I am currently working on a "Best of the Web" PR basket featuring online products for Moms and Kids. This basket will be auctioned off at a fundraiser at a prestigious Napa Valley school.

This would be a great way to get your products out in front of many of the "movers and shakers" of the Napa Valley. Attendees at this Fundraiser will be some of the most influential people in... well... the country! Winemakers, Restaurateurs, Lobbyists and many, many others.

If you have a product that you would like to be included in our basket, please email me at pinklemonadeoflife{at}gmail{dot}com. Space is limited so don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Try Tiger Moon Green Tea Face Masque and Night and Day Cream.

Coupon for a free pair of panties from Express.

Free Digital Scrapbooking goodies at Scrappy Freebies




Free, Fun eco-living tips Delivered daily via email!

Not much today - but enjoy!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

I've been holding off on on drawing the winner for our Belly Bandit giveaway because of Blogger's mixup with our followers. It seems that anything that will be corrected has been so, without further adeu..... We have winners in three, count them, three giveaways!


The winner of the Belly Bandit is:


Samantha P. from Sam.Pruitt






The winner of the School Years book from momAgenda is:

Tes 283 from Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust



The winner of the box of personalized fruit roll-ups from My Fruit Roll-ups is:

Mary 512 from




Congratulations Ladies - I will be emailing you shortly with instructions for claiming your prizes!

We still have lots of giveaways going on right now and even more coming up - be sure to enter for your chance to win.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Did you know that 71% of high school girls are not happy with themselves? This statistic is alarming - and it makes it that much more important for us, as parents, to foster that feeling of self-worth in our children (especially our daughters) on a daily basis.

We can do it! Just ten minutes a day is all it takes to help foster positive self-esteem in your child and Journal Buddies can help! Journal Buddies is an award-winning journal that can help your child feel good about themselves while you two foster your own bond between the two of you.

The Journal Buddies website is not only THE place to purchase a Journal Buddies journal, but it is also a treasure trove of information, articles and resources to help you learn to foster that sense of self-acceptance that is vital to your child's health and happiness.

Take a moment to stop by and visit Journal Buddies today - you'll be glad you did!

We are proudly giving away a Journal Buddies Journal to one lucky reader this week! For details on how to enter visit our Contest Post. Don't wait - this giveaway ends at 11:59pm on Sunday, March 1st.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

2 free OPI nail polish colors from Teen Freeway - aren't we all teens at heart?

Join Sephora's Beauty Insider club - It's free & works like a grocery store rewards program - you get to build up points for freebies with every purchase plus you get a really cute set of shimmery lip glosses for free on your birthday.

Keep the bees happy - get your free wildflower seeds from Bentley Seeds.

If you're giving a gift of Royal Crown whiskey as a gift - they will print free personalized labels for your bottle.

Beginning March 3rd get a free Aéropostale tank from Seventeen Magazine - see details here (see the part that says "or a printout of the seventeen.com homepage" - just print it out & take it to the store!

Grab a free sample of Parent's Choice formula at Walmart.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Do you consider yourself an organized person? If you are, you probably have a great place to keep all of your "to-do's", appointments, etc in one central place. If you're not exactly born organized (like me) - we have to work at it, and anything that helps make it all just a little easier is always a good thing.

momAgenda to the rescue! The good folks at momAgenda sent me a beautiful pink day planner and all I can say is WOW! It's awesome, not only does it feature 17 "month-at-a-glance" pages, but each month is then broken down into weekly pages. There's plenty of room for up to four kids to have their own separate squares each day, plus a big space for family events and even a space to plan dinner for the night! In no time at all, my momAgenda has become my "go-to" space for just about everything.

The Kitchen Folio is such a wonderful household organizer. It features spots for organizing everything - school papers, schedules, lunch menus and takeout menus. There are places for important phone numbers, Medical information, Birthdays, Babysitter information - it's something you'll want to keep right by the phone for instant reference anytime.

momAgenda can even help with your kids and their "to-do" lists! This too-cute polka-dotted pad can be used for up to five children on each sheet, simply fill in their names and chores. Checking off their accomplishments each day gives children a sense of accomplishment (plus you'll know they've actually done their chores). It's a great way to help build self-reliance in your child.

One of momAgenda's newest products is their School Years book. It's a great place to organize your child's school keepsakes - special papers, report cards, class pictures - plus spaces for information like your child's height, weight, favorite friends, etc. What a great keepsake to pass down to your child when they're an adult!

One lucky reader will win a School Years organizer from momAgenda - but don't wait to enter... this giveaway ends Today! For details on how to enter, see our Contest Post. Good Luck!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

By now you've read the article The Art of Parenting Non-Conforming Kids: Six Ways to Teach Your Kids to Live Fearless, Authentic, and Wildly Successful Lives - what did you think?

I hope you loved it - I certainly did, and I thought you might too! If you liked that article, you'll love Robin Fisher Roffer's book.

I am happy to announce that one lucky reader will win a copy of her newest book The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How to Succeed When You're the Only One Like You. Beginning today through Thursday, March 5th, you can enter to win a copy of Fish Out of Water.

There are several ways to enter our giveaway:

* Leave me a comment on your favorite parenting tip for fostering your child's individuality.

* Subscribe to the RSS feed for this page - check the CONTEST page for details

*Become a Follower (use the public option) - (follow Pink Lemonade by clicking "follow this blog" in the far right sidebar). Check the CONTEST page for details.

* Additional entry rules for my bloggy friends are HERE ("easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy" as Little Miss Lauren would say!)



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Parents take note: We're living in a time when being "different" actually pays off. Here's how to nurture individuality in the formative years.

Few jobs are more daunting than raising well-rounded, happy, confident kids. On one hand, you adore what makes your child unique: your daughter's all-consuming love of science (she's bordering on nerdy!) or your son's quiet disposition and curious spirit. On the other, you worry that being too "different" -- too shy, too short, too tomboyish (or, in the case of boys, too sensitive), too anything -- is a sure path to unpopularity and isolation. What's a conflicted parent to do? Urge your child to succeed within socially prescribed boundaries? Or let him or her break the (unspoken) rules and risk being labeled "weird"?

First, stop fretting. Your hand-wringing desire for your child to "fit in" is surely borne of love, but it's also misguided for an age in which diversity is celebrated. Even if your child does face a few bumps in the road, learning to be herself (or himself) will pay off in the long run.

Kids who are confident in themselves, their background, and their unique way of thinking, looking, or acting are more likely to succeed, not in spite of their differences, but because of them. The benefits of being a bold individual just keep on unfolding as your kids reach adulthood -- especially these days.

We are living in an era that celebrates uniqueness -- not for its own sake but for the tangible benefits it yields throughout life. There has never been a better time to be yourself. Embracing and nurturing your inner "fearless fish" brings far richer rewards than conformity ever could.

Your unusual personality, outlook, appearance, or background -- really, any attribute that sets you apart -- is not a liability but an asset. Being different gets you noticed, whether it's in the office, at school, or at home with your own family, and that is the first step to gaining influence with those around you.

When you refuse to hide or downplay your uniqueness, it makes you more authentic -- and people gravitate toward those they like, trust, and believe in. Take Barack Obama, for example. His entire campaign celebrated his differences and used change as a cornerstone for his message. Today, he's the President of the United States because voters saw that he was authentic and true to himself, and they were drawn to him.

Today's kids are growing up in a time of exhilarating change, an era in which they face more opportunities (and yes, more challenges) than any group before them. Read on to learn how to help them navigate the road before them by being a fearless fish out of water (just like you!):

Be a truly fearless leader. One of the most effective ways of teaching our kids is to lead by example. Our children look up to us and mimic the behaviors they see in their parents each day. If they see a person who is comfortable in her own skin, who dares to go against the flow, and most importantly, who is happy, they will learn to do the same for themselves. If this doesn't describe you, well, it's time to take a look in the mirror.

Your children are watching you, and usually when you least expect it. If you are an authentic person and you live your own life as a fearless fish, your kids will see that and it will serve as a powerful lesson for the people they will become. Make sure to be who you are wherever you go -- at work, at home, at your children's school -- and when they see the confidence you exhume and the respect you command, they will follow your lead.

Help your kids to fit in the right way. It's only natural for kids (of any age) to want to be like their peers -- and that's okay. The compromise to this scenario is to encourage your kids to associate with kids who are more like them. That way, they can feel accepted and part of a group while being themselves. Encourage your kids to join clubs or local groups that cater to their personalities and interests.

If your son is a music whiz, sign him up for a local music class so he can make friends with other kids who share his talent and passion. Or encourage your daughter to join the science club or debate team at school, depending on her interests. Find a place where your kids can still fit in and feel like part of the group, while at the same time fostering their individuality and unique talents.

Foster and encourage your child's unique gifts. Nobody knows your child as well as you do, which puts you in the perfect position to identify those qualities that will make him stand out from the crowd and pave the way to a successful future. Take a cue from Tiger Woods' father. When he noticed that his child was a budding golf prodigy, he saw the opportunity and ignored the odds stacked against a young, bi-racial golfer in a sport dominated by older white men. We all know how his story ended.

Every parent has a child who is an individual, who is unlike anybody else on this planet. You have known this person from his first minute in the world, and you know what makes him special. At a young age, children aren't in a position to leverage themselves in the real world like adults can -- and this is where you are their biggest asset. If you know why your kid is unique, don't just gush about it around the water cooler -- get your child involved in ways that will benefit him now and well into the future.

Teach him to use his differences to make a difference. Kids who learn to give back at an early age are that much more likely to do so well into their adult lives. Getting involved is a great life lesson, and a great way for you to spend time together as a family. Let your child pick a cause that he cares about, and then help him to use his differences to make a difference in the lives of others.

If your child is a star athlete, teach him to use his sports star status to raise money for a charity. You can ask the team's sponsor to help, or have fans donate $1 per goal to be donated to a good cause. Or does your daughter have a way with animals that reminds you of the dog whisperer? Sign up to be volunteers at the local animal shelter. Working together on a common cause can have only positive results. You get to spend time as a family and you get to help out the community -- all while teaching your future fearless fish an important life skill!

Let her change her mind. Nobody wants to raise a quitter, and sometimes that can mean we force our kids to stick with activities and hobbies that may not be right for who they are growing up to be. If Sally LOVED horseback riding last month, but this week she will absolutely die if she doesn't get to join the local 4-H, it can be enough to make your head spin, and your wallet shrink. While it's not okay to let kids have free reign over your schedule (or your budget!), it's important to pay attention to their changing interests and to encourage them to pursue different things until they find what suits them.

While the outlet for your child's passion may change, the root of who she is stays the same. Clearly, Sally has a passion for nature, and through different experiences she will learn to use that passion to stay relevant and current. As a fearless fish, you have to keep reinventing yourself, changing with the times and with the places you work and live, while holding on to the essential you. If your kids want to pursue something, let them try for a year. Once the season is over, if they want to move on, it's okay to let them. Forcing kids to stay involved in something they don't care about will only smother the fire in them that you're trying to stoke.

Know when to let go. It's inevitable: You can't protect your kids from everything, and sooner or later (and it's probably sooner!) they are going to be faced with a challenge that will rock their world. Maybe a bully at school has made Susie her new target, or Timmy didn't make the basketball team and all his friends did. For kids, upsets like these are devastating. But they are also perfect opportunities for them to learn how to overcome obstacles by practicing the ABCs for fish out of water -- action, belief, and courage.

Don't try to swoop in and make it all better. That may be the worst thing you can do. Instead, help your child equip himself with the means to solve his own problems. If Timmy didn't make the team, but you know he's a talented artist, encourage him to get more involved in the school's art program or sign him up for advanced art classes at the local community college. Or help Susie boost her self-esteem and confidence by enrolling her in a karate class or debate team; her bully will move on when she learns that her victim can stand up for herself.

There's a great bonus that comes with striving to raise fearless kids: In the process, you perfect and refine your own journey toward fearlessness. Parenting is as much about your growth and evolution as it is your child's. As we teach, we learn. And there's no richer or more rewarding path than learning how to cast aside our fear and be true to ourselves. Living an authentic life successfully is fulfilling beyond words -- and an opportunity that no child should go without.

By Robin Fisher-Roffer
Author of The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How To Succeed When You're The Only One Like You
Copyright © 2009 Robin Fisher-Roffer

Author Bio:
Robin Fisher Roffer is the author of The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How to Succeed When You're the Only One Like You. An acclaimed speaker and CEO of Big Fish Marketing—one of the entertainment industry's preeminent brand marketing and digital advertising agencies—she fearlessly advises clients like A&E, Bravo, CNN, Comedy Central, FX, MTV, NBC Universal, and Sony Pictures. For more information, please visit Fearless Fish out of Water and Robin Fisher Roffer


Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

- Christine

Posted by Christine of Random Thoughts With Chris

Featured weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Send away for a free Outdoor Spaces Book.

The Daily Pork has a whole list of free pork recipe books and pamphlets.

Download a free copy of GFI Mail Essentials and receive a free T-shirt.



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Are you (or someone you know) expecting a baby? If the answer is yes, there are so many things to think about - names, breast vs. bottle, childbirth classes... the list seems endless. But there is another thing to think about that may not be on your "to do" list before giving birth - researching banking your baby's cord blood.

Umbilical cord blood houses a treasure trove of life saving stem cells. The stem cells in cord blood are known to treat over 75 diseases, and have been used in over 8,000 transplants worldwide. Cord Blood stem cells are easily obtained and much more usable than the stem cells obtained through bone marrow. Cord blood stem cells are also preferable to bone marrow stem cells because the body often accepts cord blood stem cells better than those from bone marrow.

Banking your child's cord blood is just a good idea - not only will it be available should your child ever need it, but your child’s cord blood stem cells have at least a one-in-four chance of matching a sibling.

One of the leading cord blood banks is Cryo-Cell Cord Blood Bank - Cryo-Cell boasts the industry’s highest levels of quality certifications and accreditation. Their U-Cord® Service provides their clients superior value and unique features to ensure that your baby's cord blood is collected, transported and stored according to rigid standards.

Cryo-Cell is one of the world’s largest and most established family cord blood banks with over 175,000 clients worldwide. They are a category-exclusive Upromise® partner and contribute 2% to client’s established Upromise accounts (definitely a plus for college saving!). There is no extra charge for personal bedside courier service (U.S. and Puerto Rico only). Cryo-Cell provides a $10,000 Cryo-Cell Cares™ payment to their client families to offset personal expenses during transplant procedures should your family ever need to use that stored cord blood. Their Client for Life™ program locks in today's pricing for future children plus, there is no enrollment fee! Cryo-Cell offers a variety of payment plans and financing options to meet almost any budget.

Banking your baby's cord blood can be one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. Hopefully the need to use that stored blood will never arise, but if it should you'll know that Cryo-cell is there with your baby's own cord blood to bring the miracle of life for a second time.

If you enroll now and Deliver by February 28th you can Receive These Special Offers!

UCORD $300 off

Protect Baby, Protect Mom $400 off.

Don't let the chance to save your baby's cord blood slip through your fingers - you only get one chance to protect the future.





Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Welcome to another installment of Weight Loss Wednesdays. Lately, I've been trying to help friends and clients figure out what fitness programs will be best for them. In doing so, I researched the idea that everyone has a particular workout style that will help them succeed. Consider these topics to determine your own workout style and to put you on the right track as well.

Find the exercises that will best meet your goals.
For example, a goal to lose weight is different than a goal to build muscle. A goal for toning is different than a goal to become more flexible. Research the types of exercise programs, DVDs, gym classes, etc., that will best meet your needs.

Time your workouts according to when you have the most energy.
This one was really key for me. For a really long time, I was trying to squeeze in a workout at lunch or even waiting until after work. I usually had to push myself just to muster the energy. Different people have different energy levels at various times throughout the day. Match your workout time to when you have the most energy. Changing my workouts to the mornings has made such a difference and really helps to jump-start my day. I have a friend who loves to workout the stress of her day after work. Choose the time that is best for you.

Choose the best location for your workouts.
I have certainly found the most success with my in-home workouts. You don't need a lot of space or a lot of equipment. It saves me time and money too. That said, others prefer the gym atmosphere. There is a wide variety of equipment and some enjoy the interaction with other people.

If you are feeling stuck, or just getting started, consider these tips to match your workouts to the type of person that you are. Until next week, all the best in health and fitness. Remember, my goal is to help YOU reach YOURS!


- Coach Jenn

Posted by Jenn of Personal Fitness Coach

Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

It's 4:00pm and you don't know what you're making this evening for dinner... do you?

You could run to the store - but who really feels like going out at this time of the afternoon only to stand in the long line of other last minute dinner buyers. Or you could order takeout - easy, but not exactly a money saver. How about going out?... nope, that's really a budget-buster.

I have the answer to your dilemma! RecipeMatcher! Simply check out what staples there are in the cupboard or what needs to be used up in the refrigerator and enter them into the Recipe Matcher - let it know what kinds of cuisine you're in the mood for and.... voila! A dinner plan is at your fingertips.

I have a feeling this will save many a phone call to the takeout joint - your tummy and your wallet will thank me... and RecipeMatcher!



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Pickup a free sample of Nelsons Pure & Clear Purifying Daily Facial Wash.

Get a free eco-friendly, BPA -free reusable bottle from Unbottle your Tea.

Earth Day kit from NASA - contents to be determined.


REMEMBER:

Free Tacos today at Jack in the Box (print coupon).

and



Free Pancakes today at IHOP.



Great Deal:

TODAY ONLY: Purchase the Discovery Bubble Gum Factory for $1! Discount will appear in cart.




Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

This bread is more like cake - very moist and yummy - and super easy!






Caramel Apple Bread



1 Box Spice Cake Mix
1 Apple peeled, cored and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 Lemon, zested (about 1 tsp)
1/2 Cup Chopped Walnuts
16 Caramels, unwrapped and quartered (2/3 cup)

________________________________________________________________________

Preheat oven to 350.

Prepare Spice Cake Mix according to the lower-fat directions on the box.

Add Apple, Zest and Walnuts to batter.

Coat four mini-loaf pans (6x3.5x2) with cooking spray.

Divide batter among pans.

Lay Caramel pieces on top of battered pans.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Cool in pan for 5 minutes.

Loosen edges with a spatula and unmold.

Cool on wire baking rack.

(picture may differ from finished product)



Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine

Any Moms of pack-rats out there? My youngest son is the exact opposite of myself and my husband. He “collects” everything from rocks to McDonald’s toys to stickers. When we were going through clothes for a yard sale he even exclaimed he didn’t want to part with the clothes he had outgrown because of “the memories” they contained. LOL

So what is a mom to do when a child’s room looks like a bomb went off. Well, instead of taping it off with Caution- Enter at your own risk tape, there are simple strategies you can employ to help your child become more organized.

1. Work when you (and your child) are at your best. The time to tackle a huge project is not at the end of the day when you are both tired and cranky. Instead, schedule a time with your child to start organizing. If you are morning people- eat a good breakfast and jump right in to it. If you are late risers than start after lunch. Set yourselves up to succeed from the very beginning by choosing the best time to begin the project.

2. Don’t try to get it all done in one day. Kids do not have the attention span to remain focused for that long, especially on a task they don’t want to undertake in the first place. Schedule in plenty of breaks and rewards for sticking with it. Use an egg timer as a tangible reminder that in ___ minutes you will take a break. Break the project into smaller projects and then focus on one per work session. Once your child sees the progress they will be more motivated at the next session.

3. Make it fun! Challenge your child - see who can get more done. Play music and act silly. Being disorganized is not something that deserves punishment - it is just a habit that needs to be corrected.

4. Resist the urge to organize the way you want. Everyone is different and for an organization strategy to “stick” it has to make sense to the person that was disorganized. So if your child wants his shoes kept near the door of his/her room rather than in the closet- so be it. Let go of your preconceived notions and see what your child can come up with. You may be surprised and if the organizing solutions make sense to your child they will be much more likely to maintain the space.

Happy organizing and mother/child bonding time!

Melissa


Posted by Melissa of Multitasking Mama

Featured Weekly on Pink Lemonade Online Magazine

Free One Year subscription to Bridal Guide Magazine.

Free One Year Subscription to Women's Health Magazine.

Pickup a free all natural frozen entree from Kashi.

Grab a free condom from the Horny Goat Brewing Company (21+ only) - choose "Where to get Horny" and then click on the condom on the far right of the bar.

Join the Nicholas Club and get a "membership pack with lots of terrific stuff".

Are you a blogger? Ile de France Gourmet Cheeses wants to send you free cheese if you'll write a review about the cheese on your blog.

Free Rental TODAY ONLY
code: S39XKT




Grab a free Sub from Quiznos in the million sub giveaway.




Posted by Liz of Pink Lemonade

Featured Weekly on Posh Mama Online Magazine