Every Mom needs a little guidance - this blog is full of tips, tricks and fun stories about surviving MOTHERHOOD! With product reviews and giveaways thrown in for FUN.
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Friday, May 24, 2013

It's Friday - New Giveaway Linky is Live

What are you giving away this FRIDAY??

I have put together a list of other giveaway linkys! If you would like to be included, please leave me a comment with a link to your linky category on your site. Thanks so much!! Here is the List I have so far: Click Here
I want to thank you all for your faithful linking!!


      Want to be a "Featured" Giveaway? I believe in the barter system, so email with your offer and we will go from there!

      As long as the item is truly free (that means no purchase necessary - you can require tasks but no money out of pocket!), and part of a contest on your blog you can list it on my linky.

      Please keep you descriptions PG (and please include ADULT if the giveaway is adult in nature).


      Use this format (just trying to keep the linky uniform):
      Site Name (Abbr. fine) - Prize - # of Prizes (if applicable) - end date

      I will put up a fresh Linky every Friday so please come back often.

      Please leave a comment after you list your giveaways!

      Wednesday, May 22, 2013

      Braces-Friendly Recipes For A Healthy 3 Course Meal

      Cosmetic orthodontics offers a variety of up-to-date methods to straighten your smile. If you’ve made the investment in your health and are wearing adult braces, you know how important it is to avoid the sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods that can damage them.

      These recipes consist entirely of safe foods to eat with braces. Whether you’re wearing traditional or lingual braces, review these great and easy baking ideas!

      Appetizer: Artichoke Dip (Serves 6-8)

      This delicious dip is a hit as an appetizer or a party snack. To keep this dish braces-friendly, serve it with pieces of soft, easily chewable bread – not crunchy crackers or chips.

      You will need:
      1 can whole artichokes
      1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
      ½ cup low-fat mayonnaise
      ½-cup low-fat sour cream
      ½ tsp. Tabasco sauce

      Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees.

      Drain and finely chop the artichokes.

      Mix all ingredients.

      Bake for 45 minutes, or until brown and bubbly.

      Main course: Baked Honey Chicken (Serves 4)

      This recipe combines sweet and spicy – without the added sugar. Serve it with brown rice and steamed vegetables of your choice.

      You will need: 
      4 boneless chicken breast halves
      1 tsp. curry powder
      ½ cup honey
      ¼ cup mustard
      ¼ cup butter

      Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

      In oven, melt butter in an 8” x 8” baking pan. Stir in honey, mustard, and curry powder.

      Add the chicken, turning to coat both sides.

      Bake for 50 minutes. Turn and baste the chicken and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

      Dessert: Applesauce Muffins (Makes 16)

      Here’s a delicious baked dessert (they’re great for breakfast, too) without sugar, shortening, butter, or eggs. When your braces are off, you can celebrate your brilliant new smile by adding 1 cup of raisins to the mix. But not before!

      You will need:
      1 3/8 cup whole wheat flour
      ¾ cup organic coconut sugar
      ½ cup vegetable oil
      ½ tsp salt
      1 tsp baking soda
      1 cup sugar-free applesauce (homemade or store-bought)
      1 tsp cinnamon
      ½ tsp cloves.

      Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

      Mix all ingredients (no need for a mixer!).

      Bake for 25 minutes.


      Author Bio:

      Adam Schulhof, DMD is a leader in lingual orthodontics and sits on the Clinical Advisory Board of 3M Unitek and Lingualcare, the makers of Incognito Braces. He also played a key role in the development of Incognito Lite – braces behind the teeth that are used to make beautiful, quick corrections to smiles needing minor adjustments for teeth misalignment. He trains hundreds of other orthodontists around the world in applying Incognito and runs offices in New York City and Oradell, New Jersey. When he’s not working to improve smiles, Dr. Adam enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.

      Monday, May 20, 2013

      What do you know about Bloglovin?

      Follow my blog with Bloglovin I think I might be a little late to the Bloglovin party - but I think I am still in time for fashionably late....

      Bloggers Wanted - Free Blogger Participation Opp!

      Melissa & Doug Fun in the Sun Giveaway

      Organized by: Mom Powered Media

      Prize: Winner will be able to pick out $200 in Melissa & Doug Products

      Event dates: 6/06- 6/27

      Open to: US Only 
      First link is free (twitter) other links available for fee 

      Make Sure to tell them "The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood" sent you!!  
       

      Friday, May 17, 2013

      Link Up Your Giveaways!!!

      What are you giving away this FRIDAY??

      I have put together a list of other giveaway linkys! If you would like to be included, please leave me a comment with a link to your linky category on your site. Thanks so much!! Here is the List I have so far: Click Here
      I want to thank you all for your faithful linking!!


          Want to be a "Featured" Giveaway? I believe in the barter system, so email with your offer and we will go from there!

          As long as the item is truly free (that means no purchase necessary - you can require tasks but no money out of pocket!), and part of a contest on your blog you can list it on my linky.

          Please keep you descriptions PG (and please include ADULT if the giveaway is adult in nature).


          Use this format (just trying to keep the linky uniform):
          Site Name (Abbr. fine) - Prize - # of Prizes (if applicable) - end date

          I will put up a fresh Linky every Friday so please come back often.

          Please leave a comment after you list your giveaways!

          Thursday, May 16, 2013

          Giveaway: Leaf Chandelier Earrings from BlueNile.com



          Leaf Chandelier Earrings in Sterling Silver

          Chic and distinct, these chandelier earrings feature seven delicate leaves that are intricately captured in sterling silver with a flexible design for movement.

          About Blue Nile:

          Founded in 1999, Blue Nile has grown to become the largest online retailer of certified diamonds and fine jewelry. Internet Retailer Magazine reports Blue Nile is bigger than the next three largest online jewelers combined.

          The company is built on a unique idea: choosing an engagement ring doesn't have to be complicated. Diamonds can be simple to understand. Making the right choice can be easy. This unique approach and reputation for excellence has gained notice from publications such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Money.

          Here's What I Think: These earrings are simple enough for everyday wear but elegant enough for an evening out on the town. I really like the way these earrings hang. Often chandelier earrings have a tough time hanging straight, but these did just fine. They are just about 2 inches long, the perfect length to go with any hair  style.

          WIN IT! One Lucky Guide Reader will win their own pair of Leaf Chandelier Earrings from BlueNile.com.

          Please use the RAFFLECOPTER below to enter this giveaway. US Winner ONLY. This giveaway ends JUNE 1, 2013 PM PST

          a Rafflecopter giveaway

          Good Luck!

          Disclaimer: I did receive a sample of this product for review purposes. These are my real and honest opinions. 



          Wednesday, May 15, 2013

          Keeping the Kiddos on Track in School Before Summer Begins

          If the end of your school season for your kids is coming up soon there’s no doubt they are restless and eager for summer to begin. Even though they may be counting down the days until school is over, as a parent you’re probably counting down the days until their final exams begin, depending on your child’s age. Exams for children are no easy feat, especially when summer is on the brain. Here are some ideas to keep your kids focused and disciplined to study, even though summer is on the horizon.
          Reward Them for Studying
          Photo Credit
          Your kids may be having a hard time studying, but if you give them something to look forward to they may be more eager to hit the books. Tell them that you’ll take them to a favorite location that’s not too far away several times during the summer and it will hopefully motivate them to study more. If they love to miniature golf you can get them a pass to go with friends or if they are a movie buff you may consider getting them many tickets so they can see a new movie each week. Whatever the motivational reward may be, make it a good one so that they’re more eager to study and do well on exams.
          Keep Them Organized Before and After School
          Whether they choose to admit it or not, most children thrive on discipline because it gives them direction and they know what to expect. With school ending, you may have to come up with a new daily routine so that they won’t get bored (even though they won’t ever admit that they’re bored when summer just barely begins). Up until summer begins, keep them organized while they’re taking their exams with kid name labels, which are important for class study books that always seem to get mixed up with the other kids. You can also buy your child a new a planner that will keep track of their exams and then will carry over into the summer — organize sporting events for them to participate in during the summer and their new schedule will be a hit.
          Encourage Teachers to Teach About Summer
          For younger children you may want to talk to their teacher and encourage him or her to teach about summer activities or sun protection, for example. There’s no reason why a child can’t celebrate summer before it begins because there are plenty of things to talk about, from activities to sun protection. A young child will love dreaming up all of the water activities they can do during a fun vacation with the family in Florida, and the earlier they learn about keeping their skin protected from intense rays, the better. Keep your children motivated to do well on exams and finish up the school year successfully, so that they can have a wonderful summer that they will never forget.
          About the Author: Corinne is anxious for the summer to begin, but knows that exams must be taken care of first. She’s helping her kids study and plans on rewarding them for their hard work along the way.

          Review: StatGear T3 Tactical Triage & Auto Rescue Tool - Father's Day Idea

           Looking for something useful and unique to give Dad this Father's Day? Check this out:

          The T3 Tactical Triage & Auto Rescue Tool

          Don't Get Caught without One!

          How does it sound to have a safety tool that includes:

          • A spring loaded steel tip window punch
          • 440C stainless steel hook blade for seatbelt cutting
          • LED light with replaceable batteries
          • 1/2 serrated 440C stainless steel blade
          • Stainless steel belt clip & heavy duty nylon belt sheath
          • Featured in Mens Health Magazine, Entrepreneur.com, Ambulance World, Military.Com and Journal of EMS


          Additional Specs:

          Blade length - 3 1/4"
          Complete tool length - 5"
          Tool weight - 6.4 oz

          Here's What I Think: The versatility of this tool is obvious - but true as well. This would make a great gift for all kinds of dads - outdoorsy, medical, automotive, campers, hikers, bikers, bicyclists - pretty much any dad that ever leaves the house would find a good use for it! While I haven't had reason to use the punch, the blades are very sharp and the LED light is bright.

          Disclaimer: I did receive a sample of this product for review purposes. These are my real and honest opinions. 

          Giveaway: Cryoow Doll - Turn your kid's drawing into a Doll!

          Share and encourage the creativity of your child with an absolutely unique Cryoow! Doll.



           Here's what I Think: This is really so super super cool. My kids loved every part of the process and absolutely love their dolls. The dolls are made with great attention to detail and high quality pieces.

          Here are my kids' drawings (my oldest son drew our daughter's doll):


















          And the finished product:






          WIN IT! Three Lucky Guide Readers will each win ONE Cryoow! Doll!
          Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter this giveaway. Giveaway ends MAY 30, 2013 at 11:59PM PST.


          a Rafflecopter giveaway
           
          GOOD LUCK!

          Disclaimer: I was given samples of this product for review purposes. These are my real and honest opinions.

          SNOOZESHADE AND STOLLER STRIDES JOIN FORCES SO MOMS CAN GET THEIR WORKOUTS IN!

          SnoozeShade Allows Baby To Nap And Protects Baby’s Delicate Skin While Moms Power Walk

          Fitness is important for new moms, but oftentimes it can be tough to fit in a workout with a newborn’s erratic sleep schedule. SnoozeShade, a company that offers award-winning, breathable sun & sleep shades, and Stroller Strides, one of the country’s fastest growing fitness franchises, have partnered up to help make regular workouts possible for moms with newborns and young children. SnoozeShade was invented by a mom in England to ensure proper naptime in the stroller and to protect her infant from sun, wind and insects while enjoying the outdoors.

          With over 1,300 classes country-wide, Stroller Strides’ stroller-based workout is now possible even during baby’s naptime due to the protective covering of a SnoozeShade sun and sleep shade for strollers. Not only does mom benefit from a total body workout that includes 60-minutes of powerwalking, strength toning, and songs and activities geared towards little ones, she also benefits from bonding with other moms through organized play dates, mom’s nights out, and activities for the whole family.

          SnoozeShade designed a hassle-free sun and sleep shade that fits virtually any make or model of single strollers (and they have a model for twin strollers too). Its light and breathable fabric provides shade and UV protection from the sun while allowing good airflow to create a comfortable environment for baby. For moms who participate in a Stoller Strides fitness program, the single layer ‘lookout’ window gives mom the ability to keep an eye on baby while working out. If it’s naptime, zipping the outer layer of the ‘snooze’ panel creates a cozy, distraction-free atmosphere to allow baby to fall into a restful slumber.

          Pictured below from Left to Right: SnoozeShade Original Deluxe ($39.99), SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe ($59.99)


          To view the entire collection, please visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

          SnoozeShade is a practical accessory that helps babies sleep while on-the-go. This sun and sleep shade also makes a perfect gift for new moms, as it is designed to fit virtually any stroller model.