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Summer Giveaway Hop
Hopping around this week!
If you've landed here for the first time:
Welcome to Acting Balanced - a little slice of blogging heaven in the life of a Never-Stay-At-Home Mom of three...
My kids take up the bulk of my non-blogging life - they are 12, 4 and 4 months, with a small slice of time carved out for my wonderful hubby, volunteering and trying to find 5 'me'
minutes every once in a while...
I'm also a Canadian Ex-pat, foodie, book reading, crocheting girl, who hates to do housework...
Acting Balanced is a blog about my life, with tons of extras thrown in...
Lots of giveaways, reviews and contests...
Some regular features that pop up here on AB:
MMMmondays with a recipe linky - a favorite recipe or cookbook review and a chance for others to share a yummy recipe too!
Stumble Tumble Tuesdays with a great linky - if you haven't found Stumble Upon, check out this tutorial and then come by next Tuesday to play along - it's the easiest hop you'll be in!
Wordless Wednesdays with another linky
Thirsty for Comments Thursdays - a blog hop for getting comments on your favorite blog post this week.
Friday is a day to play at other people's fabulous hops - I like 5 Question Friday and Friday Fragments as my regular stops...
Thanks for visiting and please feel free to poke around or just browse a couple of my favorite posts:
A Woman who inspires me
Brother and Sister Bonding
MMMmonday - Honey I'm Homemade
Here's where I'm hopping so far:
Lady Blogger Society Tea Party
Tired of contracts and fees for your cell phone?
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I've never quite understood how people can see the future and know that one, two or three years down the road that they will still be happy with their cellular phone provider and the plans they have... being the mom who only acts balanced has taught me that finding everything you need in a wireless provider can also mean finding a provider that allows me the flexibility to be contract free!
A new option is Straight Talk which is available exclusively at Walmart - no contracts, no hidden fees, no credit checks and even free 411 calls!
Straight Talk offers two No-Contract plans:
1) The “ALL YOU NEED” plan for $30 a month to receive 1000 minutes, 1000 text or multimedia messages, 30 MB of data transfer for data phones and 411 calls at no additional charge.
2) The unlimited plan for $45 a month to receive unlimited talk, text and data Nationwide anytime with calls to 411 at no additional charge
You can call a friend, text them or even check their Facebook status for just a dollar a day - or stop worrying about how much you talk, text and download by going unlimited!
No matter which plan you choose, you only commit for the month and you can change at any time... how many wireless plans can give you that?
Check out one of Straight Talk's latest YouTube commercials: hook, line and sinker
My Coke Rewards School Program
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Coke Rewards for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I am a collector of points codes for everything from diapers to soda pop, and I rarely spend my points, so I am so pleased to have the opportunity to tell you about the My Coke rewards for schools program that lets me take some or all of the points I collect and turn them into something useful for a school in my community!
Anyone from the community can donate their My Coke rewards for schools, and any school can register to participate! You do have to sign up for My Coke Rewards to participate, but that only takes seconds and it allows schools to check out the great rewards catalog that features everything from pencils to art supplies to sports equipment to classroom supplies and more! With over 60 items in the current rewards catalog, there is something for every school from preschool to High school!
On top of that, from July 13th to September 30th, Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds worth $25,000 each to new schools that sign up and participate in My Coke rewards for schools and every time you enter a code, you'll give your school a chance to win that fabulous prize! On top of that, every three points donated during the Sprite Spark Parks for Schools sweepstakes will get your school another entry!
All you need to do is purchase one of the 15 participating products, register for My Coke rewards, enter the codes at mycokerewards.com/schools and then choose up to five schools to donate your points to!
And registering a school is just as easy! Just choose a School Coordinator to manage your school's account, follow the registration process and tell your school community how to get involved and what your goal is!
What are you waiting for? Check out My Coke rewards for schools!
Betty Crocker Red Hot Summer Trends
We’re continuing our summer entertaining with another 5 tips from the Betty 10: Red Hot Summer Trends. Teaming up with DIY guru Erica Domesek from P.S.- I made this, the Betty 10: Red Hot Summer Trends combine Erica’s fantastic DIY ideas with Betty Crocker’s fresh, on-trend recipes for even more summer fun, including:
Five Question Friday from @5crookedhalos #5QF
Friday Fragments
As I told some of my facebook friends, he's already walking... my last baby and he really doesn't want to be a baby any more...
He also had another first - he stole his brother's chocolate chip cookie...
Website Review: E-Beanstalk.com
One of the first things that makes E-Beanstalk stand out for me is that you can easily pull up exactly what you want for the appropriately aged child - which makes it easy for friends and grandparents to shop! For instance, when I was searching for gifts for 2 year olds, all I had to do was click the link and PRESTO! I had information about what two year olds liked, and links to find specific toys for boys or girls - or to find a toy with a specific purpose - imaginative, emotional, educational etc... I also love that each toy has a message about why it was chosen to be at e-beanstalk.com!
Another way to search is by specific category of toy - for instance Wooden Toys are really popular in our house right now because they are fun and really durable! I especially like some of the more unique toys, like the Click-Clack Ball Track!
I think Erik and even Liam could have hours of fun with this to! With over 50 toys in the Wooden Toys category - they really do have some fabulous toys for anyone on your birthday, Christmas or just because gift list!
What I found was this fun and exciting Melissa and Doug Giant Fire Truck floor puzzle - with 24 pieces, it is still easily completed but offers Liam more of a challenge than his wooden puzzles! And it's a firetruck - what more could a 5 year old boy want?
If you are shopping for toys, puzzles, games, arts and crafts or other activities for your children or as a gift, I highly recommend checking out e-beanstalk.com!
Disclaimer: I received compensation for reviewing this website. All opinions are my own. All graphics are property of ebeanstalk.com
#Giveaway - $25 to Pear Tree Greetings!
Book Review: The Creed Legacy
From the Publisher:
Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed likes life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him "home" for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory—at thirty-three, he's a restless bad boy among family with deep ties to the land and each other. And a secret past haunts him as he tries to make plans for his future.
Stumble Tumble Tuesday
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!
MMMmonday - Carrot-Ginger Salad
Let uSell help you Reuse or Recycle... your electronics and cell phones
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of uSell for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
One of the things about upgrading cell phones and electronics like digital cameras and mp3 players is that your old one is still good and would probably be useful to someone else - but the hassle of finding a buyer, and dealing with shipping and the like means that my old ones get relegated to the back of the closet.... and unless I decide one day to open up an antique electronics museum there is little chance that they will ever see the light of day again...
That's why I'm glad that I found uSell - a website search engine that helps you get Cash for Your Cell Phones and Electronics! uSell is a selective search engine that screens buyers for you and offers a 100% Max Cash Guarantee that ensures you get the most cash for your item or uSell will pay the difference.
And it's easy! When you send a phone or other personal electronic item to a buyer on uSell.com, that buyer will wipe the data from your device, test it and then send you payment. While all of the services listed on uSell.com wipe data, your data is ultimately your responsibility. After you receive payment, the buyer will refurbish your gadget and sell it on the secondary market.
I have to say that after coming home from vacation, I am ready to de-clutter and having some extra cash to put into the vacation fund for the next trip would be great... so I am going hunting for some of my extra cell phones and electronic devices and heading to uSell to see what I can get!
Five Question Friday from @5crookedhalos #5QF
Book Review - Northwest Corner
A Lyrical and Mysterious Journey to Self Help
Home and still away...
By the time we got to the hotel, both Robyn and I were baked, but Erik was raring to go... he slept in fits and spurts and was up more than he was down... leaving me with only about 2.5 hours of good sleep...
The upside to that was that our second travel day was quieter - Erik slept almost the whole way and the iPad helped keep Liam busy and happy... so we made it home late on Tuesday...
I spent all day yesterday catching up on sleep and barely looked at my email. I know that there are a few people who I need to help track down prizes, and there are some giveaways that I need to draw winners for. I will try to be back on track tomorrow - I have a couple of posts to get up today that are promised - a book review and a guest post... once I get those completed I'm going to try and get the laundry done and put away and try to help get the kids back in routine.... I promise to start checking my emails tomorrow and follow up with everyone who is waiting for me... I also have some great stuff coming up!
Please know that I had no idea how tough the past few days would be - and how much recovery time I would need after my vacation.
I appreciate everyone's patience and look forward to getting back to everyone soon!
Bonus Entry today!
Today's bonus is HOME AGAIN HOME AGAIN JIGGETY JIG!
Stumble Tumble Tuesday
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!
Traveling and Bonus!
Today's bonus (good for one entry into one giveaway today 7/18) is: ROAD TRIP!
Bonus Entry
PERFECT BBQ WEATHER
Friday Fragments and a bonus entry
Five Question Friday
Bonus Entry today!
Ferry Rides and Cotton Candy
We're heading to one of my favourite childhood haunts today - Centreville on the Toronto Islands...
Thirsty For Comments Thursday
Guest Post: Explaining Happy
A little background first. I have been asked to write a chapter for a book on my move to the United States and how it has affected life. It is supposed to be autobiographical in form and I have been struggling with it mightily. I know what I want to write about and even have a title for the chapter, The Geography of Happiness: A Journey to a Good Life. I am just having trouble wording exactly what makes my life so happy. I thought I would try some ideas out in blog form first.
MAKING LIFE EASIER AND MORE EFFICIENT WHILE ON THE GO
Product Review and Coupon Code: Boumy Baby Shoes
#Giveaway and Book Review - Next to Love
About the book:
A story of love, war, loss, and the scars they leave, Next to Love
Set in a small town in Massachusetts, the novel follows three childhood friends, Babe, Millie, and Grace, whose lives are unmoored when their men are called to duty. And yet the changes that are thrust upon them move them in directions they never dreamed possible—while their husbands and boyfriends are enduring their own transformations. In the decades that follow, the three friends lose their innocence, struggle to raise their children, and find meaning and love in unexpected places. And as they change, so does America—from a country in which people know their place in the social hierarchy to a world in which feminism, the Civil Rights movement, and technological innovations present new possibilities—and uncertainties. And yet Babe, Millie, and Grace remain bonded by their past, even as their children grow up and away and a new society rises from the ashes of the war.
Beautifully crafted and unforgettable, Next to Love depicts the enduring power of love and friendship, and illuminates a transformational moment in American history.
About Ellen Feldman:
Ellen Feldman, a 2009 Guggenheim Fellow, is the author of Scottsboro
For more information on Ellen and her work, please visit her website, www.ellenfeldman.com
My Review:
History often focuses on the stories told during epic times, but what I love about Next to Love is that it tells the story of what the home impact was during and after World War II. I love how real and relate-able these three women are. One of the things that I like most is how each character develops out of the great cultural, social and economic changes wrought by the war and how their situation - as widows, brides, single and married throughout the story. I also like that the supporting male characters also have depth and help to shape the story in a real way.
This book deals with the role of women, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse,loss, religion and more all in a way that endears you to the characters and makes you want to continue reading even after the story is over. That said, I would love for this book to have been a trilogy - with more depth in each era and some more commentary on what else was going on in society, but as is, it is a great social commentary on a time series that is often overlooked.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of completing my review. All opinions are my own.
Stumble Tumble Tuesday
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.
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!
Winners!!!!
Ten reasons why I would want to visit Virgina Beach
The first place I stopped at was the Virginia Beach CVB and poking around there I've found way more than ten reasons to visit, but the top ten for my family are:
Bonus entry
SWELTERING SUNDAY
Bonus entry
BABY BAPTISM
It's my niece's Christening today and we're all heading down to Niagara Falls to celebrate!
Bonus Entry
BESTIES FOREVER
In honor of the week Robyn has spent with her best friend in Kitchener
Friday Fragments
Winner Announcement
- Name: Christina
Congratulations! You have 48 hours to fill out the form and claim your prize.
Bonus Entry today!
Heads Up. 7 Up!
I was watching a Jeopardy re-run last night and this was the answer to one of the questions - it totally brought back memories of indoor recess at Duke of Connaught school where I went to elementary school!
Speaking of 7/7 there are two great giveaways ending today:
- 7/7 Freedom Giveaway Hop - $15 GC to your choice Amazon, B&N or Book Depository
- 7/7 Zoobies Slumber Pet

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