Become an Expert!



  **Disclosure:  This is a paid post, provided by the Sponsor.

Does the dream of being a top chef stir your soul? Does the possibility of getting your pilot’s license make your heart soar? Want to fine-tune your musical talent? What kind of expert do you want to be?
Service Experts Heating and Air Conditioning, one of North America’s largest heating and air conditioning brands, wants to make your passion happen.  The “Experts Creating Experts” contest, open now through September 30, will award $25,000 to be used toward gaining expertise and training in that one topic you’re most passionate about.
 
To enter, visit ServiceExperts.com/ExpertContest, or ServiceExperts.ca/ExpertContest, and submit an essay, presentation, photos or video explaining one subject in which you would like to become an expert, why you are interested in that subject and how/why this expertise would improve your life. The winner will be awarded $25,000 to be used for professional instruction, to attend school, take a trip, for equipment or in other ways that help make them an expert on the topic. “We know that becoming an expert isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight, but the upside is tremendous” said Dave Moody, director of marketing for Service Experts. “We’re committed to being experts in home comfort because that is what our customers deserve. Now we want to also “pay it forward”, and help someone else in their pursuit of expertise and excellence. We cannot wait to see what America wants do to!”

Judging of entries into the Experts Creating Experts contest will be based on: the creativy of the entry, the uniqueness of the area of expertise and the inspirational appeal of the entry. The initial round of judging will be conducted by a panel selected by Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Finalists will then be posted on the Service Experts Facebook page for the public to encourage Service Experts to help one person’s dream come true.

            About Service Experts
             Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, based in Plano, Texas, is one of North America's largest heating and air conditioning brands, with over 95 locations serving more than 2,000 homes and businesses per day. Service Experts service centers provide heating repair, air conditioning repair, indoor air quality sales and service, HVAC system sales and installation, and HVAC maintenance for both the residential and commercial HVAC markets. Find Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning at on.fb.me/serviceexperts or at ServiceExperts.com


**Disclosure:  This is a paid post, provided by the Sponsor. 
 
 DON’T BE “BOARD” WITH YOUR DECK
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space With Deck Of Your Dreams Sweepstakes  
 
                Summer may be winding down, but the fun doesn't have to stop. 
Thompson’s® WaterSeal® is offering its Deck of Your Dreams Sweepstakes to help transform your dull outdoor space into a vision of perfection, with a grand prize valued at more than $15,000. That includes $10,000 in cash for building or repairing a deck, $5,000 in gift cards from the popular Plow & Hearth (www.plowhearth.com) of home furnishings and an in-person visit from HGTV/diy Network star, Jeff Wilson, who will offer his expert guidance throughout the design and building process. Enter at www.thompsonswaterseal.com from April 5-October 4.
Past winners have included the Beck family in 2011 (tore out a 250 square foot composite deck and built a 750 square foot deck), the Durands from Minnesota in 2012 (built a 10x18 screened-in deck on their new house) and the Freeman family from Georgia in 2013 (just completed a 12x12 octagon-shaped deck.) Wilson says that considerations when building a deck include size, shape, built-ins and type of wood. “But there are also a lot of creative choices to make once the deck is finished,” he commented. “It’s no different than finishing a family room or any indoor space.” To choose a color of deck stain, Wilson suggests referencing the color wheel, and choosing a color that is opposite of your house color for a complimentary effect. “The new line of Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Waterproofing Stain at The Home Depot® come in the five most popular colors – Acorn Brown, Maple Brown, Harvest Gold, Sequoia Redwood and Woodland Cedar – which will work with most home styles,” he said.  And since “deck-cessories” make the deck, Plow & Hearth offers the following tips to up the style, function and comfort factor:
  • When selecting furniture for outdoor use, be sure to pay attention to the materials from which it was made. Woods like teak, cedar, eucalyptus and cypress are durable, long-lasting and require little maintenance. While wicker can be made of natural materials like rattan and bamboo, it is often crafted of resin—a durable, low-maintenance, easy-to-clean material. 
  • Wicker is often lightweight, which makes it easy to move around to create new seating looks whenever you wish.
  • The addition of deck planters can really make a deck come alive (literally!) Self-watering planters are an ideal choice, because their reservoir system ensures plants get the water they need to grow.
  • It’s important to find the right style of furniture for an outdoor space. Adirondack chairs remain a favorite outdoor option. Rockers and gliders offer a traditional, comfortable way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon on your deck.
  • Adding a trellis is an effective and affordable means to add vertical interest to an otherwise boring wall on the deck. Trellises can be almost any size.
  • Looking for the perfect lighting so the deck can be enjoyed late into the evening? Solar lighting is an eco-friendly, energy-saving option, plus it requires no wiring or cords, which means installation is quick and easy. (And adequate lighting even makes the deck safer for use at night.)
            Along with the 2014 Deck of Your Dreams Sweepstakes, the Thompson’s® WaterSeal® web site (www.thompsonswaterseal.com) will feature a new look and inspirational new projects  and deck care advice for the 2014 season. And there’s even more “deck-citement” at www.facebook.com/thompsonswaterseal, www.pinterest.com/thompsonswseal and www.youtube.com/thompsonswaterseal.


10 S’mores Recipes to Make Before Summer Ends



I wanted to share some s’mores recipes just in time for National S’mores Day on Sunday. The 10 S’mores recipes to make before summer ends from Pillsbury are:
  •   S’mores Pizza Roll-Up Turn a campfire snack into a melt-y dessert you can enjoy at home
  •   S’more Panini What’s better than a s’more-filled panini?
  •   S'mores Crescent Doughnuts Enjoy the classic flavor of s'mores with these flaky doughnuts made with Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls.
  •   S’mores Pie Fries A combination of two favorites—s’mores and pie—makes one ridiculously decadent summertime treat.
  •   Pretzel S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Make a crunchy, gooey, salty-and-sweet treat that’s bound to become your new go-to bar.
  •  S'mores Chocolate Toast Crunch Bars You can enjoy the flavor of s’mores anytime with these bars. Pack them in lunch boxes or have them ready when the kids get home for a yummy after-school snack!
  •  Golden Grahams S’mores Share the great-tasting flavor of this favorite campfire snack with kids of any age!
  •  S'more Sandwich Cookies Pillsbury chocolate chip cookies make this delightful dessert easy to make – cookies sandwiched with a marshmallow creme filling.
  • S'mores Muddy Buddies Brownies Chex Mix Muddy Buddies Brownie Supreme snack mix, marshmallows and chocolate candy marry with brownies for a classic dessert bar.
  • S'more Chippers Warm up with these yummy cookies that call to mind classic s'mores over the campfire!

Pear Up & Support Children's Sports



**Disclosure: This is a compensated post in connection with Global Influence.

My favorite thing to do in my spare time, is to sit at the park and watch my kids play sports.  My youngest son has played baseball for over five years now and I love it!  There's nothing better than sitting on the sideline watching them give it their all and seeing their self confidence just bloom! As much as we are always on our social media networks - did you now know that your social networking can help raise money for your child's sports team? It can definitely be expensive playing sports, there's no doubt about that! Now there is Pear, a social engagement platform that helps groups earn sponsorships from brands - for free! Pear matches up sponsors with groups and organizations within the community.  Their mission is to makie sponsorship simple and easy for both parties.  Safeskin Youth Sports Wraps is sponsoring to youth sports teams across the country by providing funds toward the purchase of team apparel.

Sponsors have money to donate, but they don't always know how or where to donate it.  So you're probably asking how you can create your own Pear, right?!
  • Pear works as the middleman to help connect sponsors & groups in need
  • Pear helps to create the Pear & the group leader invites others to join
  • A dedicated community manager at Pear will help groups get the most money from their Pear.
  • The Pear is shared with others who complete digital incentives to earn more money
  • Each group can earn up to $1,000. within a 10-day time frame.
  • That $1,000 can be used towards team apparel
  • Each team member completes digital steps on behalf of Safeskin to earn dollars
  • For every step team members complete, they'll get dollars towards their goal
  • The more tasks you complete, the more $$ you earn for your sponsorship
  •  At the end of the 10-day period, group leaders claim an online certificate for the amount earned redeemable at any Pear printer
  • You get to keep whatever amount you earn
  • It's completely free to participate
  • So far there are more than 1,400 participants and 100 Pears

    The fine print - Group award valid at any participating Pear printer partner.  Requires application of 3"x4" Proudly sponsored by + brand logo on apparel alongside your custom design.  Limit one sponsorship/award per group; no cash value.  Adult sports teams are subject to cancellation. 

    If you are like me and always need to see something in action to understand it - here is a great video to help with just that! 



    Release Date!



    Whoohoo!! I am so excited to see this out on video - my daughter and I got to see the movie in theaters and absolutely loved it!! I'm honestly not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but she is great in this movie! Maleficent will be coming to Disney Blu-ray Combo Pack, Digital HD, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand November 4th.  This wickedly fun twist on the classic "Sleeping Beauty" comes with spellbinding bonus features including: deleted scenes, "Building An Epic Battle," the meticulous detail that went into creating Maleficent's elaborate head wraps in "Classic Couture" and more!

    Like on Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent
    Follow on Twitter - https://www.facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent
    Stay updated through their website - http://www.disney.com/Maleficent

    Complete with Pepcid



    Disclaimer: I have received information, product, and materials from McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., the makers of PEPCID. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post for Mom It Forward.

    I am a huge fan of pizza!  There's nothing better than a good pizza with a ton of cheese and some crispy pepperoni!  But, along with most good food, there comes a price and with pizza, it just happens to be heartburn.  Usually it won't hit me until sometime in the middle of the night, then I'll have to get up to take something for it so I can go back to sleep.  These past few weeks for some reason I have been really craving pizza! So I indulged a couple times and bought pizza for the family.  Depending on where I get my pizza from, certain places seem to give me more heartburn than others.  So....I decided to put Pepcid to the test and get my favorite pizza, which happens to be the one that gives me the most heartburn too.  Now since Pepcid works right at the onset of heartburn, I thought I would give it a try once, before I consumed the pizza and the next time I had pizza I waited until the onset.  Both times, it worked like a charm! The second time when I waited until the onset, I took Pepcid Chewables right away and within ten minutes my heartburn was gone. 

    Now, I'm really not a fan a taking medication on a daily basis to prevent something, I would rather just take it when needed.  That's what I love about Dual Action Pepcid Complete!  It's in my hands when I want to take it.  I can take it right on the onset of heartburn! Pepcid Complete works on acid indigestion not simply indigestion.  Pepcid products start working fast and offer uncompromising relief that last all day. This is now my go to medicine. With a range of products, Pepcid works by reducing the stomach acid that causes heartburn. 

    Two things I love about Pepcid -
    1. It really lasts all day or night! No need to keep taking it every couple hours.  
    2. The taste!  It's an easy to chew tablet that tastes like berry & really tasty!
    Connect with Pepcid here and join in the conversation with not only the brand, but others that suffer from heartburn as well. 

    Camping with Pillsbury’s



    Our family loves to camp! Even if it's too hot to camp, we enjoy just taking day trips to the lake or take a drive up into the mountains.  I hope you’ve been able to take advantage of these beautiful summer afternoons and nights with family and friends as well! If you’re looking to get out of the house and into the heat, Pillsbury is here to share some creative, easy (and yummy) ideas to entertain the little ones for hours.  Living on the West Coast, we have an advantage of grilling just about year round - it's my favorite way to cook!  Just grab a tent, make a fire and dish up some of these camp-inspired ideas for a night of magical family moments under the stars.
     
    1.       Have a kid-friendly backyard “drive-in” movie night with a large bed sheet and projector.
    2.       Food on a stick is fun with Pillsbury’s Crescent Dog on a Stick – no cleanup required!
    3.       Use glow necklaces and glow bracelets for a few rounds of nighttime ring toss.
    4.       Pillsbury’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are easy to make ahead and will be the star of  any summer potluck.
    5.       Tie vases to your fence or deck and fill with plants or flowers to spruce up the party.
    6.       What’s an outdoor summer night without s’mores? Pillsbury’s Grilled Chocolate Chip S'more Cookie Pizza is a fun twist on the classic treat but when the bugs start buzzing too loudly, try this melt-y dessert that can be enjoyed inside - S'mores Pizza Roll Up.
    7.       String paper lanterns in low hanging branches to light up the night.  
    8.       Making Pillsbury’s Grilled Half and Half Pizza is easy to do when following along with this how-to video.
    9.       No pool? Stay cool by frolicking through sprinklers on a hot afternoon.  
    10.   Grilled Biscuit Cheeseburgers are quick and easy summer meals.
     
    The recipes above are simple enough for kids to help mom prepare in the kitchen and quickly transport to the backyard for fun and entertainment. For more gooey snacks that all ages will enjoy, check out our 10 s'mores recipes to make before summer ends!
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