How to add more healthy food to your kids meals.

Disclaimer:  I was given a free Ninja Blender by House Party to host a party in my home.  However I was not asked to do a blog post and do so of my own free will.  All opinions expressed her are my own. 

I have been on a journey to eat healthier, I am adding more fruits and veggies to my family's diet.  After a while we get tired of eating salads. How can you add veggies to your diet without adding salads.  You hide them in everyday food.  Take any veggies, puree it and add it to your favorite recipes (some veggies work better than others).  The hard part is finding a blender that will puree the veggies.  Pureeing Veggies is a simple, easy and inexpensive way to make your meals healthier.

I search for the perfect blender and it found me.  That is why I was so excited when I was selected by House Party to host a" Blend it like a Ninja House Party"  sponsored by the Ninja Blender.  It is so easy and simple to host a house party.  If you are chosen to be a host the company send you FREE product.  All you have to do is to educate your guest about the product and share the product will them.  It's that simple, no selling involved!

So today my hostess box came for my "Blend it like a Ninja House Party".    I was ecstatic to  try out my new Ninja Blender.   The kids wanted to try some smoothies  so we bought some fresh fruit and starting blending.  The Ninja is a powerful machine and it does not take much to turn fruit, yogurt and ice cubes into a smoothie (about 5-10 seconds).  You can also add protein power or fiber to your child smoothie.   I used the cookbook that came with the Ninja to find delicious recipes for my guest to try. 

At my party we tied all kinds of recipes. Click here to see some of the recipes you can use with your Ninja Blender. We made a vegan broccoli soup with cashew, vegetable stock, and steamed broccoli.    

The Ninja Blender can add so much more flavor and nutrients to your kids food too.  You can puree vegetable ahead of time and freeze them in ice cube trays.   I like to add puree carrots to my hamburger and pizza sauce.  Add sweet potato to your child's Mac and Cheese.  Add a little cauliflower to your mashed potatoes.  Your choices are endless.  

The other day I made homemade spaghetti sauce for the first time and my family loved it so much more than the jars you buy at the store.  It was so fresh and delicious and I knew exactly what my family was eating.    

How do you add more nutrients to your child's food?

Disclaimer:  I was given a free Ninja Blender by House Party to host a party in my home.  However I was not asked to do a blog post and do so of my own free will.  All opinions expressed her are my own. 

Differently-abled children can Sail with Sailing Angels Foundation

Have you ever wanted to sail?  I know I have.  Since Marebear was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome I thought that sailing was no longer an option for our family.  That was until I came across Sailing Angels Foundation.  What is Sailing Angels?   Sailing Angels Foundation is a non-profit organization that introduces family of special needs children to the joy of sailing.

Did you know that sailing provides a unique nautical "hydro-therapy" experience to people with special needs? It gives them them an explosion of sensory input.  Think about how calm and soothing the ocean feels when you are in a boat.  You can smell and taste the salty water of the sea.  You can hear the waves as they crash into the boat.   As the boat rocks their spatial awareness become more in tune. This past weekend, this is what my daughter was able to experience, thanks to Sailing Angles Foundation.

We drove  to Kemah, Texas, a beautiful quaint seaside towns like one out of a book or movie.  The town was so clean and the people were friendly.  Even the public restrooms were clean (now that is saying something).

We met Captain Dave and he introduced us to the boat and reviewed safety rules.  He and his crew welcomed us with open arms.  They helped us transfer Marebear to the ship.  She was so excited and I wanted her to get the most out of this once in a life time experience so I took her to the bow.  There we were able sit, and see the the ocean all the way to the horizon.  As we headed out to the open water in Galveston bay, we saw cruise ships and cargo ships. We watch pelican dive in the ocean for fish.  Marebear kept trying to close her eyes, but was so afraid she was going to miss something, she never fell asleep.

After an hour of holding her on the bow of the ship, we headed to the stern for some more comfortable seats.  Both Marebear and Little Man took turns steering the ship.  Marebear keep patting Captain Dave (that means she likes him). He would ask her question and let her try anything she wanted ( as long as it was safe). My Oldest also enjoyed the experience of sailing for the first time. The crew helped us transfer her around the ship as she and my boys were able to receive the full experience!

The best quote of the day was from my husband:

"My daughter may never be able to drive a car, but she steered a boat!" 

I still cannot believe our family went sailing  This is one experience we will never forget.







Check out Sailing Angels Foundation on Facebook

Check out Sailing Angels Foundation

 Sailing Angels Foundation provides opportunity for family of special needs children to go sailing at no cost to the families, but it is expensive to provide this service   If you would like to make a donation to this wonderful organization to help a special needs child experience sailing click here .

Disclosure:  We were not asked to write a blog post by Sailing Angles.  I wrote this post because of our own persona experience and love for Sailing Angels Foundation!

Veteran's Day: Thank you dad

Today I wanted to say a big Thank You to all the men and women that have served in the United States both pass and present. 

This day is a celebration to honor America's veterans.  American Veterans should be honored for their love of our country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. They and their family go beyond the call of duty!  They sacrifice time with their family and friends so that we might enjoy freedom.

 In honor of Veterans Day, I wanted to give a shout of to my dad for his service to our country.  I wish he was still with us.  

My dad served 2 terms in Vietnam War. This is a photo of him at Fort Ord in California.  He was in the  U.S. Army infantry in company A, 4th Battalion, 3rd brigade.

One girls determination to join her AHG campout

This last weekend our American Heritage Girls Troop when camping.  I know we live in Texas, but it was cold here too.  It was much to cold for Marebear to camp (she cannot regulate her body temperature).

  When you have a special need child, it can be easy to just say never mind and not do anything.  We have had to cancel our plans many times because we know it is to much for her.  Her seizures have been controlling our lives more and more lately, and when she had a seizure on Thursday we knew we could not be able to camp overnight.

  We decided this time we would not let her living with Rett syndrome, stop her from experiencing all that girls her age experience. Don't get me wrong we did have to readjust our plans (her health come first).  

We decided to go to the camp site for half the day.  Most of the girls in her troop had already earned their "outdoor cooking" badge.  We could have said "oh well, just forget it." but we didn't, we stopped by the groceries store and bought her all the items she needed to make turkey chili, and a pumpkin desert.  

   

At the camp site her dad (an Eagle Scout) helped her learn all she need to earn her badge.  She did as much of the badge by herself that she could could.  She was so proud of herself, and we were so proud of her! Her Chili was delicious and her pumpkin desert was mouth watering.  She shared it with all her American Heritage Girls friends, and they were amazed at her cooking skills.

These American Heritage Girls love Marebear for who she is, not what they want her to be. They know a friendship with her will look a little different than a traditional friendship, but with a little guidance (from me) they learned a friendship with her is just as reward for them as it is for her!

I know having a child with special needs can be draining and exhausting, but try to make the effort to be around people that support you and your child for what they can do and not for what they cannot! 

Introducing new Purex UltraPacks, with Oxi AND Giveaway

The Purex UltraPacks you love now comes with the stain fighting power of OXI.     As a Purex insider I was able to sample a package of Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI for my family to try.  

Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI  formula is so powerful it works to fight over 101 of your tough stains.  The concentrated DirtLift Action formula has 2x the cleaning power
(vs. traditional liquid detergent) in ever drop leaving your clothes so bright, white and clean.  delivers even better on Purex’s promise to leave your clothes bright, white, and clean, your friends will start to take notice.  

 The new Purex Triple Action leverages the best parts of there current formula, combined with new additions, to deliver great cleaning plus improved brightening power.  My white clothes are whiter, my colored clothes are more vibrant, and my family does not have stains left on our clothes.

New Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI  really gets out any stain. 

     

 New Purex UltraPacks plus OXI are pre-dosed liquid detergent packets containing powerful 2x concentrated liquid detergent.  These little packs are full of Purex's powerful Triple Action liquid formula. The new and improved Triple Action formula delivers even better on Purex’s promise to leave your clothes bright, white, and clean.

Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI can dissolve quickly in hot, warm or cold water making them ideal for all types of laundry.  Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI are also formulated and safe for all machines, including high-efficiency (HE).

I think  Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI  are  revolutionizing the way we do laundry.  Now I do not have to worry about spilling my liquid detergent.  There is also no messy drip of liquid detergent dripping down the bottle making a mess on my cabinets. No more measuring or spilling.  Now all you have to do is just drop the little packet into the washer and push start (see direction on package).  Our family loves anything that will save us time and money, and Ultra Packs do both.  In fact  the average family could save over $45 a year by using  Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI.*  I have changed the way I do laundry, and you can too.

I highly recommend making the switch to Purex laundry detergent.  I know my family and I are glad we made the switch.

Now for what you have been waiting for....

The giveaway is Closed the winner is Maggie 

Your Prize Pack will contain:

   (1) one coupon for a FREE package of new Purex UltraPack plus Oxi   (expires 12/31/2013)

Here is how you enter:  

Mandatory:

•  Follow me on Google and leave a comment stating you are following me.

Additional entrees: 

• Additional entrees: 
  • Share this Giveaway on your facebook page and leave a comment.
  • "Like" Nowamomof3's Facebook page and leave comment.   
  • Follow Nowamomof3 on Twitter and leave a comment
  • Tweet about this giveaway using #Purex and #nowamomof3 and leave a comment.
  • Leave a comment on any other story on my blog for one additional entree. 

RULES: Maximum of 7 entries per person. The giveaway will end on October  4th at midnight.  I will randomly pick a winner at random.org on October 5th.  I will notify the winner by e-mail and posted winners first name or user name on my blog.  The winner with have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  You must be 18 years or older and a US resident to enter.  

Disclosure: Purex provided a free sample of their Purex UltraPacks Plus OXI laundry detergent for me to review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

*vs. the leading unit dose detergent

Play date with New Lunchable Jr.

As a member of Crowdtap I was chosen to host a Play date with NEW Lunchable Jr.  Since my kids are a big fan of Lunchable I thought why not? 

My Little Man and Marebear invited their friend Sweetie to the park for a play date.  It was so hot at the park and before I knew it they were asking for something to eat.  We want to keep it delicious and nutritious so  I pulled out two Lunchables Jr. and opened them up. We sampled "Ants on a log" with Peanut butter, Sun Maid Raisins and "Very Berry Crunch" with Ritz Bits cheese crackers, Strawberry flavored diced apple pieces and Teddy Grams.  The kids went crazy for them.  They are the perfect size for little hands and little tummies.  They are also so conveniently small  you can take them anywhere; in the car or at a park  

Marebear  liked them so much she tried to feed herself (which is almost impossible since she has Rett syndrome and has little purposeful use of her hands).  I know she is very motived to eat by how much she likes the food.  If this is what it takes to get her to use her hand, I will buy a Lunchable Jr. for every meal!

If you want to know more about NEW Lunchable Jr. click here.



Disclosure:  I received two free Lunchable Jr. to host a play date with a friend.  I may receive prizes for my post.  However my opinion expressed here is my own.
 

 

 

Fels-Naptha giveaway

Disclosure: Purex provided a free sample of their Purex Fels-Naptha in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.


Sometime when things have been around for a  long time, it is for a good reason.  There is a good reason why  Purex Fels-Naptha has been around for over 100 years, it is tough on laundry stain.  



Why use Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar

• Pretreats dozens of stains and safe on colors.
• Great for dirt, grease and ring-around the collar.
• Easy to use and more effective than a spray.

How to Use Purex Fels-Naptha:

 Purex Fels-Naptha is a laundry bar used to remove grease, ring-around-the collar, oil stains, and perspirations.  Take a wet  Purex Fels-Naptha laundry bar and rub it on the stain. Wait a few minutes and wash a normal (with Purex laundry detergent).  

With over 100 years of removing America’s stains, you can rest assured that this laundry bar knows how to tackle your toughest stains.

Now for what you have been waiting for....

 

The giveaway is for three different winner
CLOSED the winner are Melina, Madonna, Alycia

Your Prize Pack will contain:

• (1) one coupon for a FREE Fels-Naptha (expires 12/31/2014)

Here is how you enter:  

Mandatory:

•  Follow me on Google and leave a comment stating you are following me.

Additional entrees: 

• Additional entrees: 
  
  
  • Share this Giveaway on your Facebookbook page and leave a comment.
  • "Like" Nowamomof3's Facebook page and leave comment.   
  • "Like" Purex brand on Facebook and leave comment. 
  • Follow Nowamomof3 on Twitter and leave a comment
  • Leave a comment on any other story on my blog for up to 3 additional entree. 

RULES: Maximum of 7 entries per person. The giveaway will end on August 15th midnight.  I will randomly pick a winner at random.org on August 16th.  I will notify the winner by e-mail and posted winners first name or user name on my blog.  The winner with have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  You must be 18 years or older and a US resident to enter.  

Disclosure: Purex provided a free sample of their Purex Fels-Naptha in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

2 in 1 giveaway: Purex 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes and Mini Amazon Gift Card Giveaway

Disclosure: I received information for this post as a Purex Insider.  I may receive prizes for writing this post.  However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Now through August 31, the Purex brand has a mega sweepstakes.  Purex will be giving away fantastic prizes EVERYDAY in August.  That is why it is called the 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes and it is only open to Fans of the Purex Facebook page!  

August 24th you could win a Trampolline can you imagination winning a Trampoline paid for by Purex.  You will never know unless you enter.   
Some of my favorite products Purex is giving away... 

• Apple 5th generation ipad touch.  (I love my ipad, but my kids are always taking it.  
• You choice of an Xbox1 or PS4. ( My hubby and my Oldest told me this is now sold out and you cannot get them anywhere.)
• Apple iPad Mini (I have never tried this, but would love to!)
• Back to School shopping spree (clothing shopping for FREE!)
• Home Theater (this would take our movie experience to a whole new level!

Check out  and "Like" Purex Facebook page to see what prizes they are giving away each day.  You must "Like" Purex Facebook page to gain access to the 31 days of Fun Sweepstakes.   

That's not all Purex is giving one of my reader a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card worth $10.

Now for what you have been waiting for....

The giveaway is for Closed the winner is Latanya

• (1) $10 (ten dollar) Amazon Gift Card

Here is how you enter:  

Mandatory:

• Follow me on Google and leave a comment stating you are following me.
• share the 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes on your Facebook or Twitter.  You must add this 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes  link when sharing.  Also leave a comment on this blog post to confirm you did telling me know how many follower you shared the sweepstakes with.

Additional entrees: 

• Additional entrees: 
  • Share this Giveaway on your Facebookbook page and leave a comment.
  • "Like" Nowamomof3's Facebook page and leave comment.   
  • "Like" Purex brand on Facebook and leave comment. 
  • Follow Nowamomof3 on Twitter and leave a comment
  • Leave a comment on any Nowamomof3 non-giveaway blog post for up to 3 additional entree. Leave a comment stating which article you read. 
  • share this 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes on an additional social media pages other than the one you used above. You must add this link  31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes when sharing.  Also leave a comment on this blog post to confirm you did. 

RULES: Maximum of 8 entries per person. The giveaway will end on August 30th midnight.  I will randomly pick a winner at random.org on August 31st.  I will notify the winner by e-mail and posted winners first name or user name on my blog.  The winner with have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  You must be 18 years or older and a US resident to enter.  

Disclosure: I received information for this post as a Purex Insider.  Purex provided the Amazon Gift Card.   I may receive prizes for writing this post.  However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Purex 31 Days of Fun

Purex 31 Days of Fun

Disclosure: I received information for this post as a Purex Insider.  I may receive prizes for writing this post.  However all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Starting August 1, the Purex brand will be launching a mega sweepstakes.  Purex will be giving away fantastic prizes EVERYDAY in August.  That is why it is called the 31 Days of Fun Sweepstakes and it is only open to Fans of the Purex Facebook page!  If you have not "Liked" Purex's Facebook page you will miss out on a chance to win cool prizes.

Check out and Like Purex Facebook page to be the first to know when the contest starts. 

Purex has will also sponsoring a giveaway for $10 Amazon card, right here on my blog so keep check back on August 1st for more details. 

Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets

The other day a big rectangle box arrived on my door.  My son brought the box to me and I could smell the sweet smell of ...  what I though was flowers. I ripped open the box and to my surprise it was a box of Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets (I received through the Purex insiders program) . 

 I was a little surprised to say the least, and really excited to try them.  In a moment my whole house was full of the aroma of a mountain breeze.  I closed my eyes and imagined sitting on the shores of Lake Tahoe on a cold brisk morning eating brunch with my husband and his parents and my parents.  I smirked as I though of all the memories I had when we lived there (we have since moved to Texas).  It is funny how a scent can take you away to a different place in time.

If you are like me and would like to take a deep breath and experience  the freshness of a a mountain breeze, Try New Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets,  in Mountain Breeze.  

Now Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets have a new improved formula with 3X the fragrance!  You can choose from Mountain Breeze or Sweet Lavender.  Purex Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets do more than just leave your family's laundry soft and smelling fresh. They also:

• Added freshness and softness through out your household.  

• Reduces static cling. 

• Repel pet hair and lint.

 They can also keep your whole house smelling fresh! Just choose your favorite fragrance and tuck a sheet in hampers, in the linen closets, and in your car.

Now for what you have been waiting for....

The giveaway is for three different winner

Closed the winners are Donna C. and Sandy V. 

Your Prize Pack will contain:

• (1) one coupon for a FREE Purex Fabric Softener Sheets  (expires 12/31/2014)

Here is how you enter:  

Mandatory:

•  Follow me on Google and leave a comment stating you are following me.

Additional entrees: 

• Additional entrees: 
  • Share this Giveaway on your Facebookbook page and leave a comment.
  • "Like" Nowamomof3's Facebook page and leave comment.   
  • "Like" Purex brand on Facebook and leave comment. 
  • Follow Nowamomof3 on Twitter and leave a comment
  • Leave a comment on any other story on my blog for up to 3 additional entree. 

RULES: Maximum of 7 entries per person. The giveaway will end on August 7th midnight.  I will randomly pick a winner at random.org on August 8th.  I will notify the winner by e-mail and posted winners first name or user name on my blog.  The winner with have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  You must be 18 years or older and a US resident to enter.  

Disclosure: Purex provided a free sample of their Purex fabric softener dryer sheets in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed are my own.