Organized by: Baby Costcutters and Mom to Bed by 8

This giveaway is special!!! There are no pages to “like” or “follow”. As bloggers we like to have conversations with our readers….this is just a way to get the conversation started.

One lucky reader will receive their choice of $100 via paypal or a $100 Amazon eGift Code!

Giveaway ends May 25th at 11:59pm, open to worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Welcome to the Britax Summer Travels Giveaway

Organized by Mom to Bed by 8 and co-hosted by Plum Crazy About Coupons and Stay a Stay at Home Mom.

Britax B-Agile & B-Safe Travel System’s side impact protection and an energy-absorbing foam liner provide effective front, rear and side impact protection. A 5-point harness system with head pad is adjustable without having to unhook any straps or rethreading. The built-in lock off has been effectively designed to enable easy portability and installation. Reclining design helps put your kid in a comfortable position.

Britax B-Agile & B-Safe Travel System Features

5-point harness system with head pad
Energy-absorbing foam liner
Infinite recline
1-hand fold

Weight Limit: Up to 55 lbs

One lucky winner will receive a Britax B-Ready Stroller and B-Safe Infant Carseat!

Giveaway ends June 14th at 11:59pm, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

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Good Grillin’ Event

Organized by: Mom to Bed by 8

Prize: Brinkmann Dual Function II + $100 Home Depot Gift Card

Event dates: 5/27 – 6/17

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Encourage Community Service

Teenagers who expand their vision to include others are more likely to look further into their future. By encouraging your child to volunteer, you will be helping them to build the skills they will need to be successful in their university studies. Additionally, included community service on their college applications can help them stand out from the competition.

Explore Different Types of Careers

Many teenagers have limited knowledge of the types of careers that are available to them for their future. While everyone knows that doctors and firefighters are important to our community, your child may be intimidated by other careers that might be just as suitable for their personality. Therefore, talk about different careers that might spark their interest. For example, a teenager who is interested in justice may find that studying law will tap into their natural skills.

Tour a College Campus

Although high schools are getting larger, many teenagers may be nervous about attending a college campus. Therefore, take them to their preferred school and give them a tour. Even for students who will be attending higher education online, just visiting a college campus can get them into the mindset that attending higher education will be the right choice for meeting their goals. While touring, be sure to point out interesting features such as game rooms and labs.

Discuss Degree Programs

Having a goal is a great way to get your teenager interested in higher education. Ask them about their interests or what they might like to be once they have completed their education. It can also be helpful to mention specific degree programs. For example, a student who is interested in becoming a lawyer may find it helpful to know about the requirements for an employment law masters degree. Once you have nailed down a few possible degree programs, help your teenager search for one that offers their selected degree. This way, they will begin to envision themselves as an active participant in higher education.

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“Like” Disney’s PLANES on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlanes

“Follow” Disney’s PLANES on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Visit the website: www.disney.com/Planes

Disney’s PLANES releases in theaters everywhere on August 9th!

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Homemade Mac and Cheese (Copycat of Noodles and Co.)

This is a great recipe for anyone who loves Macaroni and Cheese. This is an identical recipe from the restaurant of Noodles and Co. and you will not be able to tell a difference with it. This very easy recipe to make and one that the whole family regardless of age will love. Everyone will ask you to make this cheesy goodness over and over again. Here is a list of ingredients that you will need.

Ingredients

• ½lb Macaroni (or one normal sized bag)
• 2 tbs Butter or Margarine
• 2 tbs Flour
• 2 Cups Whole Milk (You can use skim milk if you’d like but the paste does not become as thick as with whole milk)
• ½ tsp Salt (We recently stopped using in this to cut down on sodium and we cant tell a difference)
• ½ tsp Paprika
• ¼ tsp Pepper
• 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Steps

1. Boil the noodles- This one is pretty self explanatory, just boil the noodles until they are soft or how you like them.
2. While the noodles are boiling you need to get the cheesy sauce ready.
3. Start melting the butter in a pot, make sure you do it slowly so you don’t scorch the butter.
4. Once the butter is melted add the flower and begin to mix it together. You need to mix it until it becomes a light brown and begins to boil.
5. Slowly mix the milk into the mixture. You also want to make sure you slowly heat up the milk to reduce the chance of making the milk curdle. You should mix it until it begins to thicken up a  little bit.
6. Once the milk is warm enough add the rest of the ingredients like the salt, pepper, paprika and your cheeses.
7. Mix until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is orange colored. The sauce will not be too thick and a little bit running. This is how the restaurant likes it, if you do want it to be a little thicker then just add some flour to it in order for it to thicken.
8. Pour the desired amount of cheese into the bottom of the bowl. Then place the boiled noodles on top, and to finish it off place a handful of shredded cheese on top.
9. You can mix it together to melt the cheese or just eat it however you’d like. Enjoy!

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A year or so ago I really started looking at the labels on the food I buy. I was so surprised to see something that said “No xxx added” but then see something ten times worse as an alternative. Getting to know everything that is put into foods can be tricky, but this simple little free e-book, “Label Lessons: Your Guide to a Healthy Shopping Cart”  by Naturally Savvy can really help make us familiar with what’s good and what’s not!

I’m guilty of buying my kids  Chocolate drink mix, so when I saw the cute little bunny holding the “No Sugar Added” sign I thought to myself, “Can’t be bad” I was wrong! The sugar they took out was simply replaced with sucralose aka Splenda, and also contained artificial flavors and acesulfame potassium (a non nutritive sweetener).

Another product that I never thought to be weary of… Sanitary Pads! WOW! Certain name brand sanitary pads can be really bad for our overall health! Check out page 24 of the e-book to see what they really are (or are not?) made of!

 I know how hard it is to change habits. When you’re so accustomed to something that you’ve done for years, it’s a hard habit to break. But with the internet and all of the countless resources available today, we can certainly be more aware of what we are putting into our bodies. I will definitely be paying much more attention to what I bring into my home from now on. From food, to vitamins, to feminine products!

There are several different comparisons in the 31 page e-book that can really open your eyes to everything that is put into the products that we bring into our homes daily. This book is a very helpful resource for me and I hope you can find some helpful information in it too.

Naturally Savvy also has a very informative website. They have a wide variety of topics that they cover including allergies and recipes! Don’t forget to download your own copy of the free e-book today!

Connect with Naturally Savvy via Facebook

One lucky reader will receive a Label Lessons Prize Pack {featuring products mentioned in the e-book}!

Giveaway ends May 30th at 11:59pm, open US, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

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Truth be told, Everest Nutrition Krill Oil is a “must have” in our daily diets as it is filled with vital nutrients the body needs to maintain our overall health and wellbeing.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids and are necessary for human health but the body can’ t make them. You have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some plants, and nut oils. Everest Nutrition’s Krill Oil contains a rich supply of astaxanthin, a red pigment found in aquatic livestock such as krill, shrimp, lobster, mussel, crab and other seafood sources. There are 7 powerful Krill Oil benefits when it comes to your health.

1. Cardiovascular Health: Results from a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reported that krill oil can significantly reduce heart-damaging inflammation

2. Cholesterol levels: Findings from a study conducted at McGill University in Montreal indicate that krill oil helps lower (bad) cholesterol levels

3. PMS Symptoms: Results concluded that women taking krill oil used less pain relief medications compared to the fish oil group. Findings also revealed that krill oil “significantly reduces dysmenorrhea” and the emotional symptoms of PMS

4. Inflammation: In a study published in the American Journal of Nutrition found that krill oil reduced pain by 28.9%, stiffness by 20.3% and functional impairment by 22.8%. Moreover, results indicated that krill oil ”significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.”

5. Brain Function: A study at the University of California, Berkley showed  a study of 30 adults with attention difficulties showed 46% improvement in mental concentration and 48.9 % mental focus after 90 days of taking krill oil supplements.

6. Anti-Aging: Numerous ORAC tests have proven that krill oil effectively repairs aging cells when compared to other antioxidants.

7. Overall Health:  Numerous studies prove that krill oil’s benefits can improve your overall health by strengthening your immune system, optimizing kidney function, regulating the body’s hormone levels, elevating your mood and emotional wellbeing, balancing blood sugar levels, regulating blood pressure levels, supporting eye health, boosting your energy AND much more!

I replaced Fish oil for the Krill Oil about 2 weeks ago and overall I DO feel better. My blood pressure hasn’t gotten up like it normally would and I seem to have a little more energy lately. I wake up feeling good and motivated! I always like taking a more natural approach versus all of the harsh medications that are on the market today. With many medications, the side effects are worse than the original symptoms so I steer clear from medicines as much as possible. (Note: This is my personal opinion and should not be mistaken for medical advice) The pills are very large so that did take some time for me to get used too.

The post Everest Nutritions’ Krill Oil Review appeared first on Mom To Bed By 8.

Take charge TODAY—YOU can love yourself, right now, right this minute!  So many women say if only I was . . . . . Well NO MORE!!!  Here are five tips to start loving yourself today!

First, stop and breathe!  That’s right, breathe in your favorite scent—lavender, spice, cucumber—whatever your favorite fragrance is!  Purchase a jar of your favorite oil and take a warm hot bubble bath!

Second, look in the mirror.  Look into your own eyes, smile and tell yourself you love yourself!  I know, I know, it sounds crazy and it will feel funny the first few times you say it, but I promise you, after a week of repeating it OUT LOUD into the mirror, you will notice a difference!

Third, go get fitted for a new bra!  The right bra can help you look 10 pounds thinner as well as help your posture.

Fourth, go for a walk.  Incorporating exercise into your daily routine will make you feel better about yourself immediately!  30 minutes five times a week will make you look and feel amazing!  Don’t have 30 minutes? Then break it up into two 15 minute walks or even three 10 minute walks!

Lastly, go get a manicure, pedicure or go to Ulta or Sephora and have your makeup done!  Nothing can turn your day around like getting yourself pampered with a makeover or mani/pedi. Sephora and Ulta will usually do a free makeover. It is always fun to have them go a little on the wild side and do something that you normally wouldn’t do!

Now go make yourself a priority and love yourself today!

About Becky Reese:

Armed with a mission to empower moms across the country to feel beautiful no matter what their size, mother-of-five Becky Reece founded Sexy Mom’s Running Club to help busy women make themselves a priority again, while still balancing career and family.

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My Blankee Inc. Pin It To Win It Contest!

One Grand Prize Winner will win iPhone 4 & Stroller Baby Blanket

20 First Prize Winners will Win a Stroller Baby Blanket

20 Second Prize Winners will Win a Baby Security Blanket

To enter the My Blankee Inc. Pin It To Win It Contest follow these steps:

1. Visit the My Blankee Inc. facebook page and click like.

2. Then  create a new Pinterest Pinboard called “My Blankee Pinterest Contest” with your favorite looks from MyBlankeeInc.com, LucaCharles.com and MyBlankeeBaby.com

3. Then return to My Blankee Inc Facebook page to enter your Pinboard link and email address.

4. Make sure to send your friends and family over to vote on your board. The entry with the highest votes wins the grand prize!

Contest ends May 22nd at 11:59pm. Winners will be announced May 23rd!

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Sponsored by: Aquavie Skincare

Hosted by: Powered by Mom Blog and some fabulous blogger friends

Read Powered by Mom’s Review HERE

Aquavie skincare has a variety of products to help you cleanse, clarify and tone your skin and so much more for your face and your body. The products are made with high quality ingredients with a focus on nourishing and hydrating your skin. You can also customize your skincare set but selecting what suits you or choose from their ready to go systems such as the Sensitive Skincare system, Anti-aging, Total Body Package, Clarifying system and so many more!

They have a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee that makes this promise:

We think you’ll love AquaVie as much as we do, but if for any reason you’re not completely satisfied, just return the containers within 60 days of receipt, and you’ll get a full refund of the purchase price.

Find out more by visiting their website: http://www.aquavieskincare.com 

Two lucky winners will receive a $25 Gift Credit to Aquavie Skincare!

Giveaway ends March 24th at 11:59pm, open US, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck.

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If the trailer is anything to go by, Epic certainly has a strong chance. The trailer itself is rather lively, offering plenty of scope. It should be no surprise that the attention to detail in the CGI is breathtaking. Blue Sky Studios also produced the likes of Rio and Ice Age; both CGI films with plenty of voiceover talent adding depth and detail to the beautifully created environments.

Family-friendly

Like Ice Age and Rio before it, Epic is also a family-friendly film. Yet that doesn’t mean it’s just for kids. People of all ages can enjoy a film like Epic; it’s just one of those films that seems to have just the right balance of silly and fantasy about it, yet still offers a gripping plot. As such, it seems to appeal to a much broader fan base. At the very least, this should make it easier to find someone to go with if you’re not going with the family.

Talent

More than just Blue Sky Studios, there seems to be plenty of talent behind this latest film. Amanda Seyfried plays the lead role of Mary, but she’s not the only big name attached to the title. Indeed, Epic also boasts talent including Colin Farrell, Beyonce Knowles and Josh Hutcherson. Combined with the high quality animation, this further adds to Epic’s potential.

The film is also directed by Chris Wedge, the director of Ice Age. Wedge knows how to work CGI, and how to get the best laughs out of any scene. With all this going on, Epic is certainly something to watch out for.

Is this something you would be interested in? You’ll find out when Epic opens later in May this year.

The post Introducing Epic appeared first on Mom To Bed By 8.

Turn your iPhone into a virtual auction house with the new Tophatter App and bid anywhere, anytime! I absolutely love Tophatter! From jewelry to crafts to high end electronics, you can experience the thrill of a live auction house with all items sold to the highest bidder. I’ve scored many great items below retail cost by using Tophatter so I was thrilled to see the new mobile app! Whether your sitting in the Doctors office or in the comfort of your own home, you can bid to your hearts content! When you win the bid, you can pay directly from the mobile app!

Features of the Tophatter app:

• Integration with iOS native features – Log in through Facebook, pay for purchases, and share without leaving the app. • Mobile and online integration – Seamlessly shift between the mobile app and the website, with all auctions synced in real-time. • Optimization for iPhone 5 – View upcoming lots on the auction block without leaving the live auction. • Immediate browsing – Attend auctions without first registering or logging in. • Push notifications – Set reminders for alerts when items you want are about to go up for auction. • Seller tools – Manage listings and schedule live auctions on the go.

I have not seen a shopping app quiet as fun as Tophatter. You can chat with other bidders all while placing your bids. Tophatter sellers include artisan craftsmen, retailers, professional sellers and individuals who put items up for sale to the highest bidder with no reserve prices. Tophatter’s live auctions run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. See something you like coming up soon? Set a reminder! Simply click on the item of interest, and click “Set a Reminder”! The app is very self explanatory and very easy to use. Highly recommend to all my fellow auction shoppers!

Download It Free today!

Happy Bidding!

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Welcome to the Summer Adventure Event featuring Banzai Plummet Falls Adventure Slide Water Park Giveaway!

The Plummet Falls water slide/pool allows kids to plummet down the Banzai waterslide, refresh in the splash pool and get drenched in the falls, all without leaving the backyard. This water slide park comes with everything you need for hours of summertime fun.

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Protection From Rabbits and Other Critters

For Smaller Gardens

These cute little devils love to eat just about anything and can get to it pretty easily. The best way to protect you from them is to put up a small fence. The size of the fence depends on the size of your garden. If it is just a small garden that you do most of the work on your knees you might want to consider getting a small picket like fence. Rabbits don’t hop as much as cartoons give them credit so you might want something about 2 feet tall.

For Large Gardens

If you’re in a larger garden then you might want to take the time to install a 4-5 foot fence around the whole garden and install a gate for you to get in and out. Once the fence you want is installed it would not be a bad idea to line your fence with some kind of screen made of thin plastic or metal. You can find these at any local hardware store and is sometimes called a plant fence. This allows you to have a nice looking fence and keep all the critters out.

Keeping the Birds Out

For A Large Garden

Well this one is pretty simple and easy to understand. Just like in the wizard of Oz you can install a scarecrow in your garden and that will help distract the birds and keep them away. However, if you just strap on a stick and stick it in the ground it won’t do too much harm if it can’t move. Make sure some of the clothing is lose so it will blow around in the breeze. If your handy enough (or your husband is) try to build your scarecrow on a pivot or hinge so whenever a good gust of wind comes it will scare away any bird by swinging around.

For A Small Garden

The simplest one for this is to get a really thing mesh like net that you can drape over your garden. You can get some zip ties and strap it to the fence so it won’t blow away all the time. Make sure you make it easy to lift and replace so you can go in and pick your tasty fruits and vegetables.  This will protect your garden from all birds and even help more with rabbits.

Keeping the Bugs Out

Now not all bugs are bad in a garden, and you do want some of them to visit. There are evil bugs out there who seek to destroy all your fruits and vegetables. For this one you might want to buy some kind of repellant or spray that will keep the bugs away. If you want to stay green and not hurt the environment then you should try to plant some marigolds in your garden. These are beautiful and will bring in some bees to help speed up the pollination process. They also emit a bad odor to most bugs and will keep them out of your garden.

Even when you do this bugs and other animals won’t give up trying to get into your garden. It’s their way of life and what they have to do to survive. If you use these ideas and maintain your garden on a daily basis you can bet that you will still have a great looking garden all summer long!

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