Because you asked-pictures #NSNation

I had requests for pictures, so here they are!

I personally can't see much of a difference, but it took me years to put it on, so it will take more than 2 weeks to see a drastic difference! 

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem

*Nutrisystem is providing me with 4 months of free food and support service as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program. In exchange, I will be posting each week with my progress. All thoughts expressed are my own, and my experience using the system may vary from that of other participants.* 

Playmobil Take Along Soccer Match Giveaway 9/6

As a mom of four, you can imagine that games are a typical fun activity in our home.  We enjoy everything from board games, card games, outdoor games, video games, and we love tabletop games.  We even used to own an air hockey table, but due to space we had to downgrade.  

Playmobil is the maker of many of the toys we have grown up with, know and love. I am especially proud to be sharing them with you because they are a contributor of The Toy Bank which provides toys for children who would otherwise not receive any at all. This is something especially near and dear to my heart. We helped out a family 3 years ago who got laid off right before Christmas and bought the child's Christmas. We were paid off 10 fold when she exclaimed “I just knew Santa would bring me toys!” It is so sad to think of children who do without right here in our own country!

My son had a friend for a sleepover last weekend, and I decided it was the perfect time to try out our new Playmobil Take Along Soccer Match. I let the kids put the game together, stickers and all, and they had a large time figuring out how to attach the little men to the soccer goal, and their stands.  I love that the arena has sponsor stickers like a real arena does! The little players have a leg that kicks the ball, and the kids were all giggles as they took turns playing the game! I knew the game was a true hit when they pulled it back out the following morning before breakfast. Usually they wake me up with “Mom, I'm starving what's for breakfast?” instead of game playing! The best part is that the game folds up into a rectangular box that holds all of the piece so it stores well and can be taken to play anywhere.

Playmobil has this and so many more fun toys, and you can stay abreast of all the latest happenings via Facebook and Twitter.

You can also win one of your very own!! Simply complete one or more options on the Rafflecopter to be entered!

Disclosure:  The information and gift packs have been provided by PLAYMOBIL USA through MyBlogSpark

Week 2 #NSNation

My mama, teachers, and doctors have told me my whole life that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet I don't like to eat breakfast.  I never have, not even as a child.  Literally up until 2.5 weeks ago, I never ate breakfast unless we had company or were visiting someone.   Being on Nutrisystem for two weeks and a half has taught me the importance of eating breakfast.  It is true that starting off your day right, revs up your metabolism.  I am literally eating 3 times as much food now that I am on Nutrisystem than I was before, yet I am 12 lbs down.  None of that makes sense to my brain, but I know that it is a combination of eating frequent small meals, and a diet that has low sugar and high fiber to slow the sugar breaking down into fat that is doing it.

I still don't wake up hungry or feeling like eating.  However, I have discovered my favorite breakfasts from Nutrisystem, and already ordered multiples of my favorites for next month so that I can really enjoy breakfast.  I am still in the process of creating new habits, but I am thrilled at how many inches I have lost and what the scales say that I am so not quitting!

    Beginning inches      Current Inches

Upper Arms:                15                            14.6

Chest                           49.8                         48.0

Waist                            54                            51.6

Hips                              59                             57.8

Thighs                           23                             21.1

I began my weight loss journey 3 weeks ago at 280.2 lbs and today I am thrilled to say I am down to 268.2!!!  I may have a long way to go, but seeing results week after week is what is keeping me motivated!  Hey, the fact that I can't keep my pants up is also exciting.  Now if I can lose 10 more lbs I can fit in my smaller pants (not sure why I am missing a size in between, but I'll be happier to be in an even smaller pair after all)!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting Nutrisystem

*Nutrisystem is providing me with 4 months of free food and support service as part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger program. In exchange, I will be posting each week with my progress. All thoughts expressed are my own, and my experience using the system may vary from that of other participants.*
                     

Enjoy Coffee House Quality Drinks at Home with 5 Sparrows Coffee Giveaway 9/5

 I have recently cut my coffee intake out because I am trying to lose weight, but my love and cravings for coffee is still just a strong.  That being said, when I do splurge and enjoy a cup of coffee, I want it to be a great quality, great tasting treat.  I can just hear you now, "But, Ally what about all that sugar and high calorie yumminess?"  Well, I have found a good alternative that may lack in sugar, but does not lack in taste or quality!

5 Sparrows Coffee began when former 8 year owners of a barista decided to bring their love for great coffee into people's homes. Their products are made out of superior ingredients that never sacrifice taste.  They offer a great line of coffee, chocolate, chai, and sugar-free stevia sweetened drinks.

I received the Sugar Free Snow Ghost Frappe, Sugar Free House Chocolate, Sugar Free Spiced Chai, and Sugar Free House White Chocolate to assist with my review.  By far the Sugar Free Spiced Chai is my favorite.  Of course, this isn't a surprise since I love chai.

The Sugar Free House White Chocolate had a unique flavor to it that was a bit more than simply white chocolate, but it was simply delish!  I also loved the Snow Ghost Frappe, and the Sugar Free House Chocolate.  I would like to share a great recipe with you that was just a true treat, and I had a few qualms of jealousy when I shared it with my darlings!


Sugar Free White Chocolate “Float”

Add 1 Tblsp Sugar Free House Chocolate to 16 oz glass. Add 1 Tblsp
boiling water and mix well until dissolved. Add 8 oz (1 cup) club
soda. Stir. Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream. *For a naturally
sweetened ice cream try Luna and Larry’s Organic Vanilla Island
coconut ice cream sweetened with agave nectar.

You can find these products and more at the 5 Sparrows Coffee website, Facebook, or Twitter.

You can win some of your own right here!  Simply enter one or more options on the Rafflecopter to be entered to win!

Make Every Night a Fiesta with Mex America!

Tortillas are a staple in our home along with several other items such as peanut butter, sour cream, and milk. We use them for everything from wraps for sandwiches, tacos, egg burritos for breakfast, even homemade chips.  While I certainly have specific brands I typically buy at the store, I am always open to trying new brands and even changing my brand if I like a new brand better.

Mex America, founded by Gerry and Sue Riddle when they moved back to PA after living in the West in 1987.   It is a Kosher Certified company, so it is perfect for most families to enjoy,   They have a secret formula, and the end result is a fresh, never frozen naturally shaped tortilla.

We decided to try out our 100% Honey Wheat Tortillas and Traditional White Tortillas last weekend when my son had a friend over to visit.  I was actually browning the tortillas on the stove as the kids were eating, and I barely had a chance to ask them if they liked them before they were all gone!   They enjoyed the baked chips with mango salsa, and chicken wraps.

The general consensus was that the 100% Honey Wheat Tortillas tasted "just like the white ones"  which wasn't exactly true, but is a good indication that they taste great!  My children will eat whole wheat bread, but they do so telling me the whole time it doesn't taste good.  I prefer for them to eat whole wheat flour products, and I like that I have found one they enjoy as well!

You can find these and more products on the Mex America website and stay socially connected on Facebook

Disclaimer: Many thanks to Mex America  for the product I received to try. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. Please do your own due diligence when deciding to purchase! 

Enter to win "The Patriot" Fire Pit 9/3!

PRESENTS

 

Prize: 

Ohio Flame's "The Patriot"  24” Fire Pit in Natural Steel Finish 

ARV $278

When: 8/20 -9/3  

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug

and 

Mommy's Favorite Things

Eligibility: 

Open to US residents in the continental 48 states 

    Ohio Flame pits are 100% American Made by a local artisan.  There is a lifetime warranty on all Fire Pits and Artisan Bowls even though no maintenance is needed, "as it's designed to withstand the elements year-round.  "The Patriot" features a 3/8" Rain Drain to allow for water drainagee. The "Natural Steel Finish", will develop a natural iron oxide patina and gradually darken over time."

I personally wish I had a really nice fire pit like this one.  However, I can tell you that you will love winning one of your own.  We had two bonfires in our own fire pit just last week.  The kids love it, it's relaxing, and so nice to just enjoy the outdoors on a gorgeous summer evening!

Cost:  $249.99 + FREE SHIPPING on every order

Available to purchase:  Ohio Flame

Discount: 

Enter promo code "LUCKY" at check out and take 5% off of any product

Disclosure: "Make Our Own Network" solely organized this event.  I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100% my own and may differ from your own. YOUR BLOG NAME HERE is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. 

Enter to win a Kindle Fire with Golden Riviera

I wanted to share a great giveaway with you that I stumbled across.  It is a one site Rafflecopter with a handful of entries.  You can enter to win a Kindle with WiFi!  All you have to do is head on over here 


Disclaimer:  I am in no way affiliated with this giveaway.  I didn't receive any compensation for sharing this, nor did I receive product.  Just sharing it with my readers, and not responsible for prize allotment.

Soda Stream Giveaway 9/15!

Welcome to the Fabulous SodaStream Giveaway

The SodaStream Giveaway is hosted by,

Jenns Blah Blah Blog and Diva Fabulous

and sponsored by SodaStream

Thanks to our co-hosts, Inspiration CAN be Found EVERYWHERE, Oh! My Heartsie,

I love To Gossip, Pink Ninja Blogger, and Ann Again... and again Reviews

Thanks for stopping by for another awesome Giveaway on Jenns Blah Blah Blog, this time we will be giving away a SodaStream machine! These bad boy's are fabulous! Not only can you make your own soda but it's fun to use with the entire family! It's a win, win situation. I was lucky enough to review one, it has really caused my two older daughters to bond, lol they have to get along if they want to use the soda machine. Yes, it's not fair to let one use it without the other either, so its quality bonding time for two sisters that love to drive one another crazy.

Now don't think that the girls are the only ones that mess with the SodaStream, mom and dad push the out-of-the-way often, yes we join in the fun as well. Not when there's any type of arguing, the NOBODY touches the thing but mom and dad! Don't you love being the adult lol, I remember when my mom and dad used to do that stuff to me, OH Man I hated it, yet I catch myself having fun picking on my kids and now I understand why they did it, lol. They really are wonderful machines, I feel extremely lucky to ahve one, not only are they fun but the soda is so much better for you than a normal soda!

I know, I know Blah Blah Blah get to the giveaway! Alright than!

Jenn's Blah Blah Blog was lucky enough to recently review an awesome SodaStream machine. Please feel free to read full Jenn's Blah Blah Blog's SodaStream Review. One lucky person will receive the Fountain Jet Soda Lover's Start-Up Kit. This awesome kit is valued at $99.95, take a peak at it HERE Kit includes:

• Fountain Jet – winner’s choice of color (black/silver, red/silver or white)
• 1 carbonating bottle, reusable for up to 3 years
• Reusable carbonator to fizz up to 60L of soda
• Variety 6-pack of popular sample-size flavors
• 3 full-sized flavors of the winner’s choice

I know I love the soda stream idea and it is on my list of things to purchase, so this is an amazing opportunity to get one for free for your home.  Just think, no more storing bottles of soda.  Just make it from one little bottle of concentrate!

Giveaway will start on August 20th at 12:01am EST and end on 9/15 at 11:59pm EST, must be 18 years or older to enter. Event is open to US residents only, I know I wish they would ship worldwide too, but SodaStream can only ship within the continental US.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This blog received no payment for posting this event, nor is it responsible for shipment of prize. The prize will be shipped from the sponsor.