December 31, 2013

The Mommy MD Guides to Losing Weight and Feeling Great Review

As a mom of 7, I can attest to the after effects of trying to loose weight after having a child! I am still trying to loose the weight gained from children 5, 6, and 7! 6 & 7 are twin boys in case you didn't know! I was happy to get a chance to review a copy of The Mommy MD Guides to Losing Weight and Feeling Great.


This is an excerpt from the Amazon.com page where you can order your copy:

Want to slim down, shape up, fight fatigue, boost mood, look great, and live better?  The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great is filled with more than 700 tips that 50 doctors who are also mothers use for themselves and for their own families. They're doctors--squared!  With this book, you'll discover: * Which diet plans worked best for super-busy moms. * How even you--yes you!--can carve out just a few critical minutes a day for exercise. * More than 50 Mommy MD Guide-tested, family approved delicious, nutritious recipes. * Foods that will supercharge your energy. * Simple tricks Mommy MD Guides use boost their self-esteem. * Fun, simple quizzes to assess your: energy, self-esteem, mood, and style! * Style, hair, skin care, and makeup tips to look your best--every day. The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great features the following three types of sidebars. * When to Call Your Doctor sidebars offer critical information about when to seek medical help. * Mommy MD Guides-Recommended Product sidebars feature products that Mommy MD Guides found invaluable to lose weight and feel great. * MomMy Time sidebars suggest ways for moms to relax, de-stress, and love life! The Mommy MD Guide to Losing Weight and Feeling Great is the fourth book in the Mommy MD Guides series.


I found the book very inspiring and I also learned a few tricks and ideas to help me make my weight loss successful. Even tho time to read in my house has been limited lately, I have found time here and there to get the book finished. I would definitely recommend this book as a gift for the new mom who having a bit of a time and is sharing that information. If she isn't sharing it, I don't suggest getting it as it may offend her! Happy reading!!!

December 21, 2013

We Survived the Holidays Giveaway

 
This giveaway is brought to you by Debras Random Rambles,
and other participating bloggers.
 
 
If your reading this, you have managed to survive the 2013 Holidays! Congratulations!!! Now is the time to enter to win something for yourself as a reward! Use the easy Rafflecopter below to enter to win 1 of several prizes. Good Luck to all who enter!
 
ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 18, 2013

Win! Lose Weight With Svetol & Natural Factors in 2014

 
 
 
 
WHAT IS SVETOL? Svetol® is a natural plant extract of decaffeinated green coffee rich in active components. Svetol® is the only plant extract of decaffeinated green coffee that helps you simultaneously lose weight and improve your body’s form.
 
 

December 16, 2013

MAM Giveaway

 
MAMfinalAD
This is sponsored by MAM and hosted by It's Peachy Keen
· MAM Holiday Cash Contest on shopmambaby.com in which each order placed between now and 12/31 is automatically entered to win a $25.00 gift card
· MAM Holiday pacifiers, now available on MAM’s online store: http://www.shopmambaby.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=holiday
 
About MAM Pacifiers
Developed by leading pediatric dentists and developmental psychologists, MAM pacifiers provide maximum comfort and style for babies of all ages. Clever design and lightweight materials make MAM pacifiers a pleasure to use. All MAM pacifiers feature an orthodontically correct nipple design that allows little ones to safely satisfy their sucking reflex while maintaining proper jaw and tooth alignment. MAM pacifiers feature an easy-to-grasp front knob and a curved shield for a comfortable fit that’s gentle on baby’s skin, thanks to generous air holes and MAM’s patented interior surface.
MAM pacifiers are available in an assortment of colors and design motifs, and come in two nipple options: patented anti-slip Silk Teat™ Silicone or Natural Latex. Like all MAM products, the brand’s pacifiers are BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-Compliant.
 
About MAM
Founded in Vienna, Austria in 1976, MAM offers real solutions for real parenting with an award-winning range of smart and simple products. A global leader in the baby care category, MAM’s mission is to combine the best in technological innovation, medically sound function and contemporary design to provide innovative baby care products essential for a child’s early years. The MAM collection includes pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, and oral care items. MAM is sold in over 30 countries and five continents. For more information about MAM products, please visit www.mambaby.com.
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Follow on the following to stay up to date on new products and awesome contests.
Fun Video on People being asked if a STORK, Can really deliver a baby?

GIVEAWAY!! Open to US Residents only 18+. Winners will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. This giveaway ends January 7th at 12 Midnight EST. I am not responsible for product fulfillment or shipping.
Debras Random Rambles is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Good luck to all who enter.

December 15, 2013

$50 New Year Gift Card Giveaway!





Welcome to the Getting Ready for a New Year Gift Card Giveaway sponsored by the Daily Digest and hosted by The Parenting Patch! Four (4) lucky readers of The Parenting Patch and Debras Random Rambles will each win one (1) $50 gift card of choice. Each winner chooses a $50 gift card to any retailer that offers electronic gift cards. To enter for your chance to win the Getting Ready for a New Year Gift Card Giveaway, simply use the following Rafflecopter form. Good luck! Happy Boxing Day!

The Getting Ready for a New Year Gift Card Giveaway is open worldwide. An international winner will receive $50 via PayPal in lieu of the specified prize. The Getting Ready for a New Year Gift Card Giveaway ends at midnight CST on December 28, 2013.

 Four winners will be chosen at random via Rafflecopter. The winners will be sent an email and will have forty-eight hours to respond. If no response is received within forty-eight hours, another winner will be chosen.

The Parenting Patch and other participating blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

December 12, 2013

Baltic Amber Rounded Beads Necklaces Giveaway

#Giveaway! A set of mother and child baltic amber raw necklaces. Almost $50 value. Ends 12/20/13
 
Sponsored by:
 
Hosted by:
 
Cohosts:
 
#Giveaway! A set of mother and child baltic amber raw necklaces. Almost $50 value. Ends 12/20/13Europeans greatly prize beautiful Baltic Amber for its claimed 100% natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving, and calming properties for babies and toddlers. The healing oils (Succinic Acid) of the Baltic Amber are said to relieve teething pain, tame baby’s irritability, and relieve inflammation in the throat, ear and stomach. Authentic Baltic Amber has also been used as a natural home remedy in many countries as an anti-toxic and anti-bacterial agent: for headaches, for skin irritations, for bronchial conditions, and for throat and thyroid conditions (along with many other uses).

 

 

Prize

The winner will receive 1 set (one for mama or daddy, one for baby or child) of Sunny Days RAW Baltic Amber Rounded Beads Necklaces. The prize is valued at almost $50.

#Giveaway! A set of mother and child baltic amber raw necklaces. Almost $50 value. Ends 12/20/13
 Coloring may vary slightly from necklace to necklace, due to the natural variations in Baltic Amber.[/caption] The Sunny Days RAW Baltic Amber Rounded Beads Necklace-- With all the brilliance, fun, and ambiance of a warm summer day, this lightly colored Baltic Amber necklace is beautiful, bright, fun, and warm! These necklaces are made of Baltic Amber round beads, left in their RAW natural state, so you get the most calming benefit from these products. This necklace is hand-crafted of authentic Baltic Amber rounded RAW beads. These amber beads come straight from Lithuania. Each individual bead/stone is unique and special, so the sizes and shapes of each bead may be different. Every necklace is its own unique work of art. Necklaces are made with care and quality inspected before shipping!

How To Enter

Entering is easy. All you have to do is check out the SparkOfAmber website then come back and leave a comment on this blog telling us about your experience with baltic amber necklaces! For bonus options we ask that you follow our sponsor, host and all of the wonderful cohosts on social media to stay up to date on natural living and crunchy mama info. a Rafflecopter giveaway Giveaway ends at midnight EST on Friday, December 20. Sorry, this is for US residents only!

Knot Genie, detangling and creating peace



What if helping a child was as easy as buying a detangling brush? Well, guess what?!?! IT IS!!

Knot Genie Detangling Brush, works hard to create peace in homes across the world with their brushes. But at this time of year, they are working to create peace in homes where children only wish their pain was about hairbrushing. Knot Genie has created their Peace It On Petition. For each name added, they will make a $.25 donation to the National Children's Alliance to help stop child abuse. They also send an opt-in $7 coupon to every person who signs. Won't you please go to www.knotgenie.com and sign the petition????

December 11, 2013

eMeals review and link to Pintrest Contest

 
eMeals is the leader in online meal planning.  Is a comprehensive meal planning resource that helps provide healthy and delicious dinners for busy families and individuals. Endorsed by financial guru Dave Ramsey and highlighted in the Oprah Winfrey blog, the eMeals weekly dinner plans include grocery shopping lists and recipe instructions that are simple and easy to follow.
 
If your like me, with so many kids, sometimes you need a little help in the organizing and planning of meals and shopping! I am horrible at remembering my lists and planning is a troubling issue for me. I think I have adult AHDH, no Im not joking!
 
eMeals is launching their new dessert plan! Get inspired each week to make incredible desserts. Get 3 indulgent dessert ideas every week including a mix of Crowd Pleasers, Quick & Easy options, and Skinny Sweets. This variety of sweets will fit the bill for weeknight desserts, casual entertaining and even healthy treats.
 

 To celebrate their dessert launch, eMeals is also offering a Target gift card giveaway and more via a Pinterest contest! Go  HERE to enter to win!

 
 
 

Ellore Hair Coloring Chalk Offer



If you don't know what Hair Chalk is, then prepare yourself for amazingness! It's a super fun, temporary method to add some serious flair to your hair. These vibrantly colored hair-chalk sticks from Ellore Femme help you to easily paint rainbow hues onto strands. The easy-to-blend dyes are formulated with natural plant pigments, rendering the chalk non-toxic. All 24 colors easily wash out in the shower.

Spontaneous hair color
Set with heat
Blendable colors
Nontoxic, natural plant pigments
Washes out after one shower
Use on wet hair
24 vibrant shades
May transfer onto clothing during application
May cause respiratory irritation if inhaled

My Readers can save $30 Off Ellore Femme 24 peice Hair Chalk set with promo code BL15

Go HERE to see more and to purchase!

 Regular Price: US $44.99
Blog Price: $14.99 (with Promo Code: BL15)

December 10, 2013

$500 Cash Giveaway!

Welcome to the $500 Cash Giveaway!

Sponsored by Michael Phillip Cash and Carole P. Roman.Coordinated by Giveaway Promote.
Authors Michael Phillip Cash and Carole P. Roman have teamed up to offer readers everywhere the chance to win a great Christmas gift. One lucky reader will win $500 USD PayPal cash!
 
 

Carole P. Roman

Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born.
"Captain No Beard - An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. It has followed with six more books to the series. Motivated by her love of yoga, Roman has written a book that not only teaches four poses, but shows how easy and accessible yoga can be.
Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, Norway, Kenya and Turkey. They will be followed with India and Australia.
She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year. Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.

Michael Phillip Cash

Michael Phillip Cash's first book "Brood X - A Firsthand Account of the Great Cicada Invasion" is presently under consideration for a film adaptation. His well received second novel, "Stillwell - A Haunting on Long Island", has stayed on the top of Amazon's "100 Best Seller" in it's genre since its release earlier this year.
He recently released "The Hanging Tree", his first novella. Michael is currently working on a new book, Schism, which will be available soon on Amazon. Michael lives on Long Island with his wife and children.

We wish our readers Happy Holidays and warm wishes.
Good luck to all and to all a good night!


Enter to win $500 Cash via PayPal

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 Worldwide.
Ends at 11:59pm EST on December 22nd, 2013.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

December 8, 2013

Rent a Timeshare! Review and Giveaway!



WHAT ARE TIMESHARE RENTALS?  Timeshare rentals are timeshares that owners rent to other individuals, rather than use for themselves. Timeshare rentals are nothing new, yet most travelers are unfamiliar with them.

WHAT IS REDWEEK.COM?  RedWeek.com is the largest online marketplace for timeshares, and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Owners post their timeshare units on the site, and connect directly with travelers looking to rent. No middleman, and no tours. Ever.

Take a look at this cool site that offers timeshare rentals!
 
 
As you can see by the above picture, this site offers the chance to rent a timeshare all over the world!
 Its not only for renting either! If you own a timeshare, you can rent or sell it here as well.

Hotel vs Timeshare

When you're traveling with a group of four or more, cramming into a single hotel room or trying to arrange adjoining rooms can be a challenge. Most people don't realize that timeshare units are so much different than hotels.

With a standard hotel you get:
  • One room with a bed and a bathroom
This setup is particularly difficult for families with small children. When the kids go to sleep, mom and dad's options are limited, as the whole family is sharing one room.  But, with a timeshare, you typically get a full condominium unit. A typical timeshare offers:
  • One, two, or three bedrooms
  • A central living room (usually with a sleeper sofa)
  • Dining area
  • A complete kitchen with full-size stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher, as well as dishes and utensils
  • Washer and dryer
  • One, two, and sometimes three full bathrooms
With a timeshare, mom and dad can put the kids to bed in one bedroom and continue to enjoy themselves in the spacious living areas.
Many timeshare resorts offer complimentary children's activities, such as arts and crafts, pool games, t-shirt making, karaoke, and more, giving parents a chance to spend some quiet time together. But with swimming pools, water parks, miniature golf courses, bowling, family game shows, and movie nights, just to name a few, activities abound for the entire family.

Comparison graphic of typical hotel vs. typical timeshare resort





In addition to the spatial differences and available activities, a timeshare can open up a host of options that are not available to families staying in a hotel. The full kitchen allows families to eat meals in their unit rather than in restaurants. Many timeshares offer movie rentals on-site and VCRs or DVD players in the units, so families can save money on entertainment as well.

I know I prefer to stay in a Timeshare rather than a hotel! More privacy and sometimes for longer stays it can be a bit more economical, especially when traveling with kids.
I was given a free one year membership to redweek.com in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way.

GIVEAWAY

Redweek.com is offering one of my readers a Free 2-Year RedWeek Membership! Just use the copter below to enter.

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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.

December 7, 2013

Save some Green this Christmas!

Have a greener Christmas and
 save some green too!

Greeting Cards:
Millions of greeting cards are getting prepared as we read! All of those cards will be sent and recieved and displayed. But what about after the Holidays? If your like us, we used to bundle them up and save them until the next year so we could send to those that sent to us the year before. Then we would toss them! Holy Moly the amount of waste that creates! Why not send e-cads instead? There are alot of free and paid card sites online. You probably have all the email addresses you need anyway! Why not save the paper? Although, I do still send paper cards to my crafty friends who recycle the fronts of them for craft projects. (Save from $15 - $60 a year!)

Wrapping paper:
Looks pretty under the tree but not so pretty at the dump! Although some paper is recycled and can be recycled, some cant. Why not use a earth friendly version? The old standby of the Saturday comics works in a pinch. Of course bags are great as well! Especially the non holiday decorated one that can be reused for birthdays and more through the next year.  Of course theres newsprint. That works even better! Its recycleable and goes great with the White, Red and Black Holiday theme. A friend of mine uses handkerchiefs and sheets to wrap odd shaped gifts. (Save about $20 - $50 a year, depending on how much you wrap!)

Ribbons and bows:
Get creative! How many uses does that ribbon and bow get after its torn off? Probably none! How about using fake twigs with berries or twine that can be reused? Even better, sprigs of fresh greenery off the tree outside? Not only pretty but smells good too! I read recently that if every family saved 2 feet of Holiday ribbon, 38,000miles of it could be saved a year! Thats enough to tie a bow around the planet! (Save about $15 - $25 a year!)

Use LED Lights:

 
 
Yes they cost a few dollars more but your checkbook and your electric bill will thank you later on! They use about 85% less electricity than the "other" lights. I actually think they are prettier and if 1 goes out, they all stay lit.

 
 
Buy a real tree (if you can!)

Most towns and cities have tree recycling at the end of the Holidays. Some reuse the chipped up tress as mulch and some use it to add to the soil that get eroded during the winter. As long as you keep the tree well watered and trimmed, you shouldnt have problems. They smell great and help reduce the amount of air freshners you use. Of course, this isnt an option for some. Some landlords wont allow it and some may have allergies to the tree. In that case make sure you buy a tree that has been made from recycleable materials and has energy efficient lights. We have been using the same tree for almost 5 years now and with good care, it should last a few more years!

 
 
Exchange services with friends:
Does the guy down the street have a plow truck? Do you notice that he and his wife never seem to get out for lack of a sitter? Offer to watch their child/children or elderly parent for them so they can go out in exchange for a plow out after the next big storm or storms.  That is a lasting gift that keeps on giving!

Gift cards:

 
 
If all else fails, give gift cards! I know teachers love them! Mail carriers do too! Saves on not only wrapping paper but it a gift you know they will like! Most are reloadable and there are a few craft sites that reuse them to make into cool jewelry! Plus, you can send them electronically and avoid all the paper and the stamp!
 
 
I welcome comments and any other ideas to have a greener Holiday!

December 5, 2013

Medu Jewelry Giveaway




I am a woman who loves her jewelry!  I love it all, costume, fashion and fine jewelry alike! Much to my husband's chagrin, I can never get enough.  I love to mix and match pieces to create my own unique look and to dress up any outfit, casual or classy.  I am always on the prowl for a new jewelry site that allows me to indulge my shiny stuff passion.

Medu Jewelry has amazing gemstone bracelets and necklaces that would make great additions to my ever growing jewelry collection.  I love gemstones and adding them to an outfit can really make a statement.  I can honestly say I don't have a favorite gemstone because each one brings a different look and meaning. Onyx is known to defend against negativity, amethyst is said to protect against bad dreams, rose quartz gives inner peace and so on.
 
I received the Faceted Black Onyx Bracelet and it is truly gorgeous! It has 128 facets, the stones are 10mm in size, 7 inches long and the clasp is made of sterling silver. It is hypoallergenic and nickel free, which I love! Onyx is a member of the quartz family and this type of fibrous quartz displays bands of color within it. The best way to clean onyx is with soap and water and a soft brush.   I love that I can wear this bracelet with jeans and a tee shirt or with a dressed up look for a night out. It looks amazing paired with my other pieces of jewelry as well. Like I said, I love to mix and match so this is very important to me.  Over the years, the trends in jewelry have changed dramatically but gemstones never go out of style.  They remain timeless and elegant and retain their amazing beauty. A gemstone can be used to mark a birth date, an anniversary, or show off the wearer's personality.  
Medu Jewelry offers pieces in:
  • Onyx
  • Rose Quartz
  • Amethyst
  • Smoky Quartz
  • Lemon Quartz
  • Aquamarine
  • Lapis
  • Tiger Eye
  • Malachite
Call me greedy but I want one of each!  Imagine how happy you would make the jewelry lover on your holiday list this year with a beautiful piece of gemstone jewelry?  Do you want to earn free pieces of jewelry?  Sign up for the free jewelry program and you will get a free piece of jewelry each month and you only pay shipping. How amazing is that? Have 5 friends sign up using your unique link and get 50% off any piece of your choice.   You can find Medu on Facebook and  Twitter where you can follow them and keep up to date on the latest products and promotions.
The amazing people at Medu have offered a giveaway for my readers. One lucky winner will receive the Faceted Black Onyx Bracelet! This bracelet is retail in Canada for $129.  Entry is easy, just follow the rafflecopter below. Must be over 18 and  open to US and Canadian residents only. Couponfreestuff and Debras Random Rambles are not responsible for prizes not shipped by sponsors. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with any social media site. Good Luck! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~Good luck!!!~

Artisan Matter Giveaway

 
 You can read the full review HERE on Faith Filled Footsteps Blog.
 
Let me show you a few of the beautiful bags Artisan Matter offers!







 
Here is just a little info about this shop!
 
At Artisan Handbags & Accessories we make more than just great handbags. Whether your purchase is pre-made or custom-designed, each piece is 100% American made and handmade - our bags don't come off an assembly line nor are they shipped across an ocean. The cotton for most of our fabrics is even picked in, and milled in the southern United States!

Behind the scenes, we are a small team of real women, building a small business and celebrating the things that make our company unique. Each handmade Artisan item starts and finishes in our production shop but the sewing of your item is done by a master seamstress in her home. We are very proud of this important part of our story. We are a company that values people and their craft and it is our mission to share that with you. We hope you'll join us for the celebration!
 


This bag is huge it holds all my junk!


Love the bows on the side!
 

 
 
Artisan Bags and Faith Filled Footsteps are giving one lucky reader a $50 gift certificate for any custom designed item all you need to do is enter below! If you are like me and you just cannot wait you can head on over to the Artisan website here and find the perfect bag for you!
 
 
The Giveaway will run from December 7, 2013 and close late on the evening of December 21, 2013. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter. The winner will be announced both on the Rafflecopter as well as Faith Filled Footsteps Facebook. Faith Filled Footsteps and Debras Random Rambles are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.