April is a good month to start something!

Wow, have I been remiss in posting regularly or WHAT?  Whenever I set goals, blogging regularly is one of them and it's also one I regularly fail at!  I know some bloggers have a set schedule when they post but the ideas just don't seem to be coming these days.

There is lots going on in April though, both under the nutritious brown dirt, on my calendar, and in the blogosphere.

Clare at Peak313 is starting a Try It Challenge.  She is going to give us an item and is challenging us to try it 4 out of 7 days each week.  If you are looking to push your limits, create new habits, or just enhance your physical life, check out Clare's Try It Challenge.  I plan to participate - check back in on Peak313 on Monday, April 4 to see what this first week's challenge item is.  Clare also promises to add a spiritual challenge each week on top of the physical challenge.

I have set a personal goal for myself for June 1 so Clare's Try It Challenge comes at just the right time to help me get the results I want in my physical body.

Also, if you are a mom of boys, join Brooke, myself, and plenty of other boy momma prayer warrior's for 21 Days of Prayer for Sons at Warrior Prayers.  We are committed to praying for our sons TEN times a day for the next 21 days in 21 different areas.  Simply purchase a copy of  Brooke's ebook Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most for $5.97 and sign in to her blog every weekday between April 1 and April 29.  I truly believe that the next generation of boys will be God's warriors, fighting a battle like we have never seen before.  We need to clothe them and cover them with warrior prayers and arm them with Shields of Faith and the Sword of the Spirit.  And if you need even more encouragement and camaraderie in this call of mothering boys, visit The M.O.B. Society.

Mr. Steady and I are headed to a homeschool convention this weekend but I plan to pop in here a lot more frequently this month.  See you soon!

Progresso Soup Souper You Debut -GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE: Time is UP!  Winner is #1 - Lisa!  I used Random.org to choose the winner!

Available in 40 delicious flavors with 100 calories or less, Progresso® Soup can help curb your hunger, making it easier for you to stick to your weight management plan all year long. With hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, corn and rice, and flavor-packed vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and peppers, Progresso Soup varieties with 100 calories or less offer a good source of fiber and a full serving of vegetables.

To help kick off a new outlook on the New Year, Progresso is excited to announce the return of the "Souper You™ Debut" contest! From January 3rd through March 16th, you and your readers can visit Progresso on Facebook to enter for the chance to win a full makeover in New York City.

Three grand prize winners will be awarded a trip for two to New York City from May 20th-22nd. The prize includes roundtrip airfare, a two-night stay in an NYC hotel, a full makeover, a guided wardrobe shopping spree with a personal consultation at a New York City department store, and $1,000 in spending money.

To enter, you’ll need to do the following:

Go to Progresso on Facebook to learn more and enter the contest

Submit your essay (200 characters or less) telling Progresso why you love their soups that contain 100 calories or less, and why you deserve a chance to win a trip to NYC for a full fashion overhaul

In addition, please submit a photo of yourself that visually reinforces the theme of your essay

Once the 10 finalists are announced, you can visit Progresso on Facebook from March 30th through April 13th to vote for your favorite.

Visit the Facebook page to download a coupon for $1.00 off four (4) cans of Progresso Soup and to check out makeover videos provided by MyStyle.com and the Style Network. Be sure to also "Follow" Progresso on Twitter to keep up with the latest news from Progresso.

 

And in addition to that fantastic giveaway, Progresso and MyBlogSpark are offering Towngirl readers a great prize pack as well.  You will receive a VIP coupon for a free can of Progresso soup, as well as a yoga mat, water bottle, set of aerobic bands, sport headband and two sport wristbands.

To enter, simply leave a comment with which flavor of Progresso Soup you would most like to try (visit Progresso's website to view their varieties) OR how you plan to incorporate Progresso Soup into your healthy living plans.  Maybe you already have incorporated Progresso Soup - share how it is helping you reach your goals.

Contest is open until midnight March 15.

Progresso provided me with the free product, information, and giveaway through MyBlogSpark.



General Mills Giveaway

UPDATE: Giveaway is over!  Winner is Eunice!  I used Random.org to choose the winner!

MyBlogSpark and General Mills have teamed up to bring you a great giveaway!  General Mills have introduced a great new flavor of Cheerios called Cinnamon Burst Cheerios and they are quite delicious.  My boys enjoyed them as did I.  A cereal that we can agree on is not to be taken lightly!

From Big G "With many Americans making New Year’s Resolutions to live healthier, it’s never been easier to get the whole grain you want without sacrificing taste. Every Big G cereal contains at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving, with more than 20 General Mills cereals delivering 16 grams or more. (At least 48 grams of whole grain are recommended daily.) Big G cereals are America’s number one source of whole grain at breakfast, providing America with more whole grain at breakfast than any other breakfast food from any other manufacturer."

Let's face it - cereal is quick, easy and something the children like.  So consider trying the new Cinnamon Burst Cheerios or choose another Big G cereal.  To be sure the other foods you are choosing have the healthy whole grain you need, just follow these two easy rules:

1. Look for a whole grain symbol like the big white check on Big G cereals or the Whole Grain Stamp developed by the Whole Grains Council

2. Scan the ingredient list and choose foods that list a whole grain near the top of the list

Visit http://www.wholegrainnation.com/ for more tips, additional information about the benefits of Whole Grain and how Big G cereals can be a convenient and tasty way to incorporate more whole grain into your day.

I have a great prize pack to offer you to help fulfill healthy living goals, including a VIP coupon for one Big G cereal, a cereal on-the-go bowl, lunch bag, walking enthusiast kit and a digital jump rope.  To enter, simply leave a comment and tell me how will you incorporate more whole grain into your diet -OR- with which of your favorite Big G cereals do you like to start your day off?

One entry per person, please leave an email address if your account is not already attached to your email address.  Contest ends at midnight March 15.

The coupon, prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

The Only Gift Suitable for Regifting

I shared these thoughts with my online accountability sisters this morning and thought I'd share with you, too.

Image from My Big Fat Greek Move

Ephesians 1:15 says "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people," When we have faith in the Lord Jesus, others should hear about it, know about it, see it in your countenance and actions.

I distinctly remember the day I decided I never wanted anyone to ever wonder if I was a Christian. One of my favorite teachers from junior high lost her husband suddenly and I went to buy her a sympathy card. I stood there reading the cards and picked up several with scripture, ones that promised the reader their loved one was in Heaven. And I wondered if she was a Christian or if her husband had been one. She was the nicest, sweetest, soft-spoken lady and the old me, the one who thought she was a Christian, would have sent it to her because all nice, sweet, soft-spoken teachers are Christians, right?

But I couldn't do it, I couldn't promise her something that wasn't true. And right then and there, in the middle of the Hallmark store I decided to never wanted anyone else to stand in the middle of a Hallmark store and wonder if I was a Christian. It was time I started proclaiming it, behaving in a way that pleased God and told others Whose I was, and sharing this gift with others instead of being a little embarrased about it and putting it in the spare bedroom closet.

The gift of salvation is the only gift suitable for regifting - and it's the best way to show your appreciation for it too!





Be My Valentine Challenge - Week 3

Courtney is continuing to challenge us - this week show your husband you love him, like him, desire him in the way every man dreams of!  I'll not elaborate on this one - let your imagination help you out!

Thank God I'm Being Remade!

I was shocked, confused, bewildered
As I entered Heaven's door,
Not by the beauty of it all,
Nor the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven
Who made me sputter and gasp--
The thieves, the liars, the sinners,
The alcoholics and the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade
Who swiped my lunch money twice.
Next to him was my old neighbor
Who never said anything nice.

Bob, who I always thought
Was rotting away in hell,
Was sitting pretty on cloud nine,
Looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, 'What's the deal?
I would love to hear Your take.
How'd all these sinners get up here?
God must've made a mistake.

'And why is everyone so quiet,
So somber - give me a clue.'
'Hush, child,' He said,
'They’re all in shock.

No one thought they'd be seeing you.'

-author unknown to me

Burp Rags

Regular ol' store-bought cloth diapers make great, thirsty burp rags.

 A small piece of flannel, cut to fit and sewn right sides together then turned out and sewn shut makes sure the back of your stitching doesn't show through and also finishes it off nicely.  Fun baby gift to make!

(Again, another set of pictures lost, seemingly forever, on the camera but lovingly recovered by my darling husband!)