Welcome! All American Mommy is a positive place where you'll read about people and companies that are making a difference. Search around and I know you'll find inspiring stories, yummy recipes, parenting advice, fun giveaways and great new product reviews.
CONTACT:
allamericanmommy@gmail.com

Friday, November 7, 2008

Friday's Fun Fitness Facts (Giveaway)

WOO HOO!!! I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT!!
OMG I ran for 22 minutes without stopping! (I think I could have gone longer but my joints aren’t conditioned for that just yet).You have no idea how big this is for me! Last spring I decided that I wanted to start training to run a 5K. Well, now it’s fall and I didn’t make that 5K. I’ve always been one that likes to stay active and running was something that I was never really good at. I could do aerobics, walk, and weight train but never seemed to have enough endurance or stamina to run. Well…..I’ve been working with a few new products and it gave me the motivation to get outside and run, run, run!
I was shocked last night! You know, usually when I would try to run I felt like my heart was going to blow up after just 5 minutes. Not to mention the wheezing! I felt great last night and I’m proud to say that I could have sang the entire National Anthem after my 22 minute run!
If you’re a runner and you have any tips to send my way, please do! I can’t wait to get back out tonight! I think I’ve discovered my “inner runner”!
Want to know what helped in motivating me?? Read on!!


Natural Fitness

For the last few weeks I’ve had the pleasure of trying several different products from Natural Fitness. Their online store is awesome and the prices are better than the stores here in my area! Plus through their Zero Impact Program, they offset the environmental impact of the production and transportation of their products. Awesome!

Their website offers training tips and videos AND you get a free subscription to Fitness Magazine for an entire year when you purchase through their site. They also offer a newsletter to keep you informed.

I’ve been using their Natural Yoga Kit which comes with a rubber mat that contains no PVC(no stinky “rubber” smell), a natural hemp yoga strap, and bamboo yoga block. Love it! I also love their Resistance Toning Kit which comes with the exercise ball, toning bands, instruction charts, and DVD. The yoga kit sells for $62.50 and the resistance kit sells for $29.99. They have so many other great products too! Check it out here!



Encourage your kids to live an active lifestyle!
………..”Fit from the Start”
From Heather Le Var, founder of Sporting Baby:
Sporting Baby creates inspiring athletic clothing for children of active parents. We are proud to represent sports that are largely ignored by major fashion designers and companies. Our goal is to offer hip, fashionable, athletic wear. Inspired by the arrival of our children into this world, we were challenged to find any kind of baby clothing that had some connection to running. Having discovered that most of the sports we love weren't represented in the marketplace, an idea was born. We have drawn upon our personal experience as swimmers and runners to hopefully provide like-minded parents with clothing that represents the love they hold for both their chosen sport as well as their children. Sporting Baby embraces a way of life that embodies fitness from the start. We hope you enjoy our clothes as much as we have enjoyed creating them!
Sporting Baby currently has 6 cute styles to choose from and they hope to grow and add many more! I cannot stress enough the importance of raising our children to be active, healthy adults! I love the idea of Sporting Baby! Best of all, they Give Back to charities such as the Corporate Angel Network!
I think every little one should be “sporting” one of these! Click here to check out their site!

Dance It Off……show me what you’re working with!!

This is so much fun you won’t even know that it’s a workout! Work it girl and dance your way to a fit bod! With hypnotic Latin rhythms you can Samba and Merengue your way to strong abs and sculpted buns, thighs, and arms!
This system was designed by world champion Latin ballroom dancers Jaana Kunitz and Julia Powers with over17 years of dance and fitness expertise. This fitness concept had been proven to deliver results and boost self-esteem in a short period of time. AND it’s lots of fun!!
The Core Rhythms Starter Pack includes A Full Workout; Quick Workout; Latin Dance Made Easy; and Kick Start DVD’s along with a free seven day Diet Guide with menu plans to help you slim down while toning up!
This system retails for $39.99 and is sold at retailers such as Target, Kohl’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond, or online at www.corerhythms.com. Check out their site for more information and to read success stories!


Stop Aging – Start Training
A Guide to Looking and Feeling Twenty Years Younger
This book will inspire and motivate you to get active! Exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, and professional speaker, Sal Fichera has developed a program geared toward helping people attain more strength, increase flexibility, improved balance, and great endurance. As our bodies begin to age these decrease. I try to remind myself….”if you don’t use it – you loose it”!
Sal Fichera has been featured in countless magazine articles, radio, websites and has become a valuable source for media who seek his wide ranging expertise and unique perspective.
In his book Stop Aging – Start Training, Sal provides detailed exercise descriptions and photos that make it easy to correctly master the techniques. Exercises are categorized according to specific muscle groups. There is an in-depth coverage of core strength development (essential because the core is the center for balance and strength), as well as clear instructions on the optimal order in which exercises should be performed.
I highly recommend this book! Visit www.Forza Fitness.com for more information and to get your copy of this book!

Fitness For the Traveler
The Fit Traveler (Giveaway)
The perfect gift for the traveling woman for less than $20! The Fit Traveler, designed by The Fitness Boutique, LLC, is a practical, fully-illustrated guide to using light-weight resistance bands for a full body work out. It’s no bigger than a 200 page novel so you can take it and use it anywhere! They also offer a Senior Edition and coming soon…….Fit Maternity and Fit Disabled!

The Fitness Boutique, LLC was founded by Kari Eide and Lissa Mueller who both bring a lot of experience and knowledge to the table.Kari has been a self-proclaimed exercise junking for nearly 20 years. While attending California State University, Fresno, she took several courses in nutrition and physical eduction to further nurture her passion for physical fitness. The Fit Traveler was inspired by a life-altering car accident and Kari's determination to recover and regain her healthy, fit lifestyle. Lissa has been active in the local fitness arena since opening Mueller Fitness with her husband, Vance in March of 1995. She is an A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer and has developed fitness programs for clients of varying age and ability. She is an A.C.E. Certified Aerobic Instructor and former Group Fitness Coordinator at Mueller Fitness in El Dorado Hills, CA. Recently, Lissa has become a physical education teacher, incorporating yoga and Pilates into her students' fitness regimens, as well as educating them on the importance of lifelong healthy habits.
Click here to check it out!

GIVEAWAY
Please leave a comment telling me what you do for exercise and why it works for you for a chance to have your very own The Fit Traveler. Please be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you. Ends November 30.



Sprigs (Giveaway)
Sprigs Bangee will hold everything you need while on the go!
Leave your handbag behind and keep your valuable close at hand with Banjees wrist wallets. I used one last night for my house key while I was running. It worked great and they come in so many fun styles and colors.
You can store cash, keys, and even small phones in the zippered pouch. They are made with breathable, stretchy fabric and they’re perfect for men, women, and kids too! Send them to school with your kids and you won’t have to worry about them losing their house key or lunch money!
Sprigs is an innovative apparel accessory company with a passion for bringing the unconventional to life, their mission is to enhance your life by melding style and function into products of unique design. They offer many great products that make perfect gifts! Click here to check them out!
Giveaway
Four lucky winners will receive their very own Banjee wrist wallet! Click here to visit their site and tell which product you like best. Please leave your email address so I can contact you. Ends November 30.


One last note from me. I hope that all of these products will help to inspire you to live a healthy and active lifestyle! I will continue to share my running progress with you and please feel free to give me any tips or advice that you think will help me along the way!
In closing this long and informative post…………….Happy Trails To You!!!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Give RESPECT

Gifts that Give Back

Family Violence Prevention Fund

For more than two decades, the FVPF has been one of the world's leading organizations working to prevent violence against women and children.

Purchase a RESPECT bracelet exclusively at Macy’s this year! The Family Violence Prevention Fund and Macy’s have teamed up for this multi-year movement designed to raise awareness of domestic violence and dating violence and to encourage positive discourse about prevention by teaching respect. One in three women worldwide and countless families across this country experience domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Each trendy bracelet is only $5 and makes the perfect gift for teachers, stocking stuffers, and any lady on your Christmas list! Half of the proceeds from the sale of each bracelet goes to benefit the RESPECT! Campaign. Click here for Macy’s media materials.

Here's another way you can help!

In support of the RESPECT Campaign, Geoffrey Beene, LLC will donate $5 every time you offer an "act of respect" on the campaign's site, http://giverespect.org/, up to a total of $500,000 through December 31, 2008. Go to the website and Geoffrey Beene, LLC will automatically donate $5. It's so easy and you can help, click here !

Create Your Own Healthy Snack


Here’s to happy snacking and good health that you create yourself! ElementBars.com allows users to design their own custom energy bars by selecting organic or nonorganic ingredients and then naming their bar. Those who want proven taste and nutrition can customize a “popular bar” that has received the most positive reviews by other users of Element Bars. Each bar is handmade, packaged, and then labeled with its custom bar name and nutrition information. Gift certificates are also available. Click here to build your own element bar.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Ringling Bothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus Ticket Giveaway


FAMILY DISCOUNTS FOR TICKETS TO THE RINGLING BROS. BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS AT THE PALACE IN AUBURN HILLS, MI.

Don't miss out on family fun and memories! Not to mention these great coupon offers and a chance to win 4 tickets with the All Access Pre-show which allows you to go down to the floor and interact with the performers for an hour before the show!!

Show dates:
Thursday November 13 @ 7:30 PM
Friday November 14 @ 11:00 AM
Saturday November 15 @ 11:30 AM, 7:30PM
Sunday November 16 @ 5:00 PM

Visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/, search Bellobration, select show and use one of the following coupon codes:




Enter Code: MOM to get $10 Kids tickets! Valid for ANY seats at the following shows: Thu Nov 13 7:30pm, Fri Nov 14 11am, Sat Nov 15 11:30am, 7:30pm, Sun Nov 16 5pm

Enter Code: MCC to get 20% off discount on tickets to ALL Auburn Hills shows but offer not good on VIP, Front Row or Circus Celebrity seats. Not combinable with any other offers.



GIVEAWAY: 4 TICKETS!!

Please leave me a comment and tell me who you would like to take to the circus. Please specify the date and time of the show you would like to attend and leave your email address so I can contact you.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Four Blooms Essential Oils (Giveaway)




Four Blooms Essential Oils offers hand blended aromatherapy products to nurture and heal. I had the opportunity to try their detox blends and I enjoyed it! They are carefully blended with the best essential oils that help awaken the senses. Essential oils are a remarkable gift from the earth that provide a natural and powerful approach to healing and healthy living.

Four Blooms Gives Back! 5% of all online sales goes to support Hopelink, a charity that serves the needs of homeless and low-income families.


Four Blooms Essential Oils offers remedies for many issues. Physical concerns such as asthma, migraines, high blood pressure, menopause. Mental/emotional issues such as addiction, anger, insomnia, and stress. Skin and body care needs such as acne, cellulite treatment, mature skin, nail care, and stretch marks. They also have a certified aromatherapist available to address any questions or particular needs.

About the owner: Lesley Hobbs runs a yoga and aromatherapy business in Remond, Washington. Prior to establishing her business in 2005, she held a variety of teaching positions in schools and colleges in the US and Ireland. She earned her certificate (Level III) in Aromatherapy in 2004 and became a Registered Yoga Teacher in 2005. She also holds a B.A. in French and Spanish. Click here to discover all of her great products.

Giveaway: You can get the Essential Oils Small Starter Kit which includes a guide to using essential oils. Click here and tell me what products interest you the most and why. Please be sure to include you email address so I can contact you. Ends November 22, 2008.

All-Natural All American Mommy Gift Ideas




OBLI ORGANICS

Make a statement with clothing that makes a difference! Obli offers clothing for baby, kid’s and even for doggie! All their styles are hip and trendy styles with positive eco messages. Super cute! All of their garments are made with 100% certified organic cotton and manufactured using fair trade practices.

About Michelle Young and Melissa Blanco: As sisters, we had always dreamed of forming a family company. One that would provide us the opportunity to do work that mattered in a creative environment while keeping our family a priority. As parents to 3 boys and 2 dogs between the two of us, launching an organic clothing company dedicated to providing hip and trendy styles for children and pets while being stewards of the environment fit the bill perfectly.

Drawing on each others strengths, we truly enjoy working together. However, nothing compares to the feeling that our hard work and dedication is going to something that we believe in and ultimately will contribute to the betterment of our environment. Plus, the company provides us with a legitimate excuse to give our husbands for the endless hours spent on the phone!

Obli means On Borrowed Land, Inc. We wanted the name to be short and sweet but we also wanted it to have meaning. OBLI is fun, but it also stands as a reminder that, in the end, we are all truly just borrowing the land and passing it on to the next generation. Click here to shop!




Dreaming of a green holiday? IgnaFire Chocolates help by providing unprocessed, whole-bean chocolates wrapped in completely biodegradable packaging. We had the chance to sample them and they are fantastic. ALL of the packaging is eco-friendly! All printed information is on dissolvable potato paper which washes down the kitchen sink and the chocolates are wrapped in a custom cellulose bag that composts in 45-60 days.

IgnaFire Chocolates are dark chocolates made from whole, stone ground cacao beans that have been lightly sweetened with Mexican sugar. No cacao butter is removed or added, and they avoid extensive heating and industrial processing of most other chocolate, keeping all the healthful flavanols and antioxidants that occur naturally in the bean, along with its natural flavor. No dairy ingredients are added, so they are also a great choice for vegans.

IngaFire chocolates are available as chocolates or ground powder for making hot chocolate. Each are available in four different flavors: cacao, cinnamon, vanilla, and moka. They make the perfect gift or stocking stuffer for anyone!

These chocolates are manufactured and sold by Ingabar, LLC, a Texas based company committed to producing unprocessed chocolates and trash-free packaging. For more information or to order your very own eco-friendly, delectable treat, click here!




SKOY is an eco-friendly household cleaning cloth that outlasts 15 rolls of paper towels. Wow! This cloth is 100% biodegradable, natural, and re-usable. They are washer and dryer safe, which means you can use them over and over again. This is a product I use and love!

Here’s a fun fact: Did you know that 2.5 million tons of paper towels go into landfills annually? That is shocking!

SKOY was founded by Michelle Lundgvist and Karen Petersen. In all their experience in cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, they were using products they weren’t satisfied with, so they decided to provide a product that was great and viable.

Think of all the benefits you’ll be providing by using SKOY in your home! Get a 4 pack for only $5.99. Click here to learn more.











AloSun is a division of Affinity Beauty Group Aloe Creme Laboratories. AloSun was founded in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1953 and was one of the first to incorporate the anti-aging properties of Aloe Vera into a skincare line. Over 50 years later, they continue to bring generations of consumers tried-and-true products while pioneering the latest advancements in skin and suncare. I’ve had the opportunity to try them and I’ll tell you it’s true! There are great benefits to Aloe Vera!

AloSun Spa Hydrating Hair Mask – I’m a natural blonde and I’ll admit that my stylist just enhances my natural color. Well, that extra processing causes my hair to get dry and brittle. The hydrating hair mask does wonders to transform dry hair into lustrous hair! Build-up free formula means Hydrating Hair Mask is a perfect way to get sleek shiny hair everyday!

AloSun Moisture-Lock Organic Body Oil – an ultra hydrating body oil used as a protective barrier, sealing in essential moisture to leave skin soft and silky all day long. Winter is on it’s way and that means dry, flaky skin. Ugh! Just a few drops after your shower will lock in moisture all day! It’s absorbed so effectively that you can also use it on your scalp and it will add luster to your hair without leaving a greasy residue.

Skin Buff - foaming exfoliator and one of the only scrubs on the market designed to be a perfect polish for both face and body. The gentle complex contains tiny micro-granules, which dislodge blackheads, debris, and dead skin cells, then cleanse pores and sweep away bacteria-causing materials. Skin is perfectly balanced: free of excess oil, brightened, tightened, and refined. AND feeling fresh!

Body Bare Penetrating Emollient - emollient-rich crème that soothes, moisturizes, and protects skin for premature aging and an effective blend of proven skin conditioners. It’s made with sunflower oil, vitamin E, and raw Aloe Vera – known for its deep penetrating ability and effectiveness in delivering lost hydration directly to the source.

Clarifying Hair and Body Shampoo – another all-in-one product that simplifies your shower routine. Balanced for all hair and skin types. This invigorating body and scalp system serves up a fragrant lather, restores shine, and helps extend color!

Each of these products sells for around $5.00 each and would make an excellent gift or stocking stuffer for any mommy! They also offer a rewards program for their customers. Click here for more information on their products!




Sunday, November 2, 2008

Holiday Gift Guide Top Pick (Giveaway)

NEW, AWARD WINNING JUMPSTART 3D VIRTUAL ADVENTURE

Give the gift of fun and adventure that’s educational at the same time! Trusted by over 20 million parents, JumpStart 3D Virtual World has received several awards including National Parenting Center Seal of Approval, Children’s Technology Review Editor’s Choice, Mom’s Choice Award and many others. JumpStart 3D Virtual World blends learning and entertainment to create the best possible development environment for kids ages 3-8. Included membership to www.JumpStart com allows parents to customize kids’ gameplay, connect with other grown-ups, and access even more safe and exciting games for kids. JumpStart products are available online and at retailers including Target, Best Buy, ToysRus, Walmart, Costco, and Office Depot. Click here to see it at Best Buy.

Giveaway: Click here to tell me what you think of their products. One winner will be selected to win JumpStart 3D Virtual World: My First Adventure. Please leave your email address in your comments so I can contact you. Giveaway ends November 18, 2008.

All American Mommy Gift Guide (Giveaways)


Playskool Shake, Rattle & Roll Teether makes the perfect stocking stuffer for baby’s first Holiday! It stimulates baby’s senses with bright colors, a variety of textures and three teethable rolling shapes. It’s easy for baby to grasp, helps develop hand/eye coordination and provides sounds that will entertain and distract babies from the pain of teething. Playskool Shake, Rattle & Roll Teether is available for $4.49 at CVS stores nationwide or online at CVS.com.

Giveaway: Tell me what you do to relieve the pain of teething for your baby and you could win your own Shake, Rattle & Roll Teether from Playskool. Please be sure to leave your email address in your comments so I can contact you. Giveaway ends November 20, 2008.

Smart, Trendy Gifts for Moms (Giveaway)


Baby Bling

Hip, Trendy, Smart Jewelry for moms, Baby Bling from Smart Mom is what you need! Smart mom jewelry has been featured on CNBC, in numerous magazines, and several celebrity mommys have been seen sporting their Baby Bling. Teething Bling was designed for little ones to handle and chew. Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling looks great on and is also safe for curious babies. With so many styles and colors to choose from, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for every outfit. Click here for more information.

Giveaway: Click here and tell me what’s your favorite product and color. Two lucky winners will be chosen to win a matching pendant and bracelet. Please include your email address in your comments so I can contact you. Giveaway ends November 16, 2008.

Holiday Gift Guide (Top Picks Giveaways)


CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT ON DVD

The Frog Bride and Aesop Bops are two performances on DVD that kids are sure to love! Give the gift of great music and great art to children with these two theatrical shows on DVD from David Gonzalez. After performing his magical, multi-media works for the past 25 years for thousands of young audiences, storyteller/performer David Gonzalez casts his spell onto the screen with hours of myths, folk tales, and fairy tales that engage imaginations and opens the hearts of all age. For live performance dates and locations contact April Thibeault at april@amtpublicrelations.com. Click here to buy your copies today!

Giveaway: Click here to tell me the most interesting thing about David Gonzalez. Two winners will receive a copy of either The Frog Bride or Aesop Bops. Leave your comments and tell me what DVD you would like to receive and please be sure to leave your email address with your comments so I can contact you. Ends November 16, 2008.

All American Mommy Holiday Gift Guide


COUNTDOWN TO BLACK FRIDAY
THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Must-Have Christmas Book: A Dog Named Christmas, written by Greg Kincaid is a novel that will touch your heart and have you reaching for a tissue! The story begins when Todd, a developmentally disabled young man, learns of a local shelter’s need to provide homes for their dogs during the days leading to Christmas. After tenaciously convincing his parents that this is an idea worth pursuing, Todd chooses the perfect dog – one whose personality wins over the entire family – and names him Christmas.

Todd and his new friend are two charmers and it doesn’t take long before they inspire an entire town to find holiday homes for all the shelter’s dogs. What follows from this small act of kindness with teach Todd’s family – and his community – about peace on earth and goodwill toward men – and animals.

I recommend this book for everyone on your Christmas list! Click here to purchase.

Greg Kincaid, when not writing, is a practicing lawyer. He lives on a farm in eastern Kansas with his wife, three horses, two dogs, and two cats.