Carrigan's Joy

BlueCross Riverbend 10k Run

2014-06-01T13:24:00.001-04:00

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My mom passed away almost 8 years ago, and from that moment on my life has been different. There have been plenty of wonderful times and plenty of heartbreak since her passing. I miss her daily. I think of her often. And as I was flipping through different local races I realized there was one coming up on what would have been her 60th birthday, this coming Saturday.

As I went to the registration page I realized I could choose the 5k (my most familiar) or the 10k race. I instantly googled the distance of a 10k (6.2 miles), and realized a couple of months ago I had started running 6.5 miles on my long runs. It was never a continuous run and it usually took me about 1.5 hours but I did it several times, none the less. So, why not now? Why not sign up and run the 10k this weekend?

My right brain has several reasons why I shouldn't:

your plantar fasciitis will flare up
you may experience another asthma attack
you'll get too tired
you know running with Sean will only frustrate you
you're not a good enough runner for a 10k
you're too overweight - the other runners will be slender and fast.

On and on my brain could go with reasons of why I shouldn't run that race.

And then I ask my heart, 'why should I run the 10k?'

Because you can.
Because it would be a wonderful way to honor your Mother on her birthday.
Because you would enjoy the accomplishment of finishing a 10k.
Because you'll get to put that damn 10k decal on your car window.
Because you have a goal to run a half marathon in November and this would be good experience.
Because you are a runner and you have enough knowledge and strength to make it happen.
Because fear is not a good enough reason to not run.
Prepare yourself and enjoy the race.

I discovered Jeff Galloway when I first began running, back in 2010. I loved his walk/run program for it afforded me the opportunity of running longer distances while maintaining a faster pace. Now, to be honest with you, I feel a true, blue runner can run any and all distances, at a 9 min/mi pace, without ever taking a walk break. But as I grow and learn as a runner, I'm coming to understand that my way may not be my ideal way but it still get's the job done.

There is no shame in a walk/run run. None.

And it's time I accept that and focus on the advantages of what a walk/run program can offer me for a 10k race.

So, I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna register for the race. I'm gonna spend my week working on my plantar fasciitis exercises, hydrating, and picking out my run outfit for the race. I'm then going to visual my run, over and over again, seeing myself successfully and happily finish the race. And whatever time I cross the finish line with will be good enough for me. This year is about personal acceptance, self love, and growth.

Thanks, Mom, for giving me the courage to try new things and for always telling me, "you can do anything..." I'm gonna give it a go and see where I end up. :)

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{Review} PUR Gum: An Essential Ingredient To My Run

2014-05-26T09:26:00.000-04:00

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One of the challenges I face as a runner is that of thirst. I typically map my runs out around water sources (water fountains, restrooms, or even the occasional stream....you seriously never know when you may need a drink). And when I think about running my half marathon in November, I get a little anxious of the idea of running 13 miles with a dry mouth.

So that's why I've begun experimenting with different ways of keeping my mouth from becoming a pit of dried mucus: running with a water bottle (it kind of slows me down), a Fannie pack with water bottles (I'm sure it will take practice to run with water giggling on my hips), and then there's chewing gum.

I've actually gotten pretty good with chewing gum and running. It's amazing how a small piece of gum can keep your mouth moist, as well as give you something to focus on rather than the screams coming from your butt muscles as you tackle a way too steep hill.

And what better gum to chew than one that's actually good for you! We grown ups call this multi-tasking. PUR Gum is sugar and aspertaine free, a great alternative for Moms and/or runners who are trying to be more conscious of the toxins going into ours and our family's bodies.

A bit about PUR Gum:PÜR Gum has become the #1 selling chewing gum in the health food market worldwide. In 2010, PÜR Gum was created as an alternative to commercial varieties of gum that contain aspartame, and is available in Peppermint, Spearmint, Pomegranate Mint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Coolmint. PÜR Gum is sugar-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-gmo, nut-free, dairy-free, diabetic friendly and Swiss Made.
PÜR Gum, the brand that has been kicking aspartame around the world is now spicing up the natural health market once more! Just in time for summer, PÜR Gum has revealed the newest members to its premium sugar and aspartame-free family, two mouth-watering flavors made with the highest quality ingredients and refreshing health properties. PÜR Cinnamon captures the perfect balance of hot and sweet sensations from nature’s very own cinnamon bark! Infused naturally, PÜR’s hottest flavor is bringing the heat this summer made with absolutely no artificial ingredients! PÜR Coolmint refreshes breath with a clean, crisp, and chilling flavor, with natural mint revitalizing senses for a refreshing and exhilarating experience. The two new flavors will be hitting retail shelves this May, 2014.

PÜR Gum is widely available at Health Food Stores, Whole Foods locations, Amazon.com, Sprouts, Meijer, Rexall, Sobeys, Jugo Juice and more than 10,000 health-conscious retailers in 25 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.pur-gum.com.

Overall, my whole family enjoys this gum. We love the taste, I love the ingredients and the benefit that it gives to my running. Give PUR Gum a try and let me know which flavor becomes your all time favorite!

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You Don't Have To Live With The Pain, Get Help Today With Your Addiction

2014-05-19T18:07:00.000-04:00

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Getting Help for Your Addiction

For those who are battling drug or alcohol addiction, it may feel as if the entire world is rooting for them to fail. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. There are people out there who want to help those struggling with addiction get clean and turn their lives around.

Take the First Step

The first step in conquering your addiction is to stop using the substance that you are addicted to. Going to a detox center will allow you to quit using drugs or alcohol cold turkey for a period of several days or weeks. Once the substance is out of your system and you have gone through withdrawal symptoms, you can start to focus on why you use the substance and how to live your life without it.

Support Groups Help You Through

One of the best reasons to go to a detox center is that you will have other people to talk to who are going through the same things that you are. If you have tried to talk to your friends or family in the past, they may have dismissed your addiction as the sign of a weak minded person or someone who doesn't care about the future. However, having the ability to talk to others without being judged can help you move forward with your life in a meaningful way.

Learn From Your Mistakes and Help Others

If you are able to successfully beat your addiction, you can learn from your experience and use it to help others. You can serve as a counselor or group therapist at a detox clinic or give speeches to kids and other troubled youths who may be dealing with addiction. Sharing your story with other people may help them see that they are not alone and that self-medicating is not the answer.

Finding a detox rehab center near you is as easy as going online and performing a quick search engine query. When you find a clinic for yourself or someone you know who is battling addiction, it is important to make an appointment to visit that clinic as soon as possible. The faster that you seek help, the more likely it is that you will get the treatment that you need in time to turn your life around.

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Dear Papa: I Can Breathe

2014-05-17T14:24:00.000-04:00

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It's been almost two months since you left and I've just realized that I've gone the last two days without crying, without sobbing over your passing. My heart still aches and I constantly think of you through out the day - when I want to pick up the phone and call you, when I think of questions I know you could answer, and when I want to ask you for help such as putting up a damn ceiling fan. And then my brain reminds me that you're no longer here like that.

I keep a picture of us on my phone so each time I touch my screen I see your face. It was that time you were playing Candy Crush on my iPad and I was leaned over with my head on your shoulder. I would always jump in and swipe a move and you never got mad. :)

Austin seems closer to me now. I guess he's come to realize how fragile life is and that we truly do need to spend time with those we love. Jeremy doesn't say much. Maddie still consistently tells me that my parents are dead...it's her way of dealing. Jacob doesn't say much about you anymore, but don't worry, I'll always have pics to share with him. But still, pictures will never do justice to your presence. Oh, how I miss you so.

It feels like it was a different life back then, the three of us - you, me, and mom. I miss that life. I miss those sounds, the smells, and the experiences of it all. I'm so far from that place right now, so far from who I was back then. Life has insisted on moving forward while I've tried to cling to broken bits of memories.

I should be making plans to come and see you this summer. I don't understand this life and all it's pain. I sometimes forget what the real purpose of it all is, but somehow through it all, I went a day without crying. I almost made it two until I started typing this post then the tears came and Maddie asked again, "are you happy or sad, Momma?"

I love you, Papa, and somehow I now know there will come days when the pain isn't so bad, and when I'll make it more days without feeling so lost and afraid.

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Workin' The Core

2014-05-17T12:27:00.001-04:00

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I love the fact that the core is compiled of a set of muscles that can be worked Every. Day. That's right, typically you need to take a rest day between your weight training sessions but according to, Fitsblender.com:

A toning style core routine can be performed 4-6 days per week once you have built up your tolerance for those exercises, but if you become overly sore you may need to take a 48 hour break to allow muscles to properly heal. Just make sure you take at least one day off each week, even if you never get sore.

When it comes down to it, your abdominal and core muscles are just like any other muscle group in your body and should be trained accordingly. The only difference is that abdominal muscles are particularly strong and can take a fair amount of punishment before they need to rest and heal, and they heal slightly faster than most other muscles, but only slightly. The main key to remember about how often to do abs workouts is that if it is sore, let it heal before you train it again, and even if it never gets sore give those muscles at least one day of rest a week.

And why is it so important to strengthen your core?

According to Harvard.edu, the real world benefits of core strengthening include:

Everyday acts. Bending to put on shoes or scoop up a package, turning to look behind you, sitting in a chair, or simply standing still — these are just a few of the many mundane actions that rely on your core and that you might not notice until they become difficult or painful. Even basic activities of daily living — bathing or dressing, for example — call on your core.
On-the-job tasks. Jobs that involve lifting, twisting, and standing all rely on core muscles. But less obvious tasks — like sitting at your desk for hours — engage your core as well. Phone calls, typing, computer use, and similar work can make back muscles surprisingly stiff and sore, particularly if you’re not strong enough to practice good posture and aren’t taking sufficient breaks.
A healthy back. Low back pain — a debilitating, sometimes excruciating problem affecting four out of five Americans at some point in their lives — may be prevented by exercises that promote well-balanced, resilient core muscles. When back pain strikes, a regimen of core exercises is often prescribed to relieve it, coupled with medications, physical therapy, or other treatments if necessary.
Sports and other pleasurable activities. Golfing, tennis or other racquet sports, biking, running, swimming, baseball, volleyball, kayaking, rowing and many other athletic activities are powered by a strong core. Less often mentioned are sexual activities, which call for core power and flexibility, too.
Housework, fix-it work, and gardening. Bending, lifting, twisting, carrying, hammering, reaching overhead — even vacuuming, mopping, and dusting are acts that spring from, or pass through, the core.
Balance and stability. Your core stabilizes your body, allowing you to move in any direction, even on the bumpiest terrain, or stand in one spot without losing your balance. Viewed this way, core exercises can lessen your risk of falling.
Good posture. Weak core muscles contribute to slouching. Good posture trims your silhouette and projects confidence. More importantly, it lessens wear and tear on the spine and allows you to breathe deeply. Good posture helps you gain full benefits from the effort you put into exercising, too.

Our core is just that, the center of our being, and without it, everything else will fall apart.

For great info on strengthening your core, join the Mamavation Hangout, May 19, 6 pm PST/ 9 pm EST.

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Who's Up For A Drink? Check Out Milo's Sweet Tea!

2014-05-09T13:58:00.000-04:00

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Recently, my husband and I purchased the most adorable bunch of chickens. That's right, Folks, we are now Urban Farmers!
And while my husband spent the week building our new chicken run, we had the wonderful opportunity to experience the new varieties of Milo's Tea. From lemonade, tea-lemonade blend, to a decaf sweat tea, Milo's Tea is a family owned business located in the beautiful Bessemer, Alabama. Since 1989, Milo's Tea has been sold to thousands of retailers across the U.S., still guided by the philosophy of high-quality, natural ingredients, while never sacrificing great taste.
Instantly, my kids and I fell in love with the lemonade while my husband enjoyed the tea-lemonade blend while out working in the yard. I also love that Milo's not only comes in gallon size jugs but they also offer their teas in 20 oz bottles. With no preservatives or additives, Milo's Tea uses filtered water, cane sugar, and custom blended teas to create a refreshing drink your whole family can enjoy.
And after a long day of rounding up chickens and eggs, it's nice to simply sit on the back porch and watch the sun set while sipping on a nice, cold Milo's decaf sweet tea. Knowing the day is done, and done well, is a satisfying feeling, one in which I'm happy to share with my family and Milo's Tea.

I received a variety of Milo's Tea for review, this post is an honest and authentic review of products.

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Dear Papa: My Life Has No Normal

2014-05-04T10:06:00.001-04:00

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I've tried to compare this period of mourning to what I went through when my Mom passed, but there are too many different variables.

When you came into my life I was an 11 year old girl who was dealing with abandonment issues. My Dad had walked out of my life and still to this day I'm not sure why a parent chooses to leave the life of a child. Why did he go so far away? Did he love himself more, his desires more than he loved me?

My Mom was always dealing with medical issues and this in itself caused me a great deal of anxiety. I never truly understood the severity of it at that time, but never the less I sensed the sadness and pain of it all. I watched my Mom's world crumble when my Dad left. I had never seen someone in so much pain before. How could life be a happy and safe place when the loss of someone could rip apart so much?

But that's where you found us. You became my Steven, my stepdad, but more than that, you became my stability. You openly and instantly accepted me as, "Your Girl," but I took more time. I never wanted to replace my Dad, and you two were so different, but I needed a father figure, I needed to see a healthy relationship between two parents, and you gave me that.

I keep telling myself that it's ok to cry for you. I keep wondering when my life will become normal again, when the sadness will end, and when my children will see a happy Mother again, but then I remind myself that you were such an important part of my life, of who I am now, that it will take time for me to find my balance. It's ok to cry for people we love. It's ok to miss you. It's ok to understand that we will create no more memories with you and that fact saddens me so. People will always say that I'll see you again, but first I'll have to live out the next 60 years without you. That's not an easy idea for me.

Sundays are the hardest days for me. That's the day I heard the news. I replay those moments over in my head. I don't recall the sound or even many of the words but it's more like a silent picture, watching Sean's face, his reactions. Calling Aunt Charlotte only to leave a message. Seeing Sean walk up to me shaking his head, "No..." I ended up outside, in the dark, in my pajamas, my face burried in my hands simply repeating, "Why...Why...Why..." I couldn't understand why Papa needed to leave. I couldn't understand why this was taking place. I couldn't understand...he wasn't sick (that we knew of), he hadn't been involved in an accident, he was even suppose to have visisted with us that weekend, Maddie's birthday, but he couldn't make it. I wish I would have had one more chance to hug him, to talk with him, to hear him laugh, to watch him play with the kids.

I never cried when my Dad left. I never spoke of my pain or confusion. No one really asked or talked to me about it. Papa came into my life and healed a little girl's broken heart, he took care of my Mother as her body broke down, and he gave my kids a Grandparent to love and enjoy life with.

Sadly, I never developed a relationship with any other man that offered such security, safety, and love as I had with my Papa. I've never trusted any other man as I did my Papa. What a shame that my only comforter, the one person that I knew loved me completely is gone.

The air feels so thick during these moments. My chest heaves up and down as if I can't get enough breath. My heart is truly broken. I can only imagine that the loss of a child would be greater than this pain.

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FitsMe: Recipes That Fit You

2014-05-04T08:58:00.001-04:00

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I can really struggle with weekly meal planning for my family. I've got the meals that I call "traditional weekly grub" that I know are quick, easy, and I can throw together between kids' soccer practice and homework time, but when it comes to actually exploring new tastes and pleasures, I'm sorta at a loss.

That's what I love about FitsMe. It is packed with gorgeous recipes, illustrated with pictures, cook times, and nutritional info. And we all know home cooked meals are more affordable as well as more nutritious, and what a great way to get the family involved! Check it out, sign up today, and let me know which recipe you'll be cooking up first!

FitsMe gives you the tools to create a food personality profile that incorporates your unique food preferences and dietary needs. Over time we'll learn what foods you like to eat most often and how you like to prepare them with our "forks up, forks down" system.

We want to make cooking at home more convenient by helping you discover new recipes and plan out meals that fit you.

You can also use this link: http://fitsmeapp.com/?referral=carrigansjoy to sign up.

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Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration With Family

2014-05-04T07:08:00.001-04:00

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My family and I enjoy any and every opportunity to celebrate life so it's no surprise that when Cinco de Mayo rolls around we pull out the fancy table cloth and Fiesta plates for a home cooked Mexican meal. Thanks to the Old El Paso Stand 'n Stuff soft tacos, my kids will never again drop goodness from their tacos/burritos.

The Stand 'n Stuff tacos/burritos are uniquely shaped to sit perfectly in the palm of your hand while you stuff your taco to the brim. Then simply give it a gentle squeeze and enjoy the delicious treat. You can find the Old El Paso Stand 'n Stuff products at your local grocery for around $3 to $5, depending on whether you go with simply the soft tocos or the whole meal which also includes sauces.

And how do you plan to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year?

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{Product Review} Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins

2014-05-02T13:38:00.001-04:00

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As a Mom of 4, I've taken my fair share of prenatal vitamins. I typically opted for the vitamin with the stool softener because we all know how extra iron and pregnancy mix, but now you can experience a prenatal vitamin without iron, for those mothers who don't need the extra iron or who would prefer to take a single iron supplement along with their vitamin. Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins provide you with all the great nourishment you and your baby need without any added extras that you don't.
Prenatal Multivitamin:

One Easy To Digest Tablet Daily Provides Optimum, Nourishing Nutrients For You And Baby. Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't
Essential Vitamins & Minerals including Folic Acid, B Vitamins, Calcium and Iodine in a Iron Free Proprietary Blend
Therapeutic, Nourishing And Gentle Formula. Highest Quality, Non Constipating,
Can Take Before, During And After Pregnancy * Great During Nursing Does Not Contain Fancy Filler Ingredients That You Do Not Need
GUARANTEED**Proudly Made In The USA **Lovingly Made In a GMP/FDA Inspected And Approved Facility** 2 Month Supply In 1 Bottle

You can order your bottle of Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins through Amazon for $29.99 or $15.00 if you're a Prime Member.

Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins also offers a Prenatal DHA softgel:

Once Daily Easy To Swallow Oval Shaped Softgel*BEST Prenatal DHA On The market Today!
Pleasant Mild Lemony Taste, No Aftertaste Like Other brands ** THE ONLY DHA SUPPLEMENT YOU WILL EVER NEED During This Important Time Of Life
Premium, Highest Quality Ingredients For A Happy Healthy Smart TM Pregnancy **GUARANTEED**
Can Take Before, During And After Pregnancy * Great During Nursing
Proudly Made In The USA GMP/FDA Inspected And Approved Facility ** 2 Month Supply In 1 Bottle

You can order your bottle of Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal DHA through Amazon for $29.90 or $20.00 for all Prime Members.
Enjoy your pregnancy with the assurance that you and your baby are receiving all your vitamin and mineral needs through Happy Healthy Smart Prenatal Multivitamins.

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Getting Back On Track

2014-04-25T21:21:00.001-04:00

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Life hit me pretty hard recently with the loss of my stepdad, Papa. Sunday will be four weeks since he passed and I'm still not sure which way is up. I know I'm still breathing. I know my kids and husband are still living, and I'm even able to laugh and enjoy life at times. And then there are times when I'm gripped with heart breaking pain, when the tears come, and I begin rocking back and forth trying to comfort myself from the realization of this loss.
My Papa loved cycling. He took it up when my mom's health began to really suffer, probably 15 years or so ago. Riding was his way of releasing stress, of taking a break from the responsibilities of being a care taker, and simply being among friends.
He would ride for hours and then he began entering different races. He never bragged too much about the sport but I always wanted to join him. Every time I'd think it was a good time to take up riding, life would pop up another adventure from my Master's degree, marriage, and/or pregnancies. But no matter what, Papa always found time in his schedule to ride.
I was always proud of him for taking up such a sport and for sticking with it for so many years. I began running about 5 years ago and even though I've taken some breaks here and there, I always return to the sport. I always wanted to run a race with Papa but we never got around to it. Yet my husband recently began training and he and I ran our first race together just last weekend. It was a 5K and he kicked my butt. :)
In the process of about 6 months my husband has removed 62 pounds from his body. He has lowered his cholesterol and is able to run 6 miles, pretty much non stop, at about a 9 to 10 min/mi pace. I'm not that fast. :) And even though, Sean had to run slower that day and even take a few walk breaks, he helped shave off almost a whole minute and a half from my previous race times. I finished at 37:16, he at 37:14. I'm happy to say we took the time to experience that moment together and will never have any regrets of not doing so.
And today, even though I'm still grieving and uncertain of many things, I know I must push forward and make my health a priority once again. Running has never been easy, and it seems a hell of a lot slower when the mind is stressed, but you just keep going, right? Sometimes, like these times, it doesn't matter so much the pace time as it does just simply keeping the routine going so that when I awake from this fog, I'll still be in a place that I worked towards when I first joined the Mamavation Campaign.
This week's goals:

64 ounces of water a day
tracking my food
3 days of fitness (anything from yoga, weight training, to running)

What about You? How has Your week been? What are You striving for in the weeks to come?

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{Product Review} Kids Academy Educational Apps

2014-04-25T20:44:00.001-04:00

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Kids Academy is a creator of educational children’s mobile apps. They received dozens of positive reviews and were top rated by Children’s Technology and Parent Reviews.
An amazing collection of apps designed to enhance and encourage your child's development, from shapes, numbers, and letter tracing, to songs, worksheets, and even story time. Kids Academy offers so many great educational avenues that your toddler to preschooler will be engaged as well as thrilled to learn new skills.
My toddler and I enjoyed the Shapes and Robots Face Tracing game which focused on: learning shapes, fine motor skills, as well as offering the ability to track my child's progress.
A bit about the game:
Kids Academy • Bugs, shapes and robots is a fun educational game that is ideal for helping children aged 2-6 to learn their shapes. This is perfect for any young child getting ready to go to preschool!

Toddlers are encouraged to learn about shapes through interactions with engaging animations and sounds. There are 10 shape that kids will have fun with guided with a professional voice over. Every time your toddlers complete an activity, they collect shiny fireflies that can be released in the end of the game. Lively music, full voice over and sound effects respond to the child’s efforts with positive encouragement and congratulations as appropriate.

Knowledge of shapes forms the basis of all learning and is essential for preparing children for reading, writing and math. Tracing activities develop fine motor skills and improve hand/eye coordination. Learning shapes develops ability to make logical connections which is a precursor to both math and language arts.

Features
-All major shapes patterns (circle, crescent, heart, hexahedron, oval, rectangle, rhombus, square, star, triangle etc.)
- Game improves concentration, memory and fine motor skills
- Game builds foundation for mathematics, geometry, reading and writing
- Delightful animations and interactive surprises throughout the game
- Entertaining game to practice shapes and patterns
- Create multiple child profiles
- Track the success of your kids with progress chart
- Colorful high resolution artwork and fun music keeps children engaged
- Aligned to school standards
- Developed with teachers
- Child-friendly gameplay
As a preschool teacher and mom, I can assure you that these apps definitely bring enjoyment to learning. With so much emphasis on meshing education with technology, Kids Academy makes bridging that gap, easier for us all.

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When To Hire A Workers' Compensation Attorney

2014-04-25T20:07:00.002-04:00

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Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney ?

When you become injured on the job, you may be confused about the entire workers’ comp process. And who really wants to negative through the stack of medical bills and try to collect lost wages when your body is trying to recover from the injury. An attorney that specializes in workers’ compensation can help ensure your injury claim is accepted, you receive adequate medical treatment and get all the benefits you are entitled too.

Injured workers trying to get the compensation they deserve often experience the following roadblocks:

• If your employer contends that you were not injured or that the injury didn’t occur on the job, you should consider hiring an attorney. Sometimes, employees are afraid that if they report their injury they will lose their job. This fear causes them to wait days or even weeks after the incident to report the injury. Most states have a timeframe in which you can report the injury. A worker’s comp attorney can investigate the incident and prove it occurred at your work.

• If you had a pre-existing disability, they may try to place the blame of your injury on your disability.

• Many states require the injured employee be treated by a physician that is approved by your employer. This physician may have a conflict of interest and request that you return to work before you are fully healed. An attorney will help find an alternative physician who has your best interest at heart.

• If you worker’s comp benefits are delayed, your attorney can find out why and help accelerate the process. Furthermore, you should never accept a denial of certain benefits without contacting an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation claims.

• Employees cannot be punished or fired for filing a worker’s comp claim. In fact, it is against the law. An attorney can find the real reasons for your demotion or dismissal, and file the necessary claims against your employer if needed.

• For injuries occurred due to the negligence of a third party -- such as a defective product --, your workers’ comp attorney will bring a claim against the third party to recover any additional compensation allowed.

A workers’ compensation attorney will overcome those roadblocks and help your claim be accepted. They also ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled too. Learn more here to help you decide whether an attorney is the right decision for your specific situation.

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Baby Cribs: Which Is Right For You?

2014-04-23T13:10:00.003-04:00

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Things to Consider When Choosing a Baby Crib

Generally, parents who are expecting a new baby make time to shop for a crib a few months before the little one arrives. They want to allow themselves enough time to find a crib in the style and color that they want for the nursery. Here are some of the things that parents consider as they look at traditional baby cribs.

Color

Sometimes parents want a crib that goes with the color theme of their baby's nursery. For example, if they paint the walls in a pastel color and purchase artwork that features bright colors, they will probably go with a crib that is light in color. This may be a white crib or perhaps one with light-colored wood. They want every piece in the entire nursery to go with their color theme. This adds a pleasant tone to the décor.

Style

Many parents want to choose a crib in a style that matches the rest of the furniture in the nursery. If they have a changing table, bookshelves and chairs in a traditional design, they will likely choose a crib in that same design. This is another way to bring harmony to the décor of a nursery. In addition, a crib in a traditional design is a classic that never goes out of style!

Size of the Crib

This is something that many parents must consider before looking at their first crib. In short, they know that the size of the crib must suit the dimensions of the nursery. If parents have a smaller nursery with a single window, they'll want to choose a crib that is appropriate for that space. A crib that is too large for its nursery can actually make the room look smaller. Not only does this rule apply for the baby's crib, it also goes for the tables, chairs and even the bookshelf in the nursery.

Cost

Finally, parents consider the cost of the crib. Usually, parents have a budget for the things they need to get for their new baby. Oftentimes, a crib takes up a large part of that budget because it is a basic item. A lot of parents begin furnishing the nursery by purchasing a crib. Then, they decorate the nursery according to the appearance and style of the crib. This is an easy way to make sure that everything flows together in the space.

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Dear Papa: Life Goes On

2014-04-07T14:17:00.000-04:00

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Dear Papa,

Your body was finally laid to rest today in the National Cemetery with Mom. I don't know why your life had to be so short. My heart hurts because this world wont stop moving forward no matter how badly I'd like to just take a moment and freeze it so that I can catch my breath.
I don't know what I'll do now. I'm sure I'll get up every morning, go to work, workout, laugh, eat, sleep, be a mother, be a wife...all of these things will continue on but there will always be a piece of me that doesn't move, that I left outside the night I heard of your passing and could only mutter, "why."
Why had my Papa left? Why? I repeated it a hundred times, expecting an answer, never hearing anything back, only thinking of Job and the answer the good Lord gave him. Who am I to question God?
But is it God or life that plays out here? Could things have been different? Was this the result of our American diet coupled with the demand of riding, that you loved so much? But in the end, my heart doesn't care what the answer is, it only knows of the countless opportunities and memories lost. So many memories never to be made.
You were put in the ground today and I'm expected to go on living. I think you got the easier of the two options.

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Lunches That Pack in 5 Minutes (or Less)

2014-04-06T19:56:00.001-04:00

Lunches That Pack in 5 Minutes (or Less)

As a defiant response to Sad Desk Lunches , the Food52 team works to keep our midday meals both interesting and pretty. Each week, we'll be sharing our happiest desk lunches -- and we want to see yours, too. Today: Think you don't have time to plan ahead? Here are 10 lunches you can pack in less than five minutes. This one goes out to all you busy bees who claim you don't have time to pack yourselves lunch. So you turn to delivery, or the deli across the...Read More

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Dear Papa: My Loss

2014-04-05T17:00:00.002-04:00

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When I was around 11, this man arrived into my life and remained there for the next 26 years. He and my mom were married about 5 years when I became pregnant and he became "Papa". My pregnancy was a shock to say the least but the day he held my baby for the first time, I knew everything would be ok, I knew I would be ok.This past Sunday I received the news that my Papa had enjoyed a 4 hour bicycle ride, returned home, and suffered a massive heart attack. My world was crushed. You see seven years ago my mom passed away and Papa was there to pick up the pieces of my broken heart, but who would be here now?Over this past week I've learned so many new things about Steven from friends and coworkers, I've gotten to know a man that I wish I had had a little more time with. I also realized that Papa taught me to trust again, trust in life and in people. He was always there to talk or comfort me, and he was always there to simply let me know that he wanted to be a part of my life. He called weekly, he always asked questions, and he rarely argued with me. :) He truly showed me the simple act of being present in my life, the same way I try, but feel as if I fail most times, to be present with my own children.I have many emotions right now. I have too many tears and not enough answers. I wish life was different, but it's not, and this is all I have at the moment. In the past I've turned to this blog to write out my thoughts but over time that hobby has dwindled. I'd like to take this time and really work through my thoughts and feelings, sharing them here, to help heal my pain and recall found memories of times past.

{Giveaway} American Dream Builders

2014-03-25T18:22:00.000-04:00

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The American Dream Home is something everyone fantasizes about. Whether it’s a new closet, a larger family room, or simply a place to put all your stuff, there’s always something we want to change about where we live!

What if you could make your home into your Dream Home?

AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS – a new show on NBC airing on Sunday at 8/7c – and Lowe’s want to make your dream a reality.

Hosted by famed interior designer and best-selling author, Nate Berkus, AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS follows the nation’s top 12 designers and home builders as they compete to be crowned the Ultimate Dream Builder and take home a $250,000 cash prize. It’s the home competition that will change everything!

From the producers of Survivor and The Bachelor, don’t miss AMERICAN DREAM BUILDERS, Sundays at 8/7c, only on NBC.

You can enter for a chance to win $100,000 in products and services from Lowe’s and a consultation with the winner of American Dream Builders!

Enter for a chance to win your dream renovation at www.nbc.com/lowes.

You will have the opportunity to earn 5 bonus entries when you “Dream It Yourself”! Upload a photo and description of a home project you are working on and EARN 5 BONUS SWEEPSTAKES ENTRIES.

Finally, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win more prizes from American Dream Builders and Lowe’s!

And don't miss a great opportunity to win a $50 Lowe's Gift Card! Fill out the Rafflecopter and good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Each household is only eligible to win One (1) $50 Lowe's Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Firearm Safety and Storage

2014-03-24T18:38:00.000-04:00

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Have you inherited one of your granddad's guns? Or, perhaps are you into the hobby of collecting guns? No matter your reason for having a firearm, it should always be protected. The best way to go about doing this is to store it in a gun safe.
Protecting Your Investment

Your firearm is probably worth a lot of money. Because of this, you don't want any damage to occur to it. If you leave the gun lying on a table in your home, even if it's unloaded, there is a good chance it will get knocked off; thus, resulting in damage. You don't' want this to happen. You need to protect your investment, as well as the value of the gun, by keeping it tucked away in gun safe.

Safe From Thieves

Every year, thousands of guns get stolen from people's homes. You can protect yourself from this. By storing the guns in a safe, you can rest assured your guns won't be touched by thieves.

Keeping Your Family Safe

Anyone, any age can get hurt by a gun. Worse yet, they can get killed by a gun. To protect your family from guns and to ensure gun safety, keep your firearms in a safe, such as one from Gun Safes Now. Whether it be a key lock, digital lock or fingerprint lock, make sure you and your spouse are the only ones who have access to the safe. Don't ever give access to your children unless you are absolutely certain they are mature enough to handle guns in a safe manner.

Protecting Other Assets

In addition to guns, you can store other valuable items in your gun safe, making it ultra-functional. From jewelry to personal items to important documentation, anything that can fit into your safe can be safely stored in it.

You have probably heard your whole life that guns are not something to play with, and there is no doubt that you understand why. Now, it's time for you to understand the importance of having a gun safe. Even if you don't have children in your home, keep your guns protected by storing them in a safe.

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Spice Up Your Kitchen!

2014-03-24T18:31:00.001-04:00

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Fixing Up Your Kitchen

When it comes to keeping your home in good shape, one of the rooms you should focus on first is the kitchen. Broken appliances or an unkempt appearance make the room unpleasant, while an up-to-date kitchen can greatly increase your home's value, not to mention saving energy and making your time fixing meals much more enjoyable. If you're looking to redo your kitchen but aren't sure where to start, here are a few of the things you could consider.

1. Upgrade the Refrigerator

Maybe your refrigerator is already a good one and just needs a tune-up to bring it up to speed. Refrigerator replacement parts are easy to order and easy to install if you know what you're doing. Check the thermostat to make sure it's working correctly. If there's a temperature problem, that fridge will turn into an energy hog trying to keep itself cold!

2. Spruce Up Your Cabinets

Working in a kitchen that looks attractive is much more fun than working in a kitchen where everything seems a little dingy. Refinishing or repainting your cabinet doors is an easy, inexpensive way to make everything look brighter. If your kitchen is full of darker colors, consider painting your cabinets a shade lighter to make the room seem bigger and more cheerful.

3. Swap Out the Light Bulbs

Another inexpensive way to brighten your kitchen is by switching out the lights in your kitchen with energy-efficient LED or CFL lights. You'll save on electricity, which means, if you want, you can afford to install more lights for a brighter room. Consider putting a row of lights underneath your cabinets to illuminate your countertops as you cook, or even replacing your refigerator's light bulbs with something more efficient.

4. Replace the Faucet

An old, broken faucet not only brings down the look of an otherwise-attractive kitchen, but it's also more prone to leaks and drips. Pick up a new faucet with a design you love and install it in your kitchen to keep your sink looking modern! Not sure where to find one? Look in the same store where you bought replacement parts for your fridge.

5. Add More Shelving

There just never seems to be enough room in the kitchen for everything you need. Adding shelving directly into the wall is a chic way to solve that problem. Don't be afraid to use your wall space creatively to create a distinctly trendy look. For example, consider slimmer shelves that fit on the wall between your newly-repaired fridge and the sink or a single shelf above the stove to hold oven-cleaning supplies.

What other things have You done to add a bit of spice to your kitchen?

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General Mills Teams Up With The Justice League

2014-03-21T19:49:00.000-04:00

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So we know that General Mills' Cheerios has gone GMO free but did you also know they now contain Super Heroes? That's right, General Mills and DC Comics has teamed up with Target to share actual comic books as the inside prize for kids {and comic book loving adults}. You can collect all 4 comic books containing the characters of Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman {my fav!}.

The cereals carrying the comic books include: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Trix, Cookie Crisp, and Resse's Puffs. Honestly, I'd love to share these stories with my kids, and I applaud General Mills for encouraging literature in the home {ok, some of you wouldn't call comic books literature but you know what I mean} but why not also offer these in the nonGMO Cheerios? As a family who is interested in particular nutrition, I would have loved to have had the opportunity to entertain this idea. Maybe DC Comics only wanted their products in the most popular cereals? Sad, but we know money always sells...

What about You? Have you tracked down one of these comic books? Do You support kids' cereals offering prizes/rewards for purchasing certain products?

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Less Stress More Calm

2014-03-19T20:04:00.001-04:00

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I love the title to this week's Mamavation Blogging Carnival, Less Stress More Calm. I certainly could use a bit more calm in my life. :) I don't think that I can't handle the stress, it's just more that I use negative self-talk a bit too much, and there's just nothing good or healthy that can come from that.

I was happy to see that Mamavation was hosting a hangout this past Monday with Beverly D. Flaxington, author of Self-Talk for a Calmer You. I don't know anyone who couldn't benefit from this book! As a person who has endured years of anxiety, I plan to read this book from beginning to end, taking plenty of notes. :)

I also realize that this negative self-talk is typically a learned behavior and I certainly don't want my children to pick up the habit. I want them to be able to monitor their own thoughts and correct them with positive self talk when they need. As a parent, I feel it's my responsibility to acquire the tools that can one day positively impact the rest of the family.

Thanks, Mamavation, for sharing such awesome, much needed info! And remember you can still watch the Mamavation Hangout, Less Stress More Calm, check it out now!. Support this post by Voting for me and

Heart Healthy Family Recipes

2014-03-19T12:58:00.002-04:00

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This post is sponsored by Campbell Soup Company

In the last 6 months my husband and I have removed a combined 60+ lbs from our bodies. We've also learned new ways of nourishing and moving our bodies, all in hopes of making ourselves, as well as our family, healthier. We make fitness a priority, enjoy home cooked meals, and buy organic and local foods when we can.

Campbells Soup has also recently joined forces with the American Heart Association to help families discover a healthier way of cooking and living. The Campbells Kitchen site hosts American Heart Association Certified Recipes, check out the list I've created to try with my own family:

Creamy Chicken and Vegetables Over Spaghetti Squash

Louisiana Style Chicken, Sausage, and Shrimp Skillet Pizza Primavera with Cauliflower Crust Stuffed Winter Squash Talapia and Vegetable Casserole

With more families becoming aware of the benefits of healthy living, I'm happy to see more home cooked, healthy recipes that are simple enough for me to make at home and nutritious enough for me to feel good about serving them to the ones I love.

You can check out AddressYourHeart.com to find more heart healthy tips as well as enjoy Campbell's coupons.

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Mamavation Slumber Party

2014-03-09T18:06:00.000-04:00

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Mamavation has brought new meaning to my life. For the first time in a long time I'm back on track with my fitness and nutrition, and let me just say how truly awesome it feels to be back.

One recent gain I've experienced is seen through my running. By combining weight training and cardio, I've seen an improvement in my pace, endurance, distance, as well as recovery time. Up until this point I was a 12-13 min/mi runner. I typically could run for several minutes and then would need a walk break before continuing the run, which typically only lasted roughly 3 miles on a good day. And yet in just two short months my pace is up to a 10-12 min/mi, my walk breaks last around 30 seconds, and just yesterday I got in 5 miles, right at an hour. The difference is dramatic, and I'm happy to say, I'm now truly feeling like a runner.

I've even taken on the goal of running 14 races this year. I've finished one and I'm scheduled for my next in April. And as excited as I am to run my traditional Chickamauga Chase 5k, my first ever road race back in 2010, I'm even more thrilled to register for the 2014 Battle For Chattanooga Metal. I've yet to receive a running metal, and the thought of finishing the required 4 races, one of which will be a half marathon, is simply a dream come true. I've thought about running those 13 miles for the past 4 years and I would love to see that happen this November.

But simply wishing and hoping doesn't make it so, it takes a plan and dedication. So each week I will write out my weekly training log, drink my 4 liters of water a day, and count all those damn calories because it's worth it to me to finish this goal. Thanks to Mamavation and my team mates, I now know I have the strength and knowledge to make it happen.

This Week's Workout:
Monday: Core, 10k steps
Tuesday: Mama Guns, 30 minute run
Wednesday: 10k steps
Thursday: Core, 30 minute run
Friday: Mama Guns, 10k steps
Saturday: Cardio - 5 mile run
Sunday: Rest

Daily Nutrition:
1400-1600 calories
4 liters of water
protein & fiber with every meal

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Find Your Perfect Prom Dress at The JenJenHouse

2014-03-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

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I remember back to the days of prom: the elegant invitation, deciding on your colors so at to match your date, the day at the salon, and shopping for that perfect dress. It was a night when pictures were made, dancing was done, and you felt like royalty.

And if you're currently searching for that perfect dress for this year's prom, then JenJenHouse is the place for you. You can shop the categories of: neckline, silhouette, hemline/train, as well as prices, colors, and seasons. With hundreds of one of a kind, unique styles you're sure to find what you're looking for. And did I mention the unbelievable prices? This A-Line/Princes Scoop Neck Floor Length Prom Dress originally sold for $280 and today it's yours for $140.49. Amazing and gorgeous!

And between March 3 - March 6 you can save up to 55% on weekly deals and an additional 70% off shipping!

JenJenHouse also offers an assortment of accessories to match your custom made dress. From gloves, sashes, jewelry, to even make up, JenJenHouse is a one stop shop for all your dress needs.

And, I know it can be a bit intimidating to order such an important item offline but rest assured JenJenHouse offers impeccable costumer service. If you ever need to return your item simply contact them within 7 days to initiate the return policy. And since this dress is costume made to fit your measurements, JenJenHouse encourages all buyers to have professional measurements taken to ensure the most accurate fit, however, when your dress arrives it will also come with additional fabric in case any alteration need to be made.

Check out what others have to say about JenJenHouse:

This dress was great, fitted her perfectly and she got best dressed at her formal :) it was amazing. Thank you very much you did and amazing job with the dress.
~ Beth, from UK

We LOVE the dress we’ve already received and I’d love to be able to tell everyone where and how we got these amazing dresses that everyone will see at our wedding! ~ Becky Kalebaugh, from USA

This is a sponsored post, all opinions are solely from the author of Carrigan's Joy.

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