Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast

When I was pregnant with Jude I gain a ton of weight, not literally a ton but it was way more than I expected. I also expected that it would just go away after he was born... boy was I wrong. He's two years old and I still have an extra pesky 15lbs hanging around my mid-section.

For Christmas I got a membership to the YMCA, which I love, but I don't always get to go the the gym... and sometimes I just don't feel like leaving the house, so I like having workout DVDs at home so I can take advantage of nap times and workout.

I really like Lindsay Brin's Shed 5 Fast because she's a mom like me who is trying to lose the baby belly. The first time I tried the workout I didn't make it all the way through, mostly because Jude woke up from his nap but I wasn't sad to stop. After a few days of working the same routine I made it all the way through and it was awesome. I could certainly feel the effects of the workout the next day, which is always a good sign for me. I also love the interval levels so as I get stronger and leaner I can just switch up my routine to add a little more challenge and grow stronger. 

Get your body back with Moms Into Fitness DVDs!  Learn how to fire your core from the inside-out to create a flat stomach again.
Price: $15.99

If your goal is to lose weight you should download the FREE meal plan .

SAVE: 20% off your order.

Connect with Lindsay on Facebook
Follow Lindsay on Twitter

Watch as she get's her body back after baby #2  www.lindsaybrin.com

I received the feature product free of charge as a part of a Mama Bzz campaign. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

 

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Scandinavian Child Giveaway #iheartnc

As a mom I'm always on the lookout for great companies that make high quality products. So, I am in love with all things Scandinavian Child. They offer some of the most beautifully crafted baby gear that I've ever seen. But the wonderful thing about Scandinavian Child is that their products are not only gorgeous, they are smart.

I've seen a lot of fancy looking baby products that are completely impractical, hard to clean or just plain unsafe. Scandinavian Child takes extra measure to ensure all of the products they sell meet and exceed safety regulations.

Whenever we are ready for baby number two I will most certainly be looking to Scandinavian Child to replace some of the crummy baby products I bought for Jude. I particularly love their diaper bags, which have a sleek design but meet the needs of any mom. I mean, it's like a mom actually designed it, go figure.

About Scandinavian Child

North Carolina based, Scandinavian Child is a juvenile distributor and brand builder for some fabulous brands like Svan of Sweden, Beaba, lillebaby and Micralite. They develop and distribute exceptional children’s products from around the world.




Meet Brenda Berg

Brenda the president, CEO and mom of Scandinavian Child. She has been a resident of Raleigh, NC for 10 years. Her favorite local place to dine is Bella Monica, a fabulous Italian restaurant. She also enjoys attending Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Games. When she's not working she enjoys relaxing with her family in the NC mountains, lakes and ocean. Her advice to visitors to the Raleigh-Durham area is to, "Enjoy our wonderful greenways and get to know the people who move here from all over the world."


Brenda is not only a huge advocate for children’s product safety, but she serves as the Chair of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. Parents should check out their Parenthood section to stay informed on the latest safety news.


Save: Now until July 31st Scandinavian Child is running a 25% off special on all diaper bags.


Win: One (1) lucky reader will win a lillebaby "on the go" package which includes: the EveryWear carrier and the Oslo Diaper Bag.

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry: 


Mandatory Entry 

• Visit Scandinavian Child and leave comment with your favorite product.

Extra Entries:

• Like Scandinavian Child on Facebook
• Follow @ScanChild on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter. 
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a lillebaby EveryWear carrier and Diaper bag from @scanchild via @bkeepsushonest 8/19 http://tinyurl.com/3xa53uv #giveaway #iheartnc"
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• Add my button to your blog.
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.19 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.

I received no product or payment in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Mission Tortilla Menu Challenge

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Mission Foods. All opinions are 100% mine.

We love burritos. We eat them at least once a week. Joe actually has a killer bean burrito recipe that he's developed over the years. It's super simple and pretty much our go-to recipe when we the cabinets are looking bear and we don't want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They are so good in fact that I am considering entering into the Mission Menus Challenge.

The recipe goes like this:
Mix together in a sauce pan Black Beans, Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce, Cinnamon.
Make white rice according to directions.
Add Beans and Rice to Mission Tortillas then add Avocados, Grated Cheese and Your favorite salsa.
Eat!


I think the cinnamon and hot sauce offer a nice compliment to the black beans. (Tip: the long you let them cook the better they taste... unless, of course, you burn them.)



We love using Mission Tortillas when we make our burritos. It's pretty much a staple grocery item that I know I will be buying every week when I got to the store. Jude loves burritos, especially the Mission flour tortillas. Their tortillas are always fresh and soft, I don't have to worry about flaking or crumbling when I buy Mission.  I also love that Mission Flour Tortillas contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving and are cholesterol free. They are available in small (6"), medium (8") and large (10”) sizes in major grocery stores nationwide.

Check out www.missionmenus.com for examples of quick & easy, budget-friendly meals for $10 using Mission Flour Tortillas and to gain inspiration for your creative recipe submissions.

Mission Gives Back

Mission Foods is proud to support Share Our Strength, the leading national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. You can help by visiting www.MissionMenusChallenge.com and learning more about Mission Foods commitment to Share Our Strength in supporting this life-changing cause.

Mission Menu Challenge

Beginning June 28, 2010 Mission Foods is kicking off the summer with the Mission Menus Challenge.
 Chef Sara Moulton will encourage consumers to submit their budget-friendly recipes to Mission at www.MissionMenusChallenge.com for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover as well as a host of weekly prizes. The grand prize winner will win round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to the Mission Menus Challenge Cook-off on September 10, 2010 at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.

Recipes must be received by August 9th.

All recipes must:

• Must include Mission Flour Tortillas

• Be original

• Feed a family of five for $10 or less 

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Great Giveaway Links

Every Thursday The B Keeps Us Honest offers a place to promote your giveaways, Great Giveaway Links. Be sure to link directly to your giveaway and not your homepage. Links that are not directed to the giveaway will be deleted.

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photoglassworks promotion - win #iheartnc

I have a thing for unique, handcrafted jewelry, so of course I love all of the pieces from photoglassworks. They are simply stunning masterpieces that you can wear. Just look at these beautiful necklaces.

I've admired Tracy's work for awhile, first seeing her work at a local craft show, and now she has offered a special discount for my readers only! (see below)

About photoglassworks

Tracy's love for glass and metal started after taking many class over the span of 10 years. After getting the news that she was expecting her first child, she needed to stop using the soldering technique and I began experimenting with glass and wire, in search of a way of creating glass jewelry using cold connections. Tracy features her own photography in her jewelry, as well as collaborate with various talented artists. You will notice a reoccurring theme of birds and trees in her which to Tracy, is symbolic of freedom and strength. She works from her studio located in Downtown Raleigh, NC.

BUY: photoglassworks on etsy

SPECIAL DISCOUNT:

Save 20% off your entire purchase through the end of August. Use the code: "the B keeps us honest" in the comments box when checking out. The discount will be refunded after the payment is received. 

WIN: One customer that takes advantage of the discount above will receive an extra necklace. (purchase required)

Offer expires 8.31.10

I received no payment or product in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Carolina Inn Giveaway #iheartnc

In March our family had the pleasure of attending a breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Carolina Inn. It was our first time visiting the Carolina Inn and I must say it is a stunningly beautiful place. If you are ever in the Raleigh Durham are and need a place to stay I highly recommend the Carolina Inn. If you live in the area stop in for a visit, have afternoon tea or dinner at the award-winning Crossroads Restaurant.

About the Carolina Inn
Built in 1924 by John Sprunt Hill - distinguished alumnus, successful businessman and University trustee - the Inn's original concept was "to provide for the special wants and comforts of the University alumni... and University visitors".  In 1935, Hill donated the Inn to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the stipulation that after meeting expenses, profits from the Inn were to be used for "the maintenance and support of the University library, and especially for the support of the collection of books and papers known as the North Carolina Collection". Mr. Hill's wishes are still carried out today as the Inn returns its profits to the University to support the University library.

Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of the prestigious National Trust's Historic Hotels of America, The Carolina Inn offers an atmosphere of elegance and the spirit of tradition. Furnished with antiques, North Carolina made furniture, interesting artwork and historical images, this hotel on the UNC campus has offered guests the finest lodging, fine dining, and excellent hospitality for more than eight decades. 

About the Crossroads Restaurant
The Carolina Crossroads Restaurant is a rare southern jewel. Nestled in the historic Carolina Inn, Crossroads joins the graceful traditions of the south with progressive new American cuisine. Adorned with numerous awards including a AAA 4 Diamond Award, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Mobil Four Star Service Award, this cozy fine dining atmosphere and menu is unparalleled.

The main dining room serves seasonal menus that emphasize local ingredients from Chapel Hill and the surrounding area. Dinner and dessert are meticulously planned and hand crafted by our Executive Chef Reale and his staff.  

Win: One (1) lucky reader will win a Dinner for Two at the Carolina Inn's Forbes Four-Star Carolina Crossroads Restaurant

How to Win - Maximize your chances of winning. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Only valid after you complete the first mandatory entry: 


Mandatory Entry 

• Visit Carolina Inn then leave comment with your favorite feature of the inn.

Extra Entries:

• Like Carolina Inn on Facebook
• Follow @CarolinaInn on Twitter
• Follow in GFC, Subscribe via email or RSS feed to The B Keeps Us Honest in GFC. (1 Entry for Each)
• Follow @bkeepsushonest on Twitter. 
• Tweet this (can be done daily): "Win a dinner for two @CarolinaInn Crossroads Restaurant @bkeepsushonest 8/17 http://tinyurl.com/2bhoopb #giveaway #iheartnc"
• "Like" The B Keeps Us Honest on Facebook
• Add my button to your blog.
• Enter any of my other current giveaways (1 entry per giveaway entered)

Please leave a valid email in the comments if your Blogger profile is private so that I can contact you if you win. Giveaway ends 8.17 at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be notified by email and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. See giveaway rules for more information.

I received no product or payment in exchange for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced by the company.

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Reviews Revisited plus Winner Testimonials

I've had the wonderful opportunity to review some great product here at The B Keeps Us Honest. I'd like to take a little time to revisit a few of the reviews and giveaways I've done. We'll talk to the giveaway winners to see if they love the product as much as I do and to see if the products are still great after a few months.

Review - Boy Store

My thoughts: As part of the 2nd Birthday Bash the Boy Store let me choose a few things for Jude. We got an adorable shirt which I still love and Jude wears about once a week. We also got a pair of shorts which while they were size 2 they were a bit big, however he'll grow into them... he just has a tiny butt.

The winner's thoughts: The winner was Josefine from Morristown, NJ she won a $25 Gift Card to the Boy Store. Her thoughts, "I have a nephew who is about to turn 3, so I was able to order him some very cute designer socks!"
Connect with Josefine: www.babycays.blogspot.com

Review - Kidorable

My Thoughts: While we haven't used the rain coat and boots much, mainly because it's so hot and hasnt' rained much here this summer, Jude LOVES this outfit. He wears it around the house for dress up.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Deborah from Wayland, MI way of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. "I won the Kidorable umbrella from you.  Which, did arrive last week!  Thank you.  My nephew is thrilled with it and is excited to take it with him to his first day of school.  He starts kindergarten this Fall."
Connect with Deborah: Homemaker Honey
Twitter:  Homemaker_Honey

Review - Daizy Daze

My thoughts: I do love the idea of this product and have used it a few times, however I have the smallest kitchen in the world with the tinest counter space so I don't leave it out which results in not using it as much as I would like. My hope is that one day I will have a grand glorious kitchen where the recipe holder will live and show off it's beauty to all.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Shar from Noblesville, Indiana.
"My Daisy Daze product is so cute! The prize arrived very quickly too! I would not change a thing about the product as it is creative, fun and unique.  It would be a fun gift for someone too.
Connect with Shar: Twitter account at hjkllkjh 

Double Review: FuzziBunz and Crazy Dog T-shirt:

My thought on FuzziBunz: I was super excited to get this diaper, I've heard great things about FuzziBunz but to be honest I was a little disappointed. It is a great diaper and one of my favorites but the snaps are a little difficult to stay together and the insert is too short. 

My thoughts on Crazy Dog T-shirt: We love Crazy Dog. My husband has 4 shirts from Crazy Dog, I bought him a few for Christmas. He loves witty, pop culture reference t-shirts so Crazy Dog T-shirts are perfect for him.

Winner's thoughts on both: Vanessa won twice. "I won a shirt from Crazy Dog and a Fuzzi Bunz diaper. I let my husband choose a shirt and he LOVES it. The diaper gets used a few times a week and it was a great addition to our stash."

Connect with Vanessa: momlovesdeals.blogspot.com 

Review - Paulina Carcach

My Thoughts: I was super excited to win this bag but I don't use it much. I like the idea of being trendy but most often I use my diaper bag as a purse. I know, it's sad. Looking back I wish I would have choose a bag that works a little better with my lifestyle. I like the look of this bag it's just hard to give up my diaper bag. 

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Helena. "I wanted to e-mail you anyway!  I just barely received my bag from Paulina Carcach.  It took awhile for me to get it, but it is absolutely gorgeous!  I had to e-mail the company twice to get the ball rolling.  Finally it came and it's everything I hoped it would be.  Thanks so much for letting me win this great bag.  I hope that I will be able to enter more of your giveaways."  

Connect with Helena: A Gal Needs at Least Two Blogs

Review - Gazillion Bubbles Machine

My Thought: Jude still loves this bubble machine soo much, so much that we have to hide it or all he wants to do is bubbles. I haven't had any issues with the batteries or power but I do wish there was a way to easily close or drain the soap reservoir.

Winner's Thoughts: The winner was Kimberly from Irving, TX. "I don't know yet how it meets my expectations because I'm giving it to my granddaughter for her birthday next month.  I've read reviews that say that the battery compartment gets wet really easily and causes the machine to stop working.  I'm hoping that we won't have that problem since I know up front that it is an issue and we can keep an eye on it.  I think she's going to love it!"

If you've ever won a giveaway here at The B Keeps Us Honest, email me. I'd love to hear how you like your prize.

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