Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop

Win a $10 Starbucks GC or $10 Tim Hortons GC to enjoy your favorite reading beverage!

This GIVEAWAY is OPEN TO THE US and CANADA


Entry is simple, just follow my blog in any one way of your choice -
follow in additional ways for extra entries and tweet daily for another additional entry!
You must follow AT LEAST ONE WAY to be counted!

Happy Belated Anniversary to Heather's Hubby

Yesterday was my 13th Wedding Anniversary... we didn't splurge on a babysitter or go out on the town... it was actually a family day for us, and we enjoyed it as a family...

Guest Post from Heather's Hubby

Today is Liam's last day going to Angel Oak Elementary.  He has been going there for two years in a special PIC class.  Before he went into the program, many told us that this school was no good.  That there were all kinds of problems there.

Winners Announcements

I apologize for heading offline this weekend... it seems to be increasingly difficult to post now that Erik is well and truly mobile and still not sleeping well at night... this weekend passed as a blur and I barely managed to get time on the computer at all... 

Even now I'm taking a brief break from my post again because Erik is feeling needy again...

Okay, I'm back for the moment and hoping to get these names drawn... my apologies again for taking so long...

Stumble Tumble Tuesday

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!

#Giveaway and Review - ReNew Life



I had the opportunity to find out more about ReNew Life and review one of their herbal supplements... and although I am personally intrigued by several of their products, I asked Wayne to check out their Love Your Heart 2 Part Advanced Cardio Support Program, since at his annual physical his cholesterol was a little high this year.


What I really like about ReNew Life's website is that it isn't just a storefront - Brenda Watson has built a learning community around their site and they offer as much education as they do product. They even have a recipe section!
ReNew Life was established in 1997 by Brenda Watson and her husband Stan. Brenda has become one of the nation's leading authorities on natural digestive health, detoxication and internal cleansing. She is the author of 5 books on this topic and she has helped millions of people live longer, healthier lives through improved digestion, as part of her many public, TV and radio appearances and articles and seminars. ReNew Life produces the leading digestive health products available in health food stores and we take great pride in producing the best-quality products. We believe that through proper digestion and sensible dietary choices we can obtain the nutrition we all require to maintain optimal mental and physical health.


I was able to browse both the products and the supporting information to find what would be the ideal products for our family. Wayne is still a few weeks off from having his cholesterol tested again, so I don't know exactly how effective the Love Your Heart kit has been, but I know that he's been feeling better since taking it. The supplements are easy to take, comprehensive and targeted for what he wants to do. I also really like that they are all natural!

If you are looking for a dietary supplement to help your health, then I recommend checking out www.renewlife.com.

One lucky Acting Balanced reader from the US will win a $50 Gift Code to ReNew Life!

Disclaimer: I received this product at no cost for the purpose of completing the review. All opinions are my own.

Friday Fragments

This was an incredibly long week at our house... and I'm incredibly sleep deprived... so I may be even more fragmented than usual...
Wayne is now through with Maymester! He's actually taking a four day weekend away from the office... I'm not sure I remember the last time that happened :) Looking forward to having him home for the next several days!
I need help... we're trying to potty train Liam ... he knows the routine to use the potty... he knows when he needs to go... the problem is that he won't actually pee or poo in the potty - he's going on my rugs, on my back deck, on his bed... he's not wetting his pull ups, but he's not getting to the potty either... any other special needs parents ever go through this?
Robyn's Miss Haut Gap (her middle school) pageant is tonight... her first foray into being girly in a very long time... she'll be competing with 8 other girls... wish her luck...
Erik is either teething or dealing with his first ear infection - no fever, but he's incredibly whiny and clingy and I've been giving him pain relief to get him to sleep...
I really need a new laptop... Erik pulled another key off the keyboard yesterday... bringing the total of missing keys to 5... luckily the sensors still work...
I am going to take advantage of the fact that Wayne is home today to slip down to Liam's class to visit and take a few pictures... Tuesday is his last day in PIC... and at Angel Oak... the end of an era... I'm also going to bake some gluten free cupcakes to take down and share...
There's only two weeks until we head home to Toronto for six weeks... I'm hoping that Erik's issues can resolve themselves or it's going to be an incredibly long journey home...and that we can get Liam potty trained soon...
Well it's almost 4 am and Erik is finally calmed down enough to go back to sleep... so that's where I'm heading too... good night all ...
and if you're looking for more fragments please stop by and check out:
Mommy's Idea

Five Question Friday

Because I know you want to know more about me... I've hooked up with Mama M and Five Question Friday...
1. Do you apologize to your kids?
Yes - I admit when I'm wrong..
2. What color are your nails right now?
absolutely bare naked...
3. When you were growing up, how difficult was it for you to stay home from school sick? (As in, did you have to vomit or just say "I don't feel good".)
Somewhere in between... although I did get occasional approved mental health days...
4. When is the last time you bought a new comforter for your bed?
A few years ago... but I did get one for Christmas this year...
5. Favorite website(s)?
According to my list: blogger.com, facebook.com, twitter.com, google reader, postandcourier.com, thestar.com and netflix.com

Thirsty for Comments Thursday

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Acting Balanced
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!

#Giveaway and Contest Announcement

Energizer and its Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are teaming up again with the National Geographic Society for the fourth annualEnergizer Ultimate Photo Contest, giving photographers the dream opportunity to see their photo appear in an ad in the acclaimed pages of National Geographic magazine and – for the first time – winning their choice of three inspiring trips at different locations across the globe.

#Giveaway and Review - Elizabeth I

I am pleased to be reviewing and offering a giveaway of Margaret George's biographical novel, Elizabeth I as part of her Pump Up Your Book virtual tour.

Wordless Wednesday - Sunset!


Heather's Hubby is a Sweet Guy..

Some days you just know that things aren't going your way... take last night for instance... they boys were tag teaming again - Liam wouldn't keep his pull up on for love or money - and he still won't go in the potty, so we keep finding gifts on the floor or elsewhere... but at least with the pull up on we have a shot to get him to the bathroom when he pulls it down... otherwise there is no warning... and Erik was getting into everything and whining when he wasn't being held constantly... and neither Wayne nor I had much luck sleeping the night before...

72 Hour Giveaway - OLD NAVY Active Wear Pants

Once again, being a member of Crowdtap is paying off for me and one lucky Acting Balanced Reader!  


Through Crowdtap, I have once again been tapped to be a member of the Old Navy Style Council and I get to redeem an in-store coupon for a free pair of Old Navy active wear pants - and one of you will too!

Winners, Ending Tonight and Bonus Entry!

There are two great giveaways ending tonight - if you haven't entered yet.... you are running out of time:


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Also, we had two giveaways that ended last night and I'm pleased to announce the following winners:

SkincareRX $50 GC (115 entries) #17
Jenny· 3 weeks ago
Option 1: Facebook (name: Jenny L) 
- Wrote on SkinCareRx's Wall here : http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=...

Christian Mama's Guide to Having a Baby (35 entries) #23
Melissa E.· 4 days ago
I subscribe via e-mail 

Congratulations to both winners!  You each have 48 hours to claim your prize by clicking on this link.
 
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Today's bonus code is good for one entry into one giveaway and expires at 11:59 PM EST tonight (5/24): 

Feeling Hot Hot Hot... (It's supposed to get to 96F here... and will feel hotter with the humidity...)

Guest Post: Why Book Covers Are Important

I am pleased to be hosting Margaret George, author of six epic biography novels, including her latest, Elizabeth I: A Novel that I will be reviewing and hosting a giveaway of tomorrow.  Margaret is guest posting as part of her Pump Up Your Book blog tour.  

Stumble Tumble Tuesday

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!

Five Summer Getaways that Every Child Should Experience

There is something magical about exploring the world as a child... they see things in such unique ways and bring such joy to the most simple adventure...

Ending tonight and BONUS ENTRY!

There are two great giveaways ending tonight:

Make sure you've got your last minute entries in... 

****Don't forget that in addition to today's bonus phrase, you can also tweet each giveaway daily, as well as leave comments on any non-giveaway posts, or add my giveaways to linkys on other blogs for additional entries!!****

Today's bonus phrase, good for one entry into one giveaway and valid until 11:59 PM EST (5/23) is: Happy Victoria Day!  

For my US readers, Victoria Day is celebrated in Canada and elsewhere in the Commonwealth and marks Queen Victoria's birthday... it also marks the beginning of summer for many of my friends and family :)


MOM #GIVEAWAY - Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood

I am pleased to be able to offer a giveaway copy of a fabulous new book for new moms.  Although I haven't had the pleasure of reading it personally, it sounds like a great gift for a Christian mom or dad who is experiencing parenthood for the first time!

MOM Guest Post: For Crying Out Loud! by Julia Attaway

I am pleased to have another guest poster here at Acting Balanced, this time it's Julia Attaway, blogger, mom and editor of the recently released book, Daily Guideposts: Your First Year of Motherhood!  Check out the giveaway currently going on for a copy of the book once you've read this charming guest post:
For Crying Out Loud!
Guest Post by Julia Attaway

BlogMania Sponsors Wanted!!






Once again, I am participating in BlogMania this Fall!!  

You can check out the ever growing list of participating blogs here

I'm so excited to be putting together a fabulous prize package and want to feature YOUR product or service!

#Giveaway and Review - Lovable Labels Book Worm Stickers


I have to say that my love affair continues with Lovable Labels... they keep coming up with fun, innovative and useful products that are so clever and colorful... and the best part is they keep sending me samples!!

For the second time this month, I received a package from Lovable Labels, this time it was:

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...
Click on the button to check out her answers and the linky of all the other blogs that participate:

MMMmonday - Mango & Goat Cheese Sandwiches

This may sound a little strange, but I have to tell you that this is absolutely yummy - I use a good chevre cheese, but any goat cheese will work... This sandwich is great as an appetizer, cut into small pieces to be served with cocktails, or as a nutritional and unusual
breakfast treat. Fresh peaches may also be used instead of mango.  


I honestly can't for the life of me remember where this recipe came from, but wherever it was, I'm glad I found it!

MOM: Review and #GIVEAWAY - affresh

Sometimes pampering yourself isn't about being taken away by Calgon, or spending an hour in the spa, it's about letting someone or something else do the work for you, and that's why I'm pleased to be able to review and offer my readers a giveaway from affresh®.

Winners & a Bonus Entry


With two great giveaways ending the other day, I am pleased to announce the following six winners:

Sunday Family Story: Guest Post from Heather's Hubby

With Erik now almost totally mobile, my world is starting to get busier and busier... leaving less time for blogging and other pursuits... so Wayne has generously shared today's Sunday Family Story:


The Rapture, Armageddon and Parenthood

#Giveaway and Review - Fun on the Run from Hasbro

As you may know, we're embarking on our Summer adventure soon and it's a minimum sixteen hour drive to our destination, so we're ramping up and getting the kids ready for the trip and I've been scouring the shops for games and activities for the kids to do in the car... and I found the Hasbro travel size version of Pop-O-Matic Trouble for Robyn!

Ending tonight and BONUS ENTRY!

I haven't done a bonus entry in almost a week... so today's bonus entry, good for one entry into any one giveaway (and valid until 11:59 PM EST 5/20) is: Catching Up!


There are two giveaways ending tonight:

This week's winners!

I am so sorry that I've been away from my computer so much this week... I have great plans to get several things done this weekend and some great giveaways in store for all of you... as long as Erik cooperates and naps occasionally...


This week we had several giveaways end:

Guest Post - Why Alzheimers? by Lynda Simmons

I am so thrilled that Lynda Simmons, author of Island Girl, which I reviewed yesterday (and am hosting a giveaway for) is guest blogging here on Acting Balanced.

Why Alzheimers?

I’ve seen it happen time and again at booksignings. People who have never heard of me or of Island Girl, will stop to chat with the visiting author. They’re smiling, curious, perhaps reaching for a copy of the book until I tell them it’s about a woman diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. That’s when I watch that hand retract, see those finger curl back as the smile fades. “Alzheimer’s?” they’ll say. “That’s such a frightening subject.”

Friday Fragments

I have to apologize to my regular blog readers - I haven't been keeping up nearly as well with my blogging obligations as I should... but hopefully I will be getting back to normal shortly- I will have winners announced for this week's giveaways this afternoon, and this weekend I am going to try and get back on track with some reviews and giveaways that I'm just a little behind on...

Five Question Friday

Because I know that you want to know so much more about me... I'm participating in 5 Question Friday again - want to play along?  Just click on the button below - or just leave an answer to one of the questions in the comments:

Book Review and #Giveaway - Island Girl

Sometimes fate draws you towards a book for more reasons than you understand.  That is what happened with my and the book Island Girl by Lynda Simmons.  When I first thought of the name, Island Girl, I immediately thought about tropical islands and faraway beaches, so I was incredibly surprised to find out that Island Girl was actually about a place near and dear to my heart - a secluded and mysterious part of my youth - Wards Island, part of a group of barrier islands in Toronto's harbour in Lake Ontario and a place where I spent time in my youth.

Thirsty For Comments Thursday



Acting Balanced
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!

Wordless Wednesday... My Three Children


And now that I've shared my Wordless Wednesday post, share yours here... wordless or wordful...



An Interview with Danna Korn about Gluten Free Living

I am pleased to have been able to chat briefly with Danna Korn, author of Living Gluten-Free for Dummies and spokesperson for Glutenfreely.com.  Whether you have Celiac disease, are on a GF diet for Autims or are just allergic to wheat or know someone who is, you should check out this clip from our interview:

 

Stumble Tumble Tuesday

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!

MOM What Being a Mom Means ...

The word Mom means something different to every single person, and until you've been a mom, I don't think that you realize what an impact and meaning that one short word takes on...

It's funny - when I was pregnant with Liam, I dreamed about the time when he would call me mom and I never dreamed that it would be almost four years until I knew that he actually identified me as his mother... 

Review - 1-2-3 Textured Products Craft Kits

If you are looking for an all in one crafting project for your preschooler, then you might want to check out 1-2-3 Textured Products craft kits.

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...
Click on the button to check out her answers and the linky of all the other blogs that participate:

MMMmonday - Beet and Blue Cheese Salad

Yet again I bring you a yummy recipe that came into my possession through wwrecipes.com
You can use canned beets for this salad and it will still be great, but fresh beets will make it a genuine standout.  This is quick and easy and so yummy!

Win $200 CASH, Amazon GC or American Express GC!


Acting Balanced is participating in the first Spread the Love Giveaway - Make sure you read the details carefully - you can only enter once so click through to all of the entries you want to do before you click on the FORM!

Sunday Family Stories - The R Word

Just over a month ago, as I was gearing up for Autism Awareness month, Wayne came to me one morning and said, "Did you hear what Liam said last night?"  I had no idea what he meant, but he told me he thought that Liam had several times referred to himself as a "retard"...

I LOVE MOMMY Mother's Day Blog Hop WINNER!

I apologize for not getting everything input faster, but live has been going at a steadily busier pace the last few days... and blogger didn't help by going down for almost 24 hours the other day... but drum roll please....

Lovable Labels Review, #Giveaway & Coupon Code


Right now, Liam is in a very small preschool class with only 5-7 other children, but next year he's moving up to a much bigger class and one of the things I worry about is him eating in the cafeteria because of his gluten intolerance, so I was pleased when I got the opportunity to review Lovable Labels new allergy alert labels:

#Giveaway Publix $25 GC - Great Deals on Great Meals

As some of you may know, Publix is my closest and favorite grocery store and I really enjoy when they have promotions like Great Deals on Great Meals!  


With great savings on some of your favorite brands and delicious meal ideas for any time of the day, creating a dish that pleases everyone is just a click away. 

#Giveaway and Review - Summer Fit Learning Workbooks


Summer vacation is approaching fast and furious - Robyn is in the middle of year end standardized tests and Liam's class is winding down it's true instructional time for celebrations and a chance to play outside more - which is great... it helps ease the transition to summer time, but as a parent I worry about the skills they might be losing over the summer - especially since at his IEP meeting Liam didn't qualify for extended school year this year (which is positive, since there are no major issues, but sad because I know that he'll lose some of the progress he's made.

MOM Review: 8 Petals

If you are like me and are always searching for unique and fun jewelry and accessories, then you need to check out 8 Petals!


8 Petals was created by designer Toni Chirico, a passionate self-taught artist who embraces the artistic learning process. Rather than forcing designs, she gently guides her materials to create unique, bright, bold, wearable art with personality. Working exclusively with sustainable materials, the designs celebrate the whimsy and joy of the creative process.
Like art, 8 Petals believes that life is a creative process and that art should be worn everyday.

Book Review - The Ninth Wife

I am pleased to be part of TLC Books Virtual Tour for The Ninth Wife: A Novel by Amy Stolls

From the Publisher:

Bess ray is a thirty-five-year-old folklorist and amateur martial artist living in Washington, D.C. Just as she’s about to give up all hope of marriage, she meets Rory, a charming Irish musician, and they fall in love. But Rory is a man with a secret, which he confesses to Bess when he asks for her hand: He’s been married eight times before. Shocked, Bess embarks on a quest she feels she must undertake before she can give him an answer. With her bickering grandparents (married sixty-five years), her gay neighbor (himself a mystery), a shar-pei named Stella, and a mannequin named Peace, Bess sets out on a cross-country journey—unbeknownst to Rory—to seek out and question the wives who came before. What she discovers about her own past is far more than she bargained for.



 

©2009 Acting Balanced | by TNB