This Full House Reviews

What Small Steps Are You Taking to a Healthier Lifestyle? #QuakerPopped {Sponsored Giveaway}

My sincere thanks to the folks over at Quaker for sponsoring my writing about a healthier lifestyle. Be sure to leave your comment for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card to help achieve your New Year's Resolutions.

I'm not a big fan of New Year resolutions:  a reminder of stuff  I never got around to doing, or failed to do right, the first time around. 

So, I decided to make a list of stuff I would like to do better, instead:

1.  Unplug on weekends and make time for family: my day job requires that I spend anywhere from 30 to 40 hours per week navigating various social media platforms, enough said.  So, I'm actually getting better at unplugging from all the online noise and learning to embrace being able to participate in several different conversations, at the same time, right here at home.

2.  Make time for myself, too:  raising 3 teens and 1 close enough, you'd think I would know how to do this, right?!?  I'm learning.

3.  Inhale.

4.  Exhale.

5.  Repeat. 

Not very enlightening, or thrillingly imaginative for that matter, I know.  Then again, sometimes even the smallest step can make a profound difference.

For example:  I also have this terrible habit of forgetting to eat lunch.

I've found that eating healthy snacks every few hours, rather than eating one large meal in the middle of the day, helps keep my energy up and, well, it just works better for me.

Another example:  Quaker® Quakes® are now Quaker® PoppedTM – a new name for the snack made with the delicious goodness of whole grain brown rice and corn and a great snacking solution.

Okay, now it's your turn.  What about you?  What small steps are you taking toward a healthier lifestyle in the new year?

WIN IT HERE:   Reply below for your chance to win a sample of all 14 flavors of Quaker Popped Rice Snacks and $1,000 gift card to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions.

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my parenting & personal blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hey!" 

We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2013 This Full House

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Quaker. I received product in conjunction with this post. The opinions and text are all mine. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  See Official Sweepstakes Rules

On Bloggers and Brands, Building Your Inner-Circle and Being Imperfect Together

My sincere thanks to the folks over at BlogFrog for sponsoring my writing about about my role in building on brand and blogger relationships.

I'm celebrating my 9th Blogiversary here at This Full House of mismatched socks and sticky floors this month and, not unlike the blogging community, my children and I have grown quite a bit since 2003.

Meeting Corbin Bleu in 2007!

I started writing for Disney's Family.com in 2006, created Gone Shopping in 2007 and met some of my favorite blogging friends for the first time (IRL) at a blogging event in 2008 -- the first ever for a major brand like J&J, actually.

I loved the idea of being able to share information on products and partnering with brands to help connect with REAL families (both, online and IRL).  How?  By providing engaging editorial content, still do.

A small fraction but very important part of my inner-circle: #BlogHer12

Aaaaaand, by engaging I mean: allowing me to share personal stories and insights on enjoying simple, every day...you just can't make this stuff up...imperfect little moments that, in my humble opionion, is what working in social media is ALL about. 

In other words, what you see is what you get and, well, it's our imperfections that make us unique...most especially, in the blogging world...yes?

#BBSummit12

That being said, I feel very blessed to work with some of the smartest, kindest, funniest folks I've ever had the pleasure of meeting (IRL) and have the extreme privilege of being allowed to call them...friend.

Which is why I am very particular with the brands I choose to work with. Not because I believe myself to be ALL that (seriously, have you read my tagline?) or born of some sort of latent entitlement issues (6 people, 7 room house, remember?) however, aligning myself with folks who share the same philosophy is what we bloggers do best.

As a part of the BlogFrog Influencer Circle, I have the chance to create meaningful, authentic content for brands I love.

If you’re a blogger interested in new opportunities, join BlogFrog’s Influencer Circle and check out some of the top brands already working with BlogFrog.

If you’re a brand looking to work with online influencers, learn more about BlogFrog’s Brand Solutions here.

Now, I’m curious. What do you love most about blogs and/or blogging?

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of BlogFrog. The opinions and text are all mine.

Have You Heard of Kajeet? Okay, Have You Talked About Safe-Text(s) with Your Teens?

My sincere thanks to the folks over at kajeet for sponsoring my writing about about a recent discussion I had with my kids about proper cell phone usage.

As the primary care-giver for our family for the last 19 years and having grown accustomed to running around, in 4 different directions, sometimes ALL at once, I feel it safe to say that cell phones can come in REAL handy.

Then, one day, I got a text message from my 16 year-old:

Heather: Mommy i got this text...is it legit??? Your entry last month has WON! Goto [link withheld for blog posting purposes] and enter your Winning Code: [see previous set of brackets] to claim your Free $1,000 Giftcard!

Me: No!!!

Me: Especially, since we did not buy anything at that store...bastards![yes, I really texted that]

Heather: I didn't click it, but are you sure.....

Heather: But, what if I entered something on their site and forgot?

Raising 3 teens and with our youngest kid in double-digits (my baaaaaybeeeee started middle school, today!) you could say we are a family of avid consumers and frequently apply for savings cards.

Name your favorite store and we probably have a savings card for it.  We also register online with some of our favorite stores for the chance to win free stuff.

Not for nothing, but parents of teens spend a butt-load of money already.

Me: Sounds like a scam. Texting codes allows them to hack into your stuff. You can always call Best Buy.

Heather: Okay, because that's a loooooot of money.

Me: I know, which is why you should call them to verify.

Aaaaaand, she did.

Heather: I will....ugh, if it's a scam that really sucks.

Me: Agreed

The customer service representative confirmed the scam: they get tons of calls ALL THE TIME about it.

Aaaaaand, Heather's right, THAT TOTALLY SUCKS!

Heather: Wahwahwaaaaaah. If it's real, I'll cry tears of joy.

Me: Me too, for you!

Because sending bogus texts or trick advertisements...promising our teens and tweens shiny new things, for free...is just all sorts of wrong...DAMMIT!!!

Thinking about getting a cell phone for your child? EXCELLENT!!!  I recently learned about a cell phone service called kajeet:

 

SPECIAL OFFER:  kajeet is also offering a BACK2SCHOOL promo for 15% off android smartphones.

Personally, I think this is a great option for parents who are thinking about getting their kid(s) a cell phone and looking for ways to help stay connected with busy family members.

Either way, please remember to talk to your kids about safe-text(s) and I promise you, you will be REAL glad you did -- like me!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of kajeet. The opinions and text are all mine.

International Delight Special Coffee Moments: A.K.A. Self-Imposed Time-Outs {Sponsored Giveaway}

Shhhhhhh...another quiet time at the kitchen table.

Yesterday, I blogged about how this week marks the official last week, before the last week, of the last week of school and how my kids have already checked out...mentally...as of last week...me, too.

With 4 kids, attending 4 different schools, I feel it safe to say that this is a very busy time for a lot of families and I mean, like, holiday-crazy-busy.

This year, there is MUCH cause for celebration: my oldest's high school graduation, my youngest's 5th grade graduation, her 11th birthday AND Father's Day, ALL in the same week.

[takes deep breath, exhales, blows bangs out of eyes]

I really do treasure private little moments: especially, first thing in the morning, while the kids are still in school and the house is nice and quiet.

I brew myself a fresh cup of coffee(or, caw-fee if you're from Jersey) call first dibs on the computer, plug in some of my favorite music and recalibrate, if you will.

Then again, sipping on some French Vanilla iced coffee poolside (International Delight's French Vanilla coffee creamer is FAT FREE!) yeah, that sounds pretty gosh-darned good...right about now, too...c'mon summer break!!!

Now, it's your turn:

Enjoying a coffee at home will be even more special for 4 lucky winners! Enter to win $1000 toward your dream kitchen and an International Delight Coffee break Kit, by completing these two steps:

1) Re-pin my coffee moment photo on Pinterest

2) Come back! In the comment field below, tell me you pinned and share your special coffee moment.

FIND IT HERE: Check out International Delight's new Coffee Creamer packaging on Facebook!

Thank you for visiting my shopping blog.  Be sure to visit and/or subscribe to my parenting & personal blog, ThisFullHouse.com (when you have time, of course!) or stop by and just say, "Hey!" 

We'll leave the porch light on for you, just in case.

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

jjjEnjoying coffee at home will be even more special for 4 lucky winners! Enter to win $1000 toward your dream kitchen and an International Delight Coffee Break Kit, by completing these two steps:

•1. Re-pin my coffee moment photo on Pinterest. (* this will clearly be defined by blogger)

•2. Come back! In the comment field below, tell me you pinned and share your special coffee moment.

This

ddddEnjoying coffee at home will be even more special for 4 lucky winners! Enter to win $1000 toward your dream kitchen and an International Delight Coffee Break Kit, by completing these two steps:

•1. Re-pin my coffee moment photo on Pinterest. (* this will clearly be defined by blogger)

•2. Come back! In the comment field below, tell me you pinned and share your special coffee moment.

ThisEnjoying coffee at home will be even more special for 4 lucky winners! Enter to win $1000 toward your dream kitchen and an International Delight Coffee Break Kit, by completing these two steps:

•1. Re-pin my coffee moment photo on Pinterest. (* this will clearly be defined by blogger)

•2. Come back! In the comment field below, tell me you pinned and share your special coffee moment.

This

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of International Delight June Sponsored Conversation. The opinions and text are all mine. International Delight Sweepstakes and Rules.

Horizon Healthy Families: What is your biggest food concern, to date?

HFC (high fructose corn syrup), pink slime, or artificial food color?   What's the next "big thing," it foods?  Then again, they are called additives for a reason, right?

Still, doesn't mean I necessarily want them in my sandwich, or trust that I know exactly everything that goes into the foods I am feeding my kids and that concerns me...a whole lot!

What is your biggest food concern, to date?

Join me as we discuss this very sensitive topic with the Horizon Healthy Families Community:

@Horizon_Organics Healthy Families: LIVE CHAT! Calling ALL Coupon Clippers - Tuesday, April 17th 8:00 p.m. EST

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© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: I have been engaged by BlogFrog as a Horizon's Community Leader and am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.

Horizon Healthy Families: What is the Appropriate Age to Allow Kids to Shave?

Raising kids is hard.  Watching your children grow up and morph into little men and women can be downright painful -- sort of like biting into a juicy piece of grapefruit, really -- in a bittersweet way.

One minute, you think you've got a handle on this parenting thing and...BAM!...your 10 year-old baby girl barrels through the front door and announces, "So-and-So said I have hairy spider legs!"

Aaaaand, a tiny piece of your heart breaks, slowly floats down to the kitchen floor and melts right into a sticky chocolate milk stain, previously left unnoticed.

What is the Appropriate Age to Allow Kids to Shave?

Join me as we discuss this very sensitive topic with the Horizon Healthy Families Community:

@HorizonDairy Healthy Families: LIVE CHAT! Getting Kids Outdoors - Tuesday, March 27th 8:00 p.m. EST

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© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: I have been engaged by BlogFrog as a Horizon's Community Leader and am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.

Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System Giveaway

Yep, our poor dishwasher is STILL sick.

We received a sample of the NEW Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System, last month -- an automatic "hands-free" dispenser and multipurpose cleaner -- and, considering our dishwasher is not feeling very well (poor thing) this product continues to be one of my favorite finds, this year.

Please feel free to read my full product review here: http://www.thisfullhouse.com/reviews/2012/02/favorite-find-of-the-week-lysol-no-touch-kitchen-system.html

Today, I am very excited to be able to partner with the good folks over at Lysol by taking the Undercover Kitchen System Challenge and offering one of our readers the chance to win a No-Touch Kitchen System and a year supply of soap.

Because, we roll like that.

Celebrating the Kid Inside: OREO Cookies 100th Birthday {Sponsored Giveaway}

Chocolate-Covered OREO Celebration Cake via KraftRecipes.com

Although I don't really remember my first time biting into an OREO cookie (I'm old, okay?) carefully twisting and pulling the chocolate cookies apart, then licking off ALL the creme (from both sides, even) before dunking them into a tall glass of icy-cold milk was most likely involved.

Horizon Healthy Families Community: LIVE CHAT! TODAY! Wednesday, March 14th (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST) Afternoon Book Chat

COME AS YOU ARE:  as you will be able to participate in this Afternoon Book Chat LIVE! and in real-time, right here, on this blog post TODAY at 1:00 p.m.!

Luck be a Cup of Coffee, Tonight: Keurig Coffee Maker & International Delight Giveaway

May the road rise to meet you...

I was raised in a very superstitious household where spilled salt and broken mirrors were considered unfavorable signs of bad things to come.

Being a very clumsy child, I was a cause of deep concern for my family (still am) and often times found myself the subject of one of my grandmother's homemade remedies, lucky charms or special requests to ancestors who were then assigned the task of becoming our guardian angels.

Do I believe in good luck? Well, there was this one time:

New Discusson @HorizonDairy Healthy Families Community: Holistic Vs. Traditional Medicine

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© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: I have been engaged by BlogFrog as a Horizon's Community Leader and am being compensated for my services for the length of the program.

LIVE CHAT! TODAY! February 21st (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST) Let's Talk Gardening!

COME AS YOU ARE:  as you will be able to participate in this Lunchtime Gardening Chat LIVE! and in real-time, right here, on this blog post TODAY at 1:00 p.m.!

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Meaningful Moments: Raising Up Your Inner Child & Meaningful Beauty Giveaway

Life is filled with meaningful moments: video taping my youngest at her first band concert; cheering on my son and pretending that wrestling is my favorite thing; hiking through the woods and trading secrets with my middle girl; watching our oldest child negotiate a k-turn and successfully pass her driving test.

Not unlike raising 4 children, it would be very difficult for me to choose just one above all the rest.

Capturing this moment of lightness, however, makes my heart very happy.

My children know they are very lucky to have both sets of grandparents actively visible in their lives, as they each remain a constant source of inspiration on how my husband, Garth [not his real name] and I choose to raise our kids.

You see, there are no clear cut rules in parenting (sorry!) you just sort of make them up as we go along. Laughing at ourselves, every now and again, helps.

Aaaaaand, right now, at this very moment, I seek solace in believing perhaps I too will make a pretty good grandparent one day....just not yet.

Now, it's your turn.

Tell me what your most meaningful moment was in the last year for a chance to win one of 10 complete skin care Anti-Age Systems from Meaningful Beauty.

FIND IT HERE: Keep your skin looking great in every moment with Meaningful Beauty- Cindy Crawford's break through secret for younger looking skin.

GET IT HERE: By replying here you'll be entered for a chance to win this awesome prize pack from Blog Frog(click here for official rules.)

Good luck and here's to our being able to share many, many more meaningful moments...together!

© 2003 - 2012 This Full House

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Meaningful Beauty. The opinions and text are all mine. Contest Rules.