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Cyberbullying Twitter Party: #uknowkids

Tweet Tweet!… We are thrilled to announce that we are throwing our second Twitter party! We are dedicating our entire party to cyberbullying because it was such a major problem during the Olympics.  With kids going back to school, we want to ensure child safety and offer tips to parents.  Our hosts, Tim and Steve Woda are Internet and mobile safety experts and will be available to answer your questions. We will be giving away 4 three-month subscriptions to uKnowKids to those who actively participate throughout the party.  In addition…

The two participants who refer the most friends will receive:

First Prize: $75 Target Gift Card

Second Prize: $50 Target Gift Card

stop cyberbullying - olympics twitter party

@Who,What, When and #Where?

  • Who: Hosted by @timwoda and @stevewoda.  Tim is an Internet and mobile safety expert and was recently a guest on two daytime talk shows and Steve is the CEO of uKnow.com and an Internet safety expert.
  • What: A Twitter party dedicated to cyberbullying! Due to the number of athletes that were cyberbullied during the Olympics we want to educate parents on how to keep kids safe this school year.
  • When: Thursday, August 23 at 3PM EST(1 hour only)
  • Where: Just follow the hashtag #uknowkids
  • RSVP: To be eligible for prizes during the party, or for the referral prizes, you must RSVP to the Cyberbullying Twitter Party. {You can mention that Meagan from Sunshine and Sippy Cups sent you if you’d like!}

I was bullied terribly as a little girl… We moved to a new “better” neighborhood the summer before I entered 5th grade. I had loved my old school – I was class president in 3rd and 4th grade {seems funny now to think of having officers at such a young age – but it taught us SO much.} I had great friends. Loved my teachers and all of the school staff. But at my new school, the kids didn’t like that I wore dresses. They thought I was totally not cool because I wouldn’t say cuss words like they did. I liked to sit under a tree and draw during recess, instead of playing sports. That was 3 strikes too many, and I was branded the outcast. They would follow me as I walked the two blocks home each afternoon, calling me names and throwing rocks at me. I cried every.single.day. So – I know first hand the damage that bullies can do. I can only imagine how much worse it must be for kids these days, with technologies like smart phones and iPads, and sites like Facebook and Twitter that can spread rumors like wildfire

What can you do about bullying?

We all have a responsibility to stop bullying. It might mean taking steps to prevent it from happening to your own child – such as teaching them how to respond to bullies, or educating school staff on stopping it. Or it might be recognizing that your own child is a bully, even if that’s super hard to admit. Then learning how to teach your child compassion and empathy for others. It might mean owning up to your own bad behavior – the gossip that the kids hear you spreading when you have lunch dates with a girl friend, or the negative way that you and your husband speak to each other during disagreements. The more that we all ensure every child grows up feeling cared about, respected, and valued – the more we can help prevent some of the tragedies that occur far too often, like school shootings or other violence committed by angry kids. Joining this great Twitter party will help you learn new tips and skills, and about other resources to help you end bullying in your community too.

Join us for the Cyberbullying Twitter Party – RSVP today!!

 

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Creative Ideas for Cooking with Bagel Crisps

“Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.” – Jim Davis… Some of you might remember that I lost quite a bit of weight on the Nutrisystem diet earlier this year. {20 pounds total – super exciting.} Once I went back to preparing my own meals again, I still tried to follow the structure for healthy eating that I learned during my Nutrisystem time, and have learned so much about eating healthier. I recently found a great new figure-friendly snack that I’m totally lovin’ – New York Style Bagel Crisps. And while I totally love ’em as just a pop in your mouth and eat on their own kinda snack, I thought they could also be a really great addition to some of my fave recipes too. Keep reading to learn more about why I’m super addicted to the crisps, and some creative ways to cook with them too…

new york style bagel crisps

New York Style Bagel Crisps Rock my Socks

These new crisps come in 4 varieties – I tried out the BBQ and the Sea Salt. I loved ’em so much on their own that I went out and bought more – one of each type – so that I could experiment a bit with them in the kitchen. Why do I love ’em? Well, let me count the ways…

  • 50% Less Fat than Potato Chips: You can eat 16 of these bagel crisps for less than 5 grams of fat, and only 130 calories. Yes, there are some snacks that are even better for you, but when you’re in the mood for something salty, crunchy, and BBQ’y {is that a word?} – these are an amazingly better option for you than regular chips.
  • Perfectly Crunchy: I hate bagel crisps that are too hard. I want crunch – but not chip-a-tooth crunchy, you know? But these have a perfect crunch – similar to a chip, just a bit more substantial. And unlike a chip, they are sturdy enough for dips and toppings.
  • Whole Wheat: I love, love, LOVE that the first ingredient in these crisps is Wheat Flour. And yes, there are a few artificial ingredients in these babys {they don’t claim to be all natural or anything} – but the list is pretty darn short. And again,  amazingly better than most potato chips.

So now that you’re starting to fall in love with these crisps too, I’ll share some great recipes and ideas for using them in recipes, appetizers, and healthy snacks for you and the kids.

creative casserole ideas

Creative Ideas for Cooking with Bagel Crisps

Since these New York Style Bagel Crisps have such a great crunch, I figured they’d be a great ingredient in some of my favorite casseroles. And I was right. {Am I ever wrong? Wait – don’t answer that…} My favorite was adding the Cheddar crisps into my cheesy breakfast casserole – added a great crunch by replacing my usual english muffins with these, and made it less fat. Love it. Get the recipe here:

Cheesy Crunchy Breakfast Casserole

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (12 ounces each) breakfast sausage links - cooked
  • Half a bag of Cheddar Flavor New York Style Bagel Crisps
  • 1/4 cup of melted butter
  • 2 cups of shredded cheese - You can mix two kinds, or use a Mexican Cheese Blend
  • 1/2 cup peppers {You choice}
  • 12 eggs
  • 2 cups milk
  • Couple shakes of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 Cup bacon bits or chopped ham

Instructions

  1. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Layer half of the sausage, half of the bagel crisps, then repeat again. Pour melted butter over the layers, then top with cheese and peppers. {Save just a bit of cheese to top it off later.}
  2. Grab a big bowl - mix up the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the casserole layers. Top with the bacon or ham, and the last bit of cheese. Cover it up with foil and refrigerate overnight.
  3. Take casserole out of the fridge 30 minutes before you want to bake it. Uncover and bake at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes. You'll know it's done when a knife or toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
  4. Let stand 5 minutes. Then slice it up, serve it up, and watch it disappear with a quickness.
https://sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/08/creative-ideas-for-cooking-with-bagel-crisps/

Sounds super yummy, right? If you love cheesy casserole recipes, you’ll also love this one – Mexican Casserole, but replace the tortilla chips with the Cheddar Bagel Crisps too. Sooooo good! And of course – you can always enjoy these crisps on their own. Since they’re awesome for dipping – grab a few of the great dip recipes from their website to mix up for your next get together. I especially liked the Buffalo Chicken Dip. And, after trying that one and loooovin’ it, I was inspired to make it into a salad too. Get it here:

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 4 tbsps of your favorite hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 3 tbsp light mayo
  • 3 tbsp sour cream
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • Lettuce blends of your choice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • New York Style Bagel Crisps - Sea Salt, broken into big chunks

Instructions

  1. First, cook up your chicken tenders over medium heat until cooked all the way through. Then toss 'em with the hot sauce until coated pretty evenly.
  2. Next, mix up your dressing - combine the crumbled cheese, mayo, sour cream, and milk. Stir together until they're blended well.
  3. Then mix the shredded carrots with your lettuce - either slice up a head of iceberg, or use a bagged salad mix.
  4. Now pour your dressing over the salad, and top with the Buffalo Chicken and broken bagel crisps. Soooo good!
https://sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/08/creative-ideas-for-cooking-with-bagel-crisps/

These little crisps are the perfect addition to your kids lunches this school season, or a great back to school snack after school. And they’re the perfect mom-on-the-go snacker too – throw a bag in your purse, so you have something super satisfying that’s still good for you, no matter how crazy your days get. You’re too smart to grab fast food and all it’s greasiness, right? These will fill you up, without filling you out.

Bagel Snack Star Sweepstakes

Bagel Snack Star Sweepstakes

And you thought that this post couldn’t even get any better, I know. But to top it off – there’s also a super sweet giveaway for you to enter! New York Style Bagel Crisps is giving fans a chance to win a red carpet movie experience with their friends and family. So cool.

Grand Prize: One winner will have the chance to win a private VIP photographed and catered experience at their local movie theater. New York Style will rent out the theater for you to host the ultimate experience with 50 friends. The winner will also receive a gift card for a year supply ($500 worth) of movie tickets.

If you’re feeling super lucky today, make sure to enter to win all the other great prizes that I’m giving away this month – they’re all listed together in my sidebar. And make sure to follow New York Bagel Crisps on Facebook and Twitter, to stay updated on more fun new products and promotions!

{Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of New York Style and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating. Photo Credit.}

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Everyday Essentials Giveaway Package – #Mompact

Here’s your chance to win great products while supporting mom business owners… Read their stories at www.mompact.com, see reviews by other moms, support them through social media, and enter to win! As busy moms, we all need a little support, right? And life gets even crazier when you try to juggle being a mom with having a career. Then it gets even CRAZIER when that career is a business that you own and run yourself! Which is why I love what Mompact does to help promote mom-invented products, support all busy moms in business, and help connect us all and make it easy to support one another. So – show them all some support by entering and sharing this great giveaway, and maybe end up the lucky winner too!

everyday solutions - invented by moms

Moms Supporting Moms… In Business

This prize package is filled to the brim with a ton of great mom-invented products – Super smart solutions like my fave potty training helpers, Tidy Tots. The totally helpful gadget that helps make brushing time fun for kids – Twooth Timer. Awesome goodies from ViveVita. You’ll love it all – trust me.

Enter to win & Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Friday Flash Cash Giveaway!!

Meg’s Moxie is celebrating 16,000 Facebook Fans with a Special Friday Flash Giveaway!

One Lucky Winner will win $25 Cash!

This giveaway starts 8/17 at 12:01am EST and ends 8/18 at 12:01am EST!

Just wait for the Rafflecopter to load below and Good Luck!

[Read more…]

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Celebrity Baby & New Mom Faves – Win a $200 Prize Package!

Welcome to the Mystery Box Giveaway!… For this giveaway, one lucky winner will get this big grand prize – $200 worth of Celeb-Driven Goodies can all be yours! This Mystery Box of celeb goodies will be tailored to Boy or Girl depending on the winner’s preference, to make sure that it’s just perfect for you and your little one – or a special kiddo in your life.

Introducing Celebrity Baby Trend Expert, Rachel Florio-Urso

Behind every brand is a public relations specialist who works the magic that makes a campaign memorable. On our radar is Celebrity Baby Trend Expert, Rachel Florio-Urso. She’s an in-demand expert whom over the past decade has worked with top editors and stylists worldwide, placing her clients in the spotlight with brand placement in shows like SEX AND THE CITY and in publications such as PEOPLE and the NEW YORK TIMES. If the brand has anything to do with maternity, baby, child or family travel, Rachel Florio-Urso is (or should be) behind the scenes giving it the coverage it deserves!

rachel florio pr

Thanks to Rachel Florio PR (AKA Celebrity Baby Trend Expert) and Elegant Baby for sponsoring this great giveaway!

Hosts Mommy’s Memorandum and I Love My Kids have teamed up with few awesome bloggers to bring you this great 24-HOUR Event…

Mystery Box of of Celeb-Driven Goodies FLASH Giveaway

ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive a Mystery Box of Celebrity Driven Goodies (Valued at $200).

mystery box of celeb driven goodies giveaway
All you have to do is enter to win using the super simple Rafflecopter below and check your email Wednesday morning to see if you won! Easy peasy, right? So Have Fun & Good luck! RULES: Contest is open to USA Residents. $200 Value. No purchase necessary. The winner will be selected by random.org and notified by email, and will have 24 hours to reply back before a new winner is selected. Giveaway ends Friday, August 17, 2012 at 8:00 PM EST. You Must be 18+ to enter this contest. Contest is no way associated with Facebook.

Enter for your chance to win using the form below: Only Mandatory entry is to leave a blog post comment answering “Why you want to win a box of celeb-driven goodies valued at $200” All other entries are OPTIONAL and may give you better chance All entries will be verified.

[Read more…]

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How to Navigate Store Spending Traps During Back to School

Marketing is all around us – especially during back to school shopping time... While some campaigns are shamelessly direct, others are much more subtle, barely noticeable to the naked eye. At the supermarket, these obvious tactics and secret tricks perfectly synchronize to make most shoppers defenseless against excess spending. Here we reveal the popular traps most grocery stores set to catch the green in your wallet.

supermarket traps

The Latest Infographic by CouponCabin.com

Want some extra ammunition for big savings when shopping?

Then watch my blog each week for the best new online coupon codes and printable coupons from CouponCabin.com! I’m one of the Coupon Cabin bloggers, so I get the inside scoop every single morning on the very best new savings – so that I can pass them on to your before they expire! {Did you see me at the Coupon Cabin booth with Kate Gosselin last week? Awesomesauce.} If you’ve missed the recent codes I’ve posted, here are a few good ones I’m lovin’ right now for back to school shopping:

So – enjoy some sweet savings on your back to school shopping today – and earn sweet rewards from Coupon Cabin too! And, if you’re savings lover, check out my other absolute fave finds for BIG back to school savings too:

Scott’s Shared Values: Super simple sign up, right on my blog – no hoops, no spam, no hassle. As soon as you sign up, you can login to get a free family fun pass for your own city. Usually things like this are only available in the big cities here, like Seattle or Portland. But I was able to print off passes to our local Skating Rink – the kids are super excited. Tons of other benefits too once you do the free sign up. Love it.

Amazon Clickable Coupons: I haven’t seen a this HUGE of an amount of coupons on Amazon in a long time. You can save hundreds of dollars right now with these!! There are direct links to over 60 new coupons, for everything from diapers to school supplies to kitchen gadgets and snacks. You just click the coupon to click it, and all of those discounts will come off your total at check out. Easy peasy.

 

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Why I Will Never Be in the Olympics

The Olympics Closing Ceremony Rocked… Did you see the Spice Girls?? Total blast from my much-cherished past high school days. {I don’t care what you say. I loved ’em, and still do…} And, the athletes over the past week that I’ve been watching have been mind blowing – I’ve loved the gymnastics routines since I was a little girl, totally amazes me every single time. The synchronized swimming at the Olympics seriously is beautiful. It’s all so impressive… As I sit on my couch, with snacks, watching these athletes rock it out. But my out of shape mom bod is not the only thing stopping me from becoming an athlete…

someecards.com - I could never be an Olympic sprinter because I couldn't go 10 seconds without checking my phone.

Anyone else have this problem?

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