit and sweet treat for dessert. I have ordered the meals several times, and we love them! We had the cheddar bunnies in the meals, and they tasted great. Remember to use the coupon code Bunny40 for 40 percent off through April 30 at GoPicnic. I did not receive any compensation for this post. |
April 8, 2012
Spice Up Your Parties
This month is my birthday month, and it is a big one! - Don't ask :) My youngest sister and my best friend were born in April also. I have been planning my birthday party, and trying to come up with some cool ideas.
I would love to have a cookout for a party. I prefer an open fire to cook hot dogs and marshmallows, but I like grilling out also. Another option is to have a variety of foods or maybe even a potluck. I don't think I will decorate, or I would have to use black balloons!
Those are some of the ideas I am considering. Do you have any ideas for a memorable birthday party? I was thinking about how to spice up parties.
Tips to Spice Up your Parties
1. Have a theme - It could be an occasion or location. For example, I have seen many interesting decorations for a luau or an island type party.
2. Have easy to prepare foods - You don't want to spend your time cooking while you should be partying!
3. Prepare as much of the food as possible before the event - For example, if you are having a fresh fruit or veggie tray, you can cut the items and arrange them on the tray early in the day before the party.
4. Play games at the party - Games aren't necessarily only for kids. You could play Jenga, Pictionary, charades, or many others.
5. Consider having music - It could be as simple as a radio/CD player. Or for a more fancy affair consider a DJ or a band.
I wanted to share the news about the new Farm Rich Queso Cheese Bites. They are available at Walmart and other grocery retailers for an average retail price of $6.99. Each bag of Farm Rich Queso Cheese Bites contains 53-56 pieces. The bite-sized snacks come out of the oven or fryer in just minutes, crisp and toasty on the outside, meltingly tender on the inside, and ready to serve for an after-school snack, party appetizer, or just any time hunger calls. The wholesome snacks also are a good source of calcium, and each portion contains just 180 calories and 0 grams trans fat per serving. To learn more, visit www.farmrich.com.
Farm Rich as haveing a Pesos 4 Quesos sweepstakes that continues through May 5, 2012 . You could win a $200 American Express Gift Card or even $3,500 toward a large party thrown by winner. To enter the Sweepstakes, access the entry form through the Pesos for Quesos tab on Facebook.com/FarmRich
Follow Farm Rich on Twitter: @farmrichsnacks
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.
I would love to have a cookout for a party. I prefer an open fire to cook hot dogs and marshmallows, but I like grilling out also. Another option is to have a variety of foods or maybe even a potluck. I don't think I will decorate, or I would have to use black balloons!
Those are some of the ideas I am considering. Do you have any ideas for a memorable birthday party? I was thinking about how to spice up parties.
Tips to Spice Up your Parties
1. Have a theme - It could be an occasion or location. For example, I have seen many interesting decorations for a luau or an island type party.
2. Have easy to prepare foods - You don't want to spend your time cooking while you should be partying!
3. Prepare as much of the food as possible before the event - For example, if you are having a fresh fruit or veggie tray, you can cut the items and arrange them on the tray early in the day before the party.
4. Play games at the party - Games aren't necessarily only for kids. You could play Jenga, Pictionary, charades, or many others.
5. Consider having music - It could be as simple as a radio/CD player. Or for a more fancy affair consider a DJ or a band.
Follow Farm Rich on Twitter: @farmrichsnacks
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.
April 4, 2012
Top Ten Power Packed Foods
What is the secret to a long and healthy life? It is in the food that we eat. As you well know, all foods are not created equal. Choosing and eating the right foods may help increase your life expectancy as well as the quality of your life.
Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!
1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.
3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.
4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables help guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.
5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.
6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.
8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.
10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.
Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.
Here are ten of the top power packed foods designed to give you energy, vitality and all around good health!
1. Beans – If they give you gas, take precautions before you eat them. Soaking them first can help. Beans of all kinds (kidney, navy, lentils, chickpeas, Northern) are high in protein. This is plant protein so it contains very little fat, carbs and calories. If fiber is a problem in your diet, eating a healthy portion of beans each day can keep your digestive system healthy.
2. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is coming into popularity as a food that lowers blood cholesterol. You can make it yourself with rolled oats or eat the instant kind if you are in a hurry. Oatmeal is a filling grain that also provides much needed fiber to keep hunger at bay and your blood sugar constant.
3. Fruits – Fruits are filled with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A. Antioxidants fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of cancer. Berries such as blueberries and grapes have the highest amount of antioxidants. But choose an array of fruits in a wide variety of colors for maximum health. The antioxidants in fruit boost the immune system to fight the effects of aging in the body.
4. Allium foods – This class of foods includes garlic, onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is known for lowering cholesterol. Allium vegetables help guard the body against the risk of cancer and many other ailments. They also help lower blood pressure and prevent blood clots. Eating these power packed vegetables in their natural state especially garlic increases their health benefits.
5. Salmon – Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of heart disease and other conditions like atherosclerosis. Wild salmon is a fatty fish but it contains good fats that has been proven to improve health in children and adults. Salmon is rich in protein which is of great use after an exercise session to build muscle tissue.
6. Flax seed – Like salmon it contains omega-3 fatty acids. These seeds also contain omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids. You get a lot of power to fight high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes with this seed. Ground flax seed can be added to fruit smoothies, sprinkled in yogurt, eaten with cereal or added to pancake mix to name a few.
7. Peppers – Peppers are colorful. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. Peppers range from mild and sweet to so hot you’ll be calling the fire department. All peppers contain a substance called capsaicin. Capsaicin has the properties of an anti-inflammatory, a pain reliever, lowers cancer risk and heart disease. They are good in salads, salsa and all sorts of dishes.
8. Nuts and seeds – Nuts are high in fat but those fats are the good kind. Peanuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and pistachios are all providers of good fats and protein. Crush them into a fine powder and use as a coating instead of higher carb bread crumbs. Nuts help to lower cholesterol. Eat them right out of the shell with no additives.
9. Açai – This berry has been in the news lately. It is rich in antioxidants and increases energy. You can get more done and look better while doing it. You can get Acai juice and supplements in your health food store.
10. Yogurt – The fat free variety is good for you. Yogurt contains calcium, Vitamin B, and protein. If you don’t drink milk, yogurt is an alternative to get your calcium in to build strong bones and teeth. Live yogurt also contains friendly bacteria to help promote a healthy digestive system.
Building a better healthier body begins with what you eat. Try these super foods to get started on the right foot.
April 2, 2012
Effective Steps for Managing Anxiety
Have you ever been in a situation that brought on sweats, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath? You probably weren’t having a heart attack but an anxiety attack. If you suffer from anxiety disorders, learning to manage it is the first step to overcoming it.
Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations. When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of adrenalin that can save your life. This is the fight or flight syndrome.
In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself. Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late. Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks. You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic.
Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways. Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life. In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops. For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.
Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening. More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it. Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.
If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control.
1. Pray and read the Bible. God doesn't want us to be anxious, and spending time with Him really helps.
2. Get a good night’s sleep. During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself. You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage. Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way.
3. Exercise. Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently. It helps to get more oxygen to the brain. It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them.
4. Manage the worry. When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten. As you count, focus on the situation. What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation.
7. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. You might think that the glass of wine is relaxing your tension but alcohol is a depressant. In anxious situations you could rely too heavily on it and gain another problem in the process.
7. Find some relaxing activities. Stress can rob you of your energy. On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, painting, reading or listening to music.
8. See a professional if needed. Talk to your pastor. See a doctor if these methods don't control the symptoms since occasionally medications may be needed.
Anxiety can come into your life at any time. It’s normal. When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions. If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately. There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.
Anxiety is characterized as extreme reactions to fearful situations. When someone follows you into a dark alley, those anxious feelings of a racing heartbeat and sweaty palms gives way to heightened senses and a rush of adrenalin that can save your life. This is the fight or flight syndrome.
In the case of frequent anxiety, the fearful feelings are dread of a particular situation and not the situation itself. Getting caught in traffic can cause an anxiety attack over what might happen when you get to work late. Starting a new job can bring on anxiety attacks. You don’t know anyone and fear of that unknown can send you into a panic.
Everyone experiences panic or anxiety in small ways. Like the fight or flight example, it can save your life. In new situations, we get panicky but when the outcome we fear fails to materialize, the anxiety stops. For someone with chronic anxiety, this is not the case.
Every situation that brings anxiety is not life-threatening. More than likely it is an extremely stressful situation that has brought on the anxiety as a way of dealing with it. Unchecked anxiety of this type can lead to depression.
If you suffer from anxiety attacks on occasion or a more frequent anxiety disorder, there are steps you can take to keep your anxiety under control.
1. Pray and read the Bible. God doesn't want us to be anxious, and spending time with Him really helps.
2. Get a good night’s sleep. During the sleep cycle, your body repairs itself. You feel more rested after several hours of restorative sleep, reaching the REM stage. Most people need eight hours a night which varies within an hour or two each way.
3. Exercise. Exercise helps you to use oxygen more efficiently. It helps to get more oxygen to the brain. It also increases focus which may help you see solutions to problems rather than simply worrying about them.
4. Manage the worry. When you feel your pulse start to quicken, count backwards from ten. As you count, focus on the situation. What has actually happened? Resist the urge to read anything more into the situation.
7. Don’t use alcohol or drugs. You might think that the glass of wine is relaxing your tension but alcohol is a depressant. In anxious situations you could rely too heavily on it and gain another problem in the process.
7. Find some relaxing activities. Stress can rob you of your energy. On a regular basis, do something you like such as gardening, painting, reading or listening to music.
8. See a professional if needed. Talk to your pastor. See a doctor if these methods don't control the symptoms since occasionally medications may be needed.
Anxiety can come into your life at any time. It’s normal. When the anxiety becomes frequent you could be at risk for more serious conditions. If you feel your anxiety is starting to take over your life or increasingly causing you problems, seek professional help immediately. There is no need to suffer this terrible condition in silence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
