Sunday, May 31, 2009

Got Chocolate Milk?

Sometimes as a parent we find ourselves walking down a path we least expect. So it goes with my recent reunion with chocolate milk. The last thing I ever thought would become staple of my 17 month old toddler’s diet. Yes chocolate milk. The horror! Maybe your’re not cringing at the words chocolate milk, but the fact that I’m giving him chocolate milk is somewhat unbelievable to me. Chocolate milk definitely goes against my preconceived rules of parenting, but clearly I’ve had to re-assess.

I was that annoying Mom who never allowed my 3 ½ year old daughter to even have a “sip” of juice until she was older than 2. And then it took a birthday party or national holiday for me to break my rules and let her delight in a juice box. (Don’t worry once she turned 3 I loosened up a little and now I let her have juice a few times a week as a special treat…..)

Anyhow, a few weeks ago I easily transitioned Kyle off the bottle. Good news: I saw the appetite of my energetic boy greatly improve. Bad news: He stopped drinking any and all milk. After a week of him refusing all attempts to sip milk even after trying just about every sippy, straw, and suction cup on the market, I called the pediatrician to hear their thoughts. They reminded me how important calcium was for his diet. Be sure he is eating cheese, yogurt, and maybe even OJ with calcium. And of course aim for 15-20 oz of milk a day and that I should just let him try the flavored chocolate or strawberry milk. He’s allergic to strawberries so that left me with the chocolate milk.

I didn’t like the idea, but coincidentally that night I read an article about Osteoporosis – a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences. Yikes. I’m all over that chocolate milk now. And after a few days of encouragement, I’m not surprised that he now seems to be an avid fan.

Hopefully, I’ll transition him to the regular white stuff, if not, so it goes. How do you insure your children get enough calcium? What other foods do you try to make a staple of their diet?

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Sun & Earth Natural Cleaners Giveaway

Win it! I'm in love with the natural cleaners from Sun & Earth. Ironically, Sun & Earth is located about 15 minutes from my home, but I had never heard of them even though this company has been around for years - long before it was "trendy" to be green. Sun & Earth uses the latest technology to create cleaning agents from plant, fruit and vegetable oils that are non-toxic & safe for the Earth. Their hand soap is fabulous and their "citrus power" glass cleaner works like a charm on all my household surfaces and smells entirely delicious. Perfect for the constant smudges I'm wiping down on every surface thanks to my toddlers wandering dirty little hands.

We're giving away a very generous cprize package valued at $52 which will include the following:
(1) 50 oz. 2x Concentrated Laundry Detergent (1) 22 oz. All Purpose Cleaner (1) 22 oz. Extra Concentrated Dishwashing Liquid (1) Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Packs (1) box of Unscented Dryer Sheets (1) 40 oz. Ultra Fabric Softener Liquid (1) 22 oz. Glass Cleaner (1) 8 oz. Hand Soap (1) Reusable Sun & Earth Shopping Tote.
To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by June 6th, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by June 6th, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Steaming it up with Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Windex All-In-One Window Cleaning Kit Giveaway


Win it!  In perfect time for summer, Windex is offering free All-In-One Window Cleaning Kits to 3 lucky readers!  Tired of overpaying to have the outside of your windows cleaned but don't feel that you are up to the task yourself?  Windex's new All-In-One outdoor window cleaning kit is a great tool that allows you to easily clean the outside of your windows.  Simply spray the windows with a hose, wipe them with Windex's pad, and then spray them with a hose again - no need to hand dry them!  Be sure to enter so you can get squeaky clean windows just in time for the beautiful summer rays to come shining in!

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by June 13th, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by June 13th, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by 
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.


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Burt's Bees Free Lip Balm Freebie Giveaway


Win it! Avoid chapped lips this summer with free lip balm from Burt's Bees! Starting today (5/27/09) at 9 AM EST, Burt's Bees will be giving away 1000 lip balms per day for 25 days for a total of 25,000 free lip balms! With so many prizes, this is a great chance to win and keep your kids' lips safe and healthy for the summer. Enter quickly each morning - they were gone before 9:30 AM today! Sign up here!

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

I Love Strong Bones National Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Giveaway

Win it!   May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month and we are giving away 2 grand prizes including a blender with fun, yummy smoothie recipes as well as Bone Health t-shirts in kid and adult sizes with a total value of $40.  Did you know that osteoporosis is a pediatric disease with geriatric consequences?  That's why it's so important to take advantage of peak bone-building years during childhood.  We are excited to share this important message with Classy Mommy readers. 

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by June 6th, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by June 6th, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here

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Monday, May 25, 2009

What Can I Do in 5 Minutes While Dinner Cooks?

Being a microwave chef has serious time saving benefits. Check me in out in ultra fast forward as I get all my nightly chores done while my dinner cooks itself. It is amazing what a busy Mom can accomplish with 5 extra minutes. (Video is just over a minute as I'm in Fast Forward mode!)

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Stress of Mommyhood: When do you find me time?


I've confessed that I find full time Mommyhood to be one tiring task. The perks and rewards are countless but being responsible for 2 tiny little lives 24/7 exhausts me. Somehow I always knew that I'd need to find a way to carve out time for myself within my stay at home routine to both: #1. Retain my own sense of identity and self and #2. Relax.

We live in a child centered culture and it is easy to fixate on our children and forget about what is important to ourselves. Being a stay at home Mom can be isolating and I know some Moms who feel they've struggled to retain their sense of self after having children. My blog has become my "outlet" to connect with the outside the world. Although I may get stressed out managing my website, it truly is something I do for "me." So in the end, I think this is really "healthy" stress in my life. I adore talking about products, writing reviews, twittering and facebooking with friends and other bloggers. Plus, my blog has given me a pathway to stay connected to my professional interests while also enabling me to develop a vast and virtual network of friends.

Where I struggle is when it comes to finding the actual time to "relax." As all Moms know there just isn't enough time in the day to do it all. My top relaxing strategies include: reading, watching a favorite TV show 1-2x per week, date night- as a girls night out or with my hubby, exercising, and just "being a kid" with the kids - digging in the dirt, riding kiddie amusments, and seeing the world with their eyes.

Reading books is my number one way to relax. I'm an obsessive reader and pretty much love the chance to escape to another world or story every evening in bed before I fall asleep. Exercise is also another fabulous way that I feel I can de-stress and do something for myself. But of course, exercising is not really "relaxing." I like the concept of creating a "day for me" (or truthfully 2-3 hours!) for a manicure, facial, or pedicure, but I swear the few times I've done this in the last 4 years, all I feel is guilt during the entire appointment about how long the process is taking. I end up leaving feeling more stressed knowing I spent money and could have been doing something more valuable with my time. So, when it comes to relaxing, reading is the one thing I don't feel guilty about as it's so easy to just pick up a book for 30 minutes before falling asleep and savor my sweet escape.

When do you find "me" time? How do you unwind? Or do you find that you never really relax? I'd love to hear your tips and thoughts on finding ways to de-stress and rediscover yourself.
Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.




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Super WHY Hero News + Giveaway!


Win it! My 3 year old always loves when we stumble upon Super WHY on PBS so I'm so excited to announce this very special episode and giveaway for what sounds to be a rocking new line of toys for pre-schoolers that will be available this June.

Be sure to tune in this Memorial Day, as fans can celebrate heroes with Super WHY! – Hurray for Heroes, a special two-hour marathon airing Monday May 25, 2009 on PBS KIDS, featuring two brand-new episodes and never-before-seen live-action interviews in-between the episodes in which real kids share their thoughts about what it means to be a hero! To help kids harness their own “super powers,” we’re offering a super special Role Play kit from Learning Curve and Out of the Blue Enterprises. The Super Why kit includes mask, full-size cape, and electronic Why Writer that lights up and says ten unique phrases. Princess Presto kit includes jeweled crown, full-size cape, and electronic Magic Spelling Wand that lights up and says 11 unique phrases. [Winner will have choice of Super Why (blue) or Princess Pesto (pink)] Value $14.99.
To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by June 6th, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here

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Calr's Jr. "Orange you a Diva" $150 Prize Package


Win it! The hot nights of summer are just around the corner – and Carl’s Jr. wants to treat one of our readers to a tasty "Orange you a Diva" prize package valued at $150. Their Orange Cream Shake is available at at a Carl's near year. It's going to almost 90 in Philly today and that sound yummy. This rockin' prize includes orange tastes & scents along with an orange Flip Ultra Video Camera too and Season 1 of "The O.C." on dvd.

Prize includes: Carl’s Jr Orange Cream Shake Coupons, Citrus Bath & Body Works Lotion (8 oz), Shower Gel (10 oz), Citrus Fragrance Bulb, DVD of the First Season of “The O.C.” TV Show, anda Flip Video Ultra F260 Orange 60-Minute Digital Camcorder.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 29th, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Huggies Pure & Natural Diapers Giveaway


Win it! We're giving away a package of Huggies brand new Pure & Natural Diapers to 1 lucky reader. Winner's choice of size newborn, 1, or 2. I wish Kyle could fit into these as I love how Huggies new super premium diaper features a breathable outer cover with organic cotton and is hypoallergenic & fragrance free. The winner will also get a cute tote bag from Fun Tote.
To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Tropicana Rescue the Rainforest & Coupon Giveaway


Win it! We're giving away 20 Tropicana coupons valued at $4.99 each (good for a carton of OJ!) to 10 lucky winners. Each winner will get 2 coupons for $4.99 each.

And right now Tropicana has an amazing promotion going on with Cool Earth to help protect the disappearing Rainforests which are causing our climate to change. Just visit this site to enter the code found on specially marked packages of Tropicana Pure Premium Products and you can save 100 square feet of Rainforest.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Ideas to Keep Family Active & On the Go


What fun activities do you do to keep the family active? Prior to having kiddies, my husband and I led such an active lifestyle. Seriously we were non-stop all weekend long from runs in the morning to tennis in the afternoon to evening bike rides. Somehow, as much as kids tire out us parents, it seems the "activity" can easily come to a halt as we're juggling nap schedules, baths, temper tantrums, non stop play, snacks, and more snacks, and more play. Seriously, I feel like we need to "plan" family outdoor activities that also keep Mom and Dad on the go besides just watching the kiddies race through the sprinkler or hang from the swing set.

Just a few of my fave "family" outdoor activities:

Hiking in the woods behind our house or heading out for real hike at Valley Forge National Park which is just a 2 miles from my house. Kids love exploring on the trails, throwing rocks into the creeks, and keeping an eye out for deer, snakes or any kind of animal.



  • We also enjoy family walks with the stroller on summer evenings just around our block - the fresh air is good for everyone and sometimes it feels nice to just walk off dinner.
  • Catch and basketball in the driveway are fun although feel less "physical" than running, biking or hiking.
  • Walks on the beach when we're on vacation with our Jog Stroller - one of the best parenting "equipment" investments we've ever made
  • Playing Hide & Go Seek or Tag in the Yard
  • Setting up the sprinkler and hose for good old fashioned splashing fun

Our jogging stroller (a Bob Ironman) has been an incredible tool to help keep us active on runs and hikes after having kids. We also bought a Kelty backpack on Craigs List which has been great for tougher hikes that a stroller could not easily navigate. I think our next big purchase to help keep us on the move and active will be both a double jogging stroller and a bike trailer so we can get back to bike riding along the Schuylkill River which is only 2 miles from our house. Hopefully we can also secure those items via Craigs List as seriously that kind of equipment is expensive -but we feel committed to being more active and think it might help all 4 of us get on outdoors and explore even more frequently.

I'd love to hear what cool activities you do as a family to keep everybody moving! Especially if you have any brilliant ideas for the winter as I know living in the Northeast that can be our hardest time of year to get outside and on the go.

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.




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Monday, May 18, 2009

A Microwave Chef's Packed Freezer with Healthy Choice Meals

Yes, being a microwave chef places some crazy demands on my freezer!

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

Green Works Homemade Natural Bubble Making Recipe & Giveaway

Here's a super recipe for making some home made bubbles from Green Works. Click below to see the recipe. If your kids are as crazy about bubbles as my 17 month old toddler is then I know you'll love this quick and easy bubble making solution! Kyle has less than 10 words and one of them is actually "Bubble!"

We're also giving away 1 bottle of Green Works Natural Dishwashing Liquid to one lucky winner.
.Download GreenWorks_BubblesRecipe.pdf
To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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IHG World's Biggest Bed Jump iTunes Gift Card Giveaway

Win it! Ever wonder what the Dancing with the Stars contestants do to help them warm up for a big dance? Gymnast Shawn Johnson, Olympic Gold Medalist, gave her legs a work out on May 7th by hosting IHG’s World’s Biggest Bed Jump in New York (the bed was 42 x 28 feet!). Shawn joined thousands of people around the world to celebrate the company’s Biggest Free Nights offer (stay two nights at any hotel and get a third night free). In addition to the New York, Bed Jumps took place in Shanghai, Paris and London.

In celebration of IHG's Biggest Free Nights offer, we'll give away 1 signed pair of PJ's by Shawn Johnson to 1 lucky winner along with 5 additional $10 iTunes Gift cards to 5 other winners.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Thursday, May 14, 2009

How Can Moms Squeeze in More Exercise?


In the glory days of my youth, I was an athlete. Then, came real life -it sneaks up on you when you least expect it - and before I knew it, I became a Mom. This glorious job position is certainly the one I covet more than anything else in my life. Yet, being a Mom 24/7 is a tiring task and I've found Motherhood equally exhilarating and exhausting. (Emphasis on the word exhausting, please. )

I've made compromises to my exercise routine, while being determined to do whatever it takes to maintain some level of fitness during my children's wild and crazy toddler years.

And when I say whatever it takes, I don't mean vacuuming all day to burn XYZ calories or eating celery really quick so I burn even more calories than I consume. (I'm not much of a housekeeper anyhow and really how much celery could I eat to make any difference in my total daily caloric burn??)
I squeeze in walks and short runs whenever I can a few times a week. Even if I don't have much time, I've found it's important to at least go on that 15 minute run or walk around the block. This keeps me from getting even more out of shape. I've also found a few sneaky ways to stay toned that don't impact my daily routine at all. Exercise while watching TV at night. I know it can be hard to get off the couch or out of bed as the exhaustion and laziness factor often win at my house.
But the 2 sneaky staples I try to maintain a few times a week are:
1. Sit Ups - 3x a week. Aim to build up to 100 sit ups. (2 sets of 50 or 4 sets of 25)

2. Dumbbell Curls - Work your biceps and triceps.
-For my biceps - I've got a set of 8 lb dumbbells as I find I do better with lower weight and higher reps. 2 -3 sets of 15 reps
-For my triceps, I use a 15 lb dumbbell for overhead arm raises with both hands on a single dumbbell. 2 sets of 15 reps

I know there must be a long list of quick and easy fitness drills I could do at home, but so far this is where I'm at. I'd love to add more sneaky exercise & toning tricks into my arsenal. How have you found time to sprinkle in mini sessions of exercise or toning into your hectic life as a Mom? Or how have your carved out a routine that works for you to regularly workout (go to the gym, running, biking, walking, aerobics class, Wii fit at home, etc) amidst the chaos of motherhood?

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Healthy Choice: What's In the Box?



I'm so impressed with both the taste and look of Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers. This little meal in a box truly looks like the gorgeous picture on the package.

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mini Kick Scooter Giveaway

Win it! 3 year old Kenzie is crazy for her scooter that KickboardUSA.com sent us to review. Mom loves it too as getting the kids outdoors and active is healthy and fun for the entire family. Take a peek at our video review below.


We're giving away 1 Mini Kick scooter (for ages 2-5) to 1 lucky winner. Value $75. Winner's choice of Blue, Orange, or Pink scooter.
To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.

2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara Giveaway

Win it! I'm giving away this brand new Maybelline innovative mascara to 2 lucky winners.




Walmart sent me this Maybelline Pulse Perfection Mascara to review before it hit stores. It will be available on May 18th at Walmart for $12.95 and in store everywhere May 28th, 2009 at $14.95. I've got a little video review here if you'd like to hear a little bit more about the product. Definitely for a more dramatic look. The vibrating takes some getting used too but it is pretty cool.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Noodle & Boo Crème Douce Bouncing Bubbles Giveaway


Win it! We're giving away 5 Crème Douce Bouncing Bubbles from Noodle & Boo valued at $14 each to 5 lucky winners.
You can also visit Noodle & Boo to enter to win a $250 gift certificate from Noodle & Boo in honor of Mother’s Day. Submit a Mommy & Me photo and the photo with the most “like its” will win. Contest ends Wednesday, May 20th at noon.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.

2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Healthy Snacking for Toddlers & Preschoolers

In my life before Mommyhood, I led a very active lifestyle and balanced my activities (running, bike riding, swimming, tennis etc.) with healthy eating habits. I always had a natural love for healthy foods like fruits and veggies. What I can't quite figure out is how to pass on my taste buds for nutritious healthy foods to my kids. And don't get me wrong, I'll delve into a good ice cream sundae and I crave chocolate chip cookies, but on a day to day basis the Mom in me feels very guilty about eating unhealthy!

My 3 year old would eat non-stop goldfish around the clock. Or preferably she'd love endless cookies! Luckily, I've been able to pass on my love of fruits to both Kenzie and Kyle. I've found slicing an apple, mini boxes of raisins, half a banana, grapes, and clementine oranges to be convenient favorites for our busy days at home or even when we're traveling and on the go.

Unfortunately, I'm having less success in the veggie department. Especially for my preschooler. Both at meal time and especially when it comes to trying to incorporate veggies at snack time. I'd love for my kids to eat celery, red peppers, carrot sticks, grape tomatoes. Delicious and nutritious right?

The good news: 3 year old Mackenzie eats 2 veggies. Canned green beans. (Yes only canned green beans. And if I buy the "no salt added" version she won't eat it!). And she's gaga for corn on the cob. The bad news: The texture or taste of just about every other veggie is unacceptable to her.

Maybe I should keep on serving up these favorite veggies as a snack option? What healthy snacks do you feed your picky eaters? Do you teach your kids about portion control? I'd love your advice as I find it is a real struggle for me to get my kids to adopt my eating habits. Maybe demonstrating the healthy habits myself and continually putting out veggies as an option for snack time is my best bet - and then one day when I least expect it their taste buds will be finally be ready for the healthy stuff!

Disclosure: This blog post is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Monday, May 11, 2009

Hershey's Night at the Museum Giveaway

Win it! A few weeks ago, The Hershey Company invited Mackenzie & I for an exclusive preview of Hershey’s “Win a Night in the Museum” promotion and the release of the new film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. We had an amazing Mother/Daughter evening and loved meeting the Hershey employees and other Moms with their children. We are so gratefult to have attended this special event. I can't wait to see Battle of the Smithsonian come May 22nd!
I've got a “sweet” giveaway for my readers!

On Classy Mommy, I'm giving away 1 gift basket with: A full-size Hershey’s Night at the Museum sleeping bag, One DVD of the original Night at the Museum movie, and Assorted Hershey’s candy including the iconic Hershey®’s Kisses® brand chocolate.
With the national promotion, Hershey’s will award five lucky people with a trip for four to the Smithsonian and the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep in the gallery featured in the movie. The promo is a little like a Willy Wonka type contest where you can win from candy you buy on specially labeled packages through October 31, 2009.

To enter the Classy Mommy giveaway please enter by May 31st, 2009.
1. Leave a comment below by May 31st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Lunchtime Chaos & the Convenience of Healthy Choice


Lunch is total chaos at my household! Check out my vlog and you'll see how my fast forward day needs a little convenience wherever we can find it.I've been crazy for these Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers ever since I discovered them at Target a few months ago. A balanced meal in 5 minutes is my kind of luxury.

Disclosure: This vlog is sponsored by Healthy Choice. Please visit http://www.spokespersonwanted.com/ for more information on Healthy Choice and to print a free $1 off coupon.

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Sunday, May 10, 2009

Meridian Playset Giveaway Winner

Congrats to Alexia from Michigan for winning the Meridian Playset. 55 people found the hidden swing set and we used random.org to select a winner. Thanks to everyone for participating and to Alexia for her big win. I can't wait to hear how she likes it!

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Friday, May 08, 2009

Better Homes and Garden's Kitchen Makeover: The Final Reveal & $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

If you’ve been reading Classy Mommy over the past few weeks, you know I’ve been working on a redecorating project in my kitchen as part of a mini-makeover sponsored by Better Homes and Gardens to celebrate the launch of their new line at Walmart.




A Table to Call My Own

In just over a month, I’ve made some major changes with a $500 budget and I’m thrilled with the updated look. As expected, the constant mess of cheerios, goldfish, and endless toys that aim to take over my home on a daily basis are still unresolved, but I accomplished my number one goal of retiring the hand me down kitchen table from my childhood. I’m very excited about sharing life’s moments over what I can finally call my own table. And for $206, the price for this beautiful Farmhouse table is truly unbeatable. The quality is excellent for the price – although remember the buyer must put this one together themselves. My team of helpers – my Dad and my husband - assisted me with the grunt work as I’m useless at the heavy lifting. I also bought bold red seat cushions to add coordinating colors with décor in the kitchen & the other rooms in my house.

I’m crazy for this brand new change and fresh look but I must admit saying goodbye to my 30 year old “hand me down” table saddened me. These feelings really surprised me, but I grew up with this table since I was 3 years old so I guess the table held many memories of mealtime conversations as life literally happens over the dinner table. Perhaps this is why it took me so long to finally take the plunge to update my kitchen.
A New Look
Who doesn’t love a new set of dishes? This gorgeous BHG Tuscan style set was a steal at $30 and coordinates with my patterned placemats and the yellow color scheme in my kitchen. New plates just feel fabulous. Swapping out plates each season or every few years is a great way to freshen up the style in your kitchen. And with these new placemats and dishes- along with coordinating dish towels, I’ll now be able to host a more formal “casual dinner” in my kitchen with guests. I also added a fabulous vase and set of 3 pillar candlesticks to my bistro set and kitchen table for some added décor. I love it all and using new everyday dishes and placemats is such a fun change that I get to enjoy on a daily basis again and again at mealtime.

More Changes
I had no regrets about the removal of my 27 year old stained glass fruit lamp. Hard to be nostalgic about a lamp! My trendy new 9 globe chandelier is far brighter and fills up the space in our large kitchen with high ceilings. Amazing what a new light can do to a room! I also swapped out all the door knobs on my cabinets. I made the move to a trendy style antique bronze and lost the bold brass. I love the constant reminder of this new look every time I open a cabinet and hold the new handles.

Less can be more
I finally dared to lose the curtains. All it took was a few quick turns of the screwdriver and I finally became free of curtains that were never my taste to begin with as they came with our home when we purchased it almost 6 years ago. Priceless!

Unfinished Business
I’ve learned that redecorating is truly an “on-going” process as shopping for just the right pieces and décor takes time. Decision making can be difficult and sometimes it’s nice to go in slow steps and try out a few different styles to see what really works best for you. And of course, other members of your household may not share your vision for a more dramatic change. As you know, I was desperate to paint the nook in my kitchen. I think painting the nook in my kitchen “cabin red” to match my seat cushions and coordinate with our color schemes in the rooms the kitchen flows into would be just the dramatic change to add to our fresh look. I hoped to win the battle of the accent wall, but I’ve been unable to convince my husband to let me test out this change. Only time will tell if my husband will agree. Until then, I’ve got a decorating bug as the designs on BHG’s blog and website have inspired me. I’m now plotting a renovation in my powder room with dreams of adding a new vanity with a groovy modern vestal sink. Creating a new look is contagious!

To see what my fellow bloggers, Sheena of Mommy Daddy Blog and Katja of Skimbaco Lifestyle are thinking about doing for their living rooms and bedrooms, check out their inspirations here.

Win a $50 Visa Gift Card!
Hoping for a new modern powder room or to try a new color scheme in your bedroom? Maybe you’re planning to splash around some paint to create that accent wall I’ve been dreaming about! Comment below by May 16th,2009 about what kind of a mini-makeover you’d love to tackle in your home. Please include your email address so we may contact you if you win.

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Wednesday, May 06, 2009

VTech Phone Giveaway


Win it! We're giving away a brand new VTech Phone to 1 lucky winner valued at $69.95. I love the innovative Vtech phones with their sleek and thin handsets.
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below by May 21st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Crayola Outdoor Challenge Giveaway


Win it! Another Crayola crafty giveaway worth $30. 2 Prize packages available. Sidewalk chalk, rainbow rake and a 3D jungle safari activity set included.

To coincide with National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, Crayola is asking families to take the “Crayola Outdoor Challenge” and pledge time each day this summer to outdoor creative play – which can reduce stress, build confidence and reinforce creative thinking skills. The national goal is to reach one million hours of pledged outdoor play time. Beginning May 5 and running through the end of the summer, parents can take the pledge at Crayola.com and find dozens of outdoor games and activities that keep kids’ imaginations and bodies active. Take the challenge here.
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below by May 19th, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by
joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Carolina Pad Fashion Office Set $150 Giveaway


I'm crazy for stylish and trendy office supplies and I adore Carolina Pad's product line with groovy pads, pens, magnets, folders, notebooks, markers, and more. We're giving away a $150 prize package to 1 lucky reader who can choose between the Simply Chic or Eye Candy patterns for their prize.

Carolina Pad's products are available at Target, Walmart and KMart. Be sure to visit their website to learn more about their Consumer Insight panel as well on their website here since this is the first place they go to recruit for paid focus groups.
To enter:
1. Leave a comment below by May 21st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.
2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Elmo And The Bookaneers: Pirates Who Love To Read DVD giveaway


Win it! We're giving away 3 copies of the brand new Elmo And The Bookaneers: Pirates Who Love To Read DVD to 3 lucky Classy Mommy readers. My 16 month old Kyle is literally obsessed with Elmo right now and demands scenes from his all time favorite Elmo song - Happy Tapping with Elmo - daily. We are so excited to view this new dvd which hit the street on 4/21/09 and is now available for purchase. Moms and Dads will get an extra kick out of this special as the beloved and hysterical Tina Fey rocks with the Sesame Street crew for this special production.

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below by May 21st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.

2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Bath & Body Works Foaming Hand Soap Giveaway



With Swine flu on the brain, all us Mommies are worrying about warding off sickness. So we've got a timely giveaway from Bath & Body Works for 10 lucky readers.

What’s the number one way to prevent the spread of illness? Frequent, thorough hand washing! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the “first and most important” way is to “wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.”

So, we're giving away 10 bottles of Enchanted Orchard Foaming Hand Soap from Bath & Body Works. I've been a foaming hand soap convert for the past 18 months and I don't know if I'll ever go back to regular hand soap again for my kitchen or powder room.

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below by May 21st, 2009. Include your email address if it's not visible on your profile page - so we may contact you if you win.

2. Get a bonus entry by joining our Classy Mommy Facebook page here and leaving an additional comment here.

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Hershey's Night at the Musuem Blogger Event

Last weekend, Hershey's invited 9 Mommybloggers to Washington DC along with our children to attend an exclusive preview of "The Night at the Musuem: Battle of the Smithsonian" and tour the Smithsonian Air & Space Musuem after dark. A super giveway is coming soon for my readers too!

Touring the museum after close and getting a tour from Musuem Curators who also advised and helped plan the set for the movie was incredible. No crowds and lots of insider info. However, the most impressive thing was the fact that Hershey's recognized how wonderful it would be to include our families in this event. It was wonderful for me to be able to share this experience with my daughter - and since DC is so close to Philly, my husband and 16 month old son also came along to share in the cool hotel and enjoy the excursion with us.
Here is a clip from my radio show where Audrey from Mom Generations and I dish all about the Herhsey's trip and Night at the Museum giveaway. Ultimately, the real reason for this trip was so families could experience a taste of the "sleepover" sweepstakes Hershey's is sponsoring now through October 31st, 2009. It's like a "Willy Wonka" type contest where 5 winners will each win a Night at the Museum for themselves and 4 of their friends. Too cool!

This is the very 1st plane from the Wright Brothers - and is one of the galleries where a lucky winner and their friends could spend the night. This would be my pick!

Here's Able, a treasured and preserved monkey who has been to space. He survived his 1st trip there which was very important for proving the concept of sending a Man to space would work. Sadly, the curator told us he died on s ubsequent mission.

I was able to connect with other Mommybloggers but even more special was meeting their children, seeing them in "mommy" mode, and having our children all play together and develop instant friendships. Audrey and I have been close friends and seeing our children meet and hearing Kenzie call "William, William" across the playground and museum was too cute. Now, they're planning to be pen pals!


Loved meeting the highly esteemed Liz from Mom 101 and Ali from Blissfully Domestic - I would have loved to spend more time with them but having Kenzie with me did require a little less networking. So Kenzie and I hung out with Reilly (Linda's son from A Sundry Mourning), Regan, (Vicki's cutie from The Mummy Chronicles), Charlotte (Trish's cutie from Mom Dot), and of course William, (Audrey's oldest son from Mom Generations).

The Kids ran wild in the museum too. Priceless!
Mom Dot's daughter, Charlotte, and Mackenzie became instant friends while the Mom Dot and I dished on love of blogging and running our websites. Charlotte helped Kenzie get over her fear of the water. Before today, she would never swim without me. Seeing Charlotte splash around gave Kenzie the courage to swim with her vest for over 30 minutes without me holding her! Wish Charlotte could attend swimming lessons with us here in PA!

Thank you Hershey's for recognizing our families and developing a relationship with us. And thanks for helping with our strollers & babies and for thinking of all the extras like coloring pages, crayons and of course candy!

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