I’ve been such a big fan of Tiny Prints. I’m so impressed with the many options for any special occasion that we’ve recently used them again for our daughter’s graduation announcements.

We had such  a hard time choosing which announcements to go with; hence, we decided to choose two different graduation announcements from the hundreds available.

Imagine how hard that was!

I loved this photo card as it allowed us use a few of our favorite photos of our daughter in the three slots.

We’ve been so pleased with their superb-friendly customer service, expedient delivery options and of course, quality personalized photo cards that has our recipients in awe as well.

I’m always asked by friends where we get our photo cards from.

Yes, Tiny Prints  WOW’d us again….always delivers excellent quality and never disappoints.

I’ve been inspired to start planning my Christmas photos already since I’ve been on a few photo shoots with my kids this summer as well as other families.

I’m looking forward to seeing all the new designs that Tiny Prints come up with.

Take a minute and check out some of their fabulous photo cards from birth announcements to holiday themes….but be prepared to sit at your computer for a while!

Disclosure: Tiny Prints provided our graduation announcements but as always all opinions expressed are my own. We’ve been using Tiny Prints for years and are thrilled to be able to share them with family, friends and my readers.

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I’m thrilled to be a part of Together Counts™ campaign partnering with The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation in an effort to reduce childhood obesity.

The United States obesity epidemic is at an all time high among both adults and children.

According to recent studies, more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese; even more startling, many kids in this generation will be the first who will not outlive their parents.

As a parent who is passionate about the health and well-being of my children, I’m on a mission to ensure that they achieve optimal health. I’m grateful for the many resources that are available to help with this journey.

Together Counts™ is launching a nationwide program to inspire active and healthy lifestyles.  Families can take action together by creating healthy habits.

The principals are quite simple; it’s all about energy balance through calorie consumption and calorie expenditure (calories in, calories out).

One of my first courses of study for my health and wellness degree was Foundations for Fitness and Exercise which focused on the importance of energy balance in order to stay healthy and fit.

However, learning what calories to consume is vital as many foods that we consume contribute to excessive calorie intake.

Participating in physical activity is a key factor in energy balance because it will burn calories that have been consumed.

At our house, we’ve made a conscious choice to limit activities that is are sedentary such as playing on video games for lengthy periods but rather spend time outdoors whenever possible as the weather allows to enjoy fresh air and activities such as basketball, football and biking.

Together Counts™ is empowering families to be the force for change to live healthier and encouraging families to eat together for the many benefits that it brings.

According to Reader’s Digest, families who have meals together are healthier, share in social benefits that includes engagement and building a bond with one another. In addition, children who eat meals with their family regularly tend to do better at school.

A healthier lifestyle begins in the home. As the saying goes, “kids do what we do, not always what we say;” hence, by setting an example of healthy eating, children will often emulate those healthy habits in their own life as the get older.

Also eating at home allows families to have control over the quantity and quality of food that is prepared and served.

As a mom on a mission to make sure that my family walk in health, family meal time has been an important part of our daily life.

I look forward to being around the dinner table with my family, having meaningful conversations, laughter and making memories.

Families are taking the pledge to engage in physical activity and to eat meals together  across the country; and Together Counts™ is helping them by providing tools to track progress and compare the results within communities across America.

In addition, families can download the mobile app and track their progress from anywhere.

Check out this short video, share it with your family and friends & take the pledge to be healthier and happier.

As a part of this campaign, I will be giving giveaway a $100 Sports Authority gift card.

Please comment below letting me know:

1.      If you’ve taken the Together Counts™ pledge and what state you’re from or

2.       Share your favorite meal or family activity.

That’s it!

*Winners will be selected randomly through http://random.org. No purchase necessary to enter. Giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday, June 1, 2011. This giveaway is available to U.S. residents only.

Disclosure:  I was compensated for the Together Counts campaign in partnership with Mom It Forward but all opinions expressed in this post are mine. As an advocate for healthy living, I support campaigns that are committed to families living healthier and happier.

Winner Update: Congratulations to Jill Losoya!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

3

Timestamp: 2011-06-05 22:23:26 UTC

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I will admit that I’m not a good golfer and could use some lessons. However, my boys have become fond of golfing and I’ve sat at many golf driving ranges writing or reading while they hit the balls; but none quite like TopGolf.

I was invited to preview TopGolf and test my golf driving skills and unfortunately, I didn’t do so well. Nevertheless, I had a blast and was very fascinated  by the entertainment complex with several golf suites lined up and the amazing technology used to keep score of your golf drives.

Each golf ball is embedded with a microchip and when hit allows you to receive immediate feedback sent to the electronic monitor screen in your golf suite. This will help to adjust your swing whether you are an amateur or an avid golfer.

TopGolf is not just another golf driving range, it’s a year round entertainment facility with an indoor and outdoor dining, rooftop bar and grill over looking the golf range and great for private or corporate events.  We sampled several delicious entrees served by their warm and friendly staff.

TopGolf is located in Wood Dale, IL just fifteen minutes south of Woodfield Mall.

The team at TOPGOLF would like to extend a Complimentary SIX month Executive Membership to a winner. This membership entitles you to:

• 6 months of unlimited games
• Unlimited miniature golf
• (1) 30 minute private lesson with an Academy Instructor,
• Priority Waitlist
• Ability to reserve Executive Suites (7) days in advance.
• 10% off all food & beverages purchased-including events

Visit TopGolf’s website to take a peak at this state of the art entertainment golf complex. Whether you want to take up a new hobby or treat someone to a six month Executive Membership, this is a perfect gift to share.

To enter, you can do one of the following:

1. Comment below and let me know if you would like to win this for yourself or gift it to someone special.

For additional chances to enter:

Post Giveaway & share with friends on Facebook

Tweet this Giveaway: Win a 6 Month Executive Membership at TopGolf: http://goo.gl/rr3TT via @DuongSheahan

This giveaway will end on Monday, Decembers 20, at 11:59 pm CST and a winner will be notified by Tuesday. (Limited to US Residents only)

Winner Update: Congratulations to Jill R. Losoya for winning the 6 month Executive Membership!

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Recently, I was invited by Meagan Francis who coordinated a Girlfriends Getaway weekend sponsored by  Experience Grand Rapids. I’ve never been to Grand Rapids, Michigan but when you add “girlfriends” and “getaway”…I was in.

And…what a fabulous weekend it was. There’s nothing like taking time away from your busy schedule to enjoy a little time with girlfriends. I was blessed to be able to bring one of my best friends, Leslie Jones from Junior High to experience Grand Rapids with me, along with some other social media women for a fun-filled weekend.

We had no idea what to expect but we were in for exploring a city just a little over three hours drive from Chicago. As we pulled into downtown Grand Rapids, I couldn’t believe how quaint, clean and easy it was to get around and find our destination. I immediately noticed the city’s architecture had a lot of character and charm; and the scene at night was pretty  lively. Leslie was just as impressed.

It’s not a hick city that I had envisioned; it certainly gave off a good first impression, but we had a whole weekend to find out what Grand Rapids had to offer its visitors.

Because of heavy traffic coming from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, unfortunately, we missed dinner with our group at the Grand Rapids International Food & Wine Festival. However, with the many restaurants in the area to choose from, we opted for a quiet- intimate dinner at the Chop House across from  our hotel.

We began our weekend early on Saturday at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, with a tour of the Princess Diana exhibit, “Diana a Celebration.” I was in awe and moved throughout the exhibit as I caught a glimpse into her life and work as a compassionate humanitarian. Collections of her personal belongings were showcased (journals, gemstones, the royal wedding gown, her crown & hand written notes to name a few of the 150 objects exhibited).

Tears welled up as I watched Princess Diana’s funeral with Elton John singing Candle in the Wind and recalling the tragedy that shortened the life of an amazing human being; an ordinary woman who became extraordinary, full of grace, and had a global impact on the lives of many.

The Princess of Wales’ legacy continues to live on and the world gets a peak as Diana, a Celebration goes on tour to select art museums around the world and currently at the Grand Rapids Art Museum until February 16th.

We had a fabulous lunch at The Green Well which is known for serving healthy entrees such as the Quinoa salad, which was out of this world. Speaking of Green, I was surprised to learn that Grand Rapids is known for being one of the Greenest cities in America!

After lunch, we shopped at several boutiques right on the same strip as The Green Well. I especially loved PINK BLVD, très chic…known for being the “driving force in fashion.” I’d say so myself.

With a few hours to spare, we took a wonderful tour of Frederick Meijer’s Gardens & Sculpture Park where they were getting ready to usher in a Winter Wonderland theme showcasing Christmas trees from around the world.

Leslie and I headed back our hotel at the Amway Grand Plaza where a spa treatment awaited…followed by a nice little nap to get us re-charged for the evening. Can’t have a getaway without a little pampering and some R&R.

We wrapped up our day with a delicious dinner at Sanchez, a Tapas bistro. The ambiance was perfect as we tried several unique tapas dishes. The Gran Paella-Oman Lobster  also known as Lobster Casserole (lobster tails, shrimp, assorted sea food, chicken and saffron rice) is one of the entrees that I recommend.

Grand Rapids, Michigan is full of surprises. Big names like Amway and Frederick Meijer (founder of Meijer grocery) are seen on buildings around the city. It’s also the home of Chris Van Allsburg; author of the popular Christmas book, Polar Express (Grand Rapids was in the movie).

This city exudes a warm atmosphere that awaits new visitors like myself. Leslie and I were exceedingly impressed by Grand Rapids, from the moment we arrived to the moment we departed.

Did I already say that it was a fun-filled weekend?

Check out this short video of our girlfriends getaway…

Giveaway: You have an opportunity to Experience Grand Rapids Girlfriends’ Getaway!

• Girlfriends’ Getaway Package Contents Included in gift bag tote:
• An iPod shuffle with a Podcast about Grand Rapids
• 2 Adult Tickets to the Grand Rapids Art Museum exhibit Diana: A celebration
• The Accommodations Certificate for a 1 night stay at the Gatehouse Suites
• Official Experience Grand Rapids Visitor Guide

*Transportation & meals are not included.

Giveaway will end Saturday, December 18th at 11:59 CST. Winner will be notified via email. (Open to US residents Only).

Enter by:

1. Leaving a Comment, ei: “a girlfriends getaway is just what I need.”

If you would like to have more than 1 entry: (Please leave comment for each).

2. Tweet this give away: Experience Grand Rapids Girlfriends Getaway GIVEAWAY http://goo.gl/RfxsC via @duongsheahan (if you are on Twitter).

3. Share this Giveaway link on Facebook: http://goo.gl/RfxsC

Here are other opportunities to win by others:

• Hormone Colored Days- Grand Rapids, MI Family Getaway Giveaway! (ends 12/14)

• A Grand Giveaway: Grand Rapids Family Getaway (ends 12/14)

Winner Update: Congratulations to Lori Wikel for Winning this Grand Rapids Girlfriends’ Getaway!!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers: (via www.random.org)

12

Timestamp: 2010-12-19 20:07:50 UTC

Disclosure: Girlfriends getaway weekend was sponsored by Experience Grand Rapids (all expense paid) and they also provided this giveaway. I was not compensated to write this post, but I love to share new discoveries with my readers and was given the opportunity to host the giveaway. All opinions shared are my own.

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Hello friends! I’m doing a whole lot of writing this week, hence I’m going to be Vlogging some giveaways to give my fingers a little break! Actually, I need to get  back to Vlogging more, so perhaps this will be my 2011 New Year’s Resolution. Go ahead and check out the video for White House | Black Market $100 Gift card….

This giveaway will end on Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST and winners will selected via www.random.org and announced by Thursday. (US residents ONLY). Go for it… Just comment.

For Extra Entries, please leave each additional comment if you do any of the following: (not mandatory)

Tweet (if you are on Twitter or share with friends on Facebook:

Enter to Win a White House Black Market $100 Gift Card: http://goo.gl/Gg5EP via @duongsheahan

Congratulations Colleen! #27

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

27

Timestamp: 2010-12-09 07:39:04 UTC

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Oh, ‘Tis the Season for holiday treats. This is the time of year when I’m a little more lenient on myself. I’m all about healthy eating but I do enjoy a little indulgence of chocolates and holiday cookies now and then.

I’ve been so impressed with 1800 Baskets that I wanted my readers to have a chance to experience some of their goodies.

Below are three exquisite holiday gift baskets from 1800 Baskets.

Three people will have the opportunity to win one of these baskets that can be sent directly to you or someone you want to bless!

To enter to win one of these baskets, all you have to do is:

Share in comments, which holiday gift basket you’d like to receive! That’s it.

Giveaway ends on Sunday at 9pm CST. US Residents only. (Winners will be selected using Random.org)

Comfort & Joy Sweet Treats Gift Basket

Send holiday tidings that will make them glad all over with this colorful, round steel-wire gift basket. It’s brimming over with sweet treats, including a creamy-cool Harry London® White Chocolate Peppermint Pretzel, decadent Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Mint Squares, King Leo® Soft Peppermint Puffs, a gourmet hand-pulled jumbo candy cane and more.

Festive Holiday Sleigh Gift Basket

This festive holiday gift basket is a must for making spirits bright this season. The nostalgic red metallic sleigh with gold runners arrives tied with an elegant scarlet and gold bow and is filled with wonderful treats they’ll love, including rich Fannie May® Cookies & Cream Bark, creamy Ferrero Rocher® Chocolates, Walkers® Olde English Royal Toffee Candy, unique citrus spice appetizer spread paired with flatbread, almond French twists, caramel filled caramel medallions and much more.

Golden Swirl Holiday Gift Basket

Inspired by snow gently swirling through a windswept winter woodland, this gorgeous gift basket truly reflects the grace and beauty the season. The sturdy wood basket is embellished with ornamental scrollwork and arrives at a dear friend or family member’s door overflowing with holiday delicacies including Godiva® Dark Truffle Heart Biscuits, Lindt® Assorted Chocolate Truffles, Ghirardelli® White Mocha Hot Beverage Mix, Carousel® Red Delicious Apple Caramels, savory Camembert flavored cheese spread paired with cracked pepper crackers and much more.

Disclosure: 1800 Baskets provided these holiday gift baskets for the giveaway.

Update: Giveaway is now CLOSED! (Sunday, Dec 5th) Congratulations to the Winners below!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

5	13	19

Timestamp: 2010-12-06 03:26:40 UTC

Baskets:

#1 Lori Wikel: Comfort & Joy

#2 Meagan: Holiday Sleigh

#3 Suzanne Knoerr: Golden Swirl

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Who doesn’t love a new pair of PJs?

Take the Soma Intimates PJ personality test and find out which PJ personality you are and enter to win a $100 Gift Card from my good friends at Soma Intimates. (You don’t have to take the PJ Personality test to enter!).

I took the PJ Personality test and realized that I may have multiple personalities: a little Wild, Chic, Glam and even Classic; which made it very difficult to choose which PJs I wanted to order.

I chose the Classic Personality PJs and received this beautiful Diamond Dot Satin set.  I love that it’s simple, soft and elegant.

Now you can enter for a chance to win $100 Gift Card to use on Personality PJs or any item of your choice from Soma!

Giveaway Ends Friday, Dec 3rd at Midnight CST.

You only need to do one of the following to enter. You may enter more than once!

For additional chances to win, please enter a separate comment and be sure to leave your Facebook name, Twitter ID or email so I can contact you.

1. Share your Personality PJ results or just leave a comment.

2. Follow Soma Intimates on Twitter

3. Like Soma Intimates on Facebook

4. Share Giveaway with your Facebook or Twitter friends {Enter to win a $100 Soma Intimates Gift Card: http://goo.gl/kfn8H

Disclosure: Soma Intimates provided me with the Gift card for the giveaway and Diamond Dot Satin set Pjs.

WINNER: Congratulations to Mia Kozel, #10!

Random Integer Generator at www.random.org

Here are your random numbers:

10

Timestamp: 2010-12-04 14:50:02 UTC

If you didn’t win, feel free to ENTER to win an exquisite holiday gift basket from 1800 Baskets: http://goo.gl/XZ4FL

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Yes, that’s right! You heard….I’m giving away 50 customizable Tiny Prints Christmas cards! If you’re new to Tiny Prints, you’re in for sweet treat because visiting their website is almost like being a kid in a candy store.

From elegant and simple to whimsical, Tiny Prints quality customizable cards in an array of styles, shapes, and size is what attracted me to order my first Christmas cards a few years go and keeps me returning.

I love to send and receive Christmas cards; it’s a good old tradition that I’ve hung on to even though E-cards are much more convenient in this digital age.

I’ve even wondered if people are still sending Christmas cards in the mail anymore and decided to take an impromptu poll to find out.

I tapped into my friends and followers from Facebook, Twitter and email for a response and was pleasantly surprised by the results from those who responded by the deadline.

Although the poll  had closed, I continued receiving emails and comments by others who responded with the majority preferring to “send cards in the mail.” My Christmas Card Poll even made it into a couple of Top Daily stories on Twitter  the next day. It’s nice to know that some good old traditions aren’t going away. Thank you to all those who participated!

This year, I’m eager to get a head start  and hopefully have my cards selected, sealed, stamped, and sent the first week of December (Duong’s 4S code for getting out Christmas cards). We shall see about that!

Last year I chose a fun tri-fold, Lacy Holiday: Red Spanish: I thought the red would blend perfectly with the Autumn colors in the pictures. I wanted a card with more than one photo slot to share a Fall theme by using a few photos that I had taken at a gorgeous Botanical garden. I personalized the card, from the little greeting on the lace ribbon to a personal message on the back side. 

Front

Back

Center Back

This year, I have my eyes  on a few cards, but have narrowed it down to this one below….(I think). Now if I just stop browsing the site, I may actually make my goal of getting my Christmas cards customized and finished by Thanksgiving (4S)!

Floral Twist: Die Cut (Front)

Back

With that said, I am thrilled to give you a chance to win 50 customizable Christmas cards; thanks to Tiny Prints for partnering with me for this give away.

Here’s now to win 50 Christmas cards from Tiny Prints:

This give away will end on Tuesday, November 22, 2010  at 9:oopm CST. A winner will be selected randomly and notified by Wednesday morning.

Enter to win by doing any one of the following and make sure you let me know how to reach you (ei: Twitter Id, email) so I can notify you if you are the winner and tell you how you can receive your 50 Free Christmas cards.  (For US residents only).

Comment below to enter and let me know that you entered:

1. Follow Tiny Prints on Twitter

2. “Like” Tiny Prints on Facebook

3. Tweet our Share on FB:  “Enter to win 50Tiny Prints Customized Christmas Card Giveaway”: http://goo.gl/lV1ez

4. Follow me on Twitter

5. Visit Tiny Prints and Comment below which card (s) is your favorite.

Feel free to check back on Wednesday, November 24- a winner will be posted.

P.S For my readers:  Personalize a calendar or photobook and use this code to receive 25% off: BKCAL25

Disclosure: Tiny Prints has provided me with my Christmas cards this year and 50 cards to giveaway. I’ve been using Tiny Prints for years and was happy to share my experience with you. Some links in this post will lead to Tiny Prints affiliate where I am compensated for purchases made through my site.

This Giveaway is Now Closed @Tuesday, 9pm CST

WINNER: Congratulations to Mimi #28 {Please respond to my email by Friday, November 26th for instructions on how to receive your 50 Free Custom Christmas Cards from Tiny Prints.

Random Integer Generator at www.random.org

Here are your random numbers:

28

Timestamp: 2010-11-24 14:05:30 UTC

If you didn’t win you can take advantage of this week’s special by visiting Tiny Prints:

Sitewide sale: 10% off $49+ ;  15% off $99+ ; 20% off $199+  & Plus Free Shipping
Code: TPNOV20

Or Visit Tiny Prints Facebook Fan for “deal of the day” (Wed., Thurs.,  Fri.,  & Mon.)

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I’ve found an excuse to avoid going out in the cold this winter thanks to The Wii Fit Plus event I recently attended. A group of Wii Fit enthused women joined Miss Lori Nash (aka @misslori)  for a fun filled health & fitness experience with Nintendo’s new and improved “Wii Fit Plus”.

Lilibeth, Natalie (Wii Fit trainers), Miss Lori & I

I’ve never touched a Wii Fit and I do not own the Wii System and as a matter of fact, because I usually go to the gym, I really didn’t feel the need to get a Wii. I’ve tried many home videos and still prefer to work out at the health club.

I won’t discontinue my gym membership just yet; but having spent the afternoon experiencing the new Wii Fit Plus, I’m already planning to supplement my work outs. It couldn’t have been more timely with the Midwest winter kicking in and on a day like today with weather advisory for snow, rain and sleet…good reason to stay in and put the Wii Fit Plus to use!

This is not a review,  but rather sharing an experience with the the Rythm Kungfu session. Once I’ve experienced the Wii Fit Plus, perhaps I will do a thorough review. This session with Rythm Kungfu was one of my favorite and I think I burned more calories laughing. Laughter is good medicine…and it’s even better when you can laugh at yourself!

P.S Thanks to the Nintendo folks for sending me home with the Wii Fit Plus & Wii Fit work out jacket…I’m ready to roll!

Hi-Yah!

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received the Wii Fit Plus as a gift after attending the Wii Fit Plus Event. I was not asked to blog or write about the product; however, when I discover a product or service that I like, I love to share it with my readers.  The opinions of this post are purely my own.

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We’ve barely had a chance to enjoy the beautiful Autumn foliage that envelops the Midwest at this time of year.  And prior to Fall’s official calendar date, seeing retailers with early Christmas displays would literally make me gasp or have a sigh of disbelief. I did well to avoid being lured over for a glance at the newest Christmas piece that would go so well in my home and I certainly was not in the Christmas spirit by any means until…

One day, an invitation for Chicagonista to tour Pampered Chef head quarters in Addison, Illinois. This was for the Holiday Cooking and Party demonstration with their in house Chefs.  Pampered Chefs were going to be on hand sharing how to keep the holidays free from stress with simple recipes ranging from whipping up a left-over turkey dinner, preparing delicious and healthy appetizers to using the right utensils and making your Christmas baking experience fun and effortless.  Fun and effortless?? For me…baking is laborious and never effortless! This was also the first time ever that Pampered Chef test kitchens were opened to the public!

I didn’t want to think about the holidays quite yet…but a tour of Pampered Chef head quarters and getting a sneak peak of what those Chefs have been whipping up in the test kitchens all these years…was actually very interesting and a great use of my time. I’m all about having a stress free holiday and I new recipes for some of my gatherings are always welcome especially coupled a great group of women from Chicagonista.

Being a huge fan of Pampered Chef for many years, going to many parties, and owning several of their products, the invitation to be at this event was an honor.  Yes…we’re still in October…and yes it’s too early for Christmas …but when you have a product or a company’s been a part of home and that you already love…getting tempted with a little early Christmas makes you inquisitive about what they’re “cookin’ up for the holidays!”

What a great way to enjoy a stress free holiday with some of these fabulous and delicious recipes that I’ve gotten to personally taste! All recipes will be in a separate post “Pampered Chef Recipes for the Holidays” coming soon.

An out of this world healthy appetizer

Honey-Apple Brie Bites

Chef making a great dinner using left-over turkey in the Pampered Chef Baker with cover:

Tasty Turkey Tetrazzni

What’s dinner without a dessert or two:  (made w/cookie press).

Classic Spritz Cookie

Peppermint Fudge Cookie Sandwiches

Fabulous Non-Alcoholic beverage for the whole family:  (served in Pampered Chef’s festive new Dots Martini Glass)

Cran-Rasberry Fizz

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