Sunday, May 26, 2013

Space Warriors Giveaway! Premiering May 31st Exclusively On The Hallmark Channel

Walden Family Theater is proud to announce the Space Warriors Blog App & a chance to Win a Family Trip to Space Camp
 

Watch Space Warriors on Hallmark Channel May 31st at 8/7C for your chance to win a trip for the whole family to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center's Space Camp!  Keep an eye out for the secret keyword for a chance to go on location where Space Warriors was filmed and train like a real astronaut!



About Space Warriors:
Six highly skilled teenagers are handpicked to be part of a summer space camp competition at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. As the competition heats up, the kids have no idea that their ultimate challenge will be to solve a life or death crisis aboard the International Space Station as the world anxiously watches.

Starring: Thomas Horn, Danny Glover, Josh Lucas, Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and Booboo Stewart.

Space Warriors is the second film in the Walden Family Theater original lineup featuring great family entertainment, airing Friday nights exclusively on Hallmark Channel. Walden Family Theater is creating films for the whole family to enjoy together, so make sure to mark your calendars and gather around the television to watch all the great upcoming films!

Past films include: "The Chronicles of Narnia" series, "Holes", "Nim's Island", "Charlotte's Web", and "Return to Nim's Island."


This sounds like a great family movie.  Just in time for summer!  See below if you'd like to win: Space Warriors (Blu-ray + DVD + VUDU Digital Copy) (Walmart Exclusive)




 I was not compensated for this post.  Gift provided by Walden Family Theater.  All opinions are my own.
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dial it Back Fruit2o Party!

We were selected to host a Fruit2o party!  It was perfect timing as are Florida weather is really starting to heat up.  We set up the water slide bounce house that we some how managed to inherit from Granny and Papa (thanks!!).  The kids had a blast while the parents relaxed a little bit.

We enjoyed some Fruit2o to quench our thirst!  It was very good.  The kids and adults enjoyed them.  One person was excited to see the Fruit2o and said "Ohh..something I can actually drink."  Another said, "I hate water, but I can drink this."  I was able to give almost everyone a Fruit2o cup and a coupon to get their own.

It's water with natural fruit flavors, no sugar, no calories, no carbs, and no artificial flavors.  My favorite so far is the Strawberry.   
The kids really had a blast!  I know both of mine fell asleep really fast that night. 

 We had some inside fun too.

 Everyone drank my Fruit2o...now I need to go get some more.  We only have 7 more days of school left and I could use some more while out with the kids in the Florida heat. 
Great for nursing Mamas too.  :)


 Mmm...  We got our Fruit2o at Publix.  It was about $3.50 for six bottles.  

Available in these flavors: tropical fruit, strawberry, raspberry, cucumber lemon, watermelon, peach, orange, lemon, grape, and cherry.


Fruit2o bottles and coupons provided by MommyParties.  All opinions are my own.



Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Sambazon Review & Giveaway

https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=9b087f9de4&view=att&th=13eab58ade5583b7&attid=0.1&disp=inline&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P9vVPbG4irxWQM8_zmhhaQ3&sadet=1368674357086&sads=TlAPfmTv1YdxI-kJOi9U5D_4Mxw
We got to try out Sambazon juices and smoothies.  My daughter loved the purple bottle.  These are the three flavors we got.  They also have others these.   I'd have loved to try the blended breakfast, but my store didn't have any at the time.
I was a little worried about the taste.  All Samazon Superfood juices are Non-GMO, USDA organic, vegan, gluten-free, and I worried they were taste-free as well.  I tried the berry chocolage protein first.  It tasted a little odd to me at first.  I let my true tasters try it out.



He's thinking....

Bubby approves!
Sissy's turn.

This is the look I got and I almost had to fight her to get it back.
After the kids had a try I drank more than a sip.  It's a taste that grows on you.  It was actually really good.  I mean it isn't a chocolate milk shake, but it's very healthy and pretty tasty too.

Here is more information from Samabazon:
  •  Açaí/Antioxidant: This Original Amazon superfood juice is bursting with powerful
    antioxidants and healthy omegas. It’s a delicious way to combat free radicals and
    comes in two flavors: Original or Açaí+Blueberry+Pomegranate.
  •  Energy: This potent blend of Açaí berries, Yerba Mate, and Guarana delivers a
    whole food experience that boosts the body and mind the way nature intended.
    Energy is available in two flavors: A rich berry superfood juice blend with 50mg of
    organic caffeine per bottle, and a new Mocha Java superfood smoothie with 80mg
    of organic caffeine from fair trade coffee beans, plus a hint of chocolate.
  • Protein: These indulgent smoothies are packed with 10g of organic vegan whole
    food protein per bottle (which helps to build lean muscle) and healthy omegas to
    keep you full longer. It comes in three yummy flavors: Açaí berry + Vanilla; Açaí
    berry + Chocolate; Chocolate + Almond + Coconut milk
  • Supergreens with Kale + Ginger: This is a potent blend of Açaí berries, a powerful
    new blend of six varieties, plus a hint of ginger. It delivers around two servings of
    whole fruits and veggies, without added sugar.
  • Blended Breakfast: This is the first beverage to combine whole fruit with ancient
    grains (like quinoa and amaranth), chia, and Organic/Non-GMO verified soymilk for
    a smoothie that sustains and nourishes. This delicious strawberry-banana blend is
    also a good source of fiber (7g per bottle).
Find out more about Sambazon Here.  Pick up a smoothie or juice at a store near you for only $2.99.

Would you like to try out 3 flavors and get a free wooden bowl and spoon?  Enter below.
Giveaway ends 6/16 @ 12:00am

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, May 9, 2013

eMeals.com slow cooker plan

http://www.usfamilyguide.com/_emailgraphics/emeals3.png 

If anyone needs help planning meals it would be me.  I just don't want to have time to sit down and plan out every meal especially if it involves lots of ingredients.  It's just the whole process.  The time it takes to plan, drag kids to the store find items in the store, prepare, cook, etc just seems overwhelming.  Usually when I cook it is something quick and easy.  I do use the slow cooker a lot and that does help.  

I recently found out I will get to try out eMeals.com slow cooker meal planner site.  This sounds perfect for me.  I can pick a plan and the recipes and it creates the shopping list for me.  It takes a lot of the time consuming planning out for me.  I'm hoping this will help me create a variety of healthy meals and, hopefully, save us money.

Here's what they have to say:
eMeals.com, the leading online meal planner,  has launched a new slow cooker meal plan to make your life even easier when it comes to getting meals on the table! Each slow cooker plan will include 7 crockpot dinners, with some timesaving “cook once, eat twice” favorites. They have both a Slow Cooker Classic plan full of tasty comfort food as well a groundbreaking Slow Cooker Clean Eating Plan that serves up quick, simple, and healthy meals. Right now, you can use discount code LUNCHFREE for a free lunch meal plan with the purchase of a dinner plan.  

Check it out here www.emeals.com

Information was provided by eMeals.com.  I was not compensated, but will receive 3 month subscription to review services.

Chick-fil-A New Salads & Wraps Giveaway

 
I just read that Chick-fil-A is coming out with 3 new salads and improved wraps (under 450 calories).  I've been trying to do better by eating healthier and I can't wait to try the new food.  We love Chick-fil-A and healthier options is even better!  

Here's what they have to say:
Forget about yesterday, today is #FreshMade! Each day we have a choice, a choice to do the same old routine or do something unique and different.  What have you wanted to do for a long time? 2013 is almost halfway over and it’s time to do something new. It’s time to grow, it’s time to make your dreams a reality.

Chick-fil-A is helping you make today #FreshMade, by creating new menu options that you can feel good about! They are introducing 3 new premium salads and an improved wrap all under 430 calories made with premium ingredients.

Take your taste buds to greener pastures.

Check out the Chick-fil-A #FreshMade Blog App!

 

Would you like to try out two of the new salads for free? Enter Below to win 2 coupons for a free salad.  Ends 5/23 at 12:00am.
 Information and giveaway provided by Chick-Fil-A.  I was not compensated, but will receive the 2 coupons as well.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

16oz cups with Straw 2.27 @Walmart - Great Teacher gift


I found these reusable insulated cups at Walmart for less than $3 each.  They are perfect for teacher gifts!  If you remember, I did this for my kids' teachers for Christmas.  I grabbed a couple cups for a few of my teacher friends as an end of year gift.

I'm "stealing" (I LOVE pinterest) another idea for teacher appreciation week this week.  Feel free to steal this one.

Reading Eggs Review + 2 weeks free!


We had the opportunity to try out Reading Eggs.   The child takes a test and as soon as they miss three it chooses what lesson to start on.  My daughter started on map 6.  One question she missed was an accidental selection.  The other two she didn't know.  She was very interested in playing the "game."  I love educational games that keep children interested.

We didn't have a mouse hooked up so she had to carefully navigate with the mouse pad which involves lots of dragging and dropping.  I finally went and found a mouse that she could use and that helped a little.  It will be much better on an iPad. Unfortunately, it isn't available on iPad or Android yet, but it is coming soon.  I think we will both like it more once that is updated. 

The lessons that she completed were very repetitive.  She had to move words around to complete the correct sentence. She did this for quite a while.  If she didn't get the sentence correct she would have to start over and she'd have to get it correct twice to move on and collect eggs.  When she got tired of doing lessons and was ready to stop for the day, she found the arcade.  She was able to use eggs that she earned doing the lessons to play games.  That kept her happy for a bit longer.  She got annoyed with the driving test because she took a 20 question sight word test and when she finished it she was allowed to race her.  Unfortunately, it glitched when she clicked the mouse to jump (like it says) and it made her start over.  The mouse had to be right over the road.  I think it would have been better if it used arrows instead of the mouse.  There are so many aspects including spelling, library, story factory, puzzle park, driving tests(sight words, letters, contents), and many more.

I can tell there was a LOT of time put in so that the children have lots to do.  I encourage you to use the two week trial and try it out for yourself.  There is no credit card required.   I do love that there is testing to try to get an idea of where the child is, so they aren't bored starting at the beginning.  I didn't try the program on my 3 year old because he is not very good with a mouse.  Once it is available on touch screen tablets then it will be great for him as well.

Free two week trial with no credit card required!

We were given a 3 month trial to review the product. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Teacher Appreciation - next week

Next week is teacher appreciation week. I'm trying to think of something simple to make for all if my kids teachers (pre-k/daycare).

As a specials teacher I rarely get gifts from students. I don't expect anything, but on the rare occasion a student (or parent) remembers me I treasure it. It's less about the gift and more about the fact they remembered me and, hopefully, appreciate me. Although I do not teach the students everyday, I do teach them every year for 6 years. I get to watch the children grow.

This was my surprise teacher appreciation gift from a student last year. I loved it!! I know the art teacher and coach loved it too.



I'm thinking about stealing the idea for my kids' teachers. It would be easy enough to make one for all the teachers in the center and not expensive.

Happy Teacher Appreciation to all the teachers out there! I wouldn't be a teacher without teachers. :)