KIDStrong Review and Giveaway

Soccer.  Baseball.  Dance.  Karate.  Basketball.  These are just a few of the ways my kids fill our days.  I'm glad my children enjoy activities that keep them active, especially since I don't set the best example.  Keeping them energized and hydrated is a goal of mine when sending them off to the playing fields, especially my oldest who plays soccer.  He expends a lot of energy on the field.  So in addition to a water bottle I usually pack a bottle of a sports drink in his bag.  When KIDStrong approached me about trying out their new Proactive Hydration Drink for children, I knew I had the perfect test subjects.

A little about KIDStrong proactive Hydration Drink:

• it contains NO artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives and is low in sugar.
• power packed with 20 vitamins, minerals and nutrients
• scientifically formulated for kids hydration and energy
• each 8 ounce serving has only 30 kids and 3 grams of sugar
• Low glycemic complex carbohydrate blend prevents fatigue and exhaustion

KIDStrong sent me a case of their drinks containing a variety of their 3 current flavors, Clearly Orange, Clearly Grape and Clearly Fruit Punch to try out.  All 3 of my kids acted as test subjects.  KIDStrong passed the test with a thumbs up from all 3 of them.  While they all stated they liked all the flavors, the favorite was the Clearly Grape. 

As a mom, I felt good about giving this drink to my kids as an option.  The fact that it is clear and isn't full of artificial dye to give it color was the first thing that caught my eye.  Not only do I not have to worry about drips causing stains, I know that it is better for my kids to not have the additional unnatural products.  I also love that it is low in calories and sugar.  Even though my kids expend a lot of energy and calories, other sports drinks can be very high in calories and sugar.  I'm worried that if my kids drink too much of them, or consume them when they aren't as physically active, that it will contribute to weight gain. 

KIDStrong made a believer out of me....now it is your turn!

You can visit http://www.kidstrong.com/ to find a select store in your area that carries the drink AND you can enter here to win a case of your own to try out!  One winner will win a case of KIDStrong Proactive Hydration Drink.

Entering is easy.  Tell me how you encourage your kids to be active!  Leave a comment below and be sure to leave an email address for easy contact.


For additional entries, help me get the word out!  Link back to this post via twitter, facebook, your blog or any other social media platform of your choice.  Be sure to leave me a link in the comment section.  Each  platform qualifies as an entry.

Additional information:  This contest will be open until Friday, March 11. It is limited to those in the continental US due to shipping purposes.  The winner will be chosen using a random number generator.  The winner will be contacted via email by me and have 48 hours to respond with their information.  If I do not here from the winner, a new winner will be chosen. 


Disclosure:  I received a case of KIDStrong Proactive Hydration Drink free of charge to try.  I received no other compensation and was not asked to express a particular opinion.


This contest is closed.   Congratulations to commentor #1, Anash.  The winner has been contacted via email.

Sunday Shout Out

It has been a while since I've done a Sunday Shout Out and I want to share some great posts I've come across this week.  I guess being sick did have some advantage...I did get to catch up on some neglected blog reading!

a belle, a bean & and a chicago dog tells us why it is okay to be a bad blogger.  I know I feel overwhelmed trying to keep up in the cyber world so I'm with her when it comes to cutting back.

I loved the guest post featured over at Pushing Social on 7 Annoying Social Media Personality Disorders.  We've all encountered these.

My friend Sara from Sweet Somethings recently had a  birthday and shared some wonderful photos.

Connie from the Young and the Relentless (don't you just love that title?) made me laugh out loud while making me realize this Jersey girl is not destined for Utah. 

Time to Remodel & CSN Giveaway

When I moved into our home we thought it was great.  My husband and I looked at it and saw ourselves staying here for a long time and raising our family.  Fast forward 11 1/2 years and 3 kids later and I can tell you everything wrong with this house.  The kitchen is way too small and non-functional, the dining room is useless, a fourth bedroom would have been nice, the laundry "closet" seemed like a good idea but a laundry room would be better and really, after almost 12 years the house is just lived in and getting beat.  It is time for a little TLC.

If I had my way I'd remodel the kitchen.  That would be my first on the list.   However, at the moment that seems to be a bit cost prohibitive and my husband says he'd rather move then take on such a big project.  So I've decided to set my sites on the master bedroom.  If you can believe it, this is the only room in the house that we haven't done anything to since we've moved in.  Not even a coat of paint. 

The other day I asked my husband if he could pick any color in the world to paint our room, what would it be? He at first responded "you know I'm not good at colors".  When I told him this wasn't a test, I wasn't trying to get him to match anything, I just was trying to get a feel for what his ideal color would be he gave me his final answer.  White. 

So I see he isn't going to be any help in this project.  That is why I'm going to turn to you, my loyal bloggy readers and friends.  I can handle the paint, I'll have to search a little for curtains and blinds, and I'm still debating about new bedding.  Our basic furniture is good but what I really need to get in that room is some sort of unit to house the TV, DVD player, DVDs and such.  Due to the space and layout of the room I really need a corner unit.   I found a few really nice ones over at CSN stores and I've got to be honest with you, I've been really indecisive about everything lately.  So I need your help!

Please pop over to CSN and browse their corner TV stands.  Come back here and tell me what your favorite one is.  By doing so you will be entered to win a $30 Gift Code to be used at any of the CSN stores.  It is a win-win situation! 

For additional entries: share this giveaway!  Link up on your blog, twitter, facebook, wherever you like!  One entry for each shout out.  Be sure to leave a link in the comments.

Giveaway entries are limited to US and Canadian residents.  Entries will be open until Friday, March 11.  The winner will be chosen by a random number generator and contacted via email so please be sure to leave your email in your comment for easy contact.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.


This contest is now closed.  Congratulations to commentor #4, Gina.  She has been contacted via email.

Being sick is good for your health

Okay, so technically being sick is bad for your health.  It's full of germs, achy bodies, fevers, and feeling like crap.  However, I've been sick in bed for a good part of this week and I noticed a few things. 

• my husband cooked dinner
• my husband refereed the kids
• my kids were self sufficient
• my kids kept checking on me to see if I needed anything
• my kids did things for me without me having to nag or beg or bribe
• In between naps I caught up on twitter, facebook and blog reading
• In between naps I managed to write a few blog posts
• I watched daytime TV a lot...and while I realized I'm not missing much, it is something I never do
• I spent a lot of time in bed and nobody expected me to be doing anything other than sleeping

So while being sick isn't the best scenario in the world, I realized it did a bit of positive for my mental health.  Nobody expected anything of me.  In between feeling crappy I was relaxed.  I was feeling pressured to get this and this and that done, I just let it all go. 

Now the trick is to find a way to take mental health days without anyone wondering why nothing is getting done. 

Writer's Workshop: Warm Weather

With all the snow and cold we've had this very long winter I am very much looking forward to warmer weather. 

Sand between my toes

Waves crashing on the shoreline

Cocktail in my hand

For more Writer's Workshop visit Mama's Losin' It



Wordless Wednesday: The Happiest Place on Earth

Move over Disney, I've got a new happiest place on earth.  American Girl Place!  For Baby Girl's Birthday my mom and I gave her a day at American Girl Place package. We had the absolute best day! 

Being in the city is always so exciting

picking out a hair style for the doll

The stylist working her magic

Her cover girl moment

Exploring the store

Charge it!

Every girl's dream:  shopping 5th Avenue

Birthday celebration in the cafe

Even the doll gets in on the celebration

Isn't this cute?

Link up and play along!

   

Wordful/Wordless Wednesday: Hands

Two and a half weeks ago my husband fell on the ice and injured his hand.  He tore the ligament that controls your thumb movement and needed to have surgery on it.  His hand is all bandaged up and I decided that I was jealous of him so I closed my hand in the car door so we could have matching injuries.  What do you think?  Could I start a new fashion statement?

Seven

Seven years ago I welcomed Baby Girl into the world.  It was a bumpy start, she didn't exactly come into this world in the smoothest manner, but the joy she brought with her has been immeasurable.  I have to admit, I'm a just the teeniest bit sad as I see my baby growing up, but I'm also proud of the little girl she is. 

Baby Girl, For your seventh birthday I have seven wishes for you:

I wish all the dreams you hold in your heart come true.

I wish you will always dance as freely and joyfully as you do now. 

I wish you will always be surrounded by those you love.

I wish you always have a best friend to tell your secrets to.

I wish that you will always be as enthusiastic about life as you are today.

I wish you learn to ride the roller coaster of life, taking the highs and lows in stride. 

I wish you will always be so giving and so quick to give a hug and a kiss. 

Love,
Mom

Snow Much Fun