Yesterday was my birthday. I admit, I was in a bad mood over turning 35. For some reason, the idea of being able to round up to 40 caused me some anxiety. I'm not a huge fan of the aging process, and while I feel like I was in high school just yesterday, I now have a high school kid of my own. So yeah, I took some time on my 35th birthday to wallow in self-pity. Silly? Maybe...No, probably...But it is what it is. Then I got a phone call, and it all just seemed so silly...So stupid. I got a call that really put life in general in perspective while simultaneously breaking my heart in two. You see, yesterday, my Papa died. (Or it may have been the day before, we don't really know what happened yet.) My dad called with the news, and I couldn't even process it until this morning. I still can't wrap my head around it, to be honest. I've been blessed and haven't had to suffer too many losses yet in life, so this hit me hard. Papa was 93, soon to be 94. He was a father to 7, and a grandfather and great grandfather to many, myself included. He was still living independently in the same home where family gatherings happened for decades. The same house I remember going to so often as a kid. It's a small blue house on a quiet, dead-end street, but when I was a kid, it seemed enormous. Maybe it was the love in that home that made it feel like a castle to me. My Papa was a hero. He was there for D-Day in WW2. He was a paratrooper, and put his life on the line to protect and fight for freedom. In fact, he almost sacrificed his life during the war. He and a couple others were in a Jeep, and accidentally ran over a landmine. While the other soldiers in the vehicle were killed, Papa's life was spared. He did break his back, so he was sent home to recover, and later received a Purple Heart for his service. His military service isn't the only thing that made him a Hero, though. Not by a long-shot. He was a hero every day to those who knew and loved him. When I was a kid, Papa taught me a lot. He showed me how to become a Yahtzee Master, and he even showed me how to bowl and NOT wind up in the gutter. Some of my best childhood memories were at the bowling alley with Granny and Papa, watching in amazement as Papa got yet another strike. It sounds like something so trivial, but to a young child, it just seemed so magical. The real thing that makes Papa a hero in my mind has nothing to do with bowling a perfect 300....It has nothing to do with his military service....It has to do with his character. Papa was a kind, decent, and very compassionate man. His heart was as big as the ocean, and he always had a smile and hug ready for anyone who needed one. It never mattered how broken a person was, Papa gave nothing but love and acceptance to everyone he met. He also had a fantastic sense of humor, as did my Granny. No matter how challenging a situation was, they always found a reason to laugh, smile, and be grateful. That's one thing I learned from my Papa. No matter how hard life may get, which can be pretty darn tough, always, ALWAYS be grateful.
Papa raised 7 children to be successful not only in their professions, but also in their humanity. My Dad, aunts, and uncles are all exceptionally kind and compassionate people with families and even grandkids of their own. Papa's kind spirit lives on in all of us. The members of my family have chosen many different paths in life....We have lawyers, medical professionals, people into the arts and show-business...We have parents, those who chose not to have children of their own, experts in religious studies, and even a rock star. We're a varied bunch, and while we may seen pretty different at times, we all have a common thread: Love. This love was largely taught by Granny and Papa. They showed us what love and family are supposed to look like. They were a shining example of everything we all hoped to one day aspire to. There are a lot of things that make a Hero. Some heroes are made through brave, heroic actions on a battlefield. Some heroes are made in less obvious ways, like being a faithful, loving partner, parent, or grandparent, and being a light for future generations to follow. My Papa was a Hero for both reasons. And now, this Hero is in Heaven. I believe my Granny was there waiting his arrival, and there are joyous celebrations up above, celebrating a life well lived. Rest in peace, Papa. You are so loved, and you will be so incredibly missed. Thank you for teaching all of us so much, especially about the things that really matter most in life. Your wisdom, kindness, and compassion will not be forgotten. We love you.
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***Disclosure: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.*** As homeschooling parents, we're always looking for ways to incorporate learning into our every day activities. Whether it's the kids helping measure ingredients in the kitchen, or finding ways to make playtime an educational experience, we're always in search of ways to make learning fun and engaging....especially during the summer months.
During the summer, not only do the kiddos get used to the lack of homework and school assignments, they also get bitten by the Boredom Bug. Because I cannot in good conscience allow them to do nothing but play Minecraft 24/7, I've been on the hunt for hands-on activities that support the same STEM skills that their favorite video game is known for. Recently, we headed to Best Buy, and we were absolutely thrilled to see a nice selection of tech toys that are sure to make any kids interested in learning, even during summer break! Our favorite of these great tech toys would have to be the Hexbug - VEX Robotics Robotic Arm. For one, who doesn't love robots?! Kids learn how industrial robots operate while constructing your own miniature version with this VEX robotic arm kit. It has four points of motion that let it rotate 360 degrees while raising objects up to 14 inches in the air and extending them 10 inches. The VEX robotic arm kit teaches important STEM principles.
Everything Mommyhood has teamed up with a few of our favorite bloggers to bring you this amazingly generous yoga prize package giveaway from Clever Yoga valued at approximately $465!
![]() Clever Yoga has a large variety of products for all yoga lovers from amateur to novice! You must check out all of their great products exclusively on Amazon. The biggest and greatest thing with ordering any products from Clever Yoga is your WORRY FREE INVESTMENT. You are protected by their special "Namaste" Lifetime Warranty. If you are dissatisfied at any time, they will replace it or give you a 100% refund. Seriously, they want their customers to be happy and will always honor their warranty. ![]() Clever Yoga Premium X-Large Balance Pad -19.75" x 15.75" x 2.5" This comes with Clever Yoga's special "Namaste" lifetime warranty. There are three main reasons people use "Clever Yoga" multi-purpose Balance Pad. If you want more challenge for your standing poses or any arm balance poses, you will have much more fun practicing on our balance pad. The X-Large Balance Pads are available in 4 great colors - Light Purple, Dark Purple, Black, and Blue ![]() Clever Yoga Premium Mat BetterGrip Eco-Friendly With extra thick, high density padding, you will experience exceptional resilience and give, feeling the mat's thick, durable cushion under your joints. No need to double up your mat! The comfort foam provides 6mm or ¼" thickness, weighs just 2lbs and is 72" long x 24" wide. Perfect for both short and tall folks. The Premium Mats are available in Black, Blue, Orange, Green, Purple, and Rose Red.
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![]() Clever Yoga Strap 8FT or 10FT There are three main reasons people use our "Clever Yoga" Yoga straps. The first is actually for Yogic purposes. If you have trouble holding a yoga pose or have trouble "connecting" the appropriate limbs, our Yoga Strap will aid you greatly. Perfect for your Yoga Starter Sets. The second most common use is just to increase your flexibility. For example, if you currently can't touch your finger to your toes, use our Yoga Strap to bridge the gap. Then over time, you can "walk" your hands closer to your feet until the point you can touch them completely without even using the strap. The third use is probably the most important - for physical rehabilitation. This is why you're seeing yoga straps more and more in Physical Therapy settings. Just be sure to work through your own range of motion and never stretch to the point of pain. The Clever Yoga Strap comes in a variety of colors as well. --------- ![]() Clever Yoga Mat Strap Adjustable Sling Made With The Best, Durable Cotton - Comes With Our Special "Namaste" Lifetime Warranty (6 Colors to Choose From, 66in and 85in) 100% all natural cotton Clever Yoga Sling fits almost all yoga and excises mats The Clever Yoga sling is more than just another Yoga Sling!
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![]() Clever Yoga Block 9"x 6"x 4" - Made With The Best, Durable Eco Friendly Recycled Foam This extremely durable and supportive yoga block made from Eco friendly recycled high density EVA form. Great to be one of your yoga accessories. This great product is available in Red/Gray, Purple/Blue, and Blue/Gray. ![]() Clever Yoga Non-Slip Towel & Bonus Hand Towel Super soft, absorbent, 100% microfiber and large, 72" x 24". Completely covers your mat and protects it from wear and tear as well as sweat. NO MORE SLIPPING AND SLIDING from sweaty yoga practice. Focus more on your poses and alignment with skid less surface protection. Absorbs sweat so that you can try more challenging poses with no concern of losing your footing.
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![]() Clever Yoga Exercise Ball With FREE Hand Towel and Foot Pump Anti-burst stability exercise ball helps you better stretches, increases your flexibility and balance. Great workout equipment for home and gym. FREE 15"x 24" super absorbent yoga pilates hand towel ($10 value) and foot pump included in the kit Multi-function: not only strengthen your core and muscles as a total body fitness tool but also can be used as a desk chair for you to sit on. ---------- ![]() Clever Yoga Hand Grip Strengthener Exercisers Set of 3 with Increased Resistances 3 Colored Grippers included - Light, Medium and Heavy resistances from 20lb to 50lbs which can be shared with your families and friends. Excellent exercise equipment for men and women, young and the elderly with soft and colorful grips. Increase strength for injury rehabilitation therapy, warding off arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and for athletes and musicians working on excelling in their sports and instruments.
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![]() Clever Yoga Wheel Clever Yoga Wheel Dual Pads Release Tight Chest & Shoulders, Deepen Backbends with Pose Guide and Online Beginner to Advanced Video Instruction Eco-Friendly "Namaste" Lifetime Warranty (Large 15.75" for Yogis 5'6" and Taller & Medium 12.6" for Yogis 5'5" and Shorter SAFELY ENHANCE YOUR YOGA PRACTICE. You are protected by the wheel's sturdy wide frame and thick padding on BOTH sides. Tested by our team of yogis, we designed it wider (5.8" versus others at 5.0" wide) so that there is room for both feet to rest on and so that the back can open and release. OPEN TIGHT CHEST, SHOULDERS AND SPINE. Drape your back onto the sturdy frame, feel restrictions melt away, improve posture and restore the spine. IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY. The strong frame allows you to sink your body weight onto the support to deepen back bends, allowing you to glide up into your back bends during yoga class with less effort and more freedom.
SPECIAL COUPON CODE FOR OUR READERS!!!! Save 15% off with Coupon Code at Checkout on ANY product above - GOYOGA15
Don't forget about ordering any products from Clever Yoga it is a WORRY FREE INVESTMENT. You are protected by their special "Namaste" Lifetime Warranty. If you are dissatisfied at any time, they will replace it or give you a 100% refund. Seriously, they want their customers to be happy and will always honor their warranty.
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Now for the Giveaway!!! One lucky winner will receive this Clever Yoga Prize Package valued at approximately $465! Prize Package Includes (Colors will vary): Clever Yoga Balance Pad $59.99 Clever Yoga Premium Mat BetterGrip Eco-Friendly $54.99 Clever Yoga Strap 8FT or 10FT $17.99 Clever Yoga Mat Strap Sling $19.99 Clever Yoga Block 9"x 6"x 4" $21.99 Clever Yoga Non-Slip Towel & Bonus Hand Towel $54.99 Clever Yoga Exercise Ball With Hand Towel and Foot Pump $45.99 Clever Yoga Hand Grip Strengthener Exercisers Set of 3 $39.99 Clever Yoga Wheel $149.99
----------------------------This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and older. Void where prohibited. One entrant per household/IP address. Sponsor responsible for prize fulfillment. Refer to Giveaway Tools for terms & conditions. Giveaway begins June 28th at 12am ET and ends July 11th, 2016 at 11:59pm ET. Disclosure: Everything Mommyhood is being compensated for managing this giveaway, but is not responsible for prize fulfillment or shipment, neither are any of the bloggers involved in this giveaway. This giveaway is in no way affiliated, endorsed, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or any other social media outlet. This post contains affiliate links, which a small portion of the sale will help our site be better for you! If you would like to see your product or service featured, or if you have any questions, please contact EverythingMommyhood@gmail.com. ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** June is a special month. It marks graduation, the start of summer, weddings, vacation season. But did you know that June is also National Dairy Month? While we fire up our grills in preparation for the summer cooking season, June is the perfect time to incorporate a food group that tastes great and is great for us: dairy.
Many of us (myself included) eat butter and cheese almost everyday. But we often forget to consider that many butters contain additives (such as growth hormones, preservatives, and dyes) that can be harmful to us and our families. What if I told you there was a way to sidestep those potentially dangerous chemicals, embrace all-natural great taste, and take your baking and cooking game to the next level in honor of National Dairy Month? I recently discovered Finlandia Cheese [https://www.finlandiacheese.com/]—a brand that has been crafting some of the highest quality cheese and butter for over a century—and was so inspired that I decided to share a few secrets to help you create some of the best-tasting food you and your family have ever eaten. ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** In my home, we're huge fans of Slammers Organic Snacks. These cute little pouches come loaded with sweet, organic goodness. There are a wide variety of flavors, and each is packed with wholesome fruits and veggies, including superfoods like Acai and Ancient Grains, just to name a few.
My kiddos have been absolutely wild for every flavor they've tried, so of course, they were super-excited to learn that there's a brand new addition to the Slammers line-up of wholesome, nutritious snacks! We received a surprise delivery of this craveworthy new flavor: Creamy Banana Chocolate! How amazing does that sound?! I don't think I know a single person that can resist the combination of bananas and rich chocolate! They go together perfectly, don't you agree? ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** My little ones absolutely LOVE Peanut Butter. Really, they would eat it all the time if I allowed it. While Peanut Butter is a favorite while we're spending time at home, sometimes we eat lunch on the go. I am always super-conscious of the fact that while my kids don't have any allergies, other kids DO, and this can often lead to very scary, potentially life-threatening situations. When we will be eating around others, especially children, I make it a point to NOT pack peanut butter. I take this very seriously as a parent, and I try and make sure that I never accidentally put anyone else's child in a life-threatening situation.
Justin's products are made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, and are loaded with protein and nutty deliciousness. I love the fact that these products don't contain artificial dyes or flavors, and are preservative-free. That's right, folks. When choosing Justin's Nut Butters, you are tasting only the best that Mother Nature has to offer, without any added junk. ***Please note: While the Almond Butters DO NOT contain ANY peanut products, and very strict sanitation is adhered to between batches, it does say on the jar that it may contain trace amounts of peanuts. This is ONLY because these butters are processed in a plant that also handles peanuts. If your child is allergic, please consult your physician if you have any concerns.*** ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.*** Now that summer is in full swing, we're spending lots of time going on adventures with the family. Whether it's a trip to Cedar Point, the Rollercoaster Capital of the World, or a trip to a local park, it seems we're constantly on the go.
When we're out and about, enjoying the gorgeous NE Ohio summers, one thing always rings true: The kids inevitably end up wanting to snack. We don't really eat fast food if I can help it, so we try to keep wholesome, portable snacks on hand so that when hunger strikes, we're prepared. I'd like to share just a few of my kids' favorite summer snacks. These are tried and true, and they're all super-portable, so they can go wherever the summer takes your family. They're also amazing choices for National Picnic Month!
Do you or someone you love suffer from aches and pains? My husband does. His back and shoulder pain make him pretty miserable at times. Thankfully, a good massage usually does the trick, and has him feeling good again in no time.
Welcome to the TruMedic giveaway! We are giving away an InstaShiatsu+ Neck and Back Massager with Heat from TruMedic. Learn more about TruMedic below and then enter to win one of these amazing massagers! The cordless InstaShiatsu+ massager is your personal masseuse! Just place the InstaShiatsu+ virtually anywhere on your body and enjoy the comfort and relaxation of a wonderful shiatsu massage. Enjoy a deep shiatsu muscle massage anytime, anyplace. You can take the cordless massager anywhere with its rechargeable lithium-ion battery that holds enough power for hours of use. Adjust the unit to work on all areas of your body so it can deliver relief to your tired and achy muscles. Press a button to change the direction of the massage or leave it on the auto-reverse operation. Choose heat for extra-special comfort and relaxation. About TruMedic: “We provide cost effective ways to manage pain or stress that our customers have been dealing with for years. At truMedic, we're laser-focused on bringing the ultimate pain and stress-relieving devices to you at affordable prices, and we're fanatical about delivering world-class customer service. We're always developing new easy-to-use pain and stress relief devices that are accessible, affordable and help improve people's lives every day. Our mission is to build healthier lives by providing effective pain management relief and recovery through a variety of massage products, such as the InstaShiatsu+ -- the most versatile shiatsu body massager. We're passionate about understanding the benefits of massage and electrotherapy, and delivering them to customers everywhere!” Connect with TruMedic: Online | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest Giveaway Prize: InstaShiatsu+ Neck and Back Massager with Heat ($299.97 value) Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18 and older. Giveaway ends July 5, 2016 at 11:59 pm EST. Enter to win via the giveaway form below and good luck! Insert Giveaway Widget Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Giveaway is open to the US and Canada,,18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. The Bandit Lifestyle and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not. Products & claims regarding properties & effects have not been evaluated by the FDA or Health Canada. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information supplied is for general reference & educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
As the mom of 2 little kiddos, I am always on the lookout for great, eco-friendly fashion finds. Whether it's super-soft bamboo or organic cotton clothing or environmentally and socially responsible footwear, I do my best to make sure my purchases are not only high quality, but as green as possible.
Recently, I discovered Friendly Rooster, and they fit the bill perfectly. This online shoe shop offers only the best baby and toddler shoes on the market. Some of these coveted brands include Native, Tip Toey Joey, and Livie and Luca, just to name a few! Friendly Rooster's manufacturer base each has something unique to offer. Some appeal to an edgier, urban customer. Others are more traditional with a whimsical twist. Most are environmentally and socially conscious. And all are healthy for tiny growing feet, promoting proper foot development during the important “beginning steps” years. All of our brands can be considered the best Baby Girl Walking Shoes and Baby Boy Walking Shoes that you will find. ***Disclosure: I received complimentary samples and information to facilitate my post. All opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***
I have a fantastic giveaway for PRI products below, but I have some great news: EVERYONE WINS!
Right now, if you shop with PRI, you can receive 15% OFF ALL PRI products Plus FREE SHIPPING for EVERYONE! Simply use the code Honey15 upon checkout to enjoy these exclusive savings!
I absolutely love the month of June, don't you? Summer is in full swing, and there's tons to celebrate. June is a month for graduations, weddings, Father's Day, and of course, MY BIRTHDAY! So naturally, June has always been an extra special month in my household.
One great way to help celebrate this June is to give the gift of sweet, nutritious Manuka Honey from pristine New Zealand. This honey is packed full of natural goodness, and it's even good for you. It comes ONLY from the Manuka Tree, which can be found in the pollution-free forests of New Zealand. Don't despair, though! Manuka Honey products can be purchased here in the United States, thanks to PRI. (Pacific Resources International.) They offer a wide selection of honeys, treats, personal care products, and even naturally dried Pacific Sea Salt. Some of their products pair the Manuka Honey and Pacific Sea Salt, and the results are mouthwateringly delicious! |
PR Friendly Mama!
I'm Brandy, a happily married, proud Mom of 3 amazing kids. If you're interested in building a working relationship, please feel free to e-mail me at: NewlyCrunchyMamaOf3@gmail.com Links We Love :Archives
June 2023
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