So  a weird thing happened on the way to Madison’s First Communion this weekend.  I had a stressful long week.  I skipped Zumba, so I could get my house ready.  I didn’t even mow the lawn to help Bill out (he did it himself!).  I ate some “real” food instead of all Nutrisystem food.  I was terrified of weighing in this morning.

That all being said, since I paid good money for the stuff I had at the party, I did indulge.  Some of my most favorite foods were served.  I stuck to my Nutrisystem plan for breakfast and lunch.  Supper, and my extra smartfuels and powerfuels were used for dinner and snacking.  I just chose to make smart choices.

With that all said and done, I was a little worried.  I shouldn’t have been!  Instead of gaining (which was my fear), I ended up with a fairly big weight loss this week!  We are looking at 2.8 lbs!!!  It just goes to show you that real life can get in the way, and you can still lose weight.  As always, this coming up weekend, we’ll be heading to Green Bay for another party.  I will just have to use everything I’ve learned to this point and again, make smart choices about what I am putting into my mouth.

I can barely believe that a 40 lb weight loss is right around the corner.  I could seriously accomplish that by the end of this month!  When I started this, I didn’t know if I could actually do this.  I’m amazed at what I have accomplished so far, and I thank you all for joining me in this journey.  You have all kept me both accountable and motivated!

THIS WEEKS WEIGHT LOSS: 2.8
TOTAL WEIGHT LOSS:  36.6

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

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With the holidays upon us, this is a time of year that can be joyous for some and heartbreaking for others. Last year, my cousin’s wife died right after Christmas, so I know this year will be a tough one for him. Some people just don’t like the holiday. Others, well they have to work. With all different people like this in your life, it can be tough keeping everyone’s spirits bright during the holidays.

First, remembering others circumstances at this time of year is very important. Like I said above, remember everyone’s circumstances. You may be celebrating. Others, well, they may be grieving. Do what is comfortable for everyone and that will keep everyone’s spirits bright because they won’t feel uncomfortable. Finding toys like KRE-O Transformers sets can be a conversation starter for adults and kids alike. The third Transformers movie, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, was a smash this past summer and the KRE-O collection is inspired by the Generation 1 Transformers. Kids and adults have something alike that they can talk about (or argue about if they want to get into which generation is the best).

Next, get toys without batteries. There is nothing worse than being at a Christmas gathering when all you hear is a bunch of toys screaming at you. Instead, KRE-O Transformers sets are a great gift for the holidays. They allow your kids to use their imagination to assemble and dissemble them. Plus, it allows them to role play with them which also requires creativity on your kids part. I love watching my kids when they are making up the story as they go. The stories they come up with are sometimes better than anything else out there. Plus, it allows for the adults to keep their sanity.

Another way to keeping everyone’s spirits bright during the holidays is donate your time and your money and maybe even some toys. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are, and this is the perfect time of year to remember that. There are twelve KRE-O Transformers sets available, from Basic sets for beginner builders to deluxe sets for the pros. The sets range in price from $7.99-$59.99 and each set allows kids to construct one of two models: a Transformers character in robot or vehicle mode offering two different builds in one! Most also come with a unique, collectible KREON figure that add another level of play to the sets. This is a great gift to donate to your local Toys for Tots. This keeps your spirits and the lucky kid who is getting it spirits up too!

How do you keep everyone’s spirits bright during the holidays? Do you donate your time, your talent, or your treasure to those you love and care for?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hasbro blogging program, for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points and a KRE-O gift. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and don’t necessarily reflect the opinions of SocialMoms or Hasbro. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

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As our kids head back to school this month, we find ourselves shopping for new school supplies.  I luck out that I can order them directly from Madison’s school, so I’ve actually had Madison’s supplies since May.  That being said, not everybody can afford to get their kids the school supplies they need.  A lot of school’s list require you to spend a lot of money, and in this economy, not everybody has that (especially if you have more than one kid).  That is why I am both happy and proud to be part of the Bag It Forward with Elmer’s.  All you have to do is pick up an extra bag of school supplies and donate it locally in your community.  Yes, it is that easy.  This is the shopping trip I took:

The charity we choose is the Apple Tree Program. It is run by the Worth Township, and these supplies go to kids who live in my township. The second reason we choose this program is that my kids go to camp, and Madison went to preschool here. I know the women who run the program, and it really helps kids in my area.  You can pick any program or just give some supplies to a child you know needs them.  You can upload photos of the items they Bagged Forward on http://www.bagitforward.org and see what others have donated.  We donated two bags — one for each of my kids.

Also, from July 25 through Sept. 1, for each “like” on the Elmer’s Facebook page, the company will donate a product to the Kids in Need Foundation’s national network of free stores, where teachers from disadvantaged schools can “shop” for free for school supplies. Products to be donated include a variety of glues, foam board, project supplies and pencil sharpeners. If you already like the page, they’ll make a contribution on your behalf, but you can donate again by watching a video on the Elmer’s Kids In Need Facebook tab and sharing it with your friends and family.

Elmer’s is also a Upromise partner and that every time you purchase an Elmer’s or Krazy Glue product with your registered drug or grocery card, a percentage of your purchase will be put into your Upromise account.  We picked up an Elmer’s Glue Pen, Elmer’s Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks, and School Glue.

Join us in the #BagItForward movement and give someone you know a bag of school supplies! Together we can make a difference.

This project has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Elmer’s #BagItForward #collectivebias.  All opinions are my own.

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My Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings is happy to announce that they will be launching two new deal websites called Oak Lawn Deals and Lisa’s Mom Deals. One of the main objectives is to feature and showcase great local businesses and services in Oak Lawn. Through this exciting new community-based site, users will have the opportunity to discover new services and products at several local businesses or score a deal at one of their favorite retailers. Since I realize that all of my readers are not local, that is why I also created the national deals site (Lisa’s Mom Deals).

To sign up now to get the first deal when it goes out, simply enter your email address here (and nationally, here). Whether you are looking to save money or want to check out a product or service at a local businesses in Oak Lawn, Oak Lawn Deals is the perfect community-based deal site for you!

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Summer can be super expensive. However, it doesn’t have. Here is a small list of places you can go this summer and not spend a lot of money!

1. Your Backyard! Your backyard is fun of fun. You can camp back there, create a garden, explore, etc. Best of all, most things you can do in your backyard are free!

2.  Go camping. Now, this will cost you a little money.  However, it is great to get away sometimes.  We recently booked a camping trip for July that is running us $30 a night.  It is fairly inexpensive to camp, and I know, my kids love it.  (We personally camp in a tent.  However, I draw the line and do bring a blow mattress to sleep on.  We could get our site even cheaper if we didn’t pay for the electric, so I could blow up my bed.)

3.  Library.  The library is great.  It is free to check out books, games, activities, movies, etc.  The other great thing about the library (well, at least my library) is that they offer free (or low cost) classes!  My library also has scheduled activities going on each month too! The key is to return your book on time, so you don’t get any fines!

4.  Your Local Park District.  I know not every state has these.  However, you have something that offers classes.  Our local park district offers nature classes all summer for very cheap. It definitely something to check out.

5.  Your Local Craft Store.  I know my local craft stores are constantly offering classes to teach you awesome crafts, cake decorating, etc.

6.  Your Local Hardware Store.  I know the closest hardware store to me has adult classes all the time that will show you how to do things around your home.  They also offer kids workshops too that are free!

7.  The Mall.  My local mall has a play area that is free to play in.  It is also a great place to walk in.  Now, you have to manage to not go shopping while you are there to keep it inexpensive. 

8.  Forest Preserves.  Here in Illinois, we have forest preserves though I know other states have places like these and they are just called something different.  They are free to enter and you are able to hike in them.  They are a great way to get the kids outdoors and a great place to have a picnic too.

9.  Local park.  Your local park is also free and most kids can spend hours in them!

10. Head to a lake, river, pond, etc.  You can usually swim, skip rocks, fish, etc at your local watering hole for no cost.

Hopefully, you have a few free and inexpensive ideas to keep you and your kids busy this summer!

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