Three weeks ago, thanks to my wonderful blog sponsors Vistaprint, Skincare Botanica, and Appleseed Maternity, I found myself in the financial position to be able to buy myself an indulgent gift, a gift solely for myself: a new iPad 2! (She needs a nickname… Suggestions?). Shortly after making my purchase I discovered the iBooks, Kindle and Kobo apps and therefore resurrecting my love of reading.

I turned to my good friend Twitter for book suggestions and @flowercitymom jumped to the rescue & suggested “Left Neglected” by Lisa Genova. Trusting her judgement, I downloaded it right away.

I instantly was able to relate to the chief character, Sarah, in Left Neglected. She’s a busy mom of three children who are almost exactly the same age as mine (9 mos, 6 and 8). She’s a career-minded mom, trying to find work/life balance between school and daycare drop-offs, a long commute to work and a demanding job until one day she’s involved in a car accident that leaves her a traumatic brain injury. The book shares her emotional and physical struggles in the aftermath of the accident. She’s unable to care for herself or her children but slowly recovers and learns that the little things in life are what matters most.

As a working mom myself (or at least I will be in 3 mos from now when my maternity leave is over), I could relate to her struggles. How do I balance everything *I* want to do? Is what *I* want to do as important or more important than the time with my children? I greatly enjoyed the book because it made me see MY OWN life differently. I love when a book can do that!

DISCLAIMER: I chose and purchased this book on my own and was not asked by anyone to write a review. These are my own thoughts and feelings about this book.

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From the manufacturer’s website:

The Growing Healthy Kids Multivitamin was formulated by Dr. Jim LaValle to be an incredibly nutrient-dense multivitamin unlike anything else in the kids multivitamin market. Unlike sugar-filled, nutrient-poor gummy vitamins and other chewables, there were no corners cut in this multivitamin. It is also all-natural, sweetened with xylitol, lo han and Stevia and comes in a tasty cherry flavor.

I didn’t know how my kids would react to them, though they were very eager to try them. I vlogged their tremendously raw and honest review, and am rather thankful that I did because there is no way I could ever describe this in words:

No worries – I laughed too!

All in all, 5 year old Sierra liked the flavour, but not the texture.  As for 3 year old Brooke… I had a hard time convincing her to try the POPChips I was sent to review after this experience.

I looked over the label, and the % daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet, and in many cases there was well over 100% of the recommended daily value in the vitamins. The bottle suggests two vitamins/day for children over the age of 2. Now I don’t know about your kids, but mine certainly do not consume 2000 calories/day. Heck! I don’t even cosume that many calories in a day!  Basically a child would get WELL over 200% of the required amount of many vitamins and minerals.  I’m not a nutritionist, but I truly believe more is not always better.

My review? Save your money and just feed your children nutrient rich HEALTHY foods.

Disclaimer: I did not pay for this product. It was sent to me and in exchange, I’ve posted an honest review of it. I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review. This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

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So why have I been using TurboTax?
It’s easy! It guides me step-by-step – for all of my income and more importantly my deductions. It does basically everything except hold my hand during the process.  The prompts are also really easy to understand! My taxes are not overly complicated, so I use the standard edition. Our deductions are the three kids, student loan repayment, daycare fees, RRSP’s etc. It allows me to NETFILE and every year Ive gotten my return directly deposited to my bank account within a week of filing! Don’t believe it’s that easy? Then check out the great reviews that other people have left regarding their use of TurboTax. Also, if your taxes are a little more complicated than mine, there are other versions such as TurboTax Premiere or TurboTax Business.

WIN IT!!
I have TWO download codes for CANADA ONLY to giveaway!!

(Ends on March 28 , 2011)

Required entry:  Tell me why you want to win this!

Extra entries (Leave a separate comment for each entry):
1. Subscribe to my Fitness Cheerleader newsletter of Fitness Tips & Motivation = 1 entry.
2. Tweet about this giveaway (click that Retweet button at the top of this post) = 1 entry.
3. Follow me on Twitter (@fitcheerldr) = 1 entry.
4. Like the Fitness Cheerleader on FACEBOOK = 1 entry.

This giveaway will end on: March 28, 2011 at 11:59 PM

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I did not pay for this product. It was sent to me and in exchange, I’ve posted an honest review of it. I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review. This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

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• FuelBelt Helium 4 Bottle Belt because it distributes water weight around your waist evenly. I found using a single bottle hydration belt hurt my hips. Staying hydrated while you exercise has also been proven to increase your performance.
• ASICS Coolmax Quarter Running Sock (3-Pack) because there’s nothing worse for returning to running than fresh new blisters. I find these socks wrap nicely around my arches to prevent friction and blisters.
• Wahoo Fitness WFFisica01 fisica Sensor Key for iPhone
  - this neat little device enables heart rate monitoring and other sensors for all cardion activity including running and biking both indoors and out! Pair this up with Log Your Run GPS iphone app and you’ll be able to track your heart rate along with GPS info for your run without paying hundreds of dollars for a Garmin.
• ASICS Women’s 6 Pack Headband – keep your hair outta your eyes and outta your face with these cute head bands!
• Philips Flexible Earhook Headphones – these earphones don’t slip while you run! I personally LOVE listening to podcasts while I run, particularly Two Fit Chicks and a Microphone because it makes me feel like I’m running with the always inspiring Carla.
• Saucony Nexus Sports Running Bra – this super supportive bra has a front closure makeing it easy to get on and off. It also allows easy access for breastfeeding runners (like me).

QUESTION: What running gear would you like as a gift?

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Apparently only 34% of Americans drink the recommended 64oz of water our bodies need each day (Eight 8oz servings). Although not enough water is being consumed, most Americans do consume six 8oz servings of caffeinated beverages instead (ie: soda, coffee, tea…). Surprising?

Not really – although I’m not American, I’m just as guilty, so when I was asked by the great folks at Sportline to review their HydraCoach water bottle I eagerly agreed.

So what is this fabulous HydraCoach I write of?
The HydraCoach is the first intelligent water bottle that will track your fluid consumption. About 75% of Americans are dehydrated and need to drink more water. If you’re one of them, then the HydraCoach is the product that can help you stay on track throughout the day because of its advanced technology that keeps track of the ounces you’ve drank and lets you know how many more you need to drink by the end of the day.

Here’s what it does:

• Calculates your personal hydration needs
• Tracks your fluid consumption through the day
• Paces and motivates you to ensure hydration goals are met

Pretty cool right?

It’s even cooler when you factor in that it fits into the side pocket of my diaper bag perfectly!

Fits in my diaper bag!

As a breast feeding mom, water and hydration is every important to me. I’ve read that how much water I drink won’t affect my milk output that much, but it will impact my energy levels and my own personal hydration. So I need to drink my water, as we all know a new mom certainly needs to keep up her energy in order to meet the demands of her family. Besides, water also makes up more than 70% of the body’s tissues and plays a role in nearly every body function!

I’ve been using my HydraCoach for 3 days now and I have to admit that it certainly has helped me keep up my water intake. Wednesday I drank 72oz thanks to it’s coaching, and yesterday I drank 80oz. You know what? I feel better than I have in days!

Thanks SportLine for giving me the opportunity to review & test this product – it’s fantastic and I highly recommend it!

Disclaimer: I did not pay for this product. It was sent to me and in exchange, I’ve posted an honest review of it. I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review. This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

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Wow! Time is quickly tick, tick, ticking away! Before I know it we’ll be bathing a new baby! I really can’t wait – not only because I’m completely DONE with being pregnant, but also because Johnsons and Johnsons sent me this awesome baby bath gift basket that’s literally overflowing with awesome Johnsons baby bath products:

Baby Bath Gift Basket

I’ve used everything except the NATURAL™ line of products on my kids, as they weren’t available when my youngest was a baby. I completely love the products. In fact, my girls have gotten into my basket and have begun using the BEDTIME® Bath and Shampoo – I love the smell of Lavender on them I can’t wait for my hubby, Sierra, and Brooke to bath baby (that’s their job).

To help celebrate our new addition, Johnsons and Johnsons sent me another basket to giveaway to you!!

Here’s what’s in it:

1 – JOHNSON’S® NATURAL™ HEAD-TO-TOE™ Foaming Baby Wash
1 – JOHNSON’S® NATURAL™ Baby Shampoo
1 – JOHNSON’S® NATURAL™ Baby Lotion
1 – JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Bath
1 – JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Creamy Wash
1 – JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME® Shampoo
1 – JOHNSON’S® Baby Bubble Bath and Wash
1 – JOHNSON’S® Baby Lotion
1 – boon Odd Duck (bob) BpA-free, Phthalate-free & PVC-free ducky that doesn`t hold water, therefore doesn’t allow black mold to grow in it that kids love to suck out…
5 – Washcloths
1 – 2gb USB Flashdrive pre-loaded with Baby Bathtime Tips

WIN IT!!

(Ends on November 25 , 2010)

Required entry: Visit Johnsons Baby Bathtime Guide and leave a comment with a tip on how to bathe our new baby.

Extra entries (Leave a separate comment for each entry):
1. Subscribe to Mom on the Run = 1 entry.
2. Tweet about this giveaway (click that Retweet button at the top of this post) = 1 entry.
3. Follow me on Twitter (@fitcheerldr) = 1 entry.
4. Like the Fitness Cheerleader on FACEBOOK = 1 entry.

This giveaway will end on: November 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM

Good luck!

Disclaimer: I did not pay for these products. They were sent to me and in exchange, I’ve posted an honest review of them. I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review. This review is based solely on my experience with these products.

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The Rattles 'Rattle On' CD

This new song is called “Wavy Lane” click HEREto take a listen.

My kids really enjoyed this CD, and the beatles-esque sound to it means I enjoyed it too!

New York, NY – Hailing straight from the swamps of Central Jersey, an eclectic band of anthropomorphic critters known as The Rattles are preparing to roll out their debut studio album ‘RATTLE ON’. Working in the classic traditions of The Beatles, Moxy Fruvous, The Monkees, and They Might Be Giants, The Rattles apply a fresh fusion of classic rock and power pop that is sure to appeal to fans of all ages and put them on the map.

The unique animal collective consists of four stellar musicians and life-long friends – Gus, Kitty, Sal, and Hal – who describe their upcoming release as “the album we were born to make”. From start to finish, ‘RATTLE ON’ provides a solid testament to The Rattles’ undeniable musical ingenuity, jammed with catchy pop melodies and feel-good vibes that are sure to inspire lots of head swaying and booty-shaking.

With their trusty manager Benny and a devoted legion of roadies all named Elvis in tow, The Rattles intend to take their show on the road and connect directly with the people who inspire them most – the fans. With such a distinct background and a colorful collection of grooves, The Rattles are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing new music acts of the year. To learn more about this fun Cd click HERE.

Thanks to Musebox I have 1 copy of The Rattles “Rattle On” Cd’s to giveaway! This giveaway will end September 5th at 11:59 PM. The winner will be chosen via random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen.

Required entry:
Go to The Rattles website and tell me something fun you learned about the band!

Extra entries (Leave a separate comment for each entry):
1. Subscribe to Mom On The Run by email.
2. Tweet about this giveaway (click that Retweet button at the top of this post) .
3. Enter the giveaway on my Fitness Cheerleader site.

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I’ve now decided to take Fitness Cheerleader to a new level and start selling workout mp3’s. Last week I recorded my first walk and tone workout mp3 that is set to 90’s dance music. Through voice commands, my voice leads you through an upper body strengthening program while you walk. Why? Combining strength moves with cardio allows you to burn more calories in the same amount of time, and building muscle causes you to burn more calories at rest. Win-win! (You can read more about the workout in my article: How to Shred Fat Faster By Walking). In the future I plan to add an 80’s Dance Music version, and a learn-to-run 5K program to offer to you.

I’ve now have uploaded my first mp3 (Fitness Cheerleader’s Walk and Tone mp3 Workout) to Fitness Cheerleader and have made it available for purchase. Several friends have already downloaded it, tried it, and have reviewed it publicly on their blogs. And guess what? They LOVE IT! Here’s what Scarlett had to say about it:

Today I tried this mp3 out for the first time and WOW! I feel incredible. It can be done outside or on a treadmill. For you pedometer wearers, I reset mine right before I began the workout and got almost 3,400 steps! This was just me walking around my house. I probably wasn’t covering as much ground as I would outside, so I would say I could get almost 4,000 if I were outside and not sick! The music is 90?s dance music, which brings back so many memories and gets me moving. In addition, my 4 year old son got out his 2 pound weights and walked with me. He LOVED the music – particularly the “Move it, Move it” song. I can already tell my arms are going to be a little sore tomorrow! Thanks, Fitness Cheerleader!

Chelle also liked it, and gave me some honest criticism about my voice overs, which I’m in the process of fixing and will send a replacement copy to everyone who’s downloaded it:

I did this workout on my treadmill but it could easily be done outside. You do need some weights. I used my 3lb weights and started walking. I had to smile when the music started, it is dance music from the 90?s, I felt so young and it also reminded what I was working towards! So I knew the tunes, then Janice encourages and guides you through each exercise. The MP3 is 40 minutes and I was totally burning once I got going. My arms are sore today! I also realized I need to pay more attention to my triceps, ouch!

I’ll even be doing the workout myself as I progress through the last 10-13 weeks of this pregnancy, and will continue to do it as a gentle post-natal workout (I’ll probably walk with baby asleep in an infant carrier or sling).

I really hope you’ll try my mp3 workout – it’s a great way to be healthy, build strength and tone your arms while walking. It’s safe enough to be done as a pre or post-natal workout, and is a great activity to do on off days or while recovering from injuries.

I’m having a special introductory sale on the Fitness Cheerleader Walk and Tone mp3 Workout! Right now you can get it for $3.99 – LESS than a trip to Starbucks! (use coupon code LAUNCH, for a limited time, regularly $4.99).

(If you are a subscriber to my Fitness Cheerleader newsletter you are automatically entered to win a copy – I’ll be giving away one copy every month for the next couple of months!)

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Anyways, Liz @ Loving Mom of Two Boys responded to me came to my rescue and said she was looking into getting Sunshine Kids Seats when her newest addition joins her family (Congrats Liz!).

Look at this pic! These car seats have a narrow base and can fit three across a mid-sized sedan (I’d consider my Santa Fe & hubby’s Mazda 6 both to be mid-sized).

3 car seats in one car!

My kids are small, I hate to admit this but 5 year old, Sierra, weighs 34lbs and my almost 3 year old, Brooke, weighs a whopping 25lbs. So this is the perfect solution for us. I considered having both girls in boosters, but because we do long car trips to visit family frequently, and both girls fall asleep in their seats a seat that will hold them upright is a better match for us. $900 in car seats vs 5 yrs of $400 +/month in car payments…. This is a no-brainer to me! And look how cute the fabric is:

I’ll probably get the grey because I’m conservative like that even though the pink is so adorable (and my girls would love it). Actually the pink is so cute I’m almost tempted to find out the sex of this baby at my 20 week anatomy scan ultrasound tomorrow, even though I PROMISED my hubby Mr. Old School I wouldn’t find out. Gosh it’s killing me not to know who’s hiccupping in there!

Anyways – thanks again Liz for your awesome suggestion! I’ve researched and have found that the Bay Department Store across from my work carries these so I can scout them out now (or maybe if I’m lucky Sunshine Kids will send me one to review and therefore ease some of the expense of expanding our family…).

PS – Special thanks to Emma and Marisa for their suggestion to check out Car-seat.org where I learned that I only need 2 Sunshine Kids car seats and can use my existing Graco in the center rear-facing for the baby.

* I am not a mini-van kind of gal – I may be a washed up former cutie now that I’m gonna have three kids, but I will never ever drive a Caravan, Sedona etc… Yes, you can call me a snob ‘cause it really doesn’t bother me at all.

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My New Birkenstocks

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