Looking for that perfect Mommy Briefcase...

With the Christmas Season upon us Shop, Shop, Shop right!? -- Well, I did not make it out this year for 'Black Friday' but, am doing lots of my shopping online. I came across a fabulous site that have about everything you could want or need! I'm looking at their briefcases right now! -- Looking to find one that will fit my mommy binder, laptop, and a few other Mommy essentials in -- wipes, hand sanitizer, gummies snacks... this list could go on and on... Check out the site! I'm looking forward to doing a review for them and sharing with you! So, stop back by soon! Until then "Happy Shopping"!

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No More Winter Blues Beauty Secret #2

In addition to Hydrating your skin in many ways it is also important to HYDRATE from the inside out!

Do not limit your skin's hydration just to the exterior. Replenishing your body's fluids gives you more energy, benefits your overall health, and will also help keep your skin from becoming dehydrated. Nourish your skin from the inside out, by eating fresh, healthy foods, drinking lots of water, and supplementing with beneficial beverages such as Votre Vu's SnapDragon.

SnapDragon: Enjoy daily - a delicious, nutritious blend of antioxidants super fruits like mango, pomegranate and acai berry juices, collagen, calcium seven essential daily vitamins, the extracts of green, white, and red tea, and beneficial botanicals like aloe vera, ginkgo biloba, and baobabfiber.

Enjoy one of these SnapDragon Recipes... Either a Mocktail or a Cocktail

Mall Walk Blender Mender 

6-8 oz. SnapDragon

6-8 oz. Water or Milk

2 scoops of protein powder

Ice or frozen fruit (for a thicker option)
- Blend until smooth.

Naughty N’ Nice

1 oz. Vodka

1 oz. Grand Marnier

2.5 oz. SnapDragon
Slice of lemon

Sugar and Ice Cubes

A Votre Sante! [To Your Health!]

I am THANKFUL for....

I have to share the 1st and foremost thing I am most THANKFUL for! I constantly thank GOD for MY CHILDRENS HEALTH! I have SIX beautiful HEALTHY children!

I want to say Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! To a wonderful Holiday Season!

Thank you for stopping by and reading my blog!

My Christmas Card Find This Year...

I have been doing photo Christmas cards for many years now.  My oldest of six is 21 and I've been including a photo almost every year as we've added to our gang! However, it use to be just that, a photo that was 'included' with the Holiday card.  Now, we've come along way with so many choices for Holiday Photo Cards - not only with different card types but ways we can include photo's... even 'do it yourself' cards online! With my goal of getting my Christmas cards done and ready to go by December 1st I was happy to have come across Shutterfly! I went to Shutterfly's website: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards  -- and was ecstatic about ALL the choices! For my card this year, I'm going with one of their Folded Greeting Cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/folded-greeting-cards ~ I like their photo cards that your picture takes up the whole front of the card.  This is the style that works best with a large family/photo. 

 

They have tons of options and great prices! You can't go wrong with Shutterfly!

They have great 'special offers' going on right now as well! http://www.shutterfly.com/special-offers

If you don't or can't get around to Christmas cards... don't fret! They also have New Year's cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/new-years-cards

The best part about Shutterfly is how easy it is to customize your own greeting cards. Designing your own cards is a snap right online!

I look forward to sharing my Christmas Photo Card with you all! Happy Holidays!

No More Winter Blues Beauty Secret #1

Dry, cold and windy weather outdoors and dry, static-inducing central heating inside not only pull moisture from the air, but also from your skin.  the winter elements leave many people's skin feeling tight, itchy, and sometime seven flaky and cracked  - complexions lose their radiance and fine lines look deeper.  Fight back!  Regain that beautiful, moisture-filled skin with these Votre Vu ease...

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
 Moisturize your body immediately after showering, apply lotion to hands every time after washing, and re-apply throughout the day to those areas which dry most easily - like hands, elbows, and feet.  Avoid waxy moisturizers that can clog pores.  And by all means, don't forget to hook up that home humidifier!

• Amour D'Ore
• Use an all-around treatment for sensitive skin like Votre Vu's dry-oil, vitamin-rich Amour D'Ore spray, which is especially invaluable for those hard-to-reach areas - like the back.  Apply as you step out of the shower for deep absorption.  Use alone but for an extra protective moisture layer, apply Amour D'Ore's essential oils underneath Tarte D'Amande Souffle daily body creme.  (One more tip...rub a small amount in your hair to shield and protect your locks form the winter elements and take away that frizz and static for a smooth healthy look.)
• Tarte D'Amande Souffle'
• Use day and night for luxurious moisture protection that's never heavy or greasy.  With a decadent almond pie aroma, fatty acids, vitamins and tropical nut oils in the body souffle' provide the ultimate in hydrated and sensuously silky skin.

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We love our Halloween Tradition of 'Booing'! Do you Boo?

This is a fun family Halloween tradition that we have been doing around here for a long time!  This year a neighbor beat us to the punch. But, all the more FUN. Who could it be? Who 'Boo'ed me?  At least half of the homes or our street and culdesac have been 'Boo'ed so far.  Are you wondering what 'Boo'ing is? Well guess no further... 

You get a fun little Halloween bowl, goodie bag, or whatever creative gifting giving item you can think of.  Fill it with some Halloween goodies ie: candy, stickers, tattoos, spider rings, bubbles. Doesn't have to be too much or anything fancy. If you know the family you can put age appropriate 'goodies' in your gift.

Then you put 2 pieces of paper with your goodies. One that is a picture with the word "BOO" on it.  Then another that has a poem that would say:

 "To our good friends on our street:

You now have been Boo'd, but who could we be? 

We'll never tell, it's a secret, you see. 

We placed these goodies for you and yours

 Then we ran fast, after knocking the door! 

Happy Halloween! 

Place this Boo on your front door

And make sure you Boo two neighbors of yours!"

Then you do just what the poem says... put, the goodies along with the 2 pieces of paper on their front porch. Then ring the doorbell, run and hide, until they have gotten their goodies and gone back inside!
Remember: Ssshhh! It's a secret!

You can print your OWN "Boo" at:

http://www.boograms.com/

Have fun and start a new family holiday tradition!

~Kimberly

aka Bizee Mama

Sweet Grass Farm Lavendar Body Wash Giveaway Winner

EMILY

COMMENT #3

I have contacted you through email. 

You have 48 hrs. to respond to receive your giveaway or a new comment will be chosen!

Thanks everyone who entered and to my new followers! Until the next giveaway!

~Kimberly

a.k.a. Bizee Mama

I love FALL and I love all that comes with it....

The rustling of leaves and their changing colors, cool crisp air, soccer games, bonfires, hot apple cider, pumpkin bread, roasts for dinner, family time, and of course the decorations that come along with the Holiday season. Pumkins, gourds, scarecrows, dried corn stalks, dried leaves dipped in wax, and delicious smelling candles are just the start. I must admit candles are 'one' of my addictions! I have tried so many different brands and the one I keep coming back to is Yankee Candle! I always have to have at least one at all times. With so many scent choices I can choose one that compliments the Season. Their Harvest® is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, and musk with a hint of sweet apples and pumpkin is burning as we speak! Enjoy their MacIntosh, Spiced Pumpkin, Apple Cider, Apple Pie, Autumn Fruit, Autumn Leaves, Autumn Wreath, Cinnamon Stick, or Be Thankful. These are just a few of their many scents to get you started for the Holidays. Treat yourself and your home to one. Light it once you've done a quick clean up around the house and put on some nice calm music... take a deep breathe! Lighting for company adds a welcoming touch!  Click Here for a $10 OFF COUPON for your own Yankee Candle good through October 30th! Enjoy your Fall!

~ Bizee Mama

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Don't hide your neck behind a turtleneck

Now that we're in Fall and on our way to Winter don't forget about taking care of your skin that will still be showing even though your body will be all bundled up.  The face of course and your neck 'YES' neck.  Did you know that the skin area on your neck has different hormonal reactors than the face, and as a result, ages faster!? It has fewer oil glands and skin is thicker, creating the necessity for a specialized formula dedicated to refining the skin's texture and reinforcing the tissue for a smoother appearance. Have you heard of  marine collagen and elastin? It strengthens the subcutaneous tissues and promotes elasticity in your skin. Also, have you heard of Centella asiatica? It helps to stimulate collagen and elastin formation while nourishing the collagen fibers beneath dry layers of skin. Well, here is a fabulous product I would recommend for taking care of your neck: Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme. Vitamin E, beeswax, shea butter, rose hips and ginseng protect this often neglected area and renew its vitality, while jojoba restores softness. The neck crème is richer than face crèmes and has more powerful hormone-stimulating ingredients. This luxurious formula absorbs quickly without leaving a stain or residue. You are now ready for your close-up. Keep Your Chin Up.
We don't want to be one of those ladies that look fabulous but, only with a turtleneck on! Do we? So check out Portrait Collar Restorative Neck Creme.

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100 Days to Christmas - Daily inspiration to get you through the busy holiday season.

My goal this holiday season for the 1st time was to have my Christmas shopping done, gifts wrapped, and Christmas cards ready to go by December 1st with a little encouragment from the FlyLady (FlyLady.net). I have never set this goal for myself before and I was working on it.... then I came across this fabulous site 100 Days to Christmas. This was just what I needed to help me actually accomplish this goal! So far, I've been able to do each of the little daily steps (inspirations) which come through email daily. I get my daily inspirations/alerts on my blackberry... and I love it! -- I'm gonna breeze through the holidays this year and with six (6) children this will be a quite a feat and blessing!

Thanks 100 Days to Christmas for your inspiration and to FlyLady.net - Cruising through the Holiday!

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Sweet Grass Farm Body Wash Review & Giveaway!

I'm so excited to do this REVIEW & GIVEAWAY on Sweet Grass Farm! I fell in love with Sweet Grass Farm products after a visit to New England and staying at a childhood friends home. During my stay, her home smelled divine... she had something from Sweet Grass Farm in every room. Fragrance sticks, candles, hand soap, dish soap, and lotions. As soon as I arrived back home I couldn't wait to get some for myself! I went to their very user friendly website http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/  and found out more about this fabulous company and their products! Sweet Grass Farm started on a premise -- they were always interested in creating their own body care products and soaps. They started in the kitchen, hand stirring batches of creative and good-for-you products, they dreamt of a business that could provide fragrant and gentle products at affordable prices, with a good does of friendly service... and that is just what they have done!

I placed an order for some of their products I just couldn't wait to have in my own home... their Liquid Hand Soap and Shea Butter Lotion in Lavender (at every sink)... of course, I had to have the matching scented 100% Soy Candle, matching Hand Soap and lotion in Lemon Verbena at the kitchen sink with matching Dish Soap and Candle. Their products make my home a 'Home'! Sweet Grass Farm is a way of life for me.

I was thrilled to get on their site recently and see their new Meadow Collection! Thanks to Sweet Grass Farm I got to try their Body Wash in Pure Lavender now this is also a 'must have' on my list! They are also offering one of my fabulous readers one for themselves!

Do you ever feel stressed after a long day's work? Then its time to unwind the stress with some Body Wash. With our daily hectic and tight schedule we don't often get time to get rid of our stress. Well, there is an inexpensive and great way to relax and feel rejuvenated. Take a bath or shower with Sweet Grass Farm Meadow Collection Body Wash (follow with their matching scented lotion). They offer four different delightful scents like Sweet Mint, Almond Blossom, Pure Lavender, & Vanilla Milk that effect your mood in a positive way! After using their Pure Lavender scented Body Wash...WOW... it was so relaxing in the evening but, yet invigorating in the morning!

The Body Wash is a lush, rich body wash that is lightly scented. It will leave your skin feeling refreshed and invigorated. Rinsing cleanly, it is composed of a sugar based, all natural cleanser, and it features extracts of Milk Thistle and Meadowsweet for their antioxidant properties, as well as Linden Flower for its cell renewal properties. A wonderful everyday shower and hand wash for the bath or by the sink.

The Meadow Collection

You'll have to try it for yourself! To enter the GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a Sweet Grass Farm Meadow Collection Pure Lavender Body Wash you'll need to do the following:

To Enter: FIRST YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG.

Next visit: http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/ and tell us about another product you'd like to try in the comments below.

Extra Entries: ( Leave a separate comment for each one!)

1. Like Sweet Grass Farm on Facebook ~ comment on their page and let them know 'Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets Sweet Grass Farm Review & Giveaway sent me'. (1 entry)

2. Follow Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets on twitter. (1 entry) www.twitter.com/bizeebeauty .

3. Retweet the following: ' I entered to #win a Sweet Grass Farm Pure Lavender Body Wash @ Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets! Stop by & enter http://bit.ly/9oGwgd #giveaway ' ~ You can retweet once a day for 1 entry each time (please leave me the URL so I can verify your tweet (1 entry per day)

4. Add me to your PUBLIC Blog Roll make sure to leave a URL I will be checking. (2 entries)

5. Grab my button and tell me where it is make sure to leave an address I will be checking. The button MUST be on your HOMEPAGE. (5 entries)

Buy It: You can purchase Sweet Grass Farm Products at: http://www.sweetgrassonline.com/

Giveaway ends September 30th at 11:59PM EST. US only. Winner will be picked via Random.org. Please include your email address in at least one of your comments. For example: BizeeBeauty@yahoo.com so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Please respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

This was not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.
Good Luck!

Weekend Blog Hopping

Come hop with me this weekend! Please leave a comment saying 'Hi' and where I can find you!
Glad you stopped by!

~ Happy Hopping! Have a great weekend!

I'd Like to Share 10 Ways to Make Your Favorite Foods Healthier

I want to share with you some ways I have consciously thought of to help make my families meals healthier.  We are considered a rather large family these days and are on on the go often.  But, family dinner time is one of the most important! I'm fortunate my children are not very picky. I'm sure this is from being from a large family they really don't have a choice.  Our dinners usually consist of the basics.  A meat, veggie, & starch. However, when preparing each one of these I try to be a bit creative on flavor but, health is most important. These are some of the ways I do this. I hope this will give you a few idea's for your family meals.

1) When cooking Veggies ~  I steam them instead of boiling them to keep more of the vitamins & nutrients in them. I will add a touch of soy sauce to the water for flavor. Then I season them by sprinkling them with a favorite seasoning. Great substitute for butter.

2) A better choice for table salt ~ I use Sea Salt instead of the highly processed salt you find in many grocery stores. Nothing beats a sea salt/peppercorn mill to cook with and on the dinner table.

3) When I make cookies or cake ~ I try and substitute half of the butter with applesauce, pumpkin or prune puree depending on the recipe. Less fat; more nutrients.

4) Add Beans ~ Thicken soups with pureed beans. Delicious and added nutrition. Our family loves them. Yes, we have to sing the song... beans, beans the musical fruit... I think most of you know the rest of that song! :]

5) Try healthier ways to actually cook your foods ~ We often grill or stir-fry. Even microwaving, baking, and boiling instead are better than say deep frying.

6) Try fresh or dried herbs ~ (basil, oregano, parsley) and spices (lemon pepper, chili powder, garlic powder) to flavor your food instead of adding less healthy toppings such as butter, margarine, or gravy.

7) Trim the skin and fat off of your meat ~ You'll still get plenty of flavor and it's more nutritious.

8) Slowly change your dairy fat intake ~ I have weened my family to fat-free/low fat dairy products. Whenever I can I will use fat-free milk in recipes and reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, low fat sour cream, & reduced fat cream cheese. Once in the meal you can't really tell a difference.

9) Use cooking Spray ~ I use cooking spray instead of butter/oil. Less calories & fat. Check label's first. 

10) I substitute regular pasta's and rice ~ With High-Fiber and Whole-Grain Pastas they are the best for you. Whole grain rice is the healthiest rice. Brown organic rice as well. I have tried several different brands as they all all taste a bit different. The family majority rule wins on the best flavor.

I feel that this is all good advice.  We get caught up these days in quickness.  But, a lot of these steps are easy.  Once you make the conscious effort to eat healthier it just becomes routine. I hope I was able to give you a few new idea's at least to try for yourself and/or your family. Good luck & here's to HEALTHIER EATING!

~ Bon Appetit! [I wish you] a hearty appetite!

About Heinz WeightWatchers SmartOnes:
From breakfast to lunch, dinner, desserts and snacks, Weight Watchers® Smart Ones® has a variety of great tasting, good-for-you meal options to help you manage your weight. So start eating smart, today.

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and WeightWatchers SmartOnes blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Easy Taco Soup Dinner Recipe for Families on the Go....

Hi everyone!  Thanks to the FlyLady (http://www.flylady.net/) for dinner reminders and great recipes, I'm wanting to share with you one of my easiest dinner recipes for a busy family.  Now that school is back in session for my children we are all often running in different directions with school activities & sports.  I want to make sure everyone gets a good meal.  So here is my Taco Soup Recipe! One of my children's favorites! Couldn't be any easier... The Crock Pot comes in handy this time of year.

TACO SOUP

2 lbs. Ground Beef [or substitute w/ ground turkey]
2 Cans Pinto Beans
2 Cans Black Beans Rinsed 
2 Cans Corn
2 Packet each of:
Ranch ORIGINAL Dressing
Taco Seasoning
4 Cans 10 oz. Rotelle Tomato and Chili’s [hot or mild]
2-4 Cups of Water

Brown meat, drain. Add all ingredients to Crockpot.  I keep mine on Low for about 4 hours.
Then top with whatever fixings you like or may have when your ready... tortilla chips, pepper jack cheese, or your favorite cheese, sour cream, avocado's, fresh cut cilantro.

You can't hurt this soup. Adjust the water to your preference and time as needed. This recipe can be cut in half as this is for a family of 8.

ENJOY! Let me know if you try it!

Winner of the 'Summer Doesn't Have to End' Giveaway....

April comment #22!
You won the Votre Vu ON HOLIDAY Moisturizing Body Oil Spray! 

The winner has 48 hrs. to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

April said...

Daily tweet. http://twitter.com/notaprilbrooks/status/21874479121
lirpaskoorb@gmail.com
August 22, 2010 9:21 PM

Thanks to everyone who entered! Thank you to the new followers of  Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets! Check back often for more fabulous giveaway's! Thanks, Kimberly aka Bizee Mama

Five of my Favorite Family Time Ideas

We are a big family so we cherish our family time together!  Here our five of my favorites!

We absolutely love family game night! ~ I like to occasionally surprise my kids with a new game that we all can play and put it on the dining room table before dinner so they all see it! We can discuss it and get excited about when we're all gonna get together to play it!

Going to the the park near our home is another great family time! ~ We are fortunate to have a park within walking distance! We will take a stroll over there in the evening and have a little nature walk through and along the creek.  We love to discover all the little critters in the water.

Camping is also one of our family favorites! ~ Even the older children have to go and do end up enjoying it! It is a lot of fun around the camp fire.  We love to roast marshmallows and play telephone... where everyone is in a circle and the first person starts off with saying a funny statement or joke... then it goes around the circle from one person to another... by the time it gets to the end it is VERY SILLY!

Family movie night! ~  It's a great way to get everyone together!  We try to pick a movie all can watch.  Then we make sure we have some popcorn and family favorite candy! Fun had by all and a little quiet for the mommy and daddy while the kids are enjoying the movie!

My children love to build things with their hands. ~ We love to play with homemade playdoh.  Do puzzles and play with LEGO'S! Lego's have been a big part of our family since my oldest son was about 4 years old, he is now 17.  He was amazing with what he could create with them!  Now, my youngest is 4 and is starting to get into them, the older kids like to play along and build cool things with him.  It is always fun to get a new box of LEGO'S and see what the final build looks like! What a great accomplishment!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and LEGO blogging program, making me eligible to get a prize pack. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Five Lessons Every Kid Should Learn...

This is very hard for me to narrow down honestly... As we continue to learn lessons through out our entire lives! Hence WISDOM!  Here are the ones I thought of fairly quickly of of the top of my head.  This also is difficult depending on your child(rens) age.  Mine range from young adult to a 4 year old toddler.  But, these lessons will all apply at one age/stage or another and to you young parents out there I hope this is of some help as you begin your parenting journey!

1.  There are Consequences in life to everything.  ~ This can be learned at a very young age.  There is a result to every action.  Therefore, resulting in a good or negative consequence.  You can help your child along by letting the consequence happen but, encourage the positive result.

2.  Be Aware of one's self and their surroundings.  ~ We do not want our children to be afraid but, you have to make them aware.  Teach them age appropriate actions to take when they are afraid or lost, what is OK and not OK from others actions.

3.  Responsibility for one's self.  ~ This can also be taught at a young age.  To be responsible you avoid negative consequences.  Like knowing you have homework.  Do it, don't lie and say you don't and risk a negative consequence like staying in from recess.  Responsible for remembering chores, personal hygiene ie: take a shower when needed , brush your teeth in the morning and before bed. 

4.  Choose your friends wisely.  ~ It is your family that will ALWAYS be there for you.  As children get older this plays more of role in their lives.  You can also count on that your child IS doing what you HEAR his/her peers ARE doing as well.  Good or bad! ~ Bad is when it is time to intervene!     

5.   Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. [Matthew 7:12] ~ Behave toward others as you would like to have them behave toward you.  The old 'sticks and stones may break your bones but, words will never hurt you'  ~ is NOT true.  Hard lesson to be learned.  Words alone CAN hurt.  We know certain actions do too!

Heck I'm still learning lessons and our children will too! It's all part of life!

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Nanny McPhee Returns blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Summer doesn't have to end Giveaway! -- Take a deep breath and float away to your happy place!

So, that Summer is coming to an end there is one thing in my regimen that is not!  I'm definitely addicted to this amazingly delicious body oil spray by Votre Vu! So enjoy this Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets Summer Giveaway! Take a deep breath and float away to your happy place. This unique and seriously intoxicating formula was designed to out perform any body oil on the market and formulated especially for today's busy, time-crunched bathers.

Votre Vu's ON HOLIDAY Huiler Pour Le Corps

Moisturizing Body Spray

This natural treatment will virtually transform your bathroom into a sumptuous, infinitely soothing mini-vacation.  On Holiday Body Oil contains an aromatic and therapeutic blend of essential oils--grape seed, apricot kernel, sweet almond, wheat germ and jojoba. Use to spritz your feet, stomach, legs, wherever you would like, and lock in precious moisture. Its sprayer is genius for reaching dry skin on your back. Silky soft and lightly fragranced, you'll be fresh to face what's ahead. To seal the deal, follow with On Holiday Lait de Corps to layer the effect of your vacation daze. Linger in Your Lusciousness.

Buy It: You can purchase Votre Vu products at: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets

Win It: One lucky reader will win a Votre Vu On Holiday Huiler Pour Le Corps spray. To enter FIRST YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER OF MY BLOG. Next visit: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets and tell me about a product you'd like to try.

Extra Entries: ( Leave a separate comment for each one!)

1. Follow Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets on twitter (1 entry) - www.twitter.com/bizeebeauty

2. Retweet the following: I entered to win a Votre Vu's ON HOLIDAY Moisturizing Body Oil Spray @ Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets! Stop by & enter @ http://bit.ly/dqbbOT - You can retweet once a day for 1 entry each time (please leave me the URL so I can verify your tweet-- I will be checking! (1 entry per day)

3. Make a blog post linking to this giveaway stating why you would like to win this giveaway. Please leave a comment with a direct link to your post (3 entries)

4. Add me to your PUBLIC Blog Roll make sure to leave a URL I will be checking. (2 entries)

5. Grab my button and tell me where it is make sure to leave an address I will be checking. The button MUST be on your HOMEPAGE. (5 entries)

Giveaway ends August 31st at 11:59PM EST. US only. Winner will be picked via Random.org. If your profile page does not show your email address, please include your email address in your comment. For example: BizeeBeauty@yahoo.com so that I may get in touch with you if you are selected as the giveaway winner. Please respond within 48 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

This was not a paid post. The opinions are solely my own and may vary from others.

Good Luck!

Summer is going as quickly as it came... Here are my "Tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school"

Summer is going as quickly as it came.  Being a mother of 6 children ranging in ages from 21 to 4 we have all schools covered.  My oldest will be a Senior in College, I have a High Schooler, 2 Middle Schoolers, Elementary student, and preschooler.  To make the transition easier no matter what age you need to prepare.  I'm sure I follow some basics that all parents do but, I'm listing some of my tips that may offer something that would be helpful.

Here are my "Tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school"

In this preparation for the new school year make it fun & exciting!

1.  Being excited for them in all that the new year has to offer!  ~ Even if you didn't like school when you were younger. :]

2.  Make it fun to find out who their teacher(s) will be and what fun schedule they got!  ~ Check with your school when the will post their classroom lists.  Most schools have some sort of an Open House/Back to School night prior to school starting to find out the classroom(s), teacher(s), and/or older child's schedule.

3.  Have them help in the shopping for school supplies by getting a grade/age appropriate list (at the back to school night or a lot of your local supply stores actually have them) and shopping around for the best deals! Getting their backpacks organized! ~ They love this!

4.  Shopping for School clothes is the most fun!  However, being on a tight budget for this we really enjoy shopping around and trying to find the best deals to get the most clothes for the least amount of money!  This teaches them to be thrifty!  ~ Second hand stores come in quite handy for this that carry name brands but, not that name brand price and are just gently used but, NEW to them!

5.  Start doing some reading and brush up on some Math age appropriate problems if you haven't been doing this already through out the Summer.  ~ We do a Summer bridge program through our school and it is a great inexpensive workbook that is grade/age appropriate that helps bridge them from one grade to the next! ~ Or visit your local library if you haven't done so yet this Summer.  ~ Even age appropriate computer learning games at home or at your local library.

6.  Having your children get enough sleep is so important whatever age they are.  All my children know how much sleep they need and I help reinforce this with the younger ones.  ~ We start going to bed earlier and waking earlier about 2 weeks before school starts. ~ This truly helps!

7.  For the Mama's out there... know that this is a good thing!  Enjoy the extra quite if you can.  Or enjoy that extra time it may give you with a preschooler, or enjoy some girlfriend time! Whatever it is know that another year will soon fly by all too fast!  ~ Your children will learn so much this next school year! 

~ Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. ~John Dewey

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Back-to-School Books Back-to-School Sweepstakes

Seventy-Four Children's Birthday Celebrations -- and Today my Baby is Four!

Oh, Summer days as a bizee Mama... I haven't gotten to the point of writing on my blog yet about my actual personal life/family.  So, today is the day!  I am a bizee mama of 6 amazing, beautiful, healthy, challenging children... and these are some long Summer days!  Three (3) Birthday's this month, three (3) pageants, the County Fair, sports, friend sleepovers, late night refrigerator raids, camping, swimming, & about any other activity you could think of. 

But, my baby has turned 4 years old today and it is a mix of emotions for me.  My baby is four.  I don't want him to get any older!  He went to bed saying his prayer... may the angels watch me through the night until I wake in the morning light... so I can be four! -- AMEN!  This brought tears to his daddy and my eyes.  What a simple request but, yet so significant.  To him it was simple.  To us our baby... who brings us so much LOVE, JOY, & HAPPINESS another year of learning, exploring, getting taller, making new friends, boo boo's, hugs, laughter, being a whole year older and so much more!

He woke running in our room this morning saying, "I'm four years old today!  Am I bigger?  Where's the cake & balloons?"... "Yes, you are four and you are bigger and cake & balloons are coming!".  Not, "Where are my presents?".  Which we have gotten him a new shiny bike! We can't wait to give it to him!  But, that was not what he was concerned with.  He is concerned about being bigger and older.  All the new fun things you can do at 4 that you couldn't do at 3.  We are off to a good start!

The joys of children & Birthdays!  I have celebrated so far: 74!  YES, Seventy Four children's Birthday's and adding to this number two more this month on the 10th & 14th.  How blessed we are!
We've celebrated BIG & small... and I must admit their is plenty of celebration in just a little, simple few friends, or a couple cousins, a cake, some balloons, and a few presents to celebrate their birth! That is our plan this evening!  Happy "4th" Birthday Brody Patrick! ~ We love you! 
"Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So... get on your way." - Dr. Seuss

Super Saturday 13 ~ Votre Vu Supporting OCRF

Votre Vu, makers of fine French skin care, will be present at Super Saturday 13, offering petite spa services from the comfort of its swanky VuBAR Airstream. In addition, Votre Vu has donated thousands of products for the benefit’s famous goodie bags and QVC sale for OCRF.

You may have heard of Super Saturday, the Hamptons’ upscale garage sale featuring more than 200 top designers, a children’s carnival, and luxurious spa services. More importantly, the one-of-a-kind sale is a day-long summer fundraising event to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

While we cannot all be in the Hamptons July 31, we all can participate in the fight against ovarian cancer. Vote Vu is offering its top-selling product the DUETTE at a fabulous deal for you with 50% of the proceeds donated back to OCRF!

So, on Saturday July 31st, to show your support visit: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets to get yourself a DUETTE and/or stock up on your gift giving stash and know it is for a good cause! Supporting OCRF!

The Votre Vu Duette is a Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Creme Retails for $39 Super Saturday Price $22!

Get Glowing the Healthy Way this Summer!

That St. Bart's tan isn't sexy if it's from over exposure to the sun and not enough undercover from sun block. To achieve a quick and believable healthy glow, use these luxe self tanners from head to toe. Blended with botanical moisturizers to give you a natural looking tan worthy of exotic destinations. Only your passport knows for sure! Get Glowing!

Try Votre Vu's Self Preservation Total ~ Self Preservation Set for Face and Body

Summer Skin Preparation

Revise Your Regimen -- Most people have a skin care line suited to their normal complexion, but changing seasons can often herald a change in regimen. (Stress, hormones, diet, health, and other factors can also call for a product change.) For instance, increased perspiration – particularly if mixed with urban debris – might create a need to switch from a normal-to-dry regimen like Votre Vu’s Best Regards, to a line for troubled or oily skin, such as Peau Équilibrée. Allergies also pick up in the warmer weather, as skin is exposed to many more floral and topical elements, thus demanding a switch to a sensitive skin care line like Votre Vu’s French-organic Attentive or a calming product for highly reactive skin, such as Tragic Magic Rescue Crème. Occasional sun rash breakouts and bug bites are well treated with Au Revoir! Spot Remover, particularly for aging skin which tends to heal more slowly.  These fabulous products are available at: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets

Would love to provide you with FREE samples!  Please leave a comment with your email address.

Don't forget during these HOT Summer months to "Shield Your Skin"!

During the sunny '70's, baby oil, reflective tanning mats, and native tans were on trend - while sunscreen was beauty's best-kept anti-aging secret. Not until recently has it become widely known and accepted that sunscreen is the most effective step you can take to deter wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging skin.

What's more, you must select your sunscreen carefully and use it properly to effectively shield your skin. Most dermatologists - particularly those specializing in skin cancer - recommend a sunscreen with a chemical and physical barrier in order to ward off both UVA and UVB rays. In addition , sunscreen must be reapplied every two to three hours, depending on your level of exposure and activity, which is why you cannot rely on an SPF built into your daily moisturizer. Take care to cover the hands and neck, the first places to show signs of age, as well as the often neglected ears, feet, shoulders, and nose.

Rich in natural plant extracts and loaded with the essential oils, Votre Vu's Self Preservation Le Bloc de Soleil SPF 30 is blended with the same botanical base as our day creme for normal to dry skin, thus producing a moisturizing block that is unlike the typical dehydrating formulas used in common American sunscreens. Hydrating shea butter, vegetable glycerin, and organic propylene glycol join with sunflower seed, calendula, avaocado and St. John's wort oils to heal, protect, fortify, and guard against inflammation. Full coverage comes from a combination of titanium dioxide and eusolex 4360, both of which protect against UVA and UVB rays, with additional UVB filters provided by parsol and eusolex 232. Be Protected!

Votre Vu Products are Available at: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets

Here is a list of Votre Vu's other products with sun filters:

~Amour D'Ore Les Vitamines Pour Vous - all-natural dry oil spray of 11 essential oils

~Attentive Creme de Jour Organic Day Creme for Sensative Skin

~Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm
~Cheveux Heureux Mender de Cheveux (styling serum for hair)

~Cheveux Heureux Brume Protective (strenghting serum for hair)

~Duette Luxe Lips (lip balm) and Hand Creme

~Full Benefits Creme du Jour Day Creme for Mature Skin

~Habitude Men's Daily Face Creme SPF 15

~Peau Equilibree Creme de 24/7 Day/Night Creme for Troubled or Oily Skin

~Tout Le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee

Votre Vu Tie One Off just in time for Father's Day!

Forget the trendy tie, monogrammed golf balls and the grill gadgets. Show Dad he's REALLY loved and appreciated with this smart and refreshing gift pack from Votre Vu Pour Homme (For Him).

The three classically formulated, travel-sized skin care creations and health and energy slam are perfect for all dads - rejuvenating the seasoned pro or jumpstarting the fatigued novice.

Items included in this set*:

Formule 1 Men's 3-in-1 Hair, Face and Body Wash

(1) 3.0 fl. oz 88ml tube.

Habitude Men's Daily Face Crème (SPF 15)

(1) 1.69 fl. oz 50ml tube.

Beau Baume Organic Shave Balm
(1) 3.0 fl. oz 88ml tube.

Ten Gauge Health & Energy Slam
(5) 2.5 fl. oz ℮ 74ml bottles.

So,why not surprise your husband, father, brother, even the son-in-law this year? They will love your creative thoughtfulness and you certainly won't be hearing "Oh, gee thanks, another tie!"

(Also, makes the perfect gift for those job-seeking graduates eager to make a great 1st impression!)

*Gift set is packaged in a special edition gift box and will include shipping crinkle, an interior tissue wrap and note, metallic ribbon wrap and special edition travel stickers for the exterior of the gift box. The gift boxes will be nestled inside an outer shipping box for protection..
This is available at: http://www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets for just $63 ($93 value) through June 24th.

Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets May Giveaway Winner!

Sorry for the delay in announcing my May Giveaway! -- Didn't alot for vacation over Memorial Weekend.

Congratulations to comment #4 -- T. Peters

Thank you everyone for entering my giveaway & to my new Blog Followers... check back often as I will try & offer great new giveaways!

Winner was chosen by:

True Random Number Generator

Min:1
Max:25
Result:
4
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

With May being National Skin Cancer Awareness Month I thought this to be an appropriate **Giveaway** ~ Shield Your Skin!

I AM a firm believer of Shielding Your Skin! Being proactive NOT reactive! So, Be Protected!

So excited to offer another Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets **Giveaway**! 

Votre Vu's SELF PRESERVATION SPF 30 Sunblock Crème for Face and Body Item # 4015 Retail's for $35.00

Rich in natural plant extracts and loaded with essential oils, this full coverage sun block will protect you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays that are responsible for sun damage to your precious skin. A sensational blend of superlative ingredients will shield you in cool and silky comfort without irritation to your body or sensitive complexion. Their benefits include anti-inflammation, healing, excess sebum absorption and protection, as well as fortifying and highly moisturizing qualities. Feel confident while covered by your special solar security guard, on duty for your self-preservation. Highly water-resistant. Be Protective. [See FULL details on product & importance of Sun Block Below]

With May being National Skin Care Awareness Month I thought this to be very appropriate... more information on Skin Cancer: http://cancer.about.com/od/skincancermelanoma/a/skincanceraware.htm

Enter for a chance to win Votre Vu's SELF PRESERVATION SPF 30 Sunblock Crème for Face and Body by doing the following...

Entry Rules:

1. Go to: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets look around -have FUN and leave a comment below on which product video you watched ~ they are only about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes long... you can do it! :]
[30% OFF your 1st order placed ~ order not required for giveaway. Contact me directly for discount]

Bonus Entries:

2. Follow this blog: Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets Leave a comment letting me know your a follower. :]

3. Follow me on twitter www.twitter.com/BizeeBeauty . Comment back here with your Twitter link.

4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a link here back to your tweet. :]]]

5. Write on your blog about this giveaway and leave a direct link to your blogs post below about the give away. -- doesn't have to be a blog just a post on your giveaway list.

Thanks for visiting Bizee Mama's Beauty Secrets & GOOD LUCK!

Contest ends May 31st at 12:00 noon EST. One winner will be chosen by Random.org. Then winner will be posted on blogspot: http://www.bizeemamax6.blogspot.com/ make sure I have an email address for you as well.  Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize!

During these HOT Summer days don't forget to Shield Your Skin

During the sunny '70's, baby oil, reflective tanning mats, and native tans were on trend - while sunscreen was beauty's best-kept anti-aging secret.  Not until recently has it become widely known and accepted that sunscreen is the most effective step you can take to deter wrinkles, fine lines, and other visible signs of aging skin.

What's more, you must select your sunscreen carefully and use it properly to effectively shield your skin.  Most dermatologists - particularly those specializing in skin cancer - recommend a sunscreen with a chemical and physical barrier in order to ward off both UVA and UVB rays.  In addition , sunscreen must be reapplied every two to three hours, depending on your level of exposure and activity, which is why you cannot rely on an SPF built into your daily moisturizer.  Take care to cover the hands and neck, the first places to show signs of age, as well as the often neglected ears, feet, shoulders, and nose.

Rich in natural plant extracts and loaded with the essential oils, Votre Vu's Self Preservation Le Bloc de Soleil SPF 30 is blended with the same botanical base as our day creme for normal to dry skin, thus producing a moisturizing block that is unlike the typical dehydrating formulas used in common American sunscreens.  Hydrating shea butter, vegetable glycerin, and organic propylene glycol join with sunflower seed, calendula, avaocado and St. John's wort oils to heal, protect, fortify, and guard against inflammation.  Full coverage comes from a combination of titanium dioxide and eusolex 4360, both of which protect against UVA and UVB rays, with additional UVB filters provided by parsol and eusolex 232.  Be Protected!

These Votre Vu Products are Available at: www.votrevu.com/beautysecrets

Here is a list of Votre Vu's other products with sun filters:

Amour D'Ore Les Vitamines Pour Vous - all-natural dry oil spray of 11 essential oils
Attentive Creme de Jour Organic Day Creme for Sensative Skin
Champagne Kisses Enhancing Lip Balm
Cheveux Heureux Mender de Cheveux (styling serum for hair)
Cheveux Heureux Brume Protective (strenghting serum for hair)
Duette Luxe Lips (lip balm) and Hand Creme
Full Benefits Creme du Jour Day Creme for Mature Skin
Habitude Men's Daily Face Creme SPF 15
Peau Equilibree Creme de 24/7 Day/Night Creme for Troubled or Oily Skin
Self Preservation le Bloc De Soleil SPF 30
Tout Le Monde Antioxidant Eye Gelee