Five Countries Around the Globe to Run Away from Winter {Guest Post}

This post was written and brought to you by ChameleonJohn... and it makes me dream of being in a warmer climate right now!


Some people love winter very much. They ski, they build snowmen, and they just enjoy cold and snowy days. That is okay, but there are some people who would rather spend their time somewhere warm and sunny. And if you are one of those people who prefers to swim in the ocean rather than do snow angels – this short article is just for you!

Bellow I present five countries for everyone who wishes to run away from snow and cold. All of these countries are warm, have a perfect climate, and will let you forget everything. Furthermore, it is not that expensive to travel there either! In fact, if you plan your trip smart, you can reduce your expenses radically by using coupons. With these great discounts, you will surely get a lot closer to your perfect getaway. Have fun!

Argentina

Argentina is not that far away and the climate is always perfect, a great getaway destinations for people who love a little bit of warmth and humidity. And the best part is that since Argentina is in the South Pole, the climate is always the opposite of United State's climate. So right now when we have winter, in Argentina summer just started!

Also, since Argentina is such a big country, you can enjoy many different seasons there as well! You can get a tan one day and see mountains with snow on them the next day. So it is all up to you where you wish to travel, but Argentina is surely one great destination.

Nepal

Yes! Nepal belongs here too! Despite the fact that this small country is far into the East and just on top of the Himalayas, Nepal can be proud of the perfect climate. And by perfect I mean right in the middle of temperatures.

For example, if you settle in the central hilly region of the Kathmandu Valley or the southern plain, you can enjoy warm summers and mild winters. For cool summers and severe winters, you can head north to the Himalaya Range and Mt. Everest – the tallest mountain in the entire world. So although Nepal seems to be far away and a little bit too cold, in fact, this small and exotic country can amaze you with the perfect climate too.

Tanzania

Another country far into the South, this time in Africa, can also be an ideal place to run away. Tanzania is so beautiful and so warm that you will forget about cold nights in your hometown instantly when you land your feet on hot Tanzanian soil.

Apart from perfect climate, in the biggest country in Africa you will be able to see wild animals too. Just don't forget to take a tour in the worldly famous Serengeti National Park. So Tanzania is perfect for whose people who love nature and a hot climate.

France

Oh, lovely France must be on this list as well. One of the reasons is that the south of this country is just perfect for all who wish to pamper themselves in luxury and romance. Moreover, from France's grape orchards and beaches to its snow-capped peaks and hills, everyone can find a perfect region to run away to. France is a perfect place to visit for culture, food, and wine lovers, as this great country has something for everyone to love.

The United States

Sometimes the best place to run away from winter is just around the corner! The United States of America, as we all know, is so big that there are many climate zones too. So if you live in the Northern states, traveling just a little bit to the South can change the climate radically in front of your eyes.

From the tropical paradises in Hawaii or Florida to always beautiful Alaska, you don't need to travel that far to experience different temperatures at various times of the year. And since it is all USA, you won't struggle with language barriers or difference currencies. Perfect!

Where would you like to travel this winter?

Things To Do In Florida {Guest Post}

This is a guest post brought to you by Irene, a Florida native with some great ideas on creative ways to enjoy the state!

Florida is known across the globe for its world-class theme parks such as the Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. Bear in mind, however, that the "Sunshine State" has so much to offer than the aforementioned facilities.

They can deliver the same level of fun and excitement that theme parks can bring. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy them. This is one of things that make Florida holidays great—you can enjoy—your vacation without spending a lot.

So, without further adieu, here are some of the fun and exciting activities that you can enjoy in your Florida holiday.

Hot air balloon rides

Hot air balloon rides are some of the best ways to see the beautiful attractions of Florida. Flying above the stunning outskirts of the "Sunshine State" about one hour before sunrise is a must if you want to achieve a sightseeing tour that is unlike any other.

While up there, you'll find peace and calmness and forget about the hustle and bustle of work responsibilities.

Hiking

When you think of hiking trips, Nepal, Switzerland, and Sweden, among other places probably come into mind. Bear in mind, however, that Florida also has world-class terrains that hikers of different skill levels will love. The state's tropical characteristic is a little something that you may not enjoy in other hiking or tourist locations.

Hike beside lakes and enjoy the beautiful pine and palmetto trees that you’ll encounter along the way. All in all, you’ll love the trails in Florida, especially if you’re a nature lover who has a knack for the outdoors.

Kayaking

Kayaking along the lakes as well as the rivers of Central Florida is another exceptional way of checking out the beauty of nature.

While kayaking, you’ll not only see stunning Florida waters, you’ll also be captivated with its rich wildlife. Some of the animals that you’ll encounter during your kayaking tours are wild boars, raccoons, black bears, and deer.

What makes the said activity more exciting is the fact that you’ll see the said animals in their natural habitats and not inside a cage.

Summary

Florida is the place to be if you want to take sightseeing to a whole new level. In addition to the abovementioned activities, you can also visit historical attractions in the area that will certainly spice up your holiday break.

All in all, the "Sunshine State" should be included in your travel itinerary if you want to relax and unwind without burning a hole in your pocket.

How to Choose Designer Engagement Rings Online {Guest Post}

I'll admit it, I'm a sucker for browsing jewelry stores, especially engagement rings! There are just so many beautiful styles and designs... but this guest post shows that it is just as easy and fun to shop right online!

Let's face it – the idea of engagement ring shopping is terrifying to most guys. Jewelry stores are scary foreign lands to most men, and we'd do just about anything to avoid stepping foot in one.

Why are we so scared of going into jewelry stores? A number of reasons: most guys don’t know a lot of engagement rings and designer jewelry, and we don't like the high-pressure sales environment that's prevalent in a lot of jewelry stores.

Thankfully, the internet has made it so that guys can shop for designer engagement rings without ever setting foot in a jewelry store. Now, a man can browse a wide range of designer engagement rings (such as Verragio and Ritani engagement rings), compare prices from multiple jewelry retailers, get live customer help from the best online jewelry stores, and buy the ring without ever leaving the house.

Of course, there are certainly special considerations that need to made when shopping for engagement rings online. This is a huge investment you're making – financially, emotionally, and otherwise. And shopping online is known to have its risks, so you want to make sure you take the right steps to protect yourself and to get the best designer engagement ring for your money.

Here are some tips to help you when shopping online for an engagement ring:

• Set your budget—This is an important first step. You need to figure out what you can afford to spend on an engagement ring before you start shopping. While the old rule of thumb is that you should spend about two months' salary on an engagement ring, the choice is really up to you. Be smart and realistic. You don't want to bury yourself in debt just before you get married. 

• Make sure the retailer is reputable—The last thing you want is to get scammed. Make sure you only buy from secure, reputable jewelry websites. Your online jewelry store should offer quality assurance, a money-back guarantee, and should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. The best jewelry websites will also have recommendations and testimonials from satisfied customers.

• Compare prices—The great thing about the internet is that it gives you the ability to easily compare prices on rings from multiple sellers before you buy. This ensures that you get the very best deal on your engagement ring, which can mean huge savings for you, especially compared to the marked up prices at physical jewelry stores where there is more overhead.

• Consider a custom engagement ring—How would you like to give your special girl a ring that no one else in the world has? Rather than buying an off-the-shelf designer engagement ring, consider designing your own one-of-a-kind diamond ring. The best jewelry sites allow you to custom build a ring online, choosing the diamond, setting, etc. to create a truly original ring. It's easy, and every girl is sure to cherish an engagement ring that only she has.

Buying a designer engagement ring online is safe, simple, and highly advantageous when you have the right approach. Have a question about shopping for engagement rings? Just leave a comment to let us know.

Guest article written by Whiteflash.com, an online jewelry site offering designer engagement rings, Verragio engagement rings, Ritani engagement rings, and custom diamond rings. Browse a full selection of fine jewelry at www.Whiteflash.com.

Love It or Hate It: What Every Mom Should Know When Buying a Car

While there are many aspects of life that we might dread (paying bills, visiting the dentist, and doing our taxes, just to name a few), many of us would add "buying a car" to that list. Feeling the pressure from the salesman, having to deal with the negotiations, and the overall tiring, confused, did I pay too much? feelings just aren't all that enjoyable, right?

But what are the things that moms should actually know when buying a car? And what features really matter most when it comes to providing the best ride for our family? Having made the leap to a minivan in recent years (yep, I went to the dark side and love it), I was happy to write a guest post on the topic over at Jen and Barb, Mom Life.

This innovative site is dedicated to sharing original online videos about being in the trenches of motherhood, something we can all relate to. This week Jen and Barb talked with Jody Devere, founder of the website AskPatty.com, about the things that every mom should know that will put the fun back in buying a car.

Take a look at her suggestions to make the experience a great one!

Click here or on the image above to watch the video in full on Jen and Barb, Mom Life.

What do you think? Do you agree with Jody? Are there other tips that you would include? To read my thoughts on what I love about my minivan, head over to Jen and Barb, Mom Life for my guest post! Then join in the conversation!    

(Jen and Barb have teamed up with Dodge to discuss this topic and I was compensated for my involvement. However, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.)

Cash For Gold from CaptainCashForGold.com {Guest Post}

Mark Rich is the customer care co-coordinator for captaincashforgold.com. Over the years that he has been with the company, he has helped so many customers get the highest payout when selling their gold. I don't know about you, but I know that I have gold jewelry sitting around that could use to be sold!

They say that money can’t buy happiness but it can certainly help you get there. Having cash at your disposal is as important as carrying an umbrella while going out in the rain. There are times when you fall short of cash and need it for some emergency. What do you do then? Borrow from a friend?

Well, you too know that debt, whether taken from a friend or a bank is not good for your credit rating. Why not sell your gold for cash? You can buy more jewelry later but with the money that you get in exchange of the gold, you can save someone’s life.

Trading gold for cash has now been made easier by captaincashforgold.com. There are ample reasons why you should choose captaincashforgold.com to get cash in exchange of gold. Primarily, they are a legitimate company and offer you the highest payout. No other company promises to pay as much as captaincashforgold.com.

It is understood that each one of us has some apprehensions when we think of giving out a precious belonging to someone else. With captaincashforgold.com, you do not have to worry about the security of gold or the cash that you receive. This is because they ensure that the cash reaches you safely. The order is insured before shipping and loss, if any, does not fall on your shoulders.

You can track your order to see when the cash will reach you. This can help you plan some activities that you wish to undertake with the cash. Be it some surgery or even a vacation, you can be assured that help is available at every point of your life.

Not just gold, you can even sell platinum and other high end jewelry pieces to captaincashforgold.com. Once you exchange the gold, your payment reaches you by wire transfer, check or PayPal. Since PayPal is one of the most trusted payment portals, you can leave your worries aside and get all the junk gold out for sale.

To know more about captaincashforgold.com, you can visit their website and find out how you can reap the benefits of exchanging gold for cash. It is difficult to trust a website to offer you cash in exchange of gold but with this website, you will never have to complain.

Champions in buying wholesale gold, captaincashforgold.com checks the purity, weight and the worth of the gold to give you the best possible price. While you sell the gold, your identity is kept a secret to avoid attracting any mishap by leakage of data.

You can also benefit from the 12 day return policy and give the money back to get your gold. In case you need cash for a day or two, you can exchange it and get it back once you return the money.

Doesn’t that sound amazing? It really does. Captaincashforgold.com is one of the most popular cash for gold portals that is trusted by millions of people across the globe.. Don’t spend too much time thinking and choose www.captaincashforgold.com to get cash in exchange of gold.

How to Find the Perfect Gift for your Guy {Guest Post}

I'm always on the lookout for gift ideas for my husband and thought this guest post had great points to keep in mind when shopping!

Do you have a picky man in your life? Chances are you do. As a woman, I have always had trouble finding the perfect gift for selective guys (i.e. the time I bought my boyfriend a water bottle for his birthday... everyone drinks water, right?!)

After years of trial and error (okay, mostly error) I figured out the perfect gift for any man, whatever his interests or personal tastes might be. Drum roll please... a wristwatch!

For centuries men's watches have been renowned for integrating fashion and function, and really, you can't go wrong with this classic gift. Whether your son is coming of age, or your husband just got a job promotion, a watch is an appropriate gift for almost any occasion.

Don't be overwhelmed by the huge range of watch styles and functions — it is this versatility that makes a watch such a great gift. Many men own more than one watch to fit the various activities and occasions in their lives, so you can always consider watches as future gifts too.

The executive in your life will appreciate a luxury watch that that indicates a subtle display of success and prestige, like a classic Cartier or Rolex.

Outdoorsmen will appreciate a sturdy sport watch that can withstand salt and sweat. Stopwatch and GPS features might also come in handy.

Men interested in technology and gadgets will appreciate a high-tech watch with a modern, digital look and advanced features like solar charging or high pixel resolution.

Watches are a way to exercise time discipline, and also a powerful way to display style, show personality and commemorate special life events. With the wide array of prices, styles, and functions available, watches are an item with endless gift giving possibilities.

If you are new to watches, it might be helpful to check out an online watch forum. You can also visit an online retailer, such as ShopNBC, for a large selection and customer reviews.

When buying a gift for the man in your life, you’ll surely hit a home run with something that is both stylish and functional. Happy Gift-Giving, my friends!

This is a Guest Post provided by Leslie Silver, an avid men's fashion writer. 

Working During the Summer {Guest Post}

This is a guest post by Fay that covers great topics: summer vacation, working, shopping, and treating yourself right!

During the summer months it’s especially hard to keep focused, and stay committed to your job. The hot summer weather that we have been experiencing just makes you want to take a long beach vacation or stay cool by the pool. The kids are off or at camp and having a great time…and you get stuck with all the laundry to do! Wouldn't it be just great to take a two month long vacation?

Well, if you are one of those working moms, just like me, you know that it's just not possible to do that. While everyone is entitled to a couple of days off here and there, most of us do not have the luxury of taking long extended vacations. That's why you have got to go the extra mile to makes your work day a little bit more exciting and enticing throughout the warm weather weeks.

Something that always excites me, and definitely lifts my spirits, is new clothing. Wearing something fun and new gives me the extra jump in my step. Yet as a registered nurse, I am required to wear medical scrubs to work each and every day. Yes, it does make life easier. I don’t need to think about what I need to wear each and every day.

If you are not familiar with medical scrubs, you wouldn’t know that there is a world out there of just medical scrubs. There are so many different scrub manufacturers and each company has got their own uniqueness and benefits. I’m a real Landaus medical scrubs fan. The scrubs that they make are high quality, have a great fit and also offer terrific styles and colors.

So, in order to add some pizzazz to my work day, I ordered for myself some new scrub uniforms. I chose the Urbane scrubs which is Landaus scrub line. Urbane scrubs offer fun and sporty scrubs in great colors and styles. They almost don’t look at scrubs at all. I got the Urbane Sport scrub top 9057 in a Royal blue color, a really awesome summery color.

Great colors = great moods. Wear something black you feel more down. Wear a bright and cheery color like yellow or royal blue and your mood will soar. Try it, you will see that wearing something fun and new will give you reason to be all the more enthusiastic.

Another thing I will do for myself, maybe a little bit too often, is treat myself to something yummy on my way to work. There is a Starbucks on my way to work, so I treat myself to one of those incredible drinks like the mocha frappuccino. Topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle and toasted coconut flakes, what could be better?

It is a little bit pricey, but hey, it puts me in a fantastic mood! You gotta do these things for yourself. Even if you love your job, be honest with yourself, sometimes you just rather be vacationing. Well, when that’s not an option, treat yourself a little… you deserve it!!

(Disclosure: I was compensated in exchange for publishing this post)

Durable Watches for Summer {Guest Post}

This is a guest post brought to you by Leslie Silver on a product that I love - watches! I tend to vary between absolutely having to have my watch and not being able to deal with the feel of it on my wrist. But I always love seeing great styles for women as well as men...

With summer nearly in full swing, plenty of us have vacations or activities planned, barbecues and pool parties to attend, and so much more. Summer is the perfect time for laid back fashion and accessories; however, because we often ramp up the activities in summer, we also want to ensure that our accessories are durable and will stand up to anything.

This is particularly true for watches, which is probably the one accessory we wear every single day. Here's a list of affordable, strong women's and men's watches for summer, all available online to be delivered straight to your door from retailers like ShopNBC.com.

Women's watches tend to be more like jewelry – streamlined, slim-fitted, with precious metals for straps. However, there's a great deal of rubber, silicone, and polyurethane watches that are perfect for busy summer days, relaxing summer nights, and everything in between. Fortunately, for you guys, there are unlimited options for great men's watches made from durable materials.

1. Appetime Women's Japanese Quartz Pips Fruits Polyurethane Strap Watch

This fabulous bright yellow women's watch is on-trend for summer with its vibrant color. It also comes with an incredibly durable polyurethane strap for both fashion and function. This is a great watch that will take you from work to a pool party – it’s water resistant to 100 feet!


2. Technomarine Unisex Cruise Original Mirror Brown Strap Chronograph Watch

Perfect for both men and women, this Technomarine Unisex watches features a silicone rubber strap for comfortable fit and serious longevity. The watch also comes with an additional white strap to switch it up, and is water resistant to a whopping 660 feet for all your adventures!


3. Android Men's Divemaster Predator Quartz Stainless Steel Watch

This rugged yet classic men’s watch has a sophisticated stainless steel bracelet and features water resistance to 660 feet. Android watches are perfect for both work and play, and help make the transition even easier with their modern design.



So there you have a basic guide to a variety of fun summer watches for everyone in your family. Be sure to shop around online for something that meets your style and budget! Do you switch your watch for the summer? What do you typically look for in a durable watch?

Family Time: How Do You Make It Fun?

I can still remember falling victim to the cliché phrase of childhood: Mom, I'm booooored.

There just always seemed to be so much time and, yet, so little to do, you know?

Fast forward 25 years and I can't remember the last time I said that I was bored. Or felt bored. Or even just didn't have an inkling that there were about 45 things on my to-do list at any given point in time.

But even with the best time management skills (not saying that I possess them), finding the balance in our lives between kids, work, school, friends, and more can often be difficult. And the aspect that sometimes feels left out? Quality family time.

That's why when Jen and Barb, Mom Life asked me to guest post on the topic of how my family turns our evenings and weekends into fun-filled bonding experiences that result in memories that will last a lifetime... I had no idea. I feel as though the weekends are filled with us rushing somewhere and everyone is tired during the weekday evenings, so how do other families meet that challenge?

Interested in my thoughts? Head over and see my guest post, aptly titled Searching for Quality Family Time.

Then, when I heard that Jen and Barb were going to talk to Dr. Tina Bryson, psychotherapist, author, and mom about ways to truly enjoy evenings and weekends for the entire family, I knew that video was one that I wanted to watch. If you answer yes to the question Looking for a little family fun? then you're going to want to check it out as well!

Click on the image above (or here) to watch the video - it's worth it!

I don't know about you, but I picked up some great tips! I love that Dr. Bryson pointed out that every moment doesn't need to be structured and that it really all boils down to laughing, playing and being silly. Which, when you think about it, is what kids truly enjoy the most anyway, right?

How about you? Are your evenings and weekends already filled with fun, quality time as a family or could you use a little help adding in more memorable moments?

(Jen and Barb have teamed up with Coca-Cola to discuss this topic and I was compensated for my involvement. However, all thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.)

Cleanse Your Face the Right Way {Guest Post}

This guest post discusses a topic that has always interested me - who doesn't want to find a beauty regimen that they can partake in at home for less?

Have you been using just ordinary face wash? Maybe it is time to try something new. Ordinary face wash just washes the surface of your skin, but does not give it a deep cleanse. Some great additions to your standard skincare routine are microdermabrasion products. These deep cleansers, masques, and exfoliating wands will go far beyond just simply cleaning your face.

Microdermabrasion at home products, available online from retailers like ShopNBC, will go beneath the surface of your skin and deeply penetrate it. As it penetrates your skin it helps reduce fine lines.

Using microdermabrasion at home products will give you a mini facial. It will leave your skin looking youthful and radiant. The systems will also help diminish the appearance of blemishes and dark spots, as well as minor acne scars.

Further, microdermabrasion at home helps shrink your pores and sloughs off dead, dry skin, like any great exfoliating product. Once you use a microdermabrasion at home kit, you’ll immediately notice how smooth and supple your skin feels. And thanks to online retailers, these easy-to-use products can be delivered right to your door in a matter of days – no more scheduling spa appointments or shelling out money for facials.

(This guest post was brought to you by ShopNBC.)

Knowledge Universe: Read. Share. Give {Guest Post}

This is a guest post on one of my favorite topics: children and reading! My girls adore books and the idea that this program increases a child's access to books is one that I stand behind.

How does a global education organization which creates educational alternatives impact a professional dilemma? How can the organization help solve a quandary whose solution seems elusive to America's top educational professionals? Knowledge Universe (KU), an organization which offers a wide array of materials and programs for toddlers through college age, is now influencing the reading readiness of young children throughout the world.

As part of their early reading program, KU launched a book-sharing program in 2011. The innovative program, "Read. Share. Give" was conceived as a way to encourage early reading among families. The program charted almost 15,000 "shared" books which participants logged online at the www.kindercare.com/read site.

The program enjoys tremendous success and KU was pleased by the response. David Roy, Director of Community Partnerships for KinderCare noted that KU's families and teachers were responsible for the program's resounding success. He explained that KU committed resources to the book-sharing program because research by the nonprofit Reach Out and Read organization indicates that more than 34 percent of children enter kindergarten without the skills needed to learn to read. The goal of the"Read. Share. Give" program is to address this issue by giving children increased access to books.

"Education provides the fullest opportunities for fulfilling ourselves. It is the access to all that a person has yet to learn, and that is precisely why the future belongs to the educated." Lowell Milken Co-founder Knowledge Universe.

KU celebrates the program's success by donating books to the Reach Out and Read organization in recognition of the Reach Out and Read goal of increasing young children's reading readiness skills. The KU donation will provide many families with increased access to books, both at home and at school.

(Disclosure: http://cmp.ly/3)

Heralding in a Delicious Christmas with Chocolate Advent Calenders {Guest Post}

With the holiday season drawing near, this guest post on chocolate and advent calendars sounds like a fun (and delicious) way to count down the days!

For many children, Christmas is the favorite holiday of the year. Children across the globe look forward to Christmas trees, sledding in the snow, and a variety of anticipated Christmas gifts. For children and young-at-heart adults, a chocolate advent calender can be a great way to keep track of the approaching holiday season.

A chocolate advent calender usually starts on December 1st, and goes through Christmas day. Every day, children get to open a new flap on the calendar, and find a delicious chocolate underneath.

While chocolate advent calenders are a recent invention, many cultures and traditions have counted down the days until the holiday season. Advent calenders first started with German Lutherans in the 19th century, who would physically mark down the number of days until the 24th, often using a piece of chalk or other simple marker. Other cultures expanded on the advent calender, with small gifts for children to open each day until the 24th. Many advent calendar gifts are based on ideas from Hannukah, a Jewish holiday.

For creatively-minded people, it’s possible to make your own chocolate advent calender . Begin by taking a large sheet of construction paper, and cut 24 window flaps. Glue a second sheet of construction paper as backing to the first. You can draw a different theme in each window flap, and create a general holiday-themed drawing on the main outside sheet. Place a flat piece of chocolate in each window flap and tape the opening shut.

There are many variations on the advent calender for a creatively-minded person. If you have a holiday theme, you can create a different chocolate treat for each day of the month. A larger advent display can incorporate items such as small gifts.

For busy people, many companies and retailers offer pre-made chocolate calenders, in a variety of themes and gift types. Many advent calenders are available in a sugar free version for diabetics. Some advent calenders come with other food items, such as candied nuts or other sweets.

(This is a sponsored post.)

Endangerbles CD and Plush Pal {Review & Giveaway}

A special thanks to Jodi from A Mom Having Fun and Nifty Creations by Jodi for being a guest reviewer for this fun CD!

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, stephy905!}

My children love singing and dancing to music. That's why we were thrilled with the offer to provide a review/giveaway from the Endangerbles.

The music on the Endangerbles CD is so cute and fun to dance/listen to.

Each song has some sort of theme about animals and bringing awareness to the endangered species. I really love the fact that my children can have some exposure to learning about the importance of being earth-friendly and aware of how our actions impact the planet we live in.

The Endangerble Foundation's mission is to support and promote awareness through partnerships with programs which are focused on preserving the endangered, threatened, or potentially endangered species on our planet.

We are always listening to the Endangerbles CD, it is a regular in the car and then my children insist on bringing it in the house to listen on the stereo. Each of my children seems to have a favorite song on this CD. My oldest daughter loves the song Girls Rock & Rule (I do too)! My other children love the Endangerbles Theme and Reason To Be Here.

The Endangerbles also has a very cute option on their site for your children to register to become a "deputy." Once they are signed up, you will get a link to download one of the theme songs called Extinction For Extinction if you select SSA as the option when indicating where you heard about the Endangerbles.

Also, with their deputy badge number – your child can then sign into the website to gain access to additional fun things like games and coloring pages.

And, thanks to the generosity of Endangerbles, one person will be able to bring home the fun and learning as well, because...

One lucky person will win a CD and plush toy from Endangerbles!

*Winner will have their choice of Ulysses (Eagle), Milton (Orangutan), Sasha (Baby Seal), Bucksnort (Indian Rhino), Ms. Scarlet (Scarlet Macaw) or Khul (Tiger)

To enter to win: Visit Endangerbles and tell me one which of the cute plush pals is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an Endangerbles CD & your choice of plush toy! Music and a fun friend for kids! http://bit.ly/r43gJJ @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on August 8th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to Endangerbles for providing the products for review and giveaway. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Online Shopping Deals at Bargain Jack {Guest Post}

This is a sponsored guest post from Bargain Jack... and I have to admit, they had me at Bargain!

Everybody loves a bargain, but not everybody can find one. For the greatest deals in online shopping, you should check out Bargain Jack.

With kids around the house, it’s hard to get out (or at least it’s easier to stay in) so why not get your discounts online? With savings of up to 90% off, it’s not hard to see why Bargain Jack is one of the most reliable comparison shopping services around.

If you’re in the market for a new TV, check out this Vizio 37” 1080p HDTV for only $300! This TV retails for nearly double that at Target. Then you can get a 2 pack of 5’ HDMI cables for your brand-new TV for just $1.99 and free shipping. Walmart tries to sell these cords for upwards of $30.

So, even if you aren’t looking for a new TV anytime soon, you now have an idea of the caliber discounts Bargain Jack has to offer. Go check out their Outdoor Living, Food & Travel, and Clothing sections to see the variety of deals to be had on Bargain Jack. No matter what you’re looking for, you can probably find it cheaper at Bargain jack.

The Affordable Key to Health {Guest Post}

This is a guest post on a topic that's near and dear to me: water! I have been drinking much more of it lately and really need to start thinking about whether or not there is anything harmful in my glass...

When most people start a healthy lifestyle, they begin exercise programs or try to eat healthier, organic foods. Even though these are good ideas, many people overlook that good health starts with clean, filtered water.

When you drink clean, pure water, you are not only avoiding chemicals, but are improving your health as well. Water is essential for detoxification of the body, reducing fat, managing chronic headaches or pains, clearer looking skin, and reducing the risk of certain cancers. Staying hydrated is a key to good health, especially for people with chronic conditions such as kidney problems and diabetes. However, these health benefits are outweighed by the negatives when you drink unfiltered water.

Most tap water contains chemicals such as lead, chlorine, or VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) that are terrible for your body. These chemicals can cause diseases and even certain cancers like breast or colon. You are not only affected through drinking the water, but may be harmed through showering and cooking with the water as well. These chemicals are generally undetectable through taste, so your water may be affected despite what you think.

Some people already know of the chemicals and toxins in tap water, so they choose to drink bottled water instead. This can become very expensive over time, considering that bottled water costs anywhere from 1 to 4 dollars. In fact, bottled water drinkers spend an average of $170 on water alone! What they don’t know is that bottled water is usually just fancy tap water! Studies comparing bottled water to filtered tap water showed that 45% of the bottled water was identical to the tap water.

So how can you avoid these chemicals without breaking the bank on bottled water? By installing a house water filtration system, you can enjoy clean, healthy water at an affordable price. Water filters purify the water throughout your home, so you don’t have to worry when you drink or shower in the water. You will feel much better and may notice improvements in health. Furthermore, the amount of money you save by avoiding bottled water will eventually pay for the filter itself!

PuriTeam is owned and operated by Maria Williams, mom of two active boys and an advocate of healthier drinking water for all families. She offers free water analyses and free consultation on her site. Visit today and improve the quality of life in your home.

(This is a sponsored post)

Home Depot Coupons & Twitter $50 Gift Card Giveaway Going on Now! {Guest Post}

This is a guest post from CouponMountain.com. What great tips for summer... and who wouldn't like to win a fun gift card?

Summer is a great time to start working on all the home repairs you’ve been putting off during the spring season (or maybe all year). It’s a good time to get out and plant that vegetable garden you’ve been itching to start. It’s an excellent time to decide what you want to do with that winter wardrobe that’s been taking up the space in your closet to make room for your tank tops and flip-flops. If you’ve been dying to tackle any of these projects around your home, you should enter this contest.

Right now, CouponMountain.com is having a Twitter contest where they are giving away a $50 gift card to Home Depot. This should help save some cash towards the supplies you need to get the job done like plants, seeds, gardening tools, extra shelving, storage bins and other products that will make life a little easier and organized.

If you haven’t been able to follow through with all of your "Green Living" initiatives, another great idea for summer would be to replace all your inside and outside lights with energy efficient light bulbs. You can purchase a pack of 4 EcoSmart lights for less than $10 at Home Depot. With these new bulbs installed, you will be excited to see your next electricity bill.

Home Depot is also having a sale where you can get 70% off select lighting!

This gift card can be used both online and in retail stores. Be sure to check to see what Home Depot coupon codes are available before you checkout at HomeDepot.com! There is an awesome coupon code for $5 off $50 or more for Father’s Day that you won't want to miss!

Parenting Truth: It Only Gets Harder {Guest Post}

Susan Jackson is a staff writer for Onlinecollegedegrees.net and here are her poignant views on parenting...

When I signed on to this parenting thing all those years ago I had no idea what I was getting into. Most people don't, I suppose.

When your child is first born you are sure being a parent is the hardest thing you've ever done… you're stressed and sleep deprived and utterly responsible for this little soul who depends on you for everything. You travel with a small baggage train and your schedule is dictated by something not much bigger than a Thanksgiving turkey.

Everything you ever thought about yourself and your role in the world is turned upside down. You're convinced you'll never worry more or work harder for anything in your life. You know you've never loved like you love this beautiful child, and you hold on tight to those little hands.

Surely there has never been a more beautiful, more remarkable, more accomplished child in all the world?

Before you're ready comes the time when they start to let go… they have to it seems, but you wish those fairy tale years could go on forever. Suddenly they can do for themselves… they don't need you in that same way anymore — they bound down the driveway to the school bus without looking back and you're glad for that. You take pride in it. Your baby has become a charmingly innocent little person who sponges up knowledge, experiences and all the best of possibilities.

They believe what you tell them. They think you have all the answers.

Turns out, the hardest parenting times are yet to come, for as we all know, the teen years are tough for all concerned, and the adult world sucks. It has mean people and fruitless effort. It's often unfair. There's a need for conversations about sex and drugs and racism. Classmates die, trust is broken as reality creeps in, despite your efforts to the contrary.

These days the best you can hope for is to provide a safe haven for them to come home to. Be a person they can confide in. These children bear half your genes, have had the best of your parenting efforts and the life you can give, and they want nothing more than to be different from you. And you have to let them.

So you hold your breath and watch them take those first tentative steps into adulthood. You find yourself praying like never before that they make the team, get into the school they want, have enough friends. And sometimes they don't… coming home beaten and broken by that big, bad world out there. You bleed for them… more still because you know in your grown-up head that there's nothing you can do to change it, to make it better. So you hug them (if they'll let you) and try to find a valuable lesson in the bitter blow.

If you're lucky that lesson inspires, the setback puts them on a path they might never have walked otherwise. As a parent, this is the best we can hope for as we struggle to guide our teen through the struggle to become the person they are meant to be.

Cornucopia of Blogs Hop {I'm a featured guest hostess!}

It's blog hopping time again! Last month I mentioned that I would love to spend more time visiting more corners of the blogosphere but that it's hard to find the time... and that you all have such interesting and fun blogs that even if I spent a few days browsing around that I would never make it as far as I wanted to.

But I try! And then, for an opportunity to meet even more new blogs (and revisit some current great ones), I join in cool memes like this one! Read on to find out about this fun blog hop and then be sure to link up your blog to join in...

We are kicking off a celebration of the Fall Season by hosting Cornucopia of Blogs Hop!

Hosted by:

Mama to 4 Blessings ~ a homeschool, thrifty, child-related crafts, reviews & giveaways blog

Survey Junkie ~ great reviews & giveaways plus some really great link ups throughout the week!

Musings of a Stay at Home Mom ~ homeschooling blog

Fun Saving Money ~ Monday menu's - awesome receipes & coupons to print to go with the receipe, reviews & giveaways plus other great saving tips!

This week's Featured Guest Blogger is Thanks, Mail Carrier! Thanks, Mail Carrier is a blog that consists of great giveaways, Friendly Friday link up and much more - go check it out!

1. Follow ALL 4 of your hostesses. Make sure to leave us comments (we do follow back). Link up to this hop by adding your blog to the linky list below. Please remember this is not a "giveaway link up" also keep this clean and family friendly.

2. Please feel free to grab our Cornucopia of Blogs Hop button or linky!

3. Please also follow this week's Featured Blogger Thanks, Mail Carrier. Each week a new featured blogger who will be chosen at random, but you must be participate in the weekly link up - that's how we will choose a new featured blogger every week! So please come back every week & link up because you could be our next featured guest blogger!

Follow Me Back Tuesday {I'm a guest host!}

When I can actually find the time, I love to browse my way through the blogosphere to see what the rest of the online world is up to. You're all just so darn interesting that it's hard to make it everywhere because I continually get sidetracked finding out updates on your family or reading about products you've tried or the projects you've made or the end tables that you refinished... I think I could spend days blog reading and not make it everywhere that I'd like to go!

One of the places that I make an effort to stop by is the blog hop Follow Me Back Tuesday, hosted by Survey Junkie, Little Yaya's, Review Retreat and Boobies, Babies And A Blog. Who doesn't want to take a break at the beginning of the week and find some new friends and blogs to read?

To make things even more fun, I received an email that I was randomly selected as the guest host this week (in order to be selected all you have to do is follow the four hosts and link up), so here I am! If you're visiting through FMBT and this is your first time here, welcome! Or, if you're a regular reader and want to join a fun blog hop, here's your chance! Here's what you need to know:

• Do not link your giveaways, this is not a giveaway link up. All links not linked to your FMBT post or your homepage will be deleted

• Follow all 4 hosts & the Guest Host in spots 1-5 and leave us a comment with your blog URL so that we can follow you back (only leave a comment that you follow if you actually follow)

• Snag our button to add to your FMBT post and then post it on your blog

• Add your blog to the list using the link from your blog post (not your blog hop or giveaways, please. These entries will be deleted)

• Follow as many blogs as you would like and make sure you leave them a comment so that they know you stopped by. Then follow back everyone that follows you and comments

• You can link up every Tuesday at 12:00 am est

Thanks for stopping by, have a great Tuesday!

It's Playdate Time!

With the constant hustle and bustle of life going on, sometimes it's nice to just stop and relax for a little bit. Anyone excited for the long weekend? My hand sure is up!

When LeeAnn at The Life of Rylie... and Bryce, too! invited me to guest post for her Saturday Playdate feature, little did I know that I would end up writing about the topic that I did. Truth be told, I actually hesitated in agreeing to take part in the first place because the last thing I need is another deadline (although LeeAnn was beyond sweet in actually extending mine).

But I'm glad that I did. And it doesn't surprise me that after changing my mind a dozen or so times, I ended up writing about what is most near and dear to me. How could I not? Have I piqued your interest yet? Head over and see!

I hope you all have a great holiday weekend!