Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Managing Allergies with Children’s Claritin; Mom Crew

MomCrewMemberButton-final_thumbFrom the posts in our Children's Claritin Mom crew Facebook group to the reports on the evening news, it seems that allergies are on everyone's minds! It doesn't help that Spring already happens to be one of the busiest seasons for moms, with everything from holidays to homework on our plates. Luckily, we're all in it together and sometimes just commiserating with another mom is the encouragement we need to power through- that and the relief that Children's Claritin provides our little ones! Another thing that we all rely on the get us through our craziest days is a good laugh. If you need one today, make sure to check out the new Claritin short film, "The Difference is Clear" starring Brooke Burke-Charvet, host of Dancing with the Stars and co-CEO of ModernMom.com. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a crazy, over-the-top look at two versions of one busy woman's day who is juggling work, life and family, while also dealing with allergies. If anyone can relate to this video, it's all of us in the Children's Claritin Mom Crew! Enjoy it and stay tuned for behind-the scenes footage to be posted in early April.

The Claritin® Allergen Guide: Tree Pollen Edition

Outdoor allergens like seasonal pollens and molds can be difficult to manage because it seems like they're everywhere and you can't escape them. Many of them occur at the time you want to be able to enjoy the outdoors, too- like right now! Here's a closer look at a common culprit, tree pollen. Knowing what to look for can help you steer clear of these notorious allergy triggers:

Tree Pollens
When it comes to trees, the real allergy troublemakers are hardwood deciduous trees — oak, elm, birch, maple, ash, alder and hazel:

  • These trees generally pollinate from February to April or May.
  • In the South, these trees begin pollinating as early as January; in the North, they begin in April.
  • People show cross-reactivity to trees in the beech, birch, alder and oak family, and in the juniper and cedar family. This means that if you're allergic to one type of tree, you're likely allergic to others in the same family.
  • If you're looking to plant trees on your property, look for species that do not aggravate allergies, such as catalpa, crepe myrtle, dogwood, fig, fir, palm, pear, plum, redbud and redwood trees.

Flower Fun

It's spring and everything is blooming! However, moms of allergy sufferers know that sometimes the prettiest flowers can wreak the most havoc. This season, don't go without those beautiful blooms- simply get creative and use materials around your home to create floral masterpieces. What they lack in fragrance they make up for in fun! Click here to download fun flower crafts.

Sunshine Smoothie

This bright and fresh-tasting smoothie is like a dose of sunshine in a glass!

Ingredients:

  • 1 large banana, frozen
  • ½ cup of orange juice
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup of ice cubes
  • 1 orange, peeled and sliced

Directions: Add banana, orange juice, honey, yogurt, and ice cubes to blender. Blend until smooth, adding more honey to taste. Garnish with orange slices.

Disclosure: As a member of the Children’s Claritin Mom Crew, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Cheerios Winners

Have you tried out the 2 box cheerios yet? we made no bake cookies out of ours. Smile YUMMY!!

Cheerios_Club_Store_logo

And now for the 2 winners of giveaway are -

 

8comment #8 -

Gina M Maddox said...

I follow you publicly on GFC! -- Gina M
(email removed)

MAY 12, 2012 9:17 AM

 

6comment #6 -

katychick said...

this will be great for my first new real food for baby picking up
(email removed)

MAY 2, 2012 11:04 AM

 

 

CONGRATS ladies and enjoy!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Movie Night with Madagascar and Children's Claritin!

MV5BMTM2MTIzNzk2MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDcwMzQxNw@@._V1._SY317_CR0,0,214,317_It's allergy season, so even though it's nice outside, we are often stuck indoors due to allergies. But, thanks to Non-Drowsy Children's Claritin, my children can play outside until their hearts are content, without so much as the sniffles.

As a member of the Claritin Mom Crew, I hosted a Madagascar themed party for the upcoming release of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted. My children had a blast at the Madagascar Movie Viewing Party sponsored by Children's Claritin.

We had loads of fun watching Madagascar 1 and 2. My children have never seen the Madagascar movies and had a blast watching all of the loveable characters - Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, and of course the Penguins. Some of the goodies we indulged in included Penguin Popcorn, Marty's Zebra Cakes, Gloria's Hippo Punch (white grape juice [no stains]), Alex's Animal Crackers, Julian's Jell-O, and Melman's Mild Jambalaya (OK, that one's a stretch, but the kids rolled with it!)

IMAG1118

The party was a huge hit! At the end of the night, everyone walked away with a prize, the children each received a sticker pack, and the mom's were just as excited to receive some Children's Claritin madagascar-3-emw01samples. It was nice to sit back and have fun with our children and not worry about seasonal allergies for one night.

You can have your own Madagascar Themed Party with your child (whether you have a little allergy sufferer or just want a quiet night in with the family) with Madagascar Themed Activities. If you head over to the Madagascar website, you can print coloring and activity sheets, and much more!

Visit http://www.madagascarmovie.com and click on Printables.

Check out the trailer for the upcoming release of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted below...

Disclosure: I'm a member of Children's Claritin Mom Crew and received a Madagascar Movie Viewing party kit* for hosting a party.

*The Viewing kit included – 10 popcorn boxes, 5 packs of stickers, Claritin samples, and both movies mentioned above.

Little Miss Coppertone Contest

1447Summer is just around the corner which means most of us have beach days and poolside play dates in our future! Along with the bright sun, fresh produce and vacation plans, there's another symbol of summer that's immediately recognizable- the Coppertone girl! This summer, Coppertone is giving all littler girls the chance to embody this wholesome and charming icon with their Little Miss Coppertone Contest.

Coppertone is celebrating little girls by searching for the one who best personifies the spirit of Coppertone.

All you have to do is submit a photo of your little girl, ages 2-8, by June 22nd to enter.

Special guest judge Alison Sweeney will lead the judging team in selecting finalists and starting on July 13th, America will vote to choose the next Little Miss Coppertone! The winner gets a dream family vacation and will be featured in a Coppertone print ad!

No Purchase Necessary. Contest Ends on 6/22/12. To enter the contest and read the official rules, visit the Coppertone Facebook page.

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post.  No monetary exchange took place."

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Stanley Steemer Winner

 

ss truck_thumb

The winner of the Stanley Steemer Giveaway is comment #10.

10Luvdaylilies said...

I would most like to have our den cleaned! The room where we gather most=)
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net

APRIL 26, 2012 11:23 AM

 

Congratulations! As always you have 48 hours to contact me with your shipping details before another winner is chosen.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt

In Our home there is never a shortage of Yoplait yogurt my kids LOVE it. But I usually don’t partake in any because I’m lactose intolerant, and try to limit my dairy intake. So I was thrilled when I found out that Yoplait recently announced its new Yoplait® Lactose Free yogurt.

Lactose_Free206oz20Strawberry_webreadyInspired by the Yoplait yogurt we know and love, Lactose Free comes in four delicious flavors -

  • Strawberry,
  • Peach,
  • French Vanilla
  • and Cherry

- and contains 50% of the recommended Daily Value of calcium, with vitamins A and D in every cup. Lactose Free contains no artificial sweeteners and can be used in some of your favorite recipes - like chocolate crème brulee and strawberry cheesecake.


Are you Lactose intolerant or know someone who is? I wanted to let you know that you can visit http://bit.ly/IiJBKU to download a printable *coupon for $0.30 when you buy any flavor of Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt cups. Feel free to share the coupon offer with your family and friends so they can take advantage of the discount as well.


*The coupon offer for Yoplait Lactose Free yogurt is not valid in some states, including Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

“Disclosure: I received this information and the coupon offer from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark”

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

and then they cut off my foot…

So yesterday was FUN. UGH, I had an appointment for noon to see an orthopedic surgeon. I have this huge lump on my right ankle (to give you a visual - think of a golf ball right behind the ball of your ankle.) Anyway I get a call at 9:30am, waking me up mind you (don’t judge, having the whole family sleep in like this is a rare treat), saying that the Dr. is coming in sooner and they want to move up my appointment. (SWEET!)

I drag my tired ass out of bed and get the kids, hubby and I ready and out the door by 10am. I get there at 10:30, the waiting room is packed... everyone else got the same call as me. We are told that the Dr. is on his way sorry he is running late. After 30 minutes the children are getting antsy so Daddy takes them to the library and leaves me behind. Why did I bring them along you ask? I don’t drive and this appointment I was told would last 15 minutes tops and then we would head to breakfast.

The doctor doesn’t show until noon, (see original appointment time) Gee thanks! I'm not seen until close to 1pm. Where my basic consultation takes a scary, silly and slightly disturbed turn –

Firstly the nurse is a creeper, but it’s ok because he is hot. He takes my medical history you know all the basic medical history questions, cancer – no, diabetes- no, etc.…. Depression - yes. Do you take anything for it? - Not really, it’s prescribed, but I’m managing without it. (Hey, I’m honest). He gives me a funny look and then moves on. I didn’t think anything of it.

Nurse Hottie then struggles to take my blood pressure. Not really his fault, but funny all the same. He first tries to use a blood pressure cup that looks like it would fit a small child. I’m at this point thinking to myself, Hey hunky nurse (seriously he has nothing on those doctors from Greys Anatomy) that is probably not going to fit properly on my rather large arm. Bless him he tries but soon gives up and tries to take my pulse on my wrist. First the left arm, then he tries my right.

At this point I’m having silly vampire thoughts – That’s right hunky, you’re not going to find it. I’m a vampire. Care to be the Bella to my Edward? After about 5 minutes he finally manages to find my pulse and gets his data, and then he tells me to just relax for a few minutes. Um ok, I was relaxed, I was busy thinking how sexy your eyes and hair are. (Hubby if you’re reading this don’t be sad. I love you and your sexy too, but how often does a girl get to be in the same room as a god?)

At this point the nurse usually leaves the room and your stuck waiting forever for the Doctor to come in, but Nurse Hottie is sticking around. Hum, and staring at me. Not the ‘sweet he likes you’ stare either, but the ‘is she going to get up and stab me’ stare. That’s when I remember the depression question. Thanks Nurse Hottie, and I was just starting to like you. By the way I’m pretty sure I could take you if I really wanted to hurt myself with the roll of paper towels on the counter. He tries not to stare at me, I try not to stare at him, and no one talks. AWKWARD! Finally he says ok and then leaves. Bye, I forgive you, but just because you’re hot.

The Dr. FINALLY comes in a few minutes later takes a five second look at my ankle and tells me I have a huge cyst due to trauma on my ankle joint. He then slices it open to drain it. Oh My Goodness -  No Warning, and more importantly no pain killers. I almost passed out! I am the biggest chicken when it comes to pain. In other words - he actually made a small incision and jabs a huge needle (no exaggerating here, it was huge) into it, draining the cyst and then I had x-rays and could leave. In Crazy Oh My God the pain, speak – He cut my foot off and I had to hobble down the hall way dripping blood to the x-ray room. (seriously I did leave a blood trail, I should have at least gotten a band- aid.) I’ll more than likely die from blood loss.

The end result the cyst will more than likely never go away and I get to repeat this torture every month. Kill me now.

Two Box Cheerios Giveaway - CLOSED

Are you a member of a Shoppers Club? As a savvy Club member, you can recognize the value of buying Cheerios® cereal at your local Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s. While buying Cheerios at Club is already easy and affordable, new 2 box Cheerios packaging format makes Cheerios an even better purchase! You can cheer on the value by purchasing the new 2 box Cheerios packages in Club!
What’s so exciting?
  • New 2 box Cheerios contains two individual boxes, making them easier to store and easier to pour!
Not to mention…
  • By reducing the amount of air in each individual bag, these enhanced containers fit 10% more cereal than before and use less packaging
  • While each box contains more cereal, packaging material has been reduced by over 200,000 lbs, saving 1,000 trees and taking 130 Cheerios trucks of the road, decreasing CO2 emissions
Cheerios_Club_Store_prizepack
You don’t have to take My word for it, check out all the benefits of new 2 box Cheerios packaging in the video below.

New and improved 2 box Cheerios are now available on the shelves of Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s nationwide.
And here is the fun part TWO of you can try out the two box design for free.
Want to know how to enter? Its simple! just,
    1. Follow! my Blog - found on the left side of my blog.(+1 each)
      1. via Google Friend Connect
      2. via Network Blogs
    2. Share it! – Link back here, use the share it button on the left (+1 EACH)
      1. via Facebook
      2. via Twitter
    3. Subscribe! subscribe to my blog feed (+1)
    4. How will new 2 box Cheerios packaging benefit you and your family?
Giveaway ends on 5.15.2012 at midnight EST. Good luck and as always leave a way for me to contact you should you win.
“Disclosure:  Cheerios® cereal, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”