Nutrisystem Week 7 #NSNation

Just finished up week 7 of Nutrisystem and I am still going strong!  I just can't believe how much easier it has gotten. When I first started, I spent so much time planning each day and now it's just routine so I don't even have to think about it.  My weight loss has definitely slowed down this week but since I know that 1-2 pounds is completely normal, I am ok with it!!!

I learned something really important about myself this week. I am an awful grazer.  While I am cooking dinner for my family, even when it's food I have no intention of eating, I still pick around and sample the entire time I am cooking. I found myself doing this several times over the past week and it really bothered me. I tried coming up with some different ideas and finally found one that works. Prior to starting to prepare a meal, I have been making up a plate of veggies to munch on while I am cooking. Instead of sampling everything while I cook, I just chomp on some carrots and cucumbers or whatever I happen to have in the fridge that day. Whenever I feel the urge to munch, I just grab something off of my healthy plate instead of the not-so-good choices that I have all around me! Definitely a way to keep myself in check.

Results:

Week 1: 7 pounds

Week 2: 3 pounds

Week 3: 2 pounds

Week 4: 3 pounds

Week 5: 1 pound

Week 6: 4 pounds

Week 7: 1 pound

Total weight lost: 21 pounds

YAY!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling  1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*I am being provided four months of Nutrisystem food and counsel for free as a blogger. All opinions are 100% my own*

Food Safety for 4th of July

4th of July is right around the corner which means cookouts, picnics and an increase in food-borne illnesses. I was shocked to read the stats on illnesses related to food as I didn't realize that so many people are affected each year. I was recently sent some info from foodsafety.gov and I thought it was worth sharing with all of you especially with one of the biggest holidays of summer coming up in just a week!!

*Incidents of food poisoning surge over the summer months because bacteria multiply faster when it's warm

*Americans spend $400 million on beef alone for July 4th barbecues 

*USDA research shows that 1 out of every 4 hamburgers turns brown before it has reached a safe internal temperature 

*New FDA research done in collaboration with USDA shows that only 23% of Americans who own a food thermometer actually use it when grilling hamburgers (guilty!) 

*48 million Americans will get sick from foodborne illness this year, resulting in roughly 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths 

Want to avoid these serious public health threats this year? Just listen to our Founding Fathers below!!!

*This is not a paid post. All opinions are my own* 

Head Lice

Head Lice. Every parent's worst nightmare. Ok, it's not the WORST thing that can happen but it's pretty darn annoying and frustrating anyway. Search the internet for head lice and the two questions that get asked the most is "What does head lice look like?!" And "How do I get rid of head lice?!" We have only had to experience it once to know that I would hate to have to deal with it again but the truth is, while it is a nuisance, a very disgusting nuisance, it really isn't the end of the world.  It does take time and diligence to get rid of but it's not as bad as many people think. I was sent a website today called Licecombing that is a really great resource for parents. With a lot of kids playing baseball right now (sharing helmets!) and going off to summer camps, this is a great time to review the basics of head lice. Licecombing.com gives instructions on exactly how to get rid of head lice without chemicals or special shampoos. It also shows pictures and videos so you know exactly what you are looking for. Unfortunately head lice is pretty difficult to see in some instances and often times people will mistake the eggs aka nits for dandruff. The biggest difference is that dandruff will be easy to shake out of the hair. Nits attach themselves to the hair and are difficult and time consuming to remove. 

Ok, so now you have a great resource should you ever encounter these pesky little bugs. Now I must move on to a new topic as I have been itching through this entire post. LOL I swear, just the mention of head lice makes me itch like crazy! HA! 

New Potty Products from Joovy

It's no secret that I love Joovy products so I have been so excited to see them launch some new products!!  When I was first introduced to Joovy, they carried strollers, a high chair and a play yard so I cannot believe how much their product line has expanded since then. Since our little guy turned 2 not long ago and is on his way to finding some independence in the bathroom, I was super excited to see them launch some new potty products!!!

This is the new Joovy Loo Potty Chair!! 

The Joovy Loo is modern and contemporary but best of all, functional!  It has a completely sealed inner bowl and the potty comes with only 2 parts that fit together with no nooks and crannies for spills to get trapped. If you have potty trained before, you will appreciate this technology as any Mom knows how yucky a potty chair can get in a real hurry. The Loo holds up to 60 pounds too so you know it's going to last until your child is ready for the big potty!

Going along with this product, they also have introduced the Step Tool Step Stool which can hold up to 300 pounds!!! Now your little one's can handle big tasks on their own like brushing teeth, getting on the "big" potty and more!

If you have a toddler, definitely be sure to check out the Joovy website to read more about the Joovy Loo and the Joovy Step Tool!!!!

*This is not a paid post. All opinions are my own*

Nielsen

Nielsen is currently looking for scanners again and they have recently added a huge list of zip codes to their list! If you haven't signed up lately, this would be an awesome time to try!!!!  For the first time ever, I was able to sign up and they could be looking in your area too so hurry up and sign up to find out if you are eligible! This is an awesome way to earn some super cool stuff! Click below to see if you are "in!" 

Dry Idea

Summertime is a hot time which often means it is a potentially stinky time too! If you are going to be out in the heat, don't be caught without the Dry Idea Advance Dry Roll-On!  This stuff comes in unscented, Powder Fresh and Cotton Dry and gives you protection up to 24 hours!  It's Hypo-allergenic too so it's safe for even sensitive skin. 

We have been spending countless hours at the ballpark and I love to use this before we head out!  It keeps me feeling fresh and dry all day which is a must have for every busy Mama!!! Whether I am chasing our 2 year old or getting in a quick run, I am confident that I will stay feeling and smelling dry and fresh!!!

Right now, Dry Idea is also hosting a sweepstakes where they are giving away $1,000 in cash prizes! Hurry over and enter here!!  You have until July 13th! 

GIVEAWAY

Want to try this stuff out for yourself? Just enter using the quick Rafflecopter form below!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This is not a paid post. All opinions are my own. Review and Giveaway were provided at no cost*

Cleaning House!

Now that we have found a home, we have been slowly starting to go through the house and get rid of things that we don't want to take with us. I know the kids have a lot of clothes and toys that they have outgrown that they don't need anymore and now that I have lost so much weight, even I have a closet full of clothes that could go. It's my goal next week to go through a different room of the house every day and completely purge it top to bottom and pack away what we aren't using right now, donating things we don't want to take with us and hopefully by the time we close on the house, we will be completely ready to go!!!! My husband likes to remind us every day when he leaves for work that we still have lots of stuff to get rid of so that's why I thought it was funny that not one thing of his has gone out the door yet. He has a boatload of tools and similar things in his garage that I am quite certain get very little use yet it's only mine and the kids stuff that he thinks we should be getting rid of. Of course he argued that you never know when you might need a particular tool (like the Mitutoyo 500-196-20 digital caliper, what even IS that???) or that circular saw that is neatly tucked into it's brand new box where it has been for over a year now. He has so many things in that garage that I wouldn't have a clue as to what to use them for.  I am familiar with the screwdriver and drill, that's about it! LOL As I started to look around in the garage, I couldn't believe how much stuff he has and NO way do I want that junk cluttering up our new garage. I mean seriously! I thought my Dad's collection of 1,000+screwdrivers was impressive but my husband 's bazillion wrenches take the cake. What is it about men and tools? I told him I was giving him a week and if I don't notice a significant difference, I am calling Hoarders. LOL  Seriously though. I just think it's funny that he views mine and the kids belongings as "clutter" and wants us to purge yet he wants to keep all of his junk!!!!!  That's a man for ya!!!!!

Emilie M. Handbags

Like any woman, I love a good purse so I am SO excited about the upcoming Launch of Emilie M Handbags! They are THE perfect choice for every woman without sacrificing style or having to destroy your savings!!

From Madison Avenue down to SoHo, we know how hard it is for women to find the perfect handbag  - one that fits their life in every pocket while accentuating their own personality. Designed for the way women live, Emilie M features timeless silhouettes, soft and rich animal-friendly materials and multi-organizational function. An easy weekend bag for a trip to the Hamptons. An attainable fashion statement for the mom on a budget. At a retail range of $50-$80, every Emilie M handbag is an investment piece without the investment.

Emilie M is dedicated to being the premier online resource for women to accessorize by offering exciting value product, an engaging shopping experience, access to our favorite style guides and unparalleled customer service. Unlike many of its peers, Emilie M’s direct communication with women allows us to incorporate their comments, ideas and even designs into our product offering and shopping experience. Through its beautiful product offering and unique engagement methods, Emilie M aims to build the first online accessories brand that speaks fashion and value directly to women.

At Emilie M, we believe that every woman should be able to accessorize luxuriously on any budget. We hope you agree, and invite you to connect with us and share in the Emilie M experience. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new styles, fashion tips and exclusive promotions. Pin us on Pinterest. Share us on Facebook.

Emilie M is launching its first collection for Fall 2012, and will be exclusively available through its online shop,www.emiliemshop.com. You’re invited to preview the collection here.

Here's your chance to win a $100 gift card to Emilie M!!!  Just fill out the simple Rafflecopter form below!

http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nutrisystem Week 6 #NSNation

Another week is gone, can you believe it? I don't know where the time is going but every week it seems crazy that I am writing about another week completed on Nutrisystem!!!  This was a great week! It seems like every week gets easier and easier and now that the program is pretty much routine, I am finding it so easy to follow and incorporate into my every day life.  Before where I was meticulously plotting out my day every day, now I just go with the flow. My NS meals are a part of everything I do and everywhere I go. If I know I am going to be gone all day, I pack a bag of NS bars and fresh fruits and veggies.  If I am going to be home for my meals, I try to make my meals similar to my families so we can share the same veggies. I feel like I am being an inspiration to those around me and that makes me feel really good, especially since both of my parents are starting Nutrisystem within the next couple of weeks! Now I have a full support team and I love that!!

This was a big week as I had a job interview for a job that I wanted so badly! I could not BELIEVE the difference when I walked into that interview. I felt confident and pretty for the first time in so long and that to me is one of the biggest definitions of SUCCESS!  I can't believe how just losing this much weight has made me feel like a brand new person. But it's true. I feel awesome, better than I have felt in a LONG time. I feel like I could conquer the world right now and nothing can stop me! 

Last week I was bummed with my 1 pound weight loss especially after all of the work I was pouring into the program but I didn't let it discourage me. I worked really hard this week, continuing the workouts and eating right.  It paid off when I stepped on the scale this morning for weigh-in and I lost 4 pounds!!!!!!!!!!  I was in total shock but was seriously so excited that I couldn't contain myself.  

Results:

Week 1: 7 pounds

Week 2: 3 pounds

Week 3: 2 pounds

Week 4: 3 pounds

Week 5: 1 pound

Week 6: 4 pounds

Total weight lost: 20 pounds

SERIOUSLY!?!?!?!?! OH EM GEE! 

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling  1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*I am being provided four months of Nutrisystem food and counsel for free as a blogger. All opinions are 100% my own*

Guest Post: A New Day

I have been on my Nutrisystem journey now for 6 weeks and I am so excited that my parents are going to be joining me! My Mom is going to be doing the same program that I am, the Success Women's Select program and my Dad is going to be going through the Men's Diabetic Select program! Every week now in addition to reading about MY journey, my Mom and Dad are going to guest post about their journey as well.  This is their first one! You can follow my Mom on her own blog at Lesson's Learned! 

A New Day

By: Ada Hilton

 My husband, Rick, was diagnosed with diabetes when he was in his early thirties. In the beginning we were able to control his sugar levels through diet, but he is not very good about following this diet. So, the nightmare began of constant arguing, and denial. I would say “You can’t eat that” and he would say, “I can eat whatever I want; there is nothing wrong with me.” I guess this is why they refer to diabetes as the silent killer. He did not feel bad; he had no symptoms other than being thirsty all the time. The Dr. would tell him that even though he didn’t feel bad the high blood sugars were damaging his major organs. That was about 20 years ago. He is now 53 years old and hangs a handicap sign on his car so he can park closer to the doors, because he has neuropathy in his legs and feet so bad he has trouble walking long distances.  He also battles depression and anxiety which the Dr tells us is very common with people who have uncontrolled sugars. We have tried many different diet plans and unless I am with him to monitor he is unable to follow through. He is currently 40 pound over weight and his BMI is in the obesity range. His sugar levels start in the morning around 200 and usually end the day close to 400 (normal range is 70-120).  My biggest fear is that one day I will come home and find him dead from a major heart attack because even though he can’t feel the damage going on inside his body, I know that it is occurring.

This is the biggest reason I was so excited when Nutrisystem offered to let us try out their Men’s Diabetic Select Program.  I have heard a lot of good things about this program and at first I thought this would be a great opportunity to help manage his blood sugar levels. I didn’t really even consider that he needed to lose weight as well. But when I charted his height to weight ratio, I realized he is also about 40 pounds overweight. I am looking at this as a twofold advantage, his blood sugars can be controlled and he will lose that extra weight that puts him at even more health risk, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. He was a bit skeptical at doing this, so I told him that I would follow whatever his diet is as well. I was thinking I could try to mimic his diet plan to help support him but I also have an overweight issue.

 I am about 40 pounds overweight and due to my very busy schedule, I have developed some very unhealthy eating habits. I tend to eat on the run in the car while going from place to place. This usually means some type of junk food and pop.  I have a bit of high blood pressure and have a family history of high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack and diabetes. I am 49 years old and have a sister who had a heart attack and a quadruple bypass when she was 50. I have another sister who has had a triple bypass and a partial leg amputation due to diabetes. So, I have some pretty significant risk if I don’t change my eating habits and get my weight under control.

When I received the email from Nutrisystem to let us know that we would soon be receiving instructions for starting the program, I was so excited that they also offered to let me try their SUCCESS Women’s Select Program.  I am ecstatic and can’t wait to get started. We have placed our first order and while I am waiting for it to arrive with instructions, I have started cleaning out the cupboards of food items that we have that are unhealthy and need to go. I am stocking up on water and plan on buying no more pop.

It’s a new day for us, an opportunity to get healthy, lose weight and have some fun. I look forward to getting to know the Nutrisystem family and being a part of it.

Stay tuned, I am going to be doing weekly posts about our journey so you can follow along. I will also try to include some tips that I learn to help you as well.

 

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling  1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog 

*I am being provided four months of Nutrisystem food and counsel for free as a blogger. All opinions are 100% my own*

 

We're Moving!

Ok, so I am super super super excited to share that we FINALLY found a house that we love in town and we are going to be moving by the end of Summer!  We have had fun living in the country but I really miss living in town. We have been on the search for months now and we never realized how hard it was going to be to find a house in town that is big enough for our family but we finally did and were so happy to find out that we have been approved for the loan and now we can get the ball rolling! It's going to be a couple of months obviously because all of this stuff takes time but seriously, I could not be happier!  We spend so much time in town for the kids sporting events and during the school year with school things so it's really going to be a great economical move for us.  Plus, it's going to make my husband closer to his work. I am *slightly* nervous about buying a new house right now with the economy being so crummy not to mention everything going on with the stock market. I was joking with my husband and told him we need to start investing in gold!  Don't laugh! The US Money Reserve is giving some pretty crazy estimates right now about how high the value of gold is going to go and yesterday they reported it could surge 500%!!!!!!!!! Craziness. But anyhoo. The house is 4 bedrooms, 2 baths with a full basement and the most amazing back yard so I don't feel like we are giving up too much by moving back in town. And best of all, the cities park is pretty much in our backyard. I can look out of the fence surrounding the back yard and see the baseball diamonds that we spend our entire summers at and just over the hill is the big pond so my husband and kids can do one of their favorite things whenever they want-FISHING!! It will be crazy being within walking distance of all our son's baseball games too. It's going to save us so much time and money. I am just so thrilled!

I know I have been super super busy and haven't had the chance to share this yet either but I also had a job interview this week too for my DREAM JOB and I am so excited at the possibility of getting the job. Don't get me wrong. I love what I do now as far as my blog and other marketing jobs go but I really feel like it's time for me to start a career that is rewarding to me and this is the perfect match. It's a marketing position in a local long-term care facility and it would be such an honor to work there. You know not everybody gets the chance to have their dream job and really love what they do and I know this job would be something that  would be very fulfilling for me and I know I would be so good at it! I was able to tour the facility and I fell in love with it. Now I am just crossing my fingers and saying lots of prayers that everything will work out!!!

Right now things could not be going better. It almost scares me! LOL You know how sometimes you think things are just going to perfectly and they are coming together so easily that you are just standing back and waiting for a hiccup in the road because usually things don't go this smoothly!!!!  So keep your fingers crossed for me that everything will continue to go as planned and maybe, just maybe, I might just get that dream job of mine :) 

Amdro

It's been a couple of weeks since our 1st Amdro post and from the many comments, it sounds like we are not the only one's who could use some of this stuff to get rid of yucky bugs!  Readers reported everything from ants to cockroaches and with Spring and Summer arriving earlier this year than I can ever remember, it's no wonder the bugs have come out in force. I have noticed so many ants creeping around our garden and  they are slowly making their way up to the house. 

If you have an ant problem, be sure to try out the AMDRO Ant Block Home Perimeter Ant Bait!  It kills a wide range of ant species and keeps them outside of your home instead of inside pestering you!  It also allows the worker ants to take the granules back to their mound resulting in the entire colony being destroyed. Following application, you can expect to be ant free within two to four weeks!

Visit AMDRO.Com to see all of their products and to choose which one would best suit you! You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

We would also like to announce that the winner of the $50 AM EX Gift Card from our giveaway is entry # 1,891........Jeremy Sell!  Congrats Jeremy! 

*Central Garden & Pet partnered with bloggers such as me to help educate us all about their AMDRO® products. As part of this program, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the use of the products. Central Garden & Pet believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Central Garden & Pet’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. A winner will be chosen by random and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.”

UPS My Choice

If you are like me and get a lot of packages from UPS, you will definitely want to check out the UPS My Choice program! It's a FREE program that allows you to get calls or messages when you have packages on the way and you can even reroute and reschedule deliveries if you aren't going to be home!!! I signed up and it was really quick and easy to do! Just click below to be taken to the sign-up page! 

CleanWell

Usually I look forward to Summer because it seems to be our children's healthiest time of year. We rarely have to deal with sick kids in the Summer because they aren't at school picking up germs from other kids. This summer has been different though. Our youngest child started going to a facility for speech therapy last month and I don't know if that is what is causing it or not but he has had a nasty cold for awhile now. Of course it could be the fact that we went from 40 to 90 degrees overnight!  We have had some crazy weather lately, that's for sure! With our busy schedules and the fact that we are constantly on the go, I don't have time  to deal with sick kids so I have been trying to keep our house extra clean and sanitized to keep anybody else from getting sick.  Antibacterial soap is a great way to keep your kids hands germ free and with CleanWell, you can get rid of the germs without nasty and harsh chemicals!  

CleanWell kills germs with a patented thyme-based formulation that is kid-safe!  Because CleanWell is free of triclosan, benzalkonium chloride and alcohol, it is perfect for children with sensitive skin. CleanWell is never tested on animals and the active ingredient is biodegradable making the products a better choice for the environment! They offer a full line of hand soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants to go and even products for the home. Check out the website to learn more!!!

*This post was brought to you by CleanWell. All opinions are my own*

Movies on Demand Summer Movies and Jeff, Who Lives at Home Giveaway

Summer is super busy for us so there isn't much "downtime" but when we do get a minute to sit down together and relax as a family, we love watching movies!  We aren't big fans of dragging the entire crew out to the movie rental store because it's hectic and we can never agree on which movies to get so we LOVE Movies on Demand!  Movies on Demand has an awesome selection of Summer Blockbusters for the entire family, including Jeff, Who Lives at Home which was available OnDemand June 15th BEFORE it came out on Blu-Ray or DVD!  The hilarious and critically-acclaimed film Jeff, Who Lives at Home was available 4 days before you could get it on Blu-Ray and DVD which is perfect for people, like Jeff, who don't get our of their mother's basement much! Be sure to check down below for a special giveaway!!

If you missed some of the older movies, don't fear because some of your old movie favorites are available too!  Check out the Movies on Demand Facebook Page to keep up with the latest and greatest and be sure to follow Movies on Demand on YouTube  so you can watch movie trailers and more!!!

There are some really awesome movies available this month including titles like Project X, A Thousand Words and Big Miracle. Check out the website for their entire schedule!!!!  

Movies on Demand Twitter Party:

When: July 5th @ 8 p.m. ET

Where: Hashtag: #MODSummer

Who: Host: @MomSpark

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner is going to receive their own "You Don't Have to Leave the House Party" kit that includes a branded backpack and koozie, bags of candy, potato chips, a t-shirt that says "The first step to finding your destiny is leaving your Mother's basement," Hello, My name is Kevin nametags and wood glue. (You will just have to see the movie to see what that's all about!!!) So fire up the big screen and invite your firends over-you might even get inspired to leave the house!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own. All prizing for MSM giveaways is handled by a third party unless otherwise noted. For this reason prize fulfillment can take up to 90 days after the winners information is received.  

NUK® FRESHFOODS DAY: Live Chat with Annabel Karmel

For those of you who have been wanting to try homemade baby food, now is the perfect time!!!  Tuesday, June 19th from 11:30-12:30, you will have the opportunity to ask all of those questions you might have with a LIVE CHAT with Annabel Karmel on the Nuk-USA Facebook page!!!  Hop over to their page today and share the chat with your friends for your chance to win one of 5 Freshfoods Starter Kits! 

Nutrisystem Week 5 #NSNation

I have just completed week 5 of the Nutrisystem program and I feel better than ever. Honestly. I can't believe how much of  a difference I can tell just after a month and the fact that I lost 15 pounds in the first 4 weeks made me feel pretty amazing. This past week I decided to set some new goals for myself for the next 4 weeks. One of those goals that I made was that I want to lose 1-2 pounds every week this month. Aside from the pounds, I also set a goal to lose at least 10 inches this month. I weigh myself weekly but I only take measurements once a month so I won't know until the end of week 8 if I have hit this goal but I am working really hard on trying to work every part of my body to shed inches. I also made some new fitness goals for myself. I added an extra strength training work out 4 times/week and I have been trying to get some extra cardio in.  When I first started walking/running in week 1, sadly I could not even manage to run for more than 60 seconds at a time without having to stop and walk. It took me almost 19 minutes to walk/jog a mile when I first started out. I made a vow that I would try to shave off some of that time every week and my goal was to run a full mile without having to stop and walk at all. I knew this was going to be a tough one because I haven't ran in forever but I have been working so hard and this week, for the first time, I ran the entire mile.  It took me 12 minutes and 40 seconds which isn't terrific but for me, it's AMAZING!!!!  

I learned this week that having goals is what is going to keep me sane and encouraged through this journey.  When I stepped on the scale for weigh-in this morning, I was really depressed at first because I only lost 1 pound. All the hard work and extra workouts that I have incorporated and I only lost 1 measly pound but then I got to thinking. I added those strength training exercises this week which includes lifting weights for my flabby arms and they are looking much more toned in just a week. Muscle weighs more than fat so I guess that I probably just built up some extra muscle this week.  And with all of the running I am doing, I have to be building muscles in my legs as well so that is probably a big part of it too. So I am not disappointed with only a 1 pound loss this week. I feel pretty proud that I stuck to the plan for another week and I know that the muscle I am building is only going to help me burn more fat in the end. Plus, I had several people stop me this week and ask me what I am doing to lose weight! That, my friend, is SUCCESS!!!!

Results:

Week 1: 7 pounds

Week 2: 3 pounds

Week 3: 2 pounds

Week 4: 3 pounds

Week 5: 1 pound

Total weight lost: 16 pounds

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling  1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

*I am being provided four months of Nutrisystem food and counsel for free as a blogger. All opinions are 100% my own*

Guest Post: Information about Adaptive Learning Platform

What is an adaptive learning platform?

Counting

Addition and Subtraction

Relationship between numbers

Fractions, Decimals and Proportions

These are just some of the many math facts that elementary students should master and learn in just a short period of time before they can move to middle school. There is a vast amount of information that students in the elementary level should learn that it is no surprise that some of them might require little help to pass the subject.

To make learning Math more fun and interesting for the kids of every age, an adaptive learning platform that incorporates play with the in depth math curriculum can be an invaluable tool.

As mentioned in the article in EmergingEdTech entitled, Adaptive Learning, An Idea With Powerful Potential, we can really see the benefits that students can get with this new form of learning methods.

So what is an adaptive learning platform? An adaptive learning environment provides:

• Individualized instruction. Adaptive learning setup makes use of interactive tools such as online math games that the student can learn at their own pace. The program tracks student progress and changes the level of difficulty of the games as the child progresses so it is a good tool for each student, whether they are struggling or is advance in their level. These online games monitors each level of the students and can adapt in real-time to the skill level and aptitude of each individual students.
• Progress Tracking. These online games also provide a way for the teachers and even the parents to monitor the progress of their kids as it provides a graphical summary and report so they will be given a clear picture of what areas needs emphasis to provide students with the most helpful learning environment.
• Fun while Learning. Since an adaptive learning environment present lessons in a form of games, it makes learning fun and approachable for the kids.

With all of these positive features, an adaptive learning environment that includes online math games surely has a lot of potential as it can be used by teachers as an effective tool to build proficiency and mastery of Math in a fun learning environment.

Lack of Energy

I am not sure what my deal is but I am having some serious energy issues lately. I wake up so full of energy that it's unreal. I eat a good breakfast, clean my house, get a good workout in. Usually by noon I have already done some serious work around the house and I feel really accomplished. But then, after lunch, I start to drag. I have to really force myself to get up and moving because I just feel drained. I don't know if it's because I get up at 5:30 every morning so I am just naturally ready for a break around lunchtime or if I just have a serious case of the afternoon lazy syndrome but something has to give. With 4 kids at home, my day doesn't end at 12:00 when I am ready to crash. I still have cleaning to do, supper to cook, baseball games to go to and if I am lucky, I get to bed at a decent hour. I get 7-8 hours of sleep every night so I don't think it's that and I take a multivitamin and just had blood work done so I know I am not lacking anything in my diet.  I am just wondering if it's because I ditched caffeine a few weeks ago. I completely quit drinking soda, cold turkey, and I am not drinking any caffeine at all anymore so I am thinking that could be the culprit.   Do you ever take any kinds of supplements or drinks for energy? I know you can buy Modafinil and other similar medications online I just wonder if they really work for energy or if you are just better off without taking anything. Sometimes I know if I am really dragging, I force myself to take a walk or something and sometimes that will pep me up. I just don't sit down because if I do, I will start to feel my eyes getting heavy and then I have to try and talk my 2 year old into a nap! And it's funny because around supper time, I have bounced back and am ready for our crazy busy weekends. It's just something about afternoons that make me sooooooo sleepy! What do you use as a pick-me-up when you start to drag during the day???

Backyard Escape Giveaway

The Backyard Escape is finally here!!!  Thanks to Crazy House Reviews,  Raising My 5 Sons and The Jackson Five Family Blog along with 50 additional bloggers, one lucky winner from one of our sites will receive their choice of a swimming pool, trampoline, bounce house, swing set or water slide!   This giveaway would not be possible without the awesome people from Tokii who are sponsoring the prize!!!!

Tokii is a self-help relationship site specifically designed to enrich and strengthen all types of relationships through interactive games, moods, quizzes and trading. Tokii tools positively impact relationships by inspiring, re-engaging and reminding couples why they fell in love in the first place.  They have over 250 games you can play and more than 120 moods that you can send to your partner.  You can also discover how you want to be loved by filling out the LoveZones quiz. You can connect with your partner at any time from anywhere via the Tokii app or on www.tokii.com. We think relationships are fantastic and Tokii helps everyone make the most of theirs!!!

We are HUGE fans of Tokii.com here at Crazy House Reviews.  Playing the discovery games has really been fun for my husband and I because we are finding things that we surprisingly agree and disagree on! Whether you are more conservative or you like to take a little walk on the wild side, Tokii has tools for every relationship regardless if you have been together for 10 years or 10 days.  The Mood Meter is a great tool to let your spouse know how you are feeling at a particular moment. When he sees you are "cranky" he can make plans with the guys after work but change your mood to "frisky" and he will make a special trip home for lunch :)  So let the kids play and take a Tokii break to reconnect with your significant other and you just might be surprised at the results!!!

Fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter this fabulous giveaway and then be sure to share the giveaway and Tokii with all of your friends! It's nice to share!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mens Wedding Rings

It seems like everytime I turn around here lately there is somebody else getting married which means women everywhere right now are looking for the perfect wedding rings to get their future husbands-to-be!  If you are looking for a ring with style, class and one that won't kill your savings, look no further! Mens-Wedding-Rings.com has a huge selection of designer and non-designer wedding rings for every budget and you are sure to find something you and your new husband will love. 

My husband loves wearing a wedding ring but he is pretty rough on them especially because he wears them to work. I have been wanting to get him a new one to wear when he isn't at work so I recently spent a great deal of time looking on the Mens-Wedding-Rings.com website trying to find him the perfect ring. I found a Men's Ceramic Wedding Band and I was so excited!  My husband has a weird allergy to metals and I had never heard of a ceramic ring before.  I knew he was going to love it and love it he did! It's black so it's really unique and unlike any wedding band we have ever seen. It has a satin finish and comes with a lifetime warranty which you just can't pass up! And for less than $50, this ring is pretty amazing.

If you have a more traditional husband-to-be, you might be more interested in the Benchmark 14K Gold Wedding Band.  This ring is a 4mm traditional domed wedding band and is a more popular band.  It's highly polished in 14K yellow gold and since it's just 1.3mm thick, it's much lighter on the hand.  This ring comes with a free ring box and comes with a lifetime guarantee and re-sizing. You can also get this ring engraved when you order! 

If you have a man who loves silver but also loves a unique look, check out the Benchmark Argentium Silver Wedding Ring! I really love the look of this ring and it would definitely be one that my husband would love if he could wear silver!  It has a very modern look for the contemporary man. It features a raised satin band flanked by polished step-down edges on each side and a flat profile.  This is a  bigger ring at 7mm wide and like the gold one above, this one also comes with a free ring box and a lifetime guarantee! 

Titanium is becoming increasingly popular in men's wedding bands as well so if you are looking for a nice traditional ring at a good price, the Benchmark Designer Titanium Wedding Band would probably be a good fit!  For right around $75, you can't find a better deal.  This ring has a beautiful polished finish with step-down polished edges.  It's slim and sophisticated at 5mm wide and is made from aircraft grade titanium! I like the simple style of this ring and would be great for any husband-to-be!

Finally, if you are marrying a "working man" and you need a ring that is virtually indestructible,  you will definitely want to check out the Mens Tungsten Wedding Band!  Tungsten is a very heavy and durable metal  so it is the perfect choice for men who work with their hands.  The face of this 8mm ring is brushed and the outer edges are polished to a brilliant shine.  The inside edges are rounded for a smooth and comfortable fit. At 8mm wide, I think this ring is very sleek and stylish! 

Check out Mens-Wedding-Rings.com to find the perfect ring for your upcoming wedding or surprise him with a new ring for a special anniversary or any occasion!  

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner is going to win one non-designer or silver ring up to $90!  This giveaway will run from June 12, 2012 and will end on June 26th, 2012. Just fill out the easy Rafflecopter form below to enter!!

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MotherKnows

Most of the time I am an awesome record keeper when it comes to my children's important events but I have often wondered what I would ever do if something would happen and all of those records would be lost. I try to keep important papers in our fireproof lock box but sometimes things happen beyond our control and every single day parents lose very important records that they have for their children. I was recently introduced to MotherKnows and I was so excited to see this service finally offered. With just a click of the mouse, you can have all of your child's important medical records including immunizations, medical history, allergies, etc. If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, you can even pull all of this stuff up with the new MotherKnows iPhone App! So if you move or change pediatricians, everything follows you and your child without having the hassle of getting everything transferred. I love this idea and cannot wait to try it out! If you are interested in checking it out, click below to read more info, watch a video on exactly how it works and sign up for a free 30 day trial!!!!!

Make Money Online with Inbox Dollars

UPDATE!!!

 I signed up only to have my email account bombarded with emails. You do eventually make enough money to cash out but in my opinion, IT'S NOT WORTH YOUR TIME!!!!!

I have encountered so many people lately who are looking to make money online, especially stay at home Mom's so I was super excited to come across Inbox Dollars. This isn't going to make you a millionaire but if you are looking to make just a little extra spending money, this is a great way to do that! Right now you can get $5 just for signing up and then after that, you can earn money by playing games, filling out surveys and even for shopping online!  Just click the picture below to get signed up!!

After signing up and filling out my profile, I already have $5.50 in my account! As soon as you hit $30 you can request a payout and they will send a check right to your door! Nice!

Fantastic Roadtrip-a-Matic on visitPA.com

This post brought to you by PA Tourism. All opinions are 100% mine.

One of the places on our family's "want to visit list" is Pennsylvania so I was really excited to be introduced to  Roadtrip-a-Matic!!!  The Raodtrip-a-Matic offers dozens of roadtrips for visitors to Pennsylvania looking for a variety of experiences including the outdoors, small town charm, historical landmarks and more!!!  No matter what kind of trip you are looking for, the Roadtrip-a-Matic can help you find it!!!  I browsed the different pa-roadtrips and I thought the Kidsylvania trip would be right up our alley!  Not only did it include fun stuff that we could do but it also suggested places for us to sleep and eat! We have four children that we generally travel with and this roadtrip includes tons of stuff that our entire family would enjoy.  It's a three day, 2 night trip so this would be a perfect weekend getaway for us! My husband gets every other weekend off of work so we could easily do a Friday, Saturday, Sunday trip! I think the Shoppers road trip is also worth noting. If you are planning a girls trip anytime soon, this would be an awesome choice!  It's a 2 day, 2 night trip that includes the shopping trip of a lifetime in Philadelphia!  

Planning a roadtrip can be a big hassle and a lot of work because it's so time consuming! You could spend months searching for attractions to visit, sights to see and the best hotel accomodations. With Roadtrip-a-Matic, all you have to do is pack and the planning is all done for you!  They have everything mapped out for you each day and they even suggest some cool detours! You can also look at the event calendar to see what is going on during that particular time! It's always fun to find local festivals while on a roadtrip! Check it out and see if there is a roadtrip for you in the near future!