My goals for 2012

As we all know, the first day of the new year, everyone makes resolutions.  Resolutions in my opinion are completely useless.  I am SO over making resolutions.  In the past I've made resolutions to lose weight, do better in my personal life, blah, blah, blah.  Yes, I said blah, blah, blah, lol.  That's how I feel! 

This year I am going to make a resolution.  You know it!  I am going to lose weight.  But, I am not going to lose weight by year.  I am going to set a goal of X amount of pounds per quarter.  I not only need to do this, I WANT to do this.  I am not happy with myself.  At all!  I used to be on the Weight Watchers plan and lost 50 lbs.  As we all know, life happens.  There were a number of things that happened in 2008 and I gained all of the weight back, plus some. 

I am going to come back here on a quarterly basis and let you all know how I am doing with my goal.  I will be honest and you will see a weight tracker showing my progress!

What goals are you setting for yourself this coming year?  I would love to hear them!

Happy New  Year!

xoxoxo,
Jacqui

Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! Woohoo! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! It's my Monday Hop Along Blog Hop! Yaaayyyy!!!! Yes. MUCH better! Why? Because this is going to help us get our Monday moving along a little faster. Who can say they don't what that to happen???

When entering your link, please make sure to follow my blog. If you do not see my friends box, please refresh your browser. This is an issue with Blogger. Thank you! Links directly to your site only please. Not to another blog hop. Make sure to follow at least two other blogs on the list :) Also, leave a comment as I do follow back!

Have a great day!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my readers! I hope you are having a wonderful Holiday and enjoying your time with Family and Friends! This season, look back and count your blessings for everything this past year. Don't regret anything as they happened for a reason. Even if it doesn't or didn't feel that way at the time. Coming into 2012, it's a fresh new year, fresh new starts, right?

xoxoxoxo


Jacqui

Health Talk Post of the Month - You and Your Hormones

Ok, we are stepping away from my normal type of posts here. Why you ask? Well, because I look at my birth year and realize, I'm not getting any younger. This means, if I'm not getting any younger, well, neither are my readers! There are many different reasons that you may already experience, or, EGADS! will experience them in the future!

I will admit, I am not at the stage in my life that I am suffering perimenopause, or menopausal symptoms. YET.... I just turned 39 last month. I know it's coming and I won't be able to hide much longer. No matter how much of a wimp I want to be and go cry in a corner. Wait, no, that is not a symptom I'm feeling! I've watched some women go through this and I'll be honest, it scares the bejezus outta me! The mood swings I've seen are enough to make me think of the exorcist. You really just have to slowly back away. Yes, back away, do NOT turn your back on these women. You never know what can happen! These are your nearest and dearest and while you show them you love them, it's ok to fear them, lol.

Recently, I discovered BodyLogicMD. They believe in not only treating the issue as most pharmaceutical companies do, which, of course, there is nothing wrong with, but, they take the holistic route. They want to figure out what the underlying issue is. What causes some people to act one way, and others to act another way? Homeopathic medications can get to the source of the underlying problem to reverse conditions without the risk of serious side effects.

Sometimes, being a woman, just plain stinks! All the hormones that crash down on us? Doesn't always seem fair! Would totally love to see how a man deals with what we will have to go through, or, what some of you are already or have experienced. According to BodyLogicMD, Hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping and weight gain are the most common symptoms of hormonal imbalance as a woman ages. Sounds fun eh? BodyLogicMD goes on to state:

The good news is that hormone losses and imbalances are correctible. Through the use of bioidentical hormones, women can not only be relieved of the symptoms, but also effectively protect themselves against osteoporosis and heart disease. And through supervised treatment, natural hormone replacement therapy can make women feel healthier, and younger than they have in years.

Feel healthier and younger than we have in years? Sign me up! Make sure to read up on BodyLogicMD information in the news.

If you have experienced menopause already, or are going through it now, are you taking the holistic approach? If so, what are your opinions?

Please note that this is a sponsored post and I have not yet tried BodyLogicMD. This post is my opinion after reading and researching what BodyLogicMD offers. All opinions are my own, and no one elses.

Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! Woohoo! Yeah, ok, that was a stretch, even for me, lol. Well, how about this? It's my Monday Hop Along Blog Hop! Yaaayyyy!!!! Yes. MUCH better! Why? Because this is going to help us get our Monday moving along a little faster. Who can say they don't what that to happen???

When entering your link, please make sure to follow my blog. If you do not see my friends box, please refresh your browser. This is an issue with Blogger. Thank you! Links directly to your site only please. Not to another blog hop. Make sure to follow at least two other blogs on the list :) Also, leave a comment as I do follow back!

Have a great day!

Brother's All Natural Freeze Dried Fruits

Recently my daughter was given the opportunity to review all the fruit flavors that Brother's All Natural Freeze Dried Fruit. These dried fruits are fantastic! They have two levels of fruit. You have the Toddler version, which is the Disney Fruit Crisps of Cars, Princess, Mickey Mouse and Toy Story themes. About the Disney Holiday Apple Fruits from their site:

DISNEY HOLIDAY APPLE Fruit Crisps are 100% Fruit and Nothing Else! No preservatives, no added sugar, no colorings, and no flavor enhancers! Just the best fruit from around the world. A delicious, healthy, and convenient fruit snack - The one Mother Nature would eat!

The Disney fruits have a great crisp to it when you bite into it. The taste just bursts on your tongue. The younger kiddo's will LOVE these. My daughter is older and she and I both loved the taste.

For the older kid's, they have the fruit crisps that have just a bit more flavoring than what the younger kids have on the Disney fruits. About these fruit crisps from their site:

We start with the most luscious fruits from the greatest growing regions in the world and bring them to our state-of-the-art freeze drying facility. At our facilities, we gently remove over 95% of the water from the fruit, which transforms the fruit into a light, flavorful, crisp fruit snack.

Unlike other dried fruits, Brothers-All-Natural Fruit Crisps retain all of the nutrients of the fresh fruit with absolutely no added sugar, preservatives or artificial coloring. Our uniquely designed bags keep Brothers-All-Natural Fruit Crisps fresh for up to 1 year.

Brothers-All-Natural Fruit Crisps are peanut/tree nut free, gluten free, soy free, dairy free, vegan and OU kosher certified.

My favorite, (yes, I had to sneak some from my girl! lol) was the Apple Cinnamon Fruit Crisps.

These flavors really just burst in your mouth. They taste great and you almost feel like you are eating candy. Theat's really the only way I can describe it.

Brother's All Natural is offering one of my readers the chance to win a 24 pack of all the flavors of these crisps. Yumm! I can guarantee your little ones will love them. Both levels of these crisps can be eaten by toddler's and adults alike :).

To enter:

Mandatory -

- Follow my Blog

Addt'l -

- Follow me on Twitter
- Follow Brother's All Natural on Twitter
- And of course! Tweet Tweet! You can use "@SnglPrntRetreat and @BAN_News are offering 1 reader chance to win 24 pack of Dried Fruit Crisps! Enter at http://ow.ly/82R3c. Ends 1/12"
- Add my blog to your blog roll
- Add my button to your blog
- Subscribe above
- Follow me on Networked Blogs

Please make sure to leave a comment with each action taken and the URL of where you added blog/button to your blog. Also, please make sure that I have a means of contacting you if you are the winner!

This giveaway is for US Residents only and will end on January 12th.

Please note that my Disclosure Notice is in effect for this giveaway.

Mighty Leaf Review and Giveaway

My caffeine of choice, has always been Tea. I definitely appreciate the smooth taste of it over coffee any day! Flavored Tea's in my opinion are even better! Recently, I had the opportunity to do a review for Mighty Leaf Tea. They are so easy to make. All you have to do is pour 170 degree water over the teabag into a pitcher. Let it steep for a few minutes, put some ice in it and then pour it over ice in your glass. How easy is that?

While I am not much of a black tea type of gal, I loved the Sunburst Green Tea! It had a nice taste to it and it went down smoothly. It was very refreshing!

They also sent a Ginger Peach, and while I'm not nuts about Peaches, (can you tell I'm picky? lol) I love Ginger. This was a very nice combination!

Mighty Leaf is offering one of my readers, within the US a chance to win their Summer Brewing Kit. The winner will receive a box of each of their new teas, as well as the Bodum Iced Tea Pitcher which makes fresh iced tea in minutes. How awesome is that??

To Enter:

Mandatory:

- Follow my blog
- Visit Mighty Leaf and tell me your favorite flavor that they offer.

Addt'l:

- Follow me on Twitter
- Follow Mighty Leaf on Twitter
- You know it! Tweet Tweet! Daily Tweets allowed. You can use "I just entered 4 chance 2 win a Summer Tea Kit @ @SnglPrntRetreat from @mightyleaf! Enter 4 ur chance @ ow.ly/82P9n, ends 1/4"
- Add my blog to your blogroll
- Add my button to your blog

Also, while this is not an entry for the giveaway, make sure to check us both out on Facebook for updates! My link is off to the side and you can see Mighty Leaf HERE.

Please make sure to comment for each action taken and that I am able to contact you if you are the winner. Please leave URL's as well, to verify. This giveaway will end on January 4th and is open to US residents only.

Please note that my Disclosure Notice is in effect for this giveaway.

Good Luck!

This weeks winners!

SpiritHoods:

Bunny B said... 52
blog follower - bunnyb
I love the Grey Wolf

Silk Milk

andrea v said... 10
https://twitter.com/vickers2622/status/142046312194510848

Mott's Prize Pack:

andrea v said... 5
https://twitter.com/vickers2622/status/138580608220798977

eclairre said... 6
I would love to try the breakfast bread pudding. I follow, email is in my profile.

Blender Bottle:

@nola727 said... 32
- Add my button to your blog--I did here

http://thebigolblogpage.blogspot.com/

eBay Gift Card:

The Sleepy Dreamer said... 13
12/6 tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/lnb1191/status/144192078874816513

Starbucks Gift Card:

Katja said... 1
Zaarly is so cool! Plus I'd love to win a $10 Starbucks card :)

A Candy Store:

shala_darkstone said... 22
Hi, I follow your blog publicly via Google Friend Connect as shala_darkstone. I signed up for the ACandyStore newsletter. I'd choose the Sugar Free Almond Butter Toffee.

Playing Online Bingo, almost like the real thing!

When my mom was alive, she LOVED going to Bingo. When I tell you that she loved it, I mean, every week, 2 or 3 times a week loved it. When I called to tell her I was engaged, she was at Bingo. When I called to tell her I was Pregnant, she was at Bingo. Even when she said that she wasn't going to Bingo? We knew she was going, lol. So, recently, I went to Bingo and won a Coach purse. Kinda got the bug of playing again. Found this really cool site that you can play online bingo games, either for free or with money. Had my mom known about this? She would have learned how to use the computer! She was never into technology, however, anytime we gave her a gift that had to do with Bingo, she was super excited!

Finding free time is definitely a challenge, but, having free time to get online and play is always fun. Just to have a little bit of time to unwind from a busy hectic day is nice. Where you have that moment that you can actually call your own! I know you all know what I'm referencing. I always had a great time hanging out with my mom, and watching her run 72, yes, that's right, 72 cards. Even when she went to the restroom, she would know what was called and what she needed. I was with her one night when they called a number and she was just leaving the restroom and shouted out BINGO! Everyone's head just whipped around and looked at her in stunned disbelief. How in the world did she do that? I definitely need to take a page from her book and enjoy myself playing games more. There is nothing wrong with take a bit of time away from work to play. Even if it's at home on your computer.

So, with that said, take time to yell BINGO!

California Wine Club Review

I can't believe it's already been three months! The California Wine Club has been sending me some of their most delish wine's and I am going to be sad to see it go! It's been fun receiving it in the mail. My daughter got a kick out of that as well. Almost like it was our secret. Laughed when telling me that I couldn't leave it out at her Birthday Party so the parents wouldn't think I was giving them wine! If the last few sentences didn't give enough of a clue, I don't drink much around my kiddo. Just because of being a single parent, I like to keep my head clear when she is with me. And being a lightweight with alcohol? Better to wait until she is at her dad's.

With all that being said! The wines this month were Tulip Hill 2009 Reserve Chardonnay and Tulip Hill 2009 Cabepulciano.

About the Reserve Chardonnay:

Blended from 17 barrels of 100% MLF Chardonnay, our Reserve Chardonnay is crisp with distinctive aromas and flavors of tropical fruits and apples with a hint of spice. The undertones of butter and oak lend to a mouth feel that is rich and balanced leading to a creamy finish with a light punch of acid to extend the flavors across the palate. Enjoy with your favorite soft cheese, pasta in a light cream sauce and company.

About the Cabepulciano:

As, I am not usually a big wine drinker. Only recently have I discovered or acquired the taste for it! I've never heard of the Cabepulciano Wine. So, as with all the new wine I've received in the last three months, I was excited to try it! The Cabepulciano has the richness of a Cabernet with the flavor of Montepulciano, which is a wonderful tasting variety of grape. The Cabepulciano retails for $28.00 at Tulip Hill Winery and certainly higher at restaurants, but you can get it from The California Wine Club for only $13.99. Love that The California Wine Club has wonderful deals on wines that tend to cost more going directly with the makers.

My favorite wine in the past three months has actually been the Chardonnay we tried this month. I am more of a fruit person and it definitely had a great taste to it that I think you will love!

The California Wine Club has a great wine of the month club. But, they also make WONDERFUL gifts! And this time of year? Hello!!! Christmas gifts! To avoid expedited shipping costs, make sure to get your order in today to send to that special someone in your life. Although, even with expedited shipping, the gift will be well received and the bottles opened for dinner Christmas night.

The California Wine Club is also offering ALL of my readers a 10% discount! Just use the code parentretreat to get your discount :)

Have you ordered wine through the mail before? What was your experience? I personally have had a great experience and a fun time with this review. Can't go wrong with The California Wine Club!

Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! Woohoo! Yeah, ok, that was a stretch, even for me, lol. Well, how about this? It's my Monday Hop Along Blog Hop! Yaaayyyy!!!! Yes. MUCH better! Why? Because this is going to help us get our Monday moving along a little faster. Who can say they don't what that to happen???

When entering your link, please make sure to follow my blog. If you do not see my friends box, please refresh your browser. This is an issue with Blogger. Thank you! Links directly to your site only please. Not to another blog hop. Make sure to follow at least two other blogs on the list :) Also, leave a comment as I do follow back!

Have a great day!

Everki Laptop Case Review and Giveaway

Last month, I organized an event here in Delaware at the Christiana Hilton, to bring awareness to DE as a venue for Seminars and Conferences. When going to these events, Bloggers and Social Media Consultants around the world bring one thing and everything else is put the wayside. What is this one thing you ask? Our Laptops of course! As long as we have that and the clothes on our backs, we are good, lol. Everki has a lot of great products, but, especially their Laptop cases! Each of us Bloggers were sent one of the Everki Agile Slim Laptop Bags.

I love this bag, because it is compact and you don't feel that you are carrying around a huge bag. The Agile Slim Laptop Bag holds up to 16" laptops. There are side pockets that you can put cards in, whether they are your credit/debit cards, or business cards to hand out when you are at Networking events. About the Laptop Bag from the Everki website:

Designed to be your hassle free companion, the Agile is our slimmest bag yet. With a separate laptop compartment and two quick access pockets front and back, this briefcase is the choice for those who prefer to grab-and-go.

The front quick-access pocket is filled with a generous assortment of multifunction pockets, as well as a zippered accessory pocket, ideally suited for power adapters. The back quick-access pocket is designed to carry files and magazines, and is also equipped with a trolley strap for easy traveling.
The non-slip shoulder strap comfortably distributes weight by intuitively contouring to your shoulder; fine adjustments to the strap length can be made manually.

In the center section, where the laptop goes, it is soft and furry to keep your laptop nicely cushioned:

This bag retails at $49.99 at different locations online such as Newegg.com to name one online store.

Everki had generously sent a few extra bags to do giveaways for. How lucky are you guys?!?!?! So, for the next few months, I will be doing giveaways of these cool bags! So, how do you enter?

Mandatory:

- Follow my blog

Addt'l:

- Follow me on Twitter
- Follow Everki on Twitter
- You got it! Tweet Tweet! Daily Tweets are allowed. You can use "@SnglPrntRetreat and @Everki are offering one lucky winner a chance to win the Agile Slim Laptop Bag. Enter at . Ends 1/2"
- Subscribe above
- Follow me on NetworkedBlogs
- Add my blog to your blogroll

Please make sure to leave a comment for each action taken and include the URL to where you added my blog to your blogroll. Make sure I have access to contact you if you are the winner. I've have to go to 2nd place winners recently due to not having an email address for the first picked winners.

This giveaway is to US residents only and will end on 1/2.

Please note that my Disclosure Notice is in effect for this giveaway.

Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! Woohoo! Yeah, ok, that was a stretch, even for me, lol. Well, how about this? It's my Monday Hop Along Blog Hop! Yaaayyyy!!!! Yes. MUCH better! Why? Because this is going to help us get our Monday moving along a little faster. Who can say they don't what that to happen???

When entering your link, please make sure to follow my blog. If you do not see my friends box, please refresh your browser. This is an issue with Blogger. Thank you! Links directly to your site only please.  Not to another blog hop. Make sure to follow at least two other blogs on the list :) Also, leave a comment as I do follow back!

Have a great day!

Steve Spangler Strobe Light Review

My daughter is all about Science and Math.  She adores it.  Not entirely sure where she got that from!  But, we go with it, lol.  Recently we were asked to do a review for a Strobe Light from Steve Spangler Science.  As soon as I told her what was in the package, she tore into it.  Had it opened before I could start dinner and wanting to get it open to put the batteries in.  Here is more information about the Strobe Light from the Steve Spangler website:


Sometimes the most innovative toys of the future are inspired by the past. That's definitely true with the Strobotop Strobe Light Animator. This enthralling new toy combines the retro simplicity of a spinning top with a contemporary LED strobe light to bring pictures to life and create stunning optical illusions. It's as simple as spinning the top and adjusting the speed of the strobing light.


Spin the top with one of the 18 interchangeable Strobodisks included and watch as animals run, children play, and patterns of colors dance, swirl, and twist in the strobe light. Six of the Strobodisks are yours to alter and design as you wish by coloring shapes, tracing over animation guides, or starting from scratch. Adjust the speed of the strobe to make the pictures move faster or slower, forward and backward, and sometimes completely alter the entire image.


The Strobotop and its included strobe light are constructed of durable plastic and are perfect for kids of any age. If you are worried about having your young scientists shine the strobe light in another's eyes, don't be. The strobe light has a safety feature that only allows it to turn on when pointed downward.


WARNING: Individuals who are extremely sensitive to flashing lights and rapidly changing colors or patterns should exercise caution when playing with this toy.

My daughter had a great time playing with it, speeding it up and slowing it down to figuring out how to alter the image and what it looks like.  She likes the unusual things and while this is definitely an oldie, it's still a goody!  The age on it was 6 - 7 years, but, even at almost 11, she really enjoyed the creative aspect of it.

The Steve Spangler Science website is a great site to visit for some great Science kits for your Science minded child.  Did you know?  The US used to be #1 in Science?  That is no longer the case sadly.  I love this site because it has great items that helps make Science not only more interesting, but, fun at the same time!

How about your kiddo's?  Do they like Science?  What do you do to make it more interesting for them?

SpiritHoods Review and Giveaway

I have to say, I've seen them on TV and thought they were pretty cool!  Then my daughter got one and they are wonderful!  SpiritHoods are one of the hottest items out there right now.  They are a hood with great and cute features.  My daughter got the Grey Wolf SpiritHood to review.  About the Spirithood from their site:

Product Details - Made in Los Angeles 
Faux fur: 100% Acrylic, 
Lining: 50% Linen 50% Rayon.
Inner cap size 17 inches. 
Scarf Length: 21 inches". 
One size fits all. 
Suggested for ages 4 - 12.

They also come with meanings of the animals:

Loyal » Social » Teacher
Those with the Wolf spirit are very devoted and loyal. 

They are social animals, often traveling in a pack, and work well in groups. 

Wolves are also great teachers, always sharing their knowledge and wisdom with their tribes.

This description fit my daughter to a T.  Especially the Social part!

The SpiritHood is great for the winter and if your hands are cold?  Bundle up in the paws that are attached to the scarf.  I may have to think about getting one for myself, they are that awesome!  They keep her head and hands nice and toasty and looks cute.  For someone who is a self-proclaimed Tomboy and cannot stand anything girly?  I was so excited with this find!  And you want to know the best part?  They are made right here in the good ole USofA!!!!  Loving this! 

They have hoods for Adult men and women as well as boys and girls.  They also have a cool Muppet line!

SpiritHood has generously offered one of my readers the chance to win one of these SpiritHoods! Woohoo!  You can choose from either the Adult or Children's line.  To enter:

Mandatory:

- Follow my blog

- Go to SpiritHood and tell me which kid hood you would want if you won.

Addt'l:

- Follow me on Twitter

- Follow SpiritHoods on Twitter
- You know it!  Tweet Tweet!  Daily Tweets allowed.  You can use:  "@SnglPrntRetreat and @SpiritHoods is offering 1 SpiritHood to 1 lucky person! Enter at http://ow.ly/7NBHT.  Ends 12/15  "

- Add my button to your blog

- Add my blog to your blogroll

- Subscribe above

- Follow on NetworkedBlogs

While this is not an eligible entry, you can find Adult SpiritHoods on Facebook and Kids SpiritHoods on Facebook too!

Please make sure to leave a comment for each action taken.  Include the URL's where you tweeted, and added my button/blog.  This giveaway will end on 12/15 and is open to everyone!  Hopefully in time to get to you by Christmas!  But, cannot guarantee it!

Please note that my Disclosure Notice is in effect for this giveaway.

Monday Blog Hop!

It's Monday! Woohoo! Yeah, ok, that was a stretch, even for me, lol. Well, how about this? It's my Monday Hop Along Blog Hop! Yaaayyyy!!!! Yes. MUCH better! Why? Because this is going to help us get our Monday moving along a little faster. Who can say they don't what that to happen???

When entering your link, please make sure to follow my blog. If you do not see my friends box, please refresh your browser. This is an issue with Blogger. Thank you! Links directly to your site only please. Not to another blog hop. Make sure to follow at least two other blogs on the list :) Also, leave a comment as I do follow back!

Have a great day!

eBay MoneyMakers Video Series. How Selling on eBay can Impact the Life of a Family - And $25 eBay Gift Code

eBay is coming out with a new video series.  This series will highlight a family's story on how they turned to selling on eBay to make ends meet.  This is an exciting thing, especially in today's economy.  Many people are out of work and need to find ways to make ends meet.  Just because the job isn't there, doesn't mean the bills disappear, right?

Who is this family?  Well, they are the O'Brien's of Westfield, IN. The O'Brien's had recently relocated their lives for a job, which was unexpectedly eliminated soon after they moved.  They had a new baby, and went from two incomes to no income.  They started selling off their household items on eBay, just to fund their day-to-day expenses.  Once they became more proficient as sellers, they turned to clearance and vintage items to bring in additional income.  You can check out his blog at The eBay Entrepreneur.  Tristan is now working again, but, they continue to sell on eBay to help fund extra things, such as a trip to Disney.  Check out their inspiring video below:



I am in the process of losing my job, myself.  I've already turned to eBay to start selling to earn income for the Holidays, and then going forward, I will start putting money in savings to plan ahead in case I don't have a job lined up right away.  In the economy right now, we really cannot take any chances.  We have to protect ourselves and our families.

Have any of you sold on eBay?  What made you decide to start selling if you are?  How has this changed your lives?  I strongly suggest that you start looking in your house for items to sell.  You just may be sitting on a gold mine!

Now, to get you started, or to get you looking again!  We are offering you a $25 Gift Card to eBay.  With the great deals they have there?  This is great!

To enter:

Mandatory -

- Follow my blog for more great eBay tips and insider secrets!
- Leave a comment on what you have in your house that you can sell on eBay to help fund either your emergency fund, or vacation fund, or holiday shopping fund.

Addt'l:

- Send a Tweet out!  Daily Tweets allowed.  You can use "@SnglPrntRetreat is offering a $25 eBay Gift Code.  Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/75bd2mk! ends 12/15  #eBaymoney"

Make sure to leave a comment for each action to qualify for all entries! Giveaway ends 12/15.

Disclosure: Please note that I am a Parent Panel Member for eBay and this is a sponsored post.  However, all opinions are my own.