Apple A Day Massage giveaway winner!

The Apple A Day Massage giveaway winner is Cherry S.

Congratulations!

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Kick Start Your New Years: Exercise Day Two: Squats

In case you missed yesterday's exercise, I thought I would refresh your brains with the beginning of the post from yesterday with today's exercise:  Squats
Being a busy mother of four, I hardly have time to exercise.  So, I try my hardest to incorporate it into little things I do every day!  Throughout the month of January, we will be posting not only recipes, but exercises and tips on how to fit that exercise into our busy schedule!  If you know me, I am all about what is easy and most practical for me.  Each day in January, we will do a post on an exercise to do and a tip to work into your daily routine to burn an extra few calories here or there...These exercises will require nothing but you and maybe some basic household items
Day Two Exercise:
Squats
 

1. Stand with feet hip distance apart with your toes, knees and hips in a straight line.
2. Pull your belly button towards your spine and contract your abdominal muscles.
3. Slowly lower your body, as though you are sitting in a chair.
4. If you can, go down until your butt is in line with your knees (knees at 90 degree angles). If you can't go down that low, go as low as you can.
5. Take a moment and look down make sure your knees are BEHIND your toes.
6. Keeping the weight in your heels, slowly push your body back to starting position.
7. At the top of the movement, do NOT lock your knees. Keep a slight bend in them.
8. Repeat the movement 10 to 15 times, performing 1 to 3 sets. For each repetion, count to 3 on the way up and on the way down to ensure you're not going too fast.
9. Rest 30 to 60 seconds in between sets.

I know, a pretty basic exercise, but so easy to do and doesn't require much of anything.  I do squats while I brush my teeth, cook, and even when I'm trying to get the baby to relax.  Try it while holding a baby or young toddler...it calms my newborn and makes my 19 month old giggle like crazy! 

Day Two:  Easy Exercise Tip:

• It sounds silly, but sucking in your stomach throughout the day can actually help tighten your abs and whittle your waist. No one even has to know you're doing it. Just suck in your stomach for five minutes of time throughout the day. This can really help if your exercise options are limited and many women have managed to lose whole dress sizes after just a few weeks.  I do this while I am driving in the car or standing in line at the store.  No one knows I'm doing it, but I know and I can feel it!  In fact when I went in for my ultrasound with my FOURTH child, my sonographer made a comment on how great my ab muscles still are.  Talk about a boost in self esteem, right when I needed it :) !
    

Thanks, WebMD, and WeightLadder! 

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Skoopz Donates 10% of January Online Sales to JDRF!

Skoopz is donating 10% of January Online Sales to JDRF (Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation)!

Click here to order!

2011 New Year Fundraiser

During the month of January 2011, skoopz all-natural sweetener will donate 10% of all proceeds made from online sales to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

skoopz all-natural sweetener is diabetic friendly, gluten free, and has 0 calories.  It is made from a proprietary blend of all-natural ingredients making it the perfect option for those seeking a great-tasting, chemical-free alternative to sugar.   

MySkoopz, Inc. wants to start the year 2011 off on a sweet note by donating to JDRF. With the donations, they hope to make an impact in the fight against diabetes.

To order skoopz, all-natural sweetener simply click here and you will be re-directed to skoopz online store.  If you'd like to send a message to JDRF with your purchase, please write in the comments section and your message will be sent with your donation.   

If you know someone that would be interested in helping with our cause, please spread the word!

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Office Depot 100% back in rewards on select items!

 Head to Office Depot now through Saturday, January 8th for 6 items that you can purchase and get 100% back in Rewards.  These items are exclusive for Worklife Rewards and Star Teacher Members, but you can sign up for free in store or online at Worklife Rewards or Star Teacher. 

The 6 items are:

Office Depot Brand Letter & Legal Storage Totes $9.99

100% back in Rewards

Uni-Ball Vision Elite Liquid Rollerball Pens 4-pk $9.99

100% back in Rewards

3M Permanent Adhesive Filing Labels 750-pk $25.99

100% back in Rewards

Energizer Max Alkaline AA & AAA Batteries 10-pk $7.99

100% back in Rewards

Office Depot Brand Letter Size Manila File Folders & Green Hanging Folders $5.99

100% back in Rewards

Bankers Box Recycled Stor/File Basic Strength Storage Boxes $17.99

100% back in Rewards

Plus, for a limited time, you will get 50% back in Rewards on ALL copy and print services.

Thanks My Springfield Mommy!

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Spend $20 on Hasbro Games and select an items for FREE! PLUS save 30% on select games!

Save 30% on Select Hasbro Games!
I love games, and when I can save I love them even more!  That are some great games available for 30% off!  There are 3 pages of games-you will certainly find something fun for a family game night!

PLUS "supercharge" your purchase!  Spend $20 on Hasbro games and select a $10 item free!  You will need to send in this form with your receipt-select from some fun items!

Electronic Banking Monopoly $25.80
 Believe me it is so worth not having to count out the paper dollars in Monopoly-less mess and a lot less confusion!

Bop It Bounce $16.13

I like the now Guess Who games-now all those little people squares don't fall out all of the time!


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Have a Try at Toaster Streudel's Instant Win Game!

I love this instant win game for Toaster Strudels, Betsy won!  Now I am going to try to win as well...even if it takes all month!  I love Toaster Streudels and my kids do, too.  I know it isn't the most healthy, but haven't I already said I like easy and practical?  I am working on being a little more healthy in 2011, but baby steps, people!  :)This DAILY INSTANT WIN GAME will be running until February. If you win you could receive a month's supply of TOASTER STRUDELS!!! Let us know if you win!!! Click here to play!

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WOW! XBox 360 ONLY $179.99

The Cowboom deal of the day is the XBox 360 for only $179.99 with only $5 shipping!  That's a great deal and the cheapest I have seen so far...These deals do sell out, so if this is in your budget, I would scoop it up right away!  I've missed out on a few deals while I thought it over...

Featuring a sleek black enclosure, a 120GB hard drive and an HDMI port, the Xbox 360 Elite Console brings you to the future of gaming. Incredible power from a triple-core CPU fuels gameplay, and graphics climb to a new level as the 500MHz ATI processor enables games to be experienced in 1080p high-definition format. Colors appear more vivid, blacks come through deeper and images move flawlessly across the screen. Add to that full stereo surround sound, and video games as you know them will never be the same. Xbox 360 Elite also handles your favorite movies, music and digital photos with ease. Features Versatile next-generation technology Combines interactive gaming, digital media, online social forums, wireless technologies and much more. Symmetrical triple-core CPU Provides lightning speed and mind-blowing gameplay with each core running at 3.2GHz. 500MHz ATI graphics processor Enables stunning 1080p high-definition visuals via the HDMI port. Exclusive games Shatter expectations with advanced customization features, high-definition graphics, full surround sound and online-enabled gameplay. 120GB hard drive Offers ample storage space for games, music and other Xbox Live content. Backward compatibility Allows top-selling Xbox games to be played on Xbox 360 Elite.

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Is your goal for 2011 to find a new job? You can do it!

Post Your FREE Resume Today to attract top employers!

Believe me, it is no fun going to a job that you HATE every morning.  I did it for 10 years-not all of them bad but I had to leave.  I looked for a while-it doesn't happen over night.  I LOVE my job now!  The people are great, the environment is fantastic and I have a lot more free time and less stress.

It is 2011-it is time for change!  I will admit I was also very scared/nervous about finding a new job but let me tell you it is absolutely worth it!  I can go on for a while about how great my new job is and how I understand how hard it is to change but let me tell you it is possible and YOU CAN DO IT!

Whenever I get together with different parts of my family someone always comments on how much happier I seem.  When they ask about my job it is so great to be able to say I LOVE IT!

Submit your resume FREE-what have you got to loose? 


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Mikasa Wispy Floral 16 Piece Set ONLY $30

Today's HousewaresDeals Daily Deal is this beautiful Mikasa Wispy Floral 16 Piece Set service for 4 for only $30! 

This Wispy Floral 16 Piece Set features a simple blue watercolor floral on a soft-square porcelain body. The elegant yet understated design offers supreme versatility, making it ideal for everything from casual dining to formal entertaining. The 16 piece set, service for 4, includes 4 each of: 10-1/2 inch dinner plate, 8 inch salad plate, 21 ounce bowl, and 12 ounce mug. Microwave and dishwasher safe.

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EA Sports Active 2 $47.99 1/2/11 only!

EA Sports Active 2




Today only 47.99 regularly $99.99
 This is a pretty great deal!
EA Sports Active 2




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Disney.com Twice a Year Sale...HUGE SAVINGS!

My children got everything they wanted for Christmas thanks to some great grandparents and aunts and uncles, but I can't help myself from doing some browsing.  I love DisneyStore.com (even moreso now that I know that the one at Southridge Mall is the only store we have locally!).  I think I love it for me just as much as my kids love it for them!  Anyhow, they have a great sale going on now...save up to 50% on many popular items.  It's their Twice Upon a Year Sale with "Incredible Savings on Hundreds of Items!"  Click on over to check it out!  They seemed to have restocked a lot of the stuff that was sold out before Christmas...I think I might just have to scoop up on that Rapunzel Toddler Doll (I took my daughter and one of my sons to see Tangled yesterday...SO CUTE!). 

This Minnie Kitchen is personally one of my favorites...and it's 50% off...only $49.99!  If only we had more room...

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Kick Start Your New Years: Quick, Cheap and Easy Recipe Day Two: Slow Cooker Pork and Kraut

If you missed yesterday's post (and I've been so busy, I know I wasn't on the computer much yesterday, here is what we are up to now!) 
So, I am not the most experienced or talented cook.  I am always looking for ways to cook on the cheap.  I try to use what I have on hand...and I LOVE the crock pot.  I thought, being a busy mom of four, I would share some of my favorite recipes that are quick, easy, and cheap!  Each day of January I will provide a favorite recipe.  Please let me know what you think.  If there are any suggestions, please let us know!  If this turns out to be a success, we will continue to do this past January.  If not, you will have to wait until next January for some more fun!  So, please leave us some feedback so we know what you think!  If you want to email us to leave comments or suggest your favorite easy, cheap recipe...email us at mymkemommy@gmail.com!  Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Pork and SauerKraut
Ingredients:

• 
  About 4 Pound Pork Loin Roast
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Cups Sauerkraut with Liquid (I use one big can of Frank's Sauerkraut)
• 1 chopped Granny Smith Apple
• 1 can of beer (I like using Miller Lite)

Directions:

1. Trim and cut up Pork Roast (I HATE fat, so I cut it down quite a bit, trimming off most of the fat, but have been told that gives it a lot of the flavor...I think cutting the fat off works just fine!)
2. Season pork with caraway seeds, salt and pepper.
3. Cut up apple and put it over the top
4. Pour in Sauerkraut and beer
5. Put in slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours (internal temperature of the roast should be at least 160 degrees F
6. ENJOY!

My little ones like this which is huge!  I was nervous they wouldn't like the sauerkraut.  They don't really eat the sauerkraut, but they love the flavoring of the pork.  I serve green beans on the side with some mashed potatoes...so yummy!
You can omit the apple if you don't think it will go over.  My husband wasn't thrilled when he learned I cut up an apple to put in there, but he said it went well...he said he wouldn't have even known it was there had I not told him. 

When I do things in the slow cooker, I always start them first thing in the morning while my kids are eating breakfast.  It's nice because it gives the meat plenty of time to cook and the meat cooks so nicely!  I have found that when I am pressed for time, the meat tends to be more rough and doesn't fall apart as easily.

Pork is an energy packed food.  It's full of protein and fats.  It's good for skin, eyes, nervous system, bones and mental performance. Intake of pork also ensures better immunity to body due to presence of essential antioxidants.

Thanks, OrganicFacts!

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Outpost Natural Foods Giveaway ENDS 1/3/11

 Outpost Natural Foods

Outpost is a Co-op-you can join for a Full Share which is $200 or pay $25 per year to build equity each year.  If you choose the Full Share you will also receive a three pack of Now Designs dishtowels!  One of the great things about being part of the Co-op is that there are many benefits-discounts, consultation opportunities, owner appreciation days and more!

Whenever I step into an Outpost I feel healthier-corny I know but I know that I will be able to find the freshest and healthiest options in every area of the store, they are also very organized and friendly!  I love that Outpost supports local farmers, I know that the items are organically grown and local, which also means that they are arriving at the store fresher!

Outpost also supports Fair Trade products-Fair Trade means that the products that you are purchasing that are produced are being made or grown by farmers or producers that are getting paid fairly for their goods.  This is important as many times goods that are made elsewhere are sold to use inexpensively or expensively and the people who produce them are paid pennies compared to what the consumer is charged. 

You may want to stop by for lunch sometime or check out their events and see when their next sampling day is!

We have an exciting opportunity for you-we have 2 ten dollar gift cards that we are giving away!  There will be 2 winners and the giveaway will end January 3rd, 2011.

You can sign up for the Outpost newsletter-at the top of their website.
Follow Outpost on Twitter or like them on Facebook.




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