Sunday, August 28, 2011

Adora Dolls

I was reading thru my twitter feed, and saw a friend post about Adora Dolls.  I went to check them out to see what they were all about, and was very happy to see that they are offering a giveaway right now

It's not just a simple giveaway either, it's a very generous $500 ADORA-able Dolly Giveaway!
What lil princess doesn't want their mommy to win that??  I know my lil diva does.  She was sitting right beside me when I was looking at their website, and she's already picked out the ones she really loves.

I went HERE to enter.  With such a big giveaway, of course, I have to start thinking "What if I really won that"?  I know exactly what I would do with it.

I keep in touch with a place that I used to work several years ago.  It is a preschool for kids with developmental delays.  I would say that about 98% of the kids there are delayed because of the environment they are raised in.  Every child there is low-income, because that is the only way they get approved to be there.  (Nothing against that at all, because technically, the economy problems have caused my family to also be low-income as of now.)  The kids I'm talking about have NOTHING.  They come to school with dirty clothes, dirty faces, and I've even seen roaches come out of their backpacks and even shoes.  Most of the parents of these kids are only looking for welfare, and don't give a lot of thought to the kids they bring into the world.  They don't spend quality time with them. They don't teach their precious kids how to say their ABC's, shapes, colors, or count.  That is why they are considered developmental delayed.  It's not because they are slow, it's because nobody has cared enough to teach them.  Once they enter the program, almost every one of them will learn all the basic stuff they need to know to enter kindergarten.

I could go on and on about all the heart-breaking things I've seen while working at that preschool.  It is for children as young as 6 weeks up to 5 years old.  It's very easy to become attached to those sweet, sweet kids.  Since I quit working there about 5 years ago, I've still kept them close to my heart. It helps that my sister-in-law is the supervisor there.  I always "adopt an angel" at Christmas time, and instead of picking one at our local mall, I pick a kid or 2 from the preschool.  I've done it every year since I worked there.  I make sure they get clothes, pajamas, toys, socks, etc. so they can at least have a decent Christmas.  I also donate a lot of my own kids' outgrown clothes and toys to them.

So, now that I have explained all about this program, I'll get back to my point, haha!  If I was to win the Adora Dolls giveaway, I would definitely pass on the generosity and give some of their adorable baby dolls to some very well-deserving lil ones at the preschool.  I can already see their beautiful eyes light up!  It's amazing how something that seems so small can really make a child's day.  You can just see the appreciation and gratefulness on their face when you give them a gift.

I really hope that I win, mainly so that I can pass on the generosity to some of the kids in need.  With our budget being so tight, I don't know how much I'll be able to help at Christmas time this year.  I'll keep my fingers crossed, and I know Miss Sassy will, too!  If any of you reading this happen to win, then I would love to hear that you also donated part of the prize to some little girl who needs joy in her life!  Good luck to all of you!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Scare Me Nots toy review and GIVEAWAY!

Does your kiddo have monsters under the bed, or ghosts in the dark?  My kids sure do think so!  I've never quite understood where those wild imaginations come up with the crazy story about monsters and ghosts in the dark, but it has kept me up at night with both of my kids many times. 



I recently came across the cutest toys called ScareMeNots, and they are perfect for "protecting" your little one from all the things that go bump in the night.   Basically, they are "monsters for your monsters", haha!  Isn't that adorable? 

ScareMeNots are stuffed monsters that are specially trained at an academy to keep all the "bedtime scaries" far away.  They learn to stay awake all night,  see in the dark, and can even hang from their tails!  Once they graduate, they come home to children everywhere and protect them for their bedtime fears.

ScareMeNots work their magic by being able to hang from their tails, with the help of a velcro strip.  They can hang anywhere your child is afraid and need "protecting".  They can hang under beds, in closets, from curtain rods, or just anywhere they are needed.



There are several ScareMeNots to choose to from.  With cute names like Guardian Gus, Defender Dave, and Courageous Carrie, your kiddo is sure to find one that is perfect for their liking.

The great folks at ScareMeNots were generous enough to let Miss Sassy have one of her very own, so she won't be scared at night anymore.  She checked out the website with me, and she chose Watchdog Wally to come hang out with her.

I have to say, this has to be one of the best ideas ever, because she has slept with Watchdog Wally every night, and has not been scared at all since he came home.  Not only does he keep all the scaries away, but he also goes along on car trips with us, and hangs out during the day, too.



I absolutely love the ScareMeNots, and recommend them to anyone with kids who are scared at night.  The quality of the material is also really great.  It's really soft, and seems to hold up well. We got the full-size one, but they are also available in a travel size.  I think Watchdog Wally will be a part of our family for quite a while!

Guess what!!  ScareMeNots has generously offered for one BeeCute reader to win a ScareMeNot monster of their very own!  Now you will be able to sleep easy.

BUY IT

You can purchase a full-size ScareMeNot monster for $24.99, and the travel size for $14.99.  They are available to purchase online at www.scaremenot.com.

WIN IT!

**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to ScareMeNot and tell me which monster is your favorite. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules HERE for entering my giveaways.

Extra Entries

1)  LIKE ScareMeNot on Facebook and tell them BeeCute sent you. (1 entry)

2)  Follow ScareMeNot on twitter and tell them BeeCute sent you. (1 entry, leave your twitter name please.)
 
3) Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave me your twitter name. (1 entry)

4) Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget) (1 entry)

5) Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

6) Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and @ScareMeNot and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:

Kids scared of dark? #WIN a @ScareMeNot toy from @mandmvaught & have Sweet Dreams again!  http://tinyurl.com/3qbzh29 Ends 6-19
#giveaway

7) Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)

8) Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

9) Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)


Contest will end on June 19th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the US only. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I did receive the featured product for the review. All opinions stated are completely honest and 100% mine based on trying out the product. Please use your own judgement when choosing products for your family.

Rules for Entering Giveaways

I'm listing the general rules here for entering all giveaways on BeeCute.  It's making the giveaway posts extra long to include them with each separate giveaway, so I'll just put them here permanently and link to them each time. 

Please be sure to follow all Rules of Entering to ensure that you are eligible to WIN!

Each giveaway will have a Mandatory Entry listed, along with ways to earn extra entries.  These will still be posted on each giveaway.

These are the general rules to entering:

BeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.

You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.

Online E-VENT for book "Still Missing" May 24th & book review

This is an event you don't wanna miss if you are a book lover!  Chevy Stevens has written her very first novel, "Still Missing", and this is definitely a book you will want to read.  To celebrate her book, there is an online E-vent, where you can see a video of Chevy, and have a live chat with her.   To add to the fun, they will be giving away 10 gift bags to those who attend the online chat!  So, where can you find this fun party?  It's coming up soon, so be sure to mark your calendars!

You can join in on the celebration in honor of Chevy Stevens' novel "Still Missing"  at the BookTrib.com homepage or click HERE.  It will be on May 24th, 2011 at 3pm EST/ 2pm CST.  If you would like to attend, RSVP at stillmissing@booktrib.com.




My thoughts on "Still Missing":

I generally don't have a huge amount of time to read, but this book made me make the time.  I just wanted to keep reading.  I don't want to give it all away, so here is an exerpt:

A missing young woman, a frightening abductor, a sealed-up remote cabin, and an honest, frank voice trying to sort out a situation that would destroy anyone:  Chevy Stevens’ STILL MISSING is a page turner in the truest sense of the word. STILL MISSING (St. Martin’s Press; Paperback May 24, 2011) is that rare debut find—a shocking, visceral, brutal and beautifully crafted novel.

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two year old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house she hosts is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. She couldn’t be further from the truth.

Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape. This includes her struggle to piece her shattered life back together as well as the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor. Through this, Annie and the reader, discover that the truth doesn’t always set you free.

It's definitely intense and full of suspense.  Trust me, this is one you won't want to put down!


Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, however I did receive a copy of the book to review.  All opinions are my own.  I am simply sharing my thoughts, and information that you may enjoy.

Friday, April 29, 2011

What a Weekend this will Be-And Do your Kids Play Video Games?

First off, I have to say a big Happy, Happy Birthday to my son!  Bubbalicious turned a whopping 9 years old yesterday!!  Like my hubby said, he has one year left til he is a "double digit midget"!! ha!



With that, brings me to the title of this post.  What a Weekend!  This weekend will be fun and probably pure chaos.  This year, with our budget, we could not afford to do a big birthday and a big gift, both.  So we gave Bubbs the choice of choosing one or the other.  Let me clarify "big".  A big party is what we have done just about every year.  He always invites his whole class, plus other friends and family and we book a party somewhere, like at a skating rink, play palace, or something like that.  It costs easily a couple hundred or more just for the party.  For the "big" present, now that he is a little older, he wants cool gadgets, electronics, and video game systems for gifts.  So we try to get him one big present and a few smaller ticket gifts.

So this year, he had to choose on either a big party, or a big gift.  He had a hard time deciding, and finally chose the big gift.  So, he will be getting either a handheld video game system, or maybe a mini laptop if I can find one for a good price. 

Since we won't be having a huge party this year, I told him that he could invite a couple friends over for a sleepover, and the next day we would go to Chuck E. Cheese's and hang out, and the family could come there to celebrate with him.  So come Saturday night, I'll have my 2 kids, plus 3 other 3rd grade boys, all hanging out in my little house!  I love having my kids' friends over, and all the kids are really great.  Miss Sassy tries to hang out with the boys, but they aren't so cool with a 4 year old girl wanting to play, lol.

I know they will want to watch movies and play video games.  Who has some ideas on other activities I can do on a budget to keep them entertained?  Of course, it's going to rain all weekend, so that counts that out.  I want to hear your ideas and tips on making sure these boys have fun.

Do your kids play video games?  It has become a regular thing for my son, and it's to the point where I'm going to have start putting limits on how much time is spent playing.  We have already put restrictions on video games that are rated M, and some of the teen games.  M rated games are not allowed, and the teen games we check them out first and decide which ones are ok and which are not.

Our whole family, including me, lol, all love to play video games.  We have a Playstation 3, an old DS, an older PSP, and a Wii.  Personally, the only one Miss Sassy and I ever play is the Wii.  I got the Wii Fit Plus to go with it, and I love it!  I also recently bought Zumba for Wii.  I haven't really tried all of it yet, but plan on it soon.  I'll keep you updated on that.  I think it might be something really awesome!  I really only play with the Wii to help me "work out" because it makes it more like a game, instead of work.  I hate working out.   The game that comes with the Wii Fit Plus is all fitness based, but are really fun and even kind of addicting.  It really makes me want to keep doing it.  My hubby loves watching me do the hula hoop game, but what he doesn't realize is that it's much more funny watching him do it, than me!  hehehe!

Miss Sassy actually just started playing the Wii.  She recently got the Sesame Street Elmo Wii game, and she loves it!  It is an educational game, and teaches her letters, numbers, and more.  She had to have a little help with some of the actions of the remote, but after I showed her how, she caught right on.  She also got sent a Hello Kitty game, but we haven't tried it yet.  There are a couple more games I would really like to get her, like the Nick Jr. Fitness game.  Is has lots of the Nick Jr. characters, like Dora and the Backyardigans and they do fun exercises.  Have any of you tried this game?  I'd love to hear more about it.  Or do you have other fun suggestions for a preschooler?

Bubbalicious and the Hubs both play PS3.  A lot.  Bubbs loves games like Star Wars and Lost Planet 2.  He likes fighting games the best, but it is definitely hard to find them without them being rated M.  I actually was shocked when I saw a game that was rated M.  I wondered if it was just violence to get that rating, so Hubs showed me exactly why it got that Mature rating.  When I started hearing "moans" and bow chicka wow wow music, I looked over and they were even showing boobies!  Ummm....hell no!  And that, my friends, is why there will be no rated M games for my kids.  To be honest, I don't even like hubby playing it.  But whatever.  He mostly plays the popular games like God of War, Modern Warfare, and Infamous.  He's also a kid at heart and plays Batman and Superman games, too, haha!

Tell me about video games in your home.  Which ones do you like?  What rules do you have for your kids?

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

CLOSED! Zebra Hoodies review and GIVEAWAY

Congrats to elliebunny!

Like most ladies, I love cute clothes.  Even when it comes to casual wear, I still want to look fab and have stuff that you don't see on everybody else.  And since I'm a stay at home mom, casual wear is pretty much my main wardrobe right now.

A little while back, I came across a website called Zebra Hoodies.  I think the Zebra part in the name is what hooked me in, haha!  Zebra Hoodies is an online store that offers embroidered and screen printed hoodies, sweatshirts, tees, and uniforms. She has also added a Bling line of shirts, and they are super cute.  And I promise, when you check out the pics on the site, you are gonna want some of your own!  This is a pic of one of the Bling shirts that she has done.



And then came the awesome part--I got to try out a hoodie myself!  I came up with a few ideas and emailed them over, and asked if I could be surprised with what the design would be.  When my package arrived, I tore it open and was extremely happy with the final design!  It turned out so cute, and I fell in love immediately.  Check out my hoodie:



Isn't it fabulous??  I love it, and it makes me one proud mama to show off my kids with my hoodie.  Not only that, but it also is super warm and cozy, which is great in the weather we've had over the last couple of months.

I asked Regina, the owner/operator of Zebra Hoodies a few questions about her business and here is what she said:

1) Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and about Zebra Hoodies?  My name is Regina Bell.  I have been teaching elementary music for 21 years.  I can't cook but I can sew!  I started zebrahoodies when my teaching salary couldn't pay for my very expensive but wonderful boys extras.  Band, Competitive Swim and Theatre.  I started making hoodies using zebra print and zebrahoodies was born.  I now do all types of colors, tiger print and so forth!  I also contract with a local T shirt company in my town for screen printing and I design the art and make things like T shirts for groups, baseball uniforms, softball uniforms and so forth!

2)  Are you the only employee?  I am a ONE WOMAN machine!!!
3)  Do you have a "most interesting" place that you have shipped a Zebra Hoodie?  I have shipped hoodies to NYC, Chicago and London!   However most of my hoodies go to small towns where people can't find affordable places to purchases these cute items.

4)  Can your products be found in any stores, or is it online only?
Currently I am only online at www.zebrahoodies.vpweb.com
However If anyone wants these in their store I am willing and able to do it for them!

Wow, I can't imagine being a teacher full-time, and then working so hard with Zebra Hoodies, too.  Regina is one busy lady!  One thing Regina and I both are passionate about is how important it is to support small, local businesses.  There is so many benefits to supporting small businesses.  Don't you love the personal attention you get when shop and you actually feel like you are wanted and welcome to their shop?  It's such a huge difference than shopping at huge franchises, where you can't even find someone to help you or get a friendly hello.  I'm the wife of a self-employed painter in construction biz, so I know exactly how important it is for people to hire him over a big corporation, because his work is what puts the food on our table, and is not going to fill the pockets of a rich CEO somewhere.  It's exactly the same with Regina at Zebra Hoodies.
Zebra Hoodies has a size to fit everyone from a child XS to adult XXXL.  You can choose your design to be put on several different color options for the shirt, and then pick what colors you want your thread or screen printing to be.  There is also several styles of shirts available, so you are bound to find one (or several) that will suit your taste.  And remember, designs are limitless, so let her know your ideas, and she will come up with something great for you.
All products are backed up 100%.  You also get a discount if you have a large order, and can find a price list on the Zebra Hoodies website.  No order is too large or too small!
I really love Zebra Hoodies, and working with Regina is great.  I have lots of ideas for shirts for my whole family that I want to get.   Actually, Regina is so great, that she is offering one of you lucky BeeCuties a chance to win a Zebra Hoodie of  your choice (up to $36 value)!!  Yay!!
BUY IT
You can purchase your own designed shirts online at Zebra Hoodies, http://zebrahoodies.vpweb.com/default.html .  Prices vary based on styles and sizes.
WIN IT
One reader will win their choice of a hoodie from Zebra Hoodies, up to a $36 plus shipping value.
**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to Zebra Hoodies and tell me what choices of designs you like best. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules below for entering my giveaways.  Leave a comment per each entry.


Extra Entries --Must do the Mandatory Entry first before any Extra Entries are valid.

1) LIKE Zebra Hoodies on Facebook and write on their wall that @BeeCute sent you. (1 entry)

2) Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget, Please leave your facebook user name) (1 entry)

3) .Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave your twitter name. (1 entry)
4) Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

5) Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and Zebra Hoodies and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:

#WIN a custom hoodie from Zebra Hoodies & @mandmvaught  http://www.beecute1.blogspot.com/  Ends 5/20

6) Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)

7) Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

8) Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)

9) Add my button to your blog and leave a link telling me where I can find it.  (5 entries)
Contest will end on May 20th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the US only. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.
RULESBeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.

You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.

Disclosure: I was not financially compensated for this post. I did receive the featured product for the review. All opinions stated are completely honest and 100% mine based on trying out the product. Please use your own judgement when choosing products for your family.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

CLOSED! Prescription Drug Abuse & Lockmed Medication Lock box GIVEAWAY

Congrats to Paula A. winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Did you know that over 3 million American teens abuse prescription drugs?  Statistics show that each day, 3,300 children begin experimenting with prescription drugs. 60% of teens in the US will have tried prescription drugs--before the age of 15.   That's enough to disturb you, right?  It's very scary to know that one day, our kids will most likely be offered or exposed to some sort of drugs.  Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common for young people because it is so easily accessible at their very own homes. I read in one study that over half of kids ages 12-17 who have tried medications got them for free from a friend or family member.  Do you have your medications locked up?  I don't yet, but after learning all of this info, I'll be putting some serious measures down to keep my meds safe.


Prescription drug abuse is defined as "the taking of medication that is not prescribed to you, or taking altered dosages or for reasons other than prescribed for."   Some of the most commonly abused meds are those that are prescribed for pain, anxiety, sleep, and stimulants, such as those for ADHD.  There is a huge list of effects that abusing these drugs can have that range from physical addiction, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, anxiety, paranoia, and seizures to name a few.

Abuse of medications is growing in the youth at an alarming rate.  In addition to it being so easy to find, a lot of kids think that because it is prescribed from a doctor, then it can't be that bad.  They are not aware that taking meds for a condition that they do not have can lead to new problems that may need to be treated.  Also, they often take too much of a drug and over-dosing, because they are not aware of correct amounts that can be safely taken.

Of course, it's not only kids that are abusing meds.  Adults are also having the same issues, and a lot of times, it all starts with a legitimate reason to be prescribed the medication, and it then turns to dependence.  I've heard of times that a person has a minor car wreck and get some pain meds, and that's all it takes to get a person to realize they really like how those meds make them feel.  They then will try to continue getting pain meds, and soon become addicted.  The elderly are also at risk because they are prescribed so many medications, and their metabolism changes as they age, which leads to a lesser dosage being more powerful than it would in a younger person.  It can give them a euphoric feeling that they really like.

How do you know if someone you love is abusing prescription drugs?  There are many signs that can be a warning to you that somebody may have a problem.  Personality changes, excessive drowsiness, confusion, difficulty walking, and rapid eye movements are a few to look for.  Also, if a person is going around to several doctors, known as "doctor shopping", then they may have a drug problem.  Also, you may notice a bunch of empty medicine bottles or even blank prescription pads in their possession.  You read all about these warning signs HERE.

So now that you know about prescription drug abuse, what can you do to help prevent it?  Here are some of the most important tips to follow:

1)  Educate yourself and your family about the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Include prescription drugs when you talk to your kids about the dangers of alcohol and street drugs.  Become familiar with street terms and slang for prescription meds if you have kids.  Know who your kids' friends are and their families.

2)  Keep track of your medicine.  Know how much is in the bottle and keep track of refills.

3)  Don't tell people about what medicines you have and limit how many people have access to where you store your medicines.  It's best to keep medications locked up in a box such as Lockmed medication lock boxes.  Ask friends and family members to also lock medicines up.

4)  If your child is prescribed drugs, make sure they are only taking the correct dosage and are not giving it to friends.  You need to be in control and monitor the usage.  This includes ADHD meds.

5)  Dispose of any medications properly.  Remove the medication from the bottle and mix with undesirable material like coffee ground or kitty litter.  Then put them in a bag or can and dispose.  Make sure it is hidden in the trash so people can't see them to take them out.  Remove identifying labels from the bottles before throwing away.  Also, there are places that you could take your medications.  Some free and low-income clinics take unwanted medications and use them for those unable to pay for medicine.  In addition to that, many police stations have a "medication take-back" program, and they will properly dispose of your prescription drugs for you.

Taking action now is the best thing you can do to prevent prescription drug abuse.  It all starts at home.  I do have certain medications that should be locked up, and I plan on purchasing a Lockmed box to keep my kids away from them.

Lockmed is a company that is dedicated to educating and preventing prescription drug abuse.  They make medication lock boxes that range from small to large.  They will have either a key or a combination lock, depending on which size you choose.

In addition to making the lock boxes, they all support a great cause.  Every year, they donate their boxes and funds to communities in high-risk areas.  They have donated to schools, medical facilities, and army bases to name a few.

And, to help get you started with prevention, Lockmed is offering a lock box to one of you BeeCuties!

BUY IT 
You can purchase a Lockmed medication lock box online or at over 100 pharmacies and retail stores such as Target, Price Chopper, and Shaw's Drug.  Prices begin at $18.99.


And here is your chance to WIN one of your own!  Lockmed is offering one BeeCute reader to win the small Lockmed box, valued at $18.99.

WIN IT

**Mandatory Entry** You must be a follower of my blog on Google Friend Connect to enter. (Look at the top left corner of the blog and click Join this Site.) Then, go to Lockmed and tell me something you learned that I did NOT already post. (1 entry total for mandatory) Leave your entries below in the comments. Note: You must enter the mandatory entry before doing the extra entries, or you will be disqualified. Also, you must leave a valid email address on all entries so I have a way to contact you if you are chosen as the winner. Read the rules below for entering my giveaways.


Extra Entries --Must do the Mandatory Entry first before any Extra Entries are valid.

1) LIKE Lockmed on Facebook and write on their wall that @BeeCute sent you. (1 entry)

2) Follow Lockmed on twitter and leave me your twitter name. (1 entry)

3) Like BeeCute on facebook (top right corner of blog, you can click LIKE on the widget, Please leave your facebook user name) (1 entry)

4) .Follow BeeCute (@mandmvaught) on twitter and leave your twitter name. (1 entry)
5) Subscribe to BeeCute email newsletter. (top right corner, and you must confirm it when you get the confirmation email. I will check.) (2 entries)

6) Subscribe to Lockmed's channel on Youtube and leave your youtube user name.  (1 entry)

7) Tweet this giveaway. May be done up to 5 times daily, at least an hour apart. You must leave the url link of your tweet with your entry. (1 entry per each tweet) You may use your own tweet including a link to this site and @LockmedBoxes and @mandmvaught or you can copy/paste the following:

#WIN a medication lock box from @LOCKMEDboxes & @mandmvaught  http://www.beecute1.blogspot.com/  Ends 4/24

7) Tell me where you found this giveaway. (1 entry)

8) Share this giveaway on facebook and link @BeeCute and in the post (may be done one time daily). (2 entries per post)

9) Blog about this giveaway. You must include a link to this giveaway in your post and have at least 25 followers. Leave the link to your blog post in the comments with your entry. (3 entries)

10) Add my button to your blog and leave a link telling me where I can find it.  (5 entries)
Contest will end on April 24th, 2011 at midnight CST. Open to the US only. Winner will be selected at random, and contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen.

RULES

BeeCute is simply hosting this giveaway and is not responsible for the prize itself. The sponsors of the giveaway are responsible for shipping out the prize to the winner. BeeCute will relay the winner's information on to the sponsor. If there is any problem with the prize, BeeCute will continue to try to work with the sponsor to correct any problems. BeeCute is not liable or financially responsible for the prizes.

You must complete your entries as stated. If you do not complete the entries as stated, then it will be deleted. For example, if you do not leave your user name with your facebook entry, then it will not count. You must leave a valid email address on each entry. This is how I will contact you if you win.

Only one person per home/IP address is allowed to enter this giveaway. If I see that you are entering under multiple names, etc then you will be immediately disqualified and banned from entering future giveaways. I do not tolerate cheating, and will be checking to ensure all my giveaways are fair.

The winner will be selected at random. I will contact the winner by email, and you will have 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be selected.

BeeCute reserves the right to change any rules if deemed necessary without prior notice.

Disclosure:  This is not a sponsored post, and I did not receive anything for this post.  It's simply a cause that I feel needs awareness, and the company mentioned supplied the giveaway prize.  All opinions stated are my own.  Please use your own judgement when selecting products for your family.