Family — Page 6

How to Make Choosing a Healthy Breakfast Simple & Delicious – #BreakfastLove

“Life is complicated, so we’re making healthy simple.” – IHOP… I am LOVING the new Simple & Fit menu from IHOP. It can be tough to make the healthiest choices when dining out, since you don’t always know how things are prepared, or how many calories a dish really has if it’s not listed. So it’s awesome when a restaurant cares enough to simplify it all, and clearly list the healthier options, and the details of what they include. Check out the new Simple & Fit line-up {and keep reading to win a $50 IHOP gift card too!}…

These are just a few of the incredibly yummy choices available, you can see the rest of the under 600-calorie breakfast choices on their site. And this is NOT like most of the “healthy options” sections of a menu that you’re used to, where you’ll find a small handful of choices. No way mister – IHOP has created 30 new delicious meals for you to pick from. Want to see my personal fave?? [Read more…]

Posted by Meagan Paullin on October 16, 2012 Filed Under: Food | 127 Comments

Let’s Get Our Kids Playing Outside Again – #TogetherCounts

“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson… I am very much an outdoorsy type of person. I love to spend time in nature, even if that’s just an afternoon spent working on the patio, surrounded by our trees and garden. So I’m very lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest, where there are amazing natural places to visit. Just an half hour drive brings us into the woods – with pine trees, rivers and lakes, mountains to climb and trails to hike. And, after having my nephews living with me over the past couple of years, I’ve realized how very important it is to get kids out of the house, away from the video games and TV, and out breathing fresh air and running wild – in the wild.

“The woods were made for the hunters of dreams” – Sam Walter Foss

The kids love this place – Boulder Cave, in Washington. There is so much to see and do, and they have a blast. I never even hear any whining about video games the whole time, lol. Whether it’s here, or camping, or fishing, or a day out boating with friends, time spent outdoors really helps all of us relax and refresh again.

“Climb up on some hill at sunrise. Everybody needs perspective once in a while, and you’ll find it there.” – Robb Sagendorph

Things like this totally make me happy – the boys out by the water, catching frogs. Reminds me of when I was a kid. I feel old to say stuff like this – But “when I was a kid,” we spent all day playing outside. Riding bikes on our quiet street, building forts in the back field, or driving my Barbie dolls on a “Safari” through moms vegetable garden. I hate that so many kids have become so un-used to the outdoors, that they don’t even know how to have fun out there anymore. They’re totally missing out. So we’re celebrating Take it Outside Week October 14 – 20, which I am totally excited to learn about. I found this info on a seriously amazing site called Together Counts. Learn a little more:

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

Together Counts is all about getting kids outside and active, eating better foods, and building healthier families. The principle behind their program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we eat with the calories we burn. The idea is to get more families eating and getting active together, with a message of moderation – not “good food vs. bad.” I’m very much an “everything in moderation” style of mom. I do my best to keep our house stocked with healthy fruits and veggies, and good snack foods. But I like to bake cookies and cupcakes too. As long as we’re active, and trying to keep a good balance, I feel good about our choices. So I love that Together Counts is realistic, and has tips that fit into a real mom’s life.

Together Counts is a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 195 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations. Learn more and sign the pledge on TogetherCounts.com.

You can also learn more by following them on Twitter and Facebook, where you’ll find loads of great tips and ideas to use. Or enter to WIN big for your kids school – There are several contests and prizes, like a $30,000 grant and a brand new playground for the winners school. How cool is that, right? The whole site is filled with an uh-may-zing amount of information, resources, and tools – for everyone from parents, to teachers, to students. Love it.

Let’s Chat: What do you think of Together Counts? Are you interested in finding creative new ways to keep your family healthy? Share in the comments!

And mark your calendars – Join Together Counts at a Twitter party on 10/17 from 8-9 PM EST in the hashtag #TogetherCounts! Hope to see you all there!

{Disclaimer: I received compensation for sharing my honest thoughts about the Together Counts campaign with you. All thoughts, photos, and opinions here are 100% my own.}

What Would You Build on a Free Piece of Land?

“Normal is getting dressed in clothes that you buy for work and driving through traffic in a car that you are still paying for – in order to get to the job you need to pay for the clothes and the car, and the house you leave vacant all day so you can afford to live in it.” – Ellen Goodman… Now, that doesn’t sound much like the American Dream that we all imagine, does it? Definitely not my idea of happiness. After losing my job while I was on maternity leave a couple of years ago, I had to make a lot of changes in life – I had to find ways to cut down my bills, simplify my life, and chart a new path. That led to buying a house with my mom instead of saving to buy one on my own. {Yep, we like each other well enough to live together. Almost all of the time… Lol.} It led to me starting this site, and finding freelance work online instead of going back into retail management. It meant selling some of our unneeded things, cutting back on things like cable and nights out, and cutting more coupons. But – without ever meaning to, these changes are leading me to actually finally get closer to my ideal life. My version of the American Dream – I get to work from home, spend time with Abby, have flexibility when I need it, and am my own boss. Sure, I’d love to make the income that I made running retail stores, but I’m happier here at home.

What would your perfect home be like?

The house that I bought with my mom isn’t my “perfect” home, but it truly is pretty great. It sits on a really big piece of property, with a covered patio, 4-bay shop, fenced yard for Abby to play, and an in-ground pool that quickly became the gathering spot for all of our friends and family each summer. There’s enough space for us all to be comfortable, and I even have a guest bedroom for when friends come into town to visit. The house isn’t huge, but it’s cozy, it’s got what we need, and it makes me happy. And, our untraditional living arrangement really works well for us. It started out with more of my family living with me too – which was a little bit crazy for a couple of years. But I love that Abby has gotten to grow up so close to her grandma, cousins, and uncle James. And I’m lucky that we all get along well enough to have made the situation work, so that I’m able to get by on a smaller income while I build my business. I’m so grateful that when life gets tough, I have a great home filled with amazing family to rely on!

American Dream – How to Build Your Dream Home on a FREE Piece of Land

My dream, ever since I was a little girl, was to build my own house someday. {I also wanted to be an architect, and would draw out my perfect floorplans and stuff all the time…} I love the idea of creating something that’s just exactly what I want – unlike when you are looking at homes, and have to find one that’s “almost” perfect to settle for. We still sometimes dream about this – but honestly, I wasn’t even sure how we’d get started. I recently was introduced to this really cool option by a friend of mine – It’s called LandCentral. They make it easy to buy your own piece of land without a ton of money down, to build on now, or as an investment for your future. And – the coolest thing about it all is that to help introduce their program to more people, they are doing a giveaway where one amazingly lucky winner will get to choose their own TOTALLY FREE piece of land in one of five states! Can you even imagine? To enter, visit LandCentral.com. It only takes a few minutes, and could lead to an amazing opportunity for you and your family!

Click through – then look for the sidebar box that looks like this to click and enter to win!

What would YOU do with a free piece of land? Build a dream home? Build a vacation cabin? Save it to pass down to your kids? Leave me some comments!

{Disclaimer: I did not receive any compensation for this post. I seriously love LandCentral and what they can offer you, and wanted to share this fantastic giveaway with you. I hope one of you win this – Good luck! Photo Credit one: Jeffweese. Photo Credit two: Jeda Villa Bali – both on Flickr Creative Commons.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on October 8, 2012 Filed Under: Contests, Busy Mom Solution | 6 Comments

For Everyone Who Ever Needed a Restart on Life

Wreck-It Ralph smashes into theaters everywhere on November 2nd…. Have you heard about this very cute new film from Disney? I love movies with a great message – and I’m really excited to watch this when it comes out, and talk to the kids about the ideas and emotions going on in this movie. It’s all about Ralph, who’s struggling with being stereotyped as a “Bad Guy” – when he just doesn’t feel like a bad guy. So he goes on a journey to try and discover who he really is – Not just who everyone else TELLS him he is. I think that this is an awesome message for kids – to not let outside voices make your choices for you. To always strive to be YOU. Love it. And – it’s totally silly and adorable as it tells the story. Get a peek here…

About Wreck-It Ralph

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and Emmy®-winning director Rich Moore comes “Wreck-It Ralph,” a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping adventure. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day.

Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove he’s got what it takes to be a hero.

On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Hero’s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself. Ralph finally gets his chance to save the day—but can he do it in time? “Wreck-It Ralph” crashes onto the big screen on November 2, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

What do you think?

Have you ever struggled a bit with figuring out who you are, want you want, and where you fit into the world? I’m sure just about every kid goes through this as they grow up. But a lot of us go through this again as we become moms…. Maybe everyone expected you to become a stay at home mom, but you missed your previous identity at work. Or maybe you’re like me – I went from running retail stores, doing displays and merchandising displays, working hard and playing hard. I was well known locally, and recruited several times to come in and help save struggling stores. Then, I suddenly found myself at home, changing diapers, caring for my live-in nephews… And not really feeling very “important” anymore. I missed getting dressed in the newest fashions – You know, things that weren’t covered in baby spit up. But just like Ralph, I realized that with a little soul-searching, I could make a new identity for myself, that felt right, and made me happy. {Does this all seem like too deep of thinking for a cartoon? Lol.}

“Like” WRECK-IT RALPH on Facebook and”Follow” WRECK-IT Ralph on Twitter – to stay updated on new promotions and news. And check out the #WreckitRalph hashtag for more fun sneak peeks at the movie before it smashes into theaters everywhere on November 2nd! And enter the Play & Win Sweepstakes! Complete missions, earn coins, and get the chance to win a hero’s journey from Adventures by Disney: http://di.sn/k3h. Good luck!

{Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this post. I’m on the Disney Blogger list, and get fun updates to share. I love Disney, and love to share the inside scoop on the best new films for families – Hope you enjoy getting a peek at upcoming movies too!}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 13, 2012 Filed Under: Fun Stuff | 1 Comment

New Customers Get $40 Free at Paper Coterie

“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” – The Wonder Years… I’ve told you ladies before – I am such a big fan of photo products. Whether it’s photo wall art that I make myself, or pretty cards and personalized journals that I order from a few favorite sites – I just adore anything adorned with my most-loved pics of friends and family. And of course, becoming a new mom a couple years ago just doubled up my photo junkie tendencies. I really like a site with cool modern designs on their photo products, but so many have really crazy-high prices. But there is one site that does combine perfect design with prices to fit my real mom budget – Paper Coterie. Let me show you a little taste of what you’ll get there, since they also have an uh-MAY-zing promo right now – All new customers get $40 in free product. No strings – just free. Trust me – it’s real. This is how I first found them, was with one of these promos a year ago. So, since I read about that on one of my own favorite blogs, I’ll pay it forward now and share it with any of YOU lovely ladies who haven’t shopped her before….

“Some days there won’t be a song in your heart. Sing anyway.” – Paper Coterie Memory Book

This is a recent photo book that I made, with a few of my fave pics of Abby. The whole book is filled with delightful prints {yep, delightful is the only word to describe it…} like these little piece umbrellas, pennant banners, tiny flowers, and other prints to make you smile. The whole look is kind of eclectic, but works great together. It’s called Dream a Little Dream, and comes in a boy or girl color scheme.

“God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.” – J.M. Barrie

This is on my list to buy soon… Their personalized photo journals. I have a couple from last year that I’ve totally used up. So I want a new one for me, and a few for holiday gifts too – everyone loves these. {Early Christmas shopping like I am? Here’s another super inexpensive, yet always loved, holiday gift idea.} Another great product to check out right now is the Baby Announcement cards – buy one set, and get a second set of cards completely free. This is good for EVERY set you buy – so buy two, get two free. And on and on. Use coupon code babygogo at check out until September 9th, 2012 to get this deal.

“She glances at the photo, and the pilot light of memory flickers in her eyes.” – Frank Deford

Another reason that I just adore Paper Coterie – {Well, I mean, besides the amazing product designs, the affordable prices and seriously amazing promotions…} – they really appreciate their customers. The service is excellent, and if you ever have a question or problem, they get back to you right away to help you out. What’s even better? They sometimes send out fun free gifts with your purchase – like this adorable necklace that I unexpectedly found in my package not long ago, as a thank you for ordering. Love that.

Get $40 in beautiful photo & paper products – completely free

This is such a great way to check out some of the awesome products at Paper Coterie. Just fill your cart with $40 or more in products, and every single one of my readers who enter coupon code Welcome2012 at checkout will have $40 taken off of their total. You can pick out a bunch of fun goodies for yourself, or start stocking up for the holidays. When I try to explain the quality of these products versus other brands I’ve tried, I explain it this way – You know the difference between business cards from Moo.com, and Vistaprint? Well, these books, cards, journals – everything is made from that high quality, silky-smooth sturdy paper. You’ll love it, pinky promise.

Friends don’t let friends pay full price…

Because friends don’t let friends pay full price :) Learn how to get $40 in #free photo products from @papercoterie –sunshineandsippycups.com/2012/09/new-cu…

— SunandSipCups (@SunandSipCups) September 4, 2012

Already a fan of Paper Coterie?

If you’re not a new customer to Paper Coterie, you can still get some sweet savings. Just head over to their site, and on the main page click the “Shuffle” button on the photo display – it’ll bring up all of the latest specials you can get. You’ll also find a sweet new giveaway to win a $150 Visa Gift Card. Make sure to sign up for their email list too – so you get first notification when there are new freebies and promotions.

{Disclaimer: Photos and opinions are my own. I purchased these products myself, and have used this $40 free promotion towards past purchases of my own. I received no compensation for this post. Post includes some affiliate links. This is one of my fave brands, and I know you’ll fall in love with it too.}

Posted by Meagan Paullin on September 4, 2012 Filed Under: Shopping, Deals and Coupon Codes | 3 Comments

Learn How to Be Prepared for Storms like Hurricane Isaac

Help your family be prepared for storms like Hurricane Isaac…. Give oh Giveaway, Doppler Dale, and Coupon Centsation have teamed up with some awesome bloggers and the amaing folks at WeatherCall to bring you a 5 winner Giveaway that MIGHT just save your life. With the frightening weather forecast we have this week across the nation, we want you and your family to stay safe with WeatherCall! Keep reading to learn more – and get a chance to win…

What is Weather Call?

When you are preparing for bad storms/weather you don’t have a whole lot of time to be watching tv for the latest updates….WeatherCall is an advanced weather notification system that provides you with timely, reliable and accurate weather warnings through multiple modes of notification. From phone call messages to text messaging and email, too – you will never have to worry about missing a weather notification for your location. It is a really cool service that may just save a life. With all this crazy weather going on, this could be a really big help to some of you. We are going to make this a short and sweet 24 hour FLASH giveaway so the 5 winners can start using their program asap to help “weather the storm”.

Get weathercall today

With WeatherCall you won’t miss notifications and can avoid dangerous situations like that! Now if you don’t want to wait to see if you win and you just want to be in the KNOW right now, you can buy WeatherCall HERE for $9.95 a year-that is less than 83 cents a month! Once you purchase the service it provides instant access. You get to choose 1 location, 3 phone numbers & 3 emails to get notifications to as well as which severe weather you want to be notified about. Get Weather Call Today.

WeatherCall has offered to give away FIVE1-year subscriptions to their service – aka peace of mind for worried moms! To enter to win you must be age 18 years or older, reside in the US and enter on the Rafflecopter form below. This giveaway will end at 11:59 pm on August 28th at 11:59 pm! Good luck! {Disclaimer: I received no monetary compensation for sharing this giveaway I just really want you to be safe! Good luck!}

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Posted by Meagan Paullin on August 27, 2012 Filed Under: Giveaways | No Comments

Why This is the Best Way to Spend 2 Minutes Today…

Save money, get cool gear and experiences – and give back to your community!

I’ve told you guys before about my fave deal site – Sharing Spree. If you’re not already set up with a sweet account over there, the post will take you through the super easy peasy steps to getting started. {Takes less than 2 minutes. Best 2 minutes you’ll spend all day – guaranteed!} At the time I wrote that post a couple of months ago, Sharing Spree had raised $311,665 for local charities in cities across the country… That’s now up to $346,249 raised for non-profits!! How amazing is that? A bunch of moms, saving money by buying these awesome family-friendly local deals, using their purchasing power to help others in need. That’s rock star stuff right there ladies. Love it.

What will you find on Sharing Spree?

Well, you’ll find super sweet deals on stuff moms and kids love – Like today’s Spree here in the Seattle area:

$14 for 4 Drop-In Bounce Sessions at Kidz Bounce in Issaquah ($28 Value)

Not in Seattle? Well, there are amazing deals all over the country too – In Birmingham, you’ll find a Spree for One Microdermabrasion Treatment and also get the Renew & Refresh Cleanse with Soothing Serum Masque Treatment at Little Flower Day Spa. It’s just $39! (Regularly $80). In Nashville you’ll find a Spree from Skincare by Shannon. For $34, you’ll receive the Ultimate Relaxing and Rejuvenating Facial treatment ($85 value). Or, one of my FAVE Sprees going on now : Look under Portland’s deals to find a Spree to pay just $7.50 for a Zoo Animal Lunch Bag from Bella Sweet Boutique ($15.00 value), plus a matching backpack deal too. And it is ah-doooooor-able. For real. Check it out, and grab one today!

So – what are you waiting for?

Sign up for a free Sharing Spree account today – earn credits for sharing deals with your friends and family {and save up those credits to do some totally free Christmas shopping in a few months!} – and know that every single purchase you make is helping to give back to others in need! If you have ANY questions on how this works – leave me a comment here, or email me at sunshineandsippycups@gmail.com. And if you’re a blogger in the PNW who’d love to learn more about spreading the word about this awesome group, email me too!