The TRUTH About Motherhood

Tag: Sponsored

Redbox Summer of Fun Giveaway
To celebrate summer of fun, Redbox is asking moms, “What’s your family’s favorite video game to play together?” Plus, they are rewarding 2 lucky people with a chance to win $10,000 as part of the Redbox Summer of Fun & Games Sweepstakes.
In our home, Rock Band for the PlayStation 3 reigns supreme. We have spent many a weekend playing Rock Band in our media room while laughing and having a great time making memories with our two little girls.
Redbox Summer of Fun Giveaway
Not only do we play this game with our girls, whenever we have family functions, the entire family gets in on the action.We host Thanksgiving every year and as part of the tradition, after dinner everyone heads downstairs and we select our favorite tunes and belt them out together. Our entire family, on both sides,singing, laughing and having an authentic great time together.
What’s your family’s favorite video game to play together?
It’s game time! Redbox, America’s favorite destination for movie rentals, is now renting video games in 21,000 kiosks nationwide for $2 a day. Redbox is truly a one-stop shop for affordable, family home entertainment with both games and movies.
Through the generosity of Redbox, I am giving away 3 sets of 5 game codes, all you have to do is email subscribe to The TRUTH about Motherhood and leave a comment telling me what your favorite video game is to play with your family! Contest ends Thursday June 30th at 9 pm EST. Please be sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you if you win.Good Luck!
Redbox is celebrating summer family time with a great line up of family-friendly titles, awesome savings and two chances to win $10,000 as part of the Redbox Summer of Fun & Games Sweepstakes.*
4 Easy Ways to Enter:
1. Enter your email address at www.redbox.com/summer
2. Rent a movie or game at a redbox kiosk (and provide a valid email address at checkout)
3. Reserve a rental online at redbox.com
4. Text ‘SUMMER’ to 727272
Enter to win today!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Redbox. The opinions and text are all mine.
*Each item rented earns one entry, regardless of how long it is rented, up to three entries per day. Limit 3 entries per day, regardless of entry method. The sweepstakes begins May 27, 2011 at 12:00 a.m. CT and ends on August 1, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. CT. No purchase necessary. See official rules at www.redbox.com/summer.

2011/06/22
The Diva Cup~Naturally Divalicious
The Diva Cup~Naturally Divalicious
Diva Cup test ~Have you ever…(?)
- co-opted toilet paper from a public washroom as a temporary measure *(GUILTY.How I hate the clump of TP waddle of shame)
- planned a vacation around your period *(Many Times.)
- avoided white pants for that one ‘special’ week of the month. I call it shark week for a reason, it’s dangerous.*(When I was a teenager,white was my enemy for this very reason)
- done a supplies hand-off with a girlfriend while the dates weren’t looking *(always and it’s never as covert as we plan it to be.Nothing like dropping a tampon to the floor in front of a blind date)
- cautiously tucked the telltale string into your bikini *(why must it always slip back out.I’m not a party popper, nor do I want to “celebrate’ my period)
- accidentally pulled a mystery object from your purse in front of a curious male audience *(Yes and it’s always a stranger not someone you know.Instead of your husband, it’s someone like your husband’s boss or a potential client. “just let me get a pen..Oops, never mind my tampon that just fell on your hand))
- scuttled to the washroom to survey the leak damage after a sudden ‘surge’ *(I hate knowing I’ve leaked and can’t do anything about it but run for the restroom and pray for mercy from the menstruation Gods)
- clogged your toilet with “flushable” feminine products *(let’s not bring up the septic system that my in laws love to remind that I ruined with my tampons)
- left a party with a jacket tied around your waist * ( or high school, the club, a wedding reception,PTA meeting,mass)
- had a tampon somehow turn itself completely around inside and lose the string *(My biggest fear realized)
The DivaCup to the rescue!!!
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. *( Ok, take a moment and get past the ICK factor. I know it sounds kind of gross at first thought. But it is amazing and Green (BONUS)). It is inserted into the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly.*(You may however need to trim the stem for comfort which is a very simple fix)

The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess! * ( No more evidence left on your fingers from lodged strings) Just remove, clean with Diva wash, re-insert and leave in for 12 hours. So easy.

The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose. *( absolutely great for running, dancing, high impact workouts like Turbo Fire and even Zumba)

The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use. *(I loved not having to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to check for accidents on the sheets or to change my pajamas.)

The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more…
- Latex-free, BPA-free, plastic-free
- No dyes, colors or additives
- Comfortable, reliable
- Clean, convenient, easy-to-use
- Worn for up to 12 hours at a time
The Diva Cup is a modern miracle, as far as I am concerned. I have been plagued with a heavy, unpredictable period since I hit puberty way back in the 80’s. It’s been no picnic and has left me with intense cramps and praying for menopause. No more! The Diva Cup has eliminated the mess, is able to be worn on those days that I “might” be starting and relieved the cramps.Relieved the Cramps!!
I highly suggest that if you have not tried the Diva Cup you do! It may take a couple of cycles to get used to it but once you do, you will be thanking me for turning you on to the Diva Cup. Through the generosity of Diva Cup, I am giving away a Diva Cup to one lucky reader. All you need to do is become an email subscriber and leave me a comment telling me your best green tip. The random winner will be selected on Friday June 17 at 9 pm EST.
The DivaCup really is an ingenious product. It’s a wonderful alternative to disposable pads and tampons and offers unsurpassed protection and worry-free ease in an innovative design. So, before you just say NO give it a try – it really is a “menstrual solution”!
Where to buy? Check out the The DivaCup website for more information.
The Diva Cup~Naturally Divalicious
Disclosure: I was provided with a free Diva Cup to use in order to review the product and give my own personal opinions on the Diva Cup. The opinions I have given are mine and may differ from others but were NOT influenced by Diva Cup.
2011/06/13
Five Fabulous Bloggers
Thanks to Trop50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 Fabulous Wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous!
I have been absent from my weekly Fab Five Friday due to the fact that I have been running an entire month of bloggy love. I’ve been sharing amazing bloggers with you every Monday thru Thursday in an effort to share my favorite reads with you. But I have a mother of all Fab Fives today…right smack dab in the middle of the week.

*Krysta of My Life in Food is an amazing food blogger but she also blogs about life and her family. She is an absolute sweetheart and can cook like the love child of Paula Dean and the Barefoot Contessa. I love visiting her blog because it is great recipes for every woman. They may look gourmet and even taste it, but Krysta breaks it down so that even the most amateur cook ( like myself) can whip up a respectable meal for their family. She’s a little hidden gem blog that I look forward to visiting as often as possible, now I am sharing her with you. I am serious when I tell you, you MUST follow her. She really is too awesome not to…and adorable, did I mention how adorable she is?

*Melissa of Married my Sugar Daddy is truly one of the most entertaining bloggers I read. She writes with wit,charm and honesty. The combination is magical. You will find yourself laughing, crying and shaking your head in complete agreement with her posts. She is a talented writer and you will thank me for introducing you to Melissa and her tales of marrying the love of her life, Sugar Daddy, and living her fairytale; which includes children, no sleep and a constant state of wondering if she’s doing it all right. My kind of fairytale!

*Josh of Dad Street My name is Josh, I’m completely and utterly in love with my children and when I’m not drooling over them I’m doing one of the following: drinking wine, taking pictures, playing with my iPhone, listening to an audio book, trying some kind of new food, surfing online, sleeping, watching TV, yappin’ on the phone, and last but not least trying to spend quality time with “The Boss”. Oh, and I’m extremely sarcastic so please note that about 92% of what I say is crap. True crap but crap nonetheless…
What’s not to love,right? So, if you are not familiar with Josh, please do yourself a favor and stop over at www.DadStreet.com and check him out.

*Cecily of Uppercase Woman (*These are Cecily’s words not mine) Cecily Kellogg is a writer. She also deeply loves using the worst possible language, she’s unapologetically fat, a feminist, a former drunk and junkie with fifteen years sober, a wife, and a mother of the most beautiful little girl in the world. She’s also very liberal (there are drag queens more politically conservative). She’s also famous in the most obscure way she could find: as @CecilyK on Twitter.
I think Cecily is awesome because she is honest and forthright.I have gotten to know her best through Twitter and it has lead me to her blog.It is all very transparent and I love the fact that she lays it all out there for us to read. She is unapologetic in the best possible way.I love no B.S. and she certainly delivers. If you want to be engaged, entertained and feel like you are part of a conversation and not just a third party observer…Cecily is your blogger.

Last, but certainly not least,
* Anissa of #FreeAnissa This was me before I got married, had three kids, had a stroke, had a toddler with cancer, started a blog, then had more strokes, and became inspirational. You may not be able to tell from there, but I am totally rolling my eyes. *This excerpt from her About page should give you just a taste of her incredible sense of humor.
I have gotten to know Anissa, as I get to know most of my favorite bloggers, via Twitter and that led me to her blog. Anissa has a unique perspective on life and an equally unique voice in the world. She is strong, smart and just about as funny as they come. She finds wit and humor in the mundane and ordinary. She makes me appreciate the little things by pointing out the triviality it plays in the big picture. She will not allow herself to be defined by circumstances. She exceeds the bar in every way. And for all that she does, she still finds time to offer kindness to a fellow blogger. She is fast becoming one of my favorite bloggers in the blogiverse. Do yourself a favor and go and read her blog. I give you my word, you will be thanking me for introducing you to such awesomeness.

Don’t forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to celebrate a friend with a refreshing attitude about looking and feeling fabulous. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
2011/05/25
Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer~ Qlip and Go
Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer
What is it? Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer Clip this sleek little pedometer anywhere or slide it into your pocket. The new Qlip Any-Wear pedometer, powered by the Infiniti Motion Sensor, will accurately track your steps, distance-traveled and calories-burned in any orientation and from just about anywhere on your body. It’s the perfect training companion; small, smart and sexy.
What does it say the Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer will do?
- Clips in multiple locations on the body
- Accurately tracks steps and distance
- Accurately calculates calories burned
- Accurately monitors speed
- Monitors total time in activity
- Time-of-day clock
- Removable holster clip
Does it do what it says it will do? The Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer does do everything that the label says it will.I really enjoyed the fact that it was so small and sleek. I also appreciated the fact that the clip actually held it’s place because I have worn inferior pedometers and they have fallen off when walking vigorously. In fact, it has happened to me so many times that I was pleasantly shocked when this one stayed firmly in place!Kudos for that feature Sportline.

Do you need to consult a manual or is it “User Friendly”? The Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer is small and compact and it looks really trendy. You can wear it almost anywhere and no one will even know that you are wearing a pedometer. I love that aspect about it. I like to be inconspicuous about my work outs. But, I would have to recommend consulting the manual before operating. This is not to say that it is overly difficult to use, only that it offers so many wonderful functions that to utilize the pedometer to it’s full extent, I feel, you would be served well to read the manual. With a quick once over to figure out how to access each function, you will be on your way and probably never have to consult the manual again.
*As a reminder be sure to remove the battery insulator tab, or you will find yourself perplexed as to why your new Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer is not working. I speak from experience.It’s not the Sportline Qlip Any-Wear pedometer, it’s the user.
Sportline Qlip Any-Wear Pedometer and Go
2011/04/30
Nutrisystem Update~ Week 23
I have been on my Nutrisystem journey for 23 weeks now. It’s felt like a long trek. Of course, I guess nothing worth having is ever easy, is it? After gaining, 1.5 pounds last week, I have lost .5 pound this week. I know I should be really excited and happy that I have lost ….anything. My brain knows this, my body knows this, my heart not so much. I’m not referring to the physical health of my heart. I am referring to my heart that gets discouraged and sad with every movement of the scale. It’s always been this way. Maybe it always will be. All I know is that I feel like losing weight is a really steep uphill battle for me. I’m trying to stay positive but every time I see a commercial or success story, I feel like I should be further along. I feel like this…
Nutrisystem has been amazing. They are supportive and offer so many great recipes and tips. The food is awesome and pre packaged for convenient portion control. The problem is that I’ve been letting life get in the way. I get distracted by life. Running around with the girls, traveling, trying to get this house sold and keeping it clean, running out the door at all times of the day and night to accommodate for showings. Traveling to take the girls to visit my husband. What it comes down to is I’m letting my life run me instead of the other way around. I have to break the cycle of overwhelming chaos. I feel like I’m treading water here. Anybody have any ideas of how to mentally prep myself to stay on task?What do you do to keep yourself from losing sight of your goals? How do you stay the course,when it seems there are constant storms blowing in?
If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?
DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/04/18
Nutrisystem Update~ Week 22
I learned a very important Nutrisystem lesson this week; if you don’t stick to the program…it doesn’t work. This past week was spring break for my girls and in all the craziness of trying to pack and get to my destinations, I forgot my food. I watched what I was eating at the beginning of the week.I was very strict on what I was putting into my mouth. But then at the end of the week, we were in a hotel and my only options were eating out.We were in the car, in the hotel and traveling between spots.It was a lot of eating on the fly and some not so great choices.The result? I ended up gaining 1.5 pounds for the week. I won’t make excuses, I know what I did wrong. So the lesson is, if you don’t follow the plan..you will NOT lose any weight. And if you are running around spring break eating a burrito as big as your head…you WILL gain a pound and a half, maybe more, especially if you drink a Mexican beer with it.Lucky for me, I had my kids with me and I didn’t or the collateral damage could be much worse.
If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?
DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/04/10
Nutrisystem Update ~ Week 21
Well, I was very excited last week with Nutrisystem and my second consecutive 2 pound weight loss. I was all cocky on my high horse, doing my happy girl dance. Well, this week, the week that must not be discussed because the water retention runs so high that it’s physically impossible to wrangle my wedding ring off my finger before bedtime,I have gained a pound. I can say that I am eating what I am supposed to, drinking my water and exercising. I am assuming either I have hit a plateau or I am experiencing some insulting water retention.Why insulting you ask?Because it is certainly hurting my feelings. This brings my grand total to 21 pounds in 21 weeks.WooHOO, go me!
If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?
DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/04/04
Nutrisystem Update~ Week 20
Nutrisystem Update~Week 20 I am happy to report that I am down 2 more pounds. Excuse me while I do the happy dance…again this week! I am convinced that the whole writing every single food that passes my lips is the key for me. The Nutrisystem food is keeping me feeling full and losing weight. Another key component are the snacks. I’ve never been a big snacker. It just seems to be what always derails me on a diet is that I wait for the meal and then I over indulge..usually on carbs.
Thank God the Nutrisystem food allows me carbs. There are so many awesome pastas, pizzas, and snacks i.e brownies,ice cream and chocolate that it really helps with the variety.The spice of life you know:) I have been on the program for 5 months so I am getting a little bored with the same foods.Naturally, I have a few favorite Nutrisystem meals that I get all the time.This probably is the real culprit. But lucky for me the ever evolving Nutrisystem foods and the company as a whole are coming out with new foods all the time. Also, there are a lot of Nutrisystem nutritionist approved recipes that I have not checked out yet and I they look mighty tasty, so I see myself checking them out very soon.
Spring break is right around the corner, but I;m not sure my new bikini body is road worthy yet but it will be soon! How about yours? If you are interested in more information about this great plan please feel free to contact Nutrisytem or call 888-853-4689. What do you have to lose? Aside from a few pounds, that is?
DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/03/27
Nutrisystem Update~Week 19
Good Morning! Why yes, yes it is! Why, you ask? Because I got on the scale and lost another 1.5 pounds bringing my grand total of weight lost on Nutrisystem to 20 pounds!WooWoot! I hate to say finally but that’s how I feel. That being said. I also feel really motivated.I feel like someone has hit the restart button on my weight loss button!
Since last week, I’ve been a lot more aware of what I am putting into my mouth. Trying to follow the guidelines and , for my own benefit, I have started to write down the calories of everything that is going into my mouth. Which is very helpful to me since I am a very visual person. Seeing everything written down, in front of me, helps me to stay the course on this journey.
Birds are singing and I can smell the smell of grass wafting through the air, spring is here! I’m looking forward to the fresh air work out that I will get walking around my neighborhood with the girls. Here’s hoping the rain stays away. But really, now I’m gunning for 30 pounds. A little rain will NOT deter me. It shouldn’t deter you either. Get out there and do a little singing in the rain. Life is Good!
Also, Don’t forget, Nutrisystem is running it’s lowest prices since 2003 but it won;t last forever. If you have been interested in giving it a try, NOW is the time!
Visit Nutrisystem today or call 888-853-4689. There is no better time than the present to get started on your journey. Bathing suit season is right around the corner! Believe me, I bought one already. It’s adorable and I plan on getting a LOT of use out of it this summer!

DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/03/21
Nutrisystem Update ~Week 18
This week’s Nutrisystem official weight loss update is that I lost the other of those pesky pounds that I had put back on a couple weeks ago. This brings my grand total to 18.5 pounds lost over the past 18 weeks. A healthy weight loss is 1-2 pounds a week so I’m losing at a healthy, steady pace. I am happy with my progress because ,obviously, any weight lost is good. The weather has been warming up quite a bit, other than that back lash of snow we had last Thursday. What was that about? Anyways, I am planing to get outside and walk as much as I can. I feel like I really need to kick start my metabolism.I realize that Rome wasn’t built in a day and there’s no way that I am going to drop the weight that I want to lose over night. It’s unhealthy and unrealistic. I know that. I just wish that I was seeing more of a result in myself. I feel like I’ve hit a plateau. Which I know happens once I’ve been losing for awhile. Any suggestions of what I can do to kick start my metabolism again? I welcome any and all suggestions.
Visit Nutrisystem today or call 888-853-4689. There is no better time than the present to get started on your journey. Bathing suit season is right around the corner!

DISCLOSURE: Nutrisystem is providing their program to me free of charge in exchange for my participation in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogging Program and weekly updates. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
2011/03/14