Your Fun Family

Have You Tried FRESCHETTA By the Slice?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:09:00 +0000

This post brought to you by FRESCHETTA®. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was recently given the opportunity to try the new FRESCHETTA® By the Slice . I love that when you have a craving for pizza you can easily make a slice without being tempted to eat a whole pizza.

Come on and admit it! How many times have you sat down to eat some pizza and then all of a sudden you realize how much you actually ate? Buying pizza by the slice helps you take care of that pizza craving without the temptation of over eating.

FRESCHETTA By the Slice comes in BBQ Recipe Chicken, Vegetable Medley, Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom, and Six Cheese Medley. I love spinach and mushrooms on pizza so I was very pleased with my choice.

Many microwave pizzas come out soggy or taste like cardboard. Freschetta By the Slice still has a nice fresh taste. I was also very surprised at how well the crust turned out! I will definitely keep a few of these in my freezer. They are perfect for those nights when you need something fast but you do not want to just eat junk food.

Who knows maybe they will also help us in our goal to get in shape in time for our friends wedding on a tropical beach! We can get rid of the pizza craving without eating a whole pizza!

Do you want the chance to try Freschetta By the Slice? Not to worry, We will be starting a giveaway tomorrow!!!

Easter Carrot Napkins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 21:56:00 +0000

Check out this cute Easter place setting that a friend showed me! How adorable would these carrots be on the dinner table this Easter?

This will be an easy and no mess craft for Easter. Think about how proud the kids will be to show them off to the relatives.

You will need...

Orange Paper Napkins
Green Pipe Cleaners
Green Plastic Utencils

Instructions...

Open up the napkin and refold it into a rectangle
Take the bottom right corner and fold it up to meet the top of the napkin. It should end up left of center.
Place the plastic utensils just inside of the point created at the bottom where the fold was made. The utensils should lay diagonally so the tops stick out at the top left point.
Fold the left of the napkin over the utensils and continue rolling up the napkin to form the carrot.
Wrap pipe cleaners around the top of the carrot to secure the napkin leaving the ends to stick up like leaves.

Depending on the size of your napkins you may have to change the angle of the utensils when you wrap them.

Walgreens Helps Families Save Money

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 09:01:00 +0000

This is a compensated post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

For years, we have seen how much money we can save by buying our prescriptions in their generic form. Many people do not look too closely at the rest of their daily spending though. Those quick little trips to the store during the week can add up to a ton of money!

I hate sending James to the store for anything. He always falls for the flashy packages and brand names. No matter how hard I try, he does not learn. I, on the other hand, pride myself on saving money. I can go in a store and know exactly which products work the best and have the best deal. I am a shopping master!

Recently, I was asked to review a Walgreens brand product. I chose the Walgreens Brand Oil-Free Acne Wash . Years ago we used to buy the brand name version but over time we forgot about it. Now that we have a house full of teenage girls we need more skin care products!

Just as I thought, the second the package came James headed off to the bathroom with it. He pampers himself a bit more than other men! As soon as he was done he came out and proclaimed, "This is just like the stuff we used to get!". I just smiled and laughed to myself. The brand name version costs $6.49 and the Walgreens version is $4.99. Someday, he will realize that there is no need to spend a ton of money on brand names. All that money adds up!

When it comes to saving money Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Products are there to help families get the most with their money. I am surprised that they have not come out with medicine cabinets with locks yet. I think I have about $400 worth of stuff in my cabinet. I am always looking for a deal so the first place I look is at Walgreens. I love that the Walgreens brands have the same main ingredients as the expensive brand name versions and they are a fraction of the cost!

Every time you buy a Walgreens Brand Health & Wellness Product a donation is made to the Walgreens Way to Well Fund™ so you are not only saving money but you are helping someone less fortunate!

Paper Mache Easter Egg

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Do you remember doing these at school when you were a kid? This would be a great craft to make with your kids this Easter.

Kids love getting messy and making things. Paper Mache falls right into there. My kids love doing paper mache crafts. They have fun sitting around the table together and we have great conversations.

Paper Mache is also a cheap craft that also recycles old newspaper. All you need is old newspapers cut into strips and the paste. To make paper mache paste simply mix flour with twice as much water.

To make this project you cover a balloon in at least 4 layers of paper mache. When the paper has fully dried (a day or two) cut a circle to form a window like opening in the egg. You can then decorate the inside and outside of the egg.

If you do not want to paint the egg you can use colored tissue paper on the first and last layer. Then you will already have a pretty colored inside and outside. Most people fill the egg with Easter grass and add plastic eggs and chicks. You can decorate yours any way you want. You could also leave the egg whole and paint them like pretty Easter eggs.

Baseball Stats Software

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Spring is here so it is time to play ball!

There is not too much to do in our little town so we get a very good turn out at our high school sporting events. The games become a nice place for locals to unwind and catch up on what is going on in the community.

Baseball and Softball seasons have started and I can not think of a better way to spend an afternoon with the kids. It is starting to get nice out so we are able to walk to the games after school and enjoy some sun while routing on our team.

I was given the opportunity to review baseball stats software. I am friends with our local baseball coach so I decided to give it to him.Statillac Baseball Stats Software takes the work out of recording stats and turns baseball back into all fun and games like it should be. With this program you do not have to be a math whiz to figure out stats. You can just enter in your numbers and the program will do all of the work for you. With little effort you can create game stats, game and season reports and then you can even export reports to a PDF.

Statillac Stats Software comes in baseball, softball, and football. It costs just $99 and even has a 2 game free trial so that you can see how easy it is to get great 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.

Giveaway - Exposed Envy Decorative Bra Straps

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:16:00 +0000

This new product is AWESOME! You have no idea how excited I was when I received my two sets of these!!! Exposed Envy takes the old problem of exposed bra straps and makes them something beautiful with decorative bra straps.

The biggest problem that I had with them was that I did not have anything that showed off the straps as much as I wanted. They are beautiful and really need to be shown off! I will now have to go shopping to find something to wear them with. I love shopping so it will not be too torturous! Then I will be finding somewhere to go so I can sparkle!

Women everywhere have tried to keep their bra straps from popping out of their clothes for years. You find yourself constantly checking and tucking your straps back to where they should be. Then there are the annoying people that keep telling you that your bra strap is showing. All of that can be fixed with Exposed Envy. Why didn't I think of this?

Exposed Envy bra straps come in a style and color to match with everything you own and they are fully adjustable and easy to wear.

THE GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive their 3 sets choices in the comment and a $15 gift certificate for Exposed Envy!
This giveaway limited to US residents and ends on April 19th.
*Enter more of our Current Giveaways and get extra entries!

HOW TO ENTER

Check out the Exposed Envy website and tell us in a comment your three choices. 1 choice each for Rhinestone Bra Straps, Fabric Sparkle Bra Straps, and Printed Bra Straps.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: "Like" Exposed Envy on Facebook
1 Entry: Follow Exposed Envy on Twitter
1 Entry: Tweet this: I want to win decorative bra straps from @exposedenvy and @YourFunFamily #giveaway http://bit.ly/fV7Ta1 (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Each one counts for one entry so each should have a separate comment. It must include the link where it can be found to count.

I will be deleting comments that do not follow the rules so others get a fair chance. Make sure that I have a way to contact you if you win! If I can not find your email address on your comment, profile, or website you can not win.

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. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Giveaway - $100 Simply You Jewelry

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:31:00 +0000

We have an awesome giveaway today! I am really excited about this one and I know you will all love it!

Simply You is a direct sales jewelry company that has been in business in Canada for years. Women love that they can get fashionable jewelry at a great price. The best part is that you get a lifetime replacement guarantee! You maybe saving a ton of money but you are still getting a great product.

Simply You is now available in the US and to celebrate we are having a giveaway! Now we can all buy this great jewelry! Simply You is really taking off in the US so they also need advisors. If you have been looking for an extra income and want something to get excited about then this might be what you have been looking for!

Simply You is a passionate and driven company, with a focus on impacting the lives of women and a few good men. They invite you to "CREATE YOUR OWN STYLE." Whether it's being an advisor and earning a lucrative income, being a Hostess and earning free jewels, or shopping for an accessory wardrobe that is simply your own. They value the fun in creating Wow with their amazing jewelry, fabulous Hostess Program and a ground floor business opportunity.

THE GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive a $100 Simply You gift certificate!
This giveaway limited to US residents and ends on April 17th.
*Enter more of our Current Giveaways and get extra entries!

HOW TO ENTER

Check out their fashion jewelry and then come back here and leave a comment that tells us which piece of jewelry you love.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: "Like" Jewelry Parties on Facebook
1 Entry: Follow SimplyYouNL on Twitter
1 Entry: Tweet this: I want to win $100 in Simply You jewelry! #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://bit.ly/gcj0ng (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Hair Flairs - as seen on Oprah Winfrey

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:36:00 +0000

Unless you have been under a rock, you know that sparkle is hot right now!

Women love to stand out and shine so products that sparkle are popping up everywhere. Adding a little sparkle to your hair can give you a surprising pop of glamour.

There are a lot of cheap hair products out there. You know you have seen them! They do not look very good and from the second you put them in your hair they start falling out.

Stylists everywhere are using professional Hair Flairs to create incredible hairstyles. Trina Marr was interviewed on the Oprah Winfrey show on Jan 28th and was wearing Sparkle Gold Hair Flairs. Oprah loved them! You do not have to go to the salon to get Hair Flairs though. You can buy them online at a great price and easily add them to your hair yourself!

Hair Flairs are a Tie-in Hair Tinsel that creates the look of Hair Bling. They even last 2 - 6 weeks! You can shampoo, condition, and blow-dry like normal and not worry. They can even be flat-ironed to 410 degrees F! This is a professional product so you do not have to worry about loose strands either.

Hair Flairs Tinsel comes in 20 colors plus they have Crystalz and Feather varieties! To keep up with all the excitement like Hair Flairs on Facebook!

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.

Mini Laser Anti-Gravity Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Are you sick and tired of the mouse pad on your laptop and hate the old-fashioned miniature mouse? Then you are not alone!

I am always on my laptop and I have been dealing with these issues for years! I spend so much time on my laptop that I often have to stop working because I am sore from my fingers to my shoulders.

I love my laptop but the mouse pad absolutely kills me. There really is not anything laptop creators can do about it, but it just is not comfortable for regular usage. I have tried the old fashioned miniature mouse but that really is not much help. It helps my shoulder since it is off to the side but it still makes my wrist sore.

I was recently sent a Whirl™ Mini Laser Mouse w/ Anti-Gravity Comfort Pivot by Smartfish Technologies to review. It really stands out from any other mini mouse. It has the convenience of being wireless but it has a more natural movement so you do not get the soreness from having your hand and wrist clenched in the same position!
More info from Smartfish:

The ErgoMotion™ pivot system reduces your risk of Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) by adding motion! The magic of the function is how it naturally adapts to your hand motion rather than the other way around! While all other computer mice require your hand and wrist to remain in a fixed position, the Whirl™ Mini pivots naturally as you move, automatically changing it’s angle infinitely to match your wrist and hand. The mouse will lean, swivel or pivot with your movement so your hand and wrist are never in a fixed position, creating the most comfortable and healthy mousing experience ever. This mouse rocks!

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.

It’s fun to stay at the Hil-ton Ho-tel!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 14:01:00 +0000

This post brought to you by Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Even though I was just born in the 70s and I was too young to party disco style, I still remember dancing around the house to the songs. Disco may no long rule the world but it still makes you get up and dance. There is just something happy and energetic about disco. It reminds you to have fun and think back to when life was simple.

Branson, Missouri always has great shows but on May 13th they will be having a 70’s Supershow featuring Village People, Maxine Nightingale & Janice-Marie. This sounds like it will be quite a show! There are still plenty of disco crazy fans out there that will be dancing the night away.

The best deal that weekend will be at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing where you can get 2 tickets to the 70's Supershow and a 1 night stay starting at $219.00. The tickets for the show are over $50 each so that means you can get a beautiful room at a great hotel for less than $119!

I would make a whole weekend out of it though since there are so many sites to see in Branson. I would love to check out the Haunted House, Hollywood Wax Museum, and Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum. I would also like to check out the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. The only down side to Branson is trying to decide which shows and attractions you can fit into you trip!

If you could make it to the 70's Supershow, what Village People song would you look forward to the most? Would it be “YMCA,” “In the Navy,” “Macho Man,” or maybe "Can't Stop The Music"?

Giveaway - VeggieTales: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:04:00 +0000

Families everywhere have been going nuts over the Veggie Tales every since they were first unveiled. They have entertained children everywhere while adding in Christian moral themes and Biblical values and lessons.

VeggieTales: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter is an all new Easter story that reminds kids and families of the true meaning of Easter and reminds us all of the importance of helping others in need.

DVD Synopsis

It’s Easter time in Crisper County and cable news reporter Marlee Meade is hunting for a way to help others. She cooks up a plan to save the old theater with a cast of costume-clad townies, massive props and a 20-foot robot rabbit to perform “Up With Bunnies.” Now there’s only one thing missing – the star of the show! When word spreads that singing sensation Cassie Cassava (Melinda Doolittle) is arriving to perform in her hometown church’s Easter service, Marlee schemes to steal the starlet for her own pageant! But when things go haywire, will it be curtains for Marlee’s dreams – or will she discover the true meaning of Easter and what helping others is really all about?

THE GIVEAWAY

Three (3) lucky winners will receive a copy of VeggieTales®: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter DVD!
This giveaway limited to US residents and ends on April 12th.
*Enter more of our Current Giveaways and get extra entries!

HOW TO ENTER

Comment and tell us why you love the Veggie Tales!

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Tweet this: Win one of 3 copies of VeggieTales: ‘Twas The Night Before Easter #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://bit.ly/hwbdAY (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Giveaway - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:30:00 +0000

If you have not heard of the New York Times Best Selling trilogy, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies then maybe you are a zombie!

I have been hearing a lot of buzz about Steve Hockensmith’s final installment of the series, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After. That is why I was so excited to be able to receive a copy to review and three (3) copies to giveaway!

The original book spent more than 50 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List and pioneered a bizarre microgenre of monster mash-up literature. Now that the final book is out everyone is going crazy for it! Whether you love Austen, horror, or literary mash-ups you are sure to love this series.

This maybe my favorite quote about the series...

“Has there ever been a work of literature that couldn’t be improved by adding zombies?”—Time

Check out the video trailer they created for the book!

THE GIVEAWAY

Three (3) lucky winners will receive a copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After!
This giveaway limited to US residents and ends on April 12th.
*Enter more of our Current Giveaways and get extra entries!

HOW TO ENTER

Comment and tell us what novel you think could be improved by adding zombies.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Tweet this: Win one of 3 copies of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://bit.ly/hYmzqm (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Nutella Breakfast Party

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:21:00 +0000

When was the last time you had some Nutella? Our family loves Nutella so when I was asked by MommyParties to host a Nutella breakfast party I said YES!

Morning are always crazy around here. My girls are not morning people so we are always behind schedule. It would be easy to just skip breakfast but kids need a healthy breakfast to help them through their school day. Nutella helps us create a fast healthy meal that kids will actually eat.

As soon as the party package arrived I started to think about who to include for the party. Where could I find busy moms that know all about trying to fix a fast healthy breakfast? Then it hit me... The women that work in the offices at our local milk hauling company know all about the importance of a healthy breakfast. So I brought the party to them!

Our Nutella party was a big hit! As soon as the first couple of ladies came into the conference room to check it out, word got around fast and everyone came in to get some. I served healthy whole grain breads, Nutella, strawberries, and bananas. The rich and creamy Nutella mixed with fresh fruits is a delicious combination. The big hit of the day was the wrap with a whole wheat tortilla.
Nutella hazelnut spread is a terrific option for individuals with peanut allergies. The spread does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients, nor does the product come in contact with peanuts during manufacturing.

Free products and branded items were provide for the party free of charge by Nutella through Mommyparties.

Giveaway - Die Cut Business Cards

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 18:44:00 +0000

Who wants die cut business cards? I love getting new business cards. I have a few different business cards but I keep finding that I need more.

I do not like business cards that are crammed full of information. They look cluttered and are not very memorable. The best cards stand out and have just the information that you need. For this reason, I have multiple business cards.

I have a card that I hand out to other webmasters and bloggers, a card that I hand out to potential readers, and a card for potential advertisers. I also have cards for my two other websites. That may be a lot of cards but when I give someone a card I want it to fit with why I am giving it to them.

I love the die cut business cards from UPrinting! The full color front and back printing helps them really stand out but when you add on the die cut shapes you become unforgettable.

THE GIVEAWAY

Prize Details: 250 Die Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner
Size: 1.75” x 3.5”, 2” x 3.5”, or 2” x 2”; 2.5” Diameter (Circle)
Die Cut Business Cards (Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded Single-Corner, Half-Circle Side, Circle);
Card: 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated
on a 6 Business Days Turnaround; Front Only or Front and Back printing
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.
Giveaway Ends March 25th

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive business cards for hosting. For more information about business cards, please visit http://www.uprinting.com/business-cards.html.

HOW TO ENTER

Leave us a comment below telling us what shape you prefer.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: "Like" UPrinting on Facebook
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Tweet this: I just entered the Die Cut Business Cards #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://twitthis.com/24p8st (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Storyland Yoga DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:59:00 +0000

Many moms find it hard to find time to stay in shape when they have small kids. Kids can keep you very busy. What little time you have "to yourself" is actually spent trying to get caught up on cleaning and laundry!

I found it was easier to just get them involved in the workout. It can kill two birds with one stone. You get a little workout in and they get tired out so just maybe they will head to bed early and you can sneak a glass of wine before bed! My kids favorite was sitting on my legs while I did leg lifts. They make great weights!

We were recently sent a great yoga video for kids. It is called Storyland Yoga and young kids love it! Storyland Yoga makes learning yoga fun and engaging. It is even more fun when mom gets involved!

We found it to be a fun way to introduce yoga to kids and get them more active. Yoga also helps kids relax and focus. I think we all agree that today's video game generation needs a lot more focus!

Storyland Yoga can be purchased on Amazon.

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.

Baby Bond Nursing Accessory

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 03:47:00 +0000

For years, there has been a lot of debate about mothers nursing in public. Some people are completely against it and believe that it should only be done in private.

As a mother that nursed her babies, I am all for nursing anytime and anywhere your baby gets hungry! What can be more natural and loving than a mother feeding their baby?

When I nursed my babies I always used a baby blanket. I hated the balancing act that would accompany it though! You would have to try to feed a baby and keep checking to be sure that the blanket was not exposing you. Once your baby starts moving around and grabbing things that can become more of an uncomfortable situation rather than the beautiful bonding moment that it should be.

I have seen some nursing blankets that hang on you like an apron but the baby is still completely covered and there is still the chance that accidental exposures will occur.

We were recently sent a new innovative product called Baby Bond. What an awesome product! Once again I am sitting here wondering... Why didn't I think of that?

Baby Bond is more like a sash that just covers you up so your baby is not buried under a hot blanket. You can even watch your beautiful baby while you bond! Baby Bond fits close to your body so you do not have to worry about being exposed. It has an ingenious little slit that allows you to feed while still covered up.

Baby Bond comes in a size and color for everyone. You can go bold and stylish or just opt for something simple. BabyBond is machine washable, 100% cotton, comes with a removable burp cloth and is made in the USA.

This is a great product that mothers everywhere have been waiting for. Great things happen when women create products for women!

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.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Education Benefits

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:01:00 +0000

This post brought to you by Ashworth College. All opinions are 100% mine.

Many military families go through a tough transition when they go back to civilian life. It is even harder now because there are so few jobs out there. The Post 9/11 GI Bill can be a big help!

The Post-9/11 GI Bill helps veterans that served on or after 9/11 get the training they need to move ahead with their civilian life. The bill not only pays for your college but if you choose to get your degree at a lower price school you can pass on any unused money to your spouse or descendants! I think that is incredible.

Many of todays college students are opting for a less traditional experience because they need to continue with working full time so they can still make ends meet. Online colleges are proving to be a fast growing trend. They can still be very expensive though.

Ashworth College is completely online and is 50% less than the average accredited online school. You could have the flexibility of an online school, receive federal grant money, and if you use the Post-9/11 GI Bill you could have some money leftover to transfer to a dependant. Talk about a win-win situation!

Ashworth College could help you graduate and not be buried in debt in the process.

Guinness Irish Stew

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:12:00 +0000

This Irish Stew is fantastic. The Guinness adds a nice richness. Make sure to check out our Irish Soda Bread to go with it.

I love this Irish Stew and I can not wait to make it this year. It is one of the few things that the whole family loves.

The main difference between this recipe and others is the Guinness and the Marmite. Marmite can be found in most grocery stores these days. If your grocery store has a section with import goods then it probably has Marmite. I have never really had trouble finding it. It adds to the richness in flavor and can be used in other dishes that has a beef based sauce. There is no meat in it but it has a beefy flavor.

Ingredients

2 lbs Stew Meat (beef or lamb)
salt
pepper
rosemary
flour
3 garlic cloves
olive oil (can substitute vegetable oil)
1 red onion
1 leek
small package baby carrots
10 potatoes
4 cups beef stock
1 heaping tablespoon Marmite (yeast spread)
1 can Guinness beer (reduce beef stock to 2 cups)
Mushrooms

* You will want to start in small batches of meat so when
you fry the meat the sides do not touch and they can fully
brown. The browning adds a lot of the flavor.

* If you are using a big pot on the stove instead of a slow
cooker you can make it all in the big pot. If you make it on
the stove use a lid. Make sure to keep it low so it does not
burn and stir it from time to time.

Directions

1. Place a small batch of the meat in a bowl and toss it with
enough flour to completely coat. The flour should look dry.

2. Brown the meat in a pan with hot oil. Set the meat in the
slow cooker. Continue until all of the meat is browned.

3. Add the onions, garlic, and rosemary to the pan and fry
until they start to brown.

4. Add in some of the beef stock. As it comes to a slow boil
scrape the bottom of the pan to get up the brown pieces
that stuck to the bottom. Again, this is a big part of the
flavor. Mix in the Marmite.

5. While the stock is simmering to loosen up the brown
pieces you can start to cut up the rest. Make the
pieces whatever size you like. You can peel the potatoes or
leave the peel on. Put them all in the slow cooker.

6. Put all the rest of the ingredients, including the
simmering stock, into the slow cooker for at least 3 hours.

Spring is coming to Pier 1

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:01:00 +0000

This post brought to you by Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.

It seemed like Winter went on FOREVER but now finally Spring is almost here! I could not believe it when I saw that Spring officially begins on March 20th. I am so excited!

We have a lot of plans this Spring. We have a lot of yard work waiting for us and then we can start planting. I can not wait until the flowers start coming up. We really love spending time outside. Once it gets warm we hate being stuck inside. Even when I have work to do on the computer I like doing it outside on the patio.

Every year we add a little more to our yard so the new Spring line at Pier 1 has me all excited too! We have a nice patio table and chairs already but I would like a few chairs that are more for relaxing. I love the idea of outdoor papasans! We fell in love with papasans all over again last month when we redid the girls reading room.

If you sign up for the Pier 1 Outdoor newsletter you can get lots of great ideas on making your outdoor area more fun and beautiful. This year, I want to add some new lanterns and maybe some bright and colorful outdoor dishes.

If you live in the Dallas, Atlanta, or NYC areas you will deffinitely want to check out the Pier 1 Tweetups! I am soooo jealous that they will not be coming to Madison! I would have had a blast... and probably would have ended up with a car load of stuff too!

Bobby Long - A Winter Tale

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 20:42:00 +0000

The movie Twilight made a lot of people famous but one of them was not even in the movie. Bobby Long, a young British singer-songwriter got a nice boost in exposure when a song he wrote was sung by Robert Pattinson.

After crazed fan girls heard "Let Me Sign" sung by Robert Pattinson in the movie Twilight they wanted to know more about the music. Bobby Long has a rough yet warm sounding voice, writes hauntingly poetic lyrics, and then adds in a really catchy chorus. This has been a real recipe for success for him. He is a man with a ton of talent and personality.

When I was sent A Winter Tale to review I really enjoyed it but actually seeing Bobby Long perform live was awesome! James and I have gone to many concerts together over the years but I think this is the first time that we were shocked by how good it was.

*Rant- I am so sick of artists that can not actually sing or write a good song even if their life depended on it. Auto-Tune could possibly be the worst invention ever to hit the music industry! I have gone to way too many concerts just to find out that the artist sounds horrible live and they have absolutely no personality!

Seeing Bobby Long live brings the music alive. He has such a great personality and when he sings he takes you along on the journey. You do not merely listen to the music, you feel it!

I was amazed while watching the audience. Normally, people walk around and talk with others during concerts. As soon as Bobby Long started singing everyone went silent. It was as if the entire room could feel the music and they just wanted to sit and take it all in.

Check out the video below to hear some of Bobby Long's music and hear him talk about the album.

You can also find more info on the Bobby Long website and follow Bobby Long on Facebook or Bobby Long on Twitter

I received a CD and free concert tickets for review purposes.

Dive into the season’s sexiest swimwear

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:01:00 +0000

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

Many people made a New Years resolution to get fit and now that Spring is on its way many people are wishing they stuck to their resolution!

Now that March is in full swing we may be too late for New Years resolutions but there is still time to get ready for swimsuit season! You just need to get yourself motivated and keep moving forward. The Spring 2011 Swim Collection may be just what you need to get motivated!

Express has some great deals going on for some really hot women's swimwear! I love the monokini style. They are perfect for moms that might want to look sexy and still be able to hide a few stretch marks! They keep you a little more covered yet I think they look much sexier than a regular bikini.

Express has great deals on swimwear right now. You can find everything from the monokini, string bikini, strapless, and halter bikini styles.

I love the bright colors this spring! You can chose from bright solids, graphic prints, nautical-inspired stripes, sleek metallic, and even reversible styles so you get more style for your money. They also have many styles with the added glamor of flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.

The best part about shopping online is that you can buy the tops and bottoms in different sizes so you really get the best fit!

So how great are these deals? The monokini in the picture is only $35.92 and the pareo wrap is only $24.43! Can you believe that? I have spent twice that much for a suit that does not even come close to looking that good!

You can also find swim shorts for men and all of your accessorizing needs with Express spring essentials so don't forget the sandals, tote bags, sunglasses and hats.

Don't forget to also sign up for Express e-mail for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express GiftCards. For more info check out the sweepstakes rules.

Giveaway - Cinnamon Burst Cheerios Gift Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:36:00 +0000

We have another great cereal giveaway! We love Cheerios and we love cereal with cinnamon so we were really excited when we found out that there was a new Cinnamon Burst Cheerios and that we would get to do a giveaway for it.

I love that this gift pack also includes a 4 pack of cereal bowls and another travel cereal chiller! We can never have enough cereal bowls in this house. By the time the kids have left for school and I can finally eat, there are never clean bowls left! We already received a travel cereal chiller from a past giveaway so now my two youngest can each have one of their own!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One lucky winner will receive a Cinnamon Burst Cheerios cereal gift pack that includes a box of Cinnamon Burst Cheerios cereal for you to try, family 4-pack of cereal bowls, travel cereal chiller and a cinnamon scented candle.

Open to U.S. Residents 18+. Giveaway ends March 10th.

Don't forget to Enter all of our Current Giveaways! (extra entries!)

*Products for me to review and for this giveaway were all provided by Cheerios through MyBlogSpark.

HOW TO ENTER

Leave us a comment below telling us what helps you start your day off with a smile.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: "Like" Cheerios on Facebook
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Tweet this: I just entered the Cinnamon Burst Cheerios Gift Pack #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://twitthis.com/hapcys (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Giveaway - Big G Cereal & Hot Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:56:00 +0000

Have you seen the new Big G cereals with Hot Wheels inside?

When you head to the grocery store look for new specially marked boxes of Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Reese´s Puffs, and Cookie Crisp. You´ll be able to "gas and go" with a good breakfast and one of four custom-designed collectable Hot Wheels pullback racers. Each car also contains a code to unlock an exciting online racing game!

As you all know our family LOVES cereal giveaways. We go through tons of cereal so what could be better than free cereal? When I was asked to do this giveaway I figured that the girls would be excited about the cereal but not care too much about the cars. I could not have been more wrong!

My girls immediately pulled the cars out of the boxes. They did not race the cars though. They did however send the cars racing across the kitchen so the kittens could go nuts racing after them. The kittens LOVE the cars!

THE GIVEAWAY:

One lucky winner will receive a Big G Hot Wheels gift pack which includes 5 boxes of participating Big G cereals, all with collectible Hot Wheels® pullback racers.

Open to U.S. Residents 18+. Giveaway ends March 10th.

Don't forget to Enter all of our Current Giveaways! (extra entries!)

*Products for me to review and for this giveaway were all provided by General Mills & Hot Wheels through MyBlogSpark.

HOW TO ENTER

Leave us a comment below telling us which Big G cereal is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES

3 Entries: Blog about the giveaway and include a link back to this post. Make a new comment here with the URL to your post.
3 Entries: "Like" Your Fun Family on Facebook. (It's new!)
2 Entries: Add Your Fun Family to your blogroll. Make a new comment and be sure to use your URL when you post it.
1 Entry: Follow @YourFunFamily on Twitter and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Enter all of our Current Giveaways and comment here telling us what giveaway you entered. (1 extra entry per giveaway entered!)
1 Entry: Tweet this: I just entered the Big G Cereal & Hot Wheels #giveaway @YourFunFamily http://twitthis.com/kr4fgs (Can be tweeted twice a day at least 3 hours apart)
1 Entry: Follow this blog on GFC - If you are already a follower it still counts. Make a new comment here that includes your follower name.
1 Entry: Subscribe to the RSS Feed and make a new comment.
1 Entry: Share this giveaway post on Facebook, Kirtsy, Digg, Stumble, or anything else you can think of. (Daily entries)

Ola Loa Multi-Vitamin Formulas

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Have you seen Ola Loa Multi-Vitamins? They are perfect for anyone that wants a healthier vitamin or has trouble taking their vitamins.

How many times have you gone to the store and just stared at the vitamins thinking about how many you would have to buy just to get everything you need? You could spend a fortune on vitamins! There are shelves and shelves of stuff and how do you know what you really need?

I used to get a box that contained little pouches with around 8 pills in them. You were supposed to take one pouch a day. I would have to take a break in between swallowing them all because I would start to feel sick!

I was recently asked to try some Ola Loa Multi-Vitamin Formulas and I found them to be a really great idea. It is a powdered drink mix so taking them is super easy even if you have trouble swallowing pills. They come individually packaged so you can throw them in your purse and never have to worry that you forgot to take them.

From the website...

OLA LOA multi-vitamin mineral products were created with your health and continued well being in mind. Whether you are choosing our ENERGY Super Multi for superior vitality and antioxidant protection, our KIDS Multi formula, our REPAIR Formula for unparalleled bone and joint support, or our SPORT all-natural thirst-quenching hydrating drink formula for active people, you can be sure you are getting the most healthy and complete nutritional formulas available. Our product formulas were created by Richard Kunin, M.D., a nutrition-oriented physician and Orthomolecular specialist with 30+ years of experience in nutrition medicine and practice. Dr. Kunin pioneered the use of vitamins and minerals in today’s medical practice.

For more info and to keep up to date you can "like" Ola Loa Multi-Vitamins on Facebook.

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.

How Long Till Spring?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Erickson) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:20:00 +0000

Why can't winter be over yet?

Mother nature has been teasing us lately. We keep going through a loop of freezing cold, tons of snow, sunny warm weather, and then back to freezing cold.

She did change it up a bit this time though and added in a few days of freezing rain. There was a thick coating of ice on everything.

We have gotten sick of the bad weather and decided that since we are stuck inside we might as well start Spring cleaning and home improvement projects early this year. Maybe when it finally gets warm we will have a lot of it done and we will be able to sit outside and enjoy it more!

So far we have rearranged all the bedrooms and the front room, got some new bookshelves, replaced our back door and changed the locks to our house. The biggest project has been moving around the desks. James got a new desk for his office so everyone else in the house upgraded since the desks got passed down to the next child. It ended up being a lot of furniture moving and made me hate staircases!

We still have a lot of decluttering and organizing to do but I hope to get everything done before the weather outside is nice enough to have the windows open. Then we can start painting some of the rooms.