Don't Let Anything Get in the Way of Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.


As a parent, there is really nothing more important than my child and his future. We all know this.  Helping him find success in school is one of those things.  I grew up knowing I would go to college.  It was never a choice.  My parents just taught us that we would, as if everyone does.  So... we did.  

It was very important to me that I ensured that for my son. When we sold our home 12 years ago, we made a significant profit and were able to pay for a Florida Prepaid plan outright.  Not everyone is that fortunate.  But it's okay because there are many different payment plans and program options.  

There is a recorded webinar https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1511/24661 you can watch and learn all about this. You will learn how families have been using Florida Prepaid for 25 years to send their children to college.  You will be able to connect with a Florida mom who can give you firsthand knowledge of getting started and how this will impact your children's future success.

The webinar is Tues. Feb. 20th from 12:00-12:45 PM EST.  There is no cost to register. Don't miss this valuable information that will help your child's future!


If you haven't already, NOW is the time to sign up.  Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

Prioritize Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.


Florida Prepaid enrollment is open from now until Feb. 28th.  This is the only time of year that you can sign up for one of Florida Prepaid's college savings plans.  You can lock in today’s plan prices, today’s college plan prices, and the future cost of college. Don't wait. Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

People commonly believe the "myths" that they hear about signing up for Florida PrePaid. These are myths...

MYTH: Florida PrePaid is restricted to Florida Schools.  FACT: It isn't restricted to Florida schools; the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide.

MYTH: Florida Prepaid can only be used if my child remains a Florida resident.  FACT: If the beneficiary moves out of Florida after purchasing a Prepaid Plan, your child would still be billed at in-state tuition rates when using their plan at a Florida college or state university.

MYTH: If my child doesn't go to college, I lose all the money.  FACT: If your child doesn't go to college, you can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid Plan or get your money back.

There is no reason not to do this.  Don't let your child start their future in debt.  This is a simple and economical way to ensure that your child can get to college.


Florida PrePaid will be hosting a webinar on 2/20.  Stand by for more details. This will be a great time to get all of the information you need and they will be able to answer any questions that you have!


Signing up is easy! You will $25 off the application fee and it should only take about 10-15 to fill out the application.  It's is not scary or time consuming.  You can do it over morning coffee or while you wait in the doctor's office.  Don't wait.
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount at ENROLL HERE

Get that kid to college! #Startingisbelieving

If you have a child in the state of Florida, You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans from Florida Prepaid College Foundation. HERE  While, this post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger, all thoughts are my own.

Bryce is first grade

As you all know, I am a proud mom of a sweet young man.  I still cannot believe how quickly time is going.  I remember the baby stages when I would wish that he could do things on his own, and now that he's older, he does. And most of the time, it is on his own with his friends.  He doesn't need me nearly as much as he used to. Now I long for those days.  I still get those moments every now and then, but they are few and far between. 

In the picture, Bryce was in first grade. It seems like just yesterday, but it wasn't.  Time is passing and it's passing so fast! Pretty soon he is going to be ready to go to college.  Am I ready? Emotionally? NO! Financially? Yes, I am preparing now.  

With Florida Prepaid I am giving Bryce, my son, the opportunity to go to college. His father and I purchased the plan when he was three years old.  I continue to add to it as well. 

Bryce and Coach

Doing this early in his life helped a lot.  Since he was 3 years old, I have been telling him that I have been paying for his college and I know he will be successful.  Think about that... when someone invests in you, you feel it inside.  You want to achieve what is put out there for you. It's been instilled in Bryce since he can remember that he
will go to college.  And I know he will because he now knows it.

Having this plan, will make it happen. My son knows that I did without so he could go to college.  And even though he tells me that he is going to get an athletic scholarship and won't need it, I know I have back up plan.  And if he does get an athletic scholarship, then we will use this money for something else. Florida Prepaid will allow that as well.

Did you know that a recent Georgetown University study estimates that a student with a bachelor's degree can earn $1.6 million more in their lifetime than a student with only a high school diploma? College matters!

For me, it's knowing that my child will have something set aside that will help us avoid the stress that others experience when high school graduation is imminent and they find themselves unprepared.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment begins October 15^th 

You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans!

With Florida Prepaid, you can save for college! It's simple and rewarding.  Register from now until October 29th for a chance to win ONE of TEN 2-year Florida Prepaid scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  Each day log into "class" for fun activities and complete "extra credit" to earn even more chances to win!

To enter click HERE  http://www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=scholarship

Once open enrollment begins (October 15th) you will use this link to enroll. http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=open-enrollment

You can save $25 off the application fee by entering Mindy1718  Using this promo code will also give you a chance to win more entries into the scholarship contest once you register.  The scholarship giveaway entry ends on Oct. 29th. 

Is Your Child Going to College: Florida Prepaid College Fund

My Bryce... this is why I did Florida Prepaid!

One of the best things that we have ever done for my son is get him the Florida Prepaid College Fund. Starting is believing and the time to start is now! My son has the opportunity to go to college without having to take on HUGE student loans that he will spend the rest of his life paying back. That matters to me!!! I know you are probably worried about cost. I know... I was too. But this is doable! And worth it. When we purchased our plan for Bryce, we went for the 4 Year Florida University Plan. Yes, it was more expensive, but for us, we needed to do it! It just made sense. We are so glad we have it too. We didn't start when Bryce was a newborn either. You can start late if you need to! Check it out! 

Monthly prices for newborn are below:

4-Yr Florida University Plan	$182.63
1-Yr Florida University Plan	$45.69
2 + 2 Florida Plan	$144.35
4 Yr College Plan	$114.69
2 Yr College Plan	$53.13

There are a few different plans that you can choose from. The Florida Prepaid College Board is introducing the new 1-Year Florida University plan. You can purchase one year, or 30 credit hours, at a time according to your budget and timeline, without feeling the pressure of having to buy all four years at once

 The plan also allows multiple purchasers to buy a plan for the same child. So now you can team up with other family members to help pay for your child’s higher education.

For example, let Grandma and Grandpa buy one year and you purchase another. A child can have up to four 1-Year Florida University Plans.

Another plan is a 2 year Florida College Plan.  You can set your child up with a practical and affordable path for an Associate's degree or trade certification. This will give your child the advantage over those with only a high school diploma. 

If you want to go for the whole 4 years, there is the 4 Year College plan. This is a practical and affordable path to a Bachelor's degree. There are 28 Florida colleges and they've expanded their capabilities far beyond the two-year programs. In face, most now offer four-year bachelor's degrees. There is also a 2+2 Florida College Plan. Your child can start off at one of the state's 28 Florida colleges and you will save money on lower-level courses before transferring to a State University to finish off their degree. 

The last plan is the 4 Year University Plan. This plan will start your child off at one of Florida's 12 prestigious state universities and see them through their 4 years of college. 

All of the prepaid plans, every dime of the plan, can be applied to any university or college nationwide or if unused, refunded back to the student. 

Whether you’re already familiar with Florida Prepaid and still need some guidance or you’re just getting started, this Interactive Conversation will help you learn even more about the Florida 529 Savings Plan and Florida Prepaid College Plans. Click Here: http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/college-savings-101/interactive-conversation/ 

What are you waiting for? 

Blog disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own. 

Thankful Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! 

http://splitsider.com/2012/11/the-12-most-darkly-funny-thanksgiving-themed-sitcom-episodes/

I was going to come up with some clever "Top Ten" list of things I am thankful for, but how would I narrow it down to just 10. That would be impossible! Today  I am thankful for all of my blessings!

Bryce and I are celebrating Thanksgiving with some new friends this year, and we are so blessed to know them. While we will miss our traditions on Thanksgiving, it is fun to do something new and different.

http://splitsider.com/2012/11/the-12-most-darkly-funny-thanksgiving-themed-sitcom-episodes/

I hope that you have a blessed holiday and enjoy your family! We plan to for sure!

The Color Run Fun!

THE COLOR RUN! 

The Color Run has exploded since its debut last year with more than 2 million "likes" on Facebook and more than 7 million views on YouTube. The Color Run has recently been featured on ESPN, Runner’s World, Sports Illustrated andWall Street Journal, to name a few.

With no winners or official times, The Color Run celebrates healthiness, happiness, and individuality, bringing the community together to create a five-kilometer canvas of colorful fun in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer.

Last year, Bryce and I ran our first color race in St. Petersburg. It was so much fun. 

This January, 26, Bryce and I will run it again! We are thrilled to be a part of it! We will be running in Clearwater, Florida!

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR A RACE NEAR YOU! 

http://thecolorrun.com/ 

If you enter the code: COLOR5OFF you can save $5!

Announcing the 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour! We're hitting your cities like never before... Amazing new participant gear, Fresh music, and Color crazy race attractions. This is 5K Magic like only The Color Run can do.

“We call The Color Run the ‘happiest 5K on the planet’ because our events bring together friends and family in a unique, healthy, and fun environment,” said Travis Snyder, founder of The Color Run. “Our only rules are that people wear white and prepare to be covered in color at the finish!”

The Color Run visited over 50 cities last year with more than 600,000 participants, a feat following their first event in January of 2012. They plan to make 2013 a stellar year, launching more than 170 events with well over 1 million participants.

“Color Runners,” as they are called, vary in demographics and reasons for running. With no winners or official times, The Color Run caters to anyone – first time runners to professional athletes. Over 60 percent of Color Runners are first-time 5k runners and participate as a celebration and capstone of their healthy living accomplishments. 

Have you ever done The Color Run?  Would you?

Keeping Family involved in Fitness: Target Giveaway #c9attarget

C9 at Target

How lucky are we? Target has offered to give us a $25 gift card. You can use it to purchase some of their awesome C9 by Champion clothing... They want to know how you are keeping your entire family fit. 

This year I decided that my goal would be that I would participate in fitness events with my son. I started this fitness journey last year and I did a lot of races. I talked my son into running the mile race at two of them, and he loved it. 

I was fortunate that a very special person surprised me and paid my way into the Rock n Roll mini marathon (5K) in Feb. As I was driving to the expo to pick up my packet, I asked Bryce (my 9 year old son) if he wanted to run the race with me. You have to love his honesty...He said, "Do I have to stay with you the whole time or can I run at my own speed?"  He's faster than I am. I told him he could GO! I was blessed with a gift from a friend, so I used the money I would have spent on me for him. It was the beginning of a really great new lifestyle for us. 

When I first began this journey, my most favorite thing to do was flip a big tire... it still is btw... If you haven't seen my logo, I am a tire flipper. I love flipping tires. When I would tell Bryce about it, he wasn't impressed until I had him try to flip the tire. He was hooked. He couldn't do it but he thought I was a tough chick. Well, we loved it so much that we (my son and I) headed over to our local tire store and got our own tires to have at home. We haven't used them a lot, but we have had some fun with them. Not only do we flip them, but we also jump on them like they are plyo boxes. I am still looking for a BIG tractor tire, but for now we have 3 different sizes.

Since then we have run quite a few races and have some others headed our way too. I have run some races without him, but I certainly don't like it as much. He makes fitness fun! 

We ran a Mother's Day run! He beat me by almost 10 minutes!!!

He loves to go on walks with me and sometimes we have to stop and enjoy the nature around us! 

We ran for Boston... It actually turned out to be a walk, but we talked and bonded like we hadn't before. It was really special and nice because I had been glued to the TV and Twitter all day....

Then there is the fun of Color Me Rad. We had a blast getting colorful and laughing together! 

Adding Fitness into your family life is the best. Get your kids outdoors and away from the video games for a bit! It's good for all of us. Bryce often asks me if we can go for a walk or a run. And usually it's when I am being lazy, so it's a good motivator! 

I am usually wearing my C9 by Champion Clothes from Target while I am exercising with my family! 

What does your family do together to stay fit? Check out #C9atTarget on Twitter and Instagram.

Enter my giveaway for a $25 gift card below! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Target.

At Target Influencer Network, we support ethical blogging and strict adherence to the FTC guidelines pertaining to free samples and gifts. Participants in our programs are expected to do the same. For more information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf

Color US Rad at Color Me Rad And CrossFit Blackbeard Week 2!

*Disclaimer: Color Me Rad provided Bryce and me with a complimentary entries to the race in exchange.  All opinions are my own.

Our World was a Rainbow! 

On Saturday, Bryce and I got a chance to run our second Colorful 5K. This time we ran in the Color Me Rad race. I knew that Bryce was going to love this race, and I asked a friend if she and her son wanted to join. I was thrilled that the entire family joined us. Bryce and his friend Jackson had a blast! I have a feeling that they will run with us again (even if we ended up walking quite a bit!)

We met them before the race and Jackson and Bryce had a great time at Color Bomb stage trying to catch colors! We were looking squeaky clean at the beginning of the race! What I loved about Color Me Rad is that they gave us some fun sunglasses. Amazingly enough, none of us had the same color either! Fun! 


We headed to the start line and the boys were doing their best to catch color bombs so that they could throw them on us (and mostly themselves!) We got a few packets and they were starting to get colorful! It was a fun party waiting for our wave to start. There was so much energy and excitement. Finally, it was the countdown to head out. Some people walked and some ran. We let the boys go with Tracy, and we told them to wait for us at the first color station. Bryce loves this idea because then he runs through the station more than once while he waits for us. We started with orange. Bryce, Jackson and Tracy took off again. As we rounded a corner, I could see them in front of us and waved. Bryce was looking at me and waving, and (I am really horrible for sharing this) Bryce ran into a cone while he was waving and wiped out.  I know that I should have felt bad, but it was hysterical! I wish I had it on video. He is tough as nails and popped right up and kept running... Love that tough kid!~ The next station was different.  Usually the color stations are cornstarch, but this time, it was a liquid color. It was green! It felt great because at this point we were pretty warm!!! 

Bryce and Jackson decided that they wanted to walk. Jaymie, the boys and I let Tracy run, and we walked. We had a much needed water break, and we went through the color stations. There was a lot of laughing, a lot of silliness and a whole lot of color. We may have gone through the color stations more than once and it was ONLY because the boys wanted to... so Jaymie and I had to :)  Right before the finish line we were all given a packet of color to throw when crossed the finish line. I gave mine to Bryce because he couldn't get enough! There is something about a smile under all the color that melts a mom's heart! 


We went back to the color stage and stayed there for quite a while dancing, catching color, and living through some serious color bombs! This race was so much fun! I cannot say it enough. This is the perfect race for people who just want to have fun. If you are someone who needs to PR no matter what, this is not the race for you... If you are someone who likes to see smiling faces and you like to escape from your troubles for a bit, this is for you! I won't miss it next time! You can bet on that! 

As most of you know, one of my biggest goals is to keep my son busy outside rather than inside. This run is the best way to keep him active without any complaints from him! 

No one I would rather have fun with!!!!

My CrossFit Blackbeard Journey: Week 2

This week was a lot of fun so far! I am feeling like a part of the group, and though I am definitely the person who struggles more than others, I am so proud of what's happening. I am also so amazed by the kindness of everyone at CrossFit Blackbeard. Everyone is so supportive.

They are having a special right now that is such a good price that I have to share. It ends tomorrow! It's the Get Your Friends Addicted special. One month Unlimited for $50. If you are interested, you have to sign up by tomorrow, Friday, May 31st. Tell them you are friends with Mindy. Send your email to Trey@crossfitblackbeard.com... You will love it! Please join me! It will be a lot of fun!!!

I like to do my workouts in my C9 Athletic clothes by Champion from Target! I love the fit and I love the price! I have a giveaway coming in the next day or two for a $25 Target Gift Card! :) 

Disclosure

At Target Influencer Network, we support ethical blogging and strict adherence to the FTC guidelines pertaining to free samples and gifts. Participants in our programs are expected to do the same. For more information, visit: http://www.ftc.gov/os/2013/03/130312dotcomdisclosures.pdf

The Great Mother's Day Race recap and Father's Day Race is Next! Family Fitness Fun!

The Great Mother's Day Race Recap and the Fun of Family Fitness!

This past weekend, I celebrated Mother's Day in the most awesomest way imaginable. I ran a 5K with my best buddy and the boy who gave me the best title I have ever had. I was so lucky to have been asked to be a blogger for The Great Mother's Day Race. Bryce was very excited to be running his second race of the year.


He told me that he really wanted to stay with me this time, but as soon as the gun went off, he was gone! He is so much faster than I am. I really wanted to get myself back to my speed when I was in the heart of training for my half marathon, but I am still about 5 minutes slower. Grrr! I am planning on seeing a big difference as I continue my crossfit journey.

The course was really pretty. Al Lopez Park has some pretty scenery. There was one leg of the race where we were near the street, but I like that too... It's nice when people honk their horns at you... I assume they are cheering for me and only me!

As I got to the last mile, I saw the cutest little blonde head bopping up and down in front of me. I knew it was Ronin, my friend Jenny's (who is also a blogger) son. Ronin took off fast with Bryce. I caught up with him, and we walked a bit and talked. He was quick to start running again though once he saw his mom and his guide dog, Matthew coming toward him. Jenny and I finished the race together, and it was pretty cool since we are both Polar Ambassadors.  I am sure you couldn't tell by our clothing :)

Bryce actually ended up finishing over 10 minutes ahead of me. Yep... he's a rock star! He was 8th in the 18 and under category and 80th overall. Not too shabby! He had a blast too!

It was an awesome way to spend Mother's Day. They also have The Great Father's Day Race coming up in July. I am hoping Bryce and I will have the opportunity to run that as well. It was a really special moment to see my son cheering for me at the finish line. Everyone needs to run a race with their children. It is something special when you share a love of fitness... and it's great to get them outside!!!

The best Mother's Day present is running with my son and giveaways!

This was our first 5K togehter in January!

The Great Mother's Day Race

What would be more fun than running a race with my favorite person on the planet on Mother's Day? I would say, NOTHING! 

I am so excited to have been offered the chance for Bryce and I to start our Mother's Day Celebration with a bang! This year on Mother's Day we will be running in The Great Mother's Day Race! 

I know some people would think I am crazy for wanting to run a race on a day of pampering for mommies, but I will tell you that I love nothing more than running with my son. There is time for pedicures and massages later! My son is only going to be young once! 

The race is Sunday, May 12 at 9 am. You will get a Tech T-shirt, chip timing, a swag bag and an awesome memory that you and your children won't soon forget! 

Strollers are welcome, and I think it would be a great thing for your child to see how active Mommy is! :) 

I have really enjoyed getting my son involved with my races. It cracks me up that he now gets upset if I race without him. I am running the IronGirl 5K on Sunday and he is NOT happy! I did surprise him this morning with news that we would be running this! He was thrilled. 

I have a discount code for you! TBBLOG is good for 10% off the race entry through Active.com 

Here is the map of the course!

Giveaways are still active!

Enter below in the rafflecopter to get your very own Allied Medal Display!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

There are still Foundation Nutrition and Just Jump It Fitness Giveaway
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Fit Miss giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

StickitStrong giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Polar Heart Rate Monitor Giveaway
  a Rafflecopter giveaway

The winners of the Shubeez have been chosen and notified. If the prizes aren't claimed in 48 hours, new winners will be chosen!  The winners of the 26.2 are Laurel Cedarblade and Maureen.
And the 13.1 goes to Dawn Rushing.

Disclosure: All of the giveaways are donations. All opinions are my own.