Clorox2® Play 2Day Pledge: Playing Outdoors with My Family

Our modern families have somewhat forgotten the art of getting together outside to interact.  It's so easy in today's busy lifestyle to come home, cook dinner, let the kids play on their computers or game consoles as we, moms, finish the chores and maybe eeven catch up on e-mails.  The problem with that is, you not only lose out good family time but you also miss out on excellent opportunities to get some physical activity and teach some good habits to last a lifetime.  I remember as a child, playing outside non-stop in good weather and still trying to weasel my way outside during the snowy days.  It seems kids today would rather do anything than go exert themselves and avoid the sunshine.  Getting outside is also a way to pick up that healthy sunshine vitamin D which is why I'm a big supporter of putting it all down and going outside.  The SocialMoms' new opportunity is with Clorox2 and it's the Clorox2 Play 2Day Pledge which you can read and participate at this link: http://clorox2play2day.com.


I think this is a great way to encourage families to get out there and get dirty!  Play clothes were made for this reason.  I spent my early years as a mom around other moms who didn't let their children get dirty which seemed silly to me as that's what kids do. There are easy ways to get your family outside to play and these are mine:

• Just schedule a once a day "let's go" hour to gather up the kids and go outside to ride bikes.  What better family fun activity then taking a spin or two around the neighborhood.  You are teaching them about safety, getting them some exercise while spending some family time together.  Did I mention it's also inexpensive as in FREE?  Everyone loves free anymore.
• Another activity we like to do on the weekends are go to a park.  Parks are full of activities such as playgrounds as there isn't a little kid that can't have a red face after racing around a playground set for an hour.  Think of the pictures you can get and the memories you can capture.  It's truly priceless.
• We don't participate in extra-curricular activities but I know many others who do and what better way to build some outdoor fun time than soccer, baseball or football.  It's a perfect opportunity to engage the family as there are the games and practice.
• Utilizing the resources around you as I mentioned before the parks.  We also have the desert and mountains near us so encouraging a family outing to go hiking is ideal.  After a long hike exploring new territory, that handy picnic basket completes the day for more family building memories.

Whatever you choose to do, getting your family outdoors is healthy and with Clorox2, it can be cleaner!  I enjoy the outdoors and definitely advocate a 'get off your butt and get outside' life.  Have some family fun and take the pledge!  You never know what benefits you might get from taking the pledge and just making memories is worth every bit of time you pledged!




About Clorox2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster:
Getting dirty is much more fun when it's easy to get clean. When the outdoor fun is finished, Clorox2® Stain Fighter & Color Booster gets out the tough stains, so your kids can take part in healthy fun and get dirty over and over again.

About Clorox:
The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,100 employees and fiscal year 2011 revenues of $5.2 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Green Works® naturally derived home care products, Pine-Sol® cleaners, Poett® home care products, Fresh Step® cat litter, Kingsford® charcoal, Hidden Valley® and K C Masterpiece® dressings and sauces, Brita® water-filtration products, Glad® bags, wraps and containers, and Burt’s Bees® natural personal care products. Nearly 90 percent of Clorox Company brands hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories. The company’s products are manufactured in more than two dozen countries and sold in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $84 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal year 2011 alone, the foundation awarded $4 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $13 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

More info on Clorox Play2Day

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I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy Review

ABCmouse.com is a cute early learning program that opens with a cute ABC jingle.  Once you log on, you can register your children, create avatars that look like them and they are ready to go learn and have fun.  I have two children that are having a lot of fun on ABCmouse.com and one is hurting my ears with squeals of excitement as she explores and finds new places.  Right now as I write this, she's setting up her room and in much delight, is telling me all she can buy with the tickets she has earned with the various learning activities.  There are different levels of play and learning with ABCmouse from free access to more access with a low cost membership.  We are reviewing a complimentary paid subscription so they have full access.


The activities are aimed for children in pre-school through kindergarten but I think an older child in the early elementary grades would still have fun as my eight year old is with the books and puzzles.  There are over 2,000 activities and 350 lesson plans along with extra activities and printables that are wonderful for children.  This is a great learning opportunity for my four year old since it's very user friendly for her and it allows my time to focus on my eight year old to whom I homeschool.

There is a neat area for the children to showcase their work or files as they are called and more under the link section.  You can even e-mail your children and they can e-mail you back in a safe, secure environment that includes recorded videos, sounds and attachments.

Here is a video clip:

There is a parents section that you has many uses:

• Links - "how to" videos, lesson builder, activity blocker, curriculum overview and more
• What's new section
• Parent's settings
• Site preferences/settings
• iTune applications for those on the go
• Ability to add up to three children
• Ability to track their progress

The really exciting part my children love are after they complete an activity are the tickets.  They can exchange the tickets to purchase items for their avatar, they room and much more.  That is a big deal as kids love to shop and the more they learn, the more they earn so what great incentives!  My four year old also loves the puzzles and the books.  The audio is superb and is fast enough to not overwhelm them while keeping their attention.  As the story is read, it has a learning objective as do all the lessons, and each word is highlighted so they can read along. 

Overall, it's a great program for those in pre-school to kindergarten.  I'm very happy my four year old has a learning activity that keeps her having fun while I can teach my other one.

Don't forget to stay up to date at ABCmouse.com's Facebook page.


Can't get enough?  ABCmouse.com also released The Letter Songs A to Z, an album with 26 original tracks featuring each letter of the alphabet.  The album was created to help the little ones remember the names and sounds of each letter of the alphabet as well as to develop vocabulary. Each song includes sound words and rhymes that start with the respective letters, and is produced and arranged in a different musical style – ranging from folk to hip hop – to introduce children to a wide variety of musical genres. Please visit ABCmouse.com/LetterSongs for more information.








*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary subscription for ABCmouse.com for the purposes of this review.  All opinions are of my own.

Thirty-One: Great Bags, Totes & More with a $25 GC Giveaway Coming Soon!

Most girls (women) love pretty things and most of us like a special touch added to be part of us.  I know when I want certain things, having it look just as I want it means something to me.  I also like products to be functional and fashionable which is where Thirty-One comes in.  Thirty-One is named after the versus of Proverbs 31 by the amazing woman who took a chance eight year's ago and started her own business.

Now, we can all enjoy some terrific looking items that not only will look great but will serve as very functional.  When I first looked through the catalog, I couldn't decide what I wanted as there were so many things I would LOVE to have.  Whether it's every day life, special occasions or running errands, there is definitely something for every one as well as every lifestyle.  With fall quickly upon us, the seasons provide different needs for us such as the holidays, football and more.  I gathered together some of my favorites below.

Some things you may not know, the variety of bags, totes, cubes, bins and more are available in my prints and colors.  There are also numerous accessories and more such as:

• Umbrellas
• Portfolios with notepads
• Flat iron cases
• Organizers
• Straps
• Cards
• Stationery
• Aprons

Items marked with an E, E2 or E3 can be personalized for a small fee.  There is even a guide in helping you choose the thread color to ensure you get it right the first time.

There are endless possibilities and whether or not you are celebrating yourself as who doesn't want to buy themselves something or if you want to get a jump start on Christmas, check out Thirty-One and get ready for a $25 gift certificate giveaway coming soon!

Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread Review

Have you heard?  Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread is now available and it's flavor reminds me of growing up and making cinnamon toast.  I miss cinnamon toast but I don't miss the mess.  Yes, I know, I'm being a bit lazy here with not wanting to make a mess and avoiding a food I like due to it but no longer since it's conveniently ready for use.  I received a complimentary coupon for my participation in Pssst.  I have to say that I love it!  I didn't have to post about it but I chose to so I can let others know about how good it is and I'm already a Land O Lakes customer and have been for years so I expected this from a brand I trust.

What is also special about Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread is it's all natural butter with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar to make it melt in your mouth.  Did you also know that it's just not for toast?  You can use it as a snack on graham crackers, replace the oil in your pancake mix for a cinnamon flavor, stir in your favorite warm cereal and so much more.  I eat an oat bran porridge and it really livens it up.

Check it out at the Land O Lakes site for more tips, suggestions, recipes, coupons and more!

Visit Land O'Lakes on Facebook

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The Middle Season Two on DVD/Blu-ray: Hooked Yet?

Little white lies ... we all tell them don't we?  I mean how could you possibly hurt your child's feelings by telling them something wasn't pretty or something wasn't good?  We are faced in life with determining when is it alright to lie or stretch the truth and then can it be controlled?  Some people will tell white lies that turn into compulsive lying so there is a fine line to it all.  I often tell white lies to just make things easier too.  I might say that I like something when I don't or that something is good even if it's not but it's better than hurting someone's feelings.  I told my brother a little white lie in that I didn't receive his e-mail for my explanation as to why I hadn't written.  I really did but I was just too busy and I've been using that excuse a bit much so I didn't want him to think I was just too busy for him.  To me, it made sense.


Early in the second season, Brick discovers what a little white lie is from his parents, realizing they only did it to protect him from the reality.  It was a valuable lesson he learned.  Did you catch how their loving mother and wife, Frankie handled it?  If not, pre-order The Middle Season Two to find out as it's now available at http://bit.ly/qliHr2!


Have your kids ever caught you in a life? See how Frankie, the loving wife and mother of three from ABC's The Middle handles her white lies when her youngest son becomes the wiser. Available for pre-order! http://bit.ly/qliHr2

VueZone: Personal Video Network

Our society is so busy with making a living and with that, most of us have to work and we have kids.  Having children alone makes it hard to work in peace not knowing what they are up to or what they might need in your absence.  I just listened to a webinar on the new VueZone which is instant monitoring using your iPad, iPhone, Android or Blackberry.  Isn't that nice?

The VueZone is a quick and easy to set up.  It's mobile, sleek and small so it's not unsightly.  There are no wires, no technicians needed to install and you can move it around.  You can record as well which of course is nice for when you can't see real time.  There are three plans (see below) with the basic plan being free so you can't beat that.  The other plans are affordable and worth the extra features you get.

I can see so many benefits in having this from monitoring your children, for safety of your home and to use for your business.  Since they are portable, you can just pick them up and move them around.  I think that's a huge plus.  I think this is instrumental for any parent who cannot be home with their children.  The only thing to note, it doesn't have night vision so you do have to have some level of lighting.  All in all, I think the product sounds interesting enough to try!

To learn more, check here and you can check out a video here.

You can also stay current with the VueZone blog here.

VueZone  
BASIC

Included Free with every system 

Live remote viewing
for users on the go. Includes basic alert
and sharing features

VueZone 
PREMIER

$4.95/mo 
(or $49.95/yr) 

Remote viewing and monitoring for active users. Access the full potential of VueZone.

VueZone 
ELITE*

$9.95/mo 
(or $99.95/yr) 

Perfect for small businesses or users with heavy demands & multiple locations.
*Available Late 2011

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Hellmann's Launching its First-Ever Chicken Challenge 9/20 12:10 pm EST

In support of Hellmann's launching its first-ever Chicken Challenge - a series of head-to-head chicken dish challenges to help moms diversify their dinner routine is going to start soon!

See details below.

What:   Hellmann's Live Chicken Challenge 
Where: Live stream at Facebook.com/Hellmanns
When:  Tomorrow, Sept. 20th at 12:10pm EST
Who:    Celeb dad and actor Mark Consuelos, renowned chef Tim Love and lifestyle expert Sissy Biggers

Click here!

Biscoff Spread's “Lunch Envy” Recipe Challenge 9/6 - 10/31

If there were no schools to take the children away from home part of the time, the insane asylums would be filled with mothers.  ~Edgar W. Howe

Some people, especially mothers, love when school is back in session.  I am home schooling this year so I won't have a feeling either way other than I daresay that I love my children being home and am grateful for the opportunity to have even more time with them.  Even if your children do not return to school, you can still have fun with creating some masterful recipes with the Biscoff Spread's a"Lunch Envy" Recipe Challenge that started September 6th and will end on October 31st. 


Anytime when you are able to introduce creativity into a project that you do with your children, you are creating family memories.  Not only do you have the reward of possibly being featured on the Biscoff site but there are some pretty cool prizes to win:

• Two iPads
• Two Amazon Kindles
• Two $50 Amazon GCs to the top three winners

 I had never heard of Biscoff Spread until I received the information on Biscoff and a chance to sample it.  It's an all-natural alternative to peanut butter that contains no nuts (hear those with nut allergies cheering?)!  It was created by using the famous Biscoff Cookies, which I love,  to give it that caramelized taste with a creamy , smooth texture.

The Challenge:

Get out your innovation and have some fun coming up with your own Biscoff Spread recipe.  One other detail you need to know, you and your child or children get to play by creating your very own cooking show by video taping and starring in it!  Isn't that fun? 

Visit www.Biscoff.com/lunchenvy for how to enter and the complete rules.

Back to School with Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes with Bill Nye and Dr. William Sears

 Back to school means messes and germs.  I don't know if you are like me but I'm particular about sanitizing and cleanliness when it comes to my children.  I don't like to be unprepared and love the idea of having Wet Ones wherever I go.  This year, I'm home schooling but having the protection to send to schools are important.  Last year, I sent in supplies to ensure the kids were able to clean up with ease.  My youngest has a chronic medical condition and a simple cold can mean serious business for her so I cringed daily when my middle one would come home from school.  I'm not alone as a survey conducted by Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes showed about half (49%) are also worried about their children becoming sick and about one third (32%) are worried about their children being exposed to germs.

Washing your hands is an easy task for us moms because we're the care takers and know how horrible it is to be sick but kids don't remember.  I'm always harping with the same questions of, 'did you wash your hands?'  Their idea of washing their hands, when they remember is the two second cold flash rule which doesn't cut it!  Wet Ones Antibacterial has teamed up with the infamous science guy himself, Bill Nye to teach families about germs but in a fun, non-nagging way.  Want to convince your kids?  Check out the germ experiment here.  It's a neat experience that is fun to show your children how germs grow and are spread.  Since I'm home schooling, this was also a great time to introduce a science oriented lesson.  it hit home with them and they are at least currently convinced to how important it is to wash their hands.

I always keep a container of anti-bacterial wipes available in the car for those times when I can't wash my hands or their hands.  It's an effective way in eliminating most germs while giving me a little more piece of mind.  One of my most read pediatricians is Dr. William Sears and with his knowledge, he has provided parents with some tips to help keep kids healthy.

• Begin each day with a brainy breakfast - studies have shown that kids that eat a "brainy" breakfast receive higher grades, participate more in class and are less likely to be diagnosed with ADD or learning disabilities.  A brainy breakfast consists of protein, fiber-filled carbs, omega-3 fats and minerals.
• Keep those hands clean!  This is really the first defense in staying healthier.  I notice a big change when I preach "wash your hands" to my children.
• Eat healthy by choosing immune-boosting foods such as apples, blueberries, broccolli, carrots, salmon, nuts and more.
• Avoid eating too many sweets because too much sugar can reduce the ability of white blood cells to kill germs.
• Keep noses and sinuses clean!  I cannot preach this one enough.  My eight year old was constantly sick the first two years of school and I didn't realize it was because she never cleaned her nose so it remained stagnant harboring all those germs.  When noses are stuffed up, try steam to release.
• Activity is paramount to anyone's health.  Movement mobilizes the immune system thus keeping us healthier. 

For more tips, check them out at www.wetones.com.  

Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are available in two fragrances and come in 40 count canisters, 15 count travel pack and 24 count box of individually wrapped single wraps.  Very convenient for all situations life may hold.  This is one product that I won't compromise on and love my Wet Ones for any time of the year.

* Disclosure:  Product and information provided by sponsor thanks to my participation with Blog Friendly PR.  My opinions are my own.

The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD

Can you imagine being the only girl among a group of guy friends?  I bet some like that idea!  I think anytime you introduce a couple and they have friends, you can't expect them to spend all their time to together and this goes for groups.  We all need our other relationships to unwind, to vent and to just have fun.  Until season 4, 'The Big Bang Theory' primarily focused on the core friendship of the guys with Penny as the lone girl.  But in season 4, Penny changes things up and has some new friends and they are girls!  Bernadette and Amy are now the new girls in town changing it all up.  We all know that Penny just can't sit around and spend all her time with the guys and it's only logical they have some girl time.  Bernadette and Amy were welcomed additions to the case.
  
What do you think, do you think that guys and girls can have standalone deep friendship or do girls need girl time and guys need time with the boys?


Buy The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD now!


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*Disclaimer:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD

Season 5 ended with a banger between the gates of Hell opening up and fights with angels it was quite a departure from the earlier seasons but demonstrates how the show has evolved from season 1.  Season 1 was interesting since it introduced a lot of urban legends and myths to start out the story line.  I think season 4 will be my favorite with the Halloween episode and Lucifer breaking free.  Of course adding Castiel added a "wow" factor as well.  Having the introduction of this new angel added another dimension to the story line plus he saved Dean so that's always a plus!


The brothers start in season 1 definitely evolved into something different in season 4.  There is just something about watching these brothers and how they tangle with each demon they are faced with to include their own internal demons.


 What was your favorite part of the earlier seasons and were you prepared for season 6?


Order your copy of Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season on Blu-ray & DVD http://bit.ly/o4wWQJ now!

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*Disclaimer:  I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Supernatural Season 6 on DVD.

What is the Best Recovery Drink After Workout?

Have you heard the new "it" for those who workout? Have you wondered what is the best recovery drink after workout? PHENOM is the coconut water supercharged with GNC vitamins and minerals. As you know, when you work out, you sweat if you are putting in a good workout that is. I know that if I'm not breaking a sweat, I might as well realize I'm not giving it my all. What's the point if I'm not going to do it like I mean it, right? I'm a GNC fan and I have been for over 15 years. I love the products and trust the brand so when I look for something new, I truly do turn to GNC.


I've been in a health kick for a couple of years taking baby steps to get there. I'm not there but I'm working on it and that to me is success. I am riding currently and would like to eventually run. Running used to be the way to really kick it in for me and produce results. I live in the desert and know when I do start running that after tasting the PHENON, it will be a great runners recovery drink for myself. When you run or workout, you lose water and that is vital to your body. Replenishing those electrolytes and water is essential to keep from dehydrating and performing at optimal levels.


I received three complimentary samples of PHENOM and since I wanted to provide a thorough review, I chose PHENOM Energy (Acai Peach), PHENOM Hydro and PHENOM Mega (Pineapple Punch).

 

They arrive in these nice packs that you can drink straight from the container or pour in a glass if you prefer. Each type has a specific purpose it targets and the one I did not try was PHENOM Antiox. What makes this coconut water different from the rest? It also is boosted by GNC premium vitamins. This joint collaboration from PepsiCo and GNC created this healthy energy replenishment drink to help keep the body replenished.


Pros:

• No artificial colors
• No artificial flavors
• No preservatives <- a big one for me
• No added or refined sugars <- another big one for me
• Low calories
• Zero cholesterol

I do feel you have to have a taste for coconuts to like the drink as the extra ingredients or flavoring such as acai berry, peach and pineapple are not overpowering and you get a hint of the flavor and aroma. It's a predominately coconut flavoring as is expected hence the name. It was smooth and not chalky or thick. I did not have a major workout so I wasn't able to experience the recovery but I will repost an update after I commit to some major sweating.

Overall, it's a good change to aid the body in replenishment and I love the idea of it being natural without the refined sugars like many drinks have. Getting the bonus vitamins is always nice and coming from GNC, a brand I trust, I'm even more partial to it.

Have you tried PHENOM yet? If so, let me know what you think!

Check out the links above for more information on PHENOM.

*Disclaimer: I was provided three samples of PHENOM. The opinions are of my own.

Food Network's entwine: Pairing Wine with Food Made Easy

If you are like me, you have no idea how to properly pair the right foods with the wine.  It's not so much of a big deal unless you are having guests but have you thought that you might be missing out on maximizing the optimal flavors with the wrong wine?  Now, I don't have to worry because Food Network and Wente Vineyards have paired up to create entwine.  

Choosing the right wine is important and sometimes planning that ideal meal for a romantic night for two, dinner for the family or a get together can be nerve racking if you don't have the right skills or knowledge on choosing the correct wines with your menu.

Thanks to entwine, they utilize the experts to help create terrific pairings by a great number of ways to search for recipes:

• Wine type
• Main ingredient
• Meal type
• Keywords

Here is a perfect recipe that I tried and loved:  

Peppered Beef Tenderloin with Merlot

It was wonderful!  The beef was perfectly cooked, had great flavors and was tender and the Cabernet Sauvignon completed the meal with its fruity, rich taste.

Not only is the recipe available but a single click takes me to the suggested wine of a 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon and you can even download the notes for the wine.

The second bottle that I received complimentary was entwine Pinot Grigio (2009) that was crispy and citrusy.  I did not try it with a recipe yet but I did have a glass of it the night before.  I think I will try making Cornmeal Pancakes with Glazed Oranges and Cranberries to see how the flavor is with something that looks amazingly delicious.

If you don't want to search for a recipe, they will also provide suggested perfect pairings making it even easier on you.

Overall, I love this site. I like that I can search for a recipe based on one feature or I can have a suggestion provided to me.  The wines that I tasted are flavorful and what I would expect from a Cabernet and a Grigio.  I would recommend this site and the wine for future meals!

"Like" entwine on Facebook to stay up to date

To purchase, click here on entwine.

*Disclosure:  I received two complimentary bottles of entwine wine.

Angels4Epilepsy First Annual Kids Design It Christmas Card Contest 9/26

For the first time, Angels4Epilepsy is sponsoring a Kids Design It Christmas Card contest.  We want to sell Christmas cards to help provide additional funding in reaching our goal for more deliveries to children hospitalized.  If your child wins, his or her design will be feature on cards that we will sell with all profit going to Angels4Epilepsy.  His or her name will also be printed as the designer of the winning card.

Age Categories:  

• 5 - 7 
• 8 - 10
• 11 - 12
• 13 - 14
• 15 - 17

Details & Rules:

• All designs should be drawn on 8.5" x 11" standard white paper
• In order to be of high print quality, designs should be in bright colors with strong borders.  Felt tip markers work best but crayons and water colors can be used too as long as colors are bright.  
• Pastels and chalk do not work well.
• The artist should sign their art with a bold black marker.
• All designs should be sent to angels4epilepsy@yahoo.com in high resolution or via mail to 6812 Toluca Drive, El Paso, TX 79912.  
• Names should be clearly included to ensure each artists is given full credit.
• Entries must be submitted by September 26, 2011.
• A panel will review each entry and will vote to select the winning entry.
• Winners will be selected by October 1, 2011 and notified by e-mail.
• Designs become the property of Angels4Epilepsy for further use with the artists name listed on the design.  A release will be required to be signed upon finalization of the winning designs.
• One entry per child.

Prizes:

One random winner from the winning designs will receive a $50 gift card to either Walmart or Amazon.  All winners will receive a certificate and one card of their design.

Designs must be submitted by September 26, 2011 by midnight (Mountain Standard Time)