Acting Balanced: June 2011

Parents Choice Infant Formula Sweepstakes!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I'm a big proponent of choice and that is one of the things that I love about the fact that Walmart's Parents Choice Infant Formula has been an option for thirteen years! I really like that Parents Choice Infant Formula has the same nutritional value as higher priced name brand formulas at a much better price!

Welcome Book Lovers!

I am giving away one $15 Gift Certificate to your choice of Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or the Book Depository!

To enter you must FOLLOW Acting Balanced in at least one way - additional ways, tweeting and daily bonus entries count as bonuses.

Ending tonight and BONUS ENTRY!

Have you entered to win your copy of the E-book: Moving from Blogger to Wordpress - if you're considering the move, you should check out this great step by step e-book and enter to win... the giveaway ends at 11:59 PM tonight (6/30)

Speaking of 11:59 PM 6/30 - until that time you can enter today's bonus code as an entry into ONE giveaway:
Happy Anniversary!

It's my parents wedding anniversary!

Mother Daughter day idea...

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It's not very often that Robyn and I can get Mother/Daughter time, so when an opportunity comes along, I try to find something fun and different to do... and I think I've got a great idea for this weekend!

I can already order my tickets to see Monte Carlo, the new Selena Gomez movie from Fandango, so that we know exactly what show we're seeing and where! Monte Carlo opens tomorrow and it looks like the buzz is building!

About the movie:

Grace (Selena Gomez) is an ordinary girl whose trip to trip to Paris turns her into an accidental heiress. Grace, her best friend and step sister discover that the greatest adventure of all is finding out who they really are.

I think that this will be a great movie to see with Robyn because it not only looks fun and but has a great message about figuring out who you are and what is important in life. Besides, a romantic comedy is a great escape from our busy world!

You can do more than just order your Monte Carlo on Fandango, you can also 'like' the official Monte Carlo Facebook page, you can check out the Monte Carlo Movie Trailer:

and you can get ready to enjoy a few hours of fun with your daughter!

Product Review - Bib'expresso Baby Bottle Maker #CleverScanChild

Thank you to Béaba for providing me with a Bib’expresso to review free of charge. To order your own Bib'expresso or one of many Béaba products, visit www.beabausa.com.

When we first started making bottles for Erik, I felt like I was living in Goldilocks and the Three Bears - sometimes the bottle would be too hot, sometimes it would be too cold and sometimes it would be just right... and especially when I was trying to scoop out formula in the wee hours of the morning after very little sleep, I wished for a machine that would just make Erik the perfect bottle without having to think about anything...

Welcome to

Thirsty for Comments Thursday!

What is it?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

This is NOT a hop for "I'm here from the hop, follow me back" comments!

Llink up your own SPECIFIC POST that you'd like comments on - remember - no giveaways!

This week's Featured Blog is:

Twingle Mommy!
Please visit Twingle Mommy and comment on this week's post!

*****************************************

The rules are simple -

1. Link up a SPECIFIC POST (NOT just your blog URL) that you'd like to have more comments on - can be anything EXCEPT GIVEAWAYS and OTHER BLOG HOPS - they will be deleted

2. Visit AT LEAST THREE other blogs and READ the posts and then comment thoughtfully on the post.

Extras (nice but not required):

Consider following the blogs you visit

Add the Thirsty for Comments button to your post

Blog about Thirsty for Comments

Add Thirsty for Comments to your Meme List!

Leave a comment here on how I can improve Thirsty for Comments :)

**** This is a BLOG HOP LINKY, so you can grab the code for your own post and share the linky directly! ****

Wordless Wednesday - New Hair Day!

Me with my Mom and my little sister...

Now that I've shown you mine, feel free to link up your wordless or Wednesday post!

Winners & a Bonus Entry

I apologize for not getting a post up yesterday with the winner and a bonus entry - but I have been on a 'date' with my hubby - the first one in over a year! It was great - stopped at a winery and his old alma mater yesterday before heading to Buffalo and some window shopping, dinner and a hotel night... the only downside is that now I have to take him to the airport to head home to Charleston while I head back to hang out with the kids for another couple of weeks before driving back...

Book #Giveaway: In the Aerie of the Wolf

I am pleased to be able to offer a giveaway copy of In the Aerie of the Wolf as part of author, Leonora Pruner's Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tour.

About In the Aerie of the Wolf

Set in 18th century England, our heroine Anne is betrothed to a man she’s never met and must leave behind her girlhood fantasies. When she arrives at the home of Lord Wolverton, Master of the Wolf’s Aerie, the mysteries and challenges of her new life cause her to seek Biblical wisdom and guidance concerning honor, integrity, and faithfulness. In this story of the discovery of true love, there is also danger, betrayal, and sword fighting—and it all takes place in a castle complete with secret passageways. Become lost in another time and place. You will not want to put this book down.

Guest Post: Writing about Human Life through Historical Fiction

I am pleased to invite Leonora Pruner, author of In the Aerie of the Wolf to guest post here on Acting Balanced. I am also pleased that in a separate post, you have the opportunity to win a copy of In the Aerie of the Wolf !

One of the bonus entries to win the book is to leave a comment or question for Leonora Pruner about this post. You are also welcome to comment here without entering - this guest post is a fascinating opportunity to peek into this author's mind.

Welcome to Stumble Tumble Tuesday hosted by Still Blonde After All These Years, Shopper Gal, Acting Balanced,Luxury Reading and Kelly’s Lucky You! The goal of this hop is to use Stumble Upon to help you promote your blog posts and get more traffic.

WE RECENTLY CHANGED THE WAY WE ASK YOU TO STUMBLE, PLEASE READ! Also, even if you think you are stumbling correctly, please read this post on how to check and see if your stumble was successful. Some stumbles aren't showing up, thanks!

To take part is simple.

Add a link to a blog post that you would like people to stumble to the linky below. It *must* be a link to an actual post and NOT your main site. Please do not list giveaways.
Stumble as many other posts as you care to, check to make sure that your stumble went through by clicking on the "Info" icon. Then leave a comment on their post saying, "I stumbled you, my post is _____(add link)". The great thing about Stumble Upon is that it is fast and easy to do with the Stumble Upon toolbar. PLEASE DO NOT ADD YOUR LINK IF YOU AREN’T GOING TO STUMBLE ANY POSTS.
Remember LINK TO AN ACTUAL POST, NOT YOUR MAIN SITE.
PLEASE DON'T LIST ANY GIVEAWAYS.
PLEASE ONLY ONE LINK PER BLOG.

Important Note: If you are the first person to Stumble a post, please take a minute and fill out the Stumble Upon review page. This is a one shot deal so if you don’t fill it out, that particular post will never get the same opportunity again.

Feel free to post about Stumble Tumble Tuesday on your blog and help us spread the word.

Have fun with it and let’s discover and stumble some posts!

DVD Review: Big Box of Playdates Vol. 2

Nickelodeon Favorites: Big Box of Play Dates 2

One of the most important things to pack when we head out on a family car trip is a set of DVD's that will keep Liam entertained throughout the trip without Mom and Dad and big sister, Robyn pulling our hair out and wishing we were anywhere but the car... so when the Big Box of Playdates Vol. 2 arrived just before we left, I was so excited! One of the things I usually love about the other Nickelodeon DVD's I've reviewed is that they take one show and put together a medley of great things about a topic, but this time the 3 DVD set combines episodes from six different Nick Jr. Faves - Dora the Explorer; Go, Diego, Go!; The Wonder Pets; Yo Gabba Gabba; Blues Clues and Ni Hao, Kai Lan!

This set is great because you can put on one DVD for each leg of the trip and no one gets bored! We especially liked the Summer Vacation set, although since our road trip, Liam has taken to watching the Brothers and Sisters DVD the most!

Ending tonight and BONUS ENTRY!

Don't forget to enter to win Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller!

and today's bonus entry is: Hoping for first teeth

Poor Erik is struggling with itchy gums and is not my happy little boy right now.. hoping he gets his teeth soon!

As usual, today's bonus entry is good for one entry into one giveaway and must be used by 11:59 PM EST tonight (6/27)

Meet Me on Monday

Every week I give you the opportunity to learn more about me as I participate in Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old...

MMMmonday - Luzianne Tea Review and Recipes w/Linky @Luzianne_Tea

Welcome to a special MMMmonday - featuring Luzianne Tea as part of National Iced Tea Month. In the South, Luzianne is synonymous with Sweet tea and I had the chance to try out Luzianne's Green Iced Tea and WOW! it makes great iced tea!

The green tea bags smell great as you open the package - and I love that Luzianne is designed specifically for iced tea - I've tried making iced tea with my hot tea bags and there's just something missing - especially in the South where I've found people take their tea very seriously.

I was very impressed with the smooth taste of the iced green tea and also the rich color that came from the Luzianne tea bags!

I also poked around the Luizanne website and found a really great recipe that enhances the green tea bags and gives you more options (this recipe can also be made with black tea or decaf tea, but I found that the green tea made it taste fabulous!)

Cool Mint Iced Tea
Ingredients:
2 quart size or 8 cup size Luzianne Tea bags (I used green tea)
8 cups boiling water
2 cups fresh mint leaves
1/2 to 1 cup sugar (I used about 1/2 a cup + 1 tbsp)

Instructions:
Combine tea bags, water, mint and sugar in pitcher. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Remove and discard tea bags and mint leaves. Chill and serve over ice. Makes 2 quarts.

I also love it with some fresh orange and ginger - I just chop the ginger (about 1/2 a finger sized piece) and slice the orange and add it while you are steeping the tea and discard the ginger and orange before serving.

How do you drink your Luzianne tea? Do you make it sweet, add a twist?

You can keep up to date with Luzianne tea on their website http://www.speciallyblended.com/, on twitter and on Facebook!

And while you're on their website you can enter to win their Specially Blended sweepstakes and if you're in Texas, there are still dates left in their Specially Blended Tour!

Now that I've shared my MMMmonday recipe, it's time to link up yours... what will you share this week?:

Winner and Bonus Entry

The winner of the Mid-Summer's Eve Giveaway Hop event was:

ANGEL JACKLYN
Option: Follow @chascouponmom on Twitter

Congratulations - you have 48 hours to respond to the email you were sent or to click on this link and fill out the form

Today's bonus entry, good of for one entry into one giveaway until 11:59 PM EST 6/25 is: Heather's New Haircut - which I will be debuting later today or tomorrow for you ;-)

Bonus entry and ending today!

There is one giveaway ending tonight - the Mid-summer's Eve Giveaway Hop - make sure you've entered!

Today's bonus entry is: Summer BBQ and is good for one entry into one giveaway today 6/24 until 11:59PM EST

Book Review: Nerd Do Well

I am pleased to be a stop on Simon Pegg's TLC Book Tour for his autobiography, Nerd Do Well.

From the Publisher:
The unique life story of one of the most talented and inventive comedians, star of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Star Trek.
Zombies in North London, death cults in the West Country, the engineering deck of the Enterprise: actor, comedian, writer and self-proclaimed supergeek Simon Pegg has been ploughing some bizarre furrows in recent times. Having landed on the U.S. movie scene in the surprise cult hit Shaun of the Dead, his enduring appeal and rise to movie star with a dedicated following has been mercurial, meteoric, megatronic, but mostly just plain great.
From his childhood (and subsequently adult) obsession with science fiction, his enduring friendship with Nick Frost, and his forays into stand-up comedy which began with his regular Monday morning slot in front of his twelve-year-old classmates, Simon has always had a severe and dangerous case of the funnies.
Whether recounting his experience working as a lifeguard at the city pool, going to Comic-Con for the first time and confessing to Carrie Fisher that he used to kiss her picture every night before he went to sleep, or meeting and working with heroes that include Peter Jackson, Kevin Smith, and Quentin Tarantino, Pegg offers a hilarious look at the journey to becoming an international superstar, dotted with a cast of memorable characters, and you’re rooting for him all the way.

My Review:
This was a fresh and fun take on an autobiography. Simon Pegg doesn't hold back and shares the good, the bad and the funny with his readers. Not only does he break out his childhood reminisces, he also interspersed another book entirely between the chapters - a look at dashing superhero and his robotic butler - conveniently also named Simon Pegg.

This book reads like a true geek guide - if you were a comics, horror or sci-fi nerd in the 80's you will find yourself nodding throughout the book and seeing a better, funnier you staring back from several of the anecdotes.

As someone who usually reads historical biographies of dead queens, this book was definitely refreshing, fun and memorable and if you're looking for a fun read that will have you laughing and wanting to re-watch all of Simon Pegg's movies with new eyes, than this is the book for you!

About Simon Pegg:
Simon Pegg is an actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and author. Best known for his roles in Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and Spaced, he also played young Scotty in Star Trek. Simon lives in London with his wife and daughter. This is his first book.

Follow Simon on Twitter.

Friday Fragments

Well, we had an interesting trip to London, Ontario for Wayne's conference... and by we, I mean all five of us...

I learned a few things:

Never take my kids to museums during the last week of school... teachers and parents are way more willing to let the hordes of kids swing from the rafters and scare the heck out of my skittish child with autism

a hotel room with 2 double beds is not really enough room ... we did really well in a room with 2 queens, but without that extra foot per bed the kids could not sleep together and Wayne ended up on the floor one night because he got kicked out of bed...

Sometimes just hopping in the car and looking for a destination once you're moving can work - we found a great indoor playground that kept all three kids happy for almost 3 hours!

My kids really are good car trippers - which is a good thing ... since I'll be the only driver heading home with them when we go back in July...

On other topics:

I'm making good headway on this year's Canadian Treats for American Friends package... if there is something that you can think of that I should add, please let me know!

I'm also considering putting together a 4th of July Celebration box to send to my Canadian readers from the US when I get home... are there typically American treats that my Canadian readers crave that they can't get here?

I've been observing on this trip that Toronto is looking more and more like a typical American city... not sure that's a good thing... and I can honestly say that I've been having trouble finding 'Toronto the Good' beyond our friends and family.

Well, I'm all out of frags, but I'm sure you can find some great ones by checking everyone else out by clicking on this link or the button below:

Five Question Friday from @5crookedhalos #5QF

Because I know that you desperately want to know more about me...

Rafflecopter

I've had some questions about the new plug-in that I am using for my giveaways recently - it's called Rafflecopter and it is currently in Beta-testing with several bloggers testing out all of the features.

So far, I am getting positive feedback from most people - but I'd love to open this forum up if you have questions, comments or suggestions that I should pass along to the creators and the tech team.

You can also get onto the list to be part of future beta-testing and be notified when the widget rolls out by visiting www.rafflecopter.com

H.

A Winner and a Bonus Entry

Congratulations to comment #71 of 266 in the Betty Crocker Gluten Free giveaway
Karla Sceviour!

Today's bonus phrase - good for one entry into one giveaway until 11:59 PM EST 6/23 is: Nice Long Nap... which is what Erik is taking right now :)

Thirsty For Comments Thursday

Welcome to

Thirsty for Comments Thursday!

What is it?

#GIVEAWAY and Guest Post: Great books for 2nd and 3rd Graders

I am pleased to be hosting Renee Hand as part of her Pump Up Your Book tour:

My apology - Zoobies giveaway is now open

I apologize everyone - Rafflecopter automatically sets the start date for giveaways to the next calendar day and I forgot to set it back... the Zoobies giveaway is now open and ready for you!

Ten Time Saving Tips for Busy Parents #StarbucksApp

Finding just a few extra minutes a week can make all the difference to a busy stay-at-home mom. It can be the difference between sanity and the edge, so I would love for you to add your own time saving to my own ten tips!

#Giveaway and Review - Zoobies Slumber Pets

One of the things about traveling away from home with children, especially special needs kids, so finding a Zoobies Slumber Pet for Liam was a great way to help him manage the transitions and have something familiar in the hotels and while we are out visiting...

Ending tonight and BONUS ENTRY!

The Betty Crocker Gluten Free Prize Pack giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST tonight, so get your last minute entries in!

Today's bonus phrase is: Happy Baby! (Erik just woke up and gave me the cutest toothless smile and a raspberry for good measure)
(bonus phrase is valid until 11:59 PM EST tonight 6/22 only and may only be used on one giveaway)

Wordless Wednesday - Visiting the Great Grandparents

And now that I've shown you mine, show me yours:

Winners & a Bonus Entry

Two giveaways ended last night and here are the winners, as chosen by random.org. You have 48 hours to claim your prize by filling out this form! Please check for your name!

WE RECENTLY CHANGED THE WAY WE ASK YOU TO STUMBLE, PLEASE READ! Also, even if you think you are stumbling correctly, please read this post on how to check and see if your stumble was successful. Some stumbles aren't showing up, thanks!

Mid-Summer's Eve Giveaway Hop

Welcome Fellow Book Lovers!

I am giving away YOUR CHOICE of $15 to one of the following: Amazon.com, BN.com, or the Book Depository!

Ending today and BONUS ENTRY!

Don't forget to get your entries in for these two great giveaways that end tonight at 11:59 PM!

Also, it's been a while since I gave out a bonus entry*... so today's phrase is "London Calling" in honor of the great song and the fact that my family and I are visiting London Ontario for the next few days :)

*This bonus entry is good for one entry into one giveaway. If you are using it for a rafflecopter giveaway entry - click on the button that says bonus entry and then leave the phrase in the comments, otherwise please leave a comment with the bonus phrase. This bonus entry will expire at 11:59 PM EST tonight!

#Giveaway - Proctor and Gamble Retro Prize Pack

I am so pleased to be partnering with Proctor and Gamble's Future Friendly Campaign to tell you about some great modern products with a cool retro twist!

MMMmonday - Peach Stuffed French Toast

Just as I was leaving South Carolina, the local peaches were popping up in stores... and it reminded me of this recipe that I got from Taste of Home. It's a great make ahead stuffed french toast recipe that I play around with... I've also used cinnamon raisin bread instead of french bread, substituted other fruit (strawberries, nectarines, blueberries, plums, apricots) for the peaches.

Meet Me on Monday

Every week I give you the opportunity to learn more about me as I participate in Meet Me on Monday hosted by Java at Never Growing Old...

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads!

It's that time of the month again, when Kidtoons announces their movie of the month and lets us bloggers give away a fun kids prize pack!

Giveaway Winners!!!

The following winners were drawn by Random.org and have 48 hours to claim their prize by filling out this form! Please check for your name!

The winner of the Scotch Brite Bathroom Solutions pack (102 entries) is #30

Krystal Larson· 1 week ago

I would love that shower scrubber too!

The winner of the Chili's GC (359 entries) is #141

Beth Hill· 1 week ago

tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/jbmthill/status/78452555742...

The winner of the Aerobie Sprint Ring (67 entries) is # 60 Janet W.

The winner of the Photo Frame (59 entries) is #15 Leanne Gagnon

The winner of the ReNew Life $50 GC is #34 Ruth Hill

Book Review: Here, Home, Hope

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I received Here, Home, Hope, a novel by Kaira Rouda, as part of the One 2 One Network's blogger program.

#Giveaway and Review - How to Move From Blogger to Wordpress

Even before Blogger's fiasco with being down for more than a day, and then losing posts, I was considering the move from Blogger to Wordpress - and I am still considering it... but since I had the opportunity to read Sharon Hujik's new .pdf book, aptly entited How to Move from Blogger to WordPress: a comprehensive guide so you don't miss a step, I have a better understanding of exactly what that entails and what decisions I need to make before I move.

What is it?

This is a blog hop dedicated to giving good comment - please, when you are visiting, actually READ the post that is linked and make a thoughtful comment!

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