Hula Hooping Mom

2012-02-09T20:55:00.000-08:00

Now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it´s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

This year, the Souper You Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season´s live finale of NBC´s The Biggest Loser
Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd
Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th
In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today.
Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Party Reminder!!

2012-02-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Reminder!!

- JOIN US TONIGHT -

For a wine tasting with Fresh & Easy

7pm - 8pm pst.

How: Log onto www.tastelive.com/freshandeasy and have those wine glasses ready!! See you then!

IMAGINATION IS KING at BURGER KING

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

The new BK CROWN Program, built to inspire every kid’s imagination and encourage kids to help choose how BK gives back, brings families together to enjoy not just a meal but a mealtime experience. The BK CROWN Program comes in a fully interactive Kids Meal box. Sitting atop each box is a newly redesigned BURGER KING crown, because every kid deserves to be treated like royalty at BURGER KING! With crowns on their heads, kids can dive into the box, taking it apart, playing fun games and activities that challenge their minds, inspire their imagination and engage with the whole family.

With the BK CROWNProgram, Burger King Corporation invites kids to tell BURGER KING what matters to them most. BKC has established a fund to help support the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Parks Conservation Association, DonorsChoose.org and Have It Your Way Foundation. By visiting BKCrown.com, kids learn how BKC’s charitable partners make a difference. Upon entering BK CROWN Codes and clicking on their favorite cause, each kid’s vote helps BK choose which charity to give back to.

The fun doesn’t end at the restaurant; the BK CROWN Program experience lives on at www.BKCrown.com where kids can place their vote for how BKC should give back, as well as find more games, win prizes and enjoy interactive play.

Also at BURGER KING, for just $9.99 your family can enjoy the “BK Family Bundle” which includes a WHOPPER sandwich, WHOPPER JR. sandwich., two small fries, two small soft drinks and a Kids Meal. Now that’s a deal worth getting together for! Limited time only. Price and participation vary. Prices higher in HI.

“Disclosure: The BK CROWN Program prize pack, information and coupon have been provided by Burger King Corporation through MyBlogSpark.”

Fresh & Easy Twitter Chat Up!!

2012-02-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Join us and fresh & easy wine expert Richard Wherry as we taste three delicious wines you’re sure to fall in love with!!

When: Thursday, Feb. 9th from 7pm - 8pm pst.
How: Log onto www.tastelive.com/freshandeasy and have those wine glasses ready

Together we’ll taste a fruity bubbly, a sophisticated Italian red and a chocolate lover’s dream:

Montcadi Cava – Under $8
Ombretta Chianti – Under $8
Chocolate Shop Red – Under $10

Pick up these wines at your local Fresh & Easy & get ready to wine taste with us!! See you then!

SuperBowl Fun with Downy & A Comfy Deal to Wind You Down After the Game

2012-02-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!!! Ready for the weekend and to get your shop on? Below are some great deals going on for you to take advantage of during your shopping & fun this weekend!

Shopping for a new mattress this weekend? May the perfect pillow?? Use the code BEARS50 for 50% off anything on the http://naturessleep.com site!! Even the code is comfy - it has NO expiration date!! How sweet is that!!

Downy will be giving away prizes to Twitter followers for every touchdown scored in the game, including free samples of Downy Unstopables and Unstopable Fan Packages.

Consumers can participate in the “Touch Downy” giveaway on the Downy Twitter page using the hashtag #TouchDowny

Each time a team scores a touchdown, people who tweet the hashtag at the Downy Twitter account (@Downy) will receive Downy products and Unstopable Fan Packages

Weight Watchers Ice Cream

2012-01-30T20:06:00.000-08:00

Those that have ever been on a diet (which I know is most of us) have tried the diet; low calorie ice cream, right? Diet food, for some reason just never seems to taste the same, which makes it hard for many of us to continue our boring, non-flavorful food diets. Before even trying the Weight Watchers Ice Cream, of course I already had my assumptions....and boy was I wrong!! They had sent us four different flavors to try and everyone in our family tired them. The kids favorite was the fudge pops and my Fiance & I devoured the Dark Chocolate Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Bars. Oh my gosh, I'm telling you guys - this in no way tastes like a low calorie, diet kind of ice cream. I was so impressed!!

These hands down were our favorite - and even when we're not dieting, we'll be reaching for these! I do have only one down fall with these - they are just too darn small!! Sometimes I'll admit I end up eating two lol! But that's probably where cutting the calories comes in.....and I much rather sacrifice amount / size for taste anytime!! You can't go wrong with only 120 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 0 grams trans fat! What counts is the little choices you make each day.....and let me tell you - this will not feel like a step, but a special treat that you can have without "breaking the diet" :) YUMMY!! Love these!! **mom's must buy**

**Disclosure: The products tested for the review of this feature were provided by MomSelect through Weight Watchers** No compensation was received.

Goalforit!! Success Made Simple!

2012-01-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

Kids & Chores! Now what a mix, huh! We all strive to set aside chores for our kids to learn to be responsible and be a helping hand with in the family. Sometimes we have to be creative to get that done! I remember when my kids were young, they would love to help out. They always wanted to do the dishes, help with the laundry, take the trash out and vacuum. Funny how as they grow older those "things" they use to love volunteering to do, they start to hide from.

Have you ever used a chore chart? Goalforit! is a fun website where you and your children can create a chore chart specifically made for them! I have noticed with my own children, when it's something they have interest in and specialized with their likes in mind, they seem to take more interest in the chores and it gives them more motivation to get their chores done. Goalforit.com is an excellent online resource that provides a variety of free solutions for personal success that are easy to use and can help bring more focus, balance and fulfillment into everyday living.

This FREE chore chart can help teach kids, tween & teens many important lessons, including:

Responsibility: A Chore Chart is an ideal way to help your kids feel like they are making a contribution to their family by doing their part around the house.
Understanding right from wrong: Setting behavior goals is an important way to help children strengthen their character and judgment.
Healthy Habits: Teaching good habits involving nutrition and physical activity are the cornerstone of prevent obesity in children and adolescents.
Money Matters: The optional point system teaches children three important lessons for managing money, earning, spending and saving.

Visit www.goalforit.com and check out their solutions for yourself! Get 2012 started on the right foot!

**Disclosure: This was a paid post as part of a campaign through MomSelect.

Big Miracle Giveaway!!

2012-01-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the true story that captured the hearts of people across the world, the rescue adventure Big Miracle tells the amazing tale of a small town news reporter (John Krasinski) and an animal-loving volunteer (Drew Barrymore) who are joined by rival world superpowers to save a family of majestic gray whales trapped by rapidly forming ice in the Arctic Circle. Local newsman Adam Carlson can't wait to escape the northern tip of Alaska for a bigger market. But just when the story of his career breaks, the world comes chasing it, too. With an oil tycoon, heads of state and hungry journalists descending upon the frigid outpost, the one who worries Adam the most is Rachel Kramer (Barrymore). Not only is she an outspoken environmentalist, she's also his ex-girlfriend. With time running out, Rachel and Adam must rally an unlikely coalition of Inuit natives, oil companies and Russian and American military to set aside their differences and free the whales. As the world's attention turns to the top of the globe, saving these endangered animals becomes a shared cause for nations entrenched against one another and leads to a momentary thaw in the Cold War.

Nothing is better than a true story! They seem to have so much more meaning, right?! We are really looking forward to seeing this movie and to gear up for the release Universal Pictures has teamed up with us to provide one lucky winner a chance to see the movie.

One winner will receive a $25 Fandango Gift Card, a whale plush and a Big Miracle T-shirt.

Mandatory Entry - Visit the Big Miracle YouTube page & tell us what your most looking forward to!

For additional entries -

•Follow HulaHoopingMom on Twitter AND tweet about the contest (two per day)

•Blog about the movie and this giveaway on your blog (five entries)

•Leave a comment on one of my other posts (one entry)

•"Like" Big Miracle on Facebook & Hula Hooping Mom on Facebook

Contest will end Feb 5th, 2012 at 5pm Pacific time. Contest is open to US residents only and must be 18 years of age or older to win. Leave one comment per entry. Please make sure there is a way for me to contact you. One winner will be selected at random and contacted by email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me with their costume choice and address, or a new winner will be chosen. Prizing courtesy of Universal Pictures.

First ever Fresh & Easy Tweet Chat!!

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

Can you believe January is already halfway over?!

While some of us are still going strong with sticking to our resolutions, others might need a little more motivation,

especially when it comes to eating healthier in 2012.

That’s why they’ve partnered with renowned dietitian and author of the SuperFoods Rx Diet, Dr. Wendy Bazilian for their first ever Tweet Chat.

Join them next week on Thursday, January 26^th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. (PST) to get tips that will help you stick with that resolution to live a healthier lifestyle.

Hashtag for the chat: #fneEatWell

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year!

Big Miracle Promotion!!

2012-01-08T18:02:00.000-08:00

Do you know an extraordinary teenager? Universal Pictures Big Miracle has partnered with The Huffington Post to launch a very special Teen Impact contest!

Big Miracle, in theaters February 3rd, tells the story of a group of people who come together for a cause and to make a difference. The Huffington Post Teen Impact contest was designed to recognize innovative, influential young people (ages 14-18) who support the causes that mean most to them. Eligible teens should visit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/teen-impact and submit a blog post about their cause for a chance to win a charity donation of $1,000, plus a trip to New York to attend a special screening of the film Big Miracle hosted by Arianna Huffington!

Encourage a special teen in your life to enter if they're making a difference in a big way!! Entries must be received by January 15th!

BIG MIRACLE

(In theaters Feb. 3rd)

Extreme Gift-Carding: Tips for how to stretch your gift card $$

2012-01-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

According to the National Retail Federation, eight in ten holiday shoppers planned to dole out gift cards for the 2011 holiday season. Additionally, gift cards remained the most requested present for the fifth year in a row. As it’s almost guaranteed that most of you received a gift card at some point during the holiday season, I’d like to suggest a few expert tips from shopping expert Pamela Pekerman on how you can redeem gift cards in a way that helps stretch their overall value.

I’ve included a few of Pamela’s tips below:

Redeem gift cards online rather than in crowded malls, and avoid shipping fees! Sign up for a FREE 30 day trial of ShopRunner and get FREE 2-day shipping on every purchase, with no minimum order size
Don’t let that gift card go to waste! Be sure to check the expiration date so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to use the card. If you’re not going to use it in time, sell your gift card on Swapagift.com or http://www.ebay.com, or donate to charity before it’s too late
Get the most out of that gift card! According to Dealnews, shoppers can score big at post-holiday sales with some retailers offering post-holiday discounts of up to 88% off! Look for online coupon codes to further stretch your gift card dollars. A simple Google search prior to visiting a retailer’s website can often help lead to a great hidden deal found only on the web
Stack deals! Make sure to monitor the websites and social media pages of your favorite retailers. Many will offer exclusive offers that will help shoppers stack deals and make that gift card go even further
Don’t be in a rush! Depending on what you’re shopping for, it might be best to wait for Presidents’ Day or Valentine’s Day specials. Planning ahead will help save you from last-minute shopping stress
Regret your purchase?! Not a fit? Not the right color? ShopRunner also offers FREE easy returns with their new ReturnRunner service; simply print a label from the ShopRunner website and put the package in your mailbox

ShopRunner is a members-only online shopping service that offers time-starved consumers unlimited, free two-day shipping with no minimum order size, and free shipping on returns across a wide selection of today’s most popular retailers including Lord & Taylor, Toys “R” Us, Sports Authority, PetSmart and American Eagle Outfitters. www.shoprunner.com

Extra 120-Day Get Fit Giveaway

2011-12-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

With all the opportunity for indulgence during the holiday season, it can be hard to stay in a healthy mindset. Although we shouldn't resist treating ourselves to some of our favorite seasonal confections, it's important to indulge wisely so we don't find ourselves in damage-control mode on January 1st! Extra Gum knows that maintaining a fit lifestyle takes a little more willpower during this sugar-laden season, which is why they've launched their 120-Day Get Fit Giveaway!

Throughout the holiday season and as New Years' resolutions approach, Extra Dessert Delights gum is the perfect ammo to have on hand as an easy alternative to high calorie snacks, and now they're offering even more ways to bring everyone a little more support during these crucial times. With the 120-Day Get Fit Giveaway, fitness buffs and gum chewers alike can enter once a day to win unique fitness-focused prizes that will help keep your New Years' resolutions on track. From now until March 29th, 2012, you can visit http://www.extragum.com/ for daily prize giveaways and the chance to win the Grand Prize- a fitness adventure trip to Red Mountain Resort in Utah. Prizes change daily, so entrants should be sure to check back each day to see what the fun new prize will be.

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a gift card in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place.

Migraine??

2011-12-16T15:29:00.003-08:00

Spinning rooms, harsh bright lights, pounding pain on one side of your head and nausea; some of the many symptoms of migraines. I remember as a little girl, laying on the couch with a cold, wet wash cloth over my forehead crying and crying because I was in so much pain. It sometimes seemed to last for days. Migraines run of the female side of my family. My mother and grandmother both lived with migraines. I'll be honest, I'm not a real big fan of prescription medication, especially having to take it everyday just to prevent migraines. After living with migraines for over 30 years, I have learned to pretty much live with them and live my life around them. For the past few years I have turned to Excedrin to help me get through. Excedrin is my best friend when it comes to treating migraines. This is really the only thing that works for me when I'm in a bind.

Excedrin Migraine and the National Headache Foundation teamed up to conduct a survey that brings to light just how much people with migraines suffer - and how eager they are to lessen and pain and and reduce the disruption in their lives. And what's even more remarkable are the trad-offs people would make if they didn't have to endure the pain of a migraine.

For example, did you know that:

The average migraine lasts for 12 hours for those who don’t take any medication

Nearly two-thirds (61%) of adult migraine sufferers would willingly wait in a long line rather than suffer from migraine pain

A third (33%) would give up five percent of their annual salary

Other workers would toss their vacation days (26%) or weekends (17%)

And more than half (52%) would rather visit in-laws

Migraine Tips and Prevention Techniques

There are many different ways to manage migraines. There is no simple solution and every treatment plan should be individualized.

Perhaps the most important tool in tracking migraines is a migraine diary. It is used by doctors to track potential triggers and patterns related to your migraine. It helps you track food you eat when migraines occur, duration of migraines, type of pain, amount of sleep, etc.

Aerobic exercise has been shown to make an appreciable difference in reducing migraines and promoting a general sense of well-being. Even if you walk only 15 to 20 minutes.

Drinking plenty of water will help you keep hydrated and can help prevent the frequency of migraine incidents.

And, when migraine pain does set in, consider finding a quiet place to rest, applying a cool compress to the back of your neck.

Talk with your doctor about an over-the-counter pain reliever like Excedrin® Migraine, which starts to relieve migraine pain in 30 minutes.

For more tips and insights, please visit www.execedrin.com/migraine.

About Excedrin Migraine

Excedrin Migraine, a trusted brand, offers convenient and fast relief for migraine pain. In fact, in clinical studies, Excedrin Migraine starts to relieve migraine pain in just 30 minutes.
With Excedrin® Migraine, you’ll get fast and effective relief and get on with your life. Excedrin Migraine is the first non-prescription medicine approved by the FDA to treat all the symptoms of a migraine.
Excedrin Migraine is the #1 Neurologist recommended over-the-counter pain reliever for migraine pain relief.
Excedrin Migraine contains acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine.
Excedrin Migraine is available in Geltabs, Tablets and Caplets.
See your doctor for diagnosis of migraines and treatment options.

Check out http://on.fb.me/ExcMigO2O to see real migraine stories, and share your tips and suggestions with other sufferers.

Visit the Migraine Center at www.excedrin.com/migraine for more information on migraine relief

Disclosure: “This is a sponsored post. Migraine relief and relaxation kit were provided by Novartis Consumer Healthcare, the makers of Excedrin® Migraine; my journey for a migraine free experience is my own.”

Barbie: A Perfect Christmas

2011-12-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

We all know & love Barbie!! I remember when I was a child, I had to have everything Barbie. Whether it be their hot new Corvette, Camper, Swim Hole, etc.....Barbie was the "in" thing with girls all over the world. As a Mom, years later, when I see my children take interest in the things I liked when I was a child, it gives me a warm feeling and a special bond that we share. I sometimes don't know if I'm buying Barbie for her or the child still in me :) lol!! I was so excited to have an opportunity to review Barbie: A Perfect Christmas! I really love movies like this. Especially this time of year, I love curling up in front of the fire and watching a movie with a good moral lesson behind it. We are a Christian family and really try to install that the holidays are not all about presents and materialistic things. We need to be thankful for what we have, who we have and remember that those family memories will last forever....so much more than anything materialistic.

The all-new DVD, “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas” stars Barbie and her three sisters – Skipper, Stacy and Chelsea, whose holiday vacation turns into an unexpected adventure filled with new friends and magical experiences. In the end, the sisters learn a heartwarming lesson that the joy of being together is what really makes A Perfect Christmas! Released November 8^th at all major retailers.

A few highlights about the DVD

This holiday season, everyone’s favorite doll celebrates 10 years of entertainment with the release of her 22nd DVD “Barbie: A Perfect Christmas”
A perfect gift for the girl in your life, the all-new DVD is the first to star Barbie with all three of her sisters – Skipper, Stacie and Chelsea
Barbie’s newest movie highlights the importance of family and teaches the heartwarming lesson that the joy of being together is what really makes a perfect holiday
The perfect stocking stuffers, girls can play out their own sisterly stories with the full line of Barbie dolls, sister dolls (Stacie, Skipper and Chelsea) and toys - available exclusively at Target

“This is a sponsored post on behalf of One2One Network. I was provided with the Barbie “A Perfect Christmas” DVD. All opinions are my own.”

2011-12-09T11:39:00.000-08:00

Gone Camping.....need some quiet time away with the family.....have a great weekend everyone!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

KRUPS 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a BeerTender for my son Lee. Tis the season to be jolly… and for a good reason! KRUPS – world leader in coffee machines, espresso machines and other kitchen appliances will be hosting a “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” during the month of December.

Starting December 7^th and ending December 22^nd, one new appliance will be announced via the KRUPS Facebook and Twitter page each weekday (weekends excluded). To win the item, entrants can simply tell us why they want the appliance for the holidays; or, more creative entrants can comment with an updated “verse” from the beloved “12 Days of Christmas” carol, highlighting the day’s item. All entries must be posted on the KRUPS Facebook wall for that day: http://www.facebook.com/KrupsUSA.

Check back daily to view each day’s item! Giveaways will include fan favorites like the Beertender, the new Cup-on-Request Coffee Machine, a Waffle Maker, Espresso Machine, and more!

Eden Fantasys

2011-11-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

We all need some quiet time, right? As a busy mom, errand runner, house cleaner, accountant, cook, etc ect....we all thrive for that ten minutes of quiet time where we can grab a cup of hot cocoa, pop open our lap top and just relax. Maybe even have an opportunity to engage in some good conversation with other woman. When you think of Eden Fantasys you automatically think crazy, nasty fun sex toys, right? Did you know they also have their own blog? And it's not all about porn and sex. I was actually quite impressed with the Eden Cafe. The first thing I saw on the top of the page was a post about World Aids Day 2011. Very impressive and made me want to dig deeper. Not only that, but as I grazed over the categories of blog posts the topics varied from family, dating, toys, interviews AND they even cover BlogHer!!! If your needing a few minutes of "you" time, visit the Eden Cafe, full of opinion, advice & fun!!!

**Disclosure - I was provided with a gift card by Eden Fantasys in exchange for this blog post. The opinions are of my own. No monetary compensation was received. **

2011-11-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Time Enough for Love Advent Calendars

2011-11-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Time Enough for Love Advent Calendars are beautifully designed creations which use decorative boxes that contain special gifts within festive display pieces to remind the recipient that someone loves them and is thinking of them throughout the month of December. Unlike the traditional advent calendar filled with chocolate, the Time Enough for Love Advent Calendars can be purchased filled with 24 high - quality, charming, age and gender appropriate gifts. For those who wish to personalize the contents themselves the calendars are also available empty. We received the empty family advent calendar and have to say I love the concept! It's really cute, doesn't take up much space and the boxes are big enough to personalize each day's "gift".

Time Enough for Love Advent Calendars are not just for children. The free standing, adult calendars are artifully made boxes decorated with an attractive wood burning fireplace motif. The two sizes of gift boxes are filled with carefully chosen useful and/or entertaining gifts. The daily gifts include items such as beautiful flower-shaped candles, a small book light, a brightly colored high quality potholder or even a hammer-shaped pen.

The smaller children's advent calendar is full of quality age and gender specific toys and activities. When hung up by a reinforced tag at the top, the 30" tall gift calendar can be enjoyed by one child or shared by up to four children. Some of the gifts include a cuddly stuffed animal, a collectible small snow globe or an adorable wind-up toy. Time Enough for Love also offers a Family Advent Calendar, which uses the larger format boxes of the Adult calendar and contains a combination of amazing gifts. The family calendar gifts are to be opened on a rotating basis, which promotes sharing and taking turns.

Time Enough for Love Advent Calendars are now available from $19.99 up to $149.99

Visit www.timeenoughforlovecalendars.com for more information & to get your order in!! Last day for orders is Tuesday, November 22nd!!!

“Battle of the NASCAR Kids”

2011-11-13T22:43:00.000-08:00

Activision Publishing, Inc. is proud to announce the list of children and families competing in the “Battle of the NASCAR Kids” championship tournament at the Homestead-Miami Speedway the weekend of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship on November 19. Utilizing the NASCAR Unleashed videogame, Activision is taking the storied rivalries and competitive NASCAR spirit off the track and putting them in the hands of NASCAR kids, who will compete against one another for pride and glory. As their dads coach and their moms manage them, these kids will race for first place and the honor of being crowned the first ever “Battle of the NASCAR Kids” champion. The event aims to bring together NASCAR families and ultimately raise money for charities. Post race all the racers will band together to hand a check to The NASCAR Foundation for $25,000 from Activision; while the winning driver will be awarded an additional $5,000 for the charity of their choice.

The following is a list of the players who will be competing and the drivers and charities they’ll be representing:

· J.J. Yeley’s daughter Faith will be racing for Jake Raborn Foundation

· Juan Pablo Montoya’s son Sebastian will be racing for Formula Smiles

· Travis Kvapil’s son Carson will be racing for NASCAR Dreams

· David Gilliland’s son Todd racing for Sherrills Ford Optimist Park

· David Blaney’s son Ryan racing for Alzheimer’s Association

Joey Logano, driver of the No. 20 GameStop Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will be coaching all the players in the bracketed tournament. Since Logano is an avid gamer himself, he will choose two wild card racers from the crowd of fans assembled to watch at Homestead prior to the tournament to compete. If one of his wild card picks win, they'll take home the $5,000.

The “Battle of the NASCAR Kids” competition will take place at 10:30am on Saturday, November 19 at the GameStop videogame truck outside of Gate 2 in the Outer Display Area of Homestead-Miami Speedway, with public gameplay sessions and practice rounds scheduled for November 17-18 at the Championship Drive event in Miami Beach. For more information on the event or about NASCAR Unleashed, join them at facebook.com/NASCARUnleashed.

NASCAR Unleashed is the next game-changing installment in NASCAR videogames with a frenetic and arcade style that maintains the principle feel of NASCAR racing. With phenomenal speed and pulse pounding gameplay, break out of the oval and onto the pavement of city streets, country roads, and sandy beachfronts! NASCAR Unleashed is available November 1 for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation3 computer entertainment system, the Wii system from Nintendo and the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system at $39.99.

SpongeBob Surf & Skate Roadtrip

2011-11-10T19:24:00.000-08:00

SpongeBob Surf & Skate Roadtrip Now Available on XBox Kinect & Nintendo DS!

Grab your board. Carve it up! Hit the sand and surf with SpongeBob and his best pal, Patrick, for some super boarding escapades! Ride mondo waves and winding waterways, and skate gnarly seaside streets and ramps for hours of challenges that’ll test your awesome boarding skills. SpongeBob’s Surf & Skate Roadtrip is non-stop action! SpongeBob and his bodacious Bikini Bottombuddy jump on surfboards and skateboards to explore a brand new, never-before-seen world!

Key Xbox 360 Kinect Features:

For the first time ever, you can BE SpongeBob
Augmented reality—move your hand through the water and watch it splash!
Compete and play with friends – show off your awesome tricks and mind-blowing stunts in head-to-head play (2-player split-screen)
12 awe-inspiring environments – 6 for each sport—and unlimited ways to perfect your board skills
7 different challenges including Gate, Timed and Score runs
Express yourself with a variety of righteous boards – earn even more awesome boards, the better you ride
Strike a pose: use your camera to show off gnarly moves and tricks

Key DS Features:

Surf and Skate across more than 24 maps
2-player multi-play with Single and Multi-card gaming
Grab some air in 5 different victory conditions – Score, Collectible, Combo Mayhem, Win the Race, Untouchable
More than 150 ways to play for unlimited hours of boarding action
Customize your boards with colors, stamps, wheels, fins and decks
Bonus Sport: Full Snowboarding level with 10 maps unlocked upon game completion

For more information, visit http://www.thq.com/us/spongebobssurfandskateroadtrip

Shutterfly Family Photo Days

2011-11-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Putting together a family photo day can be a bit frustrating at times to say the least. It' seems this is the time of year everyone want's a family photo, whether it be for their Christmas cards or just their "yearly" family picture. Family Photo Day may not be just what your thinking. Family Photo Days are about getting together with other families to play around with different photo ideas. This is honestly the first time I have heard this, but I LOVE this idea!! They typical photo shoot in a photo studio is not the norm anymore and as a Mother, not something I really want to see. I love having fun with my family!!! So why not incorporate that into your photo as a reflection of your family. Below are some of my own ideas of capturing that family photo.

Get Outdoors! You can find the best backgrounds for your family photos with what nature has given us. So many of us lead such stressful, busy lives that we don't have a chance to take in nature's beauty. Take a minute, go outside and just stand there. Breath in the fresh air and look around for a moment, taking in what's around you. Some great family pics would be at the beach, mountain side, even in the middle of the desert or at the local park. Use rocks, sticks, leaves.....as your props. Let the kids grab a couple sticks & snap some photos of them playing with the sticks or pile up a pile of leaves.....be creative with what's around!!!!
Be Yourself!! I remember back in the day, growing up when we would take our family photos, it just seemed so fake. You have a photographer that's on the clock & waiting to take your pic...on cue. There will always be that one person not ready or those fake smiles. Get a family member or friend to take the pics for you & just be yourself. Get a pile of leaves together and have a friend take a pic of you & your kids jumping in that pile. Those are the kind of memories I want to create and leave behind.

Shutterfly has the goal in mind to get you out there early enough and with more creativity then ever before. Shutterly is the go to for your holiday cards. Why wait to the last minute? The holiday season is the busiest time of year, especially for us Moms! Visit www.shutterflyfamilyphotos.com for more creative photo ideas & to get started on your holiday cards! Make this a "Happy" Holiday!! :)

Blogger Out Reach Day

2011-10-19T09:11:00.000-07:00

1st Annual National Blogger Outreach Day

One day, December 17th - we'll be stepping out from behind our computers & giving back to our local communities.

As a blogger, we often spend hours a day sitting in front of our computers digging deep into the social media world and helping to promote products and services fit for families. The rest of the day were running errands, taking care of the kids, fixing dinner and doing the household chores.

I recently had to go downtown to do some business. While there I noticed the large amount of homeless people that had tents set up and were making there own communities on the streets. My fiance had mentioned that one day he wanted to make a big pot of soup and go out and feed the homeless one day. I also had the kids make bags of goodies that we went out and handed out too so that the kids can see how some of these people actually live and how to often we ALL take things for granted.

It hit me! Why not make this a global out reach day for bloggers? That on one day, December 17th - blogs across the country will be stepping out from behind their computers & giving back to their own local communities. We'll each hold our out reaches and blog / tweet about it, in hopes to open up conversation about volunteering or giving back to the homeless and those in need. We stopped the other day to get some banana's for this homeless lady we saw in really bad shape and found out she was blind. It just broke my heart and I still tear up just thinking about it. This poor blind woman, living alone on the street....just heart breaking!

I hope you will join me!! Please email me for more information!

Bloggers - If you would like to hold an outreach in your own community please shoot me an email.

Companies - If you would like to make a donation, please email me for more information. Anything, big or small helps! Our focus here is the homeless - which is usually adults only. Things needed - socks, undies, books, food, sleeping bags, blankets, gloves / mittens, things for the disabled, etc....

Email me at hulahoopingmom@yahoo.com (please put Blogger Outreach Day in the subject line) Thank you!!

Let us know you'll be participating here -
http://brhulahoopingmom.blogspot.com/

JELL-O Jiggle-It App

2011-10-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you played with your food? JELL-O is making its first foray into the digital application world with Jiggle-It, a new free application available on iTunes, which invites users, young and old, into the JELL-O universe and encourages all to “play with their food.”

Jiggle-It features a customizable JELL-O cube that dances and jiggles to your favorite songs or music from your device’s microphone. The JELL-O cube detects the beats per minute of the music and automatically manipulates its dance moves accordingly. Jiggle-It, which is available for the iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, is an application for the entire family to play solo, with the kids or with friends. A mother can hand the application to her two-year-old in the car or at the grocery store, or a twenty-something can explore every possible dance move with friends.

Download Jiggle-It for free here:

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/jell-o-jiggle-it/id465412189?mt=8

Help Command Help Rebuilding Together this Halloween

2011-10-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

BOO! Halloween is a time to eat too much candy, throw on a crazy costume and transform your halls into a haunted house!

However, for some people, decorating for Halloween may seem as scary as the decorations themselves. Luckily, with Command products from 3M, you can avoid the aggravation of spooking your walls with holes, marks or sticky residue after the cobwebs, spiders and goblins are packed away.

This year, Command Brand is donating $20,000 along with damage-free decorating products to the non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together, to help more Americans transform their houses into homes this Halloween. What’s more, lifestyle expert Kelley Moore provided some great tips on how you and your readers can transform your space from everyday living to a Halloween extravaganza!

To support Command Brand’s donation, check out this web video, including some of Kelley’s best Halloween decorating tips and tricks:

Arrrgh Ya Ready to Set Sail with Pirates?

2011-10-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

In anticipation for Disney's October 18th release of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES on Blu-ray 3D & Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack, we present you with this booty of video clips from the brand new bonus features!

Out on video October 18th!!! Can't wait!!

California Milk Advisory Board Real Seal Appeal

2011-10-03T20:32:00.000-07:00

Collect. Enter. Win!

Real California Milk invites everyone to participate in building better schools and healthier, stronger bodies and minds. Families can participate by collecting Real California Milk seals from milk and dairy products and turning them in to their teachers. Each seal acts as a sweepstakes entry – the more seals collected and turned in, the more chances your child’s classroom (and school) has to win.

From October 1, 2011-December 31, 2011, The California Milk Advisory Board in conjunction with Scholastic, will be challenging Southern California elementary classrooms, schools and students to collect Real California milk and cheese seals for a chance to win up to $2 million in cash, books and other prizes.

Collect - the seals that appear on Real California milk and dairy products. Teachers will be provided with a special "collection barn" to store the seals brought in by students.
Enter - each seal collected is an entry. Seals should be turned into the child's teacher who will then turn them in to the California Milk Advisory Board for chance to win cash and prizes for the school.
Win - Nine schools will receive cash awards + Wii Fit™ games for each child in the winning classroom! The school prizing is:

Grand Prize: 3 winning schools will receive $20,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in the winning classroom (up to 50)
2nd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $10,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in the winning classroom (up to 50)
3rd Place: 3 winning schools will receive $5,000 plus a Wii Fit™ game for every child in the winning classroom (up to 50)
Runner Ups: 2,595 winning schools will receive $500 prizes

The participating elementary schools are in Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

For additional information, please visit the Real Seal Appeal! home page or log onto RealCaliforniaMilk.com. You can also follow Real California Milk on Twitter: @RealCalifMilk and 'Like' them on Facebook: Facebook.com/realcaliforniamilk.

*Disclosure: This is part of a campaign through One2One Network. No monetary compensation was received.

Mindbloom

2011-09-29T21:35:00.000-07:00

Mindbloom is a fun, simple, and effective interactive life game to help people improve their quality of life. No offense to Farm Town and Bejeweled, but Mindbloom is about enhancing real lives, not virtual worlds and the company is taking a new approach to inspire people to define what’s important, discover what motivates them, and take meaningful daily actions in all areas of their life. Mindbloom is about helping anyone grow the life they want in a few minutes a day.

One of the reasons I really love this is because from the get go, it really makes you think about your own personal life and what is important to you. Mindbloom’s goal is to put the power of behavioral science behind the social gaming phenomenon to inspire people to achieve their offline life priorities – health, lifestyle, career, creativity, relationships, finances, and spirituality. For example, in our beta, we have discovered that our users are already experiencing a few everyday victories in the physical world such as calling their parents more, calmly responding to issues instead of blaming and criticizing their spouse, brewing their coffee to save money on lattes, and drinking 8 oz of water daily. Personally, I’ve been testing the service to find more time for myself, probing to find out more about what my son did at school other than recess, saving for our upcoming marriage, and to do little nice things for my fiance'. The founders created the company during an Oprah moment (literally) after putting on a few “sympathy” pounds and realizing they were missing too many “daddy moments.” They have a great story.

There is charge that comes with using Mindbloom - but jumping on board now can save you tons!! The regular price is $89! But if you hurry over, now through November first it's only $34. As a mom of a large family I really appreciate the game and taking a "breather' if you'll say to think about what I really want in life - not only for myself, but my family as well.

September is National Rice Month

2011-09-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Did you know that September is National Rice Month? In light of this celebrated month. KRUPS, the leading manufacturer of coffee and other various kitchen appliances is hosting a Facebook and Twitter giveaway for a KRUPS 4 in 1 5-Cup Rice Cooker in honor of this beloved holiday.

Celebrate your love for rice by entering to win this new must-have kitchen tool. Not only just a rice cooker, this appliance can also be used as a slow cooker! Starting Monday, September 26^th and ending Friday, September 29^th at 5 PM EST, post a photo of your old rice cooker or tell them why you need a rice cooker on their Facebook wall - KRUPS USA http://www.facebook.com/KrupsUSA or #KrupsUSA on your Twitter page - http://twitter.com/Krupsusa to enter for a chance to win the rice cooker.

Prevent Back to School Clutter

2011-09-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Now that September is in full swing and the kids are back to school, clutter is abound. From permission slips to PTA mailings to art projects, papers are filling up mailboxes and littering formerly pristine coffee tables.

Parents can ensure that important letters don't get buried under piles of junk mail by signing up for a free account with Catalog Choice (www.catalogchoice.org). The Berkeley-based non-profit allows individuals to opt-out of unsolicited mail, including catalogs, phone books, flyers, circulars, coupons and credit card offers, making sure that report cards don't get lost in the shuffle and that permission slips get filled out on time.

About Catalog Choice

Founded in 2007 to provide consumers greater control over the marketing materials that enter their mailboxes, Catalog Choice is the world’s largest preference and privacy portal with more than 1.4 million consumer members and 4,100 direct marketing companies. By reducing unnecessary mail and phone books, Catalog Choice’s free and low-cost services reduce deforestation, greenhouse gases, solid waste and water consumption. Catalog Choice, a non-profit organization based in Berkeley, Calif., is supported by grants from the Overbrook Foundation, Kendeda Fund, Merck Family Fund and Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, as well as donations from members.

Hellmann's Live Chicken Challenge

2011-09-19T19:58:00.000-07:00

Hellmann's is launching its first-ever Chicken Challenge - a series of head-to-head chicken dish challenges to help moms diversify their dinner routine! Chicken is a staple in our home and such a versatile meal that you can serve so many different ways. I'm excited to see what's up during Hellmann's first ever Live Chicken Challenge and hope you will join me!!

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

**Disclosure: This is part of a campaign through the One2One Network and I was entered to win a giftcard in exchange for posting. No compensation was received.

Celebrating DUMBO and the 70th Anniversary!

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of Disney's September 20th release of DUMBO as a 2-Disc Blu-ray Hi-Def & DVD Combo Pack in celebration of the 70th Anniversary, here are some fun Dumbo-inspired puzzler sheets your kids will love! Featuring fun "spot the difference" puzzles, intricate mazes and games, these puzzler sheets will surely entertain the whole family! Love Disney!!!

2011-09-11T22:24:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that one of the keys to getting into college is scoring well on the college entrance exams, but test prep courses are expensive and can be cost-prohibitive for many families during these tough times. To help, MetroPCS has teamed up with The Princeton Review, a leader in preparing students for college entrance exams, to launch the “Score Big” sweepstakes for high school students.

From August 22 – September 30, students can enter to win one of 14 free Princeton Review college exam prep courses MetroPCS’ Facebook page by visiting www.facebook.com/metropcs. The winners will be chosen through a random drawing and they can select either an ACT or SAT classroom course, which will provide them with books, online study materials and access to local Princeton Review resources. To learn more, please see http://www.metropcs.com/princeton-terms/ for the official rules.

The 10 Best College Rivalries

2011-09-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

It's getting to be that time of year. The hot summer breeze has cooled; green is fading away from grass and trees; and the sound of a whistle echoes faintly in the background. The siren song of college sports is calling you to stadiums across the land. To celebrate the season, I wanted to take a look at some of the best rivalries out there. So, get up off the couch, throw on your lucky college jersey and get ready to cheer for your favorite team.

Ohio State vs. Michigan
I might as well start off with a rivalry that has become so famous it's simply called, "The Game." The two teams have been meetingsince 1897, so it's understandable a little hostility has built up. In fact, The Ohio State University website has a whole page dedicated to Beat Michigan Week. Though Michigan has fallen on tough times, electrifying quarterback Denard Robinson provides hope the Wolverines can snap their seven-year losing streak.

2011 Game day: November 26

USC vs Notre Dame
Notre Dame and University of Southern California are some of the biggest names in college football, but NCAA penalties and rebuilding years have brought both teams back down to earth. Even so, there's still a lot of excitement when the two teams battle over the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy. If you're a football fan, you probably remember the 2005 "Bush Push" play where USC quarterback Matt Leinart barely sneaks into the end zone with a little help from Reggie Bush. Since then, this game has become a favorite of college football fans in general.
2011 Game day: October 22

Alabama vs. Auburn
When you're talking about the biggest rivalry in college football, the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn is always near the topof the list. Though the game has been played since 1893, there has only been one tie. In recent years, fans have made headlines for their over-the-top antics. An Alabaman Crimson Tide fan will soon face felony charges for allegedly poisoning a pair of oak trees on the Auburn campus. While I think that's crossing the line, it's hard to not be a fan of all the funny T-shirts this rivalry produces. If you think you can come up with something better, you can always find free shipping offers on FreeShipping.org to sites like VistaPrint and Zazzle, and make your own T-shirt.
2011 Game day: November 26

Oklahoma vs. Texas
Played more than 100 times, the Red River Rivalry often has implications for the Bowl Championship Series National Championship. In 2005, the name was changed from "Red River Shootout" to "Red River Rivalry" to alleviate concerns about promoting gun violence.Currently, Texas has the edge with 18 more wins than Oklahoma in the game's 110-year history. Don't expect to see fans of eitherteam crossing the aisle for a congratulatory handshake any time soon. The division between sides is quite clear.
2011 Game day: October 8

Indiana vs. Purdue
Football, basketball, baseball...it really doesn't matter; Indiana and Purdue are rivals in just about anything. Sure, Purdue has put more men on the moon, but Bob Knight is one of the greatest basketball coaches in history. The arguments can go on and on. When it comes to both football and basketball, Purdue has a solid lead in victories. However, Indiana does have five men's NCAA Tournament Championships in basketball to Purdue's zero.
2011 Game day: November 26

Army vs. Navy
This year will mark the 112th meeting of these institutions and there's a strong argument that Army vs. Navy is the best college football rivalry around. While neither is an athletic powerhouse, bragging rights are on the line for all the servicemen and womenthe teams represent. It's an especially emotional match-up for graduating seniors. Since very few go on to play in the NFL, it's often the last game they'll play so everything gets left on the field.
2011 Game day: December 10

North Carolina vs. Duke
Even though this is a football-centric list, there's no way to ignore this legendary hoops rivalry. While the two schools annuallymeet on the gridiron, fanfare for the game is generally lacking. Duke hasn't had a ranked team since 1994 and North Carolina has recently been plagued by scandal. Really, all of the good stuff goes down on the hardwood. At Duke, students camp out for ticketsin the "Krzyzewskiville" tent city up to two weeks before the big game. School officials have even installed wi-fi and ethernet ports to help students stay on top of school work.
2011 Football Game day: November 26
2012 Basketball Game days: February 8, March 3

BYU vs. Utah
It's pretty tough to leave any rivalry known as "The Holy War" off the list. This one is about more than winning a football game though. Fans also see it as clash of lifestyles and values, as Utah is a public university and Brigham Young is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Even though both teams have left the Mountain West Conference, they have an agreementto continue the game for at least 10 years.
2011 Game day: September 17

Florida vs. Georgia
If you've never attended the "Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" you might want to brush up on some tailgating tips before yougo. However, the "Cocktail Party" aspect of the name has been downplayed by both universities to discourage alcohol consumption. In my opinion, the official name, "Florida vs. Georgia Football Classic," is seriously boring. At least the game itself is usuallyexciting. Overall, Georgia has more wins (six or seven, depending on which side you talk to), but Florida has dominated the last two decades.
2011 Game day: October 29

Lafayette vs. Lehigh
You don't see a ton of marquee match-ups coming out of the Patriot League, but I can't have a complete list without including the game known only as "The Rivalry." It's the most played match-up in college football history and the 2011 game will make a total of147 showdowns. Since the schools are located less than 20 miles apart, it's no surprise this one continues to go strong.
2011 Game day: November 19

Brandon Farestad-Rittel is a college-savings expert for Kinoli Inc. Based on his own college experiences and extensive research, this recent graduate has covered a variety of topics, including the college selection process, for-profit colleges, and the modern era of textbooks.

2011-09-05T11:32:00.001-07:00

7 Ways to Recession-Proof your Wedding

2011-08-22T22:02:00.000-07:00

As businesses brace for the possibility of a double dip recession, brides and grooms should plan for the unexpected when planning their wedding day: job loss, vendors going out of business, rising prices and traveling limitations. While weddings still take place even in a down economy, brides and grooms are scaling back and trimming the excess from their celebrations. The numbers show the dramatic shift:

The average cost of a wedding dropped $10,000 in a year after the recession began. Last year the cost began to recover, rising from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867, according to The Wedding Report. But the latest figures show weddings are taking a hit again, with the average cost of a wedding for the first half of 2011 sinking to $21,277. There are ways to recession-proof your wedding and make your day of celebration a little easier on the wallet for everyone involved. Here are several ways.

1. Go off-peak. Choose an off-season month (January, February or November) to get married, and an off-peak day and time. Saturday afternoon and evenings are the most desired spots, so go for Saturday morning, or Friday or Sunday night to save money on venues and services.
2. Limit the guest list. Most caterers charge per-person, so the difference between 100 guests and 150 is significant. The reception is usually half of your budget - and with food prices rising, feeding your guests tastefully will be hard. Simplify the reception by serving high tea, dessert buffet, brunch or finger-foods instead of compromising on options for a multi-course meal.

3. Buy discounted gift cards from GiftCardGranny.com. Use them to purchase decorations, supplies and materials from stores like Hobby Lobby, or your wedding attire from Macy's or J.Crew, which is among a growing number of retailers with affordable wedding boutiques. Combine the cards with coupons or promo codes and increase your savings.

4. Shop around and negotiate prices and packages with vendors. Don't ever settle for more than you think you should be paying. Vendors will be happy for your business. Get everything in writing and have one to two backup vendors you can call should something go south with your first choice.
5. Get your hands dirty. The key to any successful budget wedding is doing it all yourself. But it requires delegating to friends and family, who are often honored and happy to play a part in your big day. Get your friends and family in the act of addressing envelopes, folding programs, creating favors and making a headpiece or a veil. Some might be willing to cover some costs involved as a wedding gift to you. The greatest benefit of going DIY is saving money, which will allow you to in turn spend on what you can't do - or don't want to leave to chance, like photography.
6. Get thrifty. Twenty-two year olds Jonathan and Rebecca Mooradian of Tennessee scoured Goodwill, thrift stores and yard sales for practically everything they needed for their wedding this year. After paying about 50 cents to a $1 for each item (including a 25-cent wedding gown), they sold their wares in their own garage sale after the wedding, according to The Tennessean's Ms. Cheap. Keep an eye on your local Craigslist and Freecycle for potential finds, and don't forget to ask friends if you can borrow crystal or glass vases, dishes, glasses, serving trays and utensils.

7. Consider insurance. Wedding insurance can protect you in the event a vendor goes bankrupt or out of business. If you're spending more than $5,000 on your wedding, it might be worth the extra cost. Talk to your insurance agent for advice, or check out online offerings like WedSafe.com.

When couples or their parents are faced with the choice of paying for a 150-person reception or putting money toward a down payment on a house, the more practical option may win the day. Do what's best for your situation and remember a lot of people are going through what you are. Friends and family will understand if you don't throw a soiree of Kardashian proportions.

Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.

Back to School Event with Metro!

2011-08-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Why Metro?

MetroPCS is making it even easier for all consumers to enjoy nationwide wireless services. They offer Wireless for All^SM-- unbeatable national rate plans for unlimited talk, text and web, with all-in pricing, additional taxes and regulatory fees included, no contracts, and no hidden surprises.

MetroPCS is America's leader in no-contract wireless service, providing not just great wireless service, but complete freedom and convenience to go along with it. No matter what your mobile lifestyle is, MetroPCS has you covered. Pick from their growing portfolio of affordable smartphones, messaging devices and feature phones, then add on the features you need -- GPS turn-by-turn navigation, music, social networking (Loopt, Facebook), unlimited interactive directory assistance, international text messaging, unlimited calling to Mexico and select other destinations around the world. You've also got options for paying your bill, in-store, online, at a kiosk or by phone. You choose.

Join MetroPCS today at the Boulevard Mall here in Vegas and learn more about what MetroPCS can do for you! Now is the perfect time with school starting to get in on some great back to school deals on phones for your kids. MetroPCS and Cox will be at the Boulevard Mall from 10am-4pm, Saturday 8/20. They will be offering some great LG deals and you can even enter to win a LG Optimus & MetroPCS service!!

Can't make it out tomorrow? Visit www.metropcs.com for more information

August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month

2011-08-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

For most of us our children have either already started school or are gearing up to start with in the next few weeks. Typically when we think of preparing for the school year and upcoming cold season we automatically think physical. And while that is important, children's eye health often gets overlooked. Especially since it's something that is not a requirement to start school. As parents, we all want our children to exceed in school and do the utmost best that they can, right? One of the best things you can do is take your child for an annual eye exam. You don't want your child to have to squint or not be able to see correctly and not say anything out of embarrassment. I know we are all busy gearing up for the new school year, but I encourage you, take your children for their annual exam, and while your there - get yourself an eye exam and show by example!

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), vision problems affect 1 in 4 school age children. Detection and preventative measures are the best defense. The Prevent Blindness America Association has declared the month of August to be Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month.

GNC sets the standard in the nutritional supplement industry by demanding truth in labeling, ingredient safety and product potency, all while remaining on the cutting-edge of nutritional science. GNC is the world's largest company of its kind devoted exclusively to helping its customers improve the quality of their lives. When most people think of GNC, they automatically think it's more of an "adult" store for vitamins and enhancers, right? Did you know that GNC has over 40 products just for children! I highly recommend visiting their website at www.gnc.com One of my favorite things is that you can search for a product by condition or goal. For example, allergies, sleep aid, liver health and even eyes & vision!

How good is this sounding? Getting excited about GNC yet? GNC wants to help you get started on the right foot this season with a $50 giftcard!! Head on over to our giveaway page and enter to win!! Good Luck and make sure you visit www.gnc.com for all your health needs.

***Disclosure - GNC provided us with a $50 giftcard for a feature of their company. No other compensation was received.**

Bullying on Campus: Stopping Hazing and Harassment

2011-08-08T05:57:00.000-07:00

By: Glenn Rosenberg

Bullying is something that many associate with elementary school; however, it is a form of harassment that can continue well past high school into college. Bullying most often occurs where adult supervision is low or absent. Categorizing bullying at the college level becomes a bit different, but it is still defined as any deliberate act of intimidating or abuse in any form, of another person.

Bullying in college has historically been defined as “hazing,” harassing behavior targeting students seeking membership to Greek organizations, sports teams, academic societies, military-related programs and other clubs.

However, bullying is not limited to organized groups. It could happen to anyone, of any age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national origin. Some forms of bullying, such as harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students or harassment of members of religious groups, may violate antidiscrimination laws.

Hazing or bullying does not always involve physical contact. Social media, email and texting are all outlets through which bullying occurs.

The effects of bullying can be devastating. Students who are bullied often avoid classes, cafeterias and social events, are often emotionally and physically harmed and tragically can turn to suicide.

Bullying in college can also fall into the following forms according to BullySolutions.com:

Sexual Bullying

Sexual bullying includes unwelcome touching, taunting, comments, suggestive jokes, advances, requests for sexual favors and threats. It may also include spreading malicious rumors about a person’s supposed promiscuity; sexually suggestive pictures and writings including those online; and unwanted physical contact up to and including rape.

Racial Harassment

Racial harassment is defined as unwanted or unwelcome contact based on a person’s race, nationality or ethnicity which is offensive to the recipient and creates a hostile or unsafe working or studying environment. Examples of racial bullying include offensive jokes; ridicule or assumptions based on racial stereotypes; exclusion; hostile or malicious rumors; offensive graffiti, cartoons or other propaganda based on racial stereotypes; or physical assault or threats.

General Harassment

Any unwelcome or offensive conduct which would be seen as offensive, humiliating or demeaning by a reasonable person which is based on any of the following: gender, marital or family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, or disability.

However, students are not the only ones who bully in college. In a study conducted in 2004, 1,025 undergraduate students were asked about bullying in college by their peers and teachers*. The study found that more than 60 percent of the students reported that they have observed a student be bullied by another student, and more than 44 percent observed seeing a teacher bully another student. Additionally, more than six percent of the students reported having been bullied personally by another student and almost five percent reported being bullied by a teacher.

Proactively Protecting Yourself and Others on Campus

· Familiarize yourself with the campus’ security department, crisis help center and other emergency resources.

· Know who to call for help.

· Inquire about escort services to get you safely to your dorm, apartment, class or vehicle.

· Learn the campus policies on bullying and violence.

· Do not tolerate bullying or violence. If you see it happening, report it.

· Get involved with student or community groups that take a stand against bullying.

What to Do If You Are Being Bullied

· Depending on the situation, if you are not being physically harmed, you may want to try to work it out by yourself first before involving others. However, a bully may not be willing to change their behavior based on your request.

· Ignoring the bully can be effective, especially if it is a one-time incident. If a bully is looking for a reaction and they are ignored, they may likely lose interest.

· If a bully approaches you, walk in the opposite direction. Do not show fear, but instead, walk with confidence and with your head up. If a trusted individual is near you, walk to them for assistance.

· If you cannot handle the situation, report it and ask for help.

· Utilize your school’s resources including security, campus police and student conflict resolution processes.

Everyone has the right to live, work and study in an environment free from bullying, harassment, discrimination and violence. No one deserves to be bullied. It is vital to seek help if you, or someone you know, is being bullied. If you do find yourself in a hazing or bullying situation, protect yourself and report the problem. If the bullying is happening through a group or organization with a national affiliation (e.g., a fraternity or sorority), do not hesitate to speak to the national office for support. Campus police and public safety officers, a trusted teacher or school administrators can also help.

* Bullying in College by Students and Teachers by Chapell, Casey, De la Cruz, Ferrell, Forman, Lipkin, Newsham, Sterling and Whittaker, 2004.

About the author: Glenn Rosenberg is the Vice President of Higher Education at AlliedBarton Security Services. AlliedBarton is the industry’s premier provider of highly trained security personnel to many industries including higher education, commercial real estate, healthcare, residential communities, chemical/petrochemical, government, manufacturing and distribution, financial institutions and shopping centers.

Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension Virtual Viewing Party

2011-08-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

THE official online viewing party for the premiere of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension,” set to debut FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. There will be two parties- one on the East Coast (August 5th from 8 - 9 pm EST) and one on the West Coast (August 5th from 8 - 9 pm PST) so no P&F fans are left behind. Watch, tweet, and win fun prizes.

RSVP: http://twtvite.com/phineasmovie

More Info: www.Disneychannel.com/2D

New online tool for frequent movers, junk mail haters launches TODAY!!!

2011-07-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Most of you know, we just up and moved to Vegas. You can tell by the posting that we were very busy and seemed like it took us forever to get situated! We still have things to do, believe it or not. One thing I found that wasn't the hardest, but the most frustrating was making sure all our mail & packages actually got to us. Isn’t forwarding mail, notifying various contacts and organizations of a new postal address, and sorting through junk mail a huge hassle? Although much of our lives is spent and managed online, surprisingly, a simple and efficient website dedicated to making the change of address and junk mail elimination processes easier doesn’t exist. Updater, a new website launching today in public beta, hopes to fill that void.

Updater is a comprehensive web-based management tool for postal mail that allows users, via one platform, to change their address, notify contacts of their move, stop unwanted paper mail, reduce identity theft and help the environment. Updater offers two services: Address Change and Address Privacy. With Address Change, Updater files an official Change of Address Form, on behalf of its users, with the United States Postal Service and directly updates the records of every business, educational institution and other organization that its users select. With Address Privacy, Updater acts as an authorized agent to remove users’ postal addresses from direct marketing lists and enables a customized “spam filter” for unwanted paper mail. Through these services, Updater empowers its users to save time, stop unwanted mail, reduce identity theft and help the environment.

To learn more and sign up, visit www.updater.com.

About Updater

Updater (www.updater.com) is the premier online service for managing offline mail. Updater gives its users precision control over who can access and use their postal address, simplifies the change of address process, and stops unwanted paper mail. It’s your address. Control it.

Netflix Raises Prices: Keep Your Cash With 8 Alternative Options

2011-07-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Attention streaming movie marathoners: There are major changes coming your way. This month Netflix announced they'll be increasing their plan pricing. The trend of rising prices for streaming content is a growing one. Cell phone providers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are all planning to eliminate unlimited data plans in favor of tiered pricing. With experts predicting most cell phone users won't be hit by the changes for a few years, Netflix is taking most of the heat.

The Netflix Changes
Here are the basics of the Netflix changes. Instead of having DVD rentals and streaming movies priced together, each portion will be priced as a separate plan. For most users, this will increase the monthly bill by $6-10. Price changes will take effect September 1.

Customer Backlash
Understandably, cash-strapped consumers are not thrilled about price increases. The official blog post announcing Netflix's changes has generated more than 12,000 comments. Most appear to be current subscribers pledging to cancel their subscription.

More Than the Price
On the surface, $6 doesn't seem like an outrageous amount, but customers are hurt about more than the money. Many who've been with Netflix from the start feel their loyalty has been betrayed. Disgruntled loyalists would like prices to stay as they are for current subscribers with increased rates only for new subscribers.

Not Enough Bang for the Buck
Another customer gripe is that the product doesn't justify the higher price. Subscribers have complained the streaming movie selection is lacking. They contend new material is not added often enough and many times the streaming video quality is poor.

Switching to the Competition
The price increases by Netflix are encouraging many users to give the competition a try. Redbox is one of the most popular alternatives, with $1 rentals and locations in just about every neighborhood. Amazon Instant Video is another popular choice. Streaming new releases are typically $3.99 to rent for a 48 hour period.

Price Increase Reasoning
Even though Netflix subscribers are in an uproar, the company isn't entirely to blame. When Netflix started their streaming service, studios who own the movies didn't realize the potential for profits. With the surge in streaming media popularity, studios want to charge a premium for their content. One expert has predicted Netflix's content licensing costs will increase from $180 million in 2010 to $1.98 billion in 2012.
If you don't want to pay these increased costs, here are a few alternatives to help you keep your cash.

DVD Exchange With Friends
Do you have a shelf full of DVDs you just can't bring yourself to watch again? Get a few friends or co-workers in on a movie exchange. Trade movies one for one and trade back when you're all done watching.

Rent From the Library
With the demise of local video rental stores, finding releases from a few years back is growing increasingly difficult. Renting movies from the library can help you track down many titles not available from Redbox. Even better, the rentals are free!

Discount Gift Cards
Going to see a movie in the theatre isn't exactly a steal, but there are some ways around high prices. Popular cinemas like AMC and Regal both have more than 100 discounted gift cards available at GiftCardGranny.com.

Matinee Movies
If you work a 9-5, matinee movies may be out of your reach, but they make for another way to beat high prices. Tickets cost much less and you don't have to deal with the massive crowds you find in the evening.

Neighborhood Movie Night
Consider going in with a group of neighbors and investing in a backyard movie set-up. Hopefully, someone already has a projector they're willing to share. All you need then is a screen. Inflatable, outdoor projection screens can easily be found online for less than $200. This tip might not save a ton of money, but it can help a whole group of people stop paying their money to Netflix.

Free Screenings
Plenty of filmmakers just want their movie to get seen. College campuses are great resources for finding free screenings. Many towns also offer free showings of classic films at parks throughout the summer. A local paper is a good way to find out if there are any offerings in your area.

Get Outside
The natural world was here before streaming Netflix and it will certainly be here long after. Take the money you'd spend on movies and invest it in a national parks pass. The cost is only $80 for one year and it gets you and anyone in the car with you into more than 2,000 sites across the country.

Dial Into Daily Movie Deals
Deal of the day sites like Groupon and LivingSocial occasionally offer discounted movie theater tickets for as little as $2 per person. That's a pretty cheap movie night outing and well worth the price. Just make sure to skip the popcorn and candy - your wallet and waist will thank you.

Feature provided by, Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch. Thanks Andrea!!

Degree Gives Women a Motive to Move

2011-07-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

In celebration of the launch of Degree Women with motionSENSE technology, the only anti-perspirant formula activated directly by movement, not moisture, Degree is rewarding women for moving. “Get into the Move” application on Facebook rewards users with a chance to win thousands of cool prizes for ways women already move – whether it’s running errands or running miles. As a mother, that's what we do best, is move move move, right ladies? Now here's an opportunity to get rewarded for it and push yourself a little harder. Since moving about a month ago, I take the kids and go walking about the park while they ride their bikes. We've been averaging 2-4 miles a night. Which is good for me, someone who never got any exercise in. Programs like, Degree's helps with the motivation and gives me that extra incentive I need.

By registering for the Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook (facebook.com/degreewomen) or on mobile devices (m.degreewomen.com), fans can start earning motionMILES, virtual currency redeemable towards chances to win thousands of prizes. These motionMILES are earned for various ways women move, including checking in with Facebook places and logging activities. Earning motionMILES is easy - eligible activities include going to the gym, taking Zumba® or yoga classes and various other activities women already do, like grocery shopping or catching the bus. Fans can also earn motionMILES by answering daily trivia questions on the Facebook application, inviting friends to “Get into the Move,” and even logging in daily.

Once earned, fans can use motionMILES for a shot at winning instant prizes by spinning the prize wheel or by entering weekly and grand prize sweepstakes. Prizes include a surfing trip in Hawaii, designer shoes, gift certificates for Zumba classes and much more. Fans can also choose to donate motionMILES in a dollar amount to one of two charities: The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Girls in The Game.

Bonus Code*** Go the the "Enter Codes" section of the app & enter 203 for extra Motion Miles**

Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch!

2011-06-26T21:54:00.000-07:00

Love the taste of brownies? You'll go cuckoo for new Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch! I know my kids did, before I even realized it, I think the box disappeared in two days! With the delicious taste of brownies "baked" into every bowl, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is a delicious chocolate-y cereal ready to be enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack on the go. You will be sure to get some brownie points as your family's taste buds delight in the perfect balance of whole grain goodness and delicious chocolate flavor in every bite. Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch has at least 8 grams of whole grain (48 grams recommended daily) and a good source of calcium and Vitamin D in every serving. For chocolate lovers everywhere, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is sure to become a choco-licious go to!

Connect with them at www.growupstrong.com & www.wholegrainnation.com

“Disclosure: The Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Old Navy Summer Sale!

2011-06-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

After much anticipation, the Old Navy Tankathon is here! On June 25^th and 26^th only, Old Navy stores will be hosting a tankathon nationwide. All tanks will be $2 and up.

Visit www.oldnavy.com for locations

Vacation with JetSet Vacations!

2011-06-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Our family absolutely loves to vacation! My favorite thing to do is hop in a car and just drive. There's nothing better then to hop in the car or jump in a plane and take off to an exciting destination. Sometimes, though it can be difficult to sort though all the options, and you also want to make sure you don't overlook anything that you really "should" see. Here are some of my "family friendly" travel tips -

If you are driving, pack each person a "busy bag" Yes, I said person, not child, that means adults too! I strongly suggest using an x-large ziploc baggie that can be thrown away. I use to use small back packs or fanny packs - but found that just took up too much room, caused us to have even more "luggage" and this way you have nothing to worry about if something spills or makes a mess. From personal experience I would avoid packing things like crayons, markers, chocolate....stuff that you don't want to find yourself scrubbing off the car seats, doors & windows. :)
If your going to take a road trip, plan enough time to actually be able to stop and sight see along the way. I remember the first time we drove up to San Francisco, we drove straight there without stopping and drove back down the coast, but was in such a hurry we didn't have time to stop and see anything. That's kinda suppose to be the point, right? Why drive all that way when your not going to stop along the way and see the sights, right?
I don't want to make this too long - so this will be my last tip - and my favorite! Locals, Locals, Locals - I can't emphasize this enough. The local people always know the best places to eat and all the hideaways and fun things to do that maybe you wouldn't even think of or that's not in some tourist book. For example - on our last trip, we had stopped in Monterey Bay for the night. When we got there we were starving! While getting gas I asked a couple locals what was the best place to grab a bite to eat - where do all the locals go?? They suggested a small little place, and I have to admit - it didn't look like a place I would just pull into - but let me tell you - I ended up committing an entire blog post to them because their food was so amazing, seriously it was that good! It was so good we ended up going back the next day :) lol! But, really - the local spots are the best and their prices usually will be more realistic also because they are not catering to the tourist. Don't eat fastfood while on a trip - you can have that at home, anytime - engage into the city you are in & become a "local".

JetSetVacations.com is a travel wholesaler with 15 years of experience that can serve all of your travel booking needs whether you’re looking for a family adventure, quick weekend away, or romantic trip for two. Every booking provides you with white glove service which includes a vacation concierge to assist you with your needs while you are on vacation. They guarantee the lowest rates to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica and specialize in helping families travel on a budget. You can learn more and enter to win $1,000 vacation credit and more by participating in the JetSetVacations.com Twitter Party this Wednesday night from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/ijMbgq

Disclosure: This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Global Influence and I have been compensated for my participation.

7 Father's Day Coupons for D.I.Y. Dads

2011-06-14T10:56:00.000-07:00

Are you a last minute shopping like me? If so, I know you'll be scrambling to pick up those last minute Father's Day gifts. Consumer Savings Expert, Andrea Woroch shares 7 Father's Day coupons for D.I.Y. Dads -

1. Harbor Freight - Save 20% off one item with coupon code SHOP20.

2. Lowes - Free shipping on orders of $49 or more.

3. JCWhitney - Take 8% off orders of $99 or more with coupon code SUMMER.

4. Ace Hardware - Get $20 off orders of $125 or more.

5. Northern Tool - Free shipping on all power tools.

6. Auto Anything - Receive $10 off orders of $140 or more.

7. Home Depot - 10% off Energy Star Appliances plus free delivery and haul away.

Groucho Marx once famously sang, "Today, father, is Father's Day and we're giving you a tie." While it makes for a funny song, many DIY dads don't need another neck noose this year -- or any year. Most dads say they want you to save your money instead; so why not use one of the seven online coupons from CouponSherpa.com to cut your costs while finding just the right gift for dear old dad!

We've Moved!!

2011-05-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

This past month we have been preparing for our big move out of state! The time finally came last weekend when we loaded up the truck.....and had our bittersweet feelings. The kids & I are so blessed that God has given us this opportunity for a fresh start on life. Many of you know that after 10 years of domestic violence I finally stood up for myself & my kids. I have never felt so much relief taken off my shoulders!! I am so excited to start this new life and excited to share my ventures with you all!!! We should be back up & running by the end of the week!! xoxoxo

Friday's Find - NightAlly

2011-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

While other safety alarms exist for various smart phones, NightAll is unique in that users can activate the app prior to taking to the streets. Most personal safety applications (PSAs) are activated by pushing a button on the screen, which forces the user to focus on their phone, not the situation. Since NightAlly allows users to pre-arm their iPhones, should a problem arise, all users need to do is shake their iPhone to initiate the very loud alarm and a shockingly bright flashing light. There’s no time lag and no fumbling with buttons or phone keys. NightAlly lets them stay forced and in control.

An introductory “light” version of NightAlly is available at the Apple App Store for $0.99 and works on both G3 and G4 iPhones. Soon-to be-released upgrades include additional sounds and flashes/flares, plus autodialing for pre-designated numbers and 911. I love this and think spending the .99 cents is so worth it! Being a single mother and a survivor of domestic violence the added security is great and gives me more peace of mind when I'm sleeping. I love that I can activate this before I go to sleep. I can keep it on my night stand and in case of an emergency all I have to do is reach over for it and shake it!

For more information visit www.myallyapps.com

What's Your Perfect Sandwich?

2011-04-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there's no denying it: America is a sandwich-loving nation! According to the new "Hellmann's State of the Sandwich" survey, a majority of American sandwich eaters (84%) believe that how a sandwich is made is just as important as the ingredients used to make it. Something else many of America's sandwich fans agree on: If there's a must-have sandwich ingredient, it's Hellmann's mayonnaise!

To help celebrate America's passionate preferences for building the perfect sandwich, Hellmann's and Best Foods are partnering with Chef Bobby Flay to show families how to make real, simple, delicious sandwiches, and to uncover unique and personal sandwich-making techniques. They want to know how you slice it, spread it, stack it or serve it ... Do you spread your Hellmann's Mayonnaise on one slice or both? Is the cheese on the top or in the center of the sandwich?

All you have to do is go to Facebook.com/hellmanns to share your sandwich-making tips, tricks, techniques and secrets. You'll also have the opportunity to build your perfect sandwich and enter the Hellmann's Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes including a kitchen essentials bundle, grocery gift cards and Hellmann'sand Best Foods products.

Did you know that 33 percent of Americans who eat sandwiches credit their mom with teaching them how to make a great sandwich? And nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of moms with sandwich-loving kids say they serve their families the favorites they ate growing up!

"Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place."

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-26T20:45:00.000-07:00

((showing some love to our hometown team))

GameChanger

2011-04-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

If you follow my blog on a regular basis you know that one of my favorite things to do is spend my weekends at the ballpark watching my boy play ball! With parents busy schedule these days, or being a single mom with two kids playing ball and not being able to be at both games at the same time, how can you keep up with the game you are missing? Many parents of young players face that annual dilemma -- what to do when they can’t make it to a child’s game…

Fortunately, one company is making it possible for busy parents stuck at work to follow live play-by-plays of each game on their computer or phone: GameChanger (www.gamechanger.io). GameChanger delivers live youth/amateur baseball game updates to the web, where parents and other fans (think grandma and grandpa!) who can’t be at the field can follow along and “watch” the action in real time. Love it!

Visit www.gamechanger.io for more information or to download the app

2011-04-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

Easter Brunch at The Bishop's Lodge

2011-04-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Bring Your Bonnet to the Traditional Easter Brunch at Santa Fe's Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa

In honor of the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Bishop's Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa invites guests to wear their best Easter bonnet to the traditional Easter Brunch at the resort. The guest with the best bonnet will win an overnight stay and breakfast for two at Bishop's Lodge. An Easter Egg Hunt, complimentary digital family photos, and tours of the historic Lamy Chapel will also be offered this Easter Sunday.

The traditional Easter Sunday Brunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu for Easter Brunch includes items such as New Mexico Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce, Bishop's Benedict, Smoked Salmon, Poached and Chilled Shrimp, Oysters on the Half Shell, and an array of desserts. Brunch is $48 person, $39 for seniors and $21 for children 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free. (Price does not include tax and gratuity.)

Las Fuentes Restaurant at Bishop's Lodge will also serve regular menu items. Breakfast will be served at Las Fuentes from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m., dinner at Las Fuentes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Room Service will be available from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Las Fuentes Bar will be open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.

For reservations and more information call (505) 819-4035

www.bishopslodge.com

Celebrate Earth Day!

2011-04-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Lowes - This Saturday, April 23rd, Lowes will be giving away 1 million trees in celebration of Earth Day. Find the nearest participating location near you at www.lowes.com

Starbucks - Participating Starbucks locations across the US and Canada are giving away free coffee or tea today, April 22nd. Just bring in your reusable mug and get a free cup of coffee or tea - brewed, hot or iced. (if you don't own a reusable mug, you can still get 20 percent off)

Border Grill Truck - Today 11:30 - 2pm at the California Science Center - Free fish tacos - yum!

Disney Stores - Today, April 22nd, receive a free reusable shopping bag when you bring five plastic bags to recycle. Visit http://blog.disneystore.com/blog/2011/04/track-my-tee.html for more information and to find a store near you.

US National Parks - Free admission now through Sunday, April 24th - with the wonderful weather we have been having what a wonderful time to get out and explore our National Parks! www.nps.gov/npweek/

PAAS Easter Egg Decorating Kits

2011-04-19T07:16:00.000-07:00

Can you believe how fast this year is going?? Creating colorful Easter eggs is a tradition in many households, including ours. PAAS products offer easy and creative ways to decorate eggs, whether you’re a beginner or seasoned pro. Here are five new kits for this year:

Pirate Princess: Packed with 90 stickers, color tablets, egg stands and more, this kit will inspire little pirates and princesses to dress up eggs with buried treasure, skulls and crossbones, tall ships and more.
Wild Wheels: Hit the open road with PAAS Wild Wheels. Stickers and egg stands help transform ordinary dyed eggs into road-worthy hot rods.
Fun Eggspressions: A great way to unleash creativity and “egg-spress” the artist within, this kit contains sand for color and texture, paint, stickers and more.
Basket Buddies: Perfect for the pet lover, this kit lets you create egg masterpieces using stickers of cuddly puppies, adorable kittens and playful bunnies.
Easter Traditions: Featuring some of our classic designs, this kit includes the traditional symbols of the Easter season.

Kits are available at major grocery, drug store and mass merchandiser chains nationwide with a suggested retail price of $2.99.

**Disclosure: no compensation was received for this post

National Financial Literacy Month,

2011-04-07T06:11:00.000-07:00

Just in time for National Financial Literacy Month (April), a new website just launched that teaches young kids about money in a unique and fun way.

CountMyBeanz.com helps kids grasp an early concept of money through the use of “Beanz.” No preschooler is going to sit through Finance 101, so Count My Beanz deals only with a fun, kid-friendly currency called Beanz.

Beanz are earned as positive reinforcement or an array of good doings- a kind deed, good behavior, a job well done, etc. Parents can add in another layer of learning by teaching saving and donating.

Here’s how it works: Each child has a Beanz Spending and a Beanz Savings Account, along with access to a community Donation account. Beanz can be added, redeemed (“cashed-in”) or donated. Redeeming is done by subtracting Beanz from the child’s account which triggers the option for the parent to have a custom Beanz Reward Card mailed to their child (And what child doesn’t LOVE getting mail!). The Reward Card announces their reward, which parents determine and supply (a special toy, slumber party, staying up late for movie night, a trip to the zoo).

The Beanz Reward Card is optional and costs $5 including postage. $1 from the sale of every Beanz Reward Card is donated to K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations).

For more information visit http://countmybeanz.com/

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

Baseball season has begun! Let the games begin!!

Keeping Allergies at bay with Clorox

2011-03-31T21:25:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the allergy season has started in full force! At least in our house anyway. To help prepare Clorox provides advice to help them make our homes free of sneezing and allergens.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 26 million Americans battle chronic seasonal allergies, while those with milder symptoms reach 40 million. Combating allergies is not fun, believe me, I think some nights I get up three times just to blow my nose! Just a little cleaning can reduce some of the most common symptoms of allergies home. Here are some simple steps to reduce allergens like dust mites and mold that may be present in homes:

Wash bedding regularly in hot water to reduce the amount of waste left by dust mites that cause allergy symptoms and / or asthma
While children are sleeping, keep your stuffed animals in a plastic bag in the freezer for several hours. The cold will kill dust mites, which are considered major causes of allergies.
Mops such as the ReadyMop make the task of cleaning the floor easy, this helps to prevent irritants from spreading through the air
Collect the dust quickly with wipes such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, to reach places where dust can accumulate as the heads of the beds, windows and surfaces for counters
Use cleaner with bleach, like Clorox Clean-Up with Bleach to clean and disinfect tubs, showers, shower curtains, sinks, ceramic tile, glass fibers and synthetic marble. This will help prevent the growth of any mold.

For more cleaning & laundry tips visit: www.clorox.com

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

Special Alert *** Special Alert

2011-03-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

Electronic Arts (EA) and Hasbro are committed to providing fun and entertaining games for families. EA makes quality video games based on Hasbro brands you know and love such as Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Nerf and Littlest Pet Shop. So many of our favorite family games!! EA is offering 25% off + free shipping on all Hasbro-branded video games! Just click on the link below and type in promo code "EAPlay" at checkout. Good through today only, March 29^Th, US only.

Shop your favorite EA Hasbro Games here......

Free Health Screenings

2011-03-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

To help the community get on a path to better health, CVS/pharmacy brings its “A Su Salud” FREE health screening program to Los Angeles on Saturday, March 26. The event will offer participating adults $150 worth of screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density (osteoporosis) and vision. More than 240 events will be available in the Los Angeles area now through November as a way to help Los Angeles residents determine their risk for chronic diseases.

Los Angeles March 26 & 27th

12 noon - 4pm

Free!!

3644 E Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90023 / (323) 264-049
9920 E Garvey Ave., El Monte, CA 91733 / (626) 443-3097
1250 E Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90806 / (562) 218-0080
9089 Woodman Ave., Arleta, CA 91331 / (818) 892-3167

To find a health fair near you visit www.cvs.com/asusalud

CranesForKids.com

2011-03-23T21:40:00.000-07:00

Launched this past Friday, CranesForKids.com was created by Jim Robinson and Kurt Dommermuth of KneeBouncers.com- a popular games site for babies and toddlers. Last week, these two dads offered on their Kneebouncers Facebook page to donate all proceeds from membership fees to the Red Cross. After the money was raised, they had the idea of sharing not just money but messages and kind words as well.

The Japanese tradition of folding 1000 cranes represents a form of healing and hope during challenging times.

It’s simple- go to www.CranesforKids.com, pick the color of paper crane to represent your message, and enter your name, age, city, state, and country in addition to your message of hope.

This is a unique opportunity for parents to let their children express how they feel about the tragedy, because everyone’s seeing it and it’s difficult to keep your kids from it right now. It’s all over the news and may be very scary for them. CranesforKids.com is a means for them to reach out and express hope and know that they are helping. LOVE IT!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter, (sleep walking) got out of bed, walked around the house mumbling, then sat in bed saying it was cold, she then picked up a book off the floor, opened it & tried wrapping it around herself thinking it was a blanket! LOL! HAHA! Hilarious!!

Travel Saving Tips

2011-03-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

With gas prices at the highest average ever for this time of year and airlines enacting new booking and travel fees, getting away from home and taking an affordable family vacation seems difficult, if not impossible. With some planning and researching you can prepare to save some money while traveling on a budget so that you don’t have to forgo your vacation. So go ahead, arm yourself with these tips and get ready to don those Mickey Mouse ears!

Use apps to your advantage: There are many apps that can save you money. Whether it be GasBuddy to help you find the cheapest gas near you or ATMHunter which allows you to avoid fees when withdrawing money.
Brown bag it: Make an effort to make your own lunches or breakfasts when traveling. It’s cheaper to stock up on fruit, snacks and cold cuts than eating every meal at a restaurant.
Dine out wisely: Many restaurants offer “kids eat free” deals on certain nights, find locations near you on KidsMealDeals or use their free app.
Take advantage of deals: If you’re a member of organizations that offer discounts, look into where you could be saving money. AAA offers its members a variety of savings which range from discounts to attractions to local restaurants.
Take advantage of cheap vacation packages: LuckyChic is a luxury bidding site which also features vacation packages which include hotel, airfare, and access to exclusive events. Just recently an LA Fashion Week package sold for $35.70.
Shop around: Take your time when buying souvenirs. Shopping around will allow you to find the most reasonably priced souvenirs. Remember, seashells found on the beach make sweet mementos and may be more heartfelt than buying a keychain.
Explore public transit options: Do some research about public transportation where you’re going. Taking the subway or a bus instead of renting a car or hailing a taxi will save you a lot of money.
Happy hour keeps your wallet happy: Drinking can often be very expensive and the drinks can quickly break your budget. Research happy hours or local deals using Yelp.
Keep safety in mind: Make sure you save money reasonably; it’s not worth trying to risk you or your family’s safety to save money.

Thanks to Joel Fan, President and Founder of LuckyChic.com, the premier online site where you can bid on luxury experiences for these valuable ways to travel on a budget!!!

Pancake Day!!

2011-03-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

As a parent, you understand what it’s like when your child is sick – you sometimes feel so helpless and just want to hold them. . Give Kids The World is an organization that improves the quality of life for children whose sicknesses are actually life-threatening. Did you know that each year in the U.S., 27,000 children are diagnosed with a life threatening illness?

Give Kids The World (GKTW) is a non-profit organization that provides week-long vacations to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at a fanciful, “storybook” retreat in Central Florida. Since 1986, GKTW has served more than 100,000 families from all 50 states and 70 countries. Families enjoy a week-long, cost-free vacation that includes accommodations at the Give Kids The World Village, meals, donated attraction tickets (including Disney World), and more. They even get to eat ice cream at breakfast!

For nearly 20 years, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery has supported GKTW. Each year, Perkins serves more than 200,000 free meals at the 200-seat Gingerbread House Restaurant, located in the heart of the Give Kids The World Village. Over the years, more than 4 million free meals have been served. In addition to annual fundraising efforts, ongoing activities for Give Kids The World include community-oriented events and specially marked coin boxes for spare change in the lobbies of most Perkins restaurants.

Today, March 21st more than 420 participating Perkins restaurants across the U.S. and Canada will be offering guests their legendary, made-from-scratch buttermilk pancakes – for free – during PERKINS PANCAKE DAY. In return, Perkins simply requests that guests consider making a donation of any amount to benefit Give Kids The World.

To find a Perkins near you simply visit www.perkinsrestaurants.com

**No compensation was received for this post. The above information about the event was provided by Perkins.

Raisels

2011-03-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am a busy mom of four very active children. Many days as soon as the kids get home from school, we are off to baseball practice or some other activity. The kids always want to grab a snack to bring with them. Of course as any Mother, I want my children to grab a snack that is good for them and will keep their interest! Raisels is the latest snack sensation from the National Raisin Company. The first 100% real fruit that actually tastes like candy, Raisels are golden raisins that are fun to eat and a healthy alternative to cookies, candies and more! They come of four fun flavors including Sour Apple, Sour Orange, Sour Lemon and Sour Peach. They are available in 6 packs of 1.25 oz portion-controlled boxes and can be found in your grocer's dried fruit section.

With the sour flavors my kids had a kick laughing at each other's faces as we tried these! They even had a game going on to see who could eat one first without making a face! The kids loved these, it was a great snack to grab and go. Raisels are rich in antioxidants, fat free, cholesterol free, and contain no sodium or high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. They also have the 100% recommended daily allowance for Vitamin C.

For more information about Raisels, visit www.raisels.com you can also find Raisels on Facebook & Twitter!

**Disclosure: I was provided a sample product from Raisels through Team Mom. No monetary compensation was received.

Devastation in Japan

2011-03-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

We wanted to take a minute to send our thoughts and prayers to those in Japan and all the families that have been affected. You are in our hearts and prayers..............

Get Smart with Progresso

2011-03-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Progresso continues to provide convenient options made to taste great and encourage good food choices, too. It’s important to make food choices for yourself and for your family that are both satisfying to your taste buds and nutritious.

Progresso Light - America’s number one Light soup just got better, as all 13 existing Progresso Light varieties are now packed with bigger pieces of white meat chicken, more tender pieces of beef or added vegetables. Need even more to talk about? Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder is the first creamy Light ready-to-serve soup that holds true to the Progresso Light name with just 1 Weight Watchers® POINTS® value per serving!

Progresso® New World Recipes – Inspired by Mexican recipes, explore one of the fastest growing ethnic cuisines by giving the Progresso New World Recipes line a try. Made with authentic Mexican ingredients and seasonings, four new Progresso soups will be hitting grocery shelves near you - Chicken Tortilla, Meatball & Rice, Black Bean Jalapeno and Chicken & Vegetable. This was my favorite!! I love Mexican food but hate all the calories it brings with it. I was so anxious to try this and the flavor was amazing - almost as good as my homemade version :)

Progresso Light - America’s number one Light soup just got better, as all 13 existing Progresso Light varieties are now packed with bigger pieces of white meat chicken, more tender pieces of beef or added vegetables. Need even more to talk about? Progresso Light New England Clam Chowder is the first creamy Light ready-to-serve soup that holds true to the Progresso Light name with just 1 Weight Watchers® POINTS® value per serving!

Progresso Reduced Sodium – With 49 percent of shoppers concerned about high cholesterol1, Progresso understands the importance of soluble fiber and reduced sodium diets. New Reduced Sodium Tomato Parmesan soup is one more tasty option that has a delicious blend of flavors and carries the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit. In addition, five additional Reduced Sodium soups also carry the “May Help Lower Cholesterol”2 benefit.

Progresso High Fiber – With 9 out of 10 Americans not getting the recommended Daily Value of fiber, Progresso High Fiber line of soups are packed with 7 grams per serving. Giving you one more thing to talk about, Progresso brand’s first Chili Soup just joined the High Fiber family!

For more information about the new and improved varieties of Progresso soups as well as great recipe ideas, visit www.progressosoup.com today! Also, check out Progresso on Facebook to “Like” the brand and keep up with the latest news on your favorite Progresso products, both new and old!

**Disclosure: Progresso Soup (through MyBlogSpark) provided me with the product information and prize pack to facilitate this blog post. No monetary compensation was received.

Spring Clean with Fellowes

2011-03-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

There's just something about this time of year that puts me in the mood to clean! Yeah, weird, right? lol! As a Mother we honestly clean year around and not only after ourselves, but our spouses, children, family pets, and the list I'm sure can go on and on! Do you ever wonder about just throwing your mail, or any paper with personal information on it in the trash and someone possible getting a hold of it? If your like me, I think about it every now and then, but simply let it just pass by without taking action. Why wait until it's too late? The Fellowes P-12C paper shredder has industry-leading technologies which provides high-security and is safe for family environments.

Facts about the Fellowes P-12C Shredder:

To ensure high-security against identity thieves, the P-12C features Cross-Cut Technology, which destroys a single sheet of paper into nearly 399 particles. Wow!
The P-12C also includes Fellowes' patented SafeSense technology, which disables the shredder when it senses hands or large pets come too close to the paper opening. Love this as a mom!!!
The P-12C can also shred staples, credit cards and paper clips to help speed up your spring cleaning process.
I love they style! It's slim profile design allows the P-12C to fit in any office environment, including under desks or in kitchens and other rooms.

The P-12C has a suggested retail price of $89.99 and is available at Target Stores nationwide. For more information on Fellowes you can visit www.fellowes.com

**Disclosure: Information was provided from Fellowes and One to One Network to help facilitate this post. All opinions are of my own and your opinion may vary. No compensation was received for this post.

Kroger's Cart Buster Savings Event

2011-03-06T20:56:00.000-08:00

Instead of breaking your piggy bank, shop and save with the Cart Buster Savings Event exclusively at Kroger and the Kroger Family of Stores. You’ll see Big Savings Storewide!

Now through March 12th, shop Kroger’s biggest-ever promotion and find the hottest prices around on more than 35 brands, across more than 60 categories from General Mills, P & G, Nestle, Pepsi and Kroger Banner Brands. During the Cart Buster Savings Event, you’ll find great savings in almost every department at the Kroger Family of Stores, which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons, Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander, Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy.

Here are just a handful of the great brands participating in the event: Multigrain Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Hamburger Helper, Yoplait, Progresso, Totino’s, Green Giant, Cascadian Farm, Tide, Charmin, Bounty, Pampers, Pantene, Crest, Iams, Febreze, Old Spice, Bounce, DiGiorno’s, Nestle Toll House, Juicy Juice, Coffee-Mate, Edy’s, Stouffer’s, Lean Cuisine, Hot Pockets, Nestle Candy, Purina and many more!

Looking for even more ways to add money to your pocket? Visit Kroger.com/CartBuster to participate in their “Deal of the Day” promotion! During each day of Kroger’s Cart Buster Savings Event, be one of the first 1000 people to click on the deal link and receive a free load-to-card coupon for the featured daily item.

Make sure to also channel your inner superstar and break out the video camera to “Show Us Your Deals!” Post an original video on YouTube letting the YouTube universe know about your saving tips and which “Deal of the Day” you loved.

Disclosure: Through MyBlogSpark, the Kroger Family of Stores & General Mills/Nestle/Proctor & Gamble provided the information and a giftcard to help facilitate this post.

Healthy Is in Vogue

2011-03-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

These days, a lot is being said about the importance of children living a healthy lifestyle. Parents want their children to grow up healthy and strong. Here are three no-nonsense tips (provided by Kumon) mothers everywhere can use to help direct their children toward more healthy choices, now and in the future.

Lead by Example

Whenever you can show your children the importance you place on taking care of yourself and your body, seize the opportunity to do so. The more they see you striving to live a more balanced and healthy life, the more likely they will be to follow suit.

Know What Your Child Is Eating

Have you ever read the ingredients of some of the foods your children are eating? Not only are some of the ingredients difficult to pronounce, but it is also not always obvious what they are or why they are in the food. Now you can obtain a greater understanding with The Dictionary of Food Ingredients . This book is full of information about ingredients such as algin, a substance used in ice cream, puddings, icings and “fabricated fruit.” That’s right, fake fruit. Use a resource such as this book to help you make healthy choices.

Be Honest

Children seek out honesty, even if it changes their perspective on the world they live in. If your children look at you with those inquisitive eyes and ask why they can no longer have a certain snack, be honest. Tell them it’s because they contain unhealthy ingredients. Share with them the science behind food processing in words they can understand. And reassure them that you will always be there to make sure the foods they eat will be good for them.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-01T20:21:00.000-08:00

(my Grandma & Grandpa - 1950)

Disneyland - Dates Set for New Experiences!

2011-02-28T21:09:00.000-08:00

We haven't had much Disney news in awhile - so I am so excited to bring you the dates for three new experiences opening up this year! And I hear this is just the start - 2011 will be a huge year for Disneyland! (and us quite frankly!) How exciting!!

Grand opening June 3: At Disney California Adventure park, get ready for an all-new voyage with one of Disney’s most beloved characters, Ariel. The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure will invite guests to take a journey under the sea to experience all the fun and adventures in Ariel’s world. From the great songs to state-of-the-art animatronics and special effects, guests will become a part of her world in a way that’s never happened before. This is my all time favorite Disney movie - so I am so excited and very much looking forward to what's in store!

May 27 Premiere: “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” officially steps off for Memorial Day weekend, with an explosive musical score, thrilling rhythms and bold percussion that will have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Look for whimsical float units, live musicians and some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse and his pals will be jamming like never before and creating an atmosphere that will be…soundsational!

Believe it or not, a few months ago was the first time we actually stood through one of the parades at California Adventure - and I could not believe what we had been missing out on! The music and the vibrations were enough to get you moving and put a smile on your face no matter what age you were. The kids loved the dancing - it got them up and moving their little hips and of course made for great photo opportunities! I can tell you, we won't be missing a parade again!

Grand opening June 3: (one of my favorite rides is back!!) For those who dare to venture into the deep, dark corners of the universe, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue officially launches in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, taking guests on interstellar adventures to Coruscant, Tatooine, and other destinations in the “Star Wars” galaxy. With the return of favorite Star Wars characters and the addition of more familiar faces and destinations, guests are going to experience Starspeeder travel in an all-new way…in 3D!

Looking forward to an exciting year at the California Disneyland Resort!! (as always :)

National Cherry Month-Get Very Cherry!

2011-02-27T04:33:00.000-08:00

The summer season for cherries may be short and sweet, but don’t let that stop you from celebrating National Cherry Month this February!

A lower calorie alternative to the original, Del Monte’s No Sugar Added Very Cherry Mixed Fruit is an easy and healthy way to keep your diet chock full of cherries while it’s still cold outside. With its combination of peaches, pears, and an extra dose of cherries, Very Cherry is perfect any time you need a fruity fix, in smoothies and parfait.

DID YOU KNOW?:

Eating 20 cherries in a day can fight inflammation effectively.

Very Cherry is the most popular flavor of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans.

Cherries are a rich source of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant known for regulating the body's natural sleep cycle and helping to promote restful sleep.

For more great recipe ideas and tips, visit solutions.delmonte.com

Sunrise Sundae

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups low-fat granola or other cereal

1 carton (8 oz.) low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt

1 can (15 oz.) Del Monte^®Very Cherry Mixed Fruit, No Sugar Added,

drained

Directions

1. Spoon alternating layers of granola, yogurt and fruit in 3 tall glasses.

Tip: For easy variety, use the 6-pack assorted cereals and other Del Monte Fruits.

Prep time: 5 minutes

3 servings - YUM!!!

**Disclosure: No monetary compensation was provided for publishing this article.

Fool Proof Budget Plan For Fighting Growing Gas Prices

2011-02-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

With gas prices around $100 a barrel as trouble pours out of the Middle East, it looks like transportation is going to cost us plenty for at least the near future, but there are ways to cut back on costs. Follow the following 10 frugal fuel-consumption tips so you won't have to leave the gas pump with a half-empty tank.

1. Use Your Smart Phone
There are plenty of money-saving apps dedicated to trimming everyday expenses, some of which include travel costs. The GasBuddy app will coordinate your location with the best gas prices in your area. Another app worth test driving is CheapGas, which provides precise directions to the nearest and least-expensive gas station.

2. Shop Online
According to a recent study by Carnegie Melon's Green Institute, shopping online saves an average of 35-percent in gas consumption. Next time you're seeking a new pair of trousers, shop online to cut down on fuel costs. Those who prefer to avoid delivery charges can find plenty of free shipping coupons at sites like FreeShipping.org or CouponSherpa.com, which offer deals for popular stores like JCPenney, Verizon, Home Depot & DELL.

3. Lay-off the Lead Foot
We know everyone is in a hurry, but zipping through traffic is anything but gas efficient. Stick to the speed limit and remember speeds exceeding 40 mph force your vehicle to overcome forceful wind resistance, thus consuming fuel faster. Keep an eye on your odometer for maximum fuel efficiency.

4. Leave Rapid Starts to the Jack Rabbits
Do you race away from stop lights at the speed of Br'er Rabbit? You're wasting a lot of gas just to reach the next stop light a second faster.

5. Coordinate Carpools
Carpooling simply makes sense -- or is it cents? Use the Carpicipate app to locate like-minded neighbors or community members interested in sharing rides.

6. Be Loyal to Your Reward Card
Grocery stores like King Soopers offer up to 10-cents off per gallon for buying groceries and filling up at their tanks. Some stores offer an additional savings if you pay cash, when combined with your reward card. Just make sure you save your cashier's receipt to get the full savings.

7. Buy Discount Gas Gift Cards
Did you know you don't have to pay full price for a gift card? Sites like GiftCardGranny.com offer a diverse selection of discount gas gift cards from various card vendors. Run out of cash on your card? GiftCardGranny offers an alert on newly available discount gift cards, so you'll be notified every time there's a new card available.

8. Fuel Up at Warehouse Pumps
Filling up at your local warehouse club can save you anywhere from five to 10 cents on fuel compared to surrounding gas stations.

9. Give Generic a Go
Just like pantry staples and other generics, buying "off-brand" gas gets your car from place to place in the same shape as fuel from name-brand stations. In fact, it's often the same gas, yet the price can differ by about 20 cents a gallon.

10. Use Low Octane
According to NPR's Car Talk, using a higher octane gas when your car doesn't need it is worthless. Check your vehicle's manual to determine how low you can go.

Article provided courtesy of www.freeshipping.org. Visit Go Frugal With These 10 Gas-Saving Tips to view the full article.

Got Milk? Tweet Chat!

2011-02-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

Join Got Milk? (@gotmilk) for a tweet chat today, Thursday, February 24th at 1:30pm. Chat with their dietitian Mary Barbour from Get Fit with Got Milk?. She wants to make sure everyone is staying on track with their health goals for the New Year. Did you know that most people let go of resolutions by Valentines Day? Yikes!

After signing into Twitter, you can join the chat here: http://tweetchat.com/room/GetFitWithGotMilk Use the hash tag #getfitwithgotmilk after every tweet. They will be giving out some Got Milk? t-shirts throughout the chat and awarding a $50 gift card to a special winner!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Recap of the 2011 NBA All-Star Jam Session

2011-02-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas

February 18 - 21, 2011
Los Angeles Convention Center

It's finally here - 2011 NBA All Star Weekend!!! The NBA All-Star Jam Session officially opened up to the public yesterday and runs through Monday, February 21st.

NBA All-Star Jam Session features over 450,000 square feet of NBA All-Star excitement, where the chance to meet & collect FREE autographs from NBA Players & Legends is just the beginning.

Jam Session is non-stop basketball action! Fans can shoot, slam, dribble and drive all day, compete against their friends in skills challenges, or get basketball tips from NBA Players and Legends. Young fans can hang out at Kids Zone - with hoops and interactive activities that are the perfect size for kids' slam dunks, three-pointers and jump shots..

For fans who want NBA Entertainment, Jam Session features the NBA's favorite players, celebrities, mascots and dance teams as they hit Center Court in a variety of basketball competitions, including the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game and the NBA All-Star Practice. NBA All-Star Jam Session allows fans to gain access to the NBA like never before!

For more information visit the Jam Session's Facebook page @ www.facebook.com/#!/JamSession

Martha Speaks

2011-02-16T20:43:00.000-08:00

Everyone’s favorite talking dog is back as Martha Speaks premieres 5 new episodes President’s Day week, February 21st through the 25th. Tune-in as Martha and her friends offer their unique take on the arts, specifically opera, classical music, theater, and even Greek myths!

“We hope Martha can provide a fun introduction to opera and classical music, theater, and Greek mythology,” says Senior Executive Producer Carol Greenwald. “For some kids, this will be their first exposure to these art forms. These subjects might seem really grown-up, but Martha has her own unique way of making them accessible to kids.”

The fun starts with “The Opera Contest” and “Maestro Martha” on Monday, February 21st. In “The Opera Contest,” a local opera company is holding a contest to get kids interested in opera. When Martha helps the kids enter their own opera, will the audience shower them with applause? In “Maestro Martha,” bad guys Pablum and Weaselgraft have a plan to turn a charity concert into a heist by using the power of music...very strange music. Can Martha turn down the volume on their evil scheming before it’s too late?

Also airing during this special week is “Skits and Mr. Scruffles” and “Brave Truman” on February 22nd, and “Patrol Dog Martha” and “The Crooning Crook Caper” on February 24th. Check local listings for exact air dates and times for all Martha Speaks episodes.

Martha Speaks Online
In addition to new episodes, join Martha and pals online at PBSKIDS.org/martha for new games, printables, and videos. New this season is a feature called Dog Tags that lets kids upload a picture of their pet, decorate and tag it with vocabulary words from the show like miniature, peculiar and nimble, and submit their creations to Martha’s featured pet gallery. In addition, kids can play with theater-associated words in the new game Truman’s Word Play. In this game, Truman sets the stage for the rest of the Martha crew to put on a terrific show. Kids participate in the production by first selecting a word on the stage and then providing the action for three different uses of that word. They actively learn the vocabulary as they mimic a dance, make a bowl of soup vanish, balance a sombrero by catapulting pineapples, and more at http://pbskids.org/martha/games/wordplay.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peak of this weekends NBA All-Star Jam Session

Slam dunk courts

Where Legends are remembered

Skills Challenge Court

NBA All-Star Jam Session

2011-02-13T20:22:00.000-08:00

NBA All-Star Jam Session

presented by Adidas

Those that know me, know that I'm a HUGE basketball fan!! I am so excited that this year, the NBA All-Star Game & festivities will in right here in Los Angeles, home to the 2010 NBA Champions, The Los Angeles Lakers!! The NBA All-Star Jam Session will give fans access to the NBA like never before with more than 450,000 square feet of nonstop basketball action, including the opportunity to meet and score game-changing basketball tips from NBA players and legends. Jam Session highlights include the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game where fans can see their favorite celebrities and entertainment stars on Friday, Feb. 18th, and the NBA All-Star Practice when the entire roster of NBA All-Stars will take to Jam Session Center Court on Saturday, Feb. 19th.

Also, this year Jam Session will be extended from three days to four days. The reason being that this year Jam Session will include a Family Day on Monday, February 21st (President’s Day). This presents the perfect opportunity for parents to bring their kids and the entire family to enjoy a fun-filled day of NBA All-Star action! Are you excited yet??? I'm stoaked and counting down the days!! Here's a full schedule of the days to come -

February 18: 2011 NBA All Star Jam Session Presented by Adidas Opens to the Public
February 18 at 4:00pm: 2011 BBVA NBA All-Star Celebrity Game within Jam Session
February 19 at 10:30am: Entire roster of NBA All-Stars will take to Jam Session Center Court for NBA All-Star Practice
February 21: Family Day at Jam Session
Ticket prices: $30 adults; $20 kids 12 & under; $20 seniors: children 2 & under are free
For more information about Jam Session please visit: www.nba.com/jamsession/2011

Valentines Day is NOT just for Lovers!

2011-02-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Bloom Avenue, the social flower company, wants everyone to know that Valentine’s gifts are not just for significant others. While millions of lovers will inevitably exchange presents, the Bloom Avenue community wants to repurpose Valentine’s Day, making it a day of celebration for everyone who adores someone.

While the nightly news indicates that there is currently a shortage of love in the world, Bloom Avenue wants to erase that misconception and illustrate that love still makes the world go ‘round. Bloom Avenue is focused on making people feel appreciated every day of the year, specializing in unique and alternative flower bouquets and gifts. See their Top 5 Unique Valentine’s Day Bouquets here: http://bloomavenueblog.com/, which includes a Zen Planter, Iris Fantasy and Opulent Orchids.

Bloom Avenue has already been spreading the love through Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/bloomavenue) and Twitter (@bloomavenue), offering the opportunity to win bouquets for loved ones. People across the U.S. have won decadent flowers for their moms, best friends and others who impact their lives. Sign up today – more bouquets are available and there are special deals and discounts for fans and followers. For more information on Bloom Avenue, visit www.bloomavenue.com.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Monster Jam show is this Saturday at Angel Stadium.....Grave Digger is always a favorite of the kids......who's your favorite?

My Favorite Super Bowl Commercials

2011-02-07T08:20:00.000-08:00

2011-02-05T19:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Movie Lovers Valentine's Gift Guide

2011-02-02T20:40:00.000-08:00

Snuggle up with your favorite Disney Blu-rays & DVDs!

Need a heart-warming film to enjoy with your loved ones this Valentine's Day? Or something light-hearted to make you smile? Here are some suggestions for Valentine's Day gift-giving.

Alice In Wonderland: 60th Anniversary Special Edition - Fill your heart with Wonderland! For the first time in Hi Def, Alice and her fantastically odd Wonderland friends never looked so good! Open your heart to a beautifully restored Disney classic. Available on Blu-ray, DVD, & Movie Download formats

STEP UP 3D – Pursue your passion! Get in shape for your sweetie this Valentine's Day with featured dancer Madd Chadd's fitness tips. Dancing is a great way to get fit, so turn up the tunes and boogie down! Available on 3D Blu-ray, Blu-ray, DVD, & Movie Download formats

SECRETARIAT – Follow your heart! A story for horse-lovers and underdogs, Secretariat will have you rooting for the champion racehorse and his owner, Penny Chenery. Now, who doesn't love an inspirational tale of hope, heart, and courage? Available on Blu-ray, DVD, & Movie Download formats

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 – Your favorite Chihuahuas are newlyweds and parents! Puppy mayhem turns the lives of newlywed Chihuahua parents, Papi and Chloe, upside down when their playful puppies present one challenge after another. Available on Blu-ray, DVD, & Movie Download format

Yoplait

2011-01-31T20:59:00.000-08:00

Yoplait Gives Away One Million Free Cups to Celebrate Calcium News

The newly reformulated Yoplait Original yogurt now has two times the calcium of the leading yogurt with 50 percent of the Daily Value in every cup. To celebrate its commitment to calcium, Yoplait is giving away one million free cups of Yoplait Original!

Visit Yoplait's Facebook page to sign up to receive a free cup of Yoplait Original yogurt and make a personal commitment to meeting recommended calcium requirements, each day.

Simple Solutions to Help with Weight Loss Resolutions

2011-01-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Now that it’s almost halfway through the first month of 2011, it’s a good time to check in on the progress of your weight loss resolution. If the pounds are not dropping quite as quickly as you’d like, don’t worry, just implement some simple solutions that can help you stick to your resolution. Erin Jacques, national yoga director and trainer for the New York-based Exhale Enterprises, Inc. offers dieters the following uncomplicated fit tips:

Easy transportation and take the longer route – park your car in the last spot furthest away from the store, building, or destination and just walk! If taking public transportation, get off a stop or two early and make the decision to walk the rest of the way
When in doubt always opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Take either 5 minutes in the morning or evening just for yourself to sit in a comfortable, quiet spot, close your eyes and focus on your breath. Embracing stillness and clearing the mind helps to prepare the body for sleep or the beginning of the day.
On your lunch break or any time during the midday, get up from being inside and step out for a 5 to 10 minute walk just to breathe fresh chilly air and perhaps feel the sun. This simple act will awaken the senses, stretch the body and stimulate energy
During lunch, dinner or happy hour – skip the sugary juices, sodas and mixers and instead opt for water. Beverages like HINT Water also offer a hint of flavor without the calories, sugars and artificial flavors.
When watching T.V. during the commercial breaks get up, stretch and move the body! Take it a step further and do exercises for the duration of a commercial. Switch it up with planks, push ups, triceps dips, squats and lunges.
Before bed or any time in the day, prop your legs up the wall, close your eyes and actively rest. This will re-circulate the blood in the legs, help to balance the energy and calm the mind.

2011-01-19T20:57:00.000-08:00

TrueCare Reveals Top 20 Words Most Often

Triggering Alerts Among Parents

According to recent data compiled by TrueCare, a provider of Internet monitoring services for parents that automatically tracks a child’s use of today’s most popular social networking sites including Facebook, MySpace and Twitter for inappropriate content, “Hate” is the number one word found to generate the most parental alerts via the product’s monitoring feature.

“After reviewing our internal research, we wanted to publish these findings as a way to keep parents informed as to what their own children could potentially be saying on social networking sites,” remarks David Barker, Product Manager for TrueCare. “With a generation of teenagers gravitating toward these sites, parents now more than ever need to be armed with the most up-to-date statistics.”

Below is the Top 20 list of words found to generate the most frequent parental alerts as indicated by TrueCare’s latest findings:

1. HATE (bullying/racism)

2.    PARTY (alcohol/drugs)
3.    STUPID (bullying)
4.    UGLY (bullying)
5.    X (alcohol/drugs)
6.    DAMN (bullying)
7.    KILL (bullying/racism)
8.    FIRE (drugs)
9.    A** (bullying/racism)
10. TREES (drugs)
11. SH*T (drugs/bullying/racism)

12. BUSTED (drugs)

13. FREAK (bullying)

14. POSER (bullying)

15. DRINK (alcohol/drugs

16. ICE (drugs)

17 LOVE (sex)

18. BITCH (bullying)

19. LOSER (bullying)

20. MONKEY (sex/bullying)

20. HOMO (bullying)

20 SEX (sex)

Concerned parents can monitor their child’s online activity by utilizing TrueCare’s social media monitoring service that automatically tracks a child’s use of today’s most popular social networking sites for inappropriate content. TrueCare monitors a child’s pages 24/7 and notifies parents with alerts anytime questionable content is found, via an email containing the full content and context of the post, plus a link to the page if parents want to investigate further.

TrueCare makes helps parents monitor their children online:

24/7 monitoring of the child’s social networking accounts – whether they access from home, school, the library, a friend’s house – or even via their cell phone.
Locates questionable content on the child’s pages using a customizable database of over 500 key words relating to potential dangers.
Automatic e-mail alerts are sent to the parent anytime new relevant content is posted.
Helps them to know who their child’s “online friends” are with Friends Network and Investigate Friend links.

TrueCare is easy to use, and gives parents the comfort and confidence of knowing they’re actively working to educate and protect their children against online dangers like predators, cyber bullying, and harmful posts which could damage their reputation.

TrueCare monitors a child’s social media activity no matter where they access the Internet from; home, a friend’s house, school or even their cell phone. TrueCare features a range of user-focused security options including searching the child’s social media accounts for keywords that may indicate potentially dangerous posts from a customizable database of more than 500+ key terms.

For further information about TrueCare and how its products can assist parents, please visit their website at www.truecare.net or call them at 1-877-368-6390.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Red Neck Fire Alarm

Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Sneak Peak!

2011-01-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

From the creators of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, everybody’s favorite talking Chihuahuas are back in a comedy that’s a pack of outrageous fun for the whole family. Puppy mayhem turns the lives of newlywed Chihuahua parents, Papi and Chloe, upside down when their playful puppies present one challenge after another. But, when their human owners find themselves in trouble, the tiny pups will stop at nothing to save them—because in good times and hard times, the family always sticks together. Papi, Chloe and the puppies embark on a heroic adventure, proving once again that big heroes come in small packages.

Featuring an all-star cast, including George Lopez (voice of Papi), and complete with a litter of bonus features, this heartwarming tale of the meaning of family, friendship and loyalty is a special breed of fun—times five.

The Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 Blu-ray Combo Pack has a U.S. suggested retail price of $39.99 and the 1-Disc DVD set has a U.S. suggested retail price of $29.99. Additionally, the Digital Download/Electronic has a U.S. suggested retail price of $19.50.

Bonus Features:

DVD

French & Spanish Tracks and Subtitles
Sneak Peek at Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go
Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!
Bonus

Music Video: “This is My Paradise” By Bridgit Mendler
Blooper Faux Paws

BLU-RAY

1.78:1/ Enhanced for 16x9
French & Spanish Tracks
Sneak Peek at Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure
Learn How To Take Your Favorite Movies On The Go
Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray™ Is Suite!
Bonus

Music Video: “This is My Paradise” By Bridgit Mendler
Blooper Faux Paws
Beverly Hills Chihuahua Challenge – interactive game show led by Papi

Film Credits:

Voice Talent

George Lopez as Papi
Odette Yustman as Chloe
Zachary Gordon as Papi Jr.
Emily Osment as Ali, Pep, Lala and Rose
Bridgit Mendler as Appoline
Miguel Ferrer as Delgado

Human Characters

Marcus Coloma as Sam Cortez
Erin Cahill as Rachel Ashe
Susan Blakely as Aunt Viv
Lupe Ontiveros as Mr. & Mrs. Cortez
Elaine Hendrix as Colleen Mansfield (Appoline’s Owner)

Out on DVD Today!!

2011-01-10T20:39:00.000-08:00

ER: The Complete Fourteenth Season

Synopsis: At an ER party, Nurse Chuny Marquez recalls, “I still remember when Mark Green and Doug Ross were running the place.” “Who?” asks a newcomer. So much has happened in 14 seasons, so many people have come and gone, but the chaos of saving lives and the dedication of the people who make County General run remain. In this penultimate season of the powerful, award-winning series, personal tragedies threaten – and sometimes strengthen – relationships among the staff. And the patients bring their own compelling stories. A boy genius diagnoses his mysterious illness, a cancer-ridden prison doctor is haunted by the men he put to death, a woman arrives in the ER expecting her 13th baby. Triumph, loss, tears, joy…next!

I remember watching ER way back in the day when it first started. It was just like one of the soaps - watched it every week.....for years! The drama, suspense, romance and edge of your seat excitement brought me back week after week. So you ask who's my favorite Doc?? Mekhi Phifer - "Dr. Pratt" who I ran into at the Halloween Charity event for the Ronald McDonald House this past October. Wonderful guy and what a gentleman!

Shop Warner Bros. now to pick up your copy!!

www.wbshop.com