Happy Friday and Welcome Friday Follow!!

Friday Follow
I am joining up with the Friday Follow meme and if you haven't yet, you should too! Sounds like fun and a great way to meet other fun bloggers. All you do is follow my blog, then click on the Friday Follow widget, and sign up with your blog on the Mclinky List, Then follow blogs already listed on the McLinky, and you will get followed back. I promise to follow you back today....pinky swear!!

Easy-Peasy. and a nice way to kick off the weekend!

Lily Me : Mother's Day Gift Review


Lily Me offers beautiful Personalized French Charm Bracelets and Necklaces--perfect for Mother's Day giving! The charms are available in sterling silver or gold-plated, and hang from light satin threads. I received a gold-plated circle charm, and it is so lightand comfortable to wear. Plus, I do not have to worry about scratching one of my kid's faces when I am hugging them!

You can have the personalized engraving on one side (up to nine letters) with whatever name, word, thought you like. I am planning to add a circle to my bracelet for each of my children with their names on each.

Lily Me also offers necklaces with the beautiful charms as well. The charms come in  hearts, circles, butterflies and flowers.

And just for Mother's Day, Lily Me is offering a 10% discount--- just enter the word, "mother" as the code for the promo discount when ordering.

"This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and LilyMe, who provided the products for this review"

Did You Hear? Sandra Files For Divorce and Has a New Baby Boy!



Wow! So we do not hear much from Sandra Bullock for weeks after Jesse James' cheating ways came to light, but today--two big announcements were made in People Magazine: Sandra has filed for divorce from James (yay!), and she has adopted a 3 1/2 month baby boy!

People has the exclusive story and pictures of the adorable little guy--named Louis Bardo Bullock. Apparently Sandra and Jesse began the adoption process about 4 years ago...and kept it hush hush.

And now Sandra has completed the adoption as a single parent (yay!) without Jesse being involved.

I think I have a new hero. Way to go Sandra!

Happy Earth Day!

In honor of Earth Day, here are a few suggestions to try today:

Slow down your driving ways. Yes, us moms can be a little heavy-footed with the old gas pedal ...it's true. But speeding up, slowing down and braking hard wastes fuel...so even if it's just today, slow down and enjoy the drive.

Skip the soaps with anti-bacterial properties. Public health officials worry that antibacterials (in cleansers, window cleaners, and soaps are causing us to become resistant to antibiotics. So use natural soaps and hot water for washing hands, and try some homemade natural cleansers like water and vinegar for cleaning surfaces in your home.

Shop with a list if you go to the grocery store today. People that do grocery shopping without a list tend to buy more than they really should.  So you spend more than you should, and unused spoiled food gets tossed out in the trash: bad for your wallet, and bad for the environment.

Turn off the lights today when you leave a room. Don't let the water run today when brushing your teeth. Take a shorter shower today.

Give your TV time off for Earth Day today. Play a game with the family tonight, or take an evening walk and enjoy nature at her finest!

Mother's Day Giveaway: Jewelry From Alexa's Angels

"I'm inspired every day by the people around me – my family, friends and neighbors in my community. If my designs bring people closer, I've accomplished what I have set out to do. There is nothing more important in life than connecting with the ones you love and cherish."
Beth Lang, President and CEO, Alexa's Angels 

 Alexa's Angels sent me a beautiful set of mother-daughter necklaces for a review. My daughter and I both fell in love with the message of closeness and bonding these dog tag necklaces have, and we both wear our necklaces every day.

The owner of Alexa's Angels is Beth Lang, a Colorado artist and mother of four.When you visit Beth's site, I guarantee you are going to fall in love with her jewelry. Each piece of inspirational jewelry is thoughtfully designed to evoke heartfelt emotions that can be given as unique gifts.



Alexa"s Angels is a inspirational jewelry line meant to inspire heartfelt emotion. The line offers many unique gift options including necklaces, bracelets, and angel pins for moms, grandmas, aunts, teachers, and loved ones.

posi+ivi+y is a meaningful collection of bracelets and t-shirts, embellished with plus signs, as a wearable reminder that attitude is a choice and positivity is contagious.

Emma Rose is the company's newest line and  consists of fashion-forward necklaces, bracelets, ring, hobo handbags, and satin sashes chosen for their unique combination of floral patterns and vivid use of color that can be layered together.

Proud to be a company with a social conscience, the all-woman team at Alexa's Angels is dedicated to creating, finding and supporting programs that benefit women. Their mission is to be a great example of how a socially responsible company can make a difference.

I have wanted to have a special piece of jewelry made for my daughter and I to both have, as she is my only daughter and I feel blessed to have her, and these beautiful necklaces from Alexa's Angels are just perfect. I love the inscription  on the box as well, and I seriously got tears in my eyes when my daughter and I put on our necklaces.

And to celebrate Mothers and Daughters this Mother's Day, Alexa's Angels and Beth would like to give a set of these mother-daughter necklaces ( Value $45) to a lucky reader of Happy Healthy Families!

TO ENTER:

Mandatory first requirement:  Become a fan of Alexas Angels on Facebook. After, come back and leave a comment telling me what you love most about Mother's Day. (all entries will be validated!)

Extra Entries:

Follow HHF on Twitter.

Post about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment with url.

Become a fan of Healthy Happy Families on Facebook.

Twitter about this giveaway (get an entry for each tweet you do daily - please leave me a comment for each tweet you send out)

Share about this giveaway on Facebook.

Leave a comment on another post, or enter another giveaway, on my blog.

Follow Happy Healthy Families on Google Friend Connect (widget on left sidebar.)

Grab a Happy Healthy Families Button and Paste on your sidebar.

**Please leave a valid email in your comments or have a valid email in your blogger profile**

Giveaway will close on May 1st at 11:59 EST.
Winner will be notified by email and will have 3 days to confirm or new winner will be drawn.
U.S. Addresses only, sorry.


Disclosure: I received the mother-daughter necklace set to review and keep. My review is based on my own opinions of the jewelry, and may not be the same as others. No monetary compensation was received.

Book Review: Wright On Time


We received two books from the Wright on Time Series to review recently: Wright on Time Arizona and Wright on Time Utah.  My kids and I thoroughly enjoyed both books!


The Wright on Time series of children’s chapter books are about an RV-living family who travels the USA. Each book is set in a different state with a different fun and educational theme. I loved that each book can be read and enjoyed without having to have read others in the series. But of course, once you start reading about the Wright family and their adventures, you are drawn in and will want to read their story right from the very beginning!

Homeschooling mother Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley writes the series, which follows a homeschooling family (mom, dad, and their two children, Aidan and Nadia) as they visit each of 50 states (one per book).  Along the way they learn about different subjects and also work at unraveling a mystery about a strange device they find in book one.

In book one of the series, the Wright family start their homeschooling adventure in Arizona. The daughter, Nadia, is interested in finding minerals and rock formations, wile her brother, Aidan wants to see bats. The mystery develops when Aidan finds more than bats--he finds a mysterious object buried in the rock.

Book two finds the Wright family in Utah. My 5 year old absolutely fell in love with this book because Aidan and Nadia are going on a dinosaur dig in Utah. There is nothing quite like the mention of dinosaurs that will grab and keep my little guy's attention! And of course, there is another mystery to be solved in Utah.

I really like these books, and recommend them for families to read and enjoy together. Though my boys are 3 and 5 years old, they both were so involved in the stories, and excited to get in bed at night and read them with me. An excellent way for all of us to share and learn together!

Disclosure:  I received these two books in order to do a review. All opinions expressed are my own and may differ from others' opinions. No monetary compensation was received.

GIVEAWAY and Book Review: "It's Either Her or Me (Perfect For Mother's Day!)



Ellie Slott Fisher has found a way to bring humor and wisdom to a relationship women and men alike fear: Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law. See? Didn't a feeling of dread just creep into your heart?  Or at least a nervous twitch take over your eye there for a moment?

Women loving the same man is just a difficult situation all the way around. I look at my little men, and dread the day they fall in love with another woman (yes, right now I have the highest honor a mom can have...both my little guys totally love me. And me alone. Sigh) I think I have more fear in becoming a mother-in-law than in being a daughter-in-law. In fact, I am certain of that. And while I have timidly put my toes into the  relationship pools created by my older sons, I have a long way to go in figuring out how to be a  "mom of my boyfriend, fiance, or husband"  Simply put, I live in fear of becoming a mother-in-law one day. And when my daughter marries...oh my, getting along with her husband's mother is a whole different worry!

So this is why I personally devoured every bit of wit and advice given in Ellie's delightful book, "It's Either Her or Me." I can easily admit right now that while I want my boys to be happy one day in marriages, I will not be a mom that easily parts way with being the love of their lives. Again, sigh. So I know I will need guidance, a shoulder to cry on, and wine. Lots of wine.

Ellie's book is a warm caring collection of real-life stories,examples and commentaries that are poignant, funny and helpful. Fisher spent many hours interviewing and consulting with mothers-in-law, daughters-in-law, psychologists, and husbands, and we get the benefit of all that hard work in her book.

For  Mother-in-Laws-- insights are given such as:

* Why it's important for moms to give up control and let the girlfriend or wife take first place; (Uh? Must I?? Told, you ...I will need help. Serious help.)
* When it's appropriate for a mother-in-law to voice an opinion and how to do so without putting her son on the defensive; (Obviously this is for others. What? Me? Voice an opinion? I don't think so. Sheesh.)
* How moms can reach out to the new women in their son's life without being overbearing; ( I do not know. Is it possible?)

For the Daughter-in-Laws--

* How girlfriends can show respect to their partner's mother, while simultaneously setting boundaries; (I think I Like this one.)
* Why you should trust your boyfriend or husband when dealing with an issue with his mom; (I don't think I can do this ....help!)
* Why it's important to involve your future mother-in-law in the wedding process; (Yes, girls, I will be involved.) (please??)
* How to navigate the often difficult dynamic with a sister-in-law and why that can be so challenging.(ahh...I think Ellie just peeked into my life.)

I will hold on to my copy of "It's Either Her or Me" kind of like a bible. Already it is getting a bit dog-eared and tired looking (never mind the tear stains on some pages,), and I have only had it a short while.

But though I will not let go of my copy, don't worry. You can get your own copy at Amazon or most bookstores. It is so worth buying. And buy an extra for your mother-in-law, or daughter-in-law, or anyone in your life that could benefit from this wonderful book.

OR WIN A COPY HERE!!


To Enter: Do you have challenges in being a daughter-in-law or in being a mother-in-law? Or what do you anticipate being a challenge in either relationship one day?

EXTRA ENTRIES:

1. Follow Ellie on Twitter

2. Become a Fan of Ellie on Facebook


3. Subscribe to Ellie's Blog

4. Follow Me on Twitter


5. Become a Fan of Happy Healthy Families on Facebook


6. Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect (widget on left sidebar)


7. Subscribe to Happy Healthy Families


8. Blog about this giveaway and link to this post

Giveaway will end April 25th at 11:59 EST.
Winner will be posted here and notified by email 
Winner will have 3 days to confirm or new winner will be drawn.


Disclaimer: I received this book free to review from Random House through Business 2 Blogger. The winner of the giveaway will be mailed their copy directly from Random House. No money was exchanged. My opinions are my own and may differ from other's.

Jim Carreys' Twitter Message Puts Down Stay at Home Moms, Elin and Shows Support For Tiger Woods

And to think I used to like Jim Carrey. Ugh. Have you seen the latest Twitter message tweeted by Jim Carrey? If not, let me share it with you here (warning: you may want to grab a barf bag before reading!)--

“Tiger Woods owes nothing 2 anyone but himself. 2 please his father he gave up his childhood and his freedom in the world. That’s enough!” Then the actor continued: “No wife is blind enough to miss that much infidelity. Elin had 2 b a willing participant on the ride 4 whatever reason” and “Tiger Woods owes nothing 2 anyone but himself. 2 please his father he gave up his childhood and his freedom in the world. That’s enough!” Then the actor continued: “No wife is blind enough to miss that much infidelity. Elin had 2 b a willing participant on the ride 4 whatever reason” and “No woman just stays at home with the kids anymore. Tiger was wrong and Elin was ignoring the obvious.”

Yep. That is one classy guy, isn't he?

Elin pretty much deserved what she got.

And sheesh, what woman just stays at home with the kids anymore?

I find it hard to believe the jerk  idiot fool  neanderthal would tweet something like that.

Seriously, Jim- "Elin had 2 b a willing participant on the ride 4 whatever reason” 

WTH?? She just went along with Tiger's affairs because she liked her role as his wife and being a stay at home mom? Yay! Nice Tiger Woods is letting me JUST stay home and take care of our kids. So, yea, he can go screw around as much as he likes in return for being such a generous guy.

Ugh.


Guess Jim Carrey throwing out there the mention of Tiger being wrong too is supposed to make a lowly stay at home mom like me be satisfied. But what do I know about such things. I just stay home with my kids. Which is pretty much an invite to my hubby to go cheat on me, right? Kind of what I deserve for just staying home with my kids. Just me and Elin. No other woman just stays home with her kids anymore after all. Jim Carrey says so.

Jerk.



"

So Let's Dish: Roll Over or Roll Under?

I am sure everyone has heard about Cottonelle's poll they ran recently to find out if more of us roll over or under. Yes, I am talking toilet paper her (just in case you were wondering.) I am head toilet paper honcho here in our house. No one else seems interested in the job. In fact, if you were to ask my kids or the hubby which way they prefer the toilet paper to be on the holder, you would probably get met with blank stares, as in "what holder?"

If I do not put the toilet paper (who knew I would write a post one day with the words toilet paper in it so much??) on the holder, it would literally sit wherever it found a home.... the sink, the floor, the counter....just, wherever. And thus that is why my family would not be able to answer the question, "roll over or roll under," nope, not a clue as to what you were talking about.

But I take my job very seriously. I have researched, experimented, taken copious notes and have derived that the most efficient and most eye-appealing method for toilet paper placement is indeed the 'roll over position."  And I sent my report to Cottonelle. This is why now you will notice that the official ruling from Cottonelle is "Roll Over" You see, it is because of me and my research. The poll was just a guise to make all of you feel important in this debate.

Do you believe me? No? Okay. We'll just go along with the "poll thing." 

So according to the accumulated  "poll results," roll over was indeed the winner (sorry for all you 'roll under' sorts out there.) And Cottonelle is even softer, stronger and  more durable now. The new formulation is in fact the perfect balance now for rolling over.

Which is my America's choice.

“I wrote  this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of  Cottonelle and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the  time to participate.”

Wordless Wednesday : Coolness


Ignore the clutter in the background, and the poor quality of the camera I used, and just be awed by the coolness that is my munchkin boys as they await the Easter Bunny!
They got these glasses at Target and I swear they never took them off that day, they were so darn impressed with themselves, hehe. My older son is holding an Easter Bunny bag they made at Kindergarten...isn't it cute?
And to add to your enjoyment, I thought I'd leave the vacuum cleaner in the picture so you could giggle at my messy house. I am thoughtful that way.

Supporting a Healthier Lifestyle

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of wellnessdaily.com. All opinions are 100% mine.


There is a new community-based website online that anyone striving to live a healthier lifestyle (which should be everyone, right?) may want to check out. The website,  www.wellnessdaily.com, collects the latest news, healthy living blogs, expert opinions, easy, nutritious recipes and videos on a variety of topics including weight loss, healthy eating, exercise and mental well-being.

Even if you are already maintaining a healthy lifestyle, this online community can offer the encouragement you need to continue. And it can be a place for you to offer support to others as well.

This new site is kind of like a one-stop location for everything healthy. From weight loss to stress relief to eating right, you will be able to find what you are looking for here. WellnessDaily.com also enables users to create a customized personal health and wellness news feed so that they receive the most relevant news possible.

There are all kinds of tips, ideas and strategies offered, as well as tools to help you with your weight loss. If you need a boost, support and motivation to get healthier, this is the place to go. Check it out, browse around, and if you like, take the pledge to live a healthier lifestyle and get involved right away by planning some healthy eating strategies for you and your family.

 Visit my sponsor: Calling all health enthusiasts!

Jon Gosselin Accusing Kate of Being an Absentee Mother ??

Have you heard the latest from Jon Gosselin? This guy is ridiculous. He is claiming that due to Kate's practice schedule and appearances on Dancing With The Stars that she is now an "absentee mom," and...get this....he may sue for sole physical custody!

Jon's new lawyer, former assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony F. List, tells TMZ he's going to court to ask for primary physical custody. List calls Kate, "an absentee mom," which he says is no surprise to anyone.

So tell me, List, how would Jon handle all eight kids when he is out busy chasing after his next meal ticket, girlfriend?  Something to think about  there, uh Jon?

I have not been a fan of either Gosselin parent so much, but this latest move by Jon makes me feel like scurrying right over to "Team Kate." Seriously, this now single mom of eight is not supposed to work and make money? And if she does get a great gig like Dancing With The Stars, she should pass it up?

Oops, did I mention that Jon's new swanky lawyer is also throwing out there the possibility of Jon asking for support from Kate, as well as the kids?

I guess dating 23 year olds non-stop can get expensive. 

Kate's response?

"I am and always will be a mother first, but as a single working mom I will do everything necessary to provide for my kids despite the opinions of others."

Go Team Kate!


Brian Prahl/Splash News Online

Ho Hum Goes My Internet Connection

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.



My Internet connection is seriously messing with me. From slow loading pages to dropped connections, I am getting more frustrated daily. I have had my cable company send someone out to see what they could do, but no luck. My connection still messes up on a daily basis.

So I am trying to find an affordable solution so I can stop waiting and get going when I have work to do. Time is precious when there are kiddos around, so the last thing I need is a free moment to write a post and yea, the computer is moving so slowly, my moment has passed without any work accomplished! I think I can actually feel my blood pressure rise when that happens.

2I have been looking into Charter High- Speed Internet, and like the offers they have, but I have to wait until it is available in my area (there is that word again...wait...aargh!) But I am following Charter’s Facebook page for updates, and cannot wait until I can get rid of my DSL and move on up to High Speed Internet, and undoubtedly lower my blood pressure at the same time!

Visit my sponsor: Stop Waiting, Start Doing

Disney Lightning McQueen Stamper Toy Recall Due To Cancer Risk!

If by chance your little one's Easter basket had a certain Disney Lightning McQueen stamper in it, do not use it! The  ink “stamper” features the animated Disney star Lightning McQueen from the movie “Cars”  and comes (or did before they were recalled!) a warning--

“Warning, possible cancer agent. When using do not eat, drink or smoke. Wash hands immediately after use."

Omg! Why would this toy even be on shelves??

Scary and sad how dangerous toys for kids are still being sold everyday. The article that had this story mentioned the store Fred Meyer as a store that carried this product, but has now taken it off  its' shelves.

Fred Meyer spokeswoman Melinda Merrill said this morning that the product has been recalled.
Had the company known of the danger, she said, “We would never carry something like that. We’re not sure what happened or why.”

A good reminder that we need to be ever vigilant and cautious and read every label on every toy before buying it.

Winner of Here Comes Peter Cottontail DVD!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
39543352
Congrats to Amy, #39! I have sent you a confirmation email.
Thanks to all who entered!

Winner of The Human Nature CD

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:
20
26
60
28
Congratulations #20, Amy!! Think you will really enjoy this CD!


Thanks to everyone who entered--I have more giveaways coming (a very special one for Mother's Day) so please check back!

@2023 HappyHealthyFamilies.com. All Rights Reserved.

@2023 HappyHealthyFamilies.com. All Rights Reserved.