Being a parent is hard enough with everyday worries about your kids and what they’ll do and how they’ll grow up. With so many manuals and books out there on how to raise your kids among other advice, have you ever considered advice on how to shop for your kids? Well, shopping for food that is – and namely, the right kind of food that will ensure a healthy lifestyle. I’m pretty diligent when it comes to grocery shopping for my son and my family and I am an avid label reader. You have to be nowadays with so many new products out on the industry shouting at you through TV commercials, ads on the internet, magazines, and so forth. As individuals, we are constantly being tempted with new and delicious foods the minute we walk into a grocery store or turn on the TV. And although as strategic and cunning as those advertisements and packaging may be, we do have a lot of control on what we buy and what we shouldn’t buy.

Straddling off the successful book titled, Unjunk Your Junk Food written by the sassy authors and founders of Naturally Savvy, they have created a new e-book called, Label Lessons: Your Guide to a Healthy Shopping Cart (http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/). Similar to their first book, Label Lessons teaches you how to properly read product labels and compares not only food, but supplements and personal care items as well. It is an invaluable book one which will surely stay in your reading list as well as on your coffee table. And since it’s an e-book, it’s easy to keep it on your tablet, computer, or smartphone should you feel the need to look at it while you’re shopping. The book has clear illustrations of the “bad choice” and the “naturally savvy approved choice”, and gives reasons to why there are differences between the two products. Many reasons are compelling and what I think about when I am buying something new for my son and family to try.

With the convenient age of shopping virtually anywhere in the United States as well as abroad, it seems that convenience may not always be the best choice. We shouldn’t readily rely on processed foods as a go-to for a meal or snack for our children. But when we do, it should always be made with the right choice. Not everyone can afford to purchase organic and natural foods but we can be selective on what we buy for our kids. After all, eating healthy and living a healthy lifestyle will only instill good habits in our children later on. My son is tempted just like any other kid will be when he sees those colorful cereals on TV with the clever animation jumping into their creative minds. After all, advertising and marketing companies know exactly what they’re doing in enticing you to buy the products. Perhaps that’s why obesity and other food-related health issues remain a problem with kids in the United States. It’s all too easy to pick up a box of sugary, sticky, colorful snack rather than eating a piece of fruit or something healthier.

In the book, Label Lessons, I was really impressed at all the details and information that was written. The book relates why artificial food colors are a hazard to one’s health as well as packaging of certain foods that can be dangerous as well. It also covers topics on genetically modified ingredients and how to avoid them, ingredients that can potentially cause irreversible harm to your body, and how to choose the right ingredients. I really liked the recipes offered in the book as well and the ingredients label that defines the differences between what is good for you and what is bad.

Label Lessons is a free e-book for anyone to download and share: http://www.naturallysavvy.com/labellessons/. Feel free to share it with anyone who wishes to start eating healthy or want to get more information than what they already know. And the best part is – Naturally Savvy will donate $1.00 for every share of the e-book via the link above to the Holistic Moms Network (http://www.holisticmoms.org/). And to help you make the right food choices, there are also coupons included in the e-book for you to download and print.

So don’t even think about whether you should read Label Lessons or not. It’s such an insightful and useful book that you will be both shocked and relieved after you finish reading the book.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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If you’re ever a fan of Disney and their movies and television shows, then you undoubtedly know that there are also strong, moving songs to go along with them. Oftentimes the songs in the movie or the show relates to the plot and the beautiful and memorable songs stay with you for a long time. In the instance with Disney’s television shows, there are always something fun, hip, and unforgettable leaving you impressed at the immense talents within the Disney entity.

Without missing a beat, Disney Channel conjured up a new hit series called Shake It Up. Aimed towards young kids to tweens Shake It Up is a fairly new show just shy of 3 years running. The show is full of laughs and mishaps as it follows best friends CeCe Jones and Rocky Blue in their every day adventures as dancers for the hit TV dance show, aptly called “Shake It Up, Chicago!” Among other members of the show include funny yet protective brother to Rocky, Ty Blue aka Roshon Fegan of Camp Rock fame, Deuce Martinez, a “worldly” teenager, Flynn Jones, CeCe’s  precocious and mischievous little brother, and a few other well-casted characters that blend perfectly into the show. Once again the Disney Channel has another music inspired hit show that you can’t help falling in love with. And to make matters even more exhilarating, Disney has also come out with a new CD accompanying the hit show.

As an official blogger for Child’s Play Communications, I was given the unique opportunity to listen and review their newest music CD, Shake It Up: I <3 Dance. I was really impressed at the quality of music and lyrics on the CD and although there were only a few tracks with Bella Thorne (CeCe) and Zendaya (Rocky) singing on the CD, it was still filled with danceable and recognizable songs. Even the theme song, “Shake It Up” performed by Selena Gomez was included in the track as a nice touch. When I received the CD, I popped it into our car’s radio and my son and I both sang and jammed to the songs. He was excited that he got a brand new CD with new songs on them and since he and I both watch Shake It Up on a regular basis, the songs had more meaning for us.

The main characters, CeCe and Rocky are definitely charismatic and charming in their own individual ways. They both remind me of Lucy and Ethel from “I Love Lucy” in that one was the troublemaker while the other one was always unwittingly helping them both get out of trouble. But unlike Lucy and Ethel, CeCe and Rocky has real musical talent as well as enviable dance talent. On the show, they rose to fame from backup dancers to lead dancers in a matter of weeks. It’s fun to watch them perform intricate dance moves as Shake It Up, Chicago! goes through an opening routine that’ll blow your mind each time you see it. We love the fact that the show centers around family and growing up with normal problems and issues that most families probably have to deal with. And like any other Disney movie or show, Disney always relates an important message to the audience each and every time.

Personally I enjoy soundtracks to shows or movies because it reminds me of the show and I can always listen to the songs whenever I feel like it. Plus, if it’s a favorite show, it’s a good memorabilia as well and you can keep the soundtrack for many years even after the show has been cancelled. In the newest Shake It Up: I <3 Dance CD Soundtrack, there are 12 titles total and I would’ve liked it to contain a little more, instead of having to listen to the entire CD over and over again. But with a few songs that have already become our favorites, it’s no big deal to listen to the entire CD since each song lasts at most three or four minutes long. All the songs have been featured on the show having been danced to by either CeCe and Rocky or guest dancers. And if you’re a fan of the show, then you’ll surely recognize some of the songs on the CD Soundtrack.

For more information about the show, Shake It Up or the CD, Shake It Up: I <3 Dance , please visit their websites:  http://disneychannel.disney.com/shake-it-up and http://music.disney.com/.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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When you think of a fig bar, what images come to mind? Something dry and overly sweet in a not so appetizing way? Well, that’s what I used to think of fig bars until I tried something entirely new and different. And although fig bars are usually perceived as only a nutritional requirement rather than a recreational treat, when I found out about Nature’s Bakery, I was truly delighted at their flavor and appeal.

Nature’s Bakery or rather spelled in lowercase letters – nature’s bakery (http://naturesbakery.com/) is a family owned and operated food company specializing in homemade-like fig bars. With natural fig paste as the base ingredient for all of their fig bars, each bar is deliciously paired with other unique ingredients such as blueberry, apple, apricot, raspberry, and many other natural and wholesome ingredients. I like the fact that they’re not overly sweet, they’re super moist, and they come in a small enough size that if you wanted more, you certainly could. And the great thing about these fig bars is that they are definitely not boring and would be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Nature’s Bakery started as early as the 60′s as a family-owned bakery. Later, with the need of nutritious and natural products on the rise, Nature’s Bakery was formed and with one mission in mind: to offer all natural, nutritious and deliciously wholesome snack foods to support balanced, healthy, everyday lifestyles. Nature’s Bakery comes in individual sized packets so they are great to throw in a bag or purse, for on the go, for athletes, and for an anytime snack that’s healthier, tastier, and full of sweet goodness. I think I might even give these out during Halloween as a healthier alternative to candy. When Nature’s Bakery had sent me their lineup of different flavors to try and review, we were excited to try all of them. My son and I both enjoy the Blueberry and Apple Cinnamon flavors and the Vanilla Fig and Vanilla Raspberry definitely have unique flavors. The Vanilla flavor isn’t overly strong like some other vanilla flavored sweets might be yet it’s subtle and delicate with just a hint of the popular spice.

All of Nature’s Bakery fig bars are made with naturally derived ingredients and have a bar full of important vitamins and minerals and are also made with whole grains. The folks at Nature’s Bakery carefully blend a wholesome and delicious combination of sweet, moist, and nutritious fig bars that sets itself apart from other regular fig bars or even energy bars. With the fig fruit as a nutritiously satisfying ingredient, you won’t feel guilty if you eat too many of them either. We really enjoyed them as they are- mine with a cup of hot tea, and my son with a nice glass of milk.

The current flavors offered by Nature’s Bakery are: Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Whole Wheat Fig, Peach Apricot, Raspberry, Vanilla Fig, and Vanilla Raspberry. You can find Nature’s Bakery fig bars at most natural grocery stores and major supermarkets that carry natural and organic products. You can also use their handy store locator to find their products near you  If you would like more information about Nature’s Bakery and their unique line of delicious and wholesome fig bars, please check out their website: http://naturesbakery.com/, Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/naturesbakery, and Twitter: https://twitter.com/NaturesBakery.

Whether you’re looking for a new healthy snack to try for your kids or you’re an avid nutrition bar taster, you definitely have to give nature’s bakery fig bars a try. I think they are really great for kids as well as adults and because they are full of important vitamins and nutrients, they are much healthier than most snacks out on the market these days. My son, my nieces, and nephews all enjoyed these fig bars and because they are a nice small size, they’re just the right amount for an anytime snack.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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What is it about Crayola that brings back nostalgic memories of childhood? Perhaps it’s because they’ve been around for many, many years and it’s probably the one leading brand of coloring tools for children and adults alike. We have boxes full of Crayola crayons, pencils, and a few markers yet it seems like they are always coming out with something new – whether it’s a new color, a new design, or a new adventure for these playful Crayola characters.

Right now, to celebrate Crayola’s 110th birthday, the 8 original crayons are throwing a birthday bash at the new fun-omenal Crayola Experience, the world’s only interactive Crayola family attraction. And these colorful characters are out on the road spreading the fun about their birthday celebration and the Grand Opening of the all new Crayola Experience opening May, 2013. And if you want to join in on the fun as well, you can follow them on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Crayola/app_316661705126 and enter a contest to win a trip for 4 to celebrate their birthday and the Grand Opening.

The all new Crayola Experience features four floors of new interactive exhibits and one-of-a-kind attractions that will bring the magic of color and your child’s creativity to life. The winner will be among the first to experience the fun, along with a three- night, all-expenses paid stay. You can enter the contest every day for more chances to win this fun and exciting prize. What child wouldn’t want to immerse themselves in a land full of colors, fun, and creativity? I myself have grown up with Crayola and they’re usually my first choice when I buy Crayola products for my son or for presents for other kids. Crayola colors are vibrant, unique, and rich in pigment and compared to other brands, it’s hard to compare the higher quality of Crayola products.

Crayola gave me the opportunity to post this information on my blog so I hope you take advantage of this contest hosted on Facebook. Even if you’re not a fan of Crayola, you may want to give their products a try anyway. They are not expensive and there are so many different products to choose from. So be sure to head on to their Facebook contest page: https://www.facebook.com/Crayola/app_316661705126 for a chance to win!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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If you have a kid that’s absolutely fanatic about cars or anything that moves, then you’ve probably heard of Ridemakerz. There’s always something fun and creative to do with the customizable line of cars and trucks that is sure to delight any young child (or adult). Now, they have a new line of create-your-own automobiles that’s easier than their standard Ridemakerz you’d find in their signature stores. This new line called Xtreme Customz can be found at most Target and Toys R Us stores and is designed for kids ages 5 and up and can be customized at home rather than in their Ridemakerz stores. We’ve been to the Ridemakerz stores a few times and it’s always fun to check out the different type of cars available to make and upgrade. And when we found out about their Xtreme Customz line which we found at ToysRUs, we were equally excited at the unique options for the custom made vehicles. My son absolutely love building cars and he finds the challenge of making them to his own liking quite exhilarating. So ofcourse we have tons of different types of vehicle building toys yet it seems like there’s never enough building toys for him to play with. And I’m pretty sure that most young kids feel that way about their toys – that they just don’t have enough of them. Only thing is, it can get quite costly with all these new and fascinating toys coming out practically every day, it’s almost a hazard going shopping these days. Too much eye candy, so to speak. But with Xtreme Customz (http://www.xtremecustomz.com/), the prices are actually really decent. It costs $9.99 and there are a great variety of makes and models to choose from. The unique new body styles currently comes in popular Superhero models such as Iron Man, Spiderman, and Batman. There are also military type cars, police cars, and regular street cars and you can either lift them to make them “off road” or keep them in race mode.

As an official blogger for MommyParties, I was given the unique opportunity to try Xtreme Customz as well as throw a party featuring these fun new toys. So, I gathered my friends and family and their kids and each child received their very own Xtreme Customz model. It was a crazy frenzy of kids jumping at the opportunity to try out these newest toys from Ridemakerz. Most of these models that we received were all recognizable by the kids such as the Iron Man car (shown above), Batman, Police Cars, and Chevy Camaro (like Bumblebee). Since Xtreme Customz and Mommy Parties had sent me a wonderful selection to choose from, all the kids were really happy with their choices.

Xtreme Customz custom built models are an easy way to get your kids attention when they’re tired of just plain old cars that are already built for them. With Xtreme Customz, they can add or remove parts, customize it, and swap them for different parts with other models. And they are a good size at 1:48 scale size and they look pretty close to the real life counterparts. I even had fun helping build them and we raced them around the roads to see who had the fastest “car”.

Currently Xtreme Customz has about 21 different models to choose from so there’s one for everyone of every taste. And your Xtreme Customz cars are easy to carry around and play with on the go too. You can also get creative and play with them on dirt roads or any other simulated scenarios to make your custom cars even more fun and exciting. There are also a bunch of fun stuff to do on the Xtreme Customz (http://www.xtremecustomz.com/) website as well. The photo above lists all the cars that are currently available and I’m hoping they’ll make more soon. Maybe they’ll have more licensed cars in the future with all these new movies coming out as well.

If you’re interested in learning more about Xtreme Customz, be sure to visit their website or pick up a few at your local Toys R Us or Target stores. And the great thing about these custom build cars is that they are not limited to just boys – girls would love them too!

Disclaimer: Happymomblogger was given Xtreme Customz custom build cars as part of the MommyParties blogger program.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products. Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume. http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

We love fruits in our house. It can be fresh, frozen, cut up, blended, as long as its healthy and delicious fruit, we’ll gobble them up. But when we discovered a new way of eating fruits in the form of dried and flattened, it sounded quite fascinating. You may think – dried and flattened, sounds strange? But it’s more or less like those fruit leathers that you see sold in grocery stores. Except it’s a hundred times better.

If you’ve ever heard of Matt’s Munchies ( http://chefrobertsdirect.com/) and probably most of you haven’t since it’s harder to find in conventional stores, then you’ll know you’ve found something uniquely wonderful when it comes to fruit snacks. Matt’s Munchies fruit snacks are simply pureed fruit at its most natural state and then spread out into square pieces for on the go fulfillment or to enjoy at home. You simply open a package and peel off the soft and moist fruit pieces and pop them in your mouth. Though the pieces are not very big, they are delicious in every bite. And because each fruit snack is made with only natural ingredients, you’re getting something that’s wholesome and good for you.

Matt’s Munchies began humbly when a health advocate and long-time vegetarian wanted something that was suitable for all ages and tastes yet with a nutritious intent. When he began his own startup business of making organic and natural fruit snacks, he knew he had a hit on his hands. Matt’s Munchies unique and delicious fruit snacks are perfect for almost any occasion and certainly great for little kids. If you’re having a difficult time getting your kids to eat their fruits, then Matt’s Munchies fruit snacks might be the perfect solution. Because they are smaller in proportion, it’s also easier for little kids to munch on a whole piece and more if they decide they like it. We all enjoyed them and because they are made with only organic fruits and natural ingredients, I know I’m serving my family something healthier and better.

What I find about Matt’s Munchies fruit snacks is that they are super moist as if you just made them yourself. It’s the one thing that differs from the other fruit-pureed snack leathers (to lack a better term) out on the market today. Perhaps they make it in smaller batches I’m not sure, but you can definitely taste the quality in each and every bite. And what makes it supreme is the high quality organic fruits that are used and the base for most of the fruit snacks are either organic mango or organic banana so there really isn’t any need for additional sugars at all. These yummy fruit snacks are naturally sweet and full of important vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy fresh fruit as is, but sometimes I’m in the mood for something a little different and easy to carry around. I found it convenient to throw a couple of packs of Matt’s Munchies fruit snacks in my purse whenever we’re out running errands. It’s a lot healthier than stopping at the drive-thru for a quick snack, that’s for sure.

Matt’s Munchies fruit snacks also comes in an assortment of yummy flavors like Apple Pie, Choco Nana, Raspberry Delight, and an amazingly enjoyable flavor called Chili Chocolate, as well as several other flavors. Matt’s Munchies had sent me a variety of flavors to taste and I found them all to be quite flavorful, not overly sweet, and very fulfilling. They can be found at most natural grocery stores and I’m hoping eventually at mainstream supermarkets because they are just too unique and delicious not to be enjoyed by everyone. You can also order their fruit snacks on their website: http://chefrobertsdirect.com/shop/ if it’s easier. So if you’re looking for a new way to snack on fruits, then give Matt’s Munchies Premium Fruit Snacks a try – your tummy will thank you for it.

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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Traditionally Earth Day is on April 22 based on an old discovery years ago. But I’d like to think that Earth Day should be every day. As an individual I can accomplish what is probable, as a whole, we can accomplish more than possible. It’s not difficult to do something positive for the environment and in doing so, we’re doing something positive for ourselves. In essence, when we help our planet, we are helping to ensure a safer and better planet for our future generations. And the thank you’s and rewards will keep growing.

Every year when it’s around Earth Day, I like to do something extra special for our precious planet. Maybe it’s planting a new tree, helping someone jump on the “green” bandwagon, or helping with fundraisers that work for the environment, I believe that any small step towards protecting the environment and our health can be a catalyst for better things. And all it takes is just one individual that can lead to more individuals to eventually a whole country. We only have one planet to live on currently so we might as well take care of it. After all, if you’re endeavored to take care of your own body, why not take care of the planet that you live on as well?

One of my favorite organizations that dedicate themselves in educating and helping the environment is called Earth Day Network. Through their website you can learn a lot about how to help the environment and everything that’s happening around the world which involves helping the planet. Because after all, just because we live in the US doesn’t mean that people from other countries aren’t doing their share of helping the environment. That’s why there are companies like the Rain Forrest Alliance, Certified Fair Trade, and even organic labeling to help ensure a healthier future for everyone.

On the Earth Day Network’s website, I thought their Footprint Calculator (http://www.earthday.org/footprint-calculator) was pretty nifty in that you just input your location and go through some simple steps to see how your carbon footprint affects your area and eventually the planet. Every little action imparts another action and if we all do our part in preserving our planet, then hopefully Earth can last a very long time. So what can you do today to help with our environment? Well, there are many things you can do, but you can start small if you’re just starting out and then eventually it’ll be easier to perform simple earth-preservation tasks.

- Use recyclable materials such as wood, glass, and most recycled plastics.

- Buy products made with recyclable and post-consumer materials such as wood, glass, and most recycled plastics.

- Recycle what you can. And try to buy less products that are not easily recyclable. After all, just because it’s recyclable doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be recycled faster. Check your local recycling centers to determine what they can recycle.

- Use less, spend less, waste less. If you can reuse something, then you’re actually saving more money from your pocket – so isn’t that a win-win situation?

- Buy products that are manufactured closest to where you live. Less carbon footprint impact.

- Start your own organic garden. Even the smallest garden will do wonders for the environment and your health.

- If you can’t plant your own organic garden then buy organic products as often as possible and preferably those that are grown and made closest to where you live. Organic products are not allowed to be sprayed with toxic chemicals that can potentially harm people and the environment.

- Drive less often when possible. Try to make your shopping trip all in one store.

- Where possible, bring your own coffee mug. Some coffeehouses will let you bring your own mug.

- Buy in bulk when possible. This will also save you lots of money.

- Turn your thermostat to an agreeable setting in the Summer, use fans, and unplug anything electrical when not in use.

- Upcycle what you have around the house. Upcycling is finding a new purpose for your old stuff.

- Buy from organizations that utilizes environmentally-friendly practices. Such ideas would be organic ingredients/materials, certified environmentally safe materials, and recycling practices.

- Donate your time, products, money to organizations that help the environment. Just make sure to do proper research before doing so.

- Donate any unwanted items to friends, family, charity, etc. Just make sure that they are still in decent condition.

- Try going vegetarian for at least a week a month or once a day each week. It’ll greatly reduce your carbon footprint and you’re saving an animal.

All in all, there are many ways of helping to preserve the planet. Even the simple task of bringing a reusable bag when shopping will help. All it takes is one small step and soon others will learn from you. It doesn’t have to start on Earth Day. You can begin your journey of healing the planet any day just as long as your true intent is honorable.

Happy Earth Day! And if you have any ideas of your own, please feel free to share.

- Don’t feel too guilty when you give in to your kids demands. As long as you trade something for good behavior, then eventually they’ll understand the concept.

The Perfect Parent. Is it a myth or an elusive reality? Many have tried to accomplish this title; whether in their own homes or in public. However you want to label it, the perfect parent is really a mindset that is determined by the individual parent and not as a whole. We all in one way or another want someone to call us the perfect mother or perfect father. But perfect to one person’s eye may be different to another. And at the end of the day, before we go to bed, do we stop and look at the whole picture and smile at the fact that only your perfect family should really matter to you?

As a parent, whether first timers or seasonal veterans, we all have a perception of how a parent should be. Whether we see it firsthand from our own parents or we read it in magazines or we glean off information from our friends and families who had children first, we all get a sense of how a parent should look and act. But as a parent myself, I’ve learned that not every mother or father’s best intentions matches our own. Not every parent make the same mistake or triumph although they slide on similar paths. And certainly not all parents have children that are exactly like their friends or relatives’ children.

I’ve learned a lot from my own parents about parenting and I’m still learning from them. Having grown up in a family with four children my parents did their best in raising kids with different personalities and attributes. They’ve made mistakes and yet they also learned from their mistakes and it’s from watching them and also getting useful information from them that I’ve learned that there is no such thing as a “perfect parent”. Some may come real close to being one, but perfect is in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. And having been a preschool teacher all those years before you would think that I was totally prepared when I had my own child. Well, teaching and taking care of other people’s children is quite different than raising your own for sure!

So I’ve compiled a list of reasons to be more forgiving of yourself if you fall in the Itch-To-Be-A-Perfect-Parent category. No one is perfect and certainly parents should constantly be growing and learning. Now our kids on the other hand, may just be perfect after all.

- Be forgiving of yourself and learn from your mistakes.

- Learn from your own children. Each child has their own distinct personality and traits and treat them fairly.

- It’s okay if you mess up once in awhile (or often). Just as long as you truly love your kids then they will forgive you.

- Don’t compare your parenting skills with other parents. Not everyone will have the same concept or idea as you do.

- Don’t let other people or parents judge your parenting skills. They probably make as much or more mistakes.

- Don’t judge other parents’ parenting skills. Just like you wouldn’t want them to judge yours.

- Most importantly, have fun raising your kids. Enjoy them when they’re young because once they’re grown up, you may not have as much room to tell them what to do.

Whoever said that being a parent is a piece of cake really hasn’t tried any of my cakes. But through trials, mistakes, laughter, tears, and all the good with the bad, most likely your own kids will think you’re pretty perfect at the end of the day. And isn’t that what matters most?

Who couldn’t use some sweetness in their lives now and then? Whether it’s a kiss on the cheek from our children or a friendly hug from our best friend, did you ever think that sweetness can also be related to food? Well, the good folks at Wholesome Sweeteners did just that – they have given a new meaning to the expression “Date Night” with just a few simple ingredients.

“Sweeten Your Date Night”, is an all new, all inspiring series of videos featuring products from Wholesome Sweeteners. Their first creative cooking video aptly called, Date Night takes you on a romantic journey between a pair of Tango dancers as their intricate moves and delightful music takes you through a step-by-step demonstration on how to make the perfect Sangria. As the music plays softly in the background and you see someone reveal the secret behind making the perfect Rapturous Red Sangria, your mouth will surely water at the delicious fruits being sliced and the juicy liquids poured into the pitcher. In just under 2 minutes, your taste buds and your romantic senses will surely be enticed.

Wholesome Sweetners (http://www.wholesomesweeteners.com/), a leading company in all-natural and organic sweeteners sure knows a few things about adding some sweetness into our lives. From organic sugar, to organic honey and organic agave syrup, you’ll definitely find something from the entire line of Wholesome Sweeteners products to fill up your pantry. We have been using their organic sugar and organic honey for many years now and my son asks only for the Wholesome Sweeteners honey. As a fan of honey, we don’t stray far from Wholesome Sweetener’s unique honey. And all of their sugars, agave, and organic corn syrup are certified fair trade, certified organic, and harvested ethically and with the environment in mind.

In an effort to bring some excitement into the typical cooking videos that you may see, Wholesome Sweeteners decided on bringing to the public a new take on cooking videos. “Date Night” being their first culinary video featuring one of their most popular products, Organic Blue Agave Syrup, will entice you with a delicious recipe of Rapturous Red Sangria. In the coming months, Wholesome Sweeteners will also feature two other culinary videos and I’m looking forward to what those other two videos will be. I’m sure it will be as enjoyable to watch as their Sweeten Your Date Night video. And yes, it’s definitely more fun to watch a cooking demonstration rather than read it off a book or a magazine. And who doesn’t love a fun and slightly teasing video that’s meant to delight not only visually, but soulfully as well.

As a regular blogger of Wholesome Sweeteners, the company has kindly offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win a luscious basket full of their most popular products. The prize is a beautiful basket filled with a generous assortment of Wholesome Sweetener’s products which include items such as their Organic Blue Agave Syrup, Vanilla Agave, Maple Agave, and many more. We have used Wholesome Sweeteners sweeteners for many years now and I can’t think of any other sweetener to use. They have so many products to choose from and also easy to find in stores, that we stock up on them in our pantry and our fridge. I can always find something to cook with using their products. And the taste of their honey and agave syrup is smooth, sweet, and pure. You won’t be disappointed with any of their products. And they are also easy to find. You can find most of their sweeteners at natural grocery stores as well as most supermarkets that carry natural products. So how do you win this beautfiful basket full of sweetness? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Wholesome Sweeteners giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

This is a unique giveaway. There are two parts in the first entry in order to qualify.

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Wholesome Sweeteners on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wholesomesweeteners and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

#1 entry – Tell me what would be your perfect “Date Night”. Include how you would incorporate Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave Syrup into one of your Date Night recipes.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Wholesome Sweeteners giveaway. Become a follower of Wholesome Sweeteners: https://twitter.com/WholesomeSweet and “Tweet” that you are entering the Wholesome Sweeteners contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In  the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: April 3, 2013

Contest End Date: April 17, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO KAREN D. FOR WINNING THE PRIZE!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs

Ever wanted a really good sauce that can be used for practically any type of cooking? Besides making it yourself, sometimes you want a sauce that’s already premixed with your favorite ingredients and that’s as convenient as opening up the bottle top and pouring it out. I used to make homemade barbeque and grilling sauces but then it became too time consuming and it only lasted a few days in the fridge. And then not really liking to cook meat all that much as it is, I was hesitant to find any good barbeque sauce that worked well with vegetarian fare.

When Stubb’s offered me to try their most popular marinades for both Beef and Chicken and knowing how much my husband and son enjoys anything “barbequed”, I was looking forward to trying their sauces. Having tried Stubb’s a long time ago, I was eager to see what new products they had available. The Chicken Marinade has a slightly sweet and tangy flavor and personally I think it would be great for vegetables as well. Filled with only naturally-derived ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors or colors, it’s almost close to making it from scratch. The Beef Marinade seemed to be a bit saltier and with a bit of kick to it but not too much that little kids won’t enjoy. Then again, it also depends on how much marinade you plan on using.

Stubb’s began when the owner and founder of the company, C.B. Stubblefield used his knowledge of cooking and inventing great food to offer his friends and family Texan-style fare right in the heart of Texas. When word spread that his penchant for family style food was one of the best around, the authenticity of his dishes and his signature sauces and marinades became even more popular. Now, you can find Stubb’s BBQ sauces and marinades in most stores across California. And Stubblefield, also known as “Stubbs” knew that offering only the highest quality ingredients without the use of high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or artificial ingredients would draw more people into enjoying his sauces and marinades. As mentioned earlier, it’s almost like making your own BBQ sauces from scratch except with more convenience.

On Stubb’s website (http://www.stubbsbbq.com/), there are also tons of great recipes to choose from. Anything from chicken to seafood to desserts, I’m sure you’ll find something that’s easy to try and enjoy. Below is a recipe for their fabulous Citrus Chicken that’s really simple to make:

Stubb’s Citrus Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

1 bottle Stubb’s Chicken Marinade

Stubb’s Moppin’ Sauce (optional)

1 orange

Cooking Instructions:

Fill dish with Stubb’s Chicken Marinade and half the juice of one large orange. Marinate chicken breasts in it for 1 hour up to overnight.

Preheat grill to 300-325 degrees. If you want to bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Place chicken on grill over direct heat, mopping with Stubb’s Moppin’ Sauce while cooking. Grill 5-10 minutes on each side until fully cooked (the internal temperature should be 165 degrees). If baking the chicken, bake 9-15 minutes on each side until juices run clear and the internal temperature is 165 degrees.

Allow meat to cool a few minutes before serving. Slice up the remaining pieces of orange and plate with the chicken.

Personally I think Stubb’s sauces and marinades can be used for practically any kind of dishes. And you don’t have to be an experienced cook to use them either. In fact, the beauty of using premade sauces and marinades is that all you have to do is mix it with meat or vegetables and you’ve got an instant delicious hit. And Stubb’s has a wonderful selection of sauces for any kind of dishes or any type of occassion. Currently Stubb’s carry the following products: BBQ sauces in Original, Spicy, Sweet Heat, Hickory Bourbon, Smoky Mesquite, and Honey Pecan. Marinades in Chicken Marinade, Green Chile Marinade, Beef Marinade, Pork Marinade, Chipotle Butter Injectable, Texas Butter Injectable, and Texan Steakhouse. Rubs in B-B-Q Spice Rub, Beef Spice Rub, Steak Spice Rub, Chicken Spice Rub, and Pork Spice Rub. And also including Moppin’ Sauce, Original Wing Sauce, Hickory Liquid Smoke, and Mesquite Liquid Smoke. And all of Stubb’s sauces are priced decently and comes in a nice size as well. You can also order their products online: http://stubbsbbq.elsstore.com/.

The good folks at Stubb’s is also offering two LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger the opportunity to try and win 2 FREE product coupons for their products. Each winner will win 2 FREE coupons to use. So if you love grilling or cooking, then you have to give Stubb’s sauces a try. So how do you win this yummy prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the STUBB’S BBQ giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” STUBB’S on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/stubbsbbqsauce?fref=ts and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the STUBB’S giveaway. Become a follower of STUBB’S: https://twitter.com/StubbsBBQSauce and “Tweet” that you are entering the STUBB’S contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Tell me how you would use one of Stubb’s sauces.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In  the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: April 3, 2013

Contest End Date: April 17, 2013 – CONGRATULATIONS TO SUSAN S. AND NATALIE G. FOR WINNING TEH PRIZES!

Only 2 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm