New Month, New Goals

Happy July! It's a new month, and a new Uprising with Revolt Fitness, and this month promises to be a good one! Pizza, smoothies, even chocolate! Yes, that's right, we will be eating amazing food and loosing weight at the same time! That's because with the good food we also sweat! 

I have seen so many people try to loose weight with diet alone, and while it does work, it is usually short lived. With Revolt, I am finding the results I am getting are more than just weight loss, I am getting stronger and stronger as I push myself. Sometimes we have to work hard to get results, and stick to it. 

This past week was not my greatest, yet I am encouraged. All around me people are noticing the changes in my weight. I am seeing my body transform. This uprising I want to push even harder, and see what I can do. I feel like I can do more than I ever dreamed, and I owe it all to Revolt.

If you haven't checked out Revolt, now is the time. The only thing holding you back is your self. Revolt offers a complete support group, meal plans, and work outs that are actually easy to follow while still kicking you in the butt, and sometimes that's exactly what we need!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary membership to Revolt Fitness for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own. For more information please read my disclosure policy. 

$50 Amazon or Pay Pal Giveaway

Welcome to the Comment Starter Giveaway!

Organized by: 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.

Super easy entries, a chance to go shopping, plus you will visit some amazing blogs!

One lucky reader will receive their choice of $50 via paypal or a $50 Amazon eGift Code!

Giveaway ends July 13, 2013 at 11:59pm, open worldwide, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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!

LifeProof July 4th Sale

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. 
 Happy 4th of July!
To celebrate, LifeProof is holding a July 4th Sale! - 10% Off All Orders At LifeProof.com Until July 7th! Use Coupon Code: JULY13 at checkout.
Why buy a LifeProof case?
LifeProof offers you dirt proof, snow proof, shock proof, and water proof protection for your devices! We have one for my hubby. He works with concreate and this is the only case he uses. He gets amazing protection with a slim design.

Plus get free shipping on orders over $50 to the US!

Don't forget, coupon code: JULY13

Santa Fe Chicken Recipe

Some days we can become so busy that we have no time to prepare supper. Between appointments, summer fun, and running errands the days disappear so quickly. Days like this are when I really appreciate my slow cooker and rice cooker. My rice cooker has a delay timer, so I can set it up in the morning, and set the timer to start when ever I need it!
When it's hot out, a slow cooker can be your best friend! Start cooking in the morning with out heating up the house.

One of my favourite recipe is for Santa Fe Chicken, and it can be made easily in a slow cooker or rice cooker.

Ingredients:

3 cups uncooked White rice
2 cups salsa or 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid and spices of your choice (chili powder, cumin, etc.)
3 cups water (if you use a can of tomatoes use 2 cups of water)
1-2 lb. diced chicken uncooked
1 onion diced (optional)
1 green pepper chopped (optional)
1 small can black beans drained (optional)
1/2 cup cream cheese

My family does not like this recipe with beans, so I omit them. Too bad, because I liked it!

Slow Cooker Directions:
Reduce the water to 2 1/2 cups. Put all ingredients except the cream cheese in your slow cooker. Cook on low 6 hours or high 4 hours.

When cooked, mix in the cream cheese and serve!




















Rice cooker directions:
The same as with a slow cooker, only start 45 minutes before you want to eat.

This meal has gotten me tons of compliments! Enjoy!

Wordless Wednesday: Canada Day Fun

Focusing on Speech

Hearing your child's first words is a joy for every parent. it doesn't matter how many children you have, each time is new and exciting. What happens when that moment isn't coming? When you suspect that your child might have a speech delay?
Each region has different resources, but in most areas like with any specialist, there is a wait. So what now? How do you encourage your child to speak, or help improving the quality of the speech they do have?
We have been through speech therapy twice now, and are receiving some for Little C right now. It is very difficult when your little one isn't talking, but there are things you can do to help.

Have them drink from a straw
I wish I had known this one! Little S's therapist let me know about this one. When you use a straw, you are using the same muscles that are used in speech. Developing these muscles assists in the easy formation of words. Whether your child is just learning to drink a sippy cup, or already in school, a straw can help. 

There are many straw cup options for kids of all ages. The earlier they start, the greater the benefit. 

Use Baby Sign Language

Yes, believe it or not this helps speech. Not only does signing help prevent frustration in babies, and help you comunicate with your child at an earlier age, many studies show children who sign speak earlier, and have a bigger vocabulary than children using speech alone. In our family I noticed an incredible difference when I introduced signs to my children.

Play the "Echo" Game
When your baby or toddler babbles, repeat what the "say" back to them. This teaches them about conversation, and about turn taking. Repeat them a few times, and try using similar sounds back to them encouraging them to echo you. The more they enjoy it, the more likely they are to "echo" you. Gradually increase the difficulty moving from vowel sounds, to consonants, and finally words.

Name the Objects Around
The best thing you can do to help your child is model speech for them. Name objects, show them what speech is for, even with your infants.

These are only a few things, but it is amazing how much these few things can help! 

Choosing a Deck

This post brought to you by Royal Building Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Right now my house has a tiny little wood deck, just big enough for us to stand on to unlock the door. It might have been nice once upon a time, but that time is long gone! The paint is peeling, the wood is splitting, and one day I am sure that it will fall to pieces. I can't count how many times I have pulled slivers out of my children's hands and feet. 

Building a new deck has always been on my to do list. I never realized how many options there really are for decking materials. 

After doing some reading, I am really considering trying a Royal Deck system. It is made of  high-quality cellular PVC, and is weather and insect resistant, features that are very appealing to me. That combined with the fact that it is safe for my children. With a crawling baby, splinters are a big concern. Little C not only crawls, but she also scoots on her bum, dragging it as she goes along. I will not let her play on most decks, and I have a dream for my house. I want to build a deck that I can have screened in, big enough for some patio furniture, a barbeque, and room for my kids to play. 

After visiting Royal Building Products I have a much better picture of what I want in a deck, and what options are available to me. I even got some color ideas. I am thinking of using graystone, and painting the house a bolder color. 

Visit Royal Building Products and check out their decking materials. You will love it! What would you pick if you were rebuilding a deck right now?