TFH Family Favorite Finds

Health and Wellness Ambassador Program: Time for a Mom's Time Out, Yes?

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to participate in Kellogg's Health and Wellness Ambassador program and wrote about my sister-in-law Pat's recent battle with breast cancer.

Her strength and courage inspired me to start taking better care of myself, as well.

After 5 years, I finally made an appointment with a new doctor and I am very happy to report that I am now fully recovered from my surgery, addressing a health issue that could NOT have waited any longer.

Pat and I recently had the chance to spend some quality time, together (FINALLY!) at Peter Conte Salon and Day Spa here in Monmouth County, NJ.

Although, a trip to the spa may not be a great fit for everyone's budget (mine, either!) some salons do offer very nice packages that would make fabulously wonderful gift suggestions, like Peter Conte's Winter's Escape for $99 which included:

• 1/2 an hour in their hydrotherapy tub
• a reflexology hand & foot massage
• a full body scrub
• rainforest shower

Pat and I had a FABULOUS time -- it was 2+ hours of pampering, worth every penny, trust me -- and we had a very relaxing dinner at Masala Kitchen (my new favorite Indian restaurant, here in Jersey, btw) afterward.

Since then, I have made a committment to help remind other women (especially, moms like me) that it is most certainly more than okay for you (yes, YOU!) to take a self-imposed time-out, every now and again.

Trust me, your health and wellness ARE totally worth it!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Small Gray-ish Print:  Kellogg's provided a gift card to help celebrate choosing my sister-in-law Pat as my Wellness Ambassador. The words, however, are ALL mine and you can't have them.

Breaking the Silence of Abuse, Depression and Suicide

I find it difficult to talk about depression with my children -- my older kids, most especially -- no matter how strongly I empathize with their feelings, for fear of hurting, rather than helping.

Until, one of them mentions the word "suicide" and, well, as a parent of 2 teens and 2 tweens, there are a scant few parenting topics that actually cause the bile to rise into my throat.

I mean, how and when (if ever) do I tell them, "Yes, I have experienced suicidal depression," first hand?

Celebrating National Wear Red Day: AdDRESS Your Heart Campaign Gift Basket

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be able to share with you, Jill (comment #53) please, check your email for further instructions!

National Wear Red Day 2011 in support for the Go Red For Women!

I am wearing these awesome red mittens, today -- yes, ALL day, it's cold here in Jersey!  I know they're just a pair of mittens (my favorite red sweater is in the laundry) it's a simple yet powerful way to help raise awareness of heart disease and stroke.

Why?

Sadly, heart disease IS the #1 killer of American women.

My grandmother died of coronary disease.  My kids ALL miss her, very, very much.  Me, too.  We share our memories of Nagy Mama, almost every Sunday, over a hot bowl of my mother's awesome homemade chicken soup.

Thanks to his doctors, surgeons and my mother's valiant attempts at maintaining a healthier lifestyle, my father continues to fight the WITCH that is heart disease.

[knocking on wood until knuckles bleed]

So, yeah, I'm wearing red.

For the fifth consecutive year, one of my family's favorite brands has partnered with the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement!

The Campbells Soup Company is mobilizing moms (like me) and folks across the country to raise awareness for the fight against heart disease with their “AdDRESS Your Heart” campaign.

I am very pleased to partner with Campbells in helping to spread the word about a campaign that is very near and dear to my heart, along with an opportunity to share an awesome AdDress Your Heart Gift Basket, as well!

Good Causes: Crickett's Answer for Cancer - Giving Cancer ANOTHER Good Old-Fashioned Bitchslap!

Crickett's Answer for Cancer, a Breast Cancer Nonprofit, is supporting women w/breast cancer by providing wigs, mastectomy products, & pampering services. Learn more via Facebook

Today, I called cancer out on my home blog and gave it another good old-fashioned bitchslap, it deserves, for my friend @WhyMommy.

It felt good.  In fact, a TERRIFIC way to start the week, actually.

So, beginning today, I'm making a commitment to blog about good stuff folks online (like me) are doing to give back to their blogging community, every week.

Like, Kristen (a.k.a. Motherhood Uncensored) and her awesome post about how she is personally donating $1 for every comment up to 500 comments to Crickett's Answer for Cancer.

Which inspired me to write my post, then, this post, and so it goes.

This charity provides women with free Lymphedema sleeves, which Susan says is something that helps ease the pain of those undergoing chemo treatment, but is not covered by insurance.

Today, I hope you consider learning more about Crickett's Answer to Cancer and encourage others to take action in the fight against the BITCH! that is cancer, too.

Why?

Because, really does matter, cancer sucks big, fat, hairy donkey balls and women, like my friend Susan, should NOT have to answer, "But, why mommy?" ever again, DAMMIT!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House Blog / This Full House Gone Shopping

The Small Gray-ish Print:  No payment, product, or any other consideration, other than a chance to give cancer the bitch-slap it deserves, was received for this blog post.

Random Acts of Zhu for the Holidays: New Jersey & Zhu, Happy Together!

It's been a crazy, busy year -- even Santa doubts my being able to finish EVERYTHING on  MY to do list in time for eggnog o'clock -- then, my youngest daughter (she's 9) asked if she could practice her writing skills and wrote a wonderful post about Christmas.

It made me realize just how GROWN UP she's getting and, sadly, Kris Kringle won't be needing my services, for much longer, after all.

[pout]

Good thing Hope and I got the chance to play Santa, this week!

I am very proud to be one of bloggers chosen to participate in Cepia LLC's Random Acts of Zhu holiday giving program.

Each of us were given 104 Zhu Zhu Pets to donate to the charity of our choice, with no compensation OR strings attached.

Why?

Hope and I were THRILLED with the prospect of being able to help families in need and perhaps make another child's holiday a little brighter, too!

Our first stop was the Herb Young Annual Toy Drive held at Hope's elementary school where we donated 7 boxes (56 Zhu Zhu pets) to the children at Spring House in Eatontown, NJ:

"We provide services to break the barriers of homelessness and reinforce self-dignity, independence and self-awareness for women with children."

The toys will be distributed to the families staying at Spring House, tomorrow, Christmas Eve!

Next stop, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ -- they took GREAT care of my middle girl two Christmases ago (okay, me, too!) -- we made an appointment to deliver the remaining 6 boxes of Zhu Zhu pets, after school on Tuesday.

We were greeted by Jara Ferrante, a Child Life Specialist and her Assistant, Elizabeth (nice name, btw, heh!) two SUPER friendly ladies with an AWESOME sense of humor (see picture above) who make it their business to help even their littlest visitors at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital feel warm and welcome.

Hope was THRILLED to learn that the Zhu Zhu pets will be put into the "magic closet," so, whenever there's a birthday, or a child is having a particularly difficult time adjusting to their journey, they will be gift wrapped and, hopefully, help the children left in their care feel right at home.

I know, Hope did!

Thank you SO MUCH, Jara, for allowing us to bring some of that warm and fuzzy feeling home with us, along with Hope's new bff, Hopscotch (she's Dr. Bernard's bouncy buddy) too!!!

Special thanks to Cepia LLC for allowing my family to help spread a little holiday cheer, this year!

Why?

Because, nice matters and being able to give a little back to our community, via This Full House of sticky floors and crunchy socks, feels REAL GOSH-DARNED GOOD, too!

LINKY LOVE BYTES:

Jersey Shore University Medical Center's Website

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital Social Media Center

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Facebook

K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital on Twitter

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!

(Cross-posted to my parenting blog)

© 2003 - 2010 This FULL House (Re)Views / This FULL House Blahg'd 

Disclosure: No payment, or product was received for this post or for my participation in this program.

Kellogg's FiberPlus Wellness Ambassador Program & Giveaway

Thanks to Kellogg's FiberPlus for sponsoring my writing today about their Wellness Ambassador program.  They asked me to write about someone who inspires me to live a healthier lifestyle.  I chose my sister-in-law Pat as my Wellness Ambassador, so she and I will get to spend some quality time together, next month, courtesy of the generous folks at Kellogg's.  Add your comment below to be entered for a chance to win a free sample to help add a little more wellness into your snack time, too!

My sister-in-law (husband's oldest sister) went through extensive preventative surgery to battle breast cancer in October. 

I took her to the hospital, sat with her before/after the surgery and am still SO amazed at how brave she was during the entire emotional AND painful ordeal. 

Still, Pat made a committment to take better care of herself and, although it isn't always easy, she is finally finding peace...within herself.

She has gone through SO much in her life (putting her child through college as a single parent, job loss, relocation, etc...) and it was her strength that inspired me to start taking better care of myself, as well.

After 5 years, I finally made an appointment with a new doctor and am currently recovering from MY surgery, last week, addressing a health issue that could NOT have waited any longer.

[cue deep sigh of relief]

Okay, now it's your turn.

Want to add a little more wellness into your snack time? Print yourself a $1 off coupon from Kellogg's FiberPlus website. 

Got a wellness ambassador in your life; someone who inspires you to take better care of yourself? 

Small Business Saturday: Supporting Local Crafters & Artists This Holiday Season

Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses.  American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27.  They're offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for "Likes" of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook.  Join the celebration by clicking the "Like" button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.

Every year, one of the elementary schools in our district hosts a craft fair and my husband, Garth (not his real name) and I took a few minutes to ourselves (I don't know how that happened, either!) to stop by and visit with some of the local crafters.

My family and I really enjoy holiday shopping at these types of events.

Not only do we get the chance to show our support for local vendors -- seriously, these days, small business owners could really use the help -- I always manage to find a little surprise around every corner and you really never know who you'll bump into.

Like, the year I finally got the chance to meet local photographer Nicole Hymowitz (my middle girl is bffs with her oldest girl) and acknowledge the fact that, like many small business owners, Nicole has worked long (and hard) on sharing her passion, creating her own brand AND raising a family.

 

TFH HOLIDAY PICKS 2010

"I hope you enjoy what you see in my portfolios. I truly love working with people and creating art with them."  ~ Nicole Hymowitz

I know, attending craft fairs may not be on the top of your to do list and maneuvering through a hot, sweaty gym is definitely NOT for the faint of heart (right?) but, I really do hope you consider supporting local crafters and artists (like, my friend Nicole) and, while you're at it, why not make a day of it?

Grab a warm beverage and see what the small businesses in your neighborhood have to offer, this holiday season.

You just might make a new friend.

I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

© 2003 - 2010 This Full House Blog / TFH Gone Shopping

Eggland's Best Pink Dozen: Saving Second BaseBecause Nice Matters, Cancer Ssaćs!

Growing up, Barbara and I had a lot in common.  She spoke Polish, I spoke Hungarian (close enough!) we graduated high school in 1982 and, sadly, lost touch since then.

Until...Facebook, when my laptop pinged that another high school buddy wanted to chat.

"Did you hear one of our schoolmates died?"

No, but I was pretty sure that he WAS mistaken.  Had to be.  Because, in my mind, I'm still 18 and, well, we're not THAT old, are we?

Then again, we aren't born with any guarantees or "date of expiration" stamps and, well, my own twin brother gave up a kidney (stupid cancer) my husband and both my in-laws have faced skin cancer and I recently watched my SIL (my husband's oldest sister) bravely deal with a pretty bad cancer scare, last month, as I held her hand, while folks poked, prodded and generally assaulted her breasts.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and, in honor of the brave battles being fought by way too many of my family and friends, I have the extreme privilege of partnering with Eggland's Best as one of their digital ambassadors in helping to spread awareness of their support of The Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Like my friend Rachel (a.k.a. A Southern Fairytale) I am PASSIONATE about supporting cancer research and help, wherever, or whenever I can, to raise awareness, like joining her and Once A Month Mom in Saving Second Base!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pink Together 2010 Connecting For a Cure Gift Pack

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: Thank you for sharing your stories.  So happy to be sharing this prize package with Jennifer Horn (comment #33) please check your email for further instructions.   Sending out good vibes and healing thoughts to everyone!!!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of the brave battles being fought by way too many of my family and friends, I am running a series of posts of ways in which we can each help, even in the smallest way, in the fight against breast cancer.

Why?

Because, cancer needs a good old fashioned virtual bitch-slap!

Today, I'm proud to partner with PinkTogether.com (link has sound) and tell you a little about their community -- the site is part of Pink Together, a national campaign to support those impacted by breast cancer and to help raise awareness of the disease.

Aaaaand, I've got a pretty little gift set to share with you...too!

TLC Book Tour: The Gifts of Imperfection - Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: So happy to be sharing with Kim (comment #1) Enjoy!!!

Having recently entered into my 8th year of blogging (I know, I'm old, shuddup!) I feel it safe to say that I am a living, walking, breathing validation that oversharing can be a good thing (ahem!) as, my ENTIRE blogging platform has been based on learning to accept AND own my imperfection.

It can be REAL hard work making other mothers look good, you know?

All kidding aside (mostly) I believe that most moms (like me) pretty much know that perfection is highly overrated (right, RIGHT?) but, can we really let go of who we (or others) think we should be, without feeling inadequate, or even powerless?

I have the extreme pleasure of being the first stop on the TLC Book Tour for October, 2010 featuring The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown.

Help Spiegel.com Give Back to Educators: Share 15% OFF With Your Favorite Teacher!

In the years when I actually wore business suits, B.C. (before children) I would often order from the Spiegel Catalog, B.I. (before Internet) and now they are launching their first ever SPIEGEL LOVES TEACHERS campaign.

Spiegel has partnered with the National Education Association to give back to all educators by offering 15% OFF at Spiegel.com -- simply enter the code TEACH at checkout to redeem.

Click here to take the quiz yourself and find out your Signature Style!

Now, if I could only convince SOME folks that there is to such a thing as being fashionably-challenged and that, in some cases, it may just be, you know, irreversible!

© 2010 This Full House Gone Shopping

Small Gray-ish Print:  No payments, products, or considerations, other than a chance to help families (like ours) save a little money, was received for this blog post.

American Girl: Shine On Now Initiative and Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SHARING WITH JEANE (COMMENT #58) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

As the first generation girl born in America (both my parents immigrated as teenagers from Hungary in 1956) my 3 girls (and son) look forward to visiting with their grandparents during Sunday dinners and listening to their stories of "the old country."

Although, some of the stories have been repeated (often) and perhaps a bit embellished (probably) the kindness they both experienced, first hand, from total strangers volunteering within the foster families in their newly adopted communities, STILL brings tears to their eyes.

Mine, too..

This, my friends, is one of the reasons I have agreed to partner with American Girl to help promote their Shine On Now program.

So, what is Shine On Now and why should you care?

77kids + 77 Mombloggers = A Whole Lot of Good Stuff Happening on Do Good Day!

I am very, very proud to partner with TheMotherhood.com and participating in 77kids Do Good Day on July 14th (that's next week, btw!) by doing good in our local communities in all sorts of pay-it-forward kinds of ways.

Me and 76 other bloggers, from 11 cities across the U.S., I mean.

Why?

Well, here in Jersey, I'm in REAL good company:

Bay -  http://www.queenmotherblog.com
Julie - http://www.bouffamily.blogspot.com
Monica - http://www.paperbridges.net
Shannon - http://www.momimprovement.com

Okay, GREAT, but why 77kids and what's all this Do Good stuff about, really?

Thank You, Dawn Meehan: Author of Because, I Said So - 'Nuf Said!

I am very, very proud to partner with TheMotherhood.com, along with 9 other fabulous mom bloggers (like me) in participating in P&G's Thank You Mom Program, by sending a special shout out to 5 mom bloggers, every day, this week.

Why?

Because, nice matters AND the mom blogging community is NOT all about the blog bashing and the comment thrashing, or into the drama of virtual hair-pulling contests, either!

Moms who've received linky love bytes, already:

6/21:  Thank You, Mindy Roberts: The Mommy Blog

6/22:  Thank You, Donna Schwartz Mills:  Socal Mom

6/23:  Thank You, Mir Kamin:  Woulda Coulda Shoulda

6/24:  Thank You, Melisa (With one S) Wells:  Suburban Scrawl

Today, I'm thanking my bloggy-friend Dawn Meehan!

Thank You, Melisa (With one S) Wells: The Suburban Scrawl Meets Jersey Jargon - She's Like A Sistah, From Anuthuh Muthuh

I am very, very proud to partner with TheMotherhood.com, along with 9 other fabulous mom bloggers (like me) in participating in P&G's Thank You Mom Program, by sending a special shout out to 5 mom bloggers, every day, this week.

Why?

Because, nice matters AND the mom blogging community is NOT all about the blog bashing and the comment thrashing, or into the drama of virtual hair-pulling contests, either!

Moms who've received linky love bytes, already:

6/21:  Thank You, Mindy Roberts: The Mommy Blog

6/22:  Thank You, Donna Schwartz Mills:  Socal Mom

6/23:  Thank You, Mir Kamin:  Woulda Coulda Shoulda

Today, I'm thanking my bloggy-friend Melisa (not a typo, she really does have only one S in her name) Wells!