My 365 To A Size 5

I Entered Serta's iComfort Giveaway! Wish Me Luck!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:15:00 +0000

When Mike and I first got married almost five years ago we had to get a new bed, I had a queen sized bed and my 6'5" husband's feet would hang off of the edge. Since I was relocating and looking for a new teaching job and Mike was just an intern, we got a cheap generic bed that we found at a warehouse outlet. It was so uncomfortable! So we bought a memory foam topper...... Which made it better, but it doesn't fit right, and it can get really hot. Here is our bed:

I saw a link to Serta's iComfort Giveaway and read up on their new mattress line and it sounds amazing! We haven't had a good night's sleep in years! Reading the descriptions of the beds makes my back cry in happiness. The Cool Action Gel Memory Foam sounds like the perfect answer to the warm memory foam problem. Plus you can get it on a motion frame! You can read up on it here. It is so important for health and weight loss to get a good night's sleep also.

The contest has you submit a photo that represents a Smarter. Cooler. Better. Summer. So I picked out a recent photo where Ellianna surprised Gavin (who was relaxing outside after camp). It is not only really funny that a one year old little girl thought to do it (and got away with it), it also represents how we feel at night on our warm bed. Wish someone would hose us down!

I really hope we win! Would be the perfect anniversary present for our five year next month! Not too late for you to enter! Hurry you have a couple hours left!

My Interview With Brandi Chastain!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 00:05:00 +0000

I am so excited that I was asked to interview Brandi Chastain! Brandi Chastain played for many years on the U.S. National Soccer Team and will be coaching this year's team in Germany. Brandi is also the new spokesperson for the Holiday Inn Express's new Team Travel Center. Perfect timing too since Gavin is starting his first soccer season this August!

Here are her enlightening answers to my interview question:

1) My son Gavin, who is close to your own son's age is starting soccer this fall. Do you have any advice on how to be a supportive parent and not one of those overbearing sideline runners?

"This is a question I get asked a lot and it is not as easy as you think. As a parent the best thing we can do is to be supportive, encouraging, to be there, and participate. Participate and show them why it is healthy. How to be on a team, how sometimes you are a leader and sometimes you are a follower. Listening is also a lifelong lesson. One of the best things a parent can do is to get out there and do some of the skills with them, that way they can lead by example and can appreciate themselves that sometimes it isn't that easy. If the parents get involved in a physical way too, they can understand what their kids are going through."

2) Was it hard for you to balance soccer with your homework? I remember growing up how hard it was to get everything done for school while being involved in an extracurricular activity.

"There is no doubt that juggling with time management skills is really a wonderful life lesson. If you have practice at 2:45 and dinner at 6:30, you only have an hour before practice and an hour after practice to do your homework; the guidelines are set and kids are really good at falling in line line with structure. When I played on the U.S. National Team every single athlete was a college graduate. If they weren't a graduate they were in the process of graduating while they were on the road. It is definitely possible and with structure it makes it much easier."

3) Is your son Jaden playing soccer?

"We play backyard soccer. He is around soccer so much he feels like he is playing soccer all day. He said today that he would love to be on a team with his friend Jacob. I have asked him before if he wants to be on team and he said no that he likes to play with me in the backyard. I'm not going to rush him into playing, I was older than him when I started to play.

4) My husband's cousins have three teenagers and they are all involved in sports, they travel all over the country for their games. The couple splits up and one will go to this game and the other will go somewhere else. It can get so expensive with all three kids participating on these traveling teams. Do you have any advice for them and my readers on how to make this a little easier and less expensive?

The Holiday Inn Express has an excellent website where the coaches and team managers can rotate accommodations and sign up for them all at one time. You are saving time in making the reservations rather than letting calling many different hotels, which can monopolize your time. I mean who wouldn't wish for more time in their life? There are many benefits and values you can get at the Holiday Inn Express like a wonderful breakfast in the morning which I had yesterday. Which is very HEALTHY which I am going to express is very important to me to have kids eat healthy. I am not up for the sugary breakfasts to get them through the day. I was really pleased to see what the Holiday Inn Express had to offer their guests. Most locations have a pool so families can spend time together, a fitness center for people like me if I stay on the sidelines too much I need to get out my energy. If people go online to http://holidayinnexpress.com/teamtravel you can take care of everything. It is a wonderful way for parents to maximize their time and minimize their cost."

5) What are some of the challenges that young athletes face while traveling?

"The number one thing, which Holiday Inn Express has to offer is healthy food. It is always a challenge when you have to eat out away from home. Going to the grocery store is not always an option, so it is important to have healthy options. It is so easy not to eat healthy when you are on the road. Playing on the National Team that was always a concern, if we are supposed to be at out best playing against other teams around the world, we needed to have a fuel that is going to benefit us and not inhibit us from doing what we need to do. Breakfast is the most important meal, so it is very convenient that Holiday Inn Express has that. You have to eat healthy foods, you have to let your metabolism kick in.

6) Any advice for the Moms who are trying to lose weight while on the road?

"There is real value in being a role model, it is really important to live the healthy lifestyle, not only for yourself but for your kids on the teams as well. If you eat healthy food and exercise, kids pick up on that, they are very smart. This is what we do and this is how we take care of ourselves."

7) This question is for my husband, he wants to know what it was like to work with Daniel Tosh on the episode of Tosh.0 that you were on.

"He was a lot of fun, used some off color language to the point of being uncomfortable, but definitely fun. He said he played soccer until he was twelve, but you couldn't tell. He moves around like an old man. But I definitely had a good time. "

What Brandi Chastain ate yesterday:

Breakfast: A pancake with peanut butter and honey rolled around a banana, like a wrap. With a glass of hot water. All from the Holiday Inn Express

Lunch: Tomato, avocado, swiss cheese open faced sandwich with a fruit salad.

Dinner: Barbecue chicken and salad.

Thank you Brandi Chastain for answering all of my questions! It was a lot of fun chatting with you.

I conducted the interview with Brandi Chastain with many purposes including to get information about the Holiday Inn Express, which she is promoting. I quoted her as close as possible but did summarize on my own in some instances. So some of the wording might not be exact. I was not paid for this interview nor have I worked on this campaign before.

Color It By Numbers Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 22:32:00 +0000

Color it by Numbers is amazing and educational on so many levels! This fun game is Gavin's favorite computer program by far. They have three different motifs, animals, princesses, and vehicles.

Reasons why Gavin loves it:

It is all about numbers, his favorite!
So many vibrant pictures of vehicles, dump trucks, trains, and boats galore!
You can follow the color guidelines or mix and match your own
Has fun and entertaining music
Doesn't take too long at all
Don't have to worry about coloring in the lines (his least favorite thing)

Reasons why I (Mom) love it:

Number association and match up
Keeps him busy while I cook dinner or tend to his baby sister
Gets him comfortable with using a mouse
We have also used it on our laptop so he gets comfortable using a touchpad
We are going to try a wacom tablet and pen next!
Getting used to computers is essential in this day in age, in fact a lot of school around here have kids start taking laptops to school in third grade!
Beautiful and fun game, and I can even print it out

Here is Gavin demonstrating how it works:

Very easy to learn and manipulate!

BUY IT: Go to Color it by Numbers, each program is only $9.99 - what a deal!

WIN IT: One of my lucky readers will win all three programs! Princesses, animals, and vehicles!

Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you)

1) Go to the Color it by Numbers web site and tell me which program you would think about buying

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) "Like" Color It By Numbers on Facebook

9) Tweet about Color it by Numbers on Twitter

Winners will be chosen via random.org on July 20th, 2011. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

So Easy to Stay on Track at Trader Joes! Weight Watchers Goes to the Frozen Food Aisle at Trader Joes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 21:43:00 +0000

Like most moms, summer is a time of go-go-go! It is very hard to stay on track, feed your family good wholesome foods, and most of all - STAY AWAY FROM DRIVE THRUS! I have found a very quick and healthy way to feed my entire family for less than $6 per dinner. Perfect in this economy and a mom's hectic life! Plus, every meal is delicious and will have the kids asking for more!

The answer is Trader Joes!

Meal #1 - Penne Pepperonata - Only 5 Points Plus! $2.99 + $1.99 bagged salad on the side = $4.98

Meal #2 - Fettuccine With Mushrooms - Only 4 Points Plus! Plus I add 2 points worth of boneless skinless chicken breasts sauteed in. $3.69 + $2.00 chicken breasts = $5.69

Meal #3 - Mandarin Orange Chicken - only 5 Points Plus! $4.99 + $1.00 for brown rice = $5.99

Meal #4 - Shrimp Stir Fry - Only 2 Points Plus! $3.99 + $1.00 brown rice= $4.99

Meal #5 - Saucy Scallops with Mushrooms - Only 2 Points Plus! $5.49 + $1.00 brown rice= $6.49

Meal #6 - Biryani - Only 3 Points Plus! Plus I add 2 points of boneless skinless chicken breasts $2.29 + $2.00 chicken = $4.29

Meal #7 - Pollo Asada with Peppers - For when you are entertaining - Only 3 Points Plus! $9.28 = $1.69 = $10.97

* I am not affiliated at all with Trader Joes

* Being a Weight Watchers Insider I am frequently given incentives and free products. I am not a paid employee or contractor, nor am I monetarily compensated but I am affiliated with their programs and company. My opinions are honest and not hindered nor persuaded due to these perks.

Magic Shoe 5k!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:46:00 +0000

Last Saturday my entire family and I ran at the Magic Shoe 5k Run/Walk! Mike and I ran the 5k and my parents ran the 1k Fun Run with my four year old son, Gavin after. It was a wonderfully cloudy morning, so it was nice to run in.

Before I started Weight Watchers 5k training program I couldn't even run a quarter mile without stopping. With only three weeks of training (I was sick for a month during) I was able to run for seven minutes at a time without stopping! I ran approximately two thirds of the race! It was amazing and I felt so good afterwards.

Starting tomorrow I am going to resume my training and run in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! My goal this time is to not stop running the entire time!

I had all of these great pictures of my family and I during the 5k, unfortunately when I went to sync my iphone, I lost everything, again, ugh. Luckily my husband took a few (very unflattering) shots of me finishing the race that I will attach.

Being a Weight Watchers Insider I am frequently given incentives and free products. I am not a paid employee or contractor, nor am I monetarily compensated but I am affiliated with their programs and company. My opinions are honest and not hindered nor persuaded due to these perks.

KinKast Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:38:00 +0000

Right before I started writing the blog entry before this one I went to sync my iphone to get all of the pictures I took of my family and I during our 5k. Unfortunately during the sync I lost everything! Including videos! Luckily my most recent videos were saved on KinKast! KinKast is not only a great way to store and share videos privately, it also gives you a piece of mind. I am truly devastated about losing all of my iphone photos, but thankfully I still have the first video of my son riding his bike without training wheels for the first time, safe in the little KinKastcloud.

Step One: Record video

Step Two: Watch Video

Step Three: Choose Share Video

Step Four: Choose who you want to share with, you can even send it to Facebook friends!

KinKast is an amazing way to private video sharing, as well as a great way to access video storage for iphone.

Here is some information from the sponsoring company:

Easy Sharing

Email links for private experience
It's your video. You control who can see it. Email friends and family links to their private website. Better yet, they won't need to create an account.

Post to Facebook
Want a bigger audience? (More than just your "real" friends.) Post it on Facebook. Hey, even if you post on Facebook, you may still want to email links to your closest friends so your video doesn't get buried in their News Feed.

Fast and Friendly

Sharing memory
Find yourself sharing with the same people? Of course, they're the real important ones. KinKast has a great memory and will pre-fill their names for you. Two taps on your iPhone is all it takes to share your video. Now that's fast!

Uploads in background
Why should you wait while your video is uploading? Or why should your video get compressed real tiny so you don't have to wait too long? KinKast doesn't make you do either. Compose and send your share email instantly. Doesn't even matter if you have a network connection. We'll queue your videos and upload them while you're doing something else — like maybe recording another video. Or, when you get back to civilization and have a network connection.

BUY IT: Go to "_blank">KinKast The basic membership is free, the premium membership is only $4.99/month!

WIN IT: One of my lucky readers will win a premium membership for one year!

Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you) US and Canadian residents only

1) Go to the "_blank">KinKast web site and tell me one thing you learned about their Video Sharing capabilities.

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on June 20th, 2011. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Greek-Style Cheeseburgers

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:30:00 +0000

I have just tried another delicious recipe from Weight Watcher's Kitchen Companion and had to share it with you! Definitely another family favorite, it was so yummy!

Since the burger was 8 points, I filled the rest of the plate with some zero point fruit salad and spinach salad with a one point serving of Wishbone's Rasberry Walnut Light dressing. We loved it so much, I am going to share yet another recipe with you, my lucky readers:

Just going to say this in advance.. "You are so welcome!"

Weight Watchers Walk-It Challenge! OMG I Am Running!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:24:00 +0000

When my Weight Watcher's contact emailed me asking to participate in a 5k challenge I laughed outloud, then I read on and saw that you could walk it, I figured... why not? Then after an hour or two I got into the shower mulling over my up and coming 5k walk and thought, "why don't I run?" Remembering that I do not run, I mean maybe if a guy with a knife was chasing me I would run, but other than a life threatening situation or one in which I needed to rescue a child or animal, I DO NOT RUN. The intense dislike and the fact that I have not run since the dreaded "mile" in Jr. High PE actually made it seem like a very challenging challenge.

I downloaded the 6 week running training guide from Weight Watcher's Walk-It Challenge and looked over the first week. Hmmm run for only a minute with a minute of walking in between. Maybe it is possible? Then I called my husband, who actually runs, to get some feedback. When he initially laughed I knew that I had to do this. In fact, I am already on day 4!

Now for a second, let me talk to you mom to mom. There are so many reasons why you can't exercise, especially with little children. Seriously, it is impossible! For 3 months I had to get up at 5am to exercise before the rest of the family got up, I was exhausted! I have tried exercising with a video and including them, but the entire time they whine, need something, or can't stay in my sight. Very distracting! Now let's visit running or walking... put them in the stroller with some snacks and a park within view as the reward for sitting nicely in the stroller while mama runs, priceless! For the first time ever, I have no excuses!

I will admit that halfway through the run I am hating life and right now I walk like an invalid because I am so sore, but it is so worth it! I am actually doing something for me! I am working towards a goal and feeling amazing after each run.

Go to Weight Watcher's Walk-It Challenge and check it out! Also any friends in Orange County, California want to run with me? Email me at LaurenTurner949(at)gmail(dot)com.

Here are some tips that Weight Watchers would like me to share with you:

The first step is getting up and moving - start slow and increase your speed and distance over time. Be sure to set reasonable goals.
To help motivate you, sign up for a future 5k. Having that date on the calendar is sure to keep you focused.
Be sure to add strength training to your routine. Before you know it, you will have a new you!
Finally, listen to your body. If you need to rest take a day off. And Have fun!

Delicious and Easy Baked Chicken from Weight Watchers Companion

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:10:00 +0000

Thursday night I tried yet another easy, delicious, and nutritious Weight Watchers Recipe from their amazing Kitchen Companion.

My family and I loved it so much I wanted to share it with my readers:

This recipe uses things you most likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The only ingredient I didn't have on hand was the parsley, which I sent my hubby out to get. It was so easy, I was able to prepare this meal in less than ten minutes while answering my four year old's questions and dancing around to entertain my fourteen month old.

I made some homemade garlic mashed potatoes and a spring salad for the sides:

It came out to a nine point meal and kept me nice and full while feeling good.

This is a screen shot of the meal, showing you the point distribution as well as the easy to read point tracker that I love from Weight Watchers Mobile.

Something else that I wanted to share, is that if you look at the picture of my dinner, I'd like you to notice how the salad is now taking up half the plate. This is helping me easily up my vegetable intake as well as providing an easy portion control too. While plating our meals now I make the salad before doing anything else. I am also a huge fan of the light Wishbone dressing, it is so sweet and tangy!

Being a Weight Watchers Insider I am frequently given incentives and free products. I am not a paid employee or contractor, nor am I monetarily compensated but I am affiliated with their programs and company. My opinions are honest and not hindered nor persuaded due to these perks.

Review of Applied Labels LLC

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Applied Labels

First Impression: As soon as I opened up the envelope fromApplied Labels I was so excited to see little Ellianna's name with a little crown next to it! The labels are just adorable! I also received shoe shields to put over her the tags in her shoes to insure maximum effectiveness, as well as blank tags to label the dates are on her bottles.

Style/Choices: You can choose from three different fonts; Cutie, Elegant, and Standard. I of course chose cutie for my cutie. You can also choose a little icon to accompany your label.

Functionality: These labels have been soaked in hot sopay water, through puddles, and the dishwasher. The labels still look great! The baby dates for the milk bottles work well too! I have used them on her baby food containers as well (I make my own).

How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: As a lactivist, I can not tell you how important it is to label your baby's bottles with the dates. Pumped milk can last a week at most in the refrigerator and it is so important to have these bottles labeled, especially if you use a daycare or nanny. Having fresh milk and food is essential for having a healthy and happy baby. Applied Labels has definitely found a great way to do this.

Cost Effective: The baby bottle labels come out to less than fifty cents each, a great deal when they can be used over and over again with new date stickys.

BUY IT: Go to Applied Labels website and buy yours today!
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Review of Oliver's Labels

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 05:04:00 +0000

First Impression: When I opened up my sample package from Oliver's Labels I was thrilled with how adorable the labels were and immediately started sticking them all over Gavin's things. In preschool you never know when things will be misplaced in the cubby room, so I stuck a label on his shoes, jackets, lunch box, reusable water bottle, and everything else you can think of! We picked out the transportation theme and it is so perfect my son who is obsessed with trains, cars, trucks, you name it!

Style/Choices: There are so many great patterns and styles to choose from; fairies, sports, transportation, plain colors, script, and even allergy tags! Oliver's Labels has thought of everything!

Functionality: I got to review the following:

Original Labels

Shoe Labels

Clothing Labels

Mini Labels

I have had them for about a month and the original labels have been through the dishwasher, the shoe labels have been through sweat and sand, and the Stick-eez clothing labels have been washed numerous times. They are all stuck on really well and don't show any signs of wear and tear! Thank you Oliver's Labels! We are in love!
How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: One of the biggest components of living a healthy lifestyle is nutrition. To make sure that our children always have good eating habits, we carry food everywhere we go. Futhering our healthy lifestyle we also care about this planet, so everything we use is reusable, which means we have to keep track of our food containers and the like. We also want to make sure they always come home. This is where Oliver's Labels comes in very handy. With our things clearly labeled our things always come home.

Their Found-it system also helps insure that your things will always make it home. It is like having low jack on your items. There is a tracking number which can be tracked on their website, so your belongings can find their way home.

Cost Effective: Oliver's Labels products are very cost effective. Their packages start at $26.99 and you can also buy single types of labels.
Pros:

Your things will always be clearly identified
Great styles to choose from
Found-it system is amazing!
Well priced

Cons:

Can't think of any

BUY IT: Go to the Oliver's Labels web page.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Loving The Weight Watchers Companion Application for the iPad!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 05:35:00 +0000

Loving this new cooking application for the iPad, brought to you from Weight Watchers is great! Even if you aren't a Weight Watchers member I still highly recommend it.

Details from Weight Watchers:

Everyone who downloads the app will be able to:Get the latest 10 featured recipes
Save up to 10 favorite recipes
Create custom shopping lists
Set cooking timers in recipes
Watch cooking technique videos
Share recipes with email or Facebook
Browse through recipes in book view
Get step-by-step instructions in cooking view

Subscribers to Weight Watchers Online & eTools have access to all features and can also:Find thousands of Weight Watchers recipes
Access complete shopping, ingredient and equipment guides
Get cooking primers and technique videos
View exclusive recipe collections hand-picked by our editors
Use the WeightWatchers.com Recipe Builder to create and edit recipes
Send recipes to your Plan Manager for tracking

Here is yours truly using my new favorite app in my 22 lbs thinner body!

Being a Weight Watchers Insider I am frequently given incentives and free products. I am not a paid employee or contractor, nor am I monetarily compensated but I am affiliated with their programs and company. My opinions are honest and not hindered nor persuaded due to these perks.

Another CSN Review!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:28:00 +0000

I am so excited to be doing another CSN review! Right now I am looking at modern office furniture and want everything in the store! So much to choose from it is so hard to decide!

Live From the Kitchen with Weight Watchers

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 06:37:00 +0000

My friends and I checked out the awesome video about Weight Watchers Points Plus, and even got to see a live kitchen demonstration of an amazing Points Plus Meal. You too can watch it on ustream!

Weight Watchers also sent me some great Points Plus merchandise to hand out to my friends who are interested in their new program. We got Points Plus Cookbooks, vegetable peelers (which work so well!), and yummy Mint Cookie Crisps which I also handed out at a playdate to all of the moms and they were in love!

Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes Review and 2 Giveaways!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 05:57:00 +0000

Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes. We have so many things that needed to be clean and these wipes definitely did the job!
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
I was very excited when I was chosen to review

These wipes not only cleaned all of the dirt and grime off of our many screens, it also will protect against future smudges as well as scratches. The minute they arrived in the mail my husband ran to his 65 inch flat screen (his high definition mistress) and cleaned it. Then he continued on to the playroom TV, his laptop, our iphones, and my iPad. All using one packet of Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes.

Cleaning your electronic screens and creating an invisible barrier is very easy:

First Step: use the wet wipe to gently clean the screen.

Second Step: use the dry cloth to gently wipe screen until dry.

End product: Beautifully clean and protected screens!

BUY IT: Go to Brilliant Screen Cleaning Wipes web page. Twitter (1 entry)

5) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

6) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

7) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

8) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

9) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on February 5th, 2011. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

Our winners are RuthHill74 and Amyztoy
The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

I am a Weight Watchers Insider!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 06:08:00 +0000

I am so excited! Weight Watchers asked me to be an insider! They have extended my online membership, sent me an ipad to try out their amazing Kitchen Companion application (review and video to come soon), and many other exciting perks and things to share with you, my readers.

Unfortunately my laptop is at a data recovery center, darn four year old hard drive, so my exciting articles and reviews will be coming soon. I have hijacked my husband's work laptop because I want to share a new and exciting event happening this Wednesday, January 5th at 7pm EST.

"You're cordially invited to a live virtual event created especially for bloggers, Weight Watchers subscribers, Facebook fans and Twitter followers. You'll learn about the PointsPlus™ program from Weight Watchers® Program Development Director Stephanie Rost and WeightWatchers.com Editor-In-Chief Theresa DiMasi will be on hand to answer some of your questions and give tips about healthy cooking and healthy living. WeightWatchers.com Recipe Editor Leslie Fink will provide a behind-the-scenes look into how a Weight Watchers® recipe comes to life with a cooking demo of a recipe you'll want to try out.

Join us on Wednesday, January 5^th at 7PM (EST) on our Weight Watchers Facebook page at this link.
Please RSVP here so we know you're coming."

If you aren't already a fan, definitely check out their Facebook page. They frequently post yummy recipes, fun food savvy blog links, as well as interesting articles.

ReUsies Review and Giveaway!! CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 05:50:00 +0000

Available Sizes

Snack: approx. 6” w / 5” h
The snack size holds a half sandwich or whole sandwich with the crust cut off! It is good for smaller quantities of crackers, pretzels, apple slices, etc.

Sandwich: approx. 7.5” w/ 6”h
The sandwich size holds a typical "grown up"- sized sandwich, full bagel, or larger quantity of snacks.
A typical lunch would contain one sandwich and two snack-sized bags or three snack-sized bags.

Care Instructions

ReUsies™ can be machine washed and dried, washed in the dishwasher, or for longest life simply wiped clean with a soapy sponge and air dried.
**to keep the Velcro from snagging on the stitching when washing in the machine we recommend turning the bag inside out, tucking in the flap, and securing one side of the Velcro to the other.

Pros:

Ecologically savvy
Great for packing lunches
So many adorable patterns
Kid friendly

Cons:

They are an investment if you buy a bunch of them, so make sure you stick with it!

BUY IT: Go to the ReUsies.com web page.

WIN IT: One of my lucky readers will win an ReUsies
Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you) US and Canadian residents only

1) Go to ReUsies.com's web site and tell me which one you would like. Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on January 20th, 2011. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

WINNER VIA RANDOM.ORG is comment #2! Congrats!
The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

Baby Bond Nursing Cover! Review and Amazing Discount! Buy One Get One 75% off!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:13:00 +0000

First Impression: When I received my Baby Bond nursing cover I was very excited! The box is just adorable! I immediately put it into a mental note to remember to get one of these for the next baby shower I get invited to. The directions are everywhere! On the side of the box and even on a tag on the actual nursing cover, very thoughtful! Especially for those of us with "mommy brain". I received the Hudson color in the couture line and it is so so

Style/Choices: There are three different lines of nursing covers:

I received one from Baby Bond's couture line, called "Hudson" which is a basic black one. It was so incredibly soft that when I use it, Ellianna fingers the soft fabric while she nurses! There are many colors to choose from in each of the styles.

Functionality: The product is very functional, though there was a little bit of a learning curve with Baby Bond's couture one. The reason being is that it is adjustable, which is actually perfect for me since I am on this diet plan, who know what size I will be a few months from now, so it slims with me. I am one of those bold moms who rarely ever cover up, the last thing I need is to worry about a cover over my baby's head being constantly thrown or kicked off. So Baby Bond's cover actually meets all of my needs. It doesn't cover my baby's head but covers that embarrassing belly flab as well as the breast/nipple which usually gets exposed for a few seconds during latching on and off.

How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: One of the most important goals of my blog is to raise a healthy family and the most healthy thing I can do for my baby is to give her breastmilk. So products that help breastfeeding are high up on my list of healthy practices.

Cost Effective: At $35 the covers are pretty comparable to their competition. All of the more traditional nursing covers run around the same price.

Pros:

Covers the belly and breast without covering baby's head
Well priced
Comes in a variety of colors and styles

Cons:

The couture one has a bit of a learning curve

BUY IT: Go to the Baby Bond web page or Babies R Us

SPECIAL READER DISCOUNT!!!: Buy one from Babies R Us and you can buy a second one for 75% off!! What a great deal!!! Just buy your first one from Babies R Us. Then email your receipt to missy@babybondnursing.com and she will reply with the discount code that will allow them to order another BabyBond on our site with 75% off!

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

Introducing Weight Watcher's Points Plus Program!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:06:00 +0000

I am so excited to have been chosen to try out Weight Watcher's New Points Plus Program! This is the first time in over a decade that they have decided to redo their entire Points system! Instead of just calculating the points by way of calories, fat, and fiber, they have revolutionized their entire formula to include all of the ingredients that directly affect the caloric intake of each food product. Another great aspect of this new innovative program is that most fruits and vegetables are worth zero points! This allows us to satiate our hungers with yummy and delicious fresh produce which is great not only for our health but for our households as well, which is perfect for moms. Having a fresh basket of delectable fruit up on the table or counter spreads healthy nutrition to everyone around you.

On a more personal note, this new change in program could not have come at a better time for me. I have been sitting on a plateau twenty pounds from my goal for a month and a half and it has been chipping away at my motivation. I am hoping that this recalibration of points will give me that extra boost and get me under this plateau and on to a more new and healthy "me".

I can't wait to share my results and reviews of this amazing new system my supportive readers!

Thank you Weight Watchers for providing me with an extended online membership and other wonderful incentives. I am very excited to be a part of the exclusive Insiders group and I am looking forward to being an ambassador for this new program.

Here is some information provided by Weight Watchers:

A NEW FOUNDATION AND A BETTER WAY

The biggest innovation from Weight Watchers in more than a decade, PointsPlus uses the latest scientific research to create a program that goes far beyond traditional calorie counting to give people the edge they need to lose weight and keep it off in a fundamentally healthier way. The program is designed to educate and encourage people to make choices that:

Favor foods the body works harder to convert into energy, resulting in fewer net calories absorbed
Focus on foods that create a sense of fullness and satisfaction and are more healthful
Nudge toward natural foods rather than foods with excess added sugars and fats
Still allow flexibility for indulgences, special occasions and eating out

PointsPlus achieves all of this in an easy to follow program where people continue to learn how to incorporate healthier, more satisfying habits into their life in small, manageable steps. The net effect is weight loss that is satisfying, healthful and flexible all at the same time.

The above company has given me a free membership along with other incentives. These perks have in no way influenced my opinions, the words are solely my own and I take full responsibility for them.

CSN Stores Review! Eureka Cordless Quick Up 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner in Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 22:26:00 +0000

First Impression: Upon opening the box I was thrilled! A great vacuum, very lightweight and a pretty purplish color! I love that it is small like a stick vacuum but still has floor settings and a revolving brush.

Style/Choices: The style is perfect, the Eureka Cordless Quick Up 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner it can easily fit into a corner of the room and go unnoticed or hang in a broom closet.

Functionality: Honestly, this little cordless stick vacuum works better than my full size! Everynight I use my Eureka Cordless Quick Up 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner before bed. I use it really quick around the kitchen table and counters to do a quick pick up, it takes me about 5 minutes and I have floors clean enough to eat off of (just ask my ten month old). Every mom needs this!

How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: It is so important to keep your house as clean and dust free as possible, especially with a crawler. I have also noticed that since I have started using my Eureka Cordless Quick Up 2-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner nightly that I have had less asthma attacks. I am so glad we have it.

Cost Effective: For a vacuum under $40, you can't go wrong! Perfect gift for any mom or dorm room dweller.

Pros:

small
lightweight
pretty color
easy to empty
holds a great charge

Cons:

It would be the perfect contraption if you could detach the brushes and use it as a dust buster as well. Would be the perfect 3 in 1.

BUY IT: Go to the CSN web page.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

Celebrating the End of a Great Campaign! Weight Watchers Lose For Good!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 23:56:00 +0000

It always makes me so happy when big companies use their notoriety to help others, and Weight Watchers has gone above and beyond! Their "Lose for Good" campaign reached out to society by helping feed the hungry. During their campaign, Weight Watchers used social networks as well as real life communities to help raise awareness and resources to feed our nation's hungry. Using hashtags members and followers were able to raise up to $60,000 for Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.

In local communities Weight Watchers advocates ran food drives to donate to the same causes. Weight Watchers is trying to not only to lower the occurence of obesity, they are also feeding those who don't have enough to eat. Finding the balance in nutrition is key to raising a strong and healthy society. Thank you Weight Watchers for raising money, awareness, and action.

Unfortunately this week my son Gavin came down with croup and the virus has spread to his baby sister and me, so we were unable to run the food drive we were looking forward to hosting. Lucky for my readers, I have three T shirts and two totes to give away!

Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you) US residents only

1) Go to Weight Watchers web site and tell me which offer on the right hand side bar sounds most appealing . (1 entry)

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on October 30th, 2010. Last valid entry can be entered on October 29th, 2010 at midnight PST. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

Miraclebody Jeans Review and Giveaway! Look 10 lbs Lighter in 10 Seconds! CLOSED

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:43:00 +0000

First Impression: Once I opened the box, I fell in love. Jeans are the keystone to any wardrobe and I just found that essential favorite pair. Miraclebody Jeans are trendy, gorgeous, and oh so flattering!!! As soon as I got them I grabbed them and ran into my daughter's room, the room with the sky high mirrored wardrobe. I am in love! I have lost twenty pounds so far and Miraclebody Jeans aesthetically take off another ten! So I was looking at my body only 10 pounds from my goal, and it felt so good! I actually found an excuse to visit my husband at work that day, and he was not disappointed!

Style/Choices: Miraclebody Jeans come in so many great styles! Bootcut, skinny cut, straight cut, and even capris! My favorite are the bootcuts, or Samantha as they call it. You can get them in dark or light, studded or western, I think you understand now why they are my favorite!

Functionality: Since Miraclebody Jeans take off ten pounds I expected them to be tight and binding, but they were exactly the opposite! Stretchy and comfortable, I could wear them all day!

How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: Anything that you put on and feel an instant self esteem boost is healthy in my book. What could be more motivating for your diet than feeling instantly sexy in a pair of jeans?

Cost Effective: Miraclebody Jeans are moderately priced. They range from $98 - $110. In my opinion, a pair of jeans that makes you feel good, is worth it.

Pros:

Instantly takes off ten pounds!
Comes in all of the trendy styles!
Flattering
Comfortable

Cons:

A little pricey
The rise is a little higher than I am used to, but it has to be to flatten the tummy

BUY IT: Go to the Miraclebody Jeans web page. Did I mention that they have skirts, leggings, and tops too?

WIN IT: One of my lucky readers will win their choice of Miraclebody Jeans!

Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you) US and Canadian residents only

1) Go to Miraclebody Jeans web site and tell me which pair of jeans you would like to try most. (1 entry)

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on October 15th, 2010. Last valid entry can be entered on October 14th, 2010 at midnight PST. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.

Participate in Weight Watcher's Lose-A-Palooza and Get Extra Entries in Our Giveaways!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Wouldn’t it be great if you could help fight hunger – and encourage your friends to do the same – simply by using your favorite social network to spread the word?

On September 14, 2010, you can! Lose-A-Palooza is a one-day social media event created to encourage participation in the Lose For Good® campaign** to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.

For every accepted mention or acknowledgment of “Lose For Good” made on September 14th through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and check-in via foursquare, Weight Watchers will donate $1 – up to $60,000* – to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.

You can participate on four different Media sites and here is how!

Twitter:

Follow Get in on the good. Follow @WeightWatchers, @sharestrength and/or @acfusa.
Tweet Tweet or Retweet using the hashtag: #LoseForGood. Let people know how they can join you in the fight against hunger.
Accessorize Install a “Lose-A-Palooza” Twibbon to your profile picture (Available 9/14).

Facebook:

Like Like Weight Watchers, Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.
Comment Like or Comment on any of the Weight Watchers “Lose-A-Palooza” updates we’ll be posting throughout the day.
Accessorize Add a “Lose-A-Palooza” Twibbon to your profile picture (Available 9/14).

Blog:

Post Include the phrase “Lose For Good” in a post about the Lose For Good campaign, and encourage your readers to get involved by visiting WeightWatchers.com/LoseForGood.
Comment Comment on a blog post about Lose For Good. Also, ask your friends to show their support by commenting on your post. Don’t forget to include “Lose For Good” in your comment.
Community Write a post including “Lose For Good” in the Community on WeightWatchers.com.

Foursquare:

Check-In Each check-in at a Weight Watchers meeting can help contribute to the good. Find a meeting.

To support this wonderful campaign, My365toaSize5 will give you an extra entry per current giveaway for each element of this campaign that you participate in! That is a possible seven extra entries per giveaway!!! Just link me to your blog post, Facebook profile, or Foursquare check in so I can see your hashtag.

Coming Soon! CSN Review

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:25:00 +0000

I am so excited to be working again with CSN Stores! They have everything from exercise equipment to cheap bedroom furniture. With 200 stores it is hard to find things they don't have!

Wilton Cupcake Starter Kit Review and Giveaway!!

noreply@blogger.com (Lauren) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Cupcakes are so popular right now, and it is so hard to pass on them at gatherings! So when I read a couple of yummy cupcake recipes and tricks on Weight Watchers, I saw that I could eat a scrumptious cupcake for only 3 points, I was thrilled! So of course, my first stop was to Wilton's Website! When you think of delicious and fun desserts, they are always the brand that comes to mind!

First Impression: When I received my package from Wilton's I was very excited! I received a beautiful and sturdy thirteen cupcake stand

a 12 piece cupcake decorating kit:

and of course, the baking pan!

Style/Choices: Wilton's Website has some beautiful decorating ideas and so many things to choose from for every occasion! For instance, my husband wants to have everyone over for a football game next month and I bookmarked these goodies!

Most of my friends can tell you that I love Halloween! In fact I try to plan as many Halloween type events as possible during the glorious month of October. How about these to spice up a ghouly party?

Functionality: These ideas are great, right? But can you really do them yourself? Well, now you can! Wilton's Website not only has great ideas, but great step by step instructions on how to do them as well!

How it Promotes a Healthy Lifestyle: Ok my beautiful dieting compadres, please stop giving me the evil stares. I swear I am not helping the devil on your shoulder by enticing you to forget the health food and exercise and jump into a batter of caloric decadence! First off, Weight Watchers has some great cupcake recipes, for instance here is a yummy red velvet cupcake one:

Not up for all of that hard work? Go to the grocery store and get a mix, just replace the oil with applesauce! Now your perfect portion sized cupcake is only a whopping three point indulgence!! So get your Wilton's goodies, use applesauce instead of oil or a healthier recipe, and partake in a yummy guilt free dessert!

Cost Effective: From what I have seen you are getting great quality baking pans, decorating kits, etc.. from Wilton's for a very good price. The only thing that can get expensive are the ingredients from your local grocery store.

Pros:

Amazingly beautiful ways to decorate
Can be used for every occasion
Healthier alternatives
Perfect portion size

Cons:

You "should" only eat just one!

BUY IT: Go to Wilton's web page.

WIN IT: One of my lucky readers will win the same amazing Wilton's cupcake starter kit that I got! Which includes the 13 cupcake stand, 12 piece decorating kit, and the cupcake baking tin!

Mandatory Entry: (you must be a public follower and leave me a way to contact you) US and Canadian residents only

1) Go to Wilton's Website and tell me which cupcake idea you'd like to try first with your new kit ! (1 entry)

Additional Entries (leave one comment per additional entry)

2) "Like" My365toaSize5 on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Follow My365toaSize5 on Twitter (1 entry)

4) Subscribe to my Feedburner (1 entry)

5) Write a blog post about this giveaway and link me to it in your comment (2 entries)

6) Grab my button and post a link to where it is (3 entries)

7) Tweet about this giveaway, leave me your twitter name - can only do this once a day (1 entry per day)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways and tell me which one (1 entry per giveaway)

Winners will be chosen via random.org on August 30th, 2010. Last valid entry can be entered on August 29th, 2010 at midnight PST. Winners have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen via random.org.

The products above were given to me for free to review, I was not compensated in any way. The views depicted above are solely my own, others may have different outcomes or results.