PlayStation Move : Christmas is Coming!


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

The new PlayStation Move sounds like it was made with my kids in mind. My two boys especially have so much energy which never seems to get used up by bedtime. So I was intrigued by the PlayStation Move and what this  interactive gaming system has to offer.

There is a simple, ergonomically designed, easy-to-use controller which  captures a full range of motion giving you ultimate control over how you play the game. Easy to use is always good when you are dealing with 6 and 3 1/2 year old kids. The PlayStation®Move is a combination of the PlayStation®3 system, the PlayStation®Eye camera and the PlayStation®Move motion controller. For PlayStation 3 System owners, there is a MOVE Bundle Package available for $99.

There is a wide variety of games available for PlayStationMove, including sports, action, party, family, and shooters. Looking through the selection I could tell my daughter would love the Sorcery Game while my boys would go for action games like Kung Fu Rider. If somehow we were magically gifted with a this game system I could imagine weekend family fun nights complete with competitions, play-offs, and lots of fun. And best of all, I could see two very tired little boys at the end of the game night!

Visit my sponsor: PlayStation®Move

Mad Science: Know Magazine For Kids

http://www.yesmag.ca/store/images/knowcovers.gif

Mad Science is reaching out to younger children in school to help enrich and support their natural fascination with science. They have launched a new magazine, Know Magazine, that is geared to children ages 6-9 years.

Know Magazine is full of articles kids will enjoy reading, games, activities, fun facts, puzzles and experiments.The magazine will be featuring everything kids love at this age, from dinosaurs and animals to the solar system and the human body. But the one thing you will not find in the magazine is outside advertising! This is a new and if I may say, refreshing avenue for a publisher to take.

My munchkin boys got a sneak peek at a down-loadable issue of Know, and while my 3 year old was interested, it was my six year old who was really intrigued and excited with the magazine. He is in first grade this year, and every Monday his class goes to the Science Lab at the school. Mondays have now become his favorite day --- he is infatuated with everything science and has taken to doing experiments he learned at the Science Lab here at home with his little brother as the very interested student. When I told him he would be getting these magazines in the mail, he was so excited. The only drawback to letting him in on this little secret is that now he asks everyday if his magazine has come yet (which it will not for a few more weeks.)

KNOW is edited by science writer Adrienne Mason, author of over 20 books for children, and features Diane Swanson, one of Canada’s most accomplished children’s science writers.  You can check out a free sample of the magazine here, and learn more about subscriptions on the Know website.

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by  Mom Central on behalf of Mad Science and received the products necessary to  facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me  for taking the time to participate."

Get Ready For Three Weeks of Fun Giveaways Sponsored By Dean's Dip!



Starting next week, I will be hosting three weeks of giveaways featuring fun goodies courtsey of Deans Dip! Each week I will be posting a new giveaway package and the rules on how to enter to win that package. And because I am feeling extra nice and all today ..... I will let you all in on a sneak peek of the goodies up for grabs!

Week One: 
Cheese and dip tray
Pretzel Tin
Deans Pretzel Dip coupons
Chip clips


Week Two:
Dean's Dip coupon
Deans Dip blanket
Reusable bag
Deans Flip Flops


Week Three:
Deans Pretzel Tin w/mini pretzels
Twister Board Game
Chip & Dip Tray
Deans Flip Flops
Free Deans Dip coupons
Deans Pretzel Dip Blanket


But guess what? You do not even have to wait until next week to get in on the fun with Dean's Dip: Here’s your chance to be the “Dipster of the Week”.

"Show us how much you love to dip! Check out the Deans Dip Facebook page, and submit a photo of yourself enjoying some Deans Dip at a party, lounging, tailgating, watching the game …whatever,wherever, however you enjoy some Deans. Every Week, We will pick our favorite photo and not only will you be featured as Dipster of the week but you will also get a chance to win Deans Pretzel Dip party pack."


And remember to check back with  me next week for the first giveaway!! Happy Munching!

Healthy Choice Gets Healthier and Tastier


Healthy Choice has a new line of frozen entrees available that are healthier, tastier and very nicely priced for those of us on a tight budget these days. When you see the new packaging you can immediately notice a difference with these new entrees-- you can actually see the ingredients. You see the veggies, the chicken or shrimp, and the potatoes....no guessing at what you are about to eat. That alone is a nice improvement. But there is more that makes Healthy Choice new entrees better than ever, and that is the use of steaming for healthy delicious flavor.

There is an innovative steam-release vent in the film which ensures a convenient cook time of about four minutes, without any need for extra steps like poking, peeling or stirring. I actually loved just taking the meal out of the freezer and popping it straight into the microwave without having to peel back the film. Silly, I know, because it is such a small thing, but it actually did make me happy, LOL.

The steam unlocks the fresh taste and vibrant flavors of the large-cut, quality ingredients. The food was hot, yummy and definitely not bland. I appreciate the veggies in these meals being crisp and tasting fresh, because so often in frozen meals veggies tend to be mushy and have little flavor at all.

When you think about driving through a fast food restaurant for lunch or dinner, these entrees, priced at $2.50 make a healthy alternative to french fries and greasy hamburgers. The new Healthy Choice line includes Rosemary Chicken & Sweet Potatoes, Garlic Herb Shrimp, Portabella Parmesan Risotto, Lemon Herb Chicken, Chicken Romano Fresca, Roasted Chicken Verde, Honey Balsmic Chicken, and Sesame Glazed Chicken.

On the Healthy Choice Facebook Page, you can get updates on coupons, Fan Appreciation Friday, and more!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Centralon behalf of Healthy Choice and received samples of their new steaming entrĂ©es to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Do Your Kids Walk to School?

I have to laugh at myself because I know I sound just like the stereotypical parent when I tell my kids how I used to walk to school everyday.....literally everyday....when I was young. And walked back home too. But I will let you all in on a little secret-- it was fun! I walked with my older brother, and our assortment of friends. We had the best times during those long walks. We laughed, played games, stopped at the same little mom and pop candy store everyday, and basically always made it home still laughing and no where near tired.

Times were a bit different then. It seemed safer and I don't think it was ever given much thought that walking could be dangerous for us kids. But I do not want to let fear or worry keep my kids from enjoying fresh air and brisk walks to school, so I started walking my son to his school at the beginning of this new school year. Okay, so I admit We did this more out of necessity than any other reason at first,as our car decided to take a vacation from working- but now I am trying to get in a walk to school at least two or three times out of the week even though our car has rejoined the working category again.

What I found by walking with my six year old to school was more time to talk, giggle, pick up weird looking pebbles and rocks, watch lizards wiggle by us, and of course, good old exercise! It does take more effort on my part to get myself and my son moving earlier in the mornings so that we have the extra time to walk leisurely to his school, but it is well worth that effort. And I personally was happy to be getting in some much needed exercise (I swear I could almost hear my legs and butt saying thank-you!

In celebration of International Walk to School Month in October, the makers of Green Works naturally derived cleaners have created a fun Web site that helps families get involved in that daily trek to school – and win some green for their school.

During the month of October, elementary and middle school students and their families can help their schools win one of five $5,000 grants – simply by walking or bicycling to school. Parents are invited to sign up online for the Walk to School Challenge at www.facebook.com/greenworks,and log their families' walking or bicycling trips on behalf of their school. The five schools with the highest levels of participation will be eligible to win a $5,000 grant. Frequent walkers and bicyclists can also earn individual prizes, ranging from green shoelaces to reusable water bottles.

Getting exercise for yourself and your kids while also getting some special bonding time is a win-win situation. Walking and bicycling to school provides an easy way for many families to take a step towards more physical activity in their everyday routine and a more natural lifestyle.

So lace up your sneakers and take in the sights and sounds during your walk to school. Make walking fun by counting steps with your child and point out the changing leaves or colorful flowers.

Do it for your kids, and do it for you! You will feel good after your morning walk...I promise!

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Clorox Green Works and received a $30 thank-you gift certificate."

Winners of Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes Giveaway!!



#8: Stephanie said... : "I don't have to cook and can actually enjoy my meal! Love this place so fingers crossed.





#17  Alisha said:  #1 Following HHF via GFC @Alisha L.

Congrats to both winners! Please look for your confirmation emails and respond asap!!

George Foreman Evolve Grill


I am the proud new owner of a George Foreman Evolve Grill! I have always wanted a George Foreman Grill, but never did get one and I am over the moon happy with the one I now have! Thanks to The Family Review Network and George Foreman Healthy Cooking, I received an Evolve Grill to review.

My new baby  toy  healthy cooking grill arrived  with 2 grill plates, a deep dish bake pan, and a mini-burger/sliders pan. This is the basic starter set, but you an add so much more to the collection because there are 7 more pans/plates available such as the waffle plate (which is next on my list!)

Since I have not had any other George Foreman Grill before, I cannot compare it to previous models, but from what I have heard, other grills did not have removable plates and did not have so many different cooking options. I must say the Evolve Grill is a cinch to clean since the grills and plates are removeable.



My poor microwave is feeling forlorn and neglected since George entered my life, but seriously I am too enamored right now to worry about hurt feelings.




I have used my grill thus far to make veggie burgers and veggie sausages, hashbrowns, grilled cheese sandwiches and quesadillas. Everything cooks with such ease. I took me a few times to get the hang of timing and such, but using the manual helped some and practice is now leading to perfection , if I say so myself.

This is a simple pasta dish I made using the deep dish pan-


 (I had to use my phone camera so please excuse the not-so -great pics!)

The George Foreman Evolve Grill features include:
  • George Tough™ nonstick coating for oil-free cooking
  • Patented slope for fat to drip away
  • Drip tray that is dishwasher safe for collecting grease drippings
  • 84 square-inch cooking surface
  • Precise Digital Time and Temperature Control
  • Removable dishwasher-safe plates
It is a healthy way to cook for my family, and since I am not known to be an avid cooker at all, I am honestly thrilled that my new grill is such an easy quick way to make meals. Popping the cooking plates off the grill is a snap, and they wash off so easily because of the non-stick finish.

I see a long happy relationship between me and my George Foreman Evolve Grill!!

"This post was written for Family Review Network & George Foreman Healthy Cooking who provided the complimentary product in exchange for my honest review"

    Review and A Giveaway: Yoplait Splitz Gift Pack


    The kids and I all love yogurt (rare for all of us to agree on something we like these days, LOL.) Thanks to MyBlogSpark, we got to try a very yummy yogurt treat: Yoplait Splitz!

    Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae (it really does!). Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D, and as a mom, I always feel good when I can give my children something healthy that tastes so yummy! There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup. And maybe the best part of all- only 90 calories! Yoplait Splitz is available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet. To make a really fun snack for the kids to take to school, simply put a frozen Yoplait Splitz in their lunch box. By the time lunch rolls around, the yogurt will have softened but will still make a cold creamy treat!



     When we received our samples to review, we also received a very nice prize pack that includes a A Picnic Time Activo insulated carry tote and a roll up fleece picnic blanket with waterproof backing. The tote features padded handles, adjustable detachable shoulder straps, padded shoulder cushion and lots of fun pockets to stash keys, sunscreen, toys, etc.

    I love this prize package, and am so excited that I get to give one away as well!!

    To Enter:

    Leave me a comment telling me which flavor of Yoplait Splitz you would like to try. That's it! Please leave a valid email with your entry.

    Extra Entries:

    1. Like Yoplait on Facebook.  (5 entries)
    2. Tweet this giveaway using the Twitter hash tag #myblogspark. (5 entries)
    3. Follow Happy Healthy Families via Google Friend Connect (widget on right sidebar) (5 entries)
    4. Follow Happy Healthy Families on Twitter.  (3 entries)
    5. Like Happy Healthy Families on Facebook.  (3 entries)
    6. Blog about this giveaway and link to this post.(3 entries)
    7. Subscribe to Happy Healthy Families.(3 entries)
    8. Share this giveaway on Facebook or another social network.(5 entries)
    9. Leave a comment on another post or enter another giveaway on HHF. (5 entries)
    10. Follow Yoplait Yogurt on Twitter (5 entries)

    This giveaway will end Sept. 25 at 11:59 EST.

    Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by email. Winner will have 3 days to confirm or new winner will be drawn.

    Open to U.S. addresses only.

    Yoplait provided me with the free sample product, information and prize package through MyBlogSpark.com. All opinions provided are my own and no monetary compensation was received.


    New Giveaway: Glade Fragrance Collection

    https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigHDlZh9sI6VTmU15ew_DD6ZzbHHmwyLT2SvShHuUjwc9vL_clQGVvnMKjc2Kqr2CJ3roAsnJ4jaQosLDyLrDbAyaQEfc9Y1TYuMl7tkpwEx-JT4c-5cFncqJjfcTEB0sHcrBMNFmbjn9v/s1600/gladecitrus.jpgI love candles. I think they add a warmth to any room even when not they are not lit. I especially love candles that have a light pretty scent and not a heavy perfume scent to them. So when Family Review Network and Glade asked me to review a candle from the Glade Fragrance Collection, I happily accepted!

    I received the 10 oz. soy based candle in the delicious Lemongrass and Citrus Scent. Soy-based candles are my number one choice in candles these days, as I think with kids and pets around, they really are the healthiest candles to have when lit. The candle itself looks so pretty in the jar, I enjoyed just looking at it and having it decorate one of my living room shelves.

    But of course when I get a new candle, I must try it out. The fragrance was wonderful. Light and breezy feel with a touch of summer is about the best way I can describe the scent. Curling up with a cup of tea and the flickering candle was a perfect calming to a hectic day with my kiddos.

    And Glade is going to send one reader a beautifully candle from their Fragrance Collection!

    To Enter The Giveaway

    Visit the Glade Fragrance Collection and let me know in a comment which scent and product you would like to try. Please leave a valid email with your entry comment. (mandatory first entry.)

    Extra Entries:

    1. Like Glade on Facebook

    2. Like Happy Healthy Families on Facebook 

    3. Tweet this giveaway  (each daily tweet gets you a separate entry)
     
    4. Subscribe to Happy Healthy Families  (2 entries)

    5. Follow HHF on Google Friend Connect  (widget is on right sidebar at top) (5 entries)

    6. Blog about this giveaway on your blog.  (5 entries)

    7. Share this giveaway on a social network of your choice (Leave me the url in a separate comment.) (5 entries)


    Giveaway ends September 16th @11:59 EST.
    Open to U.S. addresses only.
    Winner will be drawn by random.org and will be notified via email. Winner must respond w/in 24 hours of notice or new winner will be drawn.

    "This post was written for Family Review Network & SC Johnson who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review"
     

    Giveaway Winners!! Wendy's and Little Ones Books


    1. Winner for the $10 Wendy's Gift Card: # 251!!
    2. Winner of the $25 Gift Certificate to Little Ones Books #28!!

    Random Integer Generator

    Here are your random numbers:
    251
    87
    178
    101
    248
    Random Integer Generator
    Here are your random numbers:
    28
    71
    37
    32
    63
    53
    61
     
    Congratulations to the winners! Please watch for confirmation emails!!
    

    Gatorade "Beat The Heat"

    The heat is still on here in our neck of the woods. The kids have gone back to school, and the summer months are turning into fall, but still I have the air conditioning on pretty much most of the day still.

    My kids still run, play and have a great time outside, heat or not. But as a mom, I do worry about them out in the heat so much. Little ones as well as us older ones can very easily become victims of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Of course we always try to make sure everyone drinks water when outside in hot temperatures, but water may not always be enough to help prevent dehydration and heat stroke. And I really was surprised to learn why-

    In drinking water, the brain may turn off the perception of thirst before the body’s overall fluid needs are met and stops the athlete from fully rehydrating. The electrolytes in Gatorade help maintain the stimulus to drink so athletes drink enough to replenish and refuel. Plus Gatorade supplies the proper amount of fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrates to rapidly put back what your young athlete loses in sweat and provides energy to keep them going.

    Gatorade has a “Beat the Heat” campaign which educates athletes, parents and coaches about heat-related illness and the importance of proper hydration. Their goal is to reduce the number of heat-related injuries and deaths and help raise funds for organizations dedicated to preventing heat-related illness.


    As part of this campaign, we received several bottles of Gatorade G2 to try out. I already knew all of my kids loved Gatorade, we have had it many times before. However, I have to admit the sugars in the Gatorade drinks always made me a little worried. My kiddos really do not need any extra sugar! So I was happy to learn that Gatorade G2 has about half the sugar as the original version. And needless to say, everyone enjoyed the flavors.

    And For every unique download of a free Gatorade Heat Safety Kit at www.nfl.com/trainingcamp, Gatorader will donate $1 to “Beat the Heat” charities up to $20,000.

    Here are a few tips and facts for parents from Gatorade regarding heat illnesses and dehydration:


    Without taking precautionary measures, young athletes might experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, they might be unaware they are experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Make sure your child knows the signs of heat-related illness and encourage his/her coach to periodically check players during practice or workouts for the acute warning signs of heat illness, which can include:
    • · Nausea
    • · Headache
    • · Weakness
    • · Fainting
    • · Poor concentration
    • · Flushed skin
    • · Light headedness
    • · Loss of muscle coordination
    • · Fatigue
    • Vomiting

    Equipment Makes a Difference
    • · Encourage young athletes to wear net-type jerseys
    • · As they acclimate to the heat, athletes should wear T-shirts and shorts, not pads
    • · Remind athletes to remove helmets when not playing or scrimmaging and avoid wearing sweatshirts and excess clothing
    • · Young athletes should change sweat-soaked clothing as soon as possible after activity 


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










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      @2023 HappyHealthyFamilies.com. All Rights Reserved.