My dad retired a few years ago as a Col. in the Utah Air National Guard. He was active duty Air Force when I was growing up.

Last week he swore my little brother into the Navy. My brother will be a Navy Chaplain, serving those men and women who need compassion and spiritual guidance in the face of the extreme conditions of war and separations from their families. He’ll serve in the reserves until he completes a masters degree in theology.

“Was dad really, really proud when he swore you in?” I asked my brother.

“Are you really, really proud?” my brother asked?

I am really, really proud. I hope it is everything your family expects. I hope you get to see the whole big wide world and I hope it makes you happy.

This is a Blogtoberfest Post. The item I’m giving away is something I sought out specifically in honor of my brother’s family.

My sister-in-law, Janet, was previously in the Army herself. I nearly died when I got to see a photo of her sporting a machine gun in camouflage at their wedding. She’s a military wife now and this woman knows what she’s getting into. It looks like a hard road to me, but it’s a familiar life for her. They have a 3-year-old daughter named Liberty, and Janet’s pregnant with another baby girl. She traded camouflage for nursing bras. The item I’m giving away will help them communicate with their kids. . .

Leave a comment guessing what it could be on this post to enter to win. A random winner will be awarded this fantastic surprise one week from today.

I’m giving something away every day for two weeks straight, subscribe to Blog Fabulous (RSS button at top, share at bottom) so you don’t miss any Christmas hoarding opportunities (see our cool list of prizes here

Photo Source: Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me really, it’s from my SIL’s Facebook page, but I don’t think the whole world is invited.

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Hello,

My name is James Lambert. I am a freelance modeling agent working for GNLD International.which is based in the US and has branches also in Europe. I saw your pictures while surfing the internet, I appreciate them and I would like us to do some works together. I presently have a good offer for you. I want to know if you are interested in modeling because I need pictures of a good looking person who will be on the magazine cover of one of my clients. Please let me know if you are interested in the deal. You stand a chance of making a reasonable $1,750 from this deal to start, and even a noticeable fame.Let me know if you are interested in my offer and I would give you further details.God Bless

James

Heck Yeah James, Where Have You Been All My Life?

Don’t you sometimes wish spam were true?

If I were a gambling woman I’d lay my money on this being an invitation to send him naked pictures of myself.

I’d also bet that a lot of impressionable young girls hit reply and do send him naked photos of themselves. This is where, seriously, we’ve got to get on the ball educating our kids. Hello?

I’ll tell you want is true though . . . This is a Blogtoberfest Post and I’m giving something cool away. You will either want to keep it for yourself or give it to someone you dig a lot. It will make someone look like a model. . .

Leave a comment and you are entered to win. One week from today I’ll draw a winner and tell you what you’ve won.

I’m giving something away every day for two weeks straight, subscribe to Blog Fabulous (RSS button at top, share at bottom) so you don’t miss any Christmas hoarding opportunities (see our cool list of prizes here.

Visit all the b5media Lifestyle’s Channels and and leave a comment you may win even more!

Image Source: Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me

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I am an extremely generous person. It’s in my nature. If I find something that I love, I automatically think of who else in my intimate world would benefit from it. I want to give it to them.

It’s an attribute I get from my mother. I don’t often return gifts to her. But, I very, very often pass what she gives me to others. For instance, she’ll give me a gift of raw flax seed for depression and brain health. I’ll feel compelled to give someone else the same gift if it works for me.

If I love you, it’s not unheard of to receive a book or something that made me think of you. I gave away A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle to 2 people.

The worst part of being on a budget is curtailing my inherently giving nature and choosing not to give. It feels antithetical to my giving and generous nature. I had to give A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose (Oprah’s Book Club, Selection 61) to only 2 people, when I wanted to give it to 20 people (though I recommended it to hundreds).

But, one of them just called me said it’s changed her life and she’s buying copies for people she loves. The other just mentioned “the ego” in passing conversation.

It’s so gratifying that they both “got it.” That it blessed them.

I give something that blesses me to two people and they then feel compelled to give it to two others. It’s like that movie Pay it Forward or those Oprah shows on Giving.

I enjoy giving because it’s blesses me. It’s one of the few things on earth that makes me happy nearly every time.

With the economy the way it is - it is very tempting to say, I don’t have anything to give.

But, I always have enough to give. You may get a used book from me - but it will be specially chosen to bless your life.

This is a Blogtoberfest post.

There is one thing that I am having to use all my powers of resistance not to give to every person I know. I can’t afford to give it to everyone I know - though I would love to.

I’m giving away something that will keep on giving to the receiver - if they go to the effort for themselves.

It’s a way to heal one’s body, one’s mind, one’s heart, one’s soul.

This item invites you to self-acceptance, self-love, and physical strength. It is a way to heal pain, quiet the mind, soften the outside voices and strengthen the inner ones.

I want to give it to my friends with body image issues, my friends with busyness issues, my friends with a circus going on in their brains, my friends with chronic illnesses, my friends who take too many pills, and my friends who don’t have the energy to exercise, my friends who have forgotten how to love themselves.

In other words, I’d like to give it to everyone I know - because it has blessed my life and I want to share that.

Leave a comment guessing what it could be on this post to enter to win. A random winner will be awarded this fantastic surprise one week from today.

I’m giving something away every day for two weeks straight, subscribe to Blog Fabulous (RSS button at top, share at bottom) so you don’t miss any Christmas hoarding opportunities (see our cool list of prizes here.

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When I was in college a class call Fitness for Life was required. To pass the class you had to run a mile. Now I was a smart and precocious freshman and I knew they couldn’t MAKE me run. Isn’t that unconstitutional or something? They could make me participate, but they couldn’t make me run.

I’ll walk the mile as fast as I can, but you can’t make me run, I told the instructor stubbornly.

I look back on that moment as evidence of how short-term thinking infects youth with stupidity.

Was it in my long term best interest to learn how to use my body to jog and keep it active and healthy?

Well, duh. They were trying to teach me how to keep a fit body for life, that’s why they required us to take the class.

Had I done it then, I wouldn’t be struggling the way I am now at 35. I wouldn’t be struggling to set a good example and teach my kids how to do it while I learn it myself.

Last Saturday I was the only one to show up for Kickboxing Class. I told the teacher he could go home and didn’t have to teach me - no big deal.

Want to go running? He asked.

Hell no. Why would I run for fun? I don’t run. I have a policy.

That’s been my stock answer since that Fitness for Life class. But, now I have the maturity to understand - that it’s the WRONG damn answer. My anti-exercise and anti-effort policy isn’t in my long-term best interests. Learning to run IS.

Yeah, okay. I’ll try it, is what I said this time.

Since my 35th birthday I’ve become much more willing to admit that I didn’t know everything about what was best for me when I was young.

In fact, I was pretty stupid about a lot of things - especially the way I treated my body.

What, did you think these things last forever? I ask my young self incredulously.

Yeah, I guess I did, my young self tells my 35-year-old me.

Two days later I went out to the track and decided to make progress. Maybe eventually I’ll run a 5K. I ran until I hyperventilated - maybe .25 a mile - then walked quickly until I calmed down. Ran another .25 a mile - then tried to find my yoga breath. I did this for 3 miles, walking quickly and not running at all on the last one.

Progress is the only thing I’m requiring of myself. I don’t have to love it - I just have to do it.

This is a Blogtoberfest post. I’m giving away a very cool little invention that I want to wear jogging. It’s functional and fashionable.

Leave a comment guessing what it could be on this post to enter to win. A random winner will be awarded this fantastic surprise one week from today.

I’m giving something away every day for two weeks straight, subscribe to Blog Fabulous (RSS button at top, share at bottom) so you don’t miss any Christmas hoarding opportunities.

Image Source: Empowering Girls: So Sioux Me

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Today we’re kicking off the beginning of our Second Annual b5media Lifestyles Channel Blogtoberfest Two Week Giveaway Event!

This year, we’re happy to introduce our sponsors, who with a combined effort, are giving away over $7,000 in prizes.

Go through the list and see what you cant live without, or would just love to give to someone you know.

Now, to make things especially fun, we’ve mixed up the prizes and placed some on unlikely sites so it won’t be so easy to figure out where those prizes are lurking.

Cleatskins- A cleat that you can take to the streets. These are A skin that you pull over your cleats so you can take them anywhere and they wont scratch the ground or ruin the spikes. One lucky winner will get a pair of Cleatskins in the size and color you want. Sizes range from youth XXS to adult XXL and color choices include: Jet Black, Blue Ribbon, Royal Blue, Kelly Green, Lime Green, Lemon Chrome, Orange, Formula One Red, Camo Grey, Camo Pink, Hot Pink, Liquid Gold. Price: $17.95

Stretchmarks No More- Tired of those ugly stretchmarks? One lucky winner is going to get to try some Forces of Nature Stretchmarks no more. Value $24.99

Cold & Flu- One lucky winner isnt going to have to fight the flu season this year, they are getting a bottle of Cold & Flu. Stop the flu.FAST. Value- $26.95

PMS Finesse- One lucky winner is getting a bottle of PMS Finesse, this little bottle has been proven to eliminate or ease the PMS Symptoms we all dread. Value $24.95

Soreness No More- Eases arthritis, muscular aches and joint pain in a purely natural way. This is an approved over-the-counter product. Value $19.99

Acne- No one likes acne especially teens, Acne No More has been medically proven to eliminate acne. One lucky winner is going to get their very own bottle. Value $24.95

Creativity Express- 10 Winners will get a copy. Creativity Express is interactive educational software for kids ages 7 and up. Animated characters, games, and projects provide hours of fun while developing creativity and whole brain thinking, strengthening problem solving skills and encouraging self expression. Value $29.95 per.

Coin Clutch- its outstanding for carrying all of your survival essentials - cash, credit cards, lip gloss and breath mints. This tiny giant can even hold an iPod. Complete with durable nylon lining, key ring on an elastic cord and handy wrist strap, the Coin Clutch works on its own or in a larger purse. Our Coin Clutch is the perfect blend of fun and function. Value $30.00

The Hipster- You can pack your wallet, phone, keys, lip gloss (even a passport!) into this hands-free shoulder purse. It measures 6 1/2? x 9? with a 50? strap long enough to wear across your body or simply over your shoulder. Want to adjust the length? Just tie a knot in the strap. $40.00

Medium Casual Tote-

The Medium casual tote can go anywhere you can, it features one zipper pocket and one open pocket on the inside. Our unique straps are made from a comfortable seatbelt fabric, and the totes themselves are made from our newest heavy canvas cloth. The Medium Tote is 11? wide x 9? tall x 3? at the base. Value $85.00

Portable Playtime- This kids backpack that converts to a playmat designed to fit the airplane tray table. Value $45.95

The Learning Tree- One winner will get a $50 GC (Gift Certificate) to the site, now you can get all those goodies for your for your loved one. Its an online version of our successful toy stores. Since 1996, The Learning Tree stores have provided the Kansas City metropolitan area with unique, toys and gifts for kids. We just re-launched our site and were adding new toys, books and games almost daily. Value $50.

Do The Weather Wiggle with Stormin Bob Swanson CD- Its a childrens music CD that will help teach kids all about the weather and get down and boogie. Sing songs like How Hot is It? or a Tongue Twister Weather Song with your kids. Value 12.00

VTech CS6129- The newly announced CS6129 features DEC 6.0 technology and is proven to deliver superior sound quality, range and security. The competitively priced CS6129 offers features such as a digital answering system, caller ID/call waiting and speakerphone in each handset. Additionally, the bundled DECT 6.0 configuration enables multiple handsets to be in use simultaneously allowing users to conveniently conference calls, transfer calls or intercom between handsets. $79.95

VTech DS6121- The VTech DS6121 cordless phone uses DECT 6.0 digital technology for superior sound quality, security and range and sports a sleek design to fit with contemporary rooms. The phones silver metallic finish and blue backlit keypad and display provide a great ambiance that lends style to todays modern home. $49.95

VTech LS6117- The VTech LS6117 is inspired by skateboard and snowboard designs and can be customized to fit every season personality. Operating on DECT 6.0 technology for crystal-clear conversations, the LS6117 includes interchangeable graphic inserts for customizing the back plate, and the option to create and print your own artwork online. $44.95

AT&T SL82218- The AT&T SL82218 is a dual-handset cordless answering system using DECT 6.0 digital technology. With state-of-the-art antenna technology for maximum clarity and range, the phone has been proven to provide an additional 45 percent of open field talk range and a 15 percent better in-home calling range than other DECT cordless phones on the market. For additional flexibility, the SL82218 is expandable up to 12 handsets and offers other features like a handset speakerphone and handset-to-handset call transfer. $69.95

Porcelain Christmas Ornaments- 1 winner will get a pair of porcelain Christmas Ornaments from FeeFiFoto. Value $26.50 for heart and $21.50 for Snowflake.

Scrapping Frenzy- $25 GC to the site, this is an online scrapbook store with a large variety of scrapbook supplies. Items such as dimensional stickers, albums, clips, cardstock, embellishments and more.

Barack Obama Action Figure / John McCain Action Figure- The Barack Obama and John McCain Action Figures stand 6 tall and have 8 points of articulation for Presidential posting. Made from phthalate-free PVC, these expertly crafted figures are packaged in a window box which includes original illustration art. $12.99 each.

Undercover Vegetable Company- 3 sets (for 3 different blogs) assorted boxes of Yotta bars: Hidden Veggies on the Go! Each Yotta bar contains one full serving of veggies and fruit, yet they taste like cherry, orange, or apple cinnamon. 120 Calories, all natural, 6-9 vegetables in each bar.

(5)Search for the Cure Stationary Caddies- Each caddie contains 25 pearl white correspondence cards with a pink ribbon icon at the top. Coordinating pink mist envelopes are included, and the package is wrapped with a pink ribbon. Plus $2 per box will donated by Crane & Co. to a breast cancer awareness organization.

Room Design Package- 1 winner will get this great design a room package from Designer AtHome. $299

EcoSmart Ant & Roach Killer- This is an organic way to kill those pesky ants, carpenter ants, cockroaches, spiders, etc. Now no more worrying about what you are spraying into the air, this is filled with plant oils such as peppermint oil, roemary oil and wintergreen oils. Value $6.55

EcoSmart Flying Insect Killer- Get thsoe flies gone the healthy way, zap them with an organic plant oil and see the bugs fly away. Works on flies, gnats, mosquitoes, wasps, etc Value $6.55

EcoSmart Insect Repellent- Its a DEET free bug repellent so your child will be able to fight off those nasty things without harmful chemicals. Value $6.19

EcoSmart Wasp & Hornet killer- This is an organic plant oil remedy to get rid of hornets and wasps. Use any space in your house that spiders roam or outside your house where bees and hornets will gather. You no longer have ot worry about your child breathing it. Value $7.55

(3) Make This Your Lucky Day Prize Package- Winners will get the Make This Your Lucky Day book plus a one hour phone consultation with Ellen Whitehurst. Ellen Whitehurst is internationally recognized as The Empowered Lifestylist as well as being a popular monthly columnist for Redbook magazine where she writes Shuistrology (Feng Shui + Astrology =) Ellen also pens a daily tip for iVilllage.com (Feng Shui Tip of the Day) that currently is sent to over 400,000 subscribers per day. Her debut book, MAKE THIS YOUR LUCKY DAY, released early in 2008 is now in its Third Printing while also selling well world wide. Ellen has had product partnerships with Starbucks, The Trump Organization and Monster.com, to name a few, in the past and is a sought after radio and television guest. $350

(2) Create a Life That Tickles Your Soul- Suzanne Zoglio has autographed two hardcover copies of this book for the winners, plus a feather bookmark. Its never too late to live the life you want! Create A Life That Tickles Your Soul is a guide to living your life from the inside out. Whether you want more balance, more adventure, or more meaning in life, now is the time to find it. This inspiring read is full of practical tips on how to live as you wish.Value $14.00 paperback, hardcover $19.00

(2) Recharge in Minutes- 2 winners will get an autographed paperback copies. Its the energy bible -101 ways to renew your energy in 10 minutes or lesswherever you are! Value $14.00 paperbook, $19.00 hardcover

EcoBags- These eco-friendly bags are designed just for you. Win one that reads Bring Your Own Bug bag. (butterfly, spider, grasshopper) $14.99

The Pretty Peacock- One winner will get a $30 GC to the site.This site is full of wonderful gift items, items such as pendants, bracelets, key chains, anklets, aromatherapy, rings, etc. Value $30

Broken TeePee Designs- $50 GC to the site which has tons of jewelry and beading to look through. Items such as floral gems, 14KT Gold, sterling silver, black silver and many other choices of jewelry pieces. Value $50

Living the Dream Laundry mom t-shirts- Your choices are a short sleeve Laundry Mom Lipstick/Light Pink or a sherbert/white fitted t-shirt sizes S XL, a Loose Fitting Laundry Mom light blue sizes S 2XL