Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Blog hopping Wednesday

Today I am blog hopping and hoping to meet some new friends and gain some awesome followers.











”Bassgiraffe’s


Giveaway Link up







Enjoy. I hope everyone has a great day and remember to enter my giveaways!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Review and Giveaway


Sponsored by Tomoson.com
So tonight we decided to have hamburgers for dinner. Aren't they cute?




Not really these are our desserts. Chocolate cupcake hamburgers.



Have you heard about Roundabouts? Roundabouts are awesome sleeves that you can use to turn ordinary cupcakes into anything. With over 70 different designs to choose from you can transform your cupcakes into popcorn, sushi, hamburgers or even ice cream cones. There wraps are grease resistant, earth friendly and they even wipe clean.

I was sent the hamburger wraps. I baked chocolate cupcakes using a cake mix that I bought from the store. The wraps included a helpful hint on what ratio of coloring would give the closest match to making the frosting look like a bun.  That was very helpful. They also gave the option of making peanut butter frosting to use. I chose not to do that this time however I am considering doing that for the next batch. I will definately be buying these to use for some of the get togethers that we have. They are beyond two thumbs up. I love the idea and I love how easy they are to use. The way that they turn simple cupcakes into a fun object or theme is outstanding. I believe that they are reasonably priced at $8.99 for a dozen.
You can find Roundabouts on their webpage hereTwitter, and Facebook.

Roundabouts has offered to give 1 Finding Blessings in Everyday Life reader their choice of one set of Roundabouts.
To enter you MUST be a Finding Blessings in Everyday Life GFC follower.
For 1 extra entry each you can follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on Facebook and Twitter and Follow Roundabouts on Twitter and Facebook.
You can tweet about the giveaway once daily using @FindingBlessing and @Roundaboutwraps.
You can also blog about the giveaway for an extra 10 entries.
Giveaway ends on 2/12/11 at 11:59 CST
With all entries you MUST leave a comment letting me know what you have done and each entry has to include a valid email address so that I can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will have 48 hours after the email has been sent to claim their prize if they do not a new winner will be chosen.


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.

Boiron's Cough, Cold & Flu-Review & Giveaway

It's that time of year again. You know that time when it seems like everyone you know is sick, just got over being sick or has a kid that is sick. If your anything like me it's also that time of year when you would rather stay at home than go anywhere because your afraid of getting whatever it is that happens to be going around.

Boiron's Cough, Cold & Flu Medicines may be the answer that we are all seeking.

Oscillococcinum-Flu-like Symptoms
  • Works best when taken at the first sign of flu-like symptoms such as feeling run down, headache, body aches, chills and fever
  • No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
  • Shown in clinical studies to help reduce both the duration and the severity of flu-like symptoms
  • Safe for everyone 2 years of age and older
  • Directions: Adults and children 2 years of age and older:Dissolve entire contents of one tube in the mouth every 6 hours, up to 3 times a day. Children younger than 2 years of age: Ask a doctor before use.
Coldcalm-Cold Symptoms
  • Multi-ingredient formula naturally treats cold symptoms at each stage of the cold, including sneezing, runny nose, sinus and nasal congestion, and minor sore throat
  • No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
  • Safe for everyone 3 years of age and older
  • Directions: Adults and children 3 years of age and older: At the onset of symptoms, take 1 dose (2 tablets) every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Then, take 1 dose every hour until symptoms are relieved. Allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth.
Chestal-Coughs
  • Combines safe, natural homeopathic medicines with a natural honey base
  • Relieves all types of common coughs
  • Helps loosen phlegm and thin bronchial secretions to make coughs more productive
  • No side effects such as drowsiness; No drug interactions
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • Safe for everyone 2 years of age and older
  • Directions: Adults and children 12 years of age and older:Take 2 teaspoons every 2hours. Children 2 to 12 years of age: Take 1 teaspoon every 2 hours. Children under 2 years of age: Not recommended
I honestly received this product to review the day I started coming down with a cold. I started taking Coldcalm and while I still did get a cold it didn't last as long as my husbands. We both were sick over the New Year's holiday weekend and his cold lasted about 2 weeks longer than mine did. I was definately impressed. No, I didn't share. LOL. I mean for the sake of the review I needed to see both sides, right? I have not had the opportunity to try the other two medicines but I was impressed with Coldcalm.

Boiron has offered to giveaway one Value Pack to one lucky Finding Blessings in Everyday Life reader.  To enter the giveaway you will need follow this blog through Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment letting me know that you do.
You can receive one extra entry for each- follow Finding Blessings in Everyday Life on
Facebook, Twitter or tweet about it once daily. With each entry please make sure that you leave a comment letting me know and you must leave a valid email address so that if you are the winner I can contact you. The winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize otherwise a new winner will be selected. Boiron will ship the winner the prize directly after I have notified them of the winner.
This giveaway ends on February 9 at 11:59 PM CST.

I received a Valuepack from Boiron to use for my review. All opinions are my own, your may differ. I received no other compensation.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Shutterfly asks "What does Valentine's Day Mean to You?"



In 2000 I was invited to a Valentine's Day party/dance that a group of friends were having. I reluctantly went. I was really not interested in the guy that invited me but I didn't have any other plans.  Boy oh Boy! I definitely was surprised. Long story short...that is where I met my husband! Yes, Seriously.  When were introduced and I said "Hi." John's response was "Hi? That's all you got?" I was like ummm yeah! Over the next couple weeks we talked and ended up...well here. Married...happily ever after!
Valentine's Day is obviously very special to me because of that. We met and ended up falling in love and getting married. We ended up with 3 wonderful children and are growing old together. We've had bumps and road blocks. There are times he makes me crazy and there are times I drive him crazy but honestly there is no one else I would rather be traveling down this road with. He completes me and as the song goes he "Had me from hello".

Valentine's Day to me isn't about how much money is spent. It's about saying I Love You! It's simple not extravagant.

Shutterfly is my answer to making Valentine's Day special. I can send cute Valentine's Day cards  of the kids to family that lives far away. They have so many cute styles and designs that the hardest part is deciding which one to use.  Shutterfly also has adorable personalized gifts and Valentine's Day gifts.  I love all the options that are available through Shutterfly.  You can design a nice gift to express your love that is truly from your heart.

What does Valentine's Day mean to you?

The opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own, your opinions may differ. I was given the opportunity to blog about what Valentine's Day means to me from Shutterfly and for my review I am eligible for 20 free cards from Shutterfly. No other compensation was received.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener- Review and Giveaway CLOSED



The wonderful people at Purex have been working hard to bring us a new fabric softener. Purex Complete Crystals Softener....This is softener reinvented. Seriously this softener is awesome. I love the smell and I am not one that generally likes that smell good stuff on my laundry.

Did you know most traditional liquid fabric softeners....
  • are oil based?
  • can decrease your towels' ability to absorb water?
  • can make your children's sleepwear less safe?
  • can reduce the effectiveness of your sportswear?
Almost of all traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil-based, which means they work by coating your fabrics in oil. Overtime this oily residue builds up, which allows dirt and other debris to stick to fabrics. This decreases the lifespan of your fabrics because it inhibits the proper cleaning of your laundry and leads to unwanted gray or yellow discoloration. Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are 92% natural, not oil-based like other liquid fabric softeners, so instead of coating fabrics with oil, they work by penetrating the fabic and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts for weeks, not days.

The oily residue left behind by traditional fabric softeners can interfere with the absorbency of fabrics, like towels Consequently, most liquid fabric softeners are not appropriate to use on towels as the oily coating inhibits the towels' ability to absorb moisture from your body or dishes. Using Purex Complete Crystals Softener instead of traditional liquid fabric softeners will ensure your towels stay fresh and absorbent.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission regulates that garments designated as sleepwear for children must meet certain flame-retardant standards. Clothing must be flame resistant and self-extinguish if they come in contact with a small flame. Clothing fibers are treated to meet these standards and the effectiveness of this treatment can be impaired when coated with oily residue left by most liquid fabric softeners. Purex Complete Crystals Softener is the first major fabric softener that is 100% safe to us on children's sleepwear as it does not impair these flame retardant qualities.

Sportswear's wicking fabrics are modern technical fabrics, often made of high-tech polyester, which draws moisture and perspiration away from the body. Oily residue left behind by traditional liquid fabric softeners can reduce the effectiveness of wicking fabrics preventing them from drawing sweat away from your body during your workout. Purex Complete Crystals Softener does not inhibit wicking fabrics, making it safe to use on all of your active and athletic wear.

I loved this product! It will seriously become a part of my laundry process. It was simple to use, no ball to pour it into, no running to the washer to pour it in. I just add it when I add my laundry detergent. Amazing and easy!

The wonderful people at Purex have offered me the opportunity to giveaway 3 coupons to my readers for a free bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener.

To enter you need to follow me on Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment letting me know that you do.
For added entries...
Follow Finding Blessings on Facebook 1 extra entry
Follow on Twitter 1 extra entry
Tweet about the giveaway and leave me a comment with the link to the post. You can do this once daily.
Blog about the giveaway for 10 extra entries!

Make sure that you leave me a comment letting me know what you have done and you must leave a valid email address so that if you are a winner I can contact you. Purex will mail out the coupons directly to each winner.

This giveaway ends on February 7th at 11:59 PM CST. I will contact the winners via email and they have 48 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be selected.

As a Purex Insider I was given advanced knowledge of this product, I was also sent a bottle of Purex Complete Crystals Softener to review. The opinions expressed are completely my own, your opinion may differ. No other compensation was received.

Super Bowl Party Games-Review


We are so excited about this weeks football games. The division championship games are being played and we LOVE us some CHICAGO BEARS. Here in Illinois it seems like it almost like the Super Bowl already. The Bears are playing the Packers, our long standing revial.
This game will decide who is going to the Super Bowl. While I certainly hope it is the Bears, either way my family will be watching the Super Bowl. We always have a great time watching the game and the commercials. We have some snack foods and pizza usually and make it into a party.
I was sent  Super Bowl Party Games from Python Printable Games. These are printable games that will add instant fun to your party. I seriously laughed out loud at all of the fun games that they put together. I can see adults having fun with them but there are some that the kids will enjoy also.  I can not wait to use these at our Super Bowl party. They are definately worth your time to check out.
Make sure to check out Python Printable Games. They also have a free printables section that you can check out here.


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.

Good Luck Pekin Noteables and Intuition

Austin is headed off to start the competition season for High School choral programs. I want to give a shout out of a great season to PCHS. I am so proud of Austin for following his heart and joining the group. He is playing the drums for the group. I have to tell you though, he has had no formal training. He is a natural on the drums. Love that boy!!!
Good Luck to PCHS Noteables and Intution! You are all amazing!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Box Tops For Education $50,000,000 Flash Parade



Do you save your General Mills Box Tops? I know our family saves them and donates them to the kids school. Check out the awesome video.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Wednesday Blog Hop's

Blog Hopping again today hoping to get some new follower and find some more awesome blogs to follow. Make sure to leave me a comment so I can follow you back.















New TV Show Preview-CMT's Working Class

CMT's very first scripted sitcom "Working Class" starring TV veteran Melissa Peterman ("Reba") and Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Ed Asner.

WORKING CLASS focuses on Carli Mitchell (Melissa Peterman), a single mom from a rough and tumble background, trying to give her kids a better life by moving them to an upscale suburb. She quickly finds that making the transition to “the good life” is harder than she thought.
She's unwittingly befriended by her cranky neighbor, Hank (Ed Asner), her only “career” prospect is a glorified deli job at the local grocery store, and the man she falls for not only already has a girlfriend – but he’s also her boss, Rob (Patrick Fabian). With her ladies-man brother, Nick (Steve Kazee), to help her out (when he’s not acting like one of the kids himself), Carli faces the challenges of parenting, dating, and making friends in her new community by doing more with less, staying true to herself, and approaching each day with a touch of working class.
Premiere Episode: “The Buddy System”
Carli’s old flame from high school shows up hoping to re-ignite his “spark” with Carli — even if it means humiliating her in front of her new boss.


I loved the episode! It cracked me up and I could soooo relate to it. I absolutely loved Melissa Peterman in Reba and she brings the same humor and quick wit hilarity to Working Class. I love that this show is easy to relate to and most importantly a show that my whole family can enjoy. I love forward to seeing how the show developes and expands. With 3 kids there is bound to be some trouble.  This show is definately one that I will continue to watch!

Check out Working Class on CMT, Facebook and Twitter.

WORKING CLASS premieres January 28 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT.

As a member of One2One Network I was given the opportunity to view the premiere episode of "Working Class" before it airs. The opinions expressed are 100% my own, yours may differ. I have received no compensation for this review however I will be entered into a drawing for the opportunity to win prizes including a VISA giftcard.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Tuesday Bloghops

Today I am bloghopping and hoping to make some new blogger friends. Please leave a comment and let me know that you stopped by.

BWS tips  button

















Have a great day friends!!!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

I am the Featured Guest-Thursday's Friends Cafe


Welcome! Today I am the Featured Guest on Thursday's Friends Cafe. Thank you to Tammy and Deb the wonderful hosts that chose me!

Swagbucks Games-Earn 60 points

Swagbucks.com is now offering Free Games as a way to earn Swagbucks.  Starting today you can earn from 1 to 5 Swagbucks for playing their Free Games. You can also play tournament games which will cost you some Swagbucks to enter however you have the possibility to win high amounts of Swagbucks.  So basically if you want to play casually you can play for free with the possibility to win a few Swagbucks or if you play tournament style it will cost you some Swagbucks however you have a chance at winner a much larger amount than just playing randomly.

You have all heard me talking about Swagbucks.com since I began this blog. It is a fast, easy way to earn free gift cards. I used my Amazon giftcards last year to purchase a full size acoustic guitar for Austin for Christmas.

Join Swagbucks.com today and they will start you off with 30 Swagbucks enter the Swagbucks code SBGames (this code expires at 11:59PM PST on January 14, 2011) and you will earn an additional 30 Swagbucks. That's an easy 60 Swagbucks without even playing one Free Game or doing one search.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

CVS Shopping

I have not been CVS'ing for many months so I am going to start getting back into the game. I started out this week with 0 ECB's.

I didn't take a picture but I will tell you what I purchased for right around $15.00 OOP (out of pocket). 
I did the Maalox deal, buy $20 worth of product get $10 ECB. I had 4 of the $5 coupons from the 1/9/11 Smartsource. The products were between $6.49 and $5.49 each and I purchase 4 total so my OOP was a little over $4. I also purchased a Dove candybar in this transaction and had a $.50 CRT (magic coupon scanner coupon) I earned a $.89 ECB for buying the candybar which made it a $.50 moneymaker.
With my $10 ECB and $.89 ECB  I then did the Pepsi deal ...buy 6/$20 get $10 ECB. With tax it was right about $11 OOP and I got a $10 ECB to still work with.
So I walked out of CVS with....
4 Maalox
6 12 packs of Pepsi products and 1 Dove candybar
I spent $15 OOP and have a $10 ECB still!

What did you buy this week? Do you play the drugstore game?

Reflecting

I have spent some time reflecting on my job and where I currently am. It is no surprise that I wish that I could be a SAHM (stay at home mom) however that just isn't in the cards for me right now. I think I am ok with that I mean I wouldn't subject my family to suddenly not having my income and I definately couldn't do that to John but when I came home from work today I was beyond stressed. I just am not sure that what I do and the income that I make is worth it. My children do not deserve me being this stressed, obviously the stress alters my mood and honestly tonight I am wore out. I have struggled with whether or not I want to be where I am and usually come back stronger than ever but this time I am not sure. I wonder if I am crazy to even me thinking of switching jobs now in this economy or what. 

Monday, January 10, 2011

The Original Toggle Bandz Review and Giveaway!

Olivia is wearing a product called Toggle Bandz. This is not your typical head band it actually has a toggle at the end for you to adjust so that the head band doesn't slip off of you or your child's head.

Amanda Duke created this wonderful band after she was frustrated with the hair bands and accessories that were out in the marketplace. Her daughter had fine hair and the bands would slip or roll off her head. She makes these in all sizes, colors and widths.

Now I will tell you when I found out that I was having a daughter I instantly seen visions of pink, ruffles and lots and lots of the fun hair stuff. Yeah, Olivia has 2 older brothers and a Daddy that likes to rough her around. Not so much of the ruffles and fun hair stuff.  When I received the package of 3 Toggle Bandz I knew that I HAD to try this out.
SUCCESS~she actually wore it and kept it in. Seriously!
We went to Dane's basketball game and she kept it in the entire game! and most importantly the band stayed in!

Amanda has an amazing new product out there that you definitely need to check out. This is ingenious!
Make sure to visit Toggle Bandz website and Facebook page. Right now Amanda is offering a Referral Perk that for every 10 people that you get to order you get a free Toggle Band. Send all your friends there now especially those with daughters!

I definately give this product 2 thumbs up!

Amanda has agreed to give one awesome Finding Blessings reader a Toggle Band.
To enter you need to "Like" Toggle Bandz on Facebook and come back and leave a comment letting me know that you "liked" them. Make sure that you leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win! This contest ends January 24th at 11:59PM CST. I will use Random.org to select the winner and they will be contacted via email.

I received a set of 3 Toggle Bandz to use for my review of the product. No other compensation was received. These are 100% my opinion, your opinion may differ.

Project: Happily Ever After Winner #5

Mommy "S" you are the winner I will contact you via email and you have 48 hours to claim your prize! Thanks for all the entries

Friday, January 7, 2011

Cheap AMC Movie Ticket

Specialdeals.com is offering an awesome deal on a Silver Experience ticket. You will pay only $3.95 for a movie ticket! That is a HOT price!
The highlights from the webpage state:
  • Good for any 1 movie two weekends out from its original release at any AMC theatre nationwide
  • Shipping is included
  • Ticket will be shipped by First Class Mail the following business day
The fineprint states:
  • Limit 1 per order per address (so tell your friends)
  • Valid for movies that are two weekends out from their original release
  • Tickets not valid for special attractions and motion pictures where prohibited by contractual obligations
  • Subject to surcharge for 3D, IMAX©, ETX, alternative content, and premium services and locations
  • No photo copies allowed
  • No cash value / no cash back
  • Not valid with other offers
  • No expiration date
I just purchased mine! This is a great price for a movie ticket and even though Christmas just ended this would be a terrific stocking stuffer for next year!
Thanks,
hip2save

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Project: Happily Ever After-Book Review and Giveaway

I think that any married couple has their "moments", you know the times when you just stop and say "What the hell was I thinking?"  What I didn't realize is that there are actually others out there that are considered "divorce daydreamers".
Alisa Bowman has a new book out called Project: Happily Ever After. If you are married, have been married, want to be married, or know anyone who is married (get that EVERYONE) you need to buy this book!  Alisa Bowman is honest and direct, she talks of about everything from power struggles to "dry spells".  She is so honest that she admits actually having planned out her husband's funeral.
I loved reading this book and actually feeling like my marriage is normal. I get irriated with my husband, just like he gets irriated at me. We argue and we make up.
I have read other marriage books and I can tell you that none have made this much sense, none have been this honest and direct. None have felt like I was getting advice from a friend.

I give this book 5 stars! Seriously! Buy it!!!!

You can find Alisa Bowman here, here, and here.

To enter to win a copy of this book you need to leave me a comment letting me know if you are married and if so what has been a challenge in your marriage. Nothing too personal I am just looking to get to know my AWESOME readers! You may enter as often as you'd like. Remember to leave your email address in your comment so that I can contact you if you win.

This contest ends at 12 noon on January 10.

I was given an advance copy of this book for my review. The opinions are completely my own, yours may differ. I was not compensated  in any other way.

Wednesday Bloghops

Relax and Make Friends Blog Hop

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Sodastream Product Review

Ok anyone that truly knows me knows that I LOVE am addicted to fountain cokes! Naturally when I seen Sodastream I thought I would be the perfect person to give my honest opinion. I thought that I would be nice and actually share the experience with my family. We decided that we would try the root beer. It was so EASY to make our own soda right in our own kitchen! I honestly do not know why we didn't know about this sooner. We love it! We have used it numerous amounts of time within the past couple weeks.
The machine is small and easy to find a place for in your kitchen.  The SodaStream is a machine that lets you turn ordinary tap water into sparkling water or soda in under 30 seconds. I received the "Jet", which is one of the four models of the SodaStream and the worldwide best seller. It comes in 3 colors - fuschia, black, and white. I also received a lots of their soda flavor options, including root beer, energy drink, diet soda, and water flavoring. It also came with a carbonator canister that makes up to 60 liters of soda, which when emptied can be exchanged at a SodaStream authorized retailer or online for a new carbonator canister. I also received two 1-liter soda bottles.
The Sodastream has definately found a forever customer in our family! We all give it 2 thumbs up!!!!

I received a Sodastream machine for my review. The opinions are completely my own, yours may differ. I received no other compensation for my review.

Jammypack Product Review

I was recently sent the most awesome unique product to review. When I was first approached I was skeptical about this product. I thought we were far beyond the 80's fannypack. I thought though that my kids would get a kick out of trying it out.
I received a Mr. Pink JammyPack. So out the door went my thought of having the kids try out the product. Both boys said NO WAY.
I have to tell you though that I have fallen in love with this awesome product. It is awesome to have my music right with me when I work out, clean or just hang out. I love that the pack is so convenient for me to throw in my debit card, keys and sunglasses for easy transport. And so you know....the boys wish that they had one also...only in a different color.
This product is definately for the music lover, the mommy who has so much to do but still likes to jam and even for the teens out there. The speakers are actually really good. I was jamming out and the quality was still phenomenal!

From JammyPack's website:

JammyPack™ is a fist-pumping, high-kicking, retro, throwback speaker bag that easily connects to any iPod, mobile phone, mp3/cd player, hand held game or multi-media device.
It most closely resembles what some people call a “Fanny Pack”. We ask: What’s a Fanny Pack? This is JammyPack™!
Make no mistake; these colorful side dishes are no novelty act. We have spared no expense developing the “World’s Best Portable Speaker”:

SOUND
Absolutely, the highest-quality, water-resistant, silver stamped magnetic, open source, mini-speakers; boosting 3W of stereo-amplified beats per speaker. Engaging in the highest qualified range; volume with quality.

FABRIC
High-density, woven, rigid material that form fits to your waist to give the owner maximum support; necessary for any dance-off. Projecting sound upwards at the crowd; not a beat is lost.

POWER
Powered by USB connection to a 3 x "AA" batterie box (included) that will provide 6-10 hours of non-stop, block-rockin' tunes. The genius of the USB power supply allows your JammyPack to work with your home/office CPU, laptop, or iPod/iPhone wall connection.

FEATURES
Speaker’s and all electronic components zip completely off to take anywhere and machine wash or clean the pack. • Never-fail YKK zippers • Gold 3.5mm jacks and plugs • USB Power Source .

Right now you can use the code "lettherebemusic" for buy 1 get 1 free.
I definately give this product 4.25 stars!

I received one Jammypack to use for my review. The opinions stated are 100% my own, your opinion may differ. I received no other compensation for my review.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Book Review- Cinch! by Cynthia Sass

Cynthia Sass, the creator and co-author of the New York Times Bestselling Flat Belly Diet presents her new break-through, 30-day weight loss program Cinch! targeted to end overeating, leaving dieters feeling full and satisfied while enjoying the best food combinations to burn fat and boost metabolism.
The program starts with the 5-day Fast Forward plan that ends erratic eating by focusing on five simple foods—spinach, almonds, raspberries, eggs, and yogurt (or vegan-friendly alternatives)—eaten in a variety of combinations. These first 5 days promise up to 8 pounds of weight loss. Each of the five foods is low in calories yet loaded with nutrients and natural satiety-boosters, which allows you to “detox” from junk foods without feeling deprived.

The remaining 25 days of the program are packed with foods that offer maximum fat-burning, improving metabolism while unlocking the secret to the body’s satiety center with foods that the latest research shows turn on the body’s “I’m full” signal. As in Flat Belly Diet, all of the meals for the full 30-day program are created for you and are fully interchangeable. As an added feature, vegan and vegetarian options are covered so the plan can be adapted to fit any lifestyle.


My review:
I, like many others out there have pounds that I need to lose. I am a very picky eater so following any certain meal plan diet is hard for me to do.I loved that this book was written very well from beginning to end. The book gets you so excited to start especially when it states that you can lose up to 7 pounds in the first five days and even has a chapter called your daily chocolate escape. WOW! In a diet book?
The book is very informative with great menu's and tasty recipes. This book has me very interested in the Cinch! diet, I may just have to try it.
I would definately give this book 5 stars!
Make sure that you follow Cynthia Sass on twitter and facebook and to check out her website.

As a member of One2One Network I was given an advanced copy of this book. The opinions are 100% my own. I have not been compensated other than receiving the book. I will be entered into a drawing to win a giftcard.

What a way to start the year

Ok so I know we are only 3 days into the year but we have already been sick the whole year...LOL! Did you hear the drama in that???
So John and I both ended up getting Olivia's cold starting Wednesday, we both spent the entire weekend lounging around the house. The kids seriously were beginning to get worried. I started feeling like I was coming out of it yesterday but stupidly said..."I wish I had one more day off to just feel better." Why is that stupid you ask? Well because obviously some cruel Mommy fairy out there heard me and about 30 minutes before bedtime Dane says "Mom I don't feel so good", as he plants himself in front of the toilet and begins to violently throw up. NICE!!! Ok so maybe he just ate too much junk today. He should be ok, just get some jammies on and get in bed.  I went ahead and got my stuff ready for work and headed to bed. 
Next thing I hear is someone getting sick....John comes in the bedroom, I am fully expecting him to tell me that he was sick. No he says "I don't think Austin's going to school tomorrow!" Yeah so Austin is sick too. Austin NEVER gets sick.  John stays up later than I do so he went ahead and took the "first" shift of sitting with the kids. Well the kids had an awful night and Austin didn't head back to school today.
Neither kid has thrown up for several hours and I thought Olivia was starting it with a belly ache but she appears to be ok now.
So....we are all sickies so far for the year 2011. I guess it can only get better....right?

Monday Bloghops







Sippy Cups and Cloth Bums

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Relax and Surf Sunday

Shibley Smiles Sunday Blog Hop

Happy New Year


Dear Friends~
I apologize for the lack of posting over the past few weeks. The holidays certainly are busy when you have 3 children and about 5 houses to visit. We definately were blessed this year with being able to spend time with both sides of our family.
We got a touch of the flu right after Christmas, thankfully it was after Christmas! John and I right now both have nasty colds which is how we spent New Years Eve.  We did go out to eat as a family and then both boys went to spend time with friends.
I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you all. I have some wonderful reviews and giveaways coming up within the next week. 
I hope that you have a wonderful 2011 and that we can all become wonderful friends!