Making Halloween Safe AND Fun [ + a giveaway!]

If we were to be really, really honest, couldn't we agree that Halloween and trick or treating is really for parents? Stick with me on this: 

Is there anything better than your adorable, squishy babe dressed up as a little scary monster or very sad bunny? Nope!

Is there anything better than convincing your attitude-filled 7 year old that doing full-face makeup (using your eyeshadow, red lipstick & eyeliner) so that he can be a zombie, while his little brother is rocking that Ben Affleck/George Clooney as Batman vibe? NOPE!

Is there anything better than sitting on your floor and sorting through the bags and bags of loot your kids managed to collect (and that you're totally going to be eating once they head off to bed).  Heck, no!

Halloween is one of the rare times that parents get to enjoy being silly and fun with their kids and dressing them up in the kind of costumes and outfits they've always dreamed of (just me? doubt it!).

In our house, our first Halloween with our son was 7 years ago. I found the cutest costume, dressed him up, had family over (seriously!!!) and took him out to a grand total of 4 houses before he lost his cool. But you know what? It was totally worth it! I was never been more in love with those squishy cheeks than I was the night he was a baby monkey.

Over the years, Halloween has become an even more fun family activity. I've thrown Halloween parties; had kids on the street do tricks for treats (they honestly didn't know what to think of me!); spooked up our front walk so much that kids were afraid to visit (oops!); been mom to a duck, Cookie Monster, Power Rangers, a 'ginger ninja', and Iron Man;  and I've had SO MUCH FUN doing it!

And really, don't get me started on the pumpkins. Pumpkin carving is 100% set aside for parental fun in our house. And by parents, I mean my husband. Check out some of his handiwork:

(And to be fair, my kids have just as much fun deciding on our pumpkin theme and watching my husband carve it!).

My boys are a bit older now and they have friends on our street that they like to trick or treat with (with parents in tow, of course!). But the magic and fun of Halloween hasn't been lost. They still LOVE picking out their own costumes, letting me help them get ready (because let's face it, costumes are getting more and more elaborate!) and heading out to collect as much candy as possible for one special night.

As a parent, I've also learned a lot about making Halloween just as safe as it is fun.

Let me tell you a little story about my own scary Halloween experience (and how it has changed the way I view Halloween and trick or treating for my kids):

When I was 8 years old, dressed as a cheerleader (as I was every single year, with the exception of the year that I had to be Little Red Riding Hood because it was the only thing that would fit over my snowsuit!), I was allowed to trick or treat with my friends as long as I was in sight of my parents, who had my little sister in tow. 
I was thrilled and having the time of my life! I could taste that freedom! About 10 minutes before we were going to back it in for the night, I saw a girl I knew from school trick or treating across the street. I couldn't get her attention so I decided to run across the street and grab her. I can't say I exactly remember what happened but I do remember screeching tires, screaming and - in the end - a bumper just a few inches from my head. Thankfully, the car stopped just in time and I was not hit running across the road. I was an extraordinarily responsible kid, but the excitement and fun of trick or treating over road all the safety tips I knew & regularly obeyed. 

That might be the reason I want my kids to love Halloween (I certainly had trouble enjoying it after that scary incident), but it's also the reason I am absolutely dedicated to make our trick or treating experiences as safe and incident-free as possible.

There are a few things that are now mandatory for Halloween night - they don't take the fun away from running all over the neighbourhood with their friends and collecting more candy, chocolate & chips than they could ever dream of, but they do ensure we are having the BEST and SAFEST night.

Here's what I insist on (based on advice from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs):

• No Candles: We love carving pumpkins (correction: my husband loves carving pumpkins!) but with a clumsy mom (me!) and even more clumsy 5 year old in our house, candles inside our pumpkins are a recipe for disaster. That's not even taking into consideration all the teeny-tiny tots who will climb our steps for a treat on Halloween night. Instead, we use a flashlight inside our pumpkins.  Using a long lasting battery like a Duracell Coppertop Battery helps keep them powered all night long.

• Be Visible: My older son is now 7 years old and really loves the idea of being a zombie, which I'm fine with, as LONG as he is visible. To mitigate the arguments, he wears reflective tape on his ripped zombie jeans so he can easily be seen by motorists. Alternatively, our littlest one wore reflective tape on his Batman cape so he could be sure to be seen while fighting crime [and collecting candy!]

• Flashlights Light The Way: Everyone in our Halloween trick-or-treating group has a flashlight with fresh Duracell Coppertop batteries so they can see. This is extra important when creeping up on spooky houses that are dimly lit! We also make sure we stay on the sidewalk, in well-lit areas (our own neighbourhood) and and only visit homes with their lights turned on.

• Strength in Numbers: As I mentioned, my kids are getting older. So, while there is always a parent with them, we also make sure they walk in a group. There's safety (and fun!) in numbers!

• Know Where You're Going: We always discuss our route before leaving the house. That means everyone knows what streets we are visiting and where to go should we ever be separated (thankfully they will have their own flashlight to help light the way!). We do not zig-zag across the street and we certainly do not go on any routes we have not discussed ahead of time Planning a route and sticking to it helps in ensuring that the most candy is collected in the safest way possible.

• Parents Check First: As tempting as it is to bite into a chocolate bar mid-route, all candy and chocolate has to be inspected by mom and dad before it is eaten. Yes, this definitely means that we will taste test some as well, but better safe than sorry I always say:)

• Fresh Batteries: Between our flashlights for every child and adult, flashlights or battery-powered lights inside our pumpkins, and all the other spooky extras that we power up on Halloween night, having new & fresh batteries on hand is a must! As always, our go-to is the coppertop brand - Duracell - that we trust the most.

I am a huge believer in ensuring my children are safe and empowered. By talking about our rules (and reminding them of why we have those rules!), having the right safety tools ready to go (including the long lasting power of Duracell batteries), being prepared with plenty of Halloween bags and a bunch of Halloween candy ready for the cute trick or treaters that will be at our doorstep, and making fun & safety a priority, our Halloween evenings go off without a hitch.

And yes, BE HONEST, Halloween really is for the parents. Sure the kids get the candy, but we get the memories we make as a family on Halloween and the knowledge that our kids are having a great experience as well. Even though I have yet to wear a costume and humiliate my kids (although I'm not above it, they just beg me not to!), being out in the neighbourhood with friends, seeing my kids be silly and have an absolute blast is always 100% worth it!

Now I want YOU to have the same fun and safe experience that my family has on Halloween! My friends at Duracell are giving away a Halloween trick-or-treating safety kit which includes:

• Duracell Coppertop batteries
• Coleman flashlight
• Wearable reflectors
• Flameless candle

It looks pretty awesome, doesn't it!?

This amazing prize pack care of Duracell Coppertop Batteries can be yours by simply entering below! I know you will be as obsessed with the lasting power of Duracell as I am and hopefully inspired to have a memory-filled and super safe Halloween experience!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Duracell Coppertop batteries, as part of the #TrustedPower program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Print Your Memories [+WIN!]

When was the last time you printed out a photo and hung it up?

Still thinking?

Ya, I gotcha!

To be honest, as much as I love taking photos, I am the worst for actually printing and hanging them. In fact, the last time I printed a photo was for this:

If you have been following my family, you would know that these pictures - currently adorning the front hallway of my home - are from almost 5 years ago. That's right. The last time I printed a picture was 5 years ago. Oof.

I suppose it is merely the digital age that we live in but it seems so passé to even consider printing out our photos. And yet, having photos on display is one of the things that gives me immense joy each and every day. I love seeing those happy memories in full view - the ones that make you smile each time you see them.

For me, one of those pictures is this selfie (shocker!) that my family took while we were our on a boat during a week that we rented a cottage this summer. 

I don't know that the picture itself is particularly amazing, but the memories that it brings back are absolute perfection. A week of sun and sand, boating on the water, swimming off the dock, bonfires & marshmallows. It was a week of connectivity and togetherness that really made an otherwise boring summer something to remember fondly - one of those family times that made us all a little more connected.

I knew I wanted to print out this memory but, again more honesty, the chances of me running out to the store to print it, finding the perfect frame and getting it up on the wall are pretty slim. And so I just tucked it away digitally...until I heard of Canvas Factory.

Here's what I love [and truthfully exactly what I need if I am ever going to print out my photos!]: 

1) Canvas Factory allows you to choose your digital photos for printing SO EASILY (you can even choose from Facebook or Instagram... that's such a bonus for this social photo sharing mama!)

2) I was able to order my canvas ONLINE with a few clicks of my mouse. REALLY. It was so easy!

3) It comes ready to hang. I don't have to search for a frame that's the right size. 

4) The canvas is such high quality. It is wrapped beautifully and the colour quality is perfection.

Perfectly wrapped - no corners sticking out or distracting from the awesomeness of this photo!

Easy to hang! I promise... I did it MYSELF (and that never happens at my house!)

5) Your photo gets delivered right to your HOME! YOUR HOME! I was in yoga pants and a bun when it was delivered, people. That is exactly what I'm talking about. 

So, in reality, it takes the excuses out of not printing your photos because Canvas Factory has made it so uber-easy to get your precious memories wall-worthy in just a few clicks of a button. AND they have built-in filters and options that make this selfie-queen's heart sing!!



Now my precious cottage memory now hangs proudly in my upstairs hallway, right between my kids' bedrooms. A space that has been vacant of anything for the entire 6 years we have lived in our home! 

I get to pass it multiple times each day and each time it puts a smile on my face [and it puts a smile of the faces of my boys as well]. I am not sure what took me so long, but I'm so, so, so glad I finally got around to not just printing but also hanging our family photos!

And now I want the same for you! 

Thanks to Canvas Factory, one lucky winner [Canada & US only] will be getting their own Canvas Factory print to proudly display in their home. Let's get printing and displaying those memories!!!

I know you will love your Canvas Factory print - and cherish those memories everytime you look at them -  just as much as I do. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




This post and giveaway are sponsored by Canvas Factory, however all opinions are my own.

Power More Summer With a Rustic-Themed Night Out [+ WIN!]

I really don't want this summer to end.

You're probably nodding your head, but this summer has felt extra special for me in so many ways. Maybe it has been the amazing number of super hot days we have experienced, but I feel like this summer has been a rich time of connecting with my family and friends.

As August is upon us and summer starts to wind down, I want to hold onto summer more than ever.

I have written about this before, but so much of my life has changed since becoming a mom. One of the biggest changes has been my friendships. Many of my pre-kid friends didn't join me in motherhood for quite a few years. As a result, I felt very alone in this whole 'mom life'. It took many years [and some failed attempts, if I'm being honest] to cultivate new friendships.

Having friends that understand who you are, what struggles you are facing, and what being a working mom is all about can be extraordinarily tough,  but I feel so lucky to have met a group of moms who just seem to get the struggle of the juggle.

The best part? They all live on my street! [I know! I know! So lucky!].  We met at the bus stop our kids were all assigned to, but those daily interactions have led to really significant friendships that go beyond the surface level of the daily "how are you doing". I count myself as one of the lucky ones who gets to have true friends in her every day life.

Taking the opportunity to get together with our mom friends to eat, laugh and hang out is such an important part of that illusive balance we are all searching for. There's something so cathartic about letting yourself go and completely relaxing with others.

Each month my friends and I take turns hosting a "mom's night out". While we don't go crazy with planned activities, we sure do try to make the monthly experience something special. We don't get out much [rather, I don't get out much] so the time we have to hang out kid-free is something we all hold very sacred.

This month, it was my turn to host our "mom's night out" and I wanted it to be an evening that helped us hold on to summer a little longer and really enjoy the warm temperatures, bright evenings and the beauty of the summer months!

You know what? It was an absolute smashing success!

But what I think really helped was that I didn't make the evening difficult for myself. With a clear focus on holding onto summer, and holding onto friendships that I hold so dear, it was simple and fun to put together our mom's night out.

I want you to have the same experience with your best girlfriends. To do that, here are my tips for hosting the perfect mom's night out in your own backyard (with some serious help from Duracell Quantum batteries, helping all of us #powermoresummer):

Host it at home
Although it's fun to go out, there's nothing like the comfort of home when you're hanging out with friends. I love creating a relaxed setting so I chose my own backyard - where better to take advantage of the extra warm temperatures and tons of sunlight we have been enjoying here in Canada. You don't need a fancy backyard [I certainly don't have one!], you just need a table, some chairs and enough  space to sit comfortably. Truth be told, I have previously dragged my kitchen table out into my backyard when my current outdoor furniture just wouldn't do. Hosting at home also saves you money (big bonus!) and gives you the opportunity to make quick changes or grab extra snacks on the fly.

Create a theme
I never want anyone to go all out when it comes to planning a get-together for friends, but a theme is an easy way to create a special night. For my mom's night out, I wanted a rustic theme. Nothing too fancy or elegant, but something that was still pretty and inviting for the girls.

My rustic inspiration was the European tradition of dining al fresco on a patio with friends, food and wine.  It might have a little to do with my European obsession [I've never been, can you believe it?!?], but also a lot to do with my love of gatherings that feel natural - nothing too polished, fussy, or pretentious. I want all my mom friends to arrive, kick back, have fun and stay as late as their eyes will stay open.

Shop your home for decor

Listen, if you're hosting a memorable mom's night you don't need to break the bank. Save your pennies and shop your home for decor. Everything I used to create my rustic al fresco themed table actually came from right inside my home. And let me tell you, it was an absolute hit!

I decided to focus on three main components for the table: wood, glass, greenery.

To take care of the wood and glass, I used a rustic wooden bowl & serving spoons (that I had purchased about 7 years ago and never used...eep!), a wooden serving dish that I picked up at a local thrift store, glass candle holders, and crystal drinking glasses [there's no need to save your best stuff for a super special occasion, am I right?]. 

But the greenery is where I really hit it out of the park. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on flowers and decor - which I absolutely have done before - I grabbed potted herbs that I had on the window sill in my kitchen, specifically parsley and dill.  They added that perfect rustic ambiance that I was going for and - BONUS - they cost me absolutely nothing!

I added long grass from my own garden to a less than beautiful vase & then added a huge bunch of big, bold & beautiful sunflowers [generously donated by my neighbour who would likely give you some too because, in his words, "these things grow like weeds & I can't get rid of them"].

Finally, because I love a kick of colour on a table I threw on a large bunch of radishes, still bundled with an elastic band, that I had picked up at a local farmers market that morning. They were absolutely the icing on the cake and although they seem to be slightly out of place when I write about them here on my blog, they were truly the perfect pop of colour to a rustic table setting.

Don't forget the lighting!

Because summer nights are synonymous with sunshine until 9:00 pm, we often forget the need for lighting as the sun starts to set. I cannot overstate the importance of soft and beautiful lighting because, if your friends are anything like mine, the setting of the sun does not equal the end of the night - not even close!

I have seen too many accidents with candles to ever use them for anything more than simple, unlit table decoration (which I did & absolutely love). Instead, my go-to is always battery-powered flameless candles. They give off the same beautiful glow as candlelight but they don't leave wax or cause a potential fire hazard. 

I also added a large lantern (the one I used from Coleman's is amazing) to the end of the table. As it neared a cloudy midnight hour,  this lantern cast significant light and made all the difference for our mom's night out. It kept the table illuminated and gave us enough light so we could actually see each other's faces as we laughed and talked well into the latest hours of the night.

Here's a pro tip: put fresh batteries in everything before your guests arrive. Duracell Quantum are my choice and let me tell you, they lived up to all the hype!!

Be prepared for ANYTHING!
Ok, so I'll be honest, there were a few moments where our perfect rustic backyard night out was slightly interrupted by some unexpected rain. But you know what? That's ok, because when you're a host, you're prepared for anything that could be thrown at you.

So to mitigate the unexpected, here's a few things I keep at the ready:

• Umbrellas - Phew! Thank goodness I actually had these on hand. I went to the dollar store and grabbed a bunch of umbrellas to have on hand just in case the forecasted rain came our way. Good thing I did!
• Flashlights - I don't want to name names, but there may have been a mom in our group that tripped and fell on her way home a few months ago because she didn't see a kids toy that was lying on the sidewalk [it was me]. Since then, we have always had flashlights for our walks home - it just makes sense.
• Bug Zapper - Not the most attractive item to have at a party, I know, but neither are bug bites:)  And in all honesty, once the rain subsided and we ventured back out to the backyard the mosquitos were something fierce. We could not have been more happy to have had that bug zapper on hand.
• Extra Batteries - It is so important to not just have battery-powered lighting at our fingertips (like those flameless candles and lantern), but having extra batteries on hand. Specifically, Duracell Quantum batteries helped us power more summer (#powermoresummer) during our mom's night out in my backyard. They're built to last and let me tell you, they absolutely live up to that hype! 
• Cooler with Ice - If you're going to be hosting a rustic backyard party, you're going to have to include a cooler. I attempted to make it fit with my decor and appear more rustic-looking with some sunflowers and my bug zapper on there but, let's face it, it's a cooler full of ice and it's doing it's job. Enough said:) 

My friends, let's not allow summer to slip away quietly! Let's take it for all we can get from it!! 

Now that you are armed with MY tips and tricks for hosting the perfect rustic-themed night out with your best girlfriends, Duracell Quantum batteries wants to equip you to do the same. 

To do that, they're giving away everything I used to make my night out in my backyard a smashing success, including:

• Duracell Quantum batteries [only the best for you!]
• Coleman lantern
• Coleman flashlight
• Flameless candles
• Bug zapper

This amazing prize pack care of Duracell Quantum can be yours by simply entering below! 

I know you will be as obsessed with the lasting power of Duracell as I am and hopefully a bit inspired to invite over some neighbourhood friends & power more summer (#powermoresummer) in your own backyard!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Duracell Quantum batteries, as part of the #powermoresummer program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.

Tissh by Gloria Lee Necklace Giveaway!

Truth? I don't wear much jewellery. I wear my engagement, wedding and 10-year anniversary rings. That's it.

So when I do wear jewellery, especially when I have a good reason to be dressed up(!) I like it to be a piece that makes a statement, yet is timeless and (dare I hope) beautiful.

That's why I love the entire line of jewellery from Tissh by Gloria Lee.

Gloria Lee is a Canadian fashion and jewellery designer who always hits the right mark. Her pieces are the perfect mix of trendy and classic, bold but beautiful.

I personally purchased two of her rings - Circ and Trine3 -  (I featured her Circ ring a few months ago over HERE - I own it and wear it a lot!) about a year ago and they are, simply put, the nicest pieces of  (non-wedding related) jewellery I own. 

A few months ago, I received Tissh's Rowe necklace and have been wearing it non-stop. It's the perfect compliment to my spring long sweater over leggings staple.

But I wouldn't feel right keeping this beauty all to myself. Tissh by Gloria Lee has agreed to give away one ROWE NECKLACE (valued at $65) to a lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader!

Contest Time!

Canadian and US residents only- go visit Tissh by Gloria Lee and peruse her gorgeous line of rings and necklaces.

Then, enter below (using Rafflecopter) for your chance to win! 

Don't forget to leave a comment on the blog (mandatory), telling me what your go-to piece of jewellery is!

Good luck:)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Planet Giveaway!

Things I love, in no particular order:

1. Coffee that is already prepared and poured for me when I stumble, bedheaded, into the kitchen at 6:00 a.m.

2. My 4 year old's obsession with homework and desire to work on his "homework" every waking hour.

3. Wearing my hair as it is naturally: curly (this only works in the winter but, boy, does it save time).

4. Feel good food.

5. Working from home.

I rarely work with brands on this site, but some I can't resist…

Some embody the values I hold dear, some have great prices and products that I use on the regular, some just seem to fit.  Happy Planet is one of those brands.

I purchase Happy Planet soups whenever I hit up our local grocery store. I can tell you that they are delicious, they are easy, and they make me feel good. {You know, feel good food. One of those things that I love}.

Happy Planet is a Canadian company committed to creating all-natural juices & smoothies & (my fav) all-nautural and organic soups. Their Potato Leek Soup and Thai Coconut Soup are unbelievable!! {and, yes, I have been purchasing them all on my own - no freebies}. Everything tastes fresh, everything I have tried from them has been delicious, and their commitment to giving back is kind of the icing on the already delicious empire they are building.

So, take a minute to check out their site, because Happy Planet is giving away $60 of product vouchers (available for redemption in stores).

Contest Details:

Happy Planet is giving $60 of product vouchers (available for redemption in stores) to ONE lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader. Contest closes NOVEMBER 5, 2013 at midnight. Canada only.
Winner will be chosen using random.org.

How To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me what Happy Planet product(s) you would stock up on if you were chosen as the winner! {dare to dream}.

Extra Entry:

Tweet out the following for an additional entry:
WIN $60 worth of @TeamHappyPlanet product vouchers from Sleeping Is For Losers (@sarahnewk): http://tinyurl.com/lusg7vv


Good Luck!

PS- Happy Planet is sending one of my readers, Kathy, to the National Women's Show in Toronto this weekend! How awesome are they?

Preserve amazing memories- BLURB GIVEAWAY

CONTEST!!

I never knew what Sleeping Is For Losers would become. When I started writing, I did it because I was a new mom who knew nothing and hoped there would be some people out there on the interweb that could relate to my daily struggles. And some people did (and shockingly, they weren't my mom...seriously!).

As this blog has grown and given me amazing opportunities, I've never stopped remembering why I started it and what it may one day mean to my son. I have always hoped that Z could read what I wrote about him and realize how he changed my life in so many amazing ways.

I rarely get around to printing photos- especially now that I take so many quick snapshots with my Blackberry- and I've been AWFUL at keeping up with a baby book for Z. But I did blog about his life and now I have something that will be an amazing and treasured keepsake for Z and myself for years to come.

My friends at Blurb.com gave me the opportunity to transform my blog into a book.

(note: putting on makeup and brushing hair before getting your picture taken would have been a smart thing to do...)

A real book that chronicles the ups and downs of mothering Z...as I see it. A book that I can give to him when he becomes a father one day (gulp) because, let's face it, he'll only really appreciate my sleepless nights when he's awake too.

And it was easy, people. So easy to do. With a couple clicks, Blurb had slurped my blog up and formatted it into a beautiful book- all I had to do was edit (I tried not to do toooooo much). In a few weeks I had my blog, my blood-sweat-tears-words, printed for me to read and relive.

In addition to slurping up your blog, Blurb allows you to create beautiful picture books- perfect for weddings, showers, replacements for that baby book you swore you would create and never did...ahem..., or just treasured keepsakes for you and your loved ones.

I have used other sites like Blurb before but never have I been so pleased with the ease of use, quality of product, and customer support I received. I cannot wait to go back and make more amazing memories with all that Blurb has to offer. Who knows what could come out of it?

Enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now for the good part- THE CONTEST!

Blurb is giving away a $45 promotional code to one lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader!!! This code can be used online when you preserve your amazing memories in a Blurb book. With such amazing pricing at Blurb.com, I can only imagine what amazing things you will create!

Want to enter?

Leave a comment telling me what you would include in your Blurb Book! (remember to include your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!)

Want extra entries??

1) "Like" Sleeping Is For Losers on Facebook

2) Follow me on twitter: @sarahnewk

Easy as pie!

Contest Rules

1. The contest will run from September 26, 2011- October 5, 2011
2. One winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified at the email address used upon entry. The winner will have 48 hrs to respond and failure to do so will result in a new winner selection.

Seventh Generation GIVEAWAY!

Before I had kids, I could have cared less what I cleaned with. Heck, I could care less if I even cleaned...I figured it was my dirt anyway;)

But there's something about having kids that changes your outlook on things that never would have crossed your mind pre-baby. For me, one of those things was cleanliness. Not just cleaning (which I do WAYYYYYYY too much of...but that's another complaint for another day) but WHAT I clean with. What chemicals I was bringing into my household. What harm I may, however inadvertently, be bringing to my children when I scrubbed their bathtub with cleaners whose smell alone knocked my socks off.

Enter natural cleaning products. After scouring the internet for alternatives to harsh chemicals in my cleaners, and coming up with nothing good, I stumbled upon a line of natural cleaning products that really work. Seventh Generation. I've been a user since Zachary entered the world two years ago and I can't imagine turning back. Now, they not only offer amazing cleaning products but a line of baby products that is sure to impress.

I feel good about my choice to make my home as chemical free as possible, especially for my boys, and I want you to be able to as well.

Join the 7^th Gen Nation

Head over to http://ca.seventhgeneration.com/community_ca and join the community. You'll have access to amazing product coupons, special offers, and great tips for green and healthy living.

Enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am giving away an amazing prize pack from Seventh Generation! It includes:

• a 100% organic cotton Seventh Gen Eco lunch bag
• coupons for a FREE package of Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers, Free & Clear Baby Wipes and Dish Washing products

Want to enter?

Leave a comment on my blog giving me one way you try to be more environmentally friendly in your home or life. Yup, it's that easy!! Don't forget to leave me your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!!
Want an extra entry? Follow @SeventhGen and @sarahnewk on Twitter and tweet the following: “Enter to win eco-friendly products from Seventh Generation via @sarahnewk and @SeventhGen http://sleepingisforlosers.blogspot.com/2011/08/seventh-generation-giveaway.html #giveaway #SeventhGenCanada“

Contest Rules

1. Contest is open to Canadian Residents only
2. The contest will run from Aug. 23 – Sept.16 at 11:59 ET.
3. One winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified at the email address used upon entry. The winner will have 48 hrs to respond and failure to do so will result in a new winner selection.

Disclosure – I am participating in the Seventh Generation program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

GOOD LUCK:)

Dorito's Late Night Giveaway!

I know, I know, my last post was on clean eating. But, I love snack foods. Specifically chips. Ok, more specifically, Doritos. I can remember being about 10 years old at our summer cottage, hanging out at movie night with my closest friend, plowing through a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos. Ah, those were the days- when chips didn't equal enormous hips:)
I was recently sent (from Heaven, I assume) the most exciting product I've gotten to review- Two NEW flavours of Doritos- All Nighter Cheeseburger and Last Call Jalapeno Poppers. Luckily, I wasn't alone when the Doritos arrived & my good friend was more then helpful in "product testing":

Yummmmy Jalapeno Poppers...

Cheeseburger...delish!!

So, our verdict? Two Words: YUM! YUM! The All Nighter Cheeseburger Doritos were unbelievable, by far my favourite. They tasted like a cheeseburger- seriously, pickles, mustard, cheese, burger meat...it's all there and it's incredible. As a completely non-partying, go-to-bed-early girl, it made even me want to party until 2am and come home starving and ready to rip into this deliciousness!

The Swag:
Now for the best part- a giveaway!!! I couldn't possibly dangle all this Dorito goodness in front of you without letting one of you in on the enjoyment, could I?
One lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader will be the recipient of an amazing Doritos Late Night Concert Survival Kit containing:

Doritos Late Night Flavours (a bag of each flavour)
Doritos Late Night t-shirts
Ear phones
ITunes gift certificates
Concert swag such as glow sticks, sharpies, autograph pads, disposable cameras
Aquafina Vitamin Water
AMP Energy Drinks

To Enter:
Leave a comment, naming your favourite late night snack (mine is....wait for it....chips). Include your email address and/or twitter name so I can contact you if you are the winner.

Extra Entries you say??:
To receive any extra entries, do one (or all) of the following:
1) Tweet: I entered to win a Doritos Late Night Prize Pack from @sarahnewk- enter NOW! http://bit.ly/cU9cT1
2) Follow me on Twitter (@sarahnewk)
3) Follow my Blog (use the "Follow" button at the top of the page)

Contest ends on September 3rd at midnight. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. Good luck:)

underWAY GIVEAWAY!!!!

If you've been reading any of my posts on UrbanMoms, you know that I have been working my booty off (literally!), trying to shed those final baby weight pounds.
Now that Z is 14 months old, I don't feel like I can rely on the good ol "I just had a baby" excuse...wish I could, but am pretty sure people won't be buying it.

But, let's be honest, losing that baby weight is HARD. I'm lucky if I get three healthy meals in one day, let alone fit in a good workout. Enter underWAY...

underWay is a drink supplement that naturally suppresses your appetite and quenches your thirst at the same time. underWay is available in three flavors; Açai-Pomegranate, Grape and Orange. Each 8 ounce bottle has 2 servings of just 10 calories each and consists of vitamins and HeroFiber™ which includes Fortefiber™ Soluble Dietary Fiber which helps to maintain cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels that are already within normal range.

The benefits in each bottle of underWay:

• Sodium free
• Caffeine free
• No preservatives
• Naturally flavored
• Super Fiber (HeroFiber™)
• 2 grams of carbs
• Great taste

So, how does it work??
underWAY™ CURBS YOUR HUNGER TWO WAYS. Its special formulation not only takes longer to be absorbed by the stomach, it also slows the absorption of what's already there - making you feel fuller, longer. What's more, its unique ingredients stimulate your stomach, telling your brain you've consumed more calories than you really have! Please visit their Site for more detailed information.

My thoughts??
underWAY is delicious. No, really! I was skeptical, only because I hate the aftertaste of most "diet" drinks and loathe the thickness of most protein shakes. underWAY had neither. My personal favourite was the Açai-Pomegranate. It tasted like drinking yummy juice. I can't honestly say if I felt more full after drinking it...but I felt satisfied. It tasted good, satisfied my desire for a sweet drink, and didn't leave me hungry (which often happens after drinking juice).

In addition...
I was given the opportunity to try Smart For Life products (creators of the popular "Cookie Diet"). They were suprisingly good and, while I'm not one to advocate substituting diet products for real food, were excellent as meal replacements when in a pinch. To learn more about Smart For Life products, please visit their site.

NOW...
The Giveaway:

In conjunction with Mom Central and underWay, I have 10 prize packages up for grabs (Canadian Readers only) consisting of the following:

• 8 bottles of underWAY Supplement Drink
  
• an assortment of Smart for Life products
  

Mandatory Entry:
Visit underWay and Smart For Life. Have a look around and then come back here and let me know why you would love to try out these products!! It's just that easy!

BONUS Entries?? Don't mind if I do...

• Follow my blog (and tell me!)
• Follow me on Twitter (@sarahnewk) (and tell me!)
  
• Tweet the following message on Twitter (1 per day): "I just entered to win an underWay prize pack from @sarahnewk: http://bit.ly/c5nwgU ENTER NOW! #giveaway

That's it!! Good luck!

****Please note: Readers may enter this contest on my blog as well as this same contest on numerous other blogs participating in the underWay Blog Tour. However, a reader is only eligible to win 1 prize package.****


This contest is open to residents of Canada only. Contest starts July 28, 2010 and ends August 04, 2010 at 11:59 pm (EST) 10 Winners will be drawn using Random.org. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond. Failure to respond will result in a new winner being chosen. **PLEASE ENSURE TO LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT**


Disclosure - I am participating in the underWAY program by Mom Central on behalf of Better Health Beverage, LLC. I received a gift card as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.