Tweens with braces love Pumpkin Banana Smoothies #pumpkin #smoothies

My tween recently got braces. Oh boy, that was something else. Right after the application of the brackets it took so long that the poor thing experienced an episode of syncope. That was a real experience let me tell you. Good thing she was secure in that chair. 

We finally got her home with the braces and the whole bit all in there including the Halloween themed bands. Yup, orange, yellow and white just perfect for Halloween which is approaching quickly. Her mouth is pretty sore so I am sticking to soft foods and smoothies for now. In a few days she should be in much better shape. Meanwhile, I thought it would be fun to create a special smoothie to soothe those teeth and gums. My idea was for a Pumpkin Banana Smoothie. 

It was easy to make with a frozen banana, a cup of frozen pumpkin puree and a quarter cup or more of lowfat organic Greek yogurt. I thinned it out with a little Apple and Eve Organic Apple Juice as well. I added a bit of maple syrup or you can use your sweetener of choice (or not). This was a big hit and really provided some soothing relief to her gums.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Acquapura Personal Water Filter is great for camping #acquapura

I have been looking for something like this to use when we go on our day hikes, out camping and to reserve for emergencies as well. This is a unit that lets you purify water directly from the source with the special straw or you can use the bottle and fill it up. This is definitely something that I wanted to get because you can never be too careful even when preparing properly for a long hike or a camping trip. Water is an essential that you always need so this is a great option to have. If you live in a more rural area this is also excellent to have in case of emergency. You know you will always have a supply of drinking water available no matter what the situation. If you are considering a personal water filter this Acquapura will give you confidence in any situation. You can be sure that wherever you are whether it is camping upstate in the wilderness, traveling abroad, or in a dire survival crisis that you will have clean and safe drinking water when you need it.

Most people are unaware of the possibilities out there from weather to other emergencies that can lead to a scarcity of potable water. This portable water filter lets you be prepared for these types of emergency scenarios. The AcquaPura Personal water filter is a portable emergency water filter straw that allows you to convert any non-saline water source, (lakes, rivers, streams, springs, rain and more), into completely safe and drinkable water.

This Acquapura Personal Water Filter uses a revolutionary Triple Absolute Filtration system uses an ultra carbon and particle filter that is chemical-free and has anti-bacterial properties. The activated carbon granules contain ionic silver known to be one of the most potent antibacterial elements out there.  Ionic silver is also a powerful tissue-healing agent. The company shared that this means that the AcquaPura Personal water filter will reduce harmful mineral compounds such as heavy metal ions and chlorine.  It can also provide protection from water-borne illnesses. This unit is light-weight at just 2.12 oz (60 grams) and it's truly ultra-compact. It can filter 400 gallons of water at up to 400ml (14oz) per minute. This little unit is sturdy and dependable so the AcquaPura camping water filter will last in storage years. If you think about it, you can pick up an extra to keep in your car, basement or in an emergency kit. You can find the  Acquapura Personal Water Filter right on Amazon too for easy shopping anytime at all..

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

FINDING NOAH The Movie Exclusive Preview Review & Royal Blue Grand Trunk Ultralight Travel Hammock Giveaway #FINDINGNOAH #FLYBY @flybypromotions

It has been eons that the search has continued. No final answer has ever been found. For over 2,000 years, man has been searching for the final resting place of Noah's Ark. There have been many attempts but they have all ended in failure.  That is why I was so excited to get an early peek at a novel look at the search for Noah's Ark by an amazing team of archaelogists, scientists and and professional mountaineers. It was a great movie and offered excitement for me and my famly from the beginning to the end.

The reality is that few have been able to fully explore the one place specifically noted in the Bible: Mount Ararat. This remote spot is located in Eastern Turkey. It is also known as Agri Dagh or "The Painful Mountain" for a few reasons. Mount Ararat is the tallest mountain in the region and lies in the very center of a centuries old, geo-politically unstable hot spot.  There are constant threats of deadly rock slides, hidden crevasses, and glacial ice falls in the area.  The Kurdish Rebel held mountain poses great risk to any explorer, let alone those performing a thorough scientific investigation.  

Now you can join director/producer Brent Baum and the FINDING NOAH film crew as they follow an expedition of intrepid explorers on a perilous trek up to Mt. Ararat's desolate summit.  This team of archeologists, scientists and professional mountaineers uses state of the art technology and real-time satellite imagery to begin a grid work of exploration unlike any before, hoping to finally resolve the age-old question:  did Noah and his Ark actually exist?  

This film is amazing. It was shot in never-before filmed locations in the harshest of conditions, this unprecedented feature-length documentary shows just how far men are willing to go to discover the truth.  Narrated by Academy Award nominee Gary Sinise, FINDING NOAH is more than a quest for answers, it is a testament of the human spirit, where belief and the need for exploration transcend risk and limitation.  

Genre: Documentary

Rating: NR 

Runtime: 116 minutes 

Release Date (ONE NIGHT ONLY): October 8

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Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Don't forget to enter my Rafflecopter giveaway for Royal Blue Grand Trunk Ultralight Travel Hammock below!a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Love Chick-fil-A? Met too! I am part of the Chick-fil-A Moms Panel 2016 @chickfila

Disclosure:  I am a member of MomSelect. I was chosen as part of the Chick-fil-A Moms Panel 2016. I received a complimentary gift from MomSelect and Chick-fil-A.

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I was really thrilled to hear the great news this week that I am now part of the Chick-fil-A Mom’s Panel for 2016! As part of the Mom's Panel, I will have the opportunity to hear about exclusive Chick-fil-A news and participate in special promotions....all wonderful things to be able to share with you as my Glamamama friends.  I will also be able to interact with fellow Chick-fil-A Mom's Panel members who also happen to be big Chick-fil-A fans just like me, as well as members of the Chick-fil-A brand team. Chick-fil-A just keeps opening up new doors everywhere. I was so hopped up to hear about the spanking new location they just opened up in NYC! The lines were so far down the block people were waiting forever just to get their hands on some Chick-fil-A. There was not one Chick-fil-A in NYC before this. I know! Now when I go into NYC I can hop on over and grab a snack or two. Hopefully the line will calm down in the next few weeks there in NYC. 

Did you know how many great options Chick-fil-A has on their menu wherever you go? You can go to their website and check out the individual menus for the various locations by you. I love that I can stop in and still keep to my healthy eating plan. They have tons of salads and grilled chicken options in addition to vegetarian items that are delicious. Many families these days have at least a vegetarian or two that needs to eat too and Chick-fil-A is sensitive to that and has a variety of options for everyone. Since it is getting cooler, don't forget about all their yummy soups that are on the menu as well. Last winter we were loving their soups every week when we stopped in their location at our local mall. Let me know your thoughts and your fave items on the menu.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.