A Simple Kinda Life

Have you joined SavingStar yet?

2013-01-17T20:31:00.002-05:00

Save Money on Groceries with SavingStar

You can save money on your groceries with nothing to do. SavingStar is the first national fully digital eCoupon service. Nothing to clip, nothing to print!
Sign up for a free account at SavingStar.com, then enter all your loyalty cards, activate the coupons you want then shop and SavingStar will track your savings.

Right now, they have some great coupons. Check them out:

Buy any (1) Dean's® Dip 12 oz or larger, Save 55¢

Save $5.00 when you spend $15.00 on any Snyder's of Hanover Pretzels

Save 50¢ when you buy TWO BOXES (2) any Nature Valley® Granola Bars

Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for SavingStar. Not only that, but I use these coupons when I go grocery shopping in addition to paper coupons. I need to save money, and want to help you all to do it too!

Maryland: There's a new store coming to the Westfield Annapolis Mall (XSRE)

2012-11-28T19:57:00.001-05:00

Last week, I happened upon a Twitter party being hosted by a blogger I've done business with a few times in past, Rachel Ferrucci. This party was being held to introduce people to XSRE, a new store that has various locations opening soon (some have already opened). (If you're wondering, yes I did win a prize! I'm pretty lucky like that!) Here's a pic of what I won:

Sweet, right?!

After attending the party, I received an email to attend the Grand Opening of the XSRE that will be opening at the Westfield Mall in Annapolis, Maryland. Not many things happen locally that I am able to attend, but this one is, so of course I jumped at this chance!

Not to mention, I love accessories and so do my two daughters! I'm planning on taking my oldest daughter (who's 18) for some one-on-one mother & daughter time! Plus, I think she might qualify for the casting call!

Oh wait... that was the thing I was keeping hush-hush, so she could win the casting call!

Just kidding... Here's some deets on the casting call and store opening:

Be at the XSRE in Annapolis, MD, (click the preceding link for a map!) this Saturday, December 1st, from 2-4 pm for the store's grand opening, and for your chance to be the XSRE girl of the store!

The chosen XSRE girl from each store will win a 6-month modeling contract, be featured on the XSRE website and in ads, receive an all expense-paid trip to New York City for photo shoots, and receive a monthly $100 giftcard!

Hope to see you there!

Disclaimer: This post was compensated by The Blogger Connection. I will be given a $100 gift card to shop at the store Grand Opening, as well as $50. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product or payment will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

The holidays are fast approaching!

2012-11-03T12:42:00.003-04:00

It's now November, and I'm left wondering where the time has gone. It wasn't too long ago that I was enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures. Now, it's November and the temps are in the 50s here in Maryland. I'm not fond of cold weather (being a summer baby and all) so I'm not looking forward to winter. It's been grey here in Maryland for over a week, mostly due to Hurricane Sandy, so it just reminds me that soon we'll have snow.

The holidays are fast approaching, and not only am I busy with work, but my kids are all teenagers now. My oldest graduates high school this year and turns 18 in 4 days. My son is now 16 and just got his first job, so I'm busy taking him back and forth to work.

Myself and the other admins in the office will be busy planning holidays socials, fundraisers, and potlucks. I love those times - it's just the planning that gets me down.

What about you? Are you looking forward to the holidays?

I feel like I've lost my voice

2012-10-21T22:18:00.001-04:00

Here I sit, enjoying Sunday Night Football (GO STEELERS!) and I decide to finally write the post that has been in my mind for about a week or two.

I feel like I've lost my voice.

I barely blog anymore, as I'm sure you've noticed. I don't respond to pitches. I intend to, but life gets in the way. The pitches I've received in the past year sit in my "Pitches to Respond To" email folder - which currently contains 556 unread items.

I miss blogging. I miss getting to know other women online. Two years ago, I went back to work after being unexpectedly out of work for 8 months. Ever since then, I've been busy working (sometimes over my 40 hours - sometimes using comp time, but most of the time not.) I also made a pledge around that time to not spend my time off on the computer - to get out and enjoy life, enjoy my children, to spend time with friends.

For a time I was doing that, and then I was finally able to get my own place again. This just happened in May, and my resources are always tapped. Some days I wonder how I'm going to pay all of the bills, how we're going to eat, if I'll even have enough gas in my car to last until payday. Even as a single mother, I make just above the limits to not be able to get assistance for most things. I hit the local food bank once a month. I rob Peter to pay Paul, and I find myself counting down the months until I no longer am paying child support, while I barely get any support for the two I am raising.

I know that life is about choices, and I've learned alot through the things I've lived through. Too bad we can't rewind the hands of time, but you live and you learn.

I am planning on going back to school beginning Spring 2013. I've already registered for the university (University of Maryland, University College - UMUC) and just have to register for classes and work out tuition reimbursement. I'm majoring in Cyber Security and also planning to minor in Information Systems Management, so that will be 15 credits toward my Master's degree.

This isn't a story about "Woe is Me". I am a survivor. I've been a survivor my whole life, and I won't stop now. I just have to get back to me, and to my blog - if only to share my stories.

Get Unjunked: Unreal Candy

2012-10-17T11:12:00.000-04:00

Have you heard of Unreal^TMcandy? Have you had the opportunity to try this product? I did recently on behalf of Global Influence, and I hosted a home party to share it with my friends, as well as a couple of my son’s friends! Unfortunately, my electronics currently hate me – my internet has been revolting against me the past couple of days, and then my digital camera died, so I’ve lost all of the photos I took during the party!

No worries – I’ll still be able to share with you the goodness of Unreal^TM candy!

There are currently 5 types of Unreal^TM candy –

· Unreal 54^TM – Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts

· Unreal 41^TM – Candy Coated Chocolates

· Unreal 8^TM - Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar

· Unreal 5^TM – Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bar

· Unreal 77^TM – Peanut Butter Cups

I’m a HUGE Peanut Butter Cup fan, so I have to say that Unreal 77^TM is my favorite, but I also love Unreal 8^TMand Unreal 5^TM.

What I love most about this line of candy, is that there are NO Artificial Ingredients. Not only that, but there are NO GMOs, NO preservatives, NO Corn Syrup, and NO Partially Hydrogenated Oil. Not to mention – the sugar content is “generally” lower than the comparable products. Based on these things alone, the candy just tastes so much better, and I don’t feel “as” guilty eating some!

All of my guests, as well as my son’s two friends who just “happened” to be at the party, loved these products as well! I sent everyone home with a bagful of products – one of each! – as well as shared samples while they were there. We enjoyed various appetizers as well, and I shared with them the goodness that is Unreal^TM candy.

Here is a fun video about Unreal^TMfeaturing Matt Damon, Gisele, and other celebs:

http://www.youtube.com/v/YOOeNvls7qc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"> name="allowFullScreen" value="true">http://www.youtube.com/v/YOOeNvls7qc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="380" height="214" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true">

You can find Unreal^TM candy almost anywhere, but click here to find one near you!

Disclaimer: I was sent the products named above to review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

New personal post at I Attract Stalkers

2012-05-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

I'm all in my feelings since the beginning of April - here's a post to reach out for some love and support as well as see the issues in writing, for healing and future reflection.

Remember, if you don't have access to that blog, you can ask me - I may or may not approve you joining! ;-)
It is my perogative, right?!

A few quotes I read today

2012-03-17T22:01:00.001-04:00

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age." - Sophia Loren

"Beauty, truth, friendship, love, creation - these are the great values of life. We can't prove them, or explain then, yet they are the most stable things in our lives." - Jesse Herman Holmes

These are both very true, and are ringing true for me right now!

Review: Milk & Truffle GHIRARDELLI SQUARES®

2012-02-19T20:11:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned previously, I do like the finer things in life, and chocolate is no exception. Premium chocolate is some of my most coveted items, and I try to keep a stash of them.

Especially GHIRARDELLI SQUARES®. Particularly, the Milk and Caramel kind. They're my fave!

So when I got an email from SheSpeaks to take part in a Milk & Truffle GHIRARDELLI SQUARES® review, I said to myself, "Yum! A new flavor!" I usually get the limited editions around the holidays, especially since they're usually on sale!

I received a bag of the NEW Milk & Truffle Squares a week or so ago, and they lasted about three days! I shared a couple of them with my kids, and I (shh!) ate the rest in bouts of serious stress. (That's my story - I'm stickin to it!)

To have a GHIRARDELLI SQUARES® with a TRUFFLE INSIDE!? That's a beautiful thing! They were creamy and delicious! I may have found my new fave!

Have you tried this latest edition to the GHIRARDELLI SQUARES® line?

Thanks, SheSpeaks, for the opportunity to try these!

Disclaimer: I was sent the product named above to review, as well as 2 $1/1 bag of Ghirardelli squares by SheSpeaks. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Review and Giveaway: Gevalia Kaffee

2012-02-18T11:56:00.000-05:00

I've been drinking coffee for about 20 years and by no means consider myself a coffee connoisseur, but my taste in coffee has grown and evolved in all of the years. I've learned exactly what I like and I tend to stick to the same brand and flavors.

I'm definitely hooked on the higher quality coffees now, and was excited when I was contacted to try out some NEW Gevalia Kaffee.

Gevalia has been refining coffee since 1853, finding and blending the best Arabica beans from all over the world!

Gevalia can now be bought at Safeway stores. Previously, Gevalia Kaffee was only available online but now you can get their top ten flavors in grocery stores, including roast and ground, whole bean, flavored and decaffeinated varieties.

Gevalia Traditional Roast (ground and whole bean):
Gevalia Traditional Roast provides a perfectly balanced taste every time. Our most beloved blend - made of choice, mountain-grown Arabica beans - this coffee has a distinctive body and flavor with a lighter intensity. (Medium Roast).
Gevalia House Blend:
A Gevalia favorite, House Blend is a robust yet never bitter coffee. This roast has a captivating aroma that is only matched by its exceptional flavor. (Medium/Dark Roast).
Gevalia House Blend Decaf :
Delivering the same rich, never bitter flavor, House Blend Decaf has the same robust taste without all the caffeine. (Medium/Dark Roast).
Gevalia French Roast (ground and whole bean):
Gevalia French Roast is a coffee of impressive richness and dimension, expertly crafted from prized Arabica beans grown in Colombia and Brazil. Hints of aromatic smoke give this dark-roasted French Roast blend an intense, yet uniquely satisfying flavor. (Dark Roast).
Gevalia Colombia:
Grown high in the Colombian Andes, these beans produce a rich, bright and well-bodied Colombian coffee. This single origin classic is world-renowned, which is why we have sourced these beans for decades. (Medium Roast).
Gevalia Espresso Roast:
Gevalia Espresso Roast is made of premium, mountain-grown Arabica beans from East Africa and Central and South America. This roast is bold and full-bodied with a hint of caramel undertones. (Dark Roast).
Gevalia Vanilla:
This rich blend with vanilla flavor notes is crafted from choice mountain-grown Arabica beans, then roasted for exceptional body and flavor. Gevalia Vanilla is a flavorful and balanced experience with a heavenly aroma.
Gevalia Chocolate Mocha:
Gevalia Chocolate Mocha allows you to indulge your passion for decadent flavor. Rich, velvety chocolate flavor is blended with mountain-grown Arabica beans for a sweetly satisfying experience.

With its Swedish heritage and rich, never bitter taste, Gevalia is a premium coffee unlike any other.

Having Gevalia in your kitchen means you care about the quality of the coffee you consume and enjoy rich, authentic flavors.
Gevalia offers a variety of authentic rich flavors that are perfect for everything from a relaxing morning cup of coffee to an indulgent after dinner compliment.

My thoughts:

Gevalia Kaffee is rich and flavorful, my personal favorite being the French Roast. I love bold coffee, specifically French Roast by any brand, and Gevalia's is spectacular! I love to add some Vanilla creamer to my coffee, and I can truly imagine being in France enjoying my cup of coffee!

Connect with Gevalia Kaffee on Facebook and stay up to date on their products!

Giveaway!

I've decided to start using Rafflecopter, and this is my first Rafflecopter giveaway!

One winner will win a prize pack containing the same items I received (1 sample of the House Blend flavor, one sample of the French Roast flavor, and a Gevalia branded coffee mug), which is shown below. To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveawayView my Giveaway Rules, updated 5/12/10.

Disclaimer: Kraft Foods has provided sample product to me and is providing the prizes for this program at no cost to me, and MyBlogSpark shared the information about this product. This program is not administered or sponsored by Kraft Foods or its affiliates, but solely by A Simple Kinda Life.

Touch Downy Super Bowl Twitter Party (with Giveaways!)

2012-02-04T11:56:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow (Super Bowl Sunday), Downy will be giving away prizes fore very touchdown scored during the game! Prizes include sample of Downy Unstopables and Unstopable Fan Packages!

Follow Downy on Twitter to participate in the party using the hashtag #TouchDowny. Each time a team during the Super Bowl tomorrow scores a touchdown, tweet at Downy and be entered to win! (Tip: Use Tweetgrid or Tweetchat to view all tweets for this hashtag!)

Winners will be notified via DM on Twitter - so be sure you're following them!

Check out this Super Bowl ad, featuring Mean Joe Greene and Amy Sedaris!

Disclaimer: I was not sent any product or monetary items to participate in this One2One Network campaign, but I do have the opportunity to win a gift card just by posting this article. On the other hand, I LOVE Downy Unstopables - this product smells great!

My opinions are my own and yours may differ - as we are all human and not created 100% the same. ;-)

To Rafflecopter or not to Rafflecopter - that is the question

2012-01-22T15:51:00.001-05:00

I took a hiatus from my blog for awhile, as you who are still sticking around noticed, and all of a suddent, I'm seeing Rafflecopter everywhere. I enter giveaways using Rafflecopter and I think it's rather convenient, but then, I wonder, what EXACTLY is Rafflecopter? What's behind it? Who made it? What is it doing with my personal information? how does that little widget always know it's me? (I do know it's because I'm being tracked via cookies, but I'm scurred. I don't really like those type of cookies.)

Do you know about Rafflecopter? Can you share some pros and cons with me?

Book Review: Sun Sign Series - Cancer by Joanna Martine Woolfolk

2012-01-22T15:26:00.000-05:00

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Ever since I was younger, I have been interested in astrology, astronomy, and horoscopes. (After all, they correlate!) I don't put 100% stock in my daily horoscope (especially since I read three daily!), but I do read them and I notice if something happens that was mentioned in a horoscope.

I also notice, from dealing with so many different types of people from all walks of life, that usually, a Sun Sign does influence how a person is, believes, and acts. I like to read books about my Sun Sign, which is Cancer (born June 21st through July 22nd), and learn more about myself in doing so.

The book above, Sun Sign Series - Cancer by Joanna Martine Woolfolk, is one of the books I have read recently to learn more about my Sun Sign. I bought some post-it flags and flagged alot of things in this book to refer back to and try to remember about myself. I really enjoyed this book and learned a few more things to pay attention to!

Do you read & pay attention to horoscopes and astrology? Have you ever read a book to learn more about your Sun Sign?

Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of the book named above to review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

ShopRite Cans for Fans: Using Social Media to Fight Hunger

2012-01-08T08:48:00.000-05:00

Ever since ShopRite came to Maryland, I've been a HUGE Fan! I love their selection and their prices, and especially - the Can Can Sale! That's why I want to share this information with you regarding this year's Can Can Sale!

About the Can Can Sale:

In 2011, ShopRite donated 40,000 cans of food to local food banks in commemoration of 40 years of Can Can savings by way of its famous, annual Can Can Sale. Now in its 41st year, the Can Can Sale has become extra special with the "Cans for Fans" Facebook program, which enables fans to get involved in the fight against hunger. During the 2012 Can Can Sale (1/5 - 1/21), ShopRite will donate one can of food (up to 50,000 cans) to local food banks in the communities it serves, on behalf of every new ShopRite Facebook fan.

The more likes that the ShopRite Facebook page gets, the more can it will donate to the needy!

Also be sure to visit ShopRite´s "Get Can Canned" website at www.ShopRiteCanCan.com, to upload a personal photo and become a virtual ShopRite Can Can dancer; the image can be emailed to friends, shared via your personal blog, Facebook or Twitter account, or posted to ShopRite's official Facebook page.

Disclaimer: I was sent this information by ShopRite through MyBlogSpark. By sharing this information with you, I will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a ShopRite Gift Card. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product or incentive will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Save money using SavingStar

2012-01-01T14:23:00.002-05:00

As a single mom of three, stretching my dollars is an absolute must for me. From clipping coupons to using ecoupons, I'm always hunting down a deal! I usually do pretty well too - I save about 75% on average from everything from clothing to groceries!

I recently found out about SavingStar and I just signed up to use their ecoupons. These digital coupons work at over 100 chains in 24,000 stores nationwide!

I was able to link my CVS card, Food Lion, ShopRite, Rite Aid, and more! By far, this is the best service that allows you to use digital coupons to save money - I've never seen this many vendors on a single site like this before!

Here's a screenshot of the ecoupons I was able to add to my account:

I love that out of $26 in ecoupons, I found $20.75 in coupons for products that I want! I also love that I can print or email me list of ecoupons, so I don't forget what I want to use!

Here's how it works:

1. Join SavingStar for free and register your grocery and drugstore loyalty cards on SavingStar.

2. When you use your card at checkout like you normally do, your savings are automatically added to your SavingStar account within 2-30 days depending on when the store sends the purchase data to SavingStar. (Note: the savings are not given at checkout in the store and they are not printed on your receipt).

3. Once your accumulated savings in your SavingStar account reach $5, you can pick your payout from a deposit into your bank or PayPal account, an Amazon gift card, or a donation to American Forests. It’s that easy!

SavingStar eCoupons are updated each week. This week you can save money on Pepsi, Campbell's Soup, Lipton Tea, Playtex, Wet Ones, Lay's Kettle Cooked Chips, Scott Bath Tissue, Cheetos/Fritos, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, McCain's French Fries, and more. Get grocery coupons at SavingStar.com today.

Do you use digital coupons? Have you tried SavingStar yet? Will you, after reading this post?

Disclaimer: I was sent a $25 gift card to help facilitate this review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product or payment will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Sharing our Disney Dream

2012-01-01T03:14:00.001-05:00

Back in January of 2011, I found out that I had won a cruise aboard the Disney Dream, the newest ship in Disney's line of cruise ships. I won this trip from a local radio - Lite 101.9 FM. This was a daily contest where you had to listen to the station to get keywords four times a day, or watch Lite 101.9 FM's Facebook page for the words.

I guarantee you I had only entered TWO Times, tops, and I won! This was by far, my biggest win yet! The prize included round-trip air from my location to Orlando, FL, then bus transportation to Port Canaveral, FL, where we would set sail on a 4-day, 3 night trip to Nassau, Bahamas!

Being that the Disney Dream just started sailing in 2011, there were only a few days that we could choose to go, as they sold out pretty quickly! We selected the November 27th, 2011 trip, and we returned on December 1st.

Here's some photos from our trip! Enjoy!

The Ship docked at Castaway Cay, Disney's Private Island in the Caribbean

My kids in front of the beautifully-decorated tree at Castaway Cay

My daughter and I on Deck 3, in front of the Chandelier that hangs over the atrium. This night was Pirate Night.

Looking down into the Atrium.

Sunset while docked at Castaway Cay

View of Castaway Cay from boat

View of the AquaDuck and the ship, while heading out to Castaway Cay to enjoy some fun!

The beach on Castaway Cay

Ravyn and Ariel

My daughter, myself, and Snow White!

We had a great time and I have to thank 101.9 and the ENTIRE Disney staff for making our memory a wonderful one!

Wrapping up my Verizon FiOS Test Drive

2011-12-30T21:10:00.001-05:00

Back in September, I shared with you that I am a Verizon FiOS Test Drive Mom! I've had about 6 months to try out this service, and in this short amount of time, I've gotten HOOKED!

I've always been hooked on DVR so with FiOS, I still have the ability to record shows and watch them at a later date or time. This allows me to record my favorite soap (The Young and the Restless!) and shows I might miss.

Since I also have a smartphone (a Droid X), I was also able to download the My FiOS App to be able to access my DVR and more! This app has been a real help in my life! I can program my DVR to record shows when I am away from my home, watch TV and movies, and use my smartphone as a remote! How cool is that?! I can tell you - it's pretty darn cool!

Check out this video to learn more about this awesome app:

Being able to program shows from my phone came in handy during ABC Family's 25 Days of Christmas. A friend of mine at work had printed out the schedule for a few of us at work and when I got my copy and saw a few movies I wanted to see, I immediately opened my My FiOS App on my phone and programmed my DVR!

The My FiOS App also allows me to access my account, view bills, usage, etc. That is also very convenient! I don't have a connected home, but if I did, I could have accessed any cameras I had on my network, as well as thermostats, lights, and locks. I'm also able to access my personal photos and On Demand.

My kids have utilized On Demand to watch episodes of shows they may have missed. We all have been spoiled by this test drive, and have utilized every feature we possibly could on FiOS!

I'm a huge fan of FiOS now and I hope to keep it for years to come! I mentioned the widgets previously and I still access them, especially the Facebook widget! The weather widget is another one that I love!

Do you have Verizon FiOS? How do you like it?

Disclaimer: "I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of VerizonFiOS and received a free trial of the products and services necessary to facilitate my review."

Product Review: What Odor?

2011-12-27T19:45:00.000-05:00

To kick off my return to blogging, I have a special review for you today!

I was recently contacted about reviewing What Odor? and since I smoke, I thought this would be a great chance to try out another product, but this time - I was hoping for different results than received from previous odor-eliminating sprays! (Not to name names, of course!) I was pleasantly surprised by What Odor? and have been using it almost daily since!

I'm a mom who works full time, and not only that, I'm a mom of TEENS! (Insert scream here!) Sometimes there are strange smells around, and my son seems to be the culprit. I mean, he showers and I've never had a problem with his cleanliness, but if you're a mom of a teenage son, then you know what I am talking about!

I first tried this product a few weeks ago when I was doing a little cleaning up around the house - I was shocked how well this product works! It eliminated the odors in our apartment and kept the area fresh-smelling for days! Now I spray What Odor? anytime our home needs freshening, or something just doesn't smell right!

What Odor? is safe for people, pets, and the planet. It's a multi-purpose odor eliminator that really works! Just spray the area and allow to dry! VOILA!

Have you tried What Odor? What are your thoughts?

Disclaimer: I was sent the product named above to review. The opinions expressed above are solely my own and yours may differ. Receiving a product will NEVER influence what I write in any review.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:14:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

RSV Prevention

2011-11-22T20:13:00.001-05:00

Life as expectant parents is joyous and celebratory. In most cases, babies arrive on time, healthy and ready to head home with Mom and Dad. But for the more than half a million American babies born prematurely each year, this often isn’t the case. Many parents of preterm infants are unprepared for the special medical care preemies often require. According to a March of Dimes survey, this is because most expecting parents don’t discuss preterm birth with their doctor during prenatal care, even if they are at high risk. On November 17 - World Prematurity Day - we’re hoping to help change this.

Despite recent slight declines in rates of prematurity, 1,400 babies are still born prematurely in the United States every day, and 13 million babies are affected by prematurity around the world. Prematurity, defined as being born before 37 weeks completed gestation, disrupts a baby’s development in the womb, often stunting the growth of some of the body’s most critical organs. At birth, preemies often have difficulty with breathing, feeding and maintaining temperature. Because their immune systems haven’t had time to fully mature, preterm infants are more likely to develop infections, and because their lungs are underdeveloped, they are more susceptible to respiratory problems.

For example, nearly every baby contracts respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age two. In most full-term babies, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold and parents may not even know their child has the virus. However, because they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection, preterm infants—even those born just a few weeks early—are at increased risk for developing an RSV-related infection, often requiring medical attention or hospitalization. Parents should speak with their pediatrician to find out if their baby is at high risk for developing severe RSV disease, and how they can prevent against RSV this winter.

RSV Quick Facts:

· RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, responsible for more than 125,000 hospitalizations and up to 500 infant deaths each year.

· RSV occurs in epidemics each fall through spring. The CDC has defined “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.

· Certain regions have longer RSV seasons than others, with the season beginning as early as July (e.g., Florida) or ending in April.

· Despite its prevalence, one-third of mothers have never heard of RSV.

Prevention is Key:

There is no treatment for RSV, so it’s important for parents to take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

· Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently

· Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer

· Avoid large crowds and people who may be sick

· Never let anyone smoke near your baby

· Speak with your child’s doctor if you believe he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

Be Aware of Symptoms:

Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

· Persistent coughing or wheezing

· Rapid, difficult, or gasping breaths

· Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails

· High fever

· Extreme fatigue

· Difficulty feeding

To learn more about RSV, visit www.rsvprotection.com. For more about the specialized health needs of preterm infants, visit www.preemievoices.com.

Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of MedImmune and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Gracefully Green Baby

2011-11-11T23:22:00.001-05:00

Are you looking for baby products? Check out Gracefully Green Baby!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Mamavation Monday

2011-11-06T13:05:00.000-05:00

Wow! It's been three years since I've been exposed to Leah Segedie and Mamavation - sitting on the sidelines, knowing I needed to lose weight, to get healthier. Knowing that I wanted to do more - HAD to do more.

Today, I'm making my first Mamavation Monday post. This is my pledge to be a part of the Mamavation Sistahood.

The funny part of this is that I've lost about 60 lbs. on my own in the past year. A year ago, I was in a size 22 and weighed over 250 lbs. Talk about embarrassing!

From the age of 14, through having 3 children, up until 2-3 years ago, I was a size 14. I was happy with that, even though I wasn't the healthiest, but I knew I've always been bigger and if I was the same size through having children, I was happy with that. Ultimately, I'd love to be in a size 10/12. Even a size 8 would be nice - but then I think I would be too skinny.

I put on the weight after I had my gallbladder taken out and was out of work for almost a year. Luckily, since I've been back to work, I started losing weight again. I have also changed the items I buy at the grocery store, the food I cook, and the frequency of my meals. I eat more fresh produce and protein, and I limit my red meat intake. I used to never eat breakfast, and now I make sure I have something to eat in the morning - even if it's a cup of yogurt.

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This week's Mamavation Monday topic is to discuss how Type 2 Diabetes has touched my life. Personally, I have only had friends who have Type 2 Diabetes, but being overweight, I do think about Diabetes, and knowing that it is something I do not want to have in my life - now or later.

I had a roommate a few years back, and he had Type 2 Diabetes. We worked together, and once we started living together, I found myself watching what he ate at lunch and at home. In general, since he was Indian, he ate very well. He was a vegetarian, due to his religious beliefs, but sometimes, he would eat an apple or a cookie, and those items could make his blood sugar rise. Every evening, I would ask him what his blood sugar was. I worried, and was concerned that one day I would have to call 911 for him.

Luckily, that never happened, and even though I don't speak to him anymore, I think of him often and wonder how he is doing.

How has Type 2 Diabetes affected you?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Better’n Eggs and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation – a community dedicated to obesity prevention & weight loss for women.

Family Photo Days from Shutterfly

2011-11-06T12:42:00.000-05:00

There are so many companies out there that you can select to customize your family Christmas cards. This can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find the perfect photo.

Inevitably, you're going to have one person looking away while the photo is being taken - you may have one person laughing - you may have another looking agitated.

The photo above is one of the tries for our family Christmas card in 2010. We tried three different photos and each time, someone was doing something different in the photo. In one, I was so agitated, I looked plain MEAN! I finally chose the photo above to be our family photo, because it captured the rawness of our family. Everyone looks happy in the photo, and in the end, it turned out to be a great photo (when modified to black and white). I love that the children are laughing in the photo, and I truly look happy.

Shutterfly Family Photo Days is an initiative created to help families get their photos ready for their holiday cards. Family Photo Days begins in November and include the following activities to aid you in your goal: a perfect family photo:

Digital toolkit posted online (with possible physical components as well for partner programs)
House parties (sponsor hosts to create their own Family Picture Day out of their homes)
Meetup.com (sponsor mother’s groups around the country to congregate and take family photos for their holiday cards)
Video, Photos, blogger involvement (and/or other viral and social components)
Facebook tie-in – ads, sponsored stories
Contest/Promotion with a goal of driving excitement and awareness of Family Photo Day and Family Photo Day events – 5 winners based on type of photo – best funny family photo, most unique family photo, etc.

Are you ready to get your holiday photos done? Hopefully this post and the Family Photo Days initiative will help you get ready sooner! Good luck!

Disclaimer: I am participating in a blog tour promoting Shutterfly's Family Photo Days through Global Influence. I will receive 50 free holiday cards for my involvement in this project.

What's on your Bucket List?

2011-11-05T23:51:00.002-04:00

All of us have heard of a bucket list - probably since the movie of the same name came out back in the year 2007.

I have long thought about what I want to do before I die. (Have you?)

Here's the top 15 things I would like to do before I die:
1. Sky-dive
2. Bungee jump
3. Travel to France
4. Travel to Italy
5. Travel to Alaska
6. Travel to Africa
7. Learn to sail
8. Take a cruise
9. See whales of all types: Orcas, humpbacks, sperm - you name it
10. Meet my great-grandchildren
11. Travel to Alabama and meet some of my family
12. Get a Master's degree
13. Go on a ghost hunt
14. Start my own business
15. Swim with the dolphins

What's on your bucket list?

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

Buzzed Driving: Halloween Edition

2011-10-30T20:39:00.001-04:00

Halloween night is often one of the deadliest nights of the year due to the number of impaired drivers on the streets. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, 48 percent of all traffic fatalities on Halloween night involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher. Halloween means dark streets full of little kids distracted by candy and costumes. That makes it especially important to start planning a safe and sober ride home from whatever fun you’ll be having that night — so your evening doesn’t take a truly scary turn.

Whether at a Halloween party, a costume contest at a bar or trick-or-treating through the neighborhood, many of us will be on the road this weekend. NHTSA and the Ad Council are reminding everyone that the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for your Halloween festivities.

Here's some ways that you can avoid being part of this horrible statistic:

• Designated Driver Drink List — One of the most important things you can do before going out is designate a sober driver. If you’re throwing a Halloween party, make sure to offer non-alcoholic drinks for the sober drivers. We’ve compiled a Facebook tab with 50 non-alcoholic party drink recipes.

• Alternative Ride Locator — There's a Facebook tab with a list of nationwide alternative ride programs that can help keep you safe.

• Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving website — You can sign a pledge not to drink and drive; play “Spot the Difference,” an interactive game that simulates the effects of buzzed driving; and watch a real-life video about how buzzed driving changed one woman’s life.

Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Disclaimer: I am participating in a Public Service Campaign through Global Influence and have not received anything for my participation. I do this because I truly care about this issue.

Seeking Holiday 2011 Sponsors

2011-10-27T22:20:00.000-04:00

I've been away from my blog for so long, but I'm ready to get into the holiday spirit and get some reviews and prizes for my online friends!

A Simple Kinda Life is currently seeking sponsors for a Holiday 2011 blog party! A Coming-Back-To-Blogging party, if you will!

If you're interested in being a part of this party, please email me!

Looking forward to working with you!

I'm also looking forward to partying with my readers... hey... I'm honest!