Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Smartipants Giveaway- make sure to enter!
Tamara over at Adventures of a First Time SAHM blog is hosting her very first giveaway! Her giveaway is for a OS Smartipants diaper in winners choice of color. She is buying the diaper for the winner too! Let's all show our support and help this mom blogger off to a good start. Go enter here.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Save BIG on groceries! Here is how...
I have been disappointed in myself lately because I use to be so good about clipping coupons, meals planning and making sure I was saving my family the most money possible. Now we have been going to the store every couple days and spending WAY too much on food.
With some organization, planning, and with help from sites such as Deals to Meals and The Grocery Game grocery shopping and meal planning does not have to be a chore. It can be quite fun!
Deals to Meals is a site I found recently that I am very excited about. It was created by a mom. This mom teaches you how to stock pile and prepare for emergencies. Her Deals to Meals service is only $4.95 a month and each week she tells you all the grocery deals of all the grocery stores in your town (or most of them). She tells you which sale items to buy to save more then you would at Cosco, Sams Club and Walmart. She tells you which items to stock up on for your food storage and freezer, how long those items will last, and how much to buy for your family. She not only provides you with the information to snag all the killer deals but also gives you a menu plan complete with recipes each week based off those deals. This is a HUGE time saver and great for those of you (like me) who are in a dinner rut and need some fresh ideas. I am using her menu plan this week. See my Menu Plan post here to see what it looks like. Very yummy stuff! Deals to Meals also offers a weekly grocery list that you can pick and choose which sale items you want and then print them off. They have printable food storage inventory sheets & more that you can download. For 2 weeks you can check it out for free (This is what I did).
I have been saving all the coupons out of my Sunday papers and today I actually sat down and clipped them all. I organized them into categories and put them in envelopes (I have a real cool coupon holder I bought coming in the mail here soon, I can't wait). Then I went online to Deals to Meals and printed out their Menu Plan with recipes for this week and also their grocery list of all the deals at two of my local grocery stores. Then I went to Grocery Game and signed up again and printed off the coupon deals for those same two stores. After this, I compiled a master list of everything I needed. Yes, it was a time consuming chore but it will get easier as I get use to shopping this way once more. Most of my time was spend organizing since I have not done this in a while.
That's a lot of groceries!
Lastly, I headed out shopping! I first went to the natural food store to pick up some bulk grains and vegetables for bread and baby food making. Then I went to City Market (same as King Soopers) and did the rest of my shopping. 3 1/2hours after I left my house I was done! Whew! At City Market I saved 47% off my groceries. My total was $180 but I saved $137 with shopping sales and using coupons. I bought a bunch of sale priced meat for our freezer, a few stock pile foods (Including healthy cereals for only $1.50 per box) and got all the food for my menu plan, lunches, etc. I will need to make a Safeway trip tomorrow for a few of their sale items but that won't take long (hopefully).
My goal is to have a stockpile of at least 3 months worth of groceries. Deals to Meals suggest 1 year, but we have limited storage space and no garage. I know if I stay consistent in my deal shopping that I can make this happen. I am tired of throwing something together each night. It feels so good when I have a plan and my family is blessed by it as well.
What do you do to save on your families grocery expenses? I would love to hear your tips!
With some organization, planning, and with help from sites such as Deals to Meals and The Grocery Game grocery shopping and meal planning does not have to be a chore. It can be quite fun!
Deals to Meals is a site I found recently that I am very excited about. It was created by a mom. This mom teaches you how to stock pile and prepare for emergencies. Her Deals to Meals service is only $4.95 a month and each week she tells you all the grocery deals of all the grocery stores in your town (or most of them). She tells you which sale items to buy to save more then you would at Cosco, Sams Club and Walmart. She tells you which items to stock up on for your food storage and freezer, how long those items will last, and how much to buy for your family. She not only provides you with the information to snag all the killer deals but also gives you a menu plan complete with recipes each week based off those deals. This is a HUGE time saver and great for those of you (like me) who are in a dinner rut and need some fresh ideas. I am using her menu plan this week. See my Menu Plan post here to see what it looks like. Very yummy stuff! Deals to Meals also offers a weekly grocery list that you can pick and choose which sale items you want and then print them off. They have printable food storage inventory sheets & more that you can download. For 2 weeks you can check it out for free (This is what I did).
I have been saving all the coupons out of my Sunday papers and today I actually sat down and clipped them all. I organized them into categories and put them in envelopes (I have a real cool coupon holder I bought coming in the mail here soon, I can't wait). Then I went online to Deals to Meals and printed out their Menu Plan with recipes for this week and also their grocery list of all the deals at two of my local grocery stores. Then I went to Grocery Game and signed up again and printed off the coupon deals for those same two stores. After this, I compiled a master list of everything I needed. Yes, it was a time consuming chore but it will get easier as I get use to shopping this way once more. Most of my time was spend organizing since I have not done this in a while.
That's a lot of groceries!Lastly, I headed out shopping! I first went to the natural food store to pick up some bulk grains and vegetables for bread and baby food making. Then I went to City Market (same as King Soopers) and did the rest of my shopping. 3 1/2hours after I left my house I was done! Whew! At City Market I saved 47% off my groceries. My total was $180 but I saved $137 with shopping sales and using coupons. I bought a bunch of sale priced meat for our freezer, a few stock pile foods (Including healthy cereals for only $1.50 per box) and got all the food for my menu plan, lunches, etc. I will need to make a Safeway trip tomorrow for a few of their sale items but that won't take long (hopefully).
My goal is to have a stockpile of at least 3 months worth of groceries. Deals to Meals suggest 1 year, but we have limited storage space and no garage. I know if I stay consistent in my deal shopping that I can make this happen. I am tired of throwing something together each night. It feels so good when I have a plan and my family is blessed by it as well.
What do you do to save on your families grocery expenses? I would love to hear your tips!
Dinner Menu- Week of June 28th
Remember this? Yes, I have fallen off the menu plan wagon once again. It has been so long since I sat down and worked out a menu plan for my family. Today though I spent my whole Sunday clipping coupons, and making out our grocery list and menu plan (more about that in a bit). The plan itself was actually easy thanks to Deals to Meals. I think I am going to be loving this service! Okay...here is what is on the menu for this week:Monday~ Homemade Chicken Strips, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans and Salad
Tuesday~ Creamy Sausage Pepper Pasta, Broccoli and Macaroni Grill Bread
Wednesday~ Skillet Beef Stroganoff with Noodles and Green Salad
Thursday~ Crockpot Pineapple Chicken, Rice, and Stir Fry Vegetables
Friday~ Buffalo Chicken Salad Wraps, and Fresh Fruit
Saturday~ Grilled Island Chicken, Rice, and Strawberry Spinach Salad
Sunday~ Chile Relleno Casserole, Salad, and Peach Muffins
For the Baby:
Pureed Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Carrots, Broccoli, Super Porridge, and Homemade teething biscuits.
I will also be making homemade bread, flour tortillas, and several varieties of homemade Popsicles. :-) Busy Week!
I ♥ Yard Sales!
We scored at yard sales this past weekend. Look at what we got for only $17!!!
We have been wanting an upright freezer for SO long. We happened to be looking at one at a yard sale when a lasy came up to us and said ,"Hey do you guys want one of these for free?" She said that her cousin was getting rid of one that works real well. She gave us his number...we called him and we are now the owners of a 20 cubic feet Whirlpool freezer!!!! Yay!! I can't wait to fill it up. I want to start making freezer meals, baking our own breads, and stocking up when I find good meat deals.
Besides missing the bottom grill (or whatever it's called) the freezer is in great shape. No broken shelves or anything. We cleaned it up real well and it is working wonderfully!
Our next door neighbor was having a yard sale and gave this desk to me for free. This is great because it is the perfect size for my teacher desk for homeschool. It is not too big or too little. Yes, it needs help and that is what I have been working on the past few days. I have sanded it down to the wood and am going to paint it black. I am also going to replace all the drawer pulls. I will post the after pictures as soon as it is finished.
I was very excited to find this! I have been wanting one of these. I want to make frozen yogurt. Yum! I still very much want a hand crank ice cream maker, but for $3.00 I couldn't pass this up. It is in excellent condition too!
This is a fun little toy that will be great for homeschool. It tells you all kinds of different facts, music, etc. about all the different countries. It is two sided too. Cost $1.00
Glass Pyrex baking dishes!! Woo-hoo! $1.50 for all three.
2 tank tops and a pair of pajamas (perfect for baby J)75 cents
Not pictured:
We also got
- "The Fox and the Hound" and "Robots" on dvd for $4.00
- Fisher Price Cow bowling set. Has 6 milk jar pins and a cow print ball that moos when you bowl!
- at least 6 children's books
- Hot wheels cars
- Match Box car raceway with alligator that eats the cars as they drive by.
- Shirt for my husband
- Girl's sundress
I think that is all (I may have forgotten something). Isn't that awesome? I am so excited. We love going out with only a set amount (Usually 20 bucks for the whole family) and seeing what kind of deals we can find. What about you? Have you found any good yard sale deals lately?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Coming in July....
I have so many exciting things for you in July! First off July 17th marks my 1 year blog anniversary. I can't believe it has already been 1 year. To celebrate the occasion I will be throwing an event . I will officially announce my event July 1st. I won't say what the theme is now, but let's just say all you homemakers will appreciate this.
I will also have an amazing opportunity for you to help a family in need as well as purchase some awesome baby gear at great prices.
I will be featuring a review from CSN stores (remember them? They are an online marketplace offering 200+ stores. You can buy anything from toys to a new bathroom vanity!)
I will once again be having my Fluff Talk Thursdays meme. I had taken a break from this as I had to much going on at home and on my blog. Now that summer is here though I have a bit more time for this. The dates for FTT will be July 8th and 22nd. I will list the topics and assignment for these July 1st.
Last but not least, you will be seeing a huge change to my blog...I am getting a blog makeover!! I am so very excited about this. This is my gift to myself for my blog anniversary. I am working with a great blog designer and can't wait for the new look.
I hope that you are all excited about July too! Until then, I will continue to have some exciting reviews and giveaways for you all and hopefully some more fun summer posts. I apologize for the lack of personal post lately. I am still trying to wrap up the school year with my 3rd grader, started teaching at our home school coop and have had a lot going on in general. This has only left time for me to write my reviews. I want my blog to be an informative and fun place to visit, but can only do so much. Life as a busy mom to four doesn't leave much spare time.
Thank you to all my readers who have faithfully visited my blog. It has been a fun year getting to know you. I hope that Happily Domestic will continue to be at the top of your favorite blogs and that you continue to visit.
~Beth
I will also have an amazing opportunity for you to help a family in need as well as purchase some awesome baby gear at great prices.
I will be featuring a review from CSN stores (remember them? They are an online marketplace offering 200+ stores. You can buy anything from toys to a new bathroom vanity!)
I will once again be having my Fluff Talk Thursdays meme. I had taken a break from this as I had to much going on at home and on my blog. Now that summer is here though I have a bit more time for this. The dates for FTT will be July 8th and 22nd. I will list the topics and assignment for these July 1st.
Last but not least, you will be seeing a huge change to my blog...I am getting a blog makeover!! I am so very excited about this. This is my gift to myself for my blog anniversary. I am working with a great blog designer and can't wait for the new look.
I hope that you are all excited about July too! Until then, I will continue to have some exciting reviews and giveaways for you all and hopefully some more fun summer posts. I apologize for the lack of personal post lately. I am still trying to wrap up the school year with my 3rd grader, started teaching at our home school coop and have had a lot going on in general. This has only left time for me to write my reviews. I want my blog to be an informative and fun place to visit, but can only do so much. Life as a busy mom to four doesn't leave much spare time.
Thank you to all my readers who have faithfully visited my blog. It has been a fun year getting to know you. I hope that Happily Domestic will continue to be at the top of your favorite blogs and that you continue to visit.
~Beth
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Happy Baby- Organic Food For Babies And Toddlers Review and Giveaway!!
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
I love making homemade baby food for my babies, but sometimes time is short. Some days we need a fast meal. This does not mean giving my baby a less nutritious meal though. Today there is healthier alternatives than the usual jarred baby foods. Let me introduce you to Happy Baby!Happy Baby's Promise:
- HAPPYBABY is committed to providing families with the healthiest, most optimal nutrition possible. Besides using the best organic ingredients, we also incorporate the best nature has to offer when it comes to added nutrition, like our sustainable source of DHA, pre and probiotics, and supergrains like Salba and Quinoa.
- HAPPYBABY has partnered with Dr. Sears, well known author and pediatrician to ensure the healthiest formulations possible for baby's growing body. We work together to create products that he feels good about recommending to his patients and you.
- HAPPYBABY has made a "No Junk" promise to ourselves and you. We work hard every day to ensure that our foods are safe, of the highest quality, so you do not need to think about it! You can count us to offer items without added sugar, trans fats, anything artificial, and always in the safest packaging.
- HAPPYBABY makes the best informed decisions about our foods, sourcing and packaging so that we make the very best for our world as well as your family. We are constantly making improvements to our offerings and reducing our carbon footprint. Learn more about our green partnership with Method®.
- HAPPYBABY works with Project Peanut Butter to help feed starving children in Malawi. Every package purchased contributes to this effort. Learn more at projectpeanutbutter.org
- HAPPYBABY wants to feed your mind as well as your tummy. Come to our site to learn and view tips and tricks from our experts as well as other moms, dads and caregivers. Read more in our book—a great resource guide for parents on feeding, nutrition and green parenting options.
- HAPPYBABY promises to always support organic. We believe that children deserve delicious foods free from chemicals, pesticides, artificial ingredients, and preservatives. Healthy bodies, healthy world.
Not many baby food companies can compare to that kind of promise! I like knowing the foods my baby eats are coming from a company that actually cares about his nutrition. Afterall, his health is top priority!
Happy Baby offers food for babies ages 5 months all the way up to preschoolers. They have a wide range of yummy foods from frozen baby cubes, to delicious meals for toddlers with hidden vegetables! (Every mom can appreciate that!)
-
HAPPYBABY: fresh frozen organic baby food
HAPPYBELLIES: the only baby cereals with DHA + Probiotics
HAPPYBABY PUFFS: organic finger foods for babies
-
HAPPYMELTS: organic yougurt snacks for babies
-
HAPPYBABY: easy organic baby meals in NEW convenient pouches
-
HAPPYBITES: healthy kids meals
I was excited when the opportunity came my way to review Happy Baby food. I was sent a wide variety of their products for both my baby and toddler. We received 3 varieties of their frozen baby meals, 2 flavors of puffs, 2 flavors of yogurt melts, and 4 varieties of the Happy Bites toddler meals.
To avoid allergies, I waited until Baby J was almost 6 months before giving him rice cereal. I love the fact that Happy Baby's rice cereal is made from organic brown rice. White rice contains so little nutrition, it is sad that it is commonly used as baby's first food. Happy Bellies baby cereal contains DHA for eye and brain development, Probiotic to support baby's immune system, and is fortified with vitamins and minerals to ensure your baby is receiving optimal nutrition.
Happy Baby made my baby very happy!
As soon as Baby J reached 6 months I started offering him single foods. Once he had a a few new tastes under his belt, I began feeding him baby food blends. He loved the Happy Baby spinach, pea, green bean, and brown rice combo. Here is a little sideshow of him enjoying his meal.
These Happy Baby frozen meals are great because the babyfood comes in a BPA free freezer tray. You simply pop out how ever many cubes your baby needs for a particular meal and they heat up quickly on the stove. These baby meals also have added DHA which is so important for proper brain development. Frozen baby food is superior in taste in nutrition to food that has been canned at high temperatures to ensure a long shelf life. When choosing food for ourselves we should always strive for fresh first, frozen second, and commercially canned foods last. Our babies are no exception!
He doesn't know he is eating a lot of vegetables!If you have a toddler then you probably deal with pickiness on a daily basis. It is hard to get toddlers to eat their vegetables. Happy Bites are great because each variety contains hidden vegetables. Even the Macaroni and Cheese contains organic cauliflower, chickpeas, and butternut squash! Does your mac and cheese have that much nutrition? My son LOVED it too.
I am so pleased with all the foods that we tried. They passed the taste test with my two boys, they passed the nutrition test by me and the fact that they are backed up by a company that has my children's best interest at heart....I highly recommend Happy Baby!
BUY IT: You can purchase Happy Baby products directly from their website or shop at one of their many retailers. Click here for their store locator.
WIN IT: Happy Baby is giving one Happily Domestic reader a Happy Baby Food Prize Pack containing; 2 free trial coupons for each of their products or a carton of their choice HAPPYBELLIES, HAPPYBABY, HAPPYBABYPUFFS, HAPPYMELTS, and HAPPYBITES
1 FAQ on Probiotics & DHA
1 Infant & Toddler Nutrition Guide, co-authored by Dr. Sears
1 HAPPYFAMILY Recipes
First Mandatory entry:
Visit Happy Baby and tell me an interesting fact you learned from their site.
*Remember to leave your email address in your comment! YOU MUST DO THIS TO WIN*
After you have completed your first entry you are eligible for additional entries. *See my giveaway instructions here for more information. * *Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry AND include your e-mail address.*
- Follow my blog publicly through Google friend connect (can be found at my right sidebar.) - current follows count too!
- Subscribe to my blog emails via Feedburner. ( Counts for 2 entries) Sign up box on my right sidebar.
- Grab my Happily Domestic button! (found at right sidebar)- Leave the URL where it is posted.
- Blog about THIS giveaway between June 23rd and July 2nd and gain TWO entries!!! link back to my site- leave the URL where you blogged. Please leave separate comments for each entry. Example "I blogged about your HB giveaway@ #1" then "I blogged about your HB giveaway@ #2".
- Follow HappilyDomestic on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (counts as 1 entry)- after this you may "tweet" daily and gain an extra entry each day that you tweet-limit one per day. Leave your tweet status.
- Vote for me at TOP 100 MOMMY BLOGGERS, link button is found at my top left sidebar. Leave a comment saying that you voted for me. This only counts for new votes.
- Enter any of my current giveaways, leave a comment and tell me which giveaway you entered. Counts as 1 entry per giveaway entered. Please leave separate comments per giveaway you entered.
- Follow Happy Baby Food on Twitter. Leave a comment saying that you did this.
- Like Happy Family on Facebook . Click here. Leave a comment saying that you did this.
- Sign up for Happy Baby's e-newsletter. Click here. Leave a comment saying that you did this.
Thank you to Happy Baby who provided me with the products for review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received to conduct this review and giveaway.
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
Monday, June 21, 2010
Educational Outdoors Games- Announcing the 3 WINNERS!!
- I tweeted @myniftynappy http://twitter.com/myniftynappy/status/16230722690 niftynappy@gmail.com
- June 15, 2010 9:05 AM
- I'm an email subscriber! andreapaetkau at gmail dot com
- June 10, 2010 2:28 PM
- email subscriber silenttributary(at)yahoo(dot)com
Winners have been contacted by email and have 48 hours to claim their prizes or new winners will be drawn.
Tuffo Water Resistant Outdoor Blanket WINNER!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO KATRINA!!
- I have the button http://mrsjuicebox.blogspot.com/p/blog-roll-buttons.html
- June 7, 2010 6:19 PM
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Yo Baby Giveaway WINNER!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRAVES FAMILY!!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Yummi Bears Organics Gift Basket WINNER!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO KRISTEN!!
-
- I entered the Bright Starts Bounce giveaway. kristen_yeh at yahoo dot com
- June 7, 2010 11:18 AM
Friday, June 18, 2010
Nominate Your Pink Power Mom for a Weekend of Pampering and More Great Prizes!
Bright Starts™ wants to honor eight women who have led an inspirational fight against breast cancer. These amazing women have persevered through their battle and have gone on to make a difference in the world, motivating and inspiring those around them. What does it take to be a Pink Power Mom? Read about our former winners at http://www.pinkpowermom.com. The eight winning Pink Power Moms will receive:
- A $5,000 Donation to the breast cancer charity of her choice
- A weekend of pampering with all 8 of the Pink Power Mom winners
- A chance to be selected as the Bright Starts™ Pink Power Super Mom and to receive additional charity donations plus appear in a Bright Starts™ print advertising campaign
Nominate your Pink Power Mom today by sharing your stories about that amazing woman in your life. Recognize and empower these amazing women by submitting stories about your Pink Power Mom to “Happily Domestic” and don’t forget to submit your stories to http://www.pinkpowermom.com. In October, we will announce the national winners and the winner from “Happily Domestic.” This very special mom will receive some of her own Bright Starts™ products.
Also, don’t forget to Become a Fan of Bright Starts on Facebook and Be a Giver. Through the month of June, Bright Starts™ will donate $1 for every new fan that joins us during the campaign to benefit Pink Power Mom charities. Your Pink Power Mom will appreciate your help and support.
Nominations close June 30th 2010 and winners will be announced in November.
Outdoor Fun Event!
Chari over at Take Time To Smell The Rose blog is having yet another great event coming up on her blog. Her "Outdoor Fun Event" starts in two days! Lot's of great sponsors. It only lasts one week so don't miss it! Click on event button to be directed to her blog. :-)
Announcing My 1,000 Follower Giveaway! Enter Here
*THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED ON 8/23/2010*
Are you a public follower of my blog through google friend connect? Well, now is the time to follow! When my blog reaches 1,000 followers I will be giving away a $50 Date Night package to one of my public followers. I will select the winner randomly at Random.org. Please see rules below.Contest Rules:
- You MUST be a public follower of my blog through google friend connect. (can be found at right hand side bar)
- You will need to leave a comment on THIS post that you follow in order to be entered in the drawing.
- Please leave your email address when you comment, if I don't know how to contact you then you can not win.
- Blog about my giveaway and encourage your readers to follow my blog and enter the giveaway! Please leave a seperate comment that you did this and leave the post link in your comment so I can verify that you did indeed blog.
- Email 10 friends about my giveaway and tell them about my blog. Please include my email address in the email contacts as I will need to see the email for this entry to qualify. My email address is : HappilyDomestic09@yahoo.com. Don't forget to come back and leave a comment here that you sent an email.
Winner will recieve a $20 gift card to Regal Cinemas and a $30 gift card to the restraunt of their choice from my list below. If you are like me you could use a date night with your husband. We haven't gone out in 15 months! Or maybe you want to have a moms night out with a friend...whatever your circumstances, everyone loves dinner and a movie! Good luck.
*This giveaway will end on the day my blog reaches 1,000 followers. Winner will be announced on the following day. USA residents only please, must be 18 or older to win*
*THIS GIVEAWAY ENDED ON 8/23/2010*
Little E- The Newest Dapperlads Model :-)
I am so excited! My son is now featured on Dapperlads website. You can find him in 3 places...
their main page http://www.dapperlads.com(bottom of site) You can find him in their picture gallery here: http://www.dapperlads.com/picture_gallery_css.php
And, if you check out the Chocolate Brown Check Knicker set outfit,
you will see him again!
http://www.dapperlads.com/index.php?c=17&p=407
This is also exciting to me as I took these photos. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a photographer but never pursued it. It is nice to know I can take a decent enough picture to have them featured on other sites.
*Don't forget until June 30th you can save 20% off your ENTIRE purchase at Dapperlads by using coupon code HDB20 at check out. This is a BIG savings off their already low prices. The owner of Dapperlads created this discount special for my readers. Take advantage of it because Dapperlads does not usually work with bloggers. You may never have this chance again. *
Leap Frog Tag Junior Review and Leap Frog Toy Giveaway!
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
(From their site)
LeapFrog is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative, technology-based educational products and related proprietary content. LeapFrog is 100% focused on developing products that will provide the most engaging, effective learning experience - for all ages, in school or home, around the world. We put learning first - a philosophy that distinguishes us from our competitors and fuels the entire company.
The LeapFrog learning experience is brought to life by our highly specialized teams who unite the three key elements that truly set our products apart:
We start with a rigorous, proven learning methodology
We create compelling, multi-layered content
We deliver the content and learning experience through the use
of technology that is intuitive, invisible and engaging
The Tag and Tag Junior are a touch reading system designed to help young children develop a love for reading. As children touch the Tag Junior to the pages of specially printed storybooks, words talk, pictures sing and stories come to life.
Our Leap Frog Experience:
My two year old loves books. We read together every day. I was excited for him to try the Tag Junior as this is a way he can read books to himself while I am busy schooling his older siblings or while we are in the car. We had the pleasure of reviewing the new Tag Junior with three interactive books ( Winnie the Pooh, Curious George and If I were). My son loves Winnie The Pooh, so naturally this is his favorite book now. He gets a kick out of hearing Winnie The Pooh talk and loves the music.
The Tag Junior can hold up to 5 stories. You can download stories online from Leap Frog's Learning Path. You also can personalize your Tag Jr. with your child's name to create a personal experience your child will love. My son gets a kick out of hearing his name each time he turns the Tag Jr. on and off.
The Tag Junior is easy to use and fits easily into my toddlers hands. My son likes hearing his favorite characters talk and sing and is being taught many new skills- such as the alphabet, colors, shapes, counting and more! I can't wait to get more of these books for him.
There are many great learning books you can purchase for the Tag Junior such as Toy Story 3, Thomas the Tank Engine, Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, etc. All your child's favorite characters! You can also print off activity sheets from Leap Frog's Learning Path online to help enrich the experience. Great preschool tool for children ages 2-4.
BUY IT: You can purchase the Tag Junior and other educational Leap Frog products directly from their site or stores such as Target, Kmart, Toys R Us, and Walmart.
WIN IT: Leap Frog is giving one Happily Domestic reader a choice of either a Chat and Count (for ages 18-36 months) or a Text and Learn (for ages 3-6 years old)
Here is how to enter:
First Mandatory entry:
Visit Leap Frog and tell me which other Learning toys they offer that you would like to try.
*Remember to leave your email address in your comment! YOU MUST DO THIS TO WIN*
After you have completed your first entry you are eligible for additional entries. *See my giveaway instructions here for more information. * *Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry AND include your e-mail address.*
- Follow my blog publicly through Google friend connect (can be found at my right sidebar.) - current follows count too!
- Subscribe to my blog emails via Feedburner. Sign up box on my right sidebar.
- Blog about THIS giveaway between June 18th and June 28th and gain TWO entries!!! link back to my site- leave the URL where you blogged. Please leave separate comments for each entry. Example "I blogged about your Leap Frog giveaway@ #1" then "I blogged about your Leap Frog giveaway@ #2".
- Grab my Happily Domestic button! (found at right sidebar)- Leave the URL where it is posted.
- Follow HappilyDomestic on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (counts as 1 entry)- after this you may "tweet" daily and gain an extra entry each day that you tweet-limit one per day. Leave your tweet status.
- Vote for me at TOP 100 MOMMY BLOGGERS, link button is found at my top left sidebar. Leave a comment saying that you voted for me. This only counts for new votes.
- Enter any of my current giveaways, leave a comment and tell me which giveaway you entered. Counts as 1 entry per giveaway entered. Please leave separate comments per giveaway you entered.
- Follow Leap Frog on Twitter. Leave a comment saying you did this.
- Sign up for Leap Frogs Email Newsletter. (can be found at bottom left side of site) Leave a comment saying you did this.
- Like Leap Frog on Facebook. Leave a comment saying you did this.
Thank you to Leap Frog who provided me with the products for review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received to conduct this review and giveaway.
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Horizon Organic Dairy Review and Prize Pack Giveaway!
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
I remember a few year back when I use to attend MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) we had a nutritionist as a guest speaker one day. This woman talked all about what we need to eat to achieve optimal health. One question asked has always stuck out in my mind. It was "Out of all the foods we eat, which one is the most important to be organic?" Her answer was "DAIRY PRODUCTS."
Let's get nosy about dairy...Why is non-organic milk bad for you?
Several reasons... most cows on dairy farms are treated with synthetic growth hormones to increase milk production. As anyone knows what a cow eats and drinks or what is absorbed in it's body is then passed on through it's milk. We are drinking large amounts of the very same hormones that were given to a full grown cow!! Humans are much smaller creatures than cows, especially our children. These hormones are not good for our bodies. Even small amounts can have big effects on our health.
Antibiotics is another common problem with non-organic cows milk. There is an overuse of antibiotics given to dairy cows. We all know taking antibiotics on a regular basis destroys our own bodies ability to fight off sickness. Do we really need to be drinking and eating it in our dairy products?
Last but not least....Pesticides. Non-organic milk comes from cows who are fed grain loaded with pesticides. Again...what the cow eats, we eat.
Horizon Dairy:
Since 1991, Horizon has produced wholesome and delicious organic dairy products. Horizon Organic products are produced without antibiotics, pesticides or cloning, from cows not given added growth hormones. They carry the USDA certified organic seal and are produced in partnership with nearly 500 organic family farms. Horizon helps convert more land to earth-friendly organic agriculture and supports kindness to animals and the environment. Horizon cares about your families health and well being and it shows with the amount of thought and care they take in producing quality dairy products.
Our Experience:
I love the wide variety of organic dairy products that Horizon offers. It was a pleasure to work with Horizon on a review. I was sent coupons to purchase a variety of their products. Let me share with you some of the great things I learned about these delicious dairy products...The Cheese:
We tried the mozzarella string cheese, colby cheese sticks, cottage cheese, and the american singles. My children love cheese. They eat cheese everyday. With Horizon cheese I can know my children are not being pumped full of harmful pesticides, hormones and artificial flavors and preservatives. I know they are consuming the best and the only thing going into their bodies is calcium, protein, and helpful nutrition to help them grow and thrive.
My 2 year old enjoying a snack of Horizon string cheese and Horizon chocolate milk!The Yogurt:
Horizon Organic yogurt contains live and active cultures for digestive health, and NutraFlora, a natural fiber and prebiotic that actually enhances calcium absorption. Horizon offers blended yogurt, Tuberz yogurt tubes and Little Blends (whole fat yogurt mixed with fruit and veggies for babies and toddlers).
We tried the Tuberz in Blueberry and Strawberry flavor. These are great frozen and are a wonderful alternative to popsicles. My kids think they are getting a treat when they have these but really they are eating something good for them. I like that.
Horizon Organic yogurt contains live and active cultures for digestive health, and NutraFlora, a natural fiber and prebiotic that actually enhances calcium absorption. Horizon offers blended yogurt, Tuberz yogurt tubes and Little Blends (whole fat yogurt mixed with fruit and veggies for babies and toddlers).
We tried the Tuberz in Blueberry and Strawberry flavor. These are great frozen and are a wonderful alternative to popsicles. My kids think they are getting a treat when they have these but really they are eating something good for them. I like that.
My daughter enjoying her after lunch treat!
The Milk:We tried the great tasting 2% organic reduced fat milk with DHA Omega-3 and the Chocolate reduced fat milk with DHA Omega-3. DHA Omega-3 is an important nutrient that helps support heart, brain and eye health. DHA is particularly important during the first two years of life and early childhood. Between birth and five years of age, the human brain increases approximately 3.5 times in mass. It is important that children consume adequate amounts of DHA in their diet to support this period of rapid brain and eye growth and development. DHA ensures that cells in the brain, retina, heart and other parts of the nervous system develop and function properly. Most children today do not consume the necessary amount of DHA in their diets. Horizon milk with DHA helps children obtain 20% of the daily value they need, per serving.
I want to encourage parents everywhere that even if you cannot afford to make the switch to organic dairy for your entire family, at least ensure your growing children are consuming organic dairy. It is vitally important for your child's health. You may not physically see the damage that is taking place, but all those hormones, antibiotics, and pesticides are adding up and can have life long effects. With cancer lurking all around in our modern day society, it makes you wonder if this is not part of the cause.BUY IT: You can purchase Horizon Organic Dairy products at a store near you! Click here to find a location.
WIN IT: Horizon Dairy is giving one Happily Domestic reader a Horizon Dairy Prize Pack! This includes a reusable shopping bag filled with $50 of Horizon Free product coupons, another reusable bag, an insulated lunchbox, t-shirt, and several other fun items!
First Mandatory entry:
Visit Horizon Dairy and tell me which other dairy products they offer that you would like to try.
*Remember to leave your email address in your comment! YOU MUST DO THIS TO WIN*
After you have completed your first entry you are eligible for additional entries. *See my giveaway instructions here for more information. * *Remember to leave a separate comment for each additional entry AND include your e-mail address.*
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Thank you to Horizon Dairy who provided me with the products for review. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received to conduct this review and giveaway.
*THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED*
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