Did anyone grow up watching the Brady Bunch like I did? I use to watch them religiously… my favorite episode was when Bobby and Peter Brady were playing basketball in the house and Peter broke “mom’s” favorite vase. “Mom, always said not to play ball in the house” Bobby said over and over…much to Pete’s dismay.

I guess those words of wisdom rang deep into my heart because I never played ball in the house (although my mom did not have a favorite vase) and I never let the twins play ball or throw things in the house (and yes, I do have a favorite vase).

Well…I finally have a new answer for my girls. “YES!! Play with the Pocket Disc!!”

*The Pocket Disc is quickly becoming one of the hottest toys on the market for teens, college students, children, outdoor enthusiasts, and dog lovers. What started as a homework assignment in Savanna Groft’s third grade class is now earning rave reviews for its performance, safety, portability, and versatility.

The Pocket Disc is a 100% cotton, brilliantly colorful flying disc – the first true indoor/outdoor disc for all ages.

Knowing they wanted to do more than just make a toy with their new company, the co-founders began producing the discs through fair trade as a way to give back to the global community. With a veteran importer, Larsen and Groft found groups of Mayan women in Guatemala to produce the Pocket Discs. “The money they make crocheting Pocket Discs and other handmade products enables over 200 Guatemalan weavers to support and send their children to school in a country where 75% of the people now live below the poverty line,” according to Groft. “And, here at home they are also being used as school fundraisers to help support elementary education,” adds Larsen.

A variety of games and rules can be found at:   www.pocketdisc.com/games.php.

Pocket Disc’s are priced at $9.99 and $14.99

Review Opportunity Provided by Pocket Disc
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner.

I love the sun. For some people (aka my family) this may seem very weird. I believe I am the only person in my family (sisters, parents) that thinks a vacation at the beach is a wonderful idea.  My mother and sisters hate the sun…seriously, you’d think they were being burned to death…the way they react to the sunshine.

Not me, not my husband and not my twins…we love the sunshine. It’s a wonderful feeling to fee the warmth on your skin. To see the beautiful blue skies and to feel the wonderfulness that is Southern California.

BUT I do not like to burn!! Really, who does? You’d think that because I am darker skinned that the sun wouldn’t burn me as much but you’d be surprised!

I received the Smart Shield Sunscreen to review and was totally pleased with how it worked, how it felt and how easy it was to apply.

Whether you live in Southern California or not…you need to protect your skin!

*Better Than Oil Based Sunscreens

SmartShield is serious sunscreen that you can wear all-day, everyday. Our oil free sunscreen won’t clog your pores, won’t stain your clothes and won’t sting your eyes. Our special sunscreen formula is quickly absorbed by your skin for serious, tough protection.

*Let Your Skin Breathe

Unlike oil-based sunscreens that clog pores and capture heat, SmartShield sunscreen products are quickly absorbed and bond with the top layers of the skin. This invisible and natural feeling protective shield allows the skin to perspire naturally and stay cooler.

*Absorbs Immediately

The Aloe Vera acts as a penetrating agent, which pulls the sunscreen into the skin for hours of effectiveness. Smartshield is immediately absorbed into the skin rather than blocking or clogging the pores. All of our products are hypoallergenic, PABA Free, and DEET Free. They are safe for all skin types and are dermatologist-recommended. Smartshield sunscreen is Aloe based with vitamins A, C and E.

CONTEST CLOSED

So what’s the big deal with all Omega-3 you might be asking?

**Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as n-3 fatty acids) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential nutrients for health. We need omega-3 fatty acids for numerous normal body functions, such as controlling blood clotting and building cell membranes in the brain, and since our bodies cannot make omega-3 fats, we must get them through food.  Omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. They have also become popular because they may reduce the risk of heart disease.

I am a big proponent of vitamins but my girls like most kids are not thrilled with the idea of swallowing a pill. The TwinLab Marine Friends Children’s Omega-3 Powder has been designed for adults and children over the age of 1. I have always tasted the medicines and vitamins that I give to the girls before I give it to them. This was not an exception and I am glad that I did. Initially I tasted the powder to my tongue and was pleased that it was an almost tasteless, non-gritty texture. My next step was emptying the packet into a glass of water. Ugh! Oh no! I almost gagged….something about the water allowed the powder to take on a full force fish taste. Eww!

When I notified the company of my reaction they suggested that I try it with orange juice, orange soda….any other drink but water or sprinkle it on my food. Ok, I was game…I’d give it another try. Much better!  The sodas and juice do not activate the “fish” taste like the water does…go figure.  I think the best way is sprinkling it on top of a salad or snack. The twins have not noticed one bit that I have been giving them Omega-3 powder.

Omega-3 is such an essential part of our bodies that it is nice to know I don’t have to argue with the girls about it. One less thing to worry about. Thanks TwinLab!

How It Works:

Suggested Use:

Pour contents of a single stick pack into beverage or sprinkle on food, mix and enjoy. For best results, blend into chilled or room temperature beverages/foods. Enjoy immediately.

WIN IT!!

Win Your Own Twin Lab Children’s Omega-3 Powder Pack

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and RT – Enter to win The Omega-3 Twinlab Giveaway @iemommy – http://www.theiemommy.com/2010/05/23/twinlab/ (one tweet per day)
   

Optional Entry:

1. Friend the IE Mommy on Facebook
2. Tell me Your BMI  (Body Mass Index) on the TwinLab site. (Three Entries)
   

Contest Ends – June 1st.!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by TwinLab
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

**Information obtained from Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Maryland Medical Center

So you wake up one morning and tell you children… “Want some fish soda?”

After a few scrunched up faces…they figure what the heck will give it a try. I can never say that my girls are not troopers because they are willing to try just about anything I put in front of them…including Fish Soda!

We were sent a couple of packets of the new Omega-3 effervescent “Fish Soda”.  Very easy to use…simple pour one packet into a 8 oz glass of water and stir. You will instantly see the bubbly effervescent…plus as Rylan says “It tickles your nose”.

I thought the consistency would be more like a thick orange Metamucil but I was wrong it was much thinner and lighter (thankfully!) As you stirred it…it has a frothy texture which reminded me of an Orange Julius.

I poured a bit for each of us, toasted and drank! What was the verdict? 2 out of three IE Family members gave it a thumbs up.

I liked it. It actually tasted a bit like soda and I could imagine it tasting much better chilled or on ice. A great way to get the necessary Omega 3 my body needs.

Skylar was not won over. Actually she did drink all of it but said the last drink tasted funny. Keep in mind…this is the child that doesn’t like Flintstone vitamins either.

Rylan liked it. She said it tasted good and drank her entire cup without a problem. She likes vitamins but has a hard time swallowing them so this is a great alternative to a chewable Omega-3.

Overall…I would definitely pick this up for my family. The taste was good and light enough that even the anti-vitamin IE Daddy would drink it.

Glad to know it’s a the Vitamin Shoppe. You can find a local store right “here”

Looking for the benefits of fish oil without the gross fish-y aftertaste? The omega-3 effervescent, fondly referred to as, “fish soda,” is the hottest new way for your children to enjoy the benefits of fish oil in a quick, easy and tasty water-soluble drink!

Fish soda is available in single-serving packets with a delicious creamy-orange flavor (without the taste or smell of fish). Fish soda:

· Offers 500 mg of EPA and DHA and 1200 I.U. of Vitamin D3

· Helps to provide heart, brain, joint and bone support

· Is quickly absorbed into the blood stream (studies show in as little as 15 minutes!)

· Is easy on the stomach

· Sweetened with Stevia

With Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Effervescent, you won’t know you’re taking cod liver oil. A water soluble drink mix containing EPA and DHA, Omega-3 Effervescent is clean on the palate with no oily feel, and has a fruity orange taste.

This revolutionary delivery system gives you all the amazing health benefits of omega-3s–like heart, brain, joint, and immune support–without any hint of fish.* And the convenient single-serving packets let you drink your omegas any time and anywhere you want!

*Promotes healthy eye and brain development.
*Supports learning ability and cognition
*Support the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response
*Supports fat metabolism and body composition
*Promotes positive mood and behavior
*Supports heart and immune health

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Review Opportunity Provided by The Vitamin Shoppe
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Only KettleWorx gives you all 3 fitness essentials – all at once – a complete Cardio, Core and Resistance workout – total body fitness in just 20 minutes.
“3X THE RESULTS in ONE-THIRD THE TIME”

Only Kettlebells activate over 400 muscles with each workout – for total body sculpting. Build lean muscle while burning max calories – to look your best.
“SCULPT LEAN MUSCLE & ELIMINATE FAT”

Only KettleWorx includes personal training and step-by-step instruction – so your program is easy to follow – a simple yet complete fitness plan.
“FAST, FUN & EFFECTIVE”

Only KettleWorx gives you an easy to follow six week training course. Just three, 20-minute workouts each week – each one different! That’s 18 unique workouts and over six hours of personal training.

KettleWorx Ultra 5 – Includes a FREE 5LB Kettlebell

This is our best package and includes everything you need at tremendous savings!

KettleWorx Ultra starts with the “Six Week Body Transformation” – an easy, step-by-step program that guides you through six weeks of personal training. 4 DVDs: Intro, Cardio, Core, Resistance.

KettleWorx Ultra 5 also includes:

• A FREE 5-pound kettlebell – KettleWorx Premium Kettlebell
• The Ultimate Body Sculpting Collection – on 4 DVDs
• Fast Abs – 1 DVD
• Fast Fat Burn – 1 DVD
• Fat Free in 42 – a 6 week healthy eating guide (e-Book format)

This package includes a 5-pound kettlebell.

OK, I am going to admit that I have not been diligent while using my KettleWorx system…I know, I know “Bad IE Mommy”….

But it is all my fault and nothing to do with the KettleWorx system. I love the system! I love the Kettle bell! The entire set of DVDs are guaranteed to work  your body, give you more energy and help you to fit into those wonderful Spring and Summer Clothes that are just begging you to wear!

There are 10 DVDs in the KettleWorx system that cover Intro, Cardio, Core, Resistance, Fast Fat Burn, Fast Abs, Chest & Back, Arms & Shoulders, Legs & Thighs and Butt & Hips.   The Intro, Cardio, Core and Resistance are part of The Six Week Body Transformation. The Fast Fat Burn and the Fast Abs are part of the 10-Minute Workouts  and the Chest & back, Arms & Shoulders, Legs & Thighs, Butt & Hips are all part of the Ultimate Body Collection.

The KettleWorx program covers every aspect of your fitness regime including diet and scheduling tips.

I felt the burn and stretching of my muscles the moment I started the DVD. It was a wonderful, alive feeling to know that I was doing something good for my body. The twins played along with their own “mini” balls. It was a great pace for me to keep up with and yet, I definitely worked up a sweet.

I know I have fallen off the exercise schedule a bit since the new year…but swimsuit season is right around the corner…and I plan on jumping right back on.

I have my Kettleball in hand right now..yes, I am typing with one  hand (thank you). I will let you know how it goes…but if my initial interaction with KettleWorx is an indication…I may just have to buy a much smaller swimsuit! Woohoo!

Opportunity Provided by KettleWorx
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

As a mom I have to pick my battles carefully especially with two girls. They act so much like me it’s ridiculous! Because of that…they do what I do, eat what I eat and drink what I drink. Which is not always a good thing.

When I discovered Wat-Aah I was excited to have the twins try it…while it looks and taste like water…it’s a lot more fun! With wonderful added extras like Pure Spring Water, absolutely no sugar, no sodium, no chemicals, Kid friendly electrolytes and bone building Magnesium…you know you are giving your children the best.  Plus the uber cool packaging makes doing something good for your body a lot of fun!

My girls love Wat-Aah. Don’t believe me…swing on over to Twin Kitchen and see how excited they are about Wat-Aah!

It is so easy just grab a juice box or a soda can when your child ask for a drink. But easy doesn’t make it the right choice. If you offered my girls a glass of water they’d probably wrinkle their noses and say “Never mind” but with Wat-Aah they actually argue over who gets which bottle!!

I can not thank Wat-Aah enough for creating a fun way for my girls to enjoy something good for them. You Rock Wat-Aah!

• WAT-AAH! was launched in June 2008 in New York by Rose Cameron with the help of her own kids and other moms, utilizing her background in marketing and branding.
  
• WAT-AAH! is currently distributed in many stores and groceries throughout the east coast, from Maine to Florida, specifically Whole Foods Market.
• WAT-AAH! contains no sugar, artificial flavors, colors or unnatural additives.
• WAT-AAH! is ultra pure water containing the right amount of essential ingredients such as magnesium, electrolytes and oxygen to help maintain children’s health.
  
• Wat-ahh comes in four “flavors”:
  • ENERGY –
    
  • BODY –
  • BRAIN –
  • BONES –
    

Win A Mixed Case filled with WAT-AAH and GOODIES!

To Enter:

Swing on over to TWIN KITCHEN to enter!

Do NOT Leave Entries here.

Review Opportunity Provided by Wat-Aah
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Dance Off the Pounds

Dance Body Tone

(Dancing With the Stars Exercise DVDs)

Dance Off the Pounds:

Click Here for a DVD Spot

I love Dancing with the Stars! It is my ultimate favorite show. I really can’t explain why because I truly have two left feet!  It is amazing that I was a cheerleader and participated in high school sports because I really can’t dance a lick in real life.

But every time Dancing with the Stars comes on…I can vicariously live through the beautiful costumes, music, routines and people. Alas, I have had the opportunity for my “dream” to become a  reality!

I received the Dancing with Stars “Dance Off the Pounds” and “Dance Body Tone” exercise DVDs to review. They were fun!

Each DVD features Kym, Dmitry and Lacey. Who by the way is an IE resident. Her family owns a dance studio in Redlands, California which is right smack dab in the IE (Inland Empire)!!

What I loved the most about this particular set of exercise DVDs was that the IE Twins could participate with me. It must have pretty comical to see the three of us trying to do the same dance moves that Kym, Lacey and Dmitry. But if I was to be honest…the twins did a lot better keeping up then I did.

Dance off the Pounds covers the Swing, Jive and the Quickstep which are all very fast paced dances. Lots of movement. Definitely a cardio type of workout. Great to get your heart beating and to start shedding those pounds.  On a side note, also great to get the kids tired, lol. Sorry have to always think like a mom! While I struggled with the steps…I kept on moving, loved the music and had a great time trying.  The DVD is approximately 50 minutes long. Each segment (Swing, Jive and Cool-down) is approximately 15 minutes long with a 5 minute cool down at the end. I would suggest doing a light stretching or warm up before starting the DVD.

Dance Body Tone covers Latin, Tango and Freestyle (each 15 minutes) with a 5 minute cool down.  Again, I would suggest that you warm up and stretch before starting the routines.  I enjoyed learning the dance routines but felt like the cardio effect was not quite as strong as Dance Off the Pounds. Of course, from my starting point of zero…I still felt the effect of the exercise and enjoyed working out to this DVD.

I may never master the Dancing with the Stars Exercise DVDS but I have a great time trying. I love the music, the energy and the fact that my girls can enjoy them with me.

Review Opportunity Provided
by BHImpact and Dancing with The Stars
Opinions are strictly those of the blog owner.