Tammy's Two Cents

Thursday’s Connect Cafe – Social Media Link Up and Follow!

Tammy — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:00:17 +0000

Welcome to Thursday’s Connect Cafe. This is a fun link up for our Google+, Facebook and Twitter pages. Link them ALL up if you want to! (Just be sure to put the URL of the page you want followed to make it easy on everyone.)

All we ask is for you to follow the 3 hosts on Google+ (Click on the name and it will take you to our Google pages)

Deb

Melissa

Tammy

To make it easy, I have all my links right here for you!

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Thursday’s Giveaway Cafe – $25 Giveaways! Link Up or Just Have Fun Entering!

Tammy — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:59:27 +0000

Welcome to Thursday’s Giveaway Cafe with fantastic giveaways. Every giveaway linked up here, are valued $25 or more.

Your hosts are Deb from Menopausal New Mom, Melissa from The Rheinlander’s and myself, Tammy from Tammy’s Two Cents.

Have fun entering!

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Flexi-Clip by Lilla Rose – Review and Giveaway

Tammy — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:28:42 +0000

FORGET THE CLAW!!! For years I have put my hair up in some sort of claw or clip when I want my hair out of the way. I have a drawer full of black ones, browns ones, taupe ones, clears one…pretty much any color, any style…I have it!

Holly, (An Independent Lilla Rose Consultant) told me about this great little clip called the Flexi-clip. I was a little unsure, only because I have fine hair and unless it has lots of teeth and grippers, it will fall right out of my hair within minutes.

I decided to try the Flexi-clip out and so did Emily. We watched the sizing video and narrowed it down to a size small for both of us. Emily picked out the gold one while I went with more of a natural color tone.

We decided to demonstrate how easy it is for a mom and a daughter to be able to use these. Not only can you wear your hair up like we do but if you watch the style video you can see all that this little Flexi-clip can do.

Today I decided to give it a full day of testing and I made it work hard! I put it in this morning and ran errands. By the time I came home, it was still tight in my hair. I had my workout at 6 p.m. and it was still in it’s updo from earlier. It stayed put (with a few stragglers due to jumping). Yes, I was impressed! These little clips work wonders. Not only do they look good, they are light and you will never lose the clip since they are attached to the decorative portion of the clip.

Emily and I give the Flexi0clip a thumbs up. The clips range from $11-27 depending on size and design, well worth the price. I would rather have one of these beautiful Flexi-clips than my drawer full of claws!

How would you like to win one? I have a certificate for one of you, redeemable for a Flexi-clip, or any Lilla Rose item of the winner’s choice, valued up to $16.

Check out Lilla Rose and tell me which clip you like the best. (Mandatory Entry)

Extra Entries: (Don’t forget your email)

3 Entries if you receive Tammy’s Two Cents by email (must be activated to qualify)
3 Entries if you receive Tammy’s Two Cents by RSS feed (follow the directions in the peach colored box)
3 Entries if you follow Tammy’s Two Cents onTwitter
3 Entries if you “like” Tammy’s Two Cents on Facebook
3 Entries if you tweet about giveaway (up to 6 times per day-not within the same hour) 18 total entries available
5 Entries if you comment on any other post on Tammy’s Two Cents
(5 entries for each post commented on)

3 Entries if you “like” Lilla Rose on Facebook

3 Entries if you follow Lilla Rose on Twitter

5 Entries if you blog or tweet about the giveaway (please include URL in the comment)

5 Entries if you make a purchase during the giveaway dates from Lilla Rose.

I can’t ask you to follow me on Google+ but if you would like to stay up to date on all my giveaways, I would love for you to part of my circle! Thanks!

The giveaway will close on June 6th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using And The Winner Is plugin. Open to US, Canada and Mexico.

Disclosure: I received two Flexi-clips for review purposes from independent Consultant Holly Noble who is sponsoring this post. I was not compensated to write a positive or favorable review. This is my personal opinion of the product.

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Allison’s Story – #MiracleMom Shares The Story Of One Little Fighter!

Tammy — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:30:15 +0000

A mom’s intuition is nothing to second guess. When you get that feeling, act on it…it may save your child’s life!

Here is the story of Wendy and Rich Smith and their amazing little fighter, Allison. Wendy will share, in her own words, what happened to their family and how important donations are for so many families.

Allison was a completely healthy newborn. But one evening when she was 6 weeks old, she developed a 101-degree fever. She was lethargic and wouldn’t nurse. We have good hospitals near our home in Mill Creek, but all my instincts told me to rush Allison to Seattle Children’s.

In the emergency department at Children’s, Allison’s condition worsened. In her weakened state, our baby didn’t even cry as care team members examined her and drew blood for testing. Quickly, she was moved to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The doctors and nurses fought nonstop to keep Allison alive, yet for 48 hours, she got sicker and sicker. Then she experienced multi-organ failure.

Throughout this nightmare, all the staff members were so kind and informative to Rich and me. We know now that donations help ensure that care teams have enough resources so they can always focus on being supportive to patients and their families. We felt their compassion as they prepared us for the unthinkable: our little girl might die.

Tests confirmed that Allison had Streptococcus Toxic Shock Syndrome, caused by common strep throat bacteria. The infection raged throughout her tiny body. Her only option to help her fight were a heart-lung bypass machine combined with an advanced treatment called plasmapheresis to purify her blood. Due to the infection, her entire body ballooned up, her eyes swelled shut, and her skin blistered all over.

For two weeks, Allison’s fate was unknown. At times, we felt certain we’d lose her. But amazingly, thanks to the cutting-edge medical technology and world-class care offered at Children’s, Allison’s condition improved.

She spent three weeks in the NICU and another week in the Medical Unit. We were overjoyed on the day we finally took our little girl home.

Allison has faced many challenges since then. For a few years after her ordeal, she had seizures, and we returned to Children’s for her care. Thankfully, she hasn’t had a seizure in more than a year.

Allison’s bills totaled nearly $500,000. When we learned that our medical insurance would cover it all, we couldn’t believe our good fortune. Then we thought about other families at Children’s whose children were terribly sick and who must be receiving similar bills. What about these families who didn’t have such comprehensive insurance plans?

Fortunately, Seattle Children’s has always opened its doors to all children in our region who need medical care — regardless of a family’s ability to pay. Children’s can do this because of faithful support from the community, from people like you. This means that parents whose kids are at Children’s can focus 100 percent of their energy and attention on their sick child, rather than worrying about piles of medical bills they can never pay off . We know from experience that this peace of mind is priceless.

Today, Allison is a fireball who loves to play soccer and street hockey with her older brother, Owen. She is so tough! When she falls down, she gets right up and throws herself back into the action. We’ve come to understand that Allison has always had this fighting spirit — and it’s what helped her survive her ordeal as an infant.

What an amazing fight Allison won…she truly is a fighter. I know how much their story touched me when I read it. It made me completely aware of following our instincts no matter what. How many times do we second guess ourselves? I think when it comes to our kids, we are so focused and know exactly what to do.

Thank you Wendy and Rich for sharing your story with all of us.

As a Miracle Mom I have pledged to raise $1,000 for Seattle Children’s Hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network. Please consider donating what you can. Every dollar counts and know you are helping a child receive the best care possible.

Thank you for your donation!

Disclosure: I am participating in the #MiracleMoms campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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Xagave – An Agave Sweetener – Recipe and Giveaway

Tammy — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:56 +0000

Today is day 84 of my 90 Day Challenge. I have become so aware of what I am putting into my body, making sure it will fuel my body, not just feed it. We went out to dinner a couple nights ago and I didn’t feel very good once I had finished. I ate about 3/4 of my meal but I was not use to eating fried food. The light bulb went off in my head, knowing I need to make good choices all the time.

I was sent Xagave, an all natural sweetener, to sample and review. The taste is sweet with the consistency of honey. I knew I wanted to cook with it, so chose a recipe from their website and put it to the true test with my family. They had no idea I used the Xagave instead of sugar. I found a recipe I figured the entire family would like, Chocolate Zucchini Cake. I did have to tweak it just a bit but Cindy, a Better Body Foods customer should get all the credit.

The cake turned out great! I have not made a cake by scratch in years, but the directions were easy to follow and it came out moist and tasty. (We just ate our last pieces tonight…yum!)

I found a great description of Xagave on their website and I want to share it with you.

Xagave is a Premium Blend of Agave Nectar derived from organic Agave Salmiana (White Agave) and organic inulin from Agave Tequilana (Blue Agave). This combination results in the highest quality nectar with the best taste, best Cooking Qualities and the most Health Benefits of any nectar on the market; making our nectar the perfect sweetener for all of your cooking, canning, and baking needs. Your foods will taste better while saving calories and our nectar can be simply exchanged for sugar or honey in any of your favorite recipes (see Sugar Exchange Table). A natural and healthy substitute for sugar, brown sugar and honey makes our nectar perfect for everyday use in coffee, tea and cereal. Avoid “spiking” your blood sugar levels with this naturally low Glycemic Index Food (approximately 30) and feel the difference. Our nectar contains no artificial additives or artificial sweeteners and is processed at very low temperatures that qualify it as a raw food. Organic & Kosher certified, we are 100% confident that you will not only taste but feel the difference. We encourage you to try this great tasting, versatile and healthy sugar substitute for yourself and see why Xagave is “The Complete Sugar Replacement” that is right for you and your family.

The benefits are numerous and after baking with it, I would definitely use it again. Here is the recipe I followed (including my little tweaks).

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Made With Xagave

Rating: 41

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 12 pieces

Ingredients

1 cup coconut oil (I used canola)
1 cup Xagave
1/2 teaspoon butter flavor (I used I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour (I subbed baking flour)
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 cups shredded zucchini
1/2 cup chocolate chips
Topping
1/2 cup chocolate chips (I used white chocolate chips)
1/2 cup brown sugar (personally, I would omit this)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I didn't add)

Instructions

Add oil and Xagave to a large mixing bowl, beat together.
Add butter and vanilla and incorporate with the oil and Xagave
In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients
Mix eggs and buttermilk in a different bowl
Alternate wet and dry ingredients
Mix in zucchini and 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Pour into a greased 9x13 pan
Sprinkle white or chocolate chips on top.
Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes
Cupcakes can be made by cooking for only 25 minutes

Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin

http://www.tammystwocents.com/2012/05/xagave-an-agave-sweetener-recipe-and-giveaway/

I have some samples of Xagave for one of you to win. All you need to do is tell me why you would like to try Xagave? (Mandatory Entry)

Extra Entries: (Don’t forget your email)

10 Entries if you make a donation to the Children’s Miracle Network ($5 or more)

I can’t ask you to follow me on Google+ but if you would like to stay up to date on all my giveaways, I would love for you to part of my circle! Thanks!

The giveaway will close on May 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using And The Winner Is plugin. Open to US only.

Disclosure: I was sent the Xagave for review purposes. I was not compensated or paid to write a favorable review. This is my personal opinion of the product I received.

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My #MiracleMom Experience Has Begun!

Tammy — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:20 +0000

Just a week or so ago, I shared with you how honored I am to be participating in the Children’s Miracle Network campaign as a Miracle Mom. You might be asking yourself “What is a Miracle Mom?” There are 10 of us across the region who will be representing a different hospital and family. We will be sharing amazing stories and bringing awareness of these amazing hospitals that are in our communities.

Two weeks ago, I drove to Seattle for a visit with Kira from Seattle Children’s Hospital. She took me on a very personalized tour of Seattle Children’s Hospital. There are 250 beds with an expansion to be completed next year with an additional 80 beds. It has been years since I had been up there visiting friends who were in the hospital. Looking at the children we passed during our tour was so different from back then. As a mom, it touches you in a way like no other. We saw a young family in the elevator and their badges said “Parent.” I was curious as to what their family was facing.

The colors in the hospital were vibrant and each area had a beautiful theme. This Orca and her baby were high in the sky looking down on everyone who entered the clinic at the hospital. It was so large, it had to be brought in through the ceiling.

Here are a couple other murals. I can see how these sooth the kids and families by looking at the details and getting lost in their fun. I love the Seattle Space Needle in the sand.

We took a quick look into the Cancer unit. I did not go past the nurses station but was able to capture all the bikes lined up for the patients.

Kira told me the unit was shaped like a wheel with spokes, so the kids could ride around and around to keep up their strength. Last week, I was watching the news and saw this amazing video put together (and created) by the patients in this very unit. It gives me goose bumps every time I watch it! Have you seen it? Take a look!

I have vowed to raise $1,000 on behalf of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (United States and Canada). All proceeds raised on Tammy’s Two Cents will go directly to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Please consider donating as every penny will reach a child in need!

Click for Pledge Form

Later this week I will be sharing with you about a courageous little girl and her family. Mother’s intuition is nothing to mess with and as you read Wendy’s story, you will understand exactly why. I will share the story of Allison, the daughter of Wendy and Rich Smith. You will be as amazed as I was hearing how this little girl fought for her life at such an early age!

Disclosure: I am participating in the #MiracleMoms campaign and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

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Weekend Wrap Up – It Was A Sunny One!

Tammy — Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:14 +0000

I love the sun and we definitely saw our share of it this weekend!!

Friday morning was the annual Muffins for Moms at Brad’s school. We had his best friend come with us.

Here they are hamming it up for the camera! As co-room coordinator, we presented Brad’s teacher with his teacher appreciation gift. Then I was off to finish the classroom auction basket. A lot of running around! I decided I needed to do a little pre-weekend cleaning and earned some “me” time before the kids got home! We had another nice family dinner out with all of us together…woohoo!

Saturday arrived entirely too early for all of us. The estate sale we have been setting up for weeks was from 9-3 and we live over an hour away. It went really well and we sold a ton! There was a young guy who showed up at the very end and he scored big time! Walked away with some great “free” stuff. As we headed home we decided to go to a restaurant I hadn’t been to since we moved from Raymond, Clark’s.

They have huge burgers and their milkshakes are to die for. They have ice cream sundaes on top…so good. (I was good and only had a bite of Emily’s and Scott’s…I stuck with water.) I did have a burger but made it a garden one! We made it home and then crashed. I fell asleep reading and the kids dropped into bed.

I woke up Sunday morning to the sound of my Magic Bullet whirring downstairs. The kids know I have my Visalus shake every morning, so they made my coffee shake this morning and brought it up to me in bed. So sweet! They made cards and presented me with those also. Olympia was having a Wooden Boat Festival so we went to the waterfront and looked at all the booths and boats.

We headed home for lunch and fun in the sun. The kids decided to do push ups over the sprinker…crazy if you ask me!

They took me out for a Mexican dinner…yum! Now I am full and could probably go to sleep any time. I hope all of you moms had a fantastic Mother’s Day! I have three giveaways going live this week so be sure to keep an eye for those!

Happy Monday!

May Extreme Cash Giveaway – $400 Cash!!

Tammy — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:36 +0000

Welcome to the May Extreme Cash Giveaway! I have teamed up with over 80 awesome blogs to bring you the chance to win $400 cash! Wow! Who wouldn’t want to win that prize?

This giveaway runs for an entire month, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to do all the entries at once. And don’t forget there are daily entries as well so come back every day to rack up all the entries you can.

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends June 10th at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Tammy — Sun, 13 May 2012 08:30:39 +0000

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Sunday Giveaway Showcase – Lots Of Great Giveaways!

Tammy — Sun, 13 May 2012 03:00:48 +0000

Deb, Melissa and I have joined together to make the Sunday Giveaway Showcase better than ever!

Check out great giveaways or link up yours!

My Current Giveaways are:

Click on the photo’s to be directed to the giveaway

Tammy's Two Cents

Thursday’s Connect Cafe – Social Media Link Up and Follow!

All we ask is for you to follow the 3 hosts on Google+ (Click on the name and it will take you to our Google pages)

Deb

Melissa

Tammy

To make it easy, I have all my links right here for you!

Thursday’s Giveaway Cafe – $25 Giveaways! Link Up or Just Have Fun Entering!

Have fun entering!

Flexi-Clip by Lilla Rose – Review and Giveaway

Check out Lilla Rose and tell me which clip you like the best. (Mandatory Entry)

Extra Entries: (Don’t forget your email)

The giveaway will close on June 6th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using *And The Winner Is plugin*. Open to US, Canada and Mexico.

Allison’s Story – #MiracleMom Shares The Story Of One Little Fighter!

A mom’s intuition is nothing to second guess. When you get that feeling, act on it…it may save your child’s life!

Thank you Wendy and Rich for sharing your story with all of us.

Thank you for your donation!

Xagave – An Agave Sweetener – Recipe and Giveaway

I have some samples of Xagave for one of you to win. All you need to do is tell me why you would like to try Xagave? (Mandatory Entry)

Extra Entries: (Don’t forget your email)

The giveaway will close on May 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using *And The Winner Is plugin*. Open to US only.

My #MiracleMom Experience Has Begun!

Weekend Wrap Up – It Was A Sunny One!

Happy Monday!

May Extreme Cash Giveaway – $400 Cash!!

Welcome to the May Extreme Cash Giveaway! I have teamed up with over 80 awesome blogs to bring you the chance to win $400 cash! Wow! Who wouldn’t want to win that prize?

This giveaway runs for an entire month, so don’t worry if you don’t have time to do all the entries at once. And don’t forget there are daily entries as well so come back every day to rack up all the entries you can.

Giveaway is open worldwide and ends June 10th at 11:59 PM EST. Good luck!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Sunday Giveaway Showcase – Lots Of Great Giveaways!

Deb, Melissa and I have joined together to make the Sunday Giveaway Showcase better than ever!

Check out great giveaways or link up yours!

My Current Giveaways are:

The giveaway will close on June 6th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using And The Winner Is plugin. Open to US, Canada and Mexico.

The giveaway will close on May 29th at 9:00 p.m. PST. Winner will be chosen using And The Winner Is plugin. Open to US only.