Tropical Traditions Organic Cream Giveaway

100% Pure Moisturizing Cream

Unscented or with organic essential oils

How Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Creams are Different

It's made with organic Virgin Coconut Oil which is excellent for you skin and Virgin Palm Oil. 

Virgin Palm Oil contains high concentrations of a powerful form of Vitamin E called “tocotrienols” Virgin Palm Oil is also rich in natural carotenes. It is one of the richest natural plant sources of carotenes with concentrations of 500–700 ppm. 

I chose to have the cream scented with Lavender oil but you can also choose from unscented, Arnica, Peppermint, Baby Silk, or Citrus.  

The smell is wonderful and the cream is rich and luxurious.  A little goes a long way but it's so nice to use after swimming or at night.  I really like it and am thinking of ordering the unscented for my face.

It's nice to know that Tropical Traditions has such high quality products.  

I also like the sale;

Buy it: Retail: $19.50

Now: $13.50

GIVEAWAY

Tropical Traditions is giving away 1 jar of Cream

to one Mom's Best Bets reader!

TO ENTER Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me what other product that you like and why.

EXTRA ENTRY:

2 Extra Entry-Review Me on Alexa

1 Extra Entry- Follow Me with Google friend connect

1 Extra Entry -subscribe to Mom's Best Bets

1 Extra Entry -subscribe by email

1 Extra Entry-sign up for TT's newsletter

1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Facebook

1 Extra Entry - Follow me on Twitter and tweet for extra chances

3 Extra Entries if you put my button up on your blog.

3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to me

*This contest ends 10/7

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Winner will be notified via email.Open to US  and Canada only.

*Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me a sample of this product to review.  I was under no obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway

10 Best Bets at Aulani Disney

If you read my post about Aulani Disney's Grand Opening Celebration on the beach, then you know how much fun I had while staying here.  I thought I would share some tips on having fun in Hawaii while staying at the Aulani Resort.  

Here are 10 things not to be missed at Aulani (in no particular order):


1. Do take a few minutes upon arriving to talk story in the lobby with the Hawaiian greeter.  She has a wealth of knowledge and also has wonderful stories to share.


2. If you have kids, they will love the menehune bridge and so will you.  So, the best lounge chairs with kids are right in front of the bridge with the umbrella.  There you will have shade/sun and will be able to watch your children while they water play.
   
3. Do visit Aunty's Beach House.  It is the best kids club that I have ever been to.  Your children will be learning and laughing Disney style, while you can get some free time.  

4.  For your time, sans kids, I recommend the "infinity" jacuzzi facing the beach.  It's gorgeous.  There is also a fire pit next to it and at night it's very romantic.  I stopped by the Olelo Room (Hawaiian Bar) and ordered the Acai martini.  It was a great pick because it came with a real Acai beed bracelet!


5. Another option if your children are at Aunty's Beach House is to visit the Laniwai Spa.  It is tranquility and relaxation at it's best.  The lomi lomi massage is my pick.  Even if you don't want a treatment, you can pay $45 and be able to use different soaks and parts of the facility for your enjoyment.  


6.  The Fitness Center was state of the art, so bring your tennis shoes.  If the gym is not your thing or you have children with you, then an early morning walk on the beach is amazing.  This is one of my favorite beaches:)


7.  Definitely read your daily Iwa and visit the Pau Hana room.  I completely missed this until the last day.  Most of the crafts are complimentary and are wonderful like weaving and kukui nut bracelet making.  Also, pick up your Menehune Adventure Game and go on the menehune trail.  It's an exciting and fun way to find out about the lay of the land

8.  As far as eating here, I recommend the One Paddle Two Paddle for a yummy lunch at a great price.  
We had a wonderful burger with sweet potato french fries,  homemade mac and cheese with peas, the Crispy Marinated Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Sustainable Catch Fish Tacos.  


We ordered room service for breakfast one morning and their loco moco is a local favorite and presented beautifully.  Also the peanut butter and banana stuffed french toast was amazing. 


For all of you coffee lovers, the Kona blend coffee is perfect.  I made it on the room which was good but it tastes even better when I bought it at the restaurants and at the store.


9. Also, don't miss ohana movie night on the makaloa lawn.  There you will sit under the stars on lauhala mats watching Disney movies.  

10. Here is a picture of my daughter at the Rainbow Reef saltwater snorkel lagoon. It's filled with tropical fish.  It costs $20 for adults and $15 for children, or you can purchase an length-of-stay pass at $39 for adults and $29 for children. The condition are always perfect.  My daughter absolutely loved it so it was worth every penny (she has also been snorkeling all over these islands).


Okay, now I am realizing I have even more tips to share. For now, you can visit Aulani to watch videos, view pictures, or plan your trip. 


I know you will have an unforgettable Hawaiian vacation!


Read more about my stay
Read about the opening

Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa Grand Opening

It has been a magical week experiencing Aulani, Disney's newest resort and spa nested in Ko'Olina Hawaii.  The night sky was lit up with a rainbow of colors while Kumu Hula Keali'i Reichel wowed the crowd with songs and beautiful hula dancers graced the stage.  Of course, Mickey and Minnie were on hand as well as some magic pixy dust to officially start the celebration.


Walt Disney CEO Robert Iger started out by saying, "This is the first time I've opened one of our properties without shoes on."  


I had the opportunity to experience this resort and also sit and talk with executives, imagineers, as well as CEO Robert Iger and Chairman Thomas Staggs this week.  Both fathers themselves, it was pretty neat to hear about their commitment to the community and for fostering a love for this land.

(Read more about my experiences at the Aulani Resort and what I liked best.)

What impressed me:
I am thrilled and proud of what Disney has accomplished.  They have humbled themselves to learn about Hawaii along with the community to share Hawaiian culture and tradition that come to life in such an interactive way.  


I was able to witness countless employees talking story with guests about everything from menehune to sharing with them Hawaiian words and traditions.  

I was also impressed with the level of safety at Aulani.  There are lifeguards everywhere and staff is consistently present and attentive to every need.
Everyone from the valet, waitresses, and the Hawaiian speaking bartenders were courteous, friendly, and helpful (I musty admit that I didn't expect anything less from a Disney Hotel).


Aunty's Beach House is a cut above any kids club I have ever seen.  My daughter made amazing crafts such as a kukui braided bracelet, a frame, and she had a ball playing interactive Hawaiian learning games.  As a teacher, I really appreciated the attention to detail.  There is no baby sitting going on here.  These are real learning experiences that children were loving. Guess what?  It's included in the price of your stay and it's open into the evening! Now that is a great deal!

They also have amazing entertainment, including performances, movies nights, and a character breakfast daily.

So much to explore:
There is really a lot that is included in your daily rate.  Three days wasn't enough for us to get to everything.  We never even visited the Pau Hana room, where they have so many exciting activities for kids like feather and te leaf skirt making, and other Hawaiian crafts. There really was so many rich and wonderful experiences around every corner. 

Aulani has also been consistently adding new jobs into the workforce here in Hawaii and they are already creating a buzz world wide with this project.  


If you were not able to be there for the opening event then check out this video from Aulani.  It's fantastic and you will even see a quick shot of my daughter watching the show. 

Dear Disney, It's better than I expected.  You knocked it out of the park!

Mom's Best Bet Monday

There are so many great ideas, reviews, and giveaways going on around the blogosphere that it is hard to remember them all. There is something new going on here every Monday that you can be a part of.

Let's share our BEST BET on the Linky or in the comments section below. It could be something you read about, an outrageous recipe, or maybe a product that is outstanding, or an amazing giveaway that you want to share about.

Whatever your best bet is, please share below and we will choose a few to shine in the "Mom's Best Bets Spotlight!"

Here are some best bets for the ladies from last week to enter:

**PL&P - Rockboard Scooter ($199.99) 10/17  

**STUNNING! FUSED GLASS & SILVER NECKLACE $110 10-5  

Disney Aulani Hawaii Performance

Disney Aulani Grand Opening Pictures

I'm here at the grand opening of the stunning Disney Aulani Resort and Spa.  Here are some quick pictures with more to come soon.

The Spa

Aunty's Beach House

My daughter having a blast at Aunty's Beach House. 

Mom's Best Bet Monday

There are so many great ideas, reviews, and giveaways going on around the blogosphere that it is hard to remember them all. There is something new going on here every Monday that you can be a part of.

Let's share our BEST BET on the Linky or in the comments section below. It could be something you read about, an outrageous recipe, or maybe a product that is outstanding, or an amazing giveaway that you want to share about.

Whatever your best bet is, please share below and we will choose a few to shine in the "Mom's Best Bets Spotlight!"

Here are some best bets for the ladies from last week to enter:

**Simple hoop Earrings 9/26 WW Low Entries  

**Shel Cosmetics - Micro Teaberry Set (9/24)  

Cooking Healthy Butternut and Delicata Squash

Prepping the squash

There are always a variety of winter squash in my kitchen come the Autumn months.  I really love the flavor and I am happy to know how nutritious it is.
Most squash is "low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium and Magnesium, and a very good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium and Manganese."

Tender and delicious squash coming out of the oven

 My two favorites are butternut squash and the delicata sqaush.   
I keep it very simple when preparing them.  Just cut lengthwise and rub them with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and add a pad of butter.  Place in a cooking dish and then cook in your oven untill tender.

My daughter eats them with a spoon. YUM! 

Global Views Flower Vases

Flower Power Vase 

Whether you are furnishing a new home or just want to add some pizazz to your current abode, I recommend checking out Global Views.  This online retail store has over 2,500 products in their line.

Offerings in their catalog range from whimsical small vases to desk accessories to handsome decorative glass, candlesticks and Global Views’ distinctive human figures, executed in dance poses, clever hand collections and stylized stick figures. Geometric shapes are interpreted in crystal and metallic finishes for contemporary impact.

“Each item reflects the unique sense of design, scale, and proportion to which we have always paid special attention."

I love the unique design aspect to their collection and instantly became smitten with the flower power vase (pictured below).  It tilts to the side with an elegant neck and blown glass colored flower bottom.  The vases look perfect on my rich wood table, especially with freshly cut flowers in them!

They are also an environmentally and eco conscious company which get my thumbs up!

Check out Global Views for all of your furnishing needs.  You can also find stores that carry their product near you.

Mom's Best Bet Monday

There are so many great ideas, reviews, and giveaways going on around the blogosphere that it is hard to remember them all. There is something new going on here every Monday that you can be a part of.

Let's share our BEST BET on the Linky or in the comments section below. It could be something you read about, an outrageous recipe, or maybe a product that is outstanding, or an amazing giveaway that you want to share about.

Whatever your best bet is, please share below and we will choose a few to shine in the "Mom's Best Bets Spotlight!"

Here are some best bets from last week to enter:

**Simple Hoop Earrings (rafflecopter) 9/26 

**A GAL NEEDS...Shabby Apple (9/17  

Bodywear Boutique for exercise and yoga clothing

Bodywear Boutique is a California-based clothing retailer specializing in exercise and yoga clothing for both women and men. Throughout the website, you'll find an endless amount of products from top brand name designers, all at prices that won't send you running away!

I was browsing around and found lots of different styles, colors, materials and sizes to choose from. Whatever active adventure you decide to embark on you will probably find your perfect fit here.
I liked their organic eco friendly workout clothes!

• Yoga Workout Clothes
• Eco Friendly Workout Clothes
• Casual Clothing for Women

This top below was my favorite.  I have never seen anything like it before and I love the coral sports bra underneath the beautiful printed top. Best part...it's a loose fit and pretty flattering.  

Balance Fashion Layered Workout Cami

This Fashion Layered Cami from Balance Fitwear features an attached sports bra and a loose fit tank. This top is ideal for running, strength training, or spin class.

• Supplex (90 Polyamide/ 10 Elastane)
• Made in Brazil
• Machine Wash

Find a lower price somewhere else? They will match it! Guaranteed.

Visit Bodywear today to find the fit right for you!

GNC $50 Giftcard Giveaway

September is Fruits and Veggies Month  

What is Fruit And Vegetable Month?

The National 5 A Day program became the National Fruit and Vegetable Program and launched a new public health initiative, Fruits & Veggies—More Matters. The new guidelines recommend two to six and a half cups of fruits and vegetables a day or the equivalent of four to 13 servings. In addition to this goal, the program seeks to inform everyone that eating fruits and vegetables can improve their health and reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and macular degeneration.


It can be difficult to always get the vitamins and minerals that you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  This is why it's important to have veggie substitutes on hand.  
You can shop at GNC for vitamins, supplements, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, diet and energy, and health and beauty products at gnc.com.  


The products that I like that GNC carries are

An excellent Whole Food way to get your calcium

This vitamin for a man's health contains whole foods.

An excellent green beverage to ensure you are getting your veggies each day.  I mix mine with apple juice.

You can win a $50 gift card to GNC

**To Enter: 

1.  Comment telling me what you would buy at GNC

2.  Fan GNC's facebook page
3.  Follow  two twitter accounts @GNCLiveWell marketing director @JeffHennion 

Bonus entries: 

*Follow me on Blogger (go to the right sidebar and click "Follow" on the box that has a lot of little pictures of people's faces)

*Follow me on Twitter  

*Follow me on facebook

*Subscribe by email (top right of page)

The contest will end at 11:59 p.m., 9/22. The winner will be chosen using random.org. U.S. and Canada only. Past 2011 winners of GNC Gift Cards are not eligible to win again in 2011