Can You Really Trust The Scale?

If you are a regular reader, you are aware that I am a part of Revolt Fitness, and loving it! I am now finishing of the June Uprising, and gearing up for the July Uprising. 4 More weeks of delicious food, intense work outs, great supports, and the scale moving downwards. 

Sadly, sometimes the scale is still not my friend. Some times, you can work so hard, and not see the numbers you were hoping for. You ask your self "What am I doing wrong?"
The question really is, does your scale really give you the right picture of what is going on? Can we trust those numbers? Not always. 
We all know that muscle weighs more than fat right? Well, it's true. 

That is only half of the story though. There are many factors. Did you know that muscles can retain water following a workout? 

Yes, that's right! We can retain water just from working our muscles. When we exercise, we actually are changing the chemical make up of you muscles. These changes prepare the muscles for more work by storing fuel for energy. Muscles replenish glycogen after a work out, and this causes water retention. Of course, this is not weight gain, but some times we mistake it for that if we are using only a scale.

Ouch if you weigh in daily. One thing I am learning about from Revolt, is the importance of letting the scale wait. Wait and let your body do the talking. Taking a combination of the scale, measurements and body fat callipers tell the true story. 

Our bodies are amazing things, so complex. If loosing weight was as simple as just eating a certain about  we would all be skinny. The way we eat, what we eat, and even when we eat all play a factor in good health. 

It's the same with exercise. We need to break down the muscles to build them up, to get stronger. This takes time, but the results will happen if we work at it. 
Gaging our success is important, but we need to use all the tools at our disposable. If we only see half of the picture, we will be more likely to quit. 

Now for the fun part, I am happy to say I have lost 20 lb so far on Revolt. Yes, 20 lb and 6% body fat! I am eating great, and people are seeing a difference. It feels good. 

I urge you to give Revolt a try. For only $10 per month you can have access to all the recipes, the meal plan, the work outs, and a support system filled with real people. You can't buy that in a store. With Revolt, you can work out in your own home, with equipment that is easy to find, not specialized gym equipment. You can substitute and customize your meal plan, making it your Revolt. I am always bragging on this program, and would love to see you come on board! 

Disclosure: 
I was given a complimentary membership to Revolt Fitness for the purpose of this review. No other compensation has been received. All opinions are my own. 

Tinkertoys Giveaway

Remember Tinker Toys? The hours of play a toy that uses imagination is something that can not be beat! 

Sponsored by K'NEX and hosted by Mom Does Reviews

TINKERTOY: 100 Piece Essentials Building Set

The TINKERTOY 100 Piece Essential building set features only the most familiar TINKERTOY parts including spools, rods, flags, washers end caps and more. Set also comes with a colorful instruction sheet that features building tips and ideas. Package also doubles as a sturdy, storage box for easy clean-up and portability. Suggested retail price is $34.99. Ages 3+.

Available on knex.com and retailers nationwide this fall.

They snap together, stay together, they even have bendable rods!! My wooden TINKERTOYS couldn't do that! Hours of imaginative play in this box!! You're children will love them!

Be sure to like the TINKERTOY facebook page, www.facebook.com/tinkertoy.

Read Mom Does Reviews Review HERE.

The Giveaway:

One lucky reader will win this fun box of Tinkertoys!

Enter on the easy rafflecopter below.

The Giveaway ends 7/3 at 1159p est

The Giveaway is open to US only.

Good luck!

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Disclaimer: The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to US, 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

SANUS TV Vuepoint Mount F180 Giveaway

Did you know that a child is killed every three weeks from an unsecured TV? I didn't, but now I am shocked! The safety of our children should always be an important factor in our homes, and yet, when it comes to our television mounting, many parents fail to see the dangers.

• Every 45 minutes a child visits an emergency room due to a TV tip-over related injury
• Between 2000 and 2011, 215 fatalities have resulted from TV tip-over
• An estimated 17,000 people each year, the majority of which are children, are treated for injuries from TV tip-overs
• Reported cases have increased almost 25% from 2006  to 2010, and over the last 10 years, injuries have increased by 31%

Those are some scary statistics. 

 SANUS, a leading designer and manufacturer of flat panel TV wall mounts, has partnered with Safe Kids Worldwide.  By educating consumers on the risk of unsecured flat panel TV’s, SANUS and Safe Kids Worldwide offer safe solutions for families across the nation by reducing TV tip-over related injuries and fatalities.

To help with their efforts, SANUS is offering one of our readers their own SANUS TV Vuepoint Mount F180! 

Just fill out the entry form below, and good luck!

This giveaway is open to US residents until July 3.

Entry-Form

SANUS wall mounts are available at Walmart stores nationwide.

Free Trial of Redbox

We all love free right? Give Redbox instant a try and get one month free! With 4 DVD credits at the box, a free month, and only $8/month to continue, now is the time to sign up!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

Planning For A Baby Shower

I love Baby Showers. We throw one for all the new babies in my church. I am usually not on the decorating side of it, but this next one is for my sister in law, so I am hosting. This means decorating for a baby girl. I want to do something different than the classic pink and purple decorations, so I began hunting for new ideas. I want something more of a theme. Not just colours. My favourite I came across is a Lady Bug shower. So simple, so cute, and yet different! The best part is, it is easy of pull off economically.
What do you need?
What ever you can imagine and afford! Dollar stores always have red and black decorations, so let your self go!
Pintrest has really became my friend in planning this shower! There are so many ideas, this is what I came up with!

We rented a helium tank for $30 and filled red balloons then alternated red, black, and white ribbons. The kids loved it!

Red and black napkins and plates worked great with this tablecloth I found.

This was the gift table. We took a red dollar store table cloth and cut black circles out to complete the look.

I had so much fun decorating, and to top it off I made a Lady Bug Punch that everyone loved, so I thought I'd share the recipe. I didn't take a picture of it (sorry) but I will update this post with a picture the first chance I get!

Ingredients:

1 frozen concentrate Fruit juice. Anything really red

3 cans water

2 liters carbonated lemonade

1 liter ginger ale

4 scoops red sherbet. I used a berry pomegranate. 

1 handful frozen blueberries

 Mix the first 4 ingredients in your punch bowl. Slowly add each scoop of sherbert and then add the blueberries, spreading them out. 

That's it! Super easy, and amazing! 

Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway

What would you by with $200 at Toys R Us? 

Welcome to the $200 Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway!

Hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Sponsored by author Carole P. Roman.

Carole P. Roman takes you on a another journey, this time to Asia, landing in South Korea.

Once again, children can learn how life is like for young people on the other side of the globe. From food to famous landmarks, they will learn that's it's easy to find something in common with people in different countries.

This is the third book in the series, and we'd like to celebrate with a giveaway! One winner will receive a $200 Toys R Us Gift Card and a set of Carole P. Roman's cultural books.

The series includes:

• If you were me and lived in... Mexico: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World.
• If you were me and lived in... France: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World.
• If you were me and lived in... South Korea: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World.

---

Enter to win a $200 Toys R Us Gift Card and a copy of the "If you were me and lived in…" series

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway.

Refer your friends using your unique link at the top of the Rafflecopter for even more chances to win.

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

Open to US.

Ends at 11:59pm EST on July 9th, 2013.

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Bloggers, we'd love for you to join an awesome group giveaway event like this one! 

Sign up to be emailed about future events hosted by Giveaway Promote.

Mission Giveaway: Big Fish Games

I am a geek. I love video games, apps, computer games, you name it. I have been a fan of our sponsor for years and am thrilled to be past of this giveaway event.

About Our Sponsor

Since 2002, Big Fish has been a leader in the casual game space. With signature games like Mystery Case Files, Fetch & MatchUp!, Big Fish games can be played at home, on your PC, Mac, Apple Device and Android as well. With over 250 mobile games available, try a Big Fish Android game or Big Fish iPhone game today!

The Prizes

We are thrilled to be offering the winner and a friend one of two gift cards. There will be a $50 iTunes gift card and a $50 Google play gift card up for grabs. Our winner will choose one and then pick someone to share the other with!

Keep: Winner chooses a gift card

Share: Remaining gift card

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 6/25 12:01 am EST and Close on 6/28 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter.

Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway!

To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer.

Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us.

Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Revolt: Week 8

It has been a tough week for me. Last weekend was crazy, and the craziness crept up into this week. I have been following the Revolt Fitness program very closely for 8 weeks now. I have missed a few work outs, mostly the Saturday cardio blasts. Some times life just gets in the way. My numbers are not dropping as fast as I would like, and I am left wondering what to do? What else can I do to get my body back on track? Then I changed my perspective.

My Pastor preached a message a couple of weeks ago, and it hit me on so many levels. Contentment with out complacent. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how much people struggle with this. We see some progress and think "oh great!" but do we continue to strive forward? Or do we stay put? Can we be content with the progress we make with out staying still? I can look at the progress I have made, and be happy to push forward.

Now for the numbers. In the past 8 weeks I have lost 18 lb.  I am now at the weight I was before I was pregnant with baby #4. The best part is I have lost 6% body fat! I weigh the same as I was, but have more muscle mass, and it shows. People are starting to ask questions about what I am doing because they are noticing.

I am so excited to share my progress with Revolt with people. This program really works!
Join Revolt for the July uprising for only $10 per month! Where else can you get a complete meal plan, fitness plan, and the support of other people doing the same journey with you for that price? Try 1 week free, and you will be hooked!

Discloser: I was given a membership to Revolt Fitness for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

30 Minute Mini Meatloaves

Oh no! It's 3:00 PM and what are you going to make for dinner? Nothing taken out of the freezer? I guess it's take out again, right? Wrong!
It happens to all of us. We get busy, and before we know it, it's nearing supper time. No need to fret, I have many meals that I can pull off quick!
Today's treat:

30 Minute Mini Meatloaves

Meat loaves

• 1-2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 onion minced or 2 tbsp dried onion
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tsp worcester sauce 

Sauce 

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tsp chili powder

For the meat loaves:

Thaw your ground beef in lukewarm water . Rotate the meat every 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350. Once the ground beef is thawed, place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. 

Really get in there and get all the meat mixed in.  Now for the trick: put you meat into muffin tins, filling them 3/4 full. 

This cuts the baking time down giving you a quick delicious supper. Mix the remaining 3 ingredients and brush over the mini meatloaves. 

Bake for 25 minutes, and serve next to veggies and your choice of sides. Our favourite is rice and steamed carrots! 

Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday

Bring back the classic toys! Playing with Daddy's Constructs. 

They don't make them like they used to!

$100 Flash Giveaway

Welcome to the Comment Starter Giveaway!

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.

What can be better than $100 to sped how ever you want?

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

Giveaway ends July 2, 2013 at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Me And My Handful is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Please contact teri@mompoweredmedia.com with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

What Do Your Cravings Tell You?

Cravings are something we think pregnant woman have. We think of the pickles and ice cream, and husbands running to the store at all hour trying to please the mother to be. That's not the only time cravings come up.

We live in an over processed world, where we are surrounded by images, smells, and opportunities that encourage bad eating habits. It's easy to let our cravings get the better of us.

Sometimes, a craving is your bodies way of telling you something is missing. Food cravings can be caused by hormones, blood sugar levels, and stress. When we give in to our cravings, we can be filling our bodies with all the wrong things that can actually over stimulate our brains! 

I have been following the Revolt Fitness program, and the intern Charolett Ann Reynolds has allowed my to post from her research some healthy ways to fill our bodies with the nutrients we need. 

Cravings:	What you really need:	Foods that have it:
Chocolate	Magnesium	Raw nuts, seeds, legumes, fruit
Sweets	Chromium	Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, liver, chicken
	Carbon	Fresh fruit
	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
	Sulfur	Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, turkey, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Bread	Nitrogen	High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans
Oily, fatty snacks	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Coffee or tea	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
	Sulfur	Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetables
	NaCl (salt)	Sea salt, apple cider vinegar, meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
	Iron	Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Alcohol	Protein	Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
	Avenin	Granola, oatmeal
	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
	Glutamine	Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
	Potassium	Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens
Soda/ carbonated drinks	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Salty foods	Chloride	Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
Acidic foods	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
PMS cravings	Zinc	Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables
General overeating	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
	Tyrosine	Vitamin c supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables
Lack of appetite	Vitamin B1	Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
	Vitamin B3	Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
	Chloride	Raw goat milk, unrefined sea salt
Tobacco	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

Revolt  is helping me change the way I look at food, and I am loving it! I am given a complete meal plan for each week, and can easily customize it to include the foods you need to beat your cravings. The best part is the support system available. Thank you Charlotte for sharing this. I hope this guide can help you beat your cravings.

 You can try Revolt your self and see amazing results, act now and try the 1 week Kick Start free!

Disclaimer: I was given a membership to Revolt Fitness for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. 

Mission Giveaway: Peaberry Tea

There is something about sitting and drinking a cup of tea. It's comforting, relaxing, social, and special. I am an avid tea drinker, and love trying new tea flavours!

About Our Sponsor

Love tea? Want to love loose tea but don’t know where to start? Host a Peaberry Tea home tea tasting and be rewarded with tons of free product and exclusive host specials! Sip several of our all natural artisan blends, learn steeping techniques and health benefits all while sharing a newfound love of tea with friends. Peaberry Tea currently offers 39 loose teas, scone mixes and shortbread mixes, teaware, and pottery. Tea is second only to water as the top consumed beverage in the world. Do you feel you aren't a tea drinker? You simply haven't tried great tea…yet. Give us a few sips and we'll change your mind!!

Check out Gwen's Peaberry Tea Review!

The Prizes

Peaberry Tea is awarding 3 of its artisan loose teas in 2 oz resealable bags, one fine mesh infuser basket and dish set, one perfect tea scoop, and one bag of our Classic Scone Mix...to the winner AND a friend!

It's finally summer and we've chosen the perfect teas to steep for iced as well as hot tea. This collection has everything you'll need to steep the perfect cup. Our Organic Ceylon is a black tea, rich with chocolate notes. The tropical fruits added to a beautiful base of green tea in our Aloha Green are a summer staple. The tartness of pomegranate are perfectly paired with the sweetness of pear in PomePear, a fruit tisane great for all ages. Topping off the experience are our scones. Simply add butter and buttermilk (and cranberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, etc.) to make the most delicious, moist scones you'll ever have. (Total value of over $110!)

Keep: A Peaberry Tea Prize Pack

Share: A Peaberry Tea Prize Pack

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 6/18 12:01 am EST and Close on 6/21 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter.

Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway!

To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer.

Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us.

Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Keurig Giveaway

Welcome to the Cuisinart Single Serve Keurig Brewing System Giveaway!

brought to you by BuyDig and Kate n' Kaboodle

Attention coffee lovers! Who wants a Keurig brewing system?

The Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System is powered by Keurig and perfect for personal use or entertaining. Using the Keurig K-Cup, this single-serve home-brewing system offers consumers fresh gourmet coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more in under one minute. In addition to the over 200 varieties of K-Cups, the Cuisinart Brewing System includes the My K-Cup Reusable Coffee Filter that can be filled with your favorite ground coffee.

My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter can be filled with any gourmet ground coffee - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Perfect for both personal use and entertaining, this single-serve home-brewing system offers consumers fresh gourmet coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more in under one minute. Using Keurig K-Cups®—featuring over two hundred varieties of pre-measured, premium brand coffee and tea—this brewer’s innovative one-touch technology makes it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy a wide array of hot beverages. - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Perfect for both personal use and entertaining, this single-serve home-brewing system offers consumers fresh gourmet coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more in under one minute. Using Keurig K-Cups®—featuring over two hundred varieties of pre-measured, premium brand coffee and tea—this brewer’s innovative one-touch technology makes it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy a wide array of hot beverages. - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Perfect for both personal use and entertaining, this single-serve home-brewing system offers consumers fresh gourmet coffee, tea, hot cocoa and more in under one minute. Using Keurig K-Cups®—featuring over two hundred varieties of pre-measured, premium brand coffee and tea—this brewer’s innovative one-touch technology makes it easier than ever for consumers to enjoy a wide array of hot beverages. - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System Features: (from the Cuisinart Website)

• Hot Water Button lets consumers enjoy their favorite instant coffee, soup, tea, and hot cocoa, in no time
• Rinse Control instantly cleans the inside of the brew chamber to keep every cup as delicious as the first
• Extra Large Removable 80 oz. Water Reservoir offers impressive capacity, eliminating the need for frequent refills
• Fully Programmable full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off and adjustable temperature control
• Blue Backlit LCD w/Digital Clock brightly displays information, at an easy-to-read glance
• 5 Cup Sizes including an iced beverage setting
• Quiet Brew Technology lets you enjoy every cup more peacefully than ever
• Removable Drip Tray allows extra space for travel mugs
• BPA Free (all parts that come in contact with water or coffee)
• My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter can be filled with any gourmet ground coffee, to suit personal tastes, and conveniently stores right in the unit
• 12 K-Cup® Portion Pack lets consumers enjoy a varied sampling of all that Keurig K-Cups® have to offer
• Charcoal Water Filter removes impurities that could interfere with taste
• Limited 3-Year Warranty
• BPA Free

Hot Water Button lets consumers enjoy their favorite instant coffee, soup, tea, and hot cocoa, in no time
Rinse Control instantly cleans the inside of the brew chamber to keep every cup as delicious as the first
Extra Large Removable 80 oz. Water Reservoir offers impressive capacity, eliminating the need for frequent refills
Fully Programmable full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off and adjustable temperature control
Blue Backlit LCD w/Digital Clock brightly displays information, at an easy-to-read glance
5 Cup Sizes including an iced beverage setting
Quiet Brew Technology lets you enjoy every cup more peacefully than ever
Removable Drip Tray allows extra space for travel mugs
BPA Free (all parts that come in contact with water or coffee)
My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter can be filled with any gourmet ground coffee, to suit personal tastes, and conveniently stores right in the unit
12 K-Cup® Portion Pack lets consumers enjoy a varied sampling of all that Keurig K-Cups® have to offer
Charcoal Water Filter removes impurities that could interfere with taste
Limited 3-Year Warranty
BPA Free - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Hot Water Button lets consumers enjoy their favorite instant coffee, soup, tea, and hot cocoa, in no time
Rinse Control instantly cleans the inside of the brew chamber to keep every cup as delicious as the first
Extra Large Removable 80 oz. Water Reservoir offers impressive capacity, eliminating the need for frequent refills
Fully Programmable full spectrum of features including Auto On/Off and adjustable temperature control
Blue Backlit LCD w/Digital Clock brightly displays information, at an easy-to-read glance
5 Cup Sizes including an iced beverage setting
Quiet Brew Technology lets you enjoy every cup more peacefully than ever
Removable Drip Tray allows extra space for travel mugs
BPA Free (all parts that come in contact with water or coffee)
My K-Cup® Reusable Coffee Filter can be filled with any gourmet ground coffee, to suit personal tastes, and conveniently stores right in the unit
12 K-Cup® Portion Pack lets consumers enjoy a varied sampling of all that Keurig K-Cups® have to offer
Charcoal Water Filter removes impurities that could interfere with taste
Limited 3-Year Warranty
BPA Free - See more at: http://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_bar/ss-700bk.html#sthash.nBA43QFM.dpuf

Read Kate n' Kaboodle's Review of the Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System here.

The Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System, as well as a wide selection of Camera, Computer, Television and Home & Garden products, is available at BuyDig for $199.

Connect with BuyDig Online, Facebook and Twitter

Giveaway ends June 30th at 11:59pm. Open to U.S., 18+. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

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I received no compensation for this post, however all opinions are my own. Me And My Hndful is not responsible for prize fulfillment.

Thrifty Thursday's: Changing Up Your Normal

Trying to live on a tight budget can be challenging. It's easy to meal plan with plain ingredients, but after a while, you start to get sick of having the same meals day after day. This can lead to splurging on take out, or extra super market trips to by some new supper ideas. Boring can lead to expensive!
This week I wanted to introduce you to some ways to dress up you mash potatoes.

Snazzy Parsnip Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes for each person pealed and diced
• 1 parsnip for every 2 potatoes pealed and diced
• 3 cloves of garlic
• Caesar salad dressing
• Butter to taste
• 1/2 -1 cup milk

Super easy change to regular potatoes. Boil vegetables until tender. Drain and mash with remaining ingredients. I like to use my mixer to whip them up to be super creamy. 

The bad part of this recipe? I need to always have parsnips in the house now! The family requests this variation all the time now!

Wordless Wednesday

A little late, but better later than never!

Mission Giveaway: Eat To Win

Eating right can be a struggle in our busy lives. It is important we teach our children good eating habits, but how? This week's sponsor makes it a game!

About Our Sponsor

With the Eat to Win Game, you will eat healthy, exercise, and learn nutrition while having hilarious fun with the Interactive, FuNutrtional Board Game and Reality Edition from Eat to Win!

Check out Gwen's review of the Eat to Win Game!

The Prizes

Win one of TWO prize packs from Eat to Win Game. Each prize pack will contain the Eat To Win Board Game PLUS Eat To Win Kids Reality Edition for a total value of $55!

Keep: One Eat to Win Prize Pack

Share: One Eat to Win Prize Pack

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 6/11 12:01 am EST and Close on 6/14 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter.

Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway!

To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer.

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Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Mia Mariu Review and Giveaway

I have really sensitive skin. When I say sensitive, I mean eczema flair ups that can get painful. Not Fun. I have suffered for years, some time painfully  Before I had children, I just spent money on my self, after all, that's whet it is there for, right? After children, my priorities changes, and I began to be cheap with myself. Well, I learned that lesson.
After several years of painful trial and error, I discovered that being cheap is not always the way to go. Sure you can save a bit of money now, but at what cost?
I am always nervous to try new face products, but desided to take a chance on Mia Mariu. I am glad I did.

I was sent the Rejuvenate Your Skin Anti-Aging Pack to try. It  contains a Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser, an Anti-Aging Brightening Serum and an Anti-Aging Eye Treatment.  

The Basics

Mia Mariu is a Dallas based health and beauty social selling company that offers entrepreneurial business opportunities for women. Natural health and beauty products are available exclusively through Independent Advisers and online. 

The Refreshing Foaming Cleanser did what it claims to, and was mild enough even for my skin. Formulated with sea kelp and aloe. I was left with clean and hydrated skin!  The Anti-Aging Brightening Serum  targets sun spots and pigmentation while brightening overall clarity.  This serum contains anti-aging peptides, skin-brightening botanicals, Aloe and Vitamin B5 Complex. The Anti-Aging Eye Treatment is a lightweight formula that quickly absorbs into the skin, instantly awakening tired-looking eyes.  The Eye Treatment contains antioxidants like Japanese Green Tea, Aloe and Vitamins B5 & E to help reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.

Why You Will Love It

• Gentle even for sensitive skin
• Made from natural products
• Anti aging (after all, who wants to look older?)

Buy It
Visit Mia Mariu and check out all of the skin care and make up choices.

Win It
Mia Mariu is giving away 1 Rejuvenate Your Skin Anti-Aging Pack to a lucky reader. Just fill out the form below. 
Good Luck! 

Entry-Form

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.

Revolt Week 6- Water

One of the big questions I get asked about the Revolt diet is "How much water do you drink?' followed by "There is no way I can drink THAT much water!"

Well, I am here to tell you it's not as hard as you might think. I am not a water fan. I hate drinking water. I have never been a water person, and no I am supposed to drink at least one gallon of water every day. That's a lot of water! I have always known that water is good for you. Sometimes knowing something isn't enough. You have to really believe it. 

Water Facts 

1. Our brains are made up of 85 percent water. By drinking water regularly, it keeps the brain running smoothly. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, a main component in developing headaches, migraines, fatigue, drowsiness and depression.
2. Drinking water can help deter overeating and promote weight loss. Thirst and hunger feelings are interconnected. The body can mistake dehydration for hunger causing one to eat when she is really craving liquid. Drinking water before meals can help reduce the intake of food. Chemical reactions in the body rely on water. Water flushes out byproducts of fat decomposition and helps to dilute the body's waste. When there is not enough water, the kidneys may not work efficiently and the liver has to step in to provide assistance. When this happens, the liver puts fat burning on hold.
   
3. When the skin is hydrated, it looks healthier  Water allows the toxins to be flushed out and keeps you cool through perspiration.
   
4. Water assists in regulation your body temperature. 
5. Water plays a vital role in eliminating toxins. The role of the kidneys is to eliminate waste from the human body. Kidneys assist in flushing out various toxins such as uric acid and lactic acid out of the blood. These toxins are responsible for causing people to feel lethargic. Blood is composed of mostly water and aids in dispersing, processing, and conveying nutrients to cells, and removing waste materials. Drinking enough water eases the burden on your kidneys and other body parts, and keeps the human body free of toxins.
   
   So how do you ensure you drink all that water? There are tons of little tricks. I started out by filling a 1/2 gallon jug and putting cut up lemons in to flavour it. I actually began to enjoy my water! I set an hourly goal. Each hour I had to have an empty glass to fill up. I sipped it through the hour, and gulped what ever was left at the end of the hour. Now that I am accustom to drinking so much, I can just have it plain. 

So now for the results for the week. 

Starting weight: 194 lbs

Current weight: 181 lbs 

Current weight loss: 13 lbs.

Not too shabby for 6 weeks! I am loving the Revolt Fitness program. We just started the June uprising, but it's not too late for you! Join Revolt now and change your life for only $10 per month! 

Disclaimer: I was selected as a Revolt Blogger and received a free membership in exchange for writing about the program. This post may contain affiliate links. 

Boba 3G Review

I have been interested in baby wearing for a long time, but have never found a carrier that works for me. My lovely sister-in-law has made me a ring sling, wrap, and Mei-Tai. None of them were very comfortable for me. So much work, and I was always tired by the end.
With Little C's disabilities, she is still not walking. We have many appointments, and sometimes the stoller is more trouble than it's worth it a small doctor's office. This is a time that baby wearing is crucial for me. 
Soft structured carriers use buckles to give you an easier fit. There are still so many options when picking a carrier. How do you choose? 
I was given a Boba 3G to review, and I am in love!

The Basics

Like other soft structured carriers, the Boba 3G has padded straps, and distributes the babies weight evenly. I find I can comfortably wear Little C for hours with out getting tired. The Boba 3G is intended for babies and children between 7-45lbs. You can use the Boba 3G to have your child face you in the front, or on your back. 

One of the greatest features of the Boba 3G is the removable foot straps that can attach to the waist band for your toddler. These straps offer many advantages not found in other carriers. Not only does it give tired legs a place to rest, but combined with the wider body it creates a true sitting position. This helps promote correct posture and spine development. This is achieved by creating a frog like position which naturally tilts the pelvis, fills out the hip sockets and aligns the spine. Improper alignment can cause life long problems. This is a very important factor for me in choosing a carrier. 

Why Use A Baby Carrier?
I know some people question the need for baby wearing. We already buy so many pieces of baby gear, is this really necessary? Well necessary is really a matter of opinion. I have 5 children and only began baby wearing with baby #4. While I don't find it "necessary" to have a baby carrier, I was surprised how many times I was glad to have them. Durring "fussy" times wearing your baby can soothe and give everyone a nice break. Baby carriers take up less space in the car, and can be quicker when running errands than a stroller. There are also other important benefits to consider. 

Babies spend so much time on their backs sleeping and in car seats. This can lead to Plagiocephaly, or 
"flat head syndrom." Using a baby carrier helps keep babies upright, preventing this. 

Tummy to tummy carrying also promotes a healthy "C" shape for baby. This is good for the developing muscles and spine.

What Makes Boba 3G different
The Boba 3G offers many features not offered in all baby carriers.

• 2-3” higher than other soft structured carriers. This prevents the "leaning away from you" feeling and reduces shoulder strap pressure
• Converts to an infant carrier without an insert
• Offers complete leg support with leg straps for your child
• The wider seat brings your little one closer to you and helps provide more discreet nursing

Why You Will Love It

• Easy on, easy off and easy to learn the adjustments
• Back and hip support
• Adjustable, comfortably adjusts to fit 5'0-6'3 and has a waistband range of 25" – 58" with out an extension!
• Padding in the shoulders and in waistband
• Baby is held close
• Proper sitting position
• Supports legs in a position that helps naturally aligns hips, pelvis, and spine
• Elastic bands neatly roll up straps
• Shoulder strap holders keep purses and diaper bags in place
• Multiple pockets for storage
• Removable sleeping hood with pocket for storming when not in use

Why They Will Love It

• Close to mom or dad
• Comfortable
• Natural position
• Sleeping hood provides darkness durring naps

I even tried Little C with my sister-in-law, a baby wearing pro to get her opinion. She is much taller than I am. She had no trouble putting it on and adjusting the straps to her comfort. She loved it so much, she wants one now!  

Buy It:

The Boba 3G and other Boba baby carriers are available at http://www.distributionwallaby.ca/english/boba-carrier/. 

Disclaimer: I was given the Boba 3G for review purposes. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.