Life songs of a busy mom 6k fan giveaway

I'm so excited to be doing another fantastic giveaway with fellow mom and blogger "Life Songs of a Busy Mom" These are some wonderful prizes and great vendors that we would both like to thank for participating and making it possible for one of you to win!

So I wanted to personally thank all 6,000+ Life Songs Of A Busy Mom Facebook Fans, and I wanted to offer a great giveaway for you all to participate in.

A HUGE Thank you to all the wonderful giveaway sponsors and co-hosts! 

Without you all, I wouldn't be able to do this and I am very very grateful. 

So without further ado, here are the prize packs!

Winner of Prize Package #1 will receive:

Eise Hope Libby Satchel ($102)

Black and White Graphic Color, Gold Hardware and Zipper details combine to make this the perfect Day-to-Night bag!  Carries all your essentials in style.

  Click HERE to visit Elise Hope  

 Plexus Slim/Accelerator Combo ($115)

Plexus Slim is an all-natural, healthy solution to help you lose weight and inches by burning fat, not muscle. Slim also helps keep blood sugar, cholesterol and lipids at healthy levels.

Click HERE to visit Plexus Slim, Mandy Gladden Plexus Ambassador

Damsel in Defense

Road Trip Flashlight Auto Emergency Tool & Holla At Me Personal Alarm ($35)

 Magnetic flashlight that also has a flashing red light to warn other drivers you are on the side of the road if you don't have lights on your car. It does have a glass breaker & seat belt cutter if needed.  It also has an alarm to sound and runs of only 3 AA batteries. The Holla At Me Personal Alarm is a convenient hand held alarm on a key chain. This easily looks like another key fob added to your key chain, and sounds a 120 decibel alarm. It also has a flashlight, which is great at night to use when waling to your car.

Click HERE to visit Damsel in Defense

 Derm Exclusive Fill & Freeze Wrinkle Treatment ($30)

Instantly plump lines and wrinkles while reducing the appearance of dark circles. This breakthrough product gives injections and fillers a run for their money!

Click HERE to visit Derm Exclusive

311 Weight Loss Watch ($25)

 The simple, quick, and practically effortless way to lose weight. With the specially designed 311 Watch, simply "Eat At The Beep" and begin losing weight! What could be easier?

Click HERE to visit 311 Weight Loss

Scentsy Cream lampshade, Christmas Cottage, Silver Bells and Very Merry Cranberry bars, and honeymoon hideaway hand cream ($72)

Click HERE to visit Scentsy, Natalee Deyoung Independent Consultant

Winner of Prize Package #2 will receive:

 Leap Frog LeapPad2 Power Game Consule, 2 Games and a $20 app card ($170)

Leap Frog has the hottest educational, age-appropriate tablets and apps.

Here's a recent blog post I did where I talked with Leap Frog's child development and learning expert, Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos regarding what to look for in educational apps and tablets.

$50 Gift Certificate To Bella Grace Children's Boutique

Top of the line baby/children's clothing, furniture and bedding, accessories and so much more!

Click HERE to visit Bella Grace.

Pretty Pink Ruffles Hair Accessories Grab Bag ($45)

 Unique accessories made with love.
Click HERE to visit Pretty Pink Ruffles 

Enchanting Quotes Nursery Wall Quote or Personalized Wall Decal ($49.95)

Enchanting Quotes offers many different kinds of wall quotes, vinyl words & personalized sayings, so you are sure to find the perfect saying for any occasion. Choose from family wall sayings, kitchen quotes, nursery wall quotes or decorate your home for the holidays.

Click HERE to visit Enchanting Quotes.

$50 Toxic Sass Gift Card

Sweet & Sassy hair accessories for all ages.

Click HERE to visit Toxic Sass

The Winner of Prize Package #3 will receive:

 Beauty Glam Goodie Bag From Agape Love Designs ($51)

All the essentials to beautify yourself! 

Click HERE to visit Agape Love Designs

It Works! bundle ($263)

One box (4 applicators) of the It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator, one box It Works! Facial Applicator (4 applicators) and one tube It Works! Defining Gel. 

Click HERE to visit It Works!, Nancy Broderick Independent Distributor

Tangles The Knit Shop Hand Knit Airy Infinity Scarf ($35)
Handcrafted knitted accessories, to include cowls, infinity loop scarves, & neck warmers.
Click HERE to visit Tangles The Knit Shop.

Dani GetUrGunz Tank ($17)
Certified Personal Trainer, Fitness Guru and Fabulously Fit Mommy.
Click HERE to visit Dani GetUrGunz.



Winner of Prize Package #4 will receive:

 

 Thirty-one Uptown Rolling Weekender ($180)
 Because of the convenient size of this item, it fits in the overhead compartment of an airplane just as easily as it does the trunk of a car.  This bag features 2 exterior zipper pockets, 2 interior mesh pockets, a zipper closure, and a telescoping handle in addition to the two traditional top handles. This is the perfect piece of luggage for a long weekend away or a quick overnighter. 
Click HERE to visit Anna Fritz, Thirty-one Consultant

Avon Goodie Bundle ($51)
11.8 oz bottle of Avon Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan oil Shampoo and conditioner and a 2 oz bottle of Avon Advance Techniques Moroccan Argan oil leave in treatment.
A 3.4 oz Bottle of Avon Foot Works cooling spary in Papaya Sorbet and a 3.4 oz bottle of Avon Foot works Exfoliating Scrub in Papaya Sorbet.
A bottle of Avon Naturals Body lotion and Shower Gel in Aqua Rush.
An Avon Naturals Kids body wash in Mango.
A travel size bottle of Avon Care Vita Moist hand cream and two emery boards.
Click HERE to visit MaryBeth Eadie Avon Sales

$50 Premier Designs Gift Certificate
The gift certificate is for $50 towards jewelry merchandise with Premier Designs Jeweler Stacy Messick. It can be combined with an ongoing offers and specials.
Click HERE to visit Premier Designs Jeweler Stacy Messick

Allison Veals Steeped Tea Consultant Bundle ($50)
"After eight brownie mix"
Pom Pom pu-erh black tea---pu-erh tea is a fermented tea that is known to increase fat metabolism
Cherry Pie Rooibos tea---rooibos is from S. Africa and is caffeine free. Rooibos is known for helping allergies, nervous tension and digestive problems.
Lemon Chiffon green tea---Green tea has less caffeine than black tea even though it comes from the same bush. Green tea possibly can lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Infusing Stir Stick.
Click HERE to visit Steeped Tea, Allison Veals Consultant



Winner of Prize Package #5 will receive:

Outdoor Habitat Kids Moto Jacket ($70)
 The winner can choose either a pink or black jacket – they come in sizes 2T – 7.
Click HERE to visit Outdoor Habitat

 

$50 Drama Queen Bows Gift Certificate

 Accessories for the littlest queens.

Click HERE to visit Drama Queen Bows

Young Living Essential Oils Set ($60)

This great set includes Young Livings Lavender Essential Oil, Lavender Hand Lotion and Lip Balm.  Lavender is the most versatile essential oil! It not only relaxes you, but it can also be used to soothe burns, cuts, and skin irritations.

 Click HERE to visit Young Living Essential Oils Erica Iman, Independent Distributor.

Simply Lo Photography Accessory Package ($64)

Custom photography package. Choose from 7 newborn wraps (1 yd, 50 grade) with 18 lace headbands (pictured), and 2 newborn ties.

Click HERE to visit Simply Lo

So here's the fun part: Enter below for the prize pack that you'd like to win, or enter them all. The choice is yours!

Giveaway open to US residents, ages 18 and over.

I am not responsible for prize delivery.

Please let the Rafflecopter widgets fully load below.

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Do you want to be healthy, lose weight and improve your lifestyle? I did and this is how!

Okay my loves! I'm REALLY excited about this new product I've been using. I don't normally endorse things because I don't want to tell you about something I myself don't believe in or haven't tried. Anyhoo, on to the good stuff. Recently, Mandy, at life songs of a busy mom posted about this new product she's been using. You can read all about her story from the link above. After reading about her commitment to health and fitness I became very interested in wanting to know more. As some of you know, I've been working really hard at eating clean, organic, non processed foods and adding a variety of fruits and veggies to my 'diet'. I've cut out ALL sodas and ALL caffeine since February of 2013. Even though my main goal is to be healthy in mind, body and spirit, I couldn't help not wanting to look great in the process! In other words, I have some serious poundage to lose.

Even though month after month my weight wouldn't really change, I felt good, so I stuck with it. No way was I going back to horrible eating habits! Still, I didn't know what I was doing wrong by not losing any pounds? This is one of the reasons I'm so excited I tried Plexus! I contacted Mandy after seeing her pictures on Instagram, twitter and FB and asked her what her thoughts were on this product. Since I know she doesn't just endorse or promote anything that comes her way, I knew I could trust her opinion. Well, needless to say...SHE LOVES IT!! She talked about how not only she had lost weight but how her hair and skin was growing more. How her sugar and carb cravings had diminished and how she had so much more energy.

Needless to say I asked where I could get some samples to see if this was something that could work for me. She kindly directed me to her website and helped walk me through my options. I tried the 3 day decision pack. It was only $11.99 and was at my door within a couple of days! The three days went great and I couldn't wait to get my 30 day order in!!

Now, I'm not at the point where I want to advertise my "before" pictures or post my actual weight. However, I CAN tell you that I'm a size 18 and am very fluffy ;-) I first started on a Thursday morning and by Tuesday morning I was down 3 lbs! I know, I know, it doesn't sound like much. Take into account I haven't been able to lose a DAMN POUND for months! Not only that but I kid you not, my sugar and carb cravings were gone! See you later snacks...buh bye now!

They have several products that I haven't personally used yet, but I know several people now that have taken these products and LOVE and swear by them!

Plexus Slim is the all-natural way to lose weight and inches by burning fat, not muscle. Plexus Slim also helps keep blood sugar, cholesterol and lipids at healthy levels. In addition, Slim helps reduce binge eating and increases your willpower over food.

You pour it into a 12-20oz bottle of water, shake it up and drink it 30 minutes before a meal. The first day I waited a bit too long I think before I ate breakfast. So on the second day, I drank the pink drink and ate right away. I then took one Accelerator pill after I ate breakfast. I still eat healthy and am trying to exercise more. This is something I can say I believe in 100% and would encourage anyone trying to improve their health or appearance to try.

Here are the features and benefits of Plexus Slim drink mix:

• Safe and effective weight control
• Helps regulate blood sugars
• Helps maintain healthy blood pressure
• Promotes beneficial cholesterol and lipid levels
• Proven ingredients—including Alpha Lipoic Acid, Chlorogenic Acid, Garcinia Cambogia—that address all areas of weight loss
• No caffeine
• No stimulants
• No meal replacements
• No shakes
• Fast and easy
• Saves you time
• A simple solution combined with water to help you succeed

Here are the features and benefits of the Accelerator pill:

• Boosts weight loss safely and effectively
• Proven ingredients—dark chocolate, green tea, and natural caffeine—to boost metabolism, suppress appetite and accelerate weight loss
• Increases energy
• Suppresses appetite
• Speeds up weight loss in fat and inches
• Synergistic benefits help increase the effectiveness of Plexus Slim
• Convenient and easy to use
• Great 3-day and 7-day packs to sample the products 

Testimonies:

For more information about Plexus Slim and to order, please click HERE

Jamberry Nails

I consider myself to be a total girly girl. I love fashion, jewelry, nails and SHOES...sweet Jesus I love shoes! So naturally, my lovely daughters have followed in my glittery footsteps. One thing they always love to do is polish their nails. I'm not even kidding when I say they must have 40+ nail polishes between the two of them. Jenna is still too little to polish her nails but I'm sure she'll be well on her way pretty soon. However, when I brought home a package of Jamberry Nails she was SO excited. See, Jamberry nails aren't polish; they're nail wraps. She's 6 and they were simple enough for her to do on her own.

Candace, at Jamberry Nails.net sent us 2 different styles. I got really excited when I saw they had a juniors selection! My middle daughter bites her nails so their small nail wraps were perfect for her. She ended up selecting the Zebra and Scribble Hearts.



Zebra and Scribble Hearts

 For my oldest daughter, who is 15, I went with a little more shabby chic look. For her pick, we choose Demi Rose



Demi Rose


Here's an actual picture of what they look like after being applied.

Finished product :)

You can also use these on your toes as well. Just make sure you use the hair dryer to help soften the wrap when applying. It takes a little practice but once they're on, they're so much nicer then actual polish. Instructions on how to apply and remove them are located here: Application and Removal

"Jamberry nail shields offer the hottest trend in fashion. Wrap your nails in over 250 designs"

If you're interested in ordering please contact Candace @ Jamberry Nails or her FB page: facebook.com/getyourJAMSon

Enter to win 2 FREE wraps, a Facial Applicator and samples of Greens!

I can't believe it's already May!! Summer time is going to be here before we know it! What better way to get started than with with a fabulous wrap, a facial applicator and some greens?! Well, you're in luck! Cristinas Wraps & More and I are hosting a giveaway and one luck winner will recieve all of these!

Below are some before and after pictures. I might be brave enough to post my own before and afters but I'm not sure ya'll are ready for that! HAHA

They ship outside of the USA! Whoo hooo

One winner will be chosen randomly by the Rafflecopter widget.

The winner will be notified via e-mail, so make sure you provide the correct address. The winner must respond within two days of being contacted. If you do not respond within that period, another replacement winner will be chosen.

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Cha cha cha Chia! Chia Seeds that is! If you don't know about this amazing superfood, you're missing out!

So, in my continued quest to become and stay healthy I came across Chia Seeds! These powerful little seeds provides SO much healthy goodness, your body will jump for joy. Or at least be healthier because of it =)




This is about the amount I put in my yogurt. Usually 1tsp


First let's talk about all the amazing health benefits these little gems provide:

1. Weight Loss – Chia seeds can be used in conjunction with your weight loss plan for faster results. Chia seeds absorb water 12 times their weight. They will expand, leaving you feel fuller longer which will help keep you cravings in control.

2. Omega – 3 – Chia is a great low-fat way to increase the amount of omega-3 in your diet. It doesn't come from any animals so it's great for vegans and vegetarians.

3. Gluten Free – Chia seeds are gluten free, making them a healthy way for you to bake and cook with less gluten.

4. Feel Energized- Chia has been proven to provide energy and stamina. Its large amounts of protein make it the ideal pick-me up when you do not want caffeine or sugar.

5. Anti-Oxidants – Chia seeds have copious amounts of anti-oxidants making them the most ideal age
fighter on the market. Anti-oxidants work to prevent free radical damage to your body. Since anti-oxidants work to keep chia seeds fresh, you will be able to benefit from the same powers for your body

6. Pack in nutrients – Chia seeds have no flavor and they take on the flavor of what they are added to. When adding them to your food, you will be able to add large amounts of benefits and nutrients without masking the flavor or adding fat.

7. Calcium- By weight, Chia has more calcium than whole milk, as well as other minerals that milk does not have without any fat. Since I stopped drinking cows milk and switched to almond milk, this has been very beneficial for me.

8. Cleanse– Chia works to clean your digestive tract and small intestine in a smooth and slow process. It works to remove built up material leaving your feeling lighter, cleaner and healthier. Basically, if you're ever constipated it will help get things moving.

So, now that we know a little more about this amazing super food how do you go about eating it? I prefer to sprinkle mine on Chobani Greek Yogurt, let it set for about 10 minutes and then enjoy. I prefer this brand because it's all natural with no additives, contains more protein than regular yogurt and has 3 types of Probiotics.



I usually buy mine from Sprouts Farmers Market

but they're pretty much sold every where. 

  Want to try some delicious Chia Pudding? You'll love this recipe! You can substitute almond milk with cows milk or whatever your dairy of choice is.

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond milk
• 1/4 cup honey, maple syrup or agave
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chia seeds

Preparation

1. 1. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, honey and vanilla. Add the chia seeds and stir to combine.
2. 2. Refrigerate 4 hours, stirring once halfway through.
3. 3. Serve chilled or at room temperature

Picture via Google images



10 things you might hear from a parent while you're on the phone!

After trying to have MANY conversations with my sister on the phone, I realized we both often say the most random stuff.  Now, unless you're a parent, some of these might sound odd or even alarming.  She has 3 kids and runs a home day care and is even a foster parent!  Then of course I have my 4 little darlings. (Read: Wild loud banshees.)  At best, we're lucky to have a full conversation without interruptions. This got me thinking; do all parents and friends of parents, grandparents and so on, experience the same random shout outs as we do?  Take a look at my top 10 and tell me if you've ever yelled any of these out mid conversation!  Just another typical day in the life of a mom...


1. "Get down from there!!" 

I must say this 10x a day and even more when I'm on the phone.  I swear, just because I'm talking to someone doesn't give the green light to play jungle gym with the furniture and kitchen counters!

2. "Stop walking backwards with scissors in your hand"

 Gotta hand it to my sister, always safety first!

3. "What did you just wipe on me?"

Parents are like human napkins.  If you don't have kids and you've heard this coming from the other end of the phone line, you might have a raised eyebrow. Don't worry, it happens.

4. *Screaming*

That one speaks for itself.  This includes your screams as well as the screeching sound in the background. Don't be alarmed. Just stay quiet and wait for it to pass.

5. "Someone grab me some toilet paper!"

Don't judge me! Sometimes the only place I can have a conversation by myself is in the bathroom. There may or may not have been times I ran out of toilet paper during those few times. Let's move on...

6. "Turn down the T.V.!"

Seriously!  I can barely hear the person on the other line without added noise from your cartoon.  Ain't nobody got time for that noise!

7. "Put away the streamers"

I can be a somewhat crafty mom so this means I have odds and ends of streamers, yarn, glue, buttons and the dreaded word...GLITTER!  Since I encourage their imagination, my son likes to use streamers to make himself a mummy.  He's happy but it makes a HUGE mess!

8. Mommy! Mom! Mama! Moooommmm!!

THIS DRIVES ME CRAZY!!! Not to mention how annoying it sounds to the person on the other end hearing your mom 'call' name said over and over and freaking over again!

9. "Leave her/him ALONE!!!"

Kids seem to think when you're on the phone it means open season on their brother or sister! Of course, at this point, all hell breaks loose.  At which point you quickly put your phone on mute so the person on the receiving end doesn't go deaf when you start yelling at the kids to cut that shit out!!

10.  "I gotta get these kids in BED!"

This is a personal favorite of mine.  Mostly because if and when I do get a phone call, it usually happens to be right between 7-8pm. I have instructed just about everyone I know NOT to call me during this time. Not unless they want to hear my voicemail anyway.  Unless you're a parent you wouldn't understand the happiness that comes from having all the children asleep in bed. It's like the motherload of accomplishments for the day.


I'm sure there are plenty more I'm missing but for now those are my top 10.  One last quote that my dad says to me almost every phone call. I used to get annoyed at him, but now I get how frustrating it must be to have a phone conversation with me. =)

"Let me know if you're talking to me or the kids" - Dad

Very Inspiring Blogger Award!

So apparently Bitch is a Lifestyle thinks I'm a very inspiring blogger! Which of course is a huge compliment coming from a fellow blogger! Anyway, like most things, there are rules. I know, always a catch somewhere right? Some of which I listed below. So, let's get started!

                      First rule: State 7 things about yourself:

I am a Christian woman who believes in God. I was raised in a Christian home but haven't always done the best job at raising my own children with the same strict Christian beliefs. I'm working on changing that. I've lost my way several times over the years but have always turned back to Christ. He is my rock, my salvation and has blessed me in more ways then I can even count.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the beach! Anyone who knows me, knows this is my favorite place to be. Something about the ocean, the sand, the waves...just ALL of it. Except the parking. The parking is a b*tch most of the time. Anyway, I digress. I find it to be serene, healing and one of the most peaceful places on earth.

I have FOUR children who keep me VERY busy! Oldest daughter is 15, second daughter is 10, my son is 9 and my youngest daughter is 6. Geesh, how do I keep that straight? hahaha

 

Aren't they precious?



Recently, I've taken on a new outlook and have been trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I've learned A LOT about fruits, veggies, grains, vitamins, minerals, seeds, juicing, smoothies, refined sugars, good carbs, bad carbs etc...the list goes on and on.

I've been married twice. Once was to my oldest daughters dad and the other was to the father of my youngest 3. I learned a lot from both marriages. There were a lot of good times but plenty of "what the hell am I doing to myself" times as well. Second marriage was more friendly and felt like we were 2 roommates living together than a husband and wife. I could write an entire 3 part blog on that subject alone!

I've had 4 serious surgeries. The first one was when I was 16 y/o and my appendix ruptured. 18 years ago they didn't have or often use laser. Nope, I still have a pretty little scar on the right side of my stomach. Next two  were c-sections with the two youngest kids. The last one was when I got a major staph infection a week after having my youngest daughter. Apparently the incision got infected while I was in the hospital so I had to go back in and have ANOTHER surgery to remove the infected tissue. Gross, I know. Hope no one was eating when reading this.

I love talking to people. Listening to their ideas, opinions, what they like etc. I find it so fascinating how we all work and think so differently but yet all still have so much in common. This can be a curse though. Because then I feel like I might become too interested and then my crazy brains start working overtime wondering what? how? why? when? (I'm getting excited just thinking about it!)

So now I'm supposed to list 15 other bloggers for this award. Here are 15 of my favorite blogs for all various reasons. Some have great giveaways, some are pee your pants funny, some are inspirational and make you do some soul searching; while some have great recipes and encourage healthly living. Others just bring a smile to my face with their post, pictures and comments. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do =)


Life of a Spinster Broad

Holdin' Holden

SooperDad Blog of Awesomeness

Life songs of a busy mom

Stay Beautiful Within

I want a dumpster baby

Change one thing

That's It Mommy

Dad or Alive

All for my boy

Random thoughts and lotsa coffee

The Detailed Decorator LLC

Mom-troversial

So you think you can mom

Healthy & Fit Mama