Donna's World

Planning and Creating your Garden

2012-01-31T00:46:00.001-06:00

Planning and Creating your Garden

Author: Cristian Stan

We all love to have a creative and personalized atmosphere outside. If you have a patio or courtyard perhaps you are trying to find creative decorating ideas to give it a more relaxed and comfortable feeling. Regardless of the size of your home you can give it a high quality and look design to it while being within a budget.

Planning Your Garden One of the first things you need to do is plan your garden. What do you want to get from your garden? Are you interested in growing fruits or vegetables or just having a flower garden? There are a number of options and you can even opt for growing herbs. Consider the space you are going to have set aside for your garden as this plays a huge role in what you grow or create.

Make sure it’s not going to be cluttered and free from things being in the way. You want it to be a garden and a centerpiece as well as a conversation piece. Consider sitting down in the area to see what kind of feel it gives and determine if you want it to be a place for dining as well as entertaining.

Are you interested in placing a fountain in your garden? If you do, you are going to need to get a professional involved for the plumbing of your fountain. Do you want wind chimes as well for light music when the wind blows?

Creating Your Small Garden Once you have taken the time to think about what you want from your garden as well as the purpose it will have, it’s time to start building it. You need to consider what you are going to use to hold your plants in. Are you going to use porcelain or plastic pots? There are wooden ones as well as clay o cast iron planters to choose from to fit your garden’s appearance.

You want to determine the location for your plants as well as what plants you want. Make sure they are going to be in ideal growing conditions as some plants require more sun and others are not going to require much at all.

Consider the type of soil you want to have in your garden as well. You should use a soil that is going to provide for your plants. You need to keep your plants watered as well. There are some soils that help retain moisture and these are often better for those who have hectic lifestyles. Having your own garden can take a lot of work and if done properly, can become a focal point of your yard. Consider adding in some color to your garden and try to steer clear of same colored flowers. This can add more volume and can allow you to have a garden that is unique and truly your very own.

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

2012-01-26T01:32:00.002-06:00

Can you believe it is already the end of January 2012? Here we are in the middle of winter. So far the winter weather has not been too bad here this year, but I know that many other places in the country have not been so lucky. I wanted to review some tips for safer winter driving.

1. Check the weather forecast
That is something that is easy to do, but I sometimes forget to check it myself. If there is some nasty weather coming your way, you can adjust your plans. You may need to leave earlier or cancel your trip.

2. Avoid driving in very bad weather whenever possible
If the weather is REALLY bad, I mean when the National Weather Service has issued a severe winter storm warning or a blizzard warning, just stay home! Call in at work. School will likely be cancelled, but even if it isn't, keep your kids home. Your life and the lives of your children are more important than school or a job.

3. Keep your car maintenance up to date
Keep it tuned up, the oil changed, and the tires rotated. Winterize your car if needed. Replace old windshield wipers, and fix anything that could cause a breakdown. Remember to keep your gas tank full. That way you can keep warm if you get stuck.

4. Drive properly for the conditions
If the road is slick - slow down! Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. Start breaking long before you actually have to stop to avoid skidding. If you do skid, turn into the direction of the skid without slamming on the brakes.

4. Have an emergency kit in your car
Emergency preparedness is very important. Every year I hear about someone freezing to death because their car got stuck, and they couldn't keep warm. There are many things that are important to have in your emergency kit. In the winter keep a very warm blanket in your car. Some hand and foot warmers would help keep you warm also.

The Esurrance blog had a list of the top 11 must haves for your winter kit.
---Chains
---Jumper cables
---Cat litter. If you get stuck, it can create the traction you need to get unstuck.
---Shovel
---Basic tool kit including pliers, screwdriver, adjustable wrench, pocket knife, duct tape, rope.
---Flashlight (and extra batteries)
---Warm clothes
---Food and water
---First aid kit
---AM/FM radio. (Battery-powered)
---A good book - in case you are stuck there for a long while.

I hope these tips were helpful to ensure your safe winter driving. Remember that winter is already half over, and soon it will be warm again.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Helping Christian Organizations With A Family Focus

2012-01-25T15:29:00.000-06:00

Are you a Christian who is looking to donate your time or your services to those who may be in need? If you are, you will find that you have an unlimited number of options. A large number of individuals and organizations can benefit from your time, money, as well as other donations.

While volunteering or donating to most reputable Christian organizations or programs is worth the time or money, you may want to place most of your focus on supporting programs and organizations that have a family focus. Many devoted Christians are concerned with the way that school systems have eliminated much needed after school programs. Others want to help families that are having difficulty raising their children.

If you decide to offer your support to Christian organizations, you will find that you can do so both online and locally. Although both options are good approaches to take, you should know that helping your own community members has a number of different benefits. You may also find it easier to offer your services to families or organizations in need of volunteers and donations on the local level.

When looking to volunteer or donate money or other goods to local Christian organizations, you will find that you have a number of different options. These options are most apparent when looking at the goals of each local organization. For instance, there are a large number of Christian organizations who aim to help those with marriage problems. Although your main goal may be to assist those with children, marriage counseling or support may be able to accomplish just that. When children are involved in divorces, especially difficult divorces, they are impacted in many ways.

There are also a number of Christian organizations that aim to help parents become better with what they do and how. Those who are young parents, single parents, or those who suffered abuse as a child themselves often use these programs and organizations. Although many of these organizations focus on the parents and the parents alone, it is important to remember that your volunteer work, especially from a support and mentor capacity, could have a positive impact on the lives of countless children. You may also want to volunteer as a babysitter for parents who are unable to make childcare arrangements to attend Christian parenting classes.

As previously noted, you also have the option of volunteering with online Christian organizations. They are ones that tend to try and help those in need over the internet. Single parents or parents who may have a difficult time raising their children, may prefer getting guidance and support online. In addition to having transportation issues or childcare problems, it is not uncommon for some parents to feel as if they failed their children when reaching out for support.

If you are interested in volunteering your time, money, or other goods to online Christian organizations that have family focuses, you may want to perform a standard internet search. This internet search should be performed with keyword phrases, such as “family Christian programs,” or “families in need Christians.” You may also want to examine the Focus on Family, the Family Research Council, and the Youth for Christ organizations. They all have outstanding reputations and strive to help families in need.

Yoplait Frozen Smoothies Coupon

2012-01-13T18:10:00.002-06:00

Yoplait frozen smoothies newest flavor is Chocolate Banana. It sounds good! You can download a printable *coupon for $1.00 off one package of Yoplait® Frozen Smoothies.

*This coupon offer is not valid in the following states: including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

I received this information and the coupon offer from Yoplait through MyBlogSpark. I did not receive any reimbursement for this post.

An Example in Tim Tebow

2012-01-12T16:59:00.000-06:00

I have to admit that I don't know much about football, but even I have heard about Tim Tebow. He is the Denver Broncos quarterback who kneels in prayer before, during and after games. He promotes John (3:16) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

From what I have read, people either love him or hate him. It is wonderful that kids have a popular sports figure who is shares about his faith. He points to "The One" who is deserving of our worship. It got me thinking about how I can share about Jesus more in my everyday life.

How do you share about Jesus?

Free TurboTax Online

2012-01-11T19:38:00.001-06:00

I wanted to let you know about the TurboTax Online Free Edition. I always use TurboTax, but I haven't tried the online free edition. I am thinking about using it this year. Have you tried it?

"Your biggest tax refund, guaranteed. 100% accurate calculations, guaranteed. Up to date with the latest tax laws to help ensure your taxes are done right. Fastest refund possible, with free e-file." Click Here to try it.

Free T-Shirt

2012-01-10T13:49:00.001-06:00

1 FREE Customized T-Shirt! Choose from a variety of designs and add your own text to make your design unique! The T-Shirts are made of 100% Pre-Shrunk cotton and are available in sizes from S to XXL The T-Shirt is FREE, just pay for Shipping and Processing! Click Here

Easy and Healthy Casserole Recipes

2012-01-09T19:30:00.000-06:00

Free eCookbook: 27 Easy and Healthy Casserole Recipes For You, featuring over 35 pages of tasty and healthy casserole recipes + FaveDiets Quick and Healthy Recipes newsletter for FREE! Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection of quick and easy healthy casserole recipes perfect for any meal. You'll find tons of easy and casseroles, including healthy chicken casserole recipes, vegetable casseroles and much more! The eCookbook has easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions for favorites, including Make Ahead Healthy Chicken Casserole (page 15), Hearty Amish Beef Casserole (page 26) and Cheddar Sunrise Hash Brown Casserole (page 32). Click Here

6 Coupon Inserts This Week

2012-01-08T07:06:00.002-06:00

There are supposed to be 6 coupon inserts in the Sunday paper this week. Sometimes it varies by location.

Check out the list here: Coupon List

God Adopted Us

2012-01-07T03:19:00.001-06:00

God Adopted Us

A fellow blogger, Yeo KH, posted this. When we accept Christ, we adopted by God.
Check it out.

Dish Network Deal

2012-01-06T08:39:00.002-06:00

Do you have Dish Network? We have it and love it! When we had cable some of the channels were fuzzy, but on Dish Network they are all very clear. I mainly wanted Fox News and some kids channels. There are several packages available, and you can get it for around the same price as cable.

I wanted to let you know that I was notified about a promotion where you can get $50 off your bill! It is a referral type thing. If you want me to send you a referral certificate for your $50 off, just leave a message here or send me your email to:
donna444444 AT yahoo DOT com.

I would receive a referral bonus if you sign up, but I did not receive any compensation for posting this. I really like Dish Network.

Cat Hugs Baby Kitten Having Nightmare

2012-01-05T00:49:00.000-06:00

The Survival Podcast

2012-01-04T00:56:00.000-06:00

I wanted to let you know about a great podcast that I love. It is called The Survival Podcast by Jack Spirko. He has tips about being prepared, gardening, food storage, and much more. And the great news is: It is free! He does have a section that costs for extra benefits, but the podcasts are free. His goal is "Helping You Live the Life You Want, If Times Get Tough, Or Even If They Don't". I would definitely recommend The Survival Podcast.

I did not receive any compensation for this post. I love the site!

We Are All Criminals Now

2012-01-03T21:46:00.001-06:00

Steve Quayle: We Are All Criminals Now - The Countdown Begins
by Omega Man
Airdate: Tue, Jan 3, 2012

All Christians and those who are curious - please listen!

Listen to internet radio with Omega Man on Blog Talk Radio

Mountain House Sale at Safecastle

2012-01-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

It is a new year and a time for new beginnings.

It is also a time to think about your preparations for hard times.

Safecastle is having a great sale on their cases of Mountain House products thru January 15. It is 25% off which is the maximum allowable discount on Mountain House products.

Free shipping to the continental US.

Buyers Club members get special reward gift certificates for their MH cans case purchases ($50 for every three cases). They also get Royalty Rewards which are more things free for buying certain quantities.

I like the Buyers Club, but you don't have to be a member to get the 25% off Mountain House. I have ordered from them several times, and the process was great. Their customer service is very good. I am a happy customer, so I became an affiliate. Check out Safecastle today!

New Year's Day

2012-01-01T01:38:00.000-06:00

Happy New Years!

I hope and pray it will be a better year for us. We have had many health issues in my family, and unfortunately I lost my sister in December. I will post more about that later. Christmas was tough, and I just couldn't blog much. I wanted to expain my absense.

I am going to try to blog daily if possible. I have several reviews and giveaways to post.

Best wishes to you this year!

Cute Idea - I Caught Santa Claus

2011-12-21T11:05:00.002-06:00

Imagine the look of wonder and surprise when a child receives a photo of Santa caught in the act in his or her very own home. iCaughtSanta.com is a unique website that helps visitors create those memorable keepsake photos.

In three simple steps anyone can upload a holiday photo, add Santa Claus and print it as proof… or share it via Facebook and Twitter. Last-minute shoppers can purchase Gift Cards and eGift Certificates for loved ones with children, making iCaughtSanta.com a great gift idea even if you don't have kids yourself.

You can save today. Enter SANTA50 and get your entire order for 1/2 price!

Merry Christmas!

By sharing this I will be entered in a contest.

Shutterfly Family Photo Days

2011-11-08T12:10:00.001-06:00

I love to take pictures. I take pictures of many people and things, but I enjoy taking photos of my family the most. Many times I can't think of any original ideas for good photos. Several of our photos are posed near the front door. I have taken pictures where everyone had their eyes closed! I need help coming up with creative ideas and ways to improve my photos.

Do you send pesonalized Christmas cards? I want to create personalized holiday cards, but I want to have just the right picture. Shutterfly is having “Family Photo Days” throughout November. Family Photo Days are about getting together with other families to play around with different photo ideas. It’s a chance to give your kids an opportunity to act silly and have fun, and capture those moments to share with your extended family and friends. The activities and resources are to help you get a fantastic online holiday card.

To organize your own Family Photo Day Shutterfly has provided many great resources such as:

Digital toolkit posted online with many ideas how to take better pictures

Styling Tips on video by Jenn Falik - Style and Beauty Expert

Shutterfly Meetup Everywhere Page to meet with others

They are having a holiday photo contest where you can win a full year of FREE cards. Plus every entry gets a code for 5 free cards! there will be 5 winners based on type of photo – best funny family photo, most unique family photo, etc.

Check out the great Christmas cards and Holiday cards at Shutterfly.

This post was sponsored by Shutterfly and Global Influence. I am to receive a code for 50 free cards from Shutterfly for posting about Shutterfly Family Photo Days.

The Big Bang Theory in Syndication

2011-10-18T22:22:00.002-05:00

In episode 1 of season 2 of The Big Bang Theory, Leonard and Penny go on their first date. Both people feel insecure about the date and unbeknownst to them both, each of them has feelings for the other person. When Leonard learns of Penny’s insecurity about her intelligence, he gives her brochures to a local community college and tells her he is fine dating a girl who isn’t smart. Penny abruptly slams the door in his face.

I was asked "In your opinion, What are the top 3 things that a man should never say to a women? Is this a dealbreaker?"

Top 3 Things to Never Say to a Woman
1. You look fat.
2. You don't look pretty.
3. Meet my wife.

Each of those would be a deal breaker for me. How about you?

Don' forget The Big Bang Theory is now on 5 Night a Week. Go to www.bigbangweeknights.com to check your local listings.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory in Syndication.

The Big Bang Theory 5 Night a Week

2011-10-10T23:12:00.000-05:00

In episode 13 from season one of The Big Bang Theory, “The Bat Jar Conjecture,” which airs Wednesday October 10th, Sheldon’s arrogance ostracizes him from the group which leads to him competing directly against his friends with Sheldon's Group.

I was asked "Have you ever competed against a good friend? If your best friend knew that one item that would make a mends, what would it be? Is it as funny as a batman cookie jar?"

I competed against friends for good grades in school, but I did not have any angry competitions. I don't know what would make a mends.

The Big Bang Theory is now on 5 Night a Week. Go to www.bigbangweeknights.com to check your local listings.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory in Syndication.

10 Holiday Planning Tips

2011-10-05T09:18:00.005-05:00

Can you believe it is already October? There are only 7 weeks till Thanksgiving, and there are only 11 weeks till Christmas. Yikes! Where does the time go?

It seems that I, like most people, get very busy over the Holidays. Every year I tell myself I am going to be more organized. I wanted to give you some tips for holiday planning.

1. Make out your Christmas lists. My son keeps a running wish list for Christmas and his birthday. :) If he sees a movie or a game he likes, he writes it down.

2. Decide the logistics of Thanksgiving.
Where will you be celebrating? Who will cook the turkey? If you are not eating at your house, what will you need to bring?

3. Purchase baking supplies and things for the meals when you find them on sale.
My mom usually cooks the turkey, and she just freezes it until Thanksgiving. I like to purchase my supplies to make Christmas cookies.

4. Get your Christmas cards.
Check out the Storkie Christmas cards. The picture above is from their website. They have many cute styles. You can also get matching custom postage stamps, envelope seals, and address labels.

5. Address your Christmas Cards.
At Storkie.com you can get your return address printed on the envelopes. You can even get have the recipient's name and address printed on the front.

6. Gather your decorations to be ready when it is time to hang them.
I usually keep mine in the attic. I try to keep them all in the same area, so I don't have to search for things when I am ready to decorate.

7. You can wrap presents.
If you really want to get a head start on Christmas preparations, you could start wrapping presents now and wrap them as you purchase them.

8. Purchase any needed decorations.
Look for sales on Christmas decorations. They are the cheapest after Christmas, but if you need something for this Christmas, there will be plenty of sales.

9. Get busy shopping for Christmas presents.
I shop throughout the year and purchase when I see something at a really good price. I have to hide the presents for my kids at a relative's house, or they will find them.

10. Remember to keep the focus on "The Reason for the Season" which is the birth of Jesus who came to take away our sins. It is easy to get to distracted with the activities of the Holidays, so we have to make it a priority.

I hope these tips are helpful in your Holiday planning. Looking at the list I realized there are several things I could be doing now myself.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the Storkie holiday blogging program. I received compensation for my participation. All opinions are 100% mine.

Big Bang Theory 5 Nights a Week

2011-10-03T18:45:00.002-05:00

If you love comedy then you're in for a treat...5 nights a week! Get your daily recommended dose of laughs from the Big Bang Theory 5 nights a week! http://bit.ly/pzVRir

I have been hired by WBWord to promote the Big Bang Theory 5 nights a week.

Finding Local Christian Organizations and Programs

2011-10-03T18:34:00.002-05:00

Are you a Christian who is interested in volunteering in a Christian organization or a Christian program? If you are, do you already have an idea as to which program or programs you would like to offer your support to? If not, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to finding a local Christian organization or a Christian program to volunteer with, you will find that you have a number of different options. One of those options involves speaking with your church congregation leaders. Church officials are often the best source of information, in terms of programs that can use assistance from devoted Christians. In addition to giving the name and contact information a Christian program or organization that could use your assistance, you may find that your church already runs a similar organization or has plans to do so in the near future.

In addition to your church leaders, you may also want to speak with your other church congregation members. You may be surprised how many individuals take steps to volunteer in or around their community. Other church congregation members may have suggestions to offer you. These suggestions are nice, as they may have first hand experience with the groups being recommended. This means that you should have an idea as to what would be expected of you. You may even find church congregation members who would like to help you start a new Christian group.

The phone book is another one of the many ways that you can go about finding local Christian organizations. While the phone book can be a little bit tricky, in terms of finding non-profit organizations and programs, it is more than possible to do. What you may first want to do is check in your yellow pages. Some non-profit organizations are listed there. You may also want to find the contact information for other Christian churches in your area, as they may have their own organizations and programs that need support. While contacting other nearby churches is a nice approach to take, you will first want to check with your own church first.

The internet is another one of the many ways that you can find Christian programs and organizations to join and volunteer. In fact, the internet is a wealth of information. If you already know the names of a few local organizations or programs, like ones that have been recommended to you, you may want to perform a standard internet search with that information. If the organization in question is one that operates on a national level, you may want to include your city or state in with your standard internet search. This approach is nice if you are looking to narrow down your search.

You can also use the internet to find Christian organizations and programs that you do not already know the names of. The best way to do so is by performing a standard internet search. You may want to search with phrases such as “Christian organizations,” or “Christian volunteering.” It may also be a good idea to tailor your search if you are looking for something in particular. For instance, if you would like to help out youths, your internet search should include the phrases “Christian youth organizations,” and so forth.

Another one of the many ways that you can find local Christian programs and organizations to help with is by keeping your eyes and your ears open. Local Christian organizations, especially when hosting events, often advertise. These advertisements may appear in your local newspapers or on community bulletin boards. You can use the information provided to contact the organizers to see if any volunteer assistance is needed.

The above mentioned approaches are the best ways to go about finding local Christian programs and organizations to help. As a reminder, if you are looking to volunteer locally, you may first want to speak with those in your church congregation, including church leaders.

Compact Chillout Fan Giveaway

2011-09-29T22:19:00.001-05:00

Enter to Win a Compact Chillout Fan Giveaway at tinyurl.com/3k29obu.
Ends tonight.

The Big Bang Theory 5 nights a Week in Syndication!

2011-09-23T23:35:00.004-05:00

#TheBigBangTheory is coming at you 5 nights a week! Get your local time & channel here: http://bit.ly/pzVRir

Can't get enough of The Big Bang Theory? Wish you could watch it more than once a week? Well, fret not more! Watch the show 5 nights a week, check here for your local time and channel! http://bit.ly/pzVRir

The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD

2011-09-16T10:33:00.002-05:00

Until season 4, 'The Big Bang Theory' primarily focused on the core friendship of the guys with Penny as the lone girl. In Season 4, Penny gets some girlfriends with the introduction of Bernadette and Amy. I was asked "Do you think that guys and girls can have standalone deep friendship or do girls need girl time and guys need time with the boys?"
I think guys and girls can have deep friendships, but there is always the risk that one or both of the people may get romantic feelings about the other person. For single people, that is fine. But it is dangerous for married people. It is a good idea for girls to have female friends and boys to have male friends.

Get The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD available here: http://bit.ly/nXVJHe

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

Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD/Blu-Ray

2011-09-16T05:54:00.003-05:00

Season 5 ended with a banger between the gates of Hell opening up and fights with angels it was quite a departure from the earlier seasons but demonstrates how the show has evolved. I was asked "What was your favorite part of the earlier seasons and were you prepared for season 6?"
I am a new viewer, so I can't really answer that. The series is really exciting.

The pits of Hell have opened up and it's up to the Winchesters to fight for humanity and themselves! Find out here with Season 6 on DVD and Blu-Ray https://bitly.com/r2CsjG #spwb

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

Kitten Massage

2011-09-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

This is so cute!

TrueCare Online Monitoring

2011-09-15T19:33:00.005-05:00

I had the opportunity to try TrueCare online monitoring. It is a way to monitor your child's online activity. I received some alerts that my son had become a friend of some adults. On further investigation I found that they were kids that had lied about their ages when they signed up. I felt much better knowing there was an additional layer of safety around my child's online activity.

Sign up for a free 60-day trial at truecare.com/bzzagent.

But remember these points:
•Nothing takes the place of being a good parent
TrueCare is a tool to help parents protect their children by staying involved in their social networking activity. It’s not a replacement for all around good parenting.

•Parents and children should use TrueCare together
TrueCare provides resources to help parents and kids communicate about the dangers of social networking and encourages parents to involve their children in setting up their TrueCare account. For tips on how to talk to your children about these topics, read over TrueCare’s Family Social Media Agreement.

•TrueCare is about educating and protecting, not about spying Parents are only alerted when potentially dangerous posts are found; they don’t see every post their child makes. They’re also encouraged to discuss the alerts with their child and explain why the information they posted may be harmful or concerning.

I would recommend this monitoring service. Sign up for a free 60-day trial at truecare.com/bzzagent.

I received a free trial through BzzAgent. No other compensation was received.

Heely's are Fun!

2011-09-14T21:02:00.006-05:00

Have you ever tried Heely's? They are fun shoes with wheels in the heels. You can remove the wheels, and they look like a cool pair of athletic shoes.

My kids love them! They have had a lot of fun skating and learning new tricks.

Heely's has a lot of information online.
Skate 101 Section:
Shows how to install and remove the wheels.
How to install the heel plugs.
The basics of Heeling and safety.

There is a section about different tricks you can do while wearing your Heely's.
Tricks listed such as:
180
Fish Tail
Propulsion Switch
Revert
Shuffling
Switching
and many, many more!

Check out the Heely's Safety Playbook.

You can get your own Heely's and check out the deal of the week.

We really loved our Heely's.
Heely's would make a great Christmas or birthday present.

I received a set of Heely's to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received.

The Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD

2011-09-12T22:20:00.002-05:00

Sheldon and Leonard are best friends and roommates who pester each other to no end! This couldn't be more apparent than in Sheldon and Leonard's blinding Roommate Agreement. 'The Big Bang Theory' shows us that living with a roommate can often be a great but difficult experience.

I was asked "What is your most memorable roommate experience? What do you think of Sheldon and Leonard's relationship?"

I had 2 roommates for a year in med school. Honestly, we were all so busy that we didn't have time to socialize much. Sheldon and Leonard's relationship is interesting!

Order Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD/Blu-Ray http://bit.ly/oLtFCY

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

Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season on DVD

2011-09-12T22:02:00.003-05:00

Season six of Supernatural focuses on the brother's relationship as they battle Heaven and Hell. The two brothers spend endless amounts of time traveling together, encountering demons and a trench coat wearing angel.

I was asked "If given the choice, would you choose your own sibling to help you in this battle, or would you chosse someone else."
I would chose one of my sisters because they are my best friends.

Get Supernatural: The Complete Sixth Season (Blu-Ray) http://bit.ly/o4wWQJ

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

Family Talk Review

2011-09-10T00:13:00.004-05:00

Since I have 2 teenagers, I am always looking for ways to get them to talk to me. I received a game called Family Talk. It is a set of 100 portable conversation questions about diverse topics. It is fun!

Family Talk takes the dinner table conversation with you wherever you go. You can play in the car, at dinner, or on vacation.

Created by a Mom/Occupational Therapist Beth Daniels, it began as a business of bringing families together through conversation.

It was the Conversation Game of the Year in 2009 Creative Child Magazine and has been seen on the Today Show.

You can get it on the website at http://www.aroundthetablegames.com/ It is perfect as a stocking stuffer or for traveling.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

#1 Yu-Be Skin Cream

2011-09-09T23:41:00.004-05:00

Yu-Be (pronounced "YOO-BEE") is the #1 selling medicated, vitamin-enriched skin care cream in Japan. It is a glycerin-based moisturizer that has been manufactured in Japan since 1957.

It contains:
Glycerin - Natural "Humectant" attracts and retains moisture in the skin, making it softer.
Vitamin E - Natural anti-oxidant and skin protector. Vitamin B2 - Helps to smooth rough or damaged skin - also gives Yu-Be its natural yellow color.
Camphor - Helps soothe minor skin irritations and improves blood circulation and is a natural product from the camphor laurel tree-it is cooling, a local anesthetic and anti microbial

It has a a rich, creamy texture that absorbs into your skin instantly. It helped to protect and moisturize my skin.

You can get Yu-Be skin cream is now available at your local Sephora and Sephora.com.

Check out their website at http://www.yu-be.com/.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Barkonomics: Tips for Frugal Fidos

2011-09-09T23:10:00.007-05:00

Are you looking for ways to save money on your dog supplies? Barkonomics: Tips for Frugal Fidos is the 28th book by Paris Permenter & John Bigley. They are the publishers of DogTipper.com.

The guide features over 300 tips organized such as dog food, fun, veterinary care and prescriptions, training, travel, and more. They interviewed dog experts in all areas of dog care, from vets to groomers. They set about finding ways dog lovers could reduce their costs while providing their dogs with a healthy, happy lifestyle.

It is a good book with many saving tips. I am always looking for ways to save money, and it was helpful.

You can get the book on their website DogTipper.com or on Amazon.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Purely American

2011-09-09T17:35:00.005-05:00

I wanted to tell you about a great company called Purely American. I found the site through groupon. They have over 80 Storytelling Mixes that include handcrafted bean soup, chili, pasta, and dessert mixes. They are made in Athens, Ohio.

They have great customer service! As you know I traveled to help my sister who is ill. My second groupon had expired. I contacted Purely American and asked if they could extend my groupon. They did it with no questions asked! Now that is good customer service.

My favorite so far is the Minnesota Lake Country Chicken & Wild Rice Soup. It is one of the group of the Slow Cooker Gourmet mixes. It was easy to prepare and tasted delicious.

I was not asked to post this, and I did not receive any compensation for it. I just wanted to tell you about a good company with great customer service. I think we should support the companies that do a good job and are nice. I will certainly be a repeat customer.

Are You Prepared?

2011-09-09T00:42:00.006-05:00

Big Bang Theory: Season 4

2011-09-08T19:44:00.003-05:00

Synopsis
"Leonard and Sheldon are brilliant physicists, the kind of "beautiful minds" that understand how the universe works. But none of that genius helps them interact with people, especially women. All this begins to change when a free-spirited beauty named Penny moves in next door. Sheldon, Leonard's roommate, is quite content spending his nights playing Klingon Boggle with their socially dysfunctional friends, fellow Caltech scientists Wolowitz and Koothrappali. However, Leonard sees in Penny a whole new universe of possibilities ... including love."

Do you think that brilliant people are rather clueless about the dating scene? The people I have met who are geniuses usually don't care about social things. Their minds are on much more important stuff. The guys on the show should read something like "Dating for Dummies" if there is such a book!

You can order Big Bang Theory: Season 4 on DVD/Blu-Ray http://bit.ly/oLtFCY

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

Keeping Kids Safe Around Electricity

2011-09-08T19:25:00.004-05:00

Just one conversation might make all the difference. Southern California Edison, one of the nation’s largest electricity providers, asks that at least once a year, parents teach their children about how electricity works, what it does, and how to stay safe around it. Every season has opportunities to discuss these issues, and September is especially appropriate because it’s National Preparedness Month.

Why is electrical safety important? Consider this:
• The most recent statistical data from the National Fire Protection Association indicates an annual average of almost 51,000 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction.
• Those fires claim nearly 500 lives, injuring more than 1,400 people, resulting in more than $1.3 billion in property damage.
• Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that nearly 400 people are electrocuted in the United States each year.
• The National Institutes of Health reports that though childhood deaths due to electrocution are rare, they are more likely to occur when children are playing around electrical wires or equipment, and often result from either faulty apparatus, or a lack of understanding of the potential dangers involved. The majority of deaths, 69 percent, occur in or around the home.

How electricity travels
Electricity is always trying to get to the ground and will take the easiest path. Like all good travelers, electricity takes shortcuts whenever it can. If something that conducts electricity gives electricity an easy path to the ground, electricity will take it.

Water and metal are some of the best conductors for electricity. Because our bodies are mostly water, we are a great conductor, too. So if you touch an electric circuit and the ground at the same time, you will become electricity’s easiest path. Electricity will flow through you, and you could be seriously hurt or killed. This is why it’s so important to keep all electrical appliances away from water, and to make sure your hands are dry and you are not standing in water when you touch anything electrical. It’s also the reason no one should ever use water on an electrical fire, but should use a multipurpose fire extinguisher instead.

You don’t have to be touching the ground directly to conduct electricity. You could also be touching something that is in contact with the ground, like a tree or a ladder.

Electricity, You, and Appliances
Appliances and electronic devices have protective insulated cords and coverings to keep you from contacting the electricity inside – if a cord is frayed, get it repaired or replace it. It’s important to use appliances and cords the way they were designed to be used so you don’t damage the insulation or contact live electrical parts. If a live wire inside an appliance, toy, or power tool touches the inside of the device and you touch the device, it would be like touching a bare live wire. You cannot tell from the outside if there is a problem inside, so you should always act as if there were danger of shock.

Why Can Birds and Utility Workers Touch Power Lines But We Can’t?
Have you ever wondered why the birds that sit on power lines don’t get electric shocks? It’s because the electricity is always looking for a way to get to the ground, but the birds are not touching the ground or anything in contact with the ground.

If you touched a power line while you were in contact with the ground (or standing on a ladder or roof) electricity would travel through you. And if your kite or balloon got tangled in a power line and you touched the string, electricity could travel down the string and into you on its way to the ground. Both situations would mean a serious shock!

Have you ever wondered why people who work up on power lines don’t get shocked? Utility workers are trained to work with electricity. They wear special insulated boots, hardhats, and gloves, and use special insulated tools that help prevent shock. It would be a bad idea to climb a power pole and imitate them — and possibly fatal!

Tree & Power Line Safety
Lots of kids like to climb and play in trees. Follow these tips to stay safe:
• Never allow kids to climb in or play in trees, forts or tree houses that next to power lines.
• Never touch a power line with your hand or with any other object, whether you are in a tree or on the ground.
• Call your electric utility if you see trees growing close to high-voltage power lines or contacting these lines. (High-voltage lines are the ones at the very top of power poles.)
• If you see a power line that has fallen into a tree or onto the ground, stay away and call 911 immediately. Even if they are not sparking or humming, fallen lines can kill you if you touch them or the ground nearby.
• Before planting a tree, call your local utility locator service to make sure you won’t dig into underground power lines. Don’t let kids play near electrical equipment such as power lines, substations or transformers. They carry dangerous amounts of electricity.
• If you get caught in a lightning storm, go indoors immediately. If you can’t get indoors: Get in a hardtop car; stay away from trees, tall objects or anything metal; stay away from water (pools, rivers, ponds or lakes); and avoid wide open areas such as sports fields or golf courses.

Electric Shock
If someone has been shocked, there’s a chance they may still be in contact with the source of the electricity. Do NOT touch the person or anything he or she is touching. You could become part of electricity’s path and be shocked or even killed. Take these three steps:
1. Turn off the main power to the house.
2. Call for help (usually 911). Tell them it is an electrical accident.
3. When the victim is not in contact with the source of electricity and you’re sure there is no danger, tell an adult to give first aid for electrical injury. This may include CPR.
4. Don’t touch burns, break blisters, or remove burned clothing. Electrical shock may cause burns inside the body, so be sure the person is taken to a doctor.

Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines can hurt or kill you, even if they do not spark or hum. If you see a downed power line, stay very far away. Do not even get close to anything that is touching the line, like a tree, fence, vehicle, etc. Tell an adult to call 911 and the local electric utility to report the line.

If a Power Line Touches Your Car
If you are in a car when a power line falls on it, stay in the car. When you are in the car you are not a part of electricity’s path to the ground. Wait in the car until qualified electrical workers turn the power off and tell you it is safe to leave the vehicle. If people come near the car to help you, warn them to stay far away. Ask them to telephone 911 and the local electric utility for help.

If you MUST leave the car because of fire or other danger, JUMP away from the vehicle so no part of you touches the vehicle and ground at the same time. Land with both feet together, then shuffle away. Take very small steps and keep your feet in contact with each other and the ground constantly.

Do not try to help someone else from the car while you are standing on the ground. If you do, you will become a path for electricity and could be hurt or killed!

Once you jump from a car with a power line on it, the danger may not be over. Electricity can spread out through the ground in a circle from any downed line. The voltage drops as you move away from the point of contact. If one part of your body touches a high-voltage zone while another part of your body touches a low-voltage zone, you will become a conductor for electricity. This is why you should shuffle away from the line, keeping your feet close together.

During A Power Outage
Your family should always have a safety kit on hand. Put the items below in your kit to keep your family comfortable during a power outage. Replace all items in the kit at least once a year. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the kit is stored.
• Flashlights
• A battery-powered radio
• Extra batteries for flashlight and radio
• A three-day supply of bottled water
• Canned and dried foods
• Manual can opener
• Blankets
• First aid supplies

If you know someone who is dependent on electrically operated medical equipment, make back-up power arrangements in case a power outage affects that equipment.

Watch for traffic signals that may be out. Approach those intersections as four-way stops.

Make sure you have a battery-operated radio and flashlights. Check the batteries to make sure they are fresh. Use flashlights for lighting during a power outage; do not use candles because they pose a significant fire hazard.

Do not use equipment designed for outdoor cooking indoors. Such equipment can emit carbon monoxide and other toxic gases.

If you use a generator, place it outdoors and plug individual appliances directly into the generator, using a heavy-duty extension cord. Connecting generators directly to household circuits creates “backfeed,” which is dangerous to repair crews.

Thanks to Southern California Edison for providing this information.

Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD

2011-09-07T23:54:00.007-05:00

The guys on 'The Big Bang Theory' have a very fun and playful work dynamic, often joking around with each other and playing games. Because they work at CalTech, most of their jokes revolve around astrophysics and Wolowitz's lack of a PhD!

I have had some good friends that were co-workers. How about you? Unfortunately the friendship usually fell apart after one of us left the job. Since I work as a professional, I can't joke and laugh as much as I would like at work. It would be fun to work with the people on Big Bang Theory.

Get Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD today! http://bit.ly/neZ9Ke
I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory Season 4 on DVD.

Supernatural Season 6 on DVD

2011-09-05T22:42:00.003-05:00

Dean surprises Sam early in the season with a sudden paternal side that emerges when the two brothers investigate a case of missing babies. I was asked "What's the most surprising skill your sibling, friend, or loved one has surprised you with? Did it end up making sense given their personality?"

My sister is a registered nurse (RN). She is very smart and has a master's degree. I have been very impressed by her knowledge. It certainly made sense given her personality.

Get Supernatural Season 6 on DVD today! http://bit.ly/pOLPLa

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

Care For Your Indoor Plants

2011-09-05T22:40:00.001-05:00

It is a difficult task to keep your indoor plants
healthy. Therefore it will make a big difference if
you chose those plants that could easily adapt to the
indoor environment such as lesser light, heat and
water.

It is not uncommon for plants to grow much slower
indoors than they would outdoors. Many plants are
known to stop growing or showing sign of development
or change from fall to winter.

Indoor plants have different needs compared to outdoor
plants and this means that they should not be "killed
with kindness" either.

It is necessary to control the temperature indoors for
the plants to thrive. It is recommended to keep the
temperature between 60 degrees to 70 degrees F during
the daytime and 55 to 65 degrees during the night.

It is advisable to keep the plants away from a drafty
location as this could lead to the plants drying.
Instead of keeping your plants in direct sunlight, it
will do them good to keep them in a place that gets
adequate light but not directly from the sun.

The varying changes in the day and night temperature
will only damage the plants.

In the winter, the indoor environment gets a lot drier
than the summer. This adversely affects the plants.
Therefore it is advised to ‘spray bathe’ the plants
twice a week to keep them healthy.

Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your indoor plants healthy.

Get Nikita Season 1 on DVD

2011-09-05T22:25:00.003-05:00

Nikita and Alex grow and become a team as the show progresses, but aiding Nikita could mean death for Alex if she’s ever found out. I was asked "What is the strangest request that you’ve ever done for a friend and given the choice now would you do it again?"

I honestly couldn't think of anything. I mean, I have been asked not to tell someone something, but I haven't been asked to do something strange. Hmm....

Get Nikita Season 1 on DVD today! http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita Season 1 on DVD. http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

A Few Tips For The Indoor Gardener

2011-09-04T22:14:00.000-05:00

While all plants are quite apt to prosper indoors,
they do need more or less the same conditions to grow
as outdoor plants do. These conditions are a good
supply of fresh air, proper sunlight, water and
nutrients such as plant food commonly known as
‘fertilizer’.

We will include here a few tips that are sure to make
your indoor plants grow healthier and add beauty to
your surroundings.

Ever notice how plants will face the source of
sunlight? This is because the sun is the main source
of their nutrition. Plant leaves change water and
nutrition from the soil to food through a process
called ‘photosynthesis’.

A couple of hours of sunlight is a must for your
indoor plants. If you do not have a place where you
can have adequate sunlight, and cannot move the plants
you should consider purchasing a couple of indoor
gardening lights.

Ordinary lights will not do. Indoor gardening lights
provide enough of ultraviolet light to nourish the
plants.

Provide adequate water to your plants. Your indoor
plants need ‘room temperature’ water to survive. Do
not over water the plants, most plants die due to a
lack of water or a surplus of it than they do of any
other reason.

Follow a rule of thumb, like you test a cake you
should pierce a knitting needle into a plant
container. If the needle goes in with ease the soil is
just the right dampness, if not increase the quantity
of water a bit.

Fertilizers are also important, once a fortnight add a
scoop of indoor plant fertilizer to your plant pot.
Used tea leaves are also a very good supply of
nutrition to your plant.

Follow these simple tricks and you will see your
indoor garden prospering very soon.

Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD

2011-08-29T17:57:00.005-05:00

The brothers Winchester face a short separation from the end of Season 5 and the beginning of Season 6. Dean lives with a woman and is raising a child, and Sam is still hunting. The two brothers re-unite again and immediately get down to their old demon fighting tricks.

I was asked "What's the longest separation you've had with your sibling or best friend? What was the first thing you did when you were re-united?"
I guess the longest was approximately 6 months. When I saw my sister we hugged, and then it was like we were never apart.

Have you seen Supernatural? You need to check it out! Get Supernatural: Season 6 on DVD http://bit.ly/pOLPLa

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

Nikita Season 1 on DVD

2011-08-29T17:20:00.005-05:00

“The Division” recruits troubled youth, erase their background and shapes them into spies and assassins. I was asked "If given the chance, would you neglect your current life for one of globe trotting spy work if it meant you would have to cut all ties with everyone in your life?"

I wouldn't do it. I would miss my children and my family too much. It would be cool to do the job if I were younger and didn't have kids, but even then I would not want to cut ties with my family. How about you? Would you like to do it if you could?

I am really enjoying watching Nikita. Get Nikita Season One on DVD http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita Season 1 on DVD. http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

Oregon Chai Twitter Party

2011-08-23T08:56:00.002-05:00

Oregon Chai is hosting a Twitter party on Tuesday, August 30, from 7 to 8 p.m. Central Time. Twitter partygoers can expect tips for finding Me Time, decadent chai recipes and giveaways galore! They’ll also have the chance to virtually mingle with other chai-fanatics.

Prizes include an oversized, custom Oregon Chai tea mug, double-walled, acrylic iced chai tea cup and Oregon Chai Original Tea Latte Concentrate. One lucky participant will win a grandprize Kindle Wi-Fi! Follow @OregonChai and use hashtag #OregonChai to join in on the fun.

They are offering a $1 OFF Oregon Chai product coupon for Facebook fans who take our fun and intriguing Me, Myself and Chai personality test. Click here to take the test: http://goo.gl/0pJ5H.

This post is sponsored by Oregon Chai. No compensation was received, but by posting I was entered to win a gift card.

Save $10 at Eversave!

2011-08-23T04:45:00.004-05:00

Big news from Eversave today! They are giving away millions of dollars in site credits this week as part of a limited time member appreciation promotion. All existing Eversave members and anyone who signs up for Eversave will get $10 in Save Rewards to use on any local, online, or travel daily deal before midnight on 8/25. Hurry! This credit expires on 8/26.

Plus they have a great referral program! If you tell a friend about Eversave, you could get another $10 in credits when that friend buys a deal from Eversave for the first time!They really have something for everyone! Deals with top online merchants and deals on vacation packages nationwide, plus local deals at restaurants, spas, museums and more in 22 cities. Check out their deals and sign up for Eversave to get $10 to spend on the site before midnight on Thursday!

Nikita Season One on DVD

2011-08-22T07:52:00.004-05:00

In season one of this suspenseful series featuring international action star Maggie Q, the charming and deadly Nikita wages a war against Division, the agency that created her. Michael was the man who trained her. Now he is hunting her. But Nikita has an ace up her sleeve named Alex. She is a girl she had trained to infiltrate this secret unit of the government. This show is action packed!

There have been several moments throughout the show that Nikita has been judged solely on her looks, which is a huge mistake! Have you ever been in a situation where someone has judged you based on what you looked like? I have. I like to go shopping in jeans and a t-shirt. You can tell a lot about people based on how they treat you when they think you don't have much money. If a salesman treats me poorly when he thinks I don't have much money, he doesn't get my business.

Have you seen Nikita? Get Nikita Season One on DVD. http://bit.ly/qLjOxO

Preparing your Child for Back to School

2011-08-18T02:13:00.000-05:00

As the first day of school approaches, parents and children alike begin to run the gamut of emotions: excitement, fear, anticipation, anxiety. For those who will be experiencing a child’s very first day of school, you may feel torn between the joy of leading your child through a momentous milestone and the sadness of knowing that your child is taking yet another step out from under your influence and protection. However, preparing your child for school can have the beneficial effects of soothing nerves and strengthening bonds. Here are a few ways to help you and your child transition easily into the next important step

Make a big deal out of gathering school supplies. Set aside time during the evening or weekend to focus on the needs of your student-to-be. If possible, arrange time alone to dig together through items you already have or to make a trip to a local store for a little back-to-school shopping.

•Celebrate the last hurrah of summer. Choose your favorite summer activity and make a point to say goodbye until next summer. Take some pictures of your child in front of a recognizable object, such as a tree in the front yard or the swing set in the back yard for an opportunity to see the dramatic progress and growth from summer to summer.
•Get into the academic mindset with an inspirational movie about life in school. There are flicks from every stage of learning. Talk about what you see in the movie that relates to students, teachers, homework, and school spirit.
•Begin a few weeks early to adopt the routine of a school day. Help children get back into the habit of early wakeup and early bedtime. Add some more structure to the day by assigning an activity/reading time. Everyone grabs some type of reading material or workbook and works quietly on their own.
•Give your child a proper sendoff. Whether it is a favorite activity, a party with family and friends, or a special dinner, let your child know how special each new stage of education is and how proud you are of his accomplishments
The start of the school year is a time to start fresh. Children wipe the slate clean of the previous year and begin anew. Communicate your expectations and offer your complete support as your child prepares to embark on her next great learning adventure.

Jennifer Tankersley is the creator of ListPlanIt where you can find over 400 lists and planning pages including a Back to School Planner, Homework Schedules, Calendars (all found in Student Planning) and many more.

Mom, Do You Want More Me Time?

2011-08-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

By Aurelia Williams, author of Journey to Joy

Let’s see. You did the laundry, dropped the boys off at Karate and the girls at dance class, stopped at the grocery store for a few last minute dinner items...What’s missing? As you were taking care of everyone else all day long, did you remember to take care of yourself?

I know it can be hard to carve out space for you, since being a mom is a full time job, but taking care of yourself helps you have the strength and energy to keep taking care of everyone else, from your children to the snake your son left in the pocket of his dirty jeans. It's all part of what I teach my Journey to Joy students. It IS possible to find the time to get what you need done.

If trying to squeeze out a few more hours a day just for you seems impossible, why not try one of these ideas:

1. Don’t be afraid to start small. It’s better for you to take five minutes to read the funny pages or your favorite inspirational poem than it is to not take any time at all for you.

2. Get up twenty or thirty minutes earlier than usual and spend some time doing something you enjoy, such as reading the paper while you sip your coffee or meditating. By the time the children wake up, you will be ready to start your busy day.

3. Talk to the other moms at your children’s classes and find out if any of them live nearby. See if several of them are interested in forming a carpool, so you don’t have to make every trip to drop off and pick up the kids.

4. Find another mom who has children that get along well with your kids. Alternate babysitting services with her, so that you each have a few hours of free time every week to go to the gym or get your hair done. Don’t be tempted to do chores instead. You need this time for you and you won’t feel very rested and refreshed if you pick up the dry cleaning, do the grocery shopping, and run the car through the car wash instead of relaxing.

5. Delegate evening chores like setting the table, washing the dishes, and packing the next day’s lunch. If everyone does ten or fifteen minutes of work, you will have enough free time to soak in the tub or read a chapter of the newest best seller.

6. If you cook all of your family’s evening meals and always pack lunch for your children, don’t be afraid to give yourself a break once a week. Pizza every night may be unhealthy, but an occasional slice isn’t too unhealthy for the kids. Eating the occasional school lunch can actually be a fun treat for children, even if it doesn’t taste that great.

Finally, make sure your family realizes the importance of letting you find some time for yourself. Speak with your children about respecting your quiet time, whenever and however you manage to fit it into your day.

Next Steps:

For more help, instantly access your Journey To Joy tools, for more time a happier and more fulfilled life. This inspiring eBook with accompanying audio recordings, worksheets and easy-to-apply action steps shows you how to squeeze more time and happiness into every single day.

Getting Ready for Back to School

2011-08-08T20:23:00.007-05:00

I can't believe it is time for school again. My kids had their back to school night tonight. Where did the summer go? I still had other things I wanted to do.

There are so many things to do to get ready for school. We have to buy school supplies, school clothes, gym clothes, and other things. It is also a good time to think about our kid's health.

10 Healthy Tips to Get Your Kids Ready for Back-to-School

1. Get the kids ready to get up early.
My kids love to stay up late at night and sleep in late. But I try to get them up earlier and earlier as it gets close to school so it is not as hard to get them up.

2. Get their eyes checked.
Did you know that an average of one in four children has an undetected vision problem, which can interfere with their ability to read and learn? Undiagnosed vision problems can cause learning difficulties in school age children. Visual learning accounts for 80 percent of the learning process during their first 12 years.

3. Get their school physicals.
School age kids don't necessarily need to see their doctor every year, but they do need to get occasional check ups to check their growth and to look for any silent problems. One thing the doctor does is listen for a heart murmur. That can indicate a heart problem that can lead to sudden death in athletes.

4. Get their teeth cleaned.
It is a good idea to get their teeth cleaned every 6 months. The dentist can find any cavities and repair them before they get too large.

5. Find out your child's BMI (Body Mass Index)
That will tell you if your child is normal weight or needs to lose or gain weight. Many kids are overweight. I have one that needs to gain weight.

6. Consider a daily multivitamin.
I think it is a good idea to take a daily multivitamin. Although I try, I know my kids don't always eat what they should all the time.

7. Plan any medicines needed for school.
Usually if your child has to take any medicine at school, they will need a separate bottle that will go to the nurse to dispense.

8. Get them to eat a healthy breakfast.
It is a good idea to get them started before school starts.

9. Get a good fitting pair of shoes.
I didn't think that much about it when I was a kid, but proper fitting shoes are important.

10. Talk to your child.
Ask them to talk about their fears or concerns. Hopefully, you can help.

These were some ideas for your child get a healthy start to the school year. I hope they help you.

The sponsor:
"Transitions Optical is a joint venture of PPG Industries, Inc. and Essilor International. The first to successfully commercialize a plastic photochromic lens in 1990, today the company is a leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers worldwide. Transitions Optical offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs, materials and brand names.

Transitions® lenses are the ideal everyday choice for healthy sight. They are clear indoors and at night. Outdoors, they automatically darken as light conditions change. Transitions lenses provide visual comfort, and enhance visual quality by reducing glare and enhancing contrast, helping you to see better today. Transitions lenses block 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays – helping to protect the health and wellness of your eyes – so you can see better tomorrow as well. More info on Transitions Lenses: http://www.blogger.com/www.transitions.com"

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions Lenses blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Gift Cards at eBillme

2011-08-04T22:12:00.002-05:00

Back to school season is here and shoppers are out buying up electronics, schools supplies, clothes and more. But what about those looking to buy their grand children, nephews and college kids some thing for back to school? Millions of Americans are simply unsure what to buy this time of year and end up buying the perfect gift, a Gift Card.

At eBillme, they have assembled a portfolio of over 60 Gift Cards, perfect for the back to school season.

From General stores such as Amazon.com, JC Penny, to Electronics retailers such as DELL, HP, TigerDirect.com, to apparel retailers such as GAP, Old Navy, Zappos, Footlocker and more...

Customer get a 10% cash back introductory offer on the purchase of a gift card.

6PM Deals

2011-07-30T11:52:00.004-05:00

6PM.com is having some great deals now such as up to 75% off new balance and nike.
Think school clothes!

Sale ends 8/1. Also you can get $4.95 shipping for a LIMITED TIME ONLY!

StocknGo.com Save 20%

2011-07-29T14:10:00.002-05:00

StocknGo.com has a special to get 20% off.

I have purchased from them previously. I was pleased, and the shipping was fast. They have many items at good prices especially with the extra 20% off. I am going to order again today.

Register & Get 20% Off - Your 1st & 2nd order + FREE shipping at $25 or more. Use Coupon Code JULY20

It end July,31 at 11:59 PM EST.

Things Remembered Facebook Photo Contest and Blog Giveaway

2011-07-28T12:09:00.007-05:00

I am sure you have heard of Christmas in July. I love the great memories we make and remember during the holiday season. Things Remembered is having a contest where they are asking everyone to share their favorite holiday photo and the story behind it. You could win $200 and see your photo feature in stores and online this winter!

The picture above is the one I entered. Every year my dad passes out the presents when we exchange gifts at my Mom and Dad's house. The kids love to help pass them out. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas, and I look forward to making new holiday memories.

The contest at Things Remembered is very easy to enter. You just submit one of your photos on their facebook contest area. Then you submit a brief explanation of your photo and you info. That's it! But hurry, the Facebook contest ends August 4th at 2PM.

Also, Things remembered is sponsoring a giveaway on my blog. You can win a 5x7 soho gunmetal frame The winner can literally "frame" the special picture you submit into the contest, and it's engravable with whatever memory/phrase you want to capture and remember!

Main Entry
To enter please post your own photo in the Things Remembered Facebook photo contest. Then leave your Facebook name and email address in a comment on my blog.

Bonus entries:
For extra entries (after the main entry is completed.) Leave a comment for each item done.

1. Follow Things Remembered on twitter. Please leave your twitter name.
2. Follow me on twitter @donnak4. Please, leave your twitter name.
3. Follow my blog on GFC. (top left side)
4. Subscribe to my blog by email. (top left side)

Since the facebook contest ends soon, the contest on my blog ends 8/2 at 12 Midnight CST.

I am to receive a gift from Things Remembered to thank me for spreading the word about their facebook contest.

My Kids' Sense of Style

2011-07-27T19:01:00.004-05:00

Can you believe it? It is almost back to school time. Where has the summer gone? I believe that time passes quicker when you get older. It is hard to believe it is time for back to school shopping.

I remember the feeling of starting a new year at school. Armed with new clothes and new school supplies, it seemed like every year was a new beginning. I liked school, but for some kids it was a chance to get a fresh start.

The good thing is my kids love to go shopping for back to school clothes. The bad thing is my wallet doesn't love it. But, of course, I am always looking for sales. :)

Both of my kids are developing their own sense of style. It is very interesting to watch their individuality and uniqueness develop. But if they don't like an item, then I can forget it. They won't wear it! Are your kids like that? I am trying to relax and let them pick what they like. But they do have a dress code at school, and I won't let them wear anything that is offensive.

My daughter doesn't like things that look too "girly, girly". I like pink, but she avoids it like the plague. She loves the color green, so she picks many things in that color. She usually wears jeans or shorts. Amazingly, recently she found a green summer dress that she wanted. She looks pretty in that. She is getting a little more feminine with her choices in jewelry and fixing her hair. I have also noticed she has been experimenting with my make up. What will I do when she starts dating?

My son likes the color black. He is not "Goth" or anything, but he just likes that color. I have to encourage him to wear other colors. He likes some blues, green, and white. He also likes camo prints. He is not big into sports, so he doesn't want any T-shirts with sports on them except maybe skateboarding. He likes some different pendants and chains. When we were in Arizona, he got a pendant with a real, black scorpion inside. He has wanted one of those for several months.

Well, this was a little about my kids' developing sense of style. I try to empower them to express their individual style, while guiding them to appropriate choices. I would love to hear about your child's sense of style.

About jcpenney

Discover the style you want, the quality you expect and the price you love at jcpenney. new look. new day. who knew! shop our stores or online at www.jcp.com. got a question? visit our Customer Service team online at www.jcp.com/csvc.

For more info on jcpenney: http://www.jcpenney.com

Follow jcpenney on Facebook

Follow @jcpenney on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

10 Tips to Get Your Kids to Eat More Vegetables

2011-07-27T18:19:00.003-05:00

Like most parents, I suspect you have difficulty getting your children to eat their vegetables. My kids really complain about veggies. I complied this list to help you get your kids to eat more veggies.

10 Tips to Get Your Kids to Eat More Vegetables

1. Serve their fave vegetable
Usually kids have a favorite veggie. My son likes green beans, so I serve them at least once a week. Avoid serving it too much though. That would "burn them out" on it.

2. The one bite rule
My friend has a rule that the children must try one bite of every item served. If they really don't like it, they can leave the rest. That is a good way to at least get kids to try different veggies.

3. Hide the veggies
Many people sneak veggies into other items. I have heard about blending a small amount of veggies and adding it to spaghetti sauce. I haven't tried it yet, but I think it would work.

4. Make casseroles
Many casseroles contain veggies. Usually their flavor is hidden in the overall flavor of the dish. Unfortunately, my kids don't like casseroles. :(

5. Let them pick out a veggie
Take them to the store and allow them to pick a veggie they promise to eat. They will be excited to try the veggies of different colors and shapes.

6. Eat veggies first
Some people have a rule that they have to eat their veggies before they can have seconds on any other item such as noodles.

7. Change the way they are served
For example you can serve it fresh and cold instead of cooked. My son likes raw carrots, but he hates them cooked. ???

8. Make shapes or designs
My kids are teens, but this could work for younger children. You could make a smile out of veggies on a plate.

9. Talk about how an individual veggie helps.
You could talk about how carrots are good for your eyes.

10. Grow your own vegetables
Be sure to have the kids involved. Usually they will want to try it if they helped grow it.

I hope these tips help you get your kids to eat more vegetables. Please, let me know if you have any other tips.

About Peas and Thank You
Peas and Thank You is a collection of recipes and stories from a mainstream family eating a not-so-mainstream diet. It's filled with healthy and delicious versions of foods we’ve all grown up enjoying, but with a Mama Pea twist—no meat, lots of fresh ingredients and plenty of nutrition for growing Peas. From wholesome breakfasts to mouth-watering desserts, there’s plenty here to satisfy the pickiest Peas in your life. It’s easier than ever to whip up crowd-pleasing meals that will have the whole family asking for, “more, Peas.” Sarah Matheny's delicious recipes and entertaining stories draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to her blog, peasandthankyou.com each month, where she makes raising a vegetarian family easy and fun. She is the author of “Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love.”

More info: http://peasandthankyou.com/
Follow Peas and Thank You on Facebook
Follow @Mama_Pea on Twitter
Buy the book: Peas and Thank You

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Peas and Thank You blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Tips for Life on the Go

2011-07-13T18:27:00.003-05:00

Are you having fun this summer? We have been traveling. My kids are having fun, but sometimes I am exhausted.

10 Tips for Making Your Life Easier and More Efficient While on the Go

1. Try to combine your trips.
I try to combine errands such as going to the post office, drug store, pet store, etc. at the same time. If I have several things to do, I pick a few that are located close together. A little planning really helps me save time and gas.

2. Use a planner.
I have a Franklin Planner where I write our schedules. Many people have their schedule on their iphone, but I don't have one of those. My sister has a large master calendar on her wall. She uses a different color for each person in the family. (She is much better organized than I am.)

3. Buy "on the go items".
I like the single servings of koolaid or crystal light. Then the kids can just mix one in a bottle of cold water.

4. Have quick meals on hand.
My kids love lunchables and lunch makers. They are great when I am too busy to cook.

5. If you are at home, prepare meals in advance. I have been interested in the concept of once a month (or 2 weeks or 1 week) cooking. Thus far I haven't really tried preparing that much food at once. I also read about the concept of freezer cooking. It sounds easier. One person said she just prepares and extra dish and freezes it when doing her usual cooking. For example, if you make lasagna, double the recipe and make 2 regular sized pans. Then just freeze the 2nd batch for later. I think I could do that. :)

6. Have plenty of snacks available.
I keep plenty of of fresh fruit and yogurt on hand. Then my kids can help themselves.

7. Look for restaurant coupons
We eat out a lot when we are on vacation. Remember to look for coupons. It can save you a bundle.

8. Look for specials for activities for the kids.
In my area they have specials on activities like laser tag, swimming, skating, and more. I hate to hear the lament "I'm bored!".

9.Plan more activities in the evening.
I don't tolerate the heat too well. I like to go grocery shopping in the evening.

10. Don't forget to take time for yourself. I like to take a hot bubble bath to relax. During the day, a nice treat would be a can of iced latte from Seattle’s Best Coffee.

I hope these tips were helpful. Do you have any ideas about how to save time or make your life easier? I would love to hear them.

This post was brought to you by Seattle’s Best Coffee.

About Seattle’s Best Coffee
As coffee blenders and roasters since 1970, we’ve seen a lot come and go. We went from a tiny shop on the Seattle waterfront to being declared Seattle’s Best Coffee in a local competition. In 2003, we joined the Starbucks family which has allowed us to place more resources into further honing our special way of crafting delicious, impossibly smooth coffee. Every step of the process, from coffee cherry to your cup, is managed to fit our exacting standards and our premium approach to coffee. Now, we’re making it easier to find your perfect coffee with our new Level System.

Save $1.50 on a 4 pack today!

It’s low calorie: Just 130 calories per can.
It’s affordable: A premium latte for just $1.49? And a 4-pack is an even better deal, at just $4.99.
It’s everywhere: Available in major grocery, convenience and other retail stores.

More info on Seattle’s Best Coffee: http://www.seattlesbest.com
Seattle’s Best Coffee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattlesBestCoffee

Follow @SeattlesBest on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seattle’s Best Coffee blogging program for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Visit Virginia Beach

2011-07-11T21:24:00.004-05:00

Have you ever been to Virginia Beach? I remember when I was a teen, my sister got to go with her friend. She loved it, and I have wanted to go since then. She told me it was beautiful, and it was very fun. There is so much to do, and there activities for all ages.

Reasons I want to visit Virginia Beach:

1. I have never been, and I have wanted to go for many years. It is on my list of places I want to visit.

2. The beaches are beautiful. Like I said, I have never been, but I have seen a lot of pictures of the beautiful beaches. They have more than 35 miles of ocean and bay beaches. Virginia Beach is known as the "World’s Largest Pleasure Beach". I want to make sand castles with my kids.

3. There is plenty of shopping.
The trolley route leads to Lynnhaven Mall with JC Penney, The Gap, Dillards, Old Navy, and Abercrombie & Fitch. It has over 180 specialty stores, services, and movie theaters. Pembroke Mall at Town Center has many shops and eight movie theaters.

4. My son would love the Virginia Beach Rock Gym.
The Virginia Beach Rock Gym is a state–of–the–art climbing facility featuring a climbing tower, boulders, and a pro shop. It has a 32–foot Main Wall, a rugged textured surface with realistic edges, corners, and bulges. They have a weekly Youth climbing Club, and you can have Rock Gym birthday parties.

5. My kids would love Ocean Breeze Water Park.
On the Paradise Pipeline you twist and turn as you ride the pipe and then blast out the other end into a cool pool. The Hurricaine takes you higher and then you rocket feet first down an enclosed tube before plunging into the eye of the hurricane. The pressure builds as you spin, swirl and finally get released for a drop you will never forget.

7. The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center looks interesting. There you can learn a lot about the sea life. They have an IMAX theater. Also you can go dolphin watching. And you can go on a whale watching excursion.

8. I love swimming. I have always wanted to learn to surf. Another thing I have wanted to do is go para sailing. It looks so fun!

9. My son would love pier fishing.
You can drop a line into the Atlantic at Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, or crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay from Lynnhaven Fishing Pier. He is really getting into fishing.

10. I would like to visit The Contemporary Art Center of Virginia.
It offers instructional art classes for any one with an interest from ages 2 – adult. You can learn drawing, painting, ceramics, photography or crafts.

As you can see there are so many fun things to do in Virginia Beach. The good news is that it is within a day’s drive or less from two-thirds of the U.S. population. I want to go right now!

For visitor information, call 1-800-VA-BEACH (800)822-3224

Visit www.VisitVirginiaBeach.com for online trip planning.

Virgina Beach on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/VirginiaBeachVA
Follow @VaBeachCVB on Twitter

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

The Closer Season 6 DVD

2011-07-02T02:22:00.000-05:00

There are many extras found on The Closer Sixth Season DVD. I always love the funny scenes. The video about gives you a small snippet of the extras.

- Script to Screen: Making Episode 3 In Custody
- Kyra Sedgwick opens up about The Closer
- Police Files: Unaired Scenes
- Gag Reel

Pre-order your copy of The Closer: The Complete Sixth Season on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/kgqBLo !

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Closer Sixth Season on DVD.

The Closer Season Six on DVD

2011-06-29T02:58:00.004-05:00

The Closer starring Kyra Sedgwick is a very interesting crime mystery show. I love to see shows with a strong leading lady character. If you haven't seen it, you really need to check it out. Pre-order your copy of The Closer: The Complete Sixth Season on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/kgqBLo !

Share the news with others on Facebook.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Closer Sixth Season on DVD.

Time Saving Tips for Busy Moms

2011-06-22T15:04:00.004-05:00

Frequently I feel there are not enough hours in my day. I am sure all you moms can agree. We have to rush the kids to school, rush to practice, pack lunches, make sure homework is done, cook supper, etc. There are so many things to do! I made a list of time saving tips for busy moms.

1. Prepare food in advance
There are books about once a month or once a week cooking. You can get a lot of that info online also. You take a day to do all the preparation. Then delicious home prepared meals are in the freezer, and you just have to cook them when desired.

2. Have foods in storage
Stock up on non-perishable foods when they are on sale. Then you won't have to go to the store before you can cook supper. One of our faves is chicken and noodles. I get the noodles, canned chicken, and chicken broth when on sale. Then I always have a quick and easy meal ready to cook.

3. Pack lunches the night before
You can make a sandwich and keep it in the fridge. Go ahead and pack anything that doesn't have to stay cold such as potato chips and an apple. Then in the morning before school, you just have to put the sandwich in the lunchbox.

4. Set out clothes the night before
You can have the kids pick out their clothes or you can pick them out. Then you won't have to hear "Mom, where is my.....?" It seems my kids are always losing their shoes. If we find them the night before, we don't have to worry about it in the morning.

5. Have a master calender
I keep mine in a Franklin Planner. My sister has a calender on the wall where she uses a certain color for each person's activity. Many people keep their schedule on an iphone.

6. Shop when it is less crowded
I try to avoid shopping on the weekends because those are the busiest times. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are the best for me. Many people shop at night, but I am a little chicken to do that.

7. Refill prescriptions every 3 months
Most insurance companies will allow that, and usually it saves money. Refill all the prescriptions at the same time.

8. Gather your coupons before shopping
I always take my coupon carrier with me to the store. But I like to look at the ads and pull the coupons I need while I am still at home. That speeds up my shopping
time.

9. Purchase Christmas presents throughout the year
I buy things when they are on sale. Then I don't have a large amount of shopping to do at Christmas time when the stores are really busy.

10. Give the kids chores
They may complain, but it is good for them. They feel they are contributing to running the household, and it will save you time.

I hope these tips are helpful. Do you have any other tips? I would love to hear them. Starbucks is a sponsor of this post celebrating the launch of Starbucks for Android™.

"With Starbucks Card Mobile App you can use select smartphone devices to pay for your Starbucks purchases, allowing you to experience the fastest way to pay at nearly 9,000 locations in the U.S., including 6,800 company-operated stores, more than 1,000 Starbucks locations in U.S. Target stores and nearly 1,000 Starbucks locations in Safeway stores. By offering the fastest way to pay in stores, Starbucks is making your morning coffee run even more convenient, giving you more time to get on with your busy day!"

More info on Starbucks: http://www.starbucks.com/

Starbucks on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Starbucks

Follow @starbucks on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

The Closer Season 6 on DVD

2011-06-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

Have you seen The Closer? It is a good show. If you missed any of the shows this season, you can get them on DVD. Pre-order your copy of The Closer. The Complete Sixth Season on DVD HERE today!

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Closer Sixth Season on DVD.

Bnter

2011-06-19T15:41:00.001-05:00

"Bnter.com (pronounced “banter”), a social network designed for capturing conversations, proves a modern way to save those precious moments and share them with family members, friends, and followers. Web- and app-based, Bnter.com can be accessed from your laptop, ipad, or smart phone. Simple to use, free and fun, Bnter.com offers an organized means of sharing those funny moments in a more visually appealing way than simply sharing them in your Facebook or Twitter stream."

On Merriam Webster dictionary the definition of BANTER is "to speak to or address in a witty and teasing manner." According to Wikipedia "Banter is non-serious conversation, usually between friends, which may rely on humour or in-jokes at the expense of those taking part. The purpose of banter may at first appear to be an offensive affront to the other person's face. However, people engaging in such a conversation are often signaling that they are comfortable enough in each others' company to be able to say such things without causing harm."

Bnter is for capturing snippets of a conversation. You can post from Twitter, Facebook, or Tumblr. Also, you can import conversations from Twitter and Facebook. They are quickly adding more places that participate. The posts are cute with little bubbles containing the words. It is easy to sign up - just create a username, a password, and your email address. You can find friends that are members.

Many people love to read jokes online. Bnter would especially appeal to teens and young adults. I think my kids would love it.
Check out Bnter - It's fun!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the Bnter Campaign and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Pretty Little Liars Bonus

2011-06-12T09:48:00.000-05:00

We are loving the Pretty Little Liars DVD set. I wanted to tell you about some bonus features on the DVD.

Pretty Little Liars Special Features

- Pretty Little Liars: Two Truths and a Lie
- It All Started with a Little Lie: Making Pretty Little Liars
- Little Secrets from the Set
- Deleted Scenes

I love learning about the secrets that aren't available on the tv show. Also, I really enjoy seeing the deleted scenes.

Order your copy of the Pretty Little Liars Season One on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/lRSTgB !

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Pretty Little Liars: The Complete First Season on DVD.

3 Magazines for $10!

2011-06-07T23:50:00.002-05:00

DiscountMags.com is running the following magazine deals:

*Deal Valid only on Wednesday June 8th 2011*

Combo Magazine Deal! Choose up to 3 Magazines (from 10 titles) for $10!

LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE
Deals Expire on or before Wednesday June 8th, 2011 at 11:59 P.M PST

Pretty Little Liars DVD

2011-06-06T11:24:00.000-05:00

We received our Pretty Little Liars DVD and started watching it right away. We have seen the first few episodes. My teens love it! Even my son loves it. There is so much mystery and teen dynamics on the show. I am learning about the characters and their relationships.

I wanted to tell you a little about the characters.
Lucy Hale plays Aria Montgomery, who moves back to Rosewood with her parents and younger brother after a year in Iceland. She knows that her father is having an affair, but keeps it from her mother and brother. She is romantically involved with the new Rosewood English teacher.

Ashley Benson plays Hanna Marin, who has taken Alison's place as the most popular girl at Rosewood after Alison's disappearance. Hanna was chubby but became slimmer after Alison's disappearance. She may be involved with Sean.

Troian Bellisario plays Spencer Hastings who is an overachiever from a wealthy family. She has also stolen her sister's boyfriends on various occasions, including Ian Thomas and her ex fiancee Wren Kim.

Shay Mitchell plays Emily Fields who befriends Maya St. Germain. Emily realizes that she is a lesbian. She is currently facing moving to Texas to live with her father.

Sasha Pieterse portrays Alison DiLaurentis, the former leader of Rosewood's premiere clique. Ruling the group with an iron fist, the vicious but charismatic Alison had gone missing during a slumber party. Then 1 year later her body was found. But her disappearance is still unsolved.

Sound interesting? It is! Some of the info I listed was found online since I am new to the series. You need to check out this DVD. Order your copy of the Pretty Little Liars Season One on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/lRSTgB !

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Pretty Little Liars: The Complete First Season on DVD.

Infant's and Children’s Tylenol Improvements

2011-06-05T03:36:00.000-05:00

I know how scary it can be when our little ones are sick. You want to help them to feel better, but you have to be careful to give just the right amount of medicine.

I wanted to tell you about some safety and convenience enhancements to both Infant's and Children’s TYLENOL® products.

Infants’ TYLENOL® will include SIMPLEMEASURE®, a new, enhanced bottle with a protective opening and push-in syringe designed to:
Provide even more accurate dosing and easier administration to infants
Allow for better control when dispensing with fewer spills
Further reduce the risk of children getting to the medicine in the bottle

There is a change in the concentration of the Infant's TYLENOL® products to help minimize medication errors. Infant's TYLENOL® will now have the same concentration of the active ingredient, acetaminophen, as Children’s TYLENOL®, which will standardize dosing across the products and age groups.(160 mg / 5 mL)

Children’s TYLENOL® will have a protective opening that will help make it more
difficult for a child to get to the medicine in the bottle.

The products will be available as early as this upcoming cold and flu season. There will be a time period when more than one concentration of infant’s acetaminophen products will be available. Always read and follow the dosing directions on the package that is being used.
Please visit Tylenol.com to learn more about TYLENOL® products and these changes.

Helpful Tips for Giving Medicines to Infants and Children
Remember the acronym "NURSE"

Never give adult medicines to children.
Use the measuring device (syringe, dropper, dosage cup) that comes with the medicine every time you use it. Don’t use kitchen spoons (teaspoons or tablespoons).
Read and follow instructions on the label. Never give more than the recommended dose and do not give the medication more frequently than recommended.
Store all medicines out of the reach of children. Immediately following use, always restore the child resistant cap and put the medicine back into a high and out of sight location.
Every child grows. Know the infant’s or child’s weight and/or age to help determine the appropriate dosage.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Tylenol and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Keeping Your Family Safe on the Road

2011-06-02T19:54:00.002-05:00

Hooray! It is summer break! Well, at least that is what the kids say. :) It is time for swimming, cookouts, and vacations. Have you made your plans for the summer? Many people drive to their vacation destinations. Although the price of gas is high, it is still a lot cheaper than flying especially if you have a large family.

10 Tips to Keep Your Family Safe on the Road

1. Keep the doors locked.
Kids have a habit of opening their doors. Keep them locked to prevent accidents. Also it helps prevent car-jacking. I have heard stories of someone just opening the passenger door and getting in the car while it was parked at a stop light. Look doors at least makes it more difficult.

2. Stay out of dangerous appearing areas.
Some things I look for are gang graffitti, many teens and young adults hanging around that look scary, and old buildings that are in poor repair. If I see that stuff I get out of there especially at night!

3. Stop frequently.
It is important to get of the car and walk around a little. It helps prevent road fatigue an theorhetically should decrease the risk of blood clots in the legs. When you have young kids that is not usually a problem because they want to stop a lot for "potty" breaks.

4. Keep your gas tank filled.
Many people recommend stopping at the gas station when your tank drops below 1/2 or at least before it gets to 1/4 full. You certainly don't want to run out of gas in an area you don't know.

5. Do any needed car maintenance before you leave.
Do you need to change the oil? Do the tires need to be rotated? Most places check the levels of the other car fluids when they change the oil.

6. Check the weather in the area.
For example, if there are storms predicted at your destination, you could stop somewhere else before you get there. Or perhaps you could delay the trip by a day.

7. Have a GPS or a map
It is much easier to travel with a GPS. I can get directions from On Star when I travel. If you don't have a GPS, at least bring a map.

8. Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin.

9. A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.

10. Forget do-it-yourself repair kits. The resin could easily shrink or yellow, lowering the quality of the repair. Safelite AutoGlass uses a patented repair process… A vacuum is created over the damaged area and the resin penetrates and fills the finest micro-cracks. The technician pulls off the vacuum changer and the UV light hardens the resin. Safelite’s resin is proven to be the strongest and longest lasting on the market.

The last three tips are courtesy of Safelite who is a sponsor ofthis blogging program. These tips are important to keep your family safe while traveling on the road this summer. Now go and have fun!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Check Out Verizon FiOS

2011-05-31T18:56:00.005-05:00

Have you heard about Verizon FiOS? It is new to me because I am definitely not a technology wiz. But the concept of combining HDTV with high speed internet and on demand services sounds great! I haven't tried the service yet, but I want to try it. When I was reading about it I saw that I could check my email and tweet on twitter by using my remote control.

Why FiOS?
Verizon uses an advanced 100% fiber-optic network to let you watch HDTV with less interruptions, pixelation, or weather interference. It is weather resistant and more durable than the copper phone lines or coaxial cable. That really sounds great because our satellite goes out when it is windy or storming.

Flex View “Watch what you want, where you want”
With Flex View, you can buy, rent and watch on-demand video titles on your FiOS TV, on your computer or on your mobile phone. I like the various options available where we could watch movies. How does it work? Check it out here and here.

Media Manager
Media Manager is a Verizon service that lets you access media content that either resides on or is streamed from your PC. You can access digital photos, music files, Internet radio stations, home videos, Internet videos from certain web sites directly from your FiOS-connected TV. That would be neat to see pictures of family members on the tv that came from the internet.

TV Widgets
Verizon FiOS features awesome TV widgets like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, allowing you to Tweet directly from your TV, using your remote while watching TV. FiOS has re-made TV into social TV. I am really into social networking. I love twitter (@donnak4). I am getting into facebook also. You tube is a great place to watch videos. You can watch about FiOS TV Widgets

FiOS Internet: “Internet as fast as it gets”
There's a reason FiOS is America's top-rated high speed Internet service.
But speed is only valuable when you've got great service. FiOS isn't just faster, but also more reliable. FiOS doesn’t let up during “peak” hours like when the kids come home from school when some cable services slow down due to increased usage.
FiOS Internet has won PCMAG.com’s Readers’ Choice award five years in a row. According to the leading technology review site, "Verizon's FiOS stands alone when it comes to satisfied customers." That really means a lot. It sounds like the service is good.

In-home Agent
In-Home Agent is a PC application that provides you with fast, easy solutions for common FiOS & High Speed Internet questions. It's 24/7 support at the click of your mouse. That is important because I hate to wait on the telephone for several minutes just to get someone to answer a simple question.

I also like that my phone, internet and television bills will be combined to help with budgeting. Well, have I piqued your curiosity? You can see if Verizon FiOS is available in your area yet.

More info on Verizon FiOS
Verizon FiOS on Facebook
Follow @Verizon on Twitter
Verizon on YouTube

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

Share you solar cooking and win

2011-05-31T00:17:00.000-05:00

Share you solar cooking and win

Pretty Little Liars DVD

2011-05-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

Have you seen Pretty Little Liars? It is a cool show. I am going to receive Season 1 DVD for review, but I haven't received it yet. I can't wait!

Pre-order your copy of the Pretty Little Liars Season One on DVD here today: http://bit.ly/lRSTgB !

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Pretty Little Liars: The Complete First Season on DVD.

Pedigree It Is!

2011-05-29T05:27:00.003-05:00

We are coming to the end of my dog's pedigree challenge. And the verdict is?

He loves it!

He gobbles down his pedigree.

I was asked to update about his Four Universal Needs while eating pedigree.
Skin & coat: shiny and soft
Oral care: pearly white teeth
Digestion: regular bowl movements with healthy consistency
Immunity: almost never

I plan to continue feeding him the Pedigree, and I would certainly recommend it to family and friends.

Don't forget to print your coupons.

For more information:
Pedigree.com
@PedigreeUS on Twitter
Pedigree Adoption Drive Facebook page
I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Pedigree and received dog food to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

AMF Summer Unplugged

2011-05-24T18:37:00.005-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the last day of school for my kids. They are excited for summer break. Now I need to find some activities to keep them busy, or I will hear Mom "I'm board!" What summer activities does your family enjoy with the children?

I wanted to tell you about a great deal this summer. Your children 16 and under can bowl for free at your local AMF. It is called AMF Summer Unplugged. Just register your children to get weekly coupons via email for two free games per child per day all summer long. You can't beat free!

AMF Summer Unplugged
I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Summer Getaways for Kids

2011-05-23T17:41:00.003-05:00

It is almost that time again - summer break!

My children are ready to have a vacation from school! I am looking forward to it too, but I need to have activities to keep my kids busy. They would love to go somewhere new everyday.

Five Summer Getaways Every Kid Should Experience
1. Disney World

For younger children the best park at Disney is Magic Kingdom. We have been there 3 times, and my kids loved it. We have very fond memories of that. Now that my kids are older, we need to check out some of the other Disney parks such as Epcot.

2.The Grand Canyon
It really is a great site to see. I would not recommend taking very small children unless you are sure you can hold them so they don't get near the edge. But for older children it is a wonderful experience.

3.Holiday World
This is more of a local theme park in Indiana. I remember going there when I was a child when it was called Santa Claus Land. They have expanded to cover more holidays. Now there are sections for Haloween, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and others in addition to Christmas.

4.Camping and / or fishing
Kids love to be outside. Going camping can be a very inexpensive getaway. My kids love it, but I am not too keen on sleeping on the ground. (Sounds like someone is getting old.) Usually my parents take my kids fishing, and they really enjoy it. They have fun and they learn how to catch their own food.

5.The Beach
My favorite place so far was Hawaii. If you ever get a chance to go, take it! But it is expensive to take a family. My kids love any beach where they can swim.

Most of the getaways for kids that I listed can be very inexpensive. If you and your children do most or all five of the listed getaways, your kids will have the best summer ever!

Alamo is a sponsor of this post.

Founded in 1974, Alamo Rent A Car is a value-oriented, internationally recognized brand serving the rental needs of airport leisure travelers. Alamo offers low rental rates and a hassle-free customer experience at the most popular travel destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America and Asia. In addition, Alamo customers in the U.S. are able to conveniently choose their own vehicles, based upon their advance reservation and requested car class, and then simply drive away from the airport.

The Alamo membership club, Alamo Insiders, offers its members numerous perks including exclusive, member-only deals, quick and simple reservations, and frequent traveler miles with each rental.

Become an Alamo Insider
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Alamo blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Carrabba’s Pasta Personality Quiz

2011-05-18T13:12:00.003-05:00

Have you ever eaten at Carrabbas? They are located in 230+ nationwide locations. Unfortunately, there is not a restaurant close to me, so I have not tried it yet. I want to go there this summer when I am on vacation. The food looks so good!

You can find out your Pasta Personality and how it compares to some of Carrabba’s signature pasta dishes. Are you outgoing and have a spicy personality like a Marinara sauce, or warm and caring like a smooth Alfredo? No matter what your personality, Carrabba’s Italian Grill has a signature pasta dish that’s perfect for you!
Take the Carrabba’s Pasta Personality Quiz and find out which one of their Signature Pasta meals best represents your personality!

I took the quiz, and this is my result:

Spaghetti
"You’re genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti."

I would say I agree with that. Our family pasta favorite is spaghetti. We don't really have a favorite family recipe. We just cook the pasta and then add the sauce.:) I wanted to tell you about some of their limed time offers.

Carrabba’s Signature Pasta Meals and New Limited Time Offers
Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.

CARRABBA’S PASTA:
Carrabba’s makes every pasta dish by hand with the freshest ingredients. Pasta is cooked perfectly every time and signature sauces are made from scratch daily. Creative flavors and combinations of ingredients are part of Carrabba’s authentic family recipes as well as new creations.

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Now through July 2011.
Featured Signature Pasta Meal:
Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.

Other Limited Time Offers:
Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.

Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.

Now Introducing:
Peach Sangria – Carrabba’s new light and fruity Peach Sangria blends Copper Ridge White Zinfandel, Absolut Apeach vodka and Patrón Citrónge with a splash of citrus. Topped with a fresh lemon wedge and strawberry, it’s a taste of the Amalfi Coast in spring.

Locations: Visit www.carrabbas.com for the closest Carrabba’s location. There are more than 230 locations nationwide.

About Carrabba’s:
Johnny Carrabba and Damian Mandola founded the first Carrabba’s Italian Grill in 1986 in Houston, Texas. Today, there are 232 Carrabba’s Italian Grill locations around the country, run by passionate local proprietors focused on delighting guests with fresh, made-to-order Italian cuisine and the ultimate dining experience. Carrabba’s serves dinner seven nights a week in a casual environment that pairs innovative dishes and a complementary wine list with abundant hospitality. For on-the-go guests, Carrabba’s also offers convenient Carside Carry-Out. To learn more about Carrabba’s, please visit www.carrabbas.com.

Carrabba’s Pasta Personality Quiz on Facebook
Follow Carrabba’s on Twitter: @Carrabbas
Carrabba’s on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Carrabbas

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Pedigree Ambassador Trial

2011-05-14T00:08:00.000-05:00

Well, our Pedigree trial is going well. Chance seems to like the taste of the food.
So far I haven't noticed any changes in our dog based on the 4 Universal Needs, but he looked good overall before the trial. He transitioned well to the new food, but he still seems to prefer canned pedigree. I feel good about the Pedigree food, and I would recommend it.

You can get coupons for Pedigree on their website.

For more information go to Pedigree.com.
@PedigreeUS on Twitter
Pedigree Adoption Drive on Facebook

I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Pedigree and received dog food to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

New PC Giveaway for Busy Moms!

2011-05-13T15:31:00.003-05:00

Have you heard about CyberDefender Live Tech premium remote support service? It sounds like a great idea. According to their site CyberDefender LiveTech experts are ready to diagnose and repair virtually any PC or tech issue.

•PC Speed & Performance
•Freezing and Crashing
•Data Backup & Recovery
•Internet Speed & Security
•Malware Removal
•Network & Device Setup

I really want to try it.

New PC Giveaway for busy Moms! Enter Today!
Nowadays, most of us are slowly becoming more and more comfortable with unsafe habits when browsing the web. Without noticing, we lapse in updating our software when we are notified; we let someone we’re not 100% sure we actually know (could be from high school?) be a friend on Facebook; we download recipes or let our kids download and play games from unknown sites. Most of us have security software, but before we know it, our PC becomes slow…incredibly frustratingly slow.

Enter to win the ultimate prize -- a brand new laptop loaded with CyberDefender security software and expert help from LiveTech to set it up when it arrives. Just visit the CyberDefender Facebook page and tell them your technology frustration story. You can write about anything, such as problems setting up a home network, downloading pictures from your iPhone, or figuring out how to use your new tablet - or you can tell it visually and post a picture of you and your kids with your old clunker or tired, infected PC. The more creative or humorous you are, the better chance you have to win!!

The company’s remote tech support service, LiveTech, can help with any PC-related issues, home networks or connected devices, from system slowdown to malware removal or even helping sync data and music between computers and smartphones.

LiveTech will get you, your kids, your carpool, your meetings, sports practices and social plans back on track! Finally, an end to tech frustration!

Note: Contest results are final, must be over 18 to enter. Please see terms and conditions before entering.

CyberDefender is giving away a BRAND NEW 17.3" HD Toshiba laptop computer to the person who shares the best photo and story demonstrating their frustration with their current PC throughout the month of May! To enter and review the official rules, simply visit the official CyberDefender Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/cyberdefender (remembering to first "Like" them if you haven't already), and click the "Win a Free Laptop" link on the left menu! Best of luck, and may the best submission win!

CyberDefender's Facebook page

Disclosure: To thank me for blogging about this contest, I am to receive a full year of CyberDefender’s Live Tech premium remote support service for free.

Prevent and Treat Concussions Properly

2011-05-13T01:27:00.005-05:00

I am sure most of you have heard about concussions, and someone you know might have had a concussion in the past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) is promoting concussion awareness and proper response. Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each year traumatic brain injuries cause many deaths and disabilities. Approximately 1.7 million people die, are hospitalized, or are seen in an emergency department for a traumatic brain injury annually. Almost half a million emergency department visits for TBI that occur each year are among children aged 0 to 14 years.

Fast Facts
•A concussion is a brain injury and all are serious.
•Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness.
•Recognition and proper response to concussions when they first occur can help prevent further injury or even death.

What is a Concussion?
According to the CDC "A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, or TBI, caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be mild bump or blow to the head can be serious." This sudden movement can literally cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging the brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain. What you might not know is that these chemical changes make the brain more vulnerable to further injury. During this window of vulnerability the brain is more sensitive to any increased stress or injury, until it fully recovers.

Why is this important? Children and teens are more likely to get a concussion or TBI and take longer to recover than adults.

If someone has a concussion, and they have another head injury while the brain still is recovering, the results can be disasterous. I have heard about teen athletes who practically begged to play again soon after a head injury. Then a relatively mild head injury resulted in death!

Concussions can occur in any sport or recreation activity. So, all coaches, parents, and athletes need to learn concussion signs and symptoms and what to do if a concussion occurs.

How Can I Recognize a Possible Concussion?
To help recognize a concussion, you should watch for the following two things among your athletes:
•A forceful bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head.
AND
•Any change in the athlete’s behavior, thinking, or physical functioning.

Signs Observed by Coaching Staff
Appears dazed or stunned
Is confused about assignment or position
Forgets an instruction
Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
Moves clumsily
Answers questions slowly
Loses consciousness (even briefly)
Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Symptoms Reported by Athlete
Headache or “pressure” in head
Nausea or vomiting
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to noise
Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy
Concentration or memory problems
Confusion
Does not “feel right” or is “feeling down”

It’s important for parents, athletes, and coaches to know about concussion. So what should you do if you think your teen has a concussion? CDC developed the following 4-step Heads Up Action Plan to help you protect your child or teen if you suspect they have a concussion:

1. Keep your teen out of play. If your child or teen has a concussion, her/his brain needs time to heal. Don’t let your child or teen return to play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says he or she is symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first—usually within a short period of time (hours, days, or weeks)—can slow recovery or increase the likelihood of having long-term problems. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in edema (brain swelling), permanent brain damage, and even death.
2. Seek medical attention right away. A health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe for your child or teen to return to sports.
3. Teach your child or teen that it’s not smart to play with a concussion. Rest is key after a concussion. Sometimes athletes wrongly believe that it shows strength and courage to play injured. Discourage others from pressuring injured athletes to play. Don’t let your child or teen convince you that s/he’s “just fine.”
4. Tell all of your child or teen’s coaches and the school nurse about ANY concussion. Coaches, school nurses, and other school staff should know if your child or teen has ever had a concussion. Your child or teen may need to limit activities while s/he is recovering from a concussion. Things such as studying, driving, working on a computer, playing video games, or exercising may cause concussion symptoms to reappear or get worse. Talk to your health care professional, as well as your child or teen’s coaches, school nurse, and teachers. If needed, they can help adjust your child or teen’s school activities during her/his recovery.

I know this is a lot of information, but the main thing is to get medical treatment for a concussion and don't let the kids play sports until the doctor releases them and all symptoms have resolved. This info is from the CDC.

More info: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion
Join the Facebook conversation: http://www.facebook.com/cdcheadsup

I wrote this blog post while participating in a SocialMoms blogging program for which I may receive a thank you kit. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

FiberChoice® Choices for Better Health Giveaway

2011-05-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

Making healthy decisions isn’t always easy in today’s fast-paced world! But even the smallest choices can have a big impact on your health, mindset and life. For example, most people only get half the recommended daily allowance of fiber which is important for immunity and digestive health. With a little planning, you can add fiber to your food and daily routine in easy ways that not only taste good, but are good for you!

FiberChoice® is encouraging ‘Choices for Better Health’ with a 28-day campaign inviting consumers to share a small choice that they make every day to defend their health for a chance to win a giveaway to help maintain their healthy lifestyle.

Here’s how it works:

·Follow @FiberChoice to enter

·Share the small choice you make every day to defend you or your family’s health

·Use the hashtag #MYCHOICE to enter your choice on Twitter

·FiberChoice® will select one winner per day and contact you via Twitter about your prize

·Each participant will be entered into a grand prize drawing to be conducted at the conclusion of the 28 days. The giveaway ends on May 19, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Pedigree Ambassador

2011-05-03T23:07:00.004-05:00

I am happy that I was chosen to participate in the Pedigree Ambassador dog food trial. My dog likes the Pedigree canned dog food, but he has not tried the Pedigree dry dog food yet. I am not really sure why I never bought the Pedigree dry, since he likes the canned. I have not received the dog food yet.

Our dog's name is Chance, and he is a 3 year old black lab. We got him at PetSmart from a dog shelter when he was a puppy. If you are looking for a dog, please consider rescuing a dog. Chance has a great personality, and he is one of the family. My son calls him his brother. :)

I like Pedigree because they promote dog adoption. They even have a Pedigree Adoption Drive Facebook page. Click on the link to check it out. On that site you can donate money to buy food for dogs in shelters.

I was asked to assess my dog before starting based on the Four Universal Needs:
Skin & Coat (dull and flaky, average, shiny and soft)
Oral Care (dirty, average, pearly white)
Digestion (number of stools per day and quality)
Immunity (how often does your pup get sick?)

Overall, I would say his skin and coat are average, his oral care is average, he usually has one stool daily or every other day, and he rarely gets sick.

I plan to post about how my dog likes the food and any changes I notice. Please, follow along during our trial.

For more information about Pedigree:
Pedigree.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/Pedigree
Twitter @PedigreeUS

I wrote this review while participating in an Ambassador campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Pedigree and received dog food to facilitate my reviews and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Coca-Cola Memories

2011-04-13T18:35:00.006-05:00

Thinking about coca-cola makes me think about good memories. It takes me back to a simpler time. I think about happy children and happy adults. I am sure you have seen many of the classic coke pictures. I especially love the ones with Santa Claus.

I like the coke pictures so much that I am a collector. I have coke dishes, towels, pictures, and Christmas ornaments. I am frequently looking for coke items at yard sales and on ebay. If any of you have coke item that you want to sell, leave me a message.

I remember the first time I ever drank coke. Back then my mom bought another dark colored soda. I was a teenager visiting a friend. He gave me an ice cold coke on ice. The fizz took my breath away! Honestly, I loved it the first time I tried it. Do you remember the first time you ever tried coke?

Since I was not exposed to coke as a young child, I don't remember any recipes from back then. But I did find this great sounding recipe on the coke recipe site that I want to try. My aunt made a cherry salad, but I am not sure if it was the same recipe.

Recipe: Coca-Cola Cherry Salad
1 can cherry pie filling
1/2 cup water
1 large package of cherry gelatin mix
1 7 1/2-ounce can of crushed pineapple, not drained
1 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola®
1/2 cup of chopped nuts
1 tub of chilled whipped topping
3 ounces of cream cheese
Boil the pie filling and water. Remove from heat and add the gelatin mix. Stir until
mixed. Add the pineapple with its juice from the can, and add the Coke. Stir in the
nuts and cool until set. Meanwhile, mix together the whipped topping and cream
cheese and spread on the cooled and set salad. Serve.
-- Submitted by Carolyn Baker of Vandergrift, PA

Check out the recipes. They have recipes for the following:
Beverages
Breakfast
Appetizers and Soups
Entrees
Side Dishes, Vegetables and Sauces
Desserts

If you have a recipe that uses coke that you would be willing to share go to http://www.cookingwithcoke.com/ On that site you can even create your own digital cookbook that you can print.

I can definately say that coca-cola is my favorite drink. But I try not to drink it too often now because I am trying to lose weight. Diet coke is OK, but it isn't the same as drinking a coke. But when I want a treat, a refreshing, ice cold coke is the best.

About Coca-Cola®
Created in Atlanta, Georgia, by Dr. John S. Pemberton, Coca-Cola was first offered as a fountain beverage by mixing Coca-Cola syrup with carbonated water. Coca-Cola was introduced in 1886, patented in 1887, registered as a trademark in 1893 and by 1895 it was being sold in every state and territory in the United States. In 1899, The Coca-Cola Company began franchised bottling operations in the United States.

More info: www.cookingwithcoke.com
Join Coca-Cola® on Facebook
Join Coca-Cola® on Twitter:
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here.

I love PEEPS!

2011-04-06T15:00:00.004-05:00

Well, it will be Easter soon. The Easter Bunny must be getting candy for all those baskets. I like Peeps, peanut butter eggs, jelly beans, and more. I love several Easter candies, but my favorite are Peeps.

When I was a child, I eagerly anticipated checking my Easter basket to see if I got some Peeps. I always did. :) My sisters and I would trade our candy, and I remember trying to get them to trade me, so I could get more Peeps. But most of the time they wouldn't trade because they loved them too.

My friend (who will remain nameless) likes peeps when they get stale! I had never heard of that before. I like them when they are soft and sweet. It takes several days for them to get harder, and you can slow that down by putting them in a plastic bag. But my friend would purposely leave them out uncovered so they could dry out faster. That is the way he loves them.

My children get Peeps in their baskets every year. I love all the colors they have now. I only remember them being yellow when I was a kid. I bought some Peeps on sale the other day, and lets just say they didn't even make them home. My daughter spotted them and gobbled them up in the car!

How do you like to eat your Peeps? I like to bite the head off first. Do you have a favorite color of Peeps? I would say that I like the purple, since that is my favorite color. But that doesn't stop me from eating any of the colors. :)

My daughter likes to heat them in the microwave occasionally. The marshmallow really swells, and when it is warm it is really gooey and delicious. Be careful not to heat them too long, or you can end up with Peeps all over your microwave. I speak from experience. :)

I hope you enjoyed hearing my memories about Peeps. I know we will be making many more memories this Easter. I would love to hear about your favorite Peep memories.

PEEPS® Fun Facts
"In 1953, it took 27 hours to create one PEEPS® Marshmallow Chick. Today, thanks to advances in technology, it takes six minutes.

Just Born produces enough PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies in one year to circle the earth twice.

In the late 1950's PEEPS® wings were "clipped" to give them a sleek, modern look.
PEEPS® Brand Candies have been the #1 non-chocolate brand at Easter for over 20 years*. *Source: IRI Total U.S. FDMx.

Yellow is America's best selling color of PEEPS® chicks and bunnies.

Yellow and white PEEPS® chicks and bunnies came first, followed by pink, lavender, blue, green and orange.

PEEPS® branded products have made celebrity appearances on many programs including: Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, The Early Show, Saturday Night Live, Martha Stewart, Ellen, South Park, and The Daily Show.

If you had 8,000 PEEPS® bunnies, and you stood them in a straight vertical line, you could reach the top of the Sears Tower in Chicago.

PEEPS® have become gourmet favorites as fondues, Crème Brulee ingredients and cappuccino toppings!"

Use this promo code at checkout - SMSPRING11 for 20% off all of your purchases until 5/4/11.

About PEEPS & COMPANY® In 2009, Just Born, Inc., maker of PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and PEANUT CHEWS® opened its first retail store named PEEPS & COMPANY®. PEEPS & COMPANY® is located at the banks of the Potomac, minutes from Washington D.C. at the very center of National Harbor’s dynamic main plaza. Directly in front of the PEEPS & COMPANY® store is the Seward Johnson’s famous statue, The Awakening, along with sweeping views of the beautiful Potomac River.

More info:
www.peepsandcompany.com
PEEPSANDCOMPANY on Facebook
Follow @peepsandcompany on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and PEEPS blogging contest, for a chance to get a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Little Switches That Make a Difference

2011-04-06T14:11:00.006-05:00

I was asked to write about little switches that make a difference. That got me thinking about the economy and preparation for inflation. As you know the world is very unstable now. There are many natural disasters including earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, and much more. Take Japan for example. An earthquake triggered a tsunami. If both of those we not bad enough, several of their nuclear reactors were damaged. I heard they are allowing radioactive water to go into the ocean. I realize they have to do something with it, but that can't be good for the fish and other water life.

Political unrest is increasing. There are uprisings in many countries of the Middle East and Africa such as Egypt, Libya, and Syria. Those affect oil prices. There have been riots in Greece and France and other European countries mostly over financial matters. Those riots may well spread to America. I don't say all of this to depress everyone or freak them out. It is important for all of us to prepare as much as possible for worsening of the economy/inflation. The main thing we can do is store food and other items. Most people are not wealthy with unlimited budgets, so we have to figure out how to do it without going broke.

Buy Extra Every Week
When you go to the store buy a little extra every week. Get the items you use, and buy when on sale. For example, if you love a certain type of chicken noodle soup, buy several when they go on sale. But if there is something you and your family really don't like, don't buy it just because it stores well or because it is on sale.

Eat Out Less
Cooking more at home has many benifits. Obviously it can save you money, and you can use the save money to buy more storage. Also, by cooking at home, you can practice your cooking skills. Honestly, with work and school, I got in the habit of eating out a lot. So I am working on this myself. I am learning things like how to bake my own bread. Another benefit of preparing your own food is you can make it more healthy. Many restaurants add a lot of butter to enhance the flavor, but that also adds many calories. You can purchase organic ingredients if you desire.

Use Coupons
I am definately an advocate of using coupons. I save several dollars everytime I go shopping with coupons. Remember to keep them in the car, so you don't forget them. Frequently there are restaurant coupons in the paper, so you can save money when you do decide to eat out. There are also coupons for oil changes and other things. Just keep an eye out for them.

I hope these ideas have got you thinking about the current instability of the world and some things you can do to lessen the effect of rising prices on your family. I would love to hear any tips you have to add.

About the Sponsor Cottonelle "The Cottonelle brand provides innovative comfort solutions for perineal personal care. Cottonelle toilet paper is available in three forms: Cottonelle Ultra toilet paper, Cottonelle Aloe & E toilet paper, and Cottonelle Premium toilet paper. To help people feel cleaner and fresher than with toilet paper alone, Cottonelle offers Cottonelle Fresh Flushable Moist Wipes and Cottonelle SoothingClean Flushable Moist Wipes enriched with Aloe & E."
More info about the Cottonelle Ultra Switch: www.CottonelleUltraSwitch.com
Cottonelle Ultra on Facebook
Follow @cottonellebrand on Twitter
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Cottonelle blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Image: George Stojkovic / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Winner

2011-03-30T18:40:00.002-05:00

#3 was the winning number
Larry (Cakeblast) was the winner of the Dinosaur Train Make A Match Game. He was emailed.
I am going to post many more giveaways soon.

Keeping My Family Happy

2011-03-30T17:20:00.002-05:00

I was asked to write about how I keep my family happy. Well, that took some thought. I suppose I had never really thought about it in those terms before, but it really is important.

An Attitude of Gratitude
I try to focus on the blessings we have. I would say with all the bad things in the news, my natural tendency is to focus on negative things. But I make a conscious effort to focus on the positive especially with my children. I encourage them to comment about things they like such as going swimming. My children say their prayers before bed and before meals, and they thank God.

Connect with Shared Interests
It is a good idea to connect with shared interests. Usually I ask my kids about school, and I express and interest in their lives. It is important for children, and everyone else for that matter, to feel that you really care about what is going on in their lives. Since I have teens I have to ask more questions to get more than "nothing" for an answer. My kids love music, so I talk to them about songs they like. My son really likes movies, so we talk about them. My daughter is really concerned about her friends, so we talk about that a lot. The point is to talk about things they like.

Do Activities Together
My kids like to go to the park, and they like to feed the ducks. They really love to swim and skate, and it is fun to do those things together. Just by spending time together, that will make everyone feel happier.

Eating Supper Together
It is important to eat supper together. I had heard about a campaign to encourage parents to eat meals with their children because it decreases the chances that they will become involved with alcohol or drugs. It is during meals that we can really "connect" with our children. They want our attention, and during meals they can get that attention. It is important to turn the television off during that time otherwise people will be focusing on that instead of focusing on each other. It is a good idea to not answer the phone during that time or at least tell any callers that you will call them back after supper. That makes everyone in the family feel important.

Those are just some ideas about how I keep my family happy. I am sure there are many other things that I did not think about. What types of things do you do? I would love to hear your ideas.

About The Sponsor Farm Rich: "Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves. Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they're made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats, and fresh vegetables. Our snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great-tasting food within minutes. Farm Rich® is a Rich's Consumer Brand, which brings to market some of the food industry's leading retail brands including SeaPak® Shrimp Co., Casa Di Bertacchi®, and more. From early-morning breakfasts to midnight snacks, we're proud to say Farm Rich® products have become synonymous with high quality and great taste."
For more info: www.farmrich.com
Follow Farm Rich on Twitter @farmrichsnacks
Farm Rich on Facebook

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

My Favorite Thing About Easter

2011-03-28T21:07:00.008-05:00

I was asked to post about my favorite thing about Easter. Sure, I like coloring eggs, egg hunts, and all the candy, but my favorite thing about Easter is the Christian meaning behind the day. It is vital to the Christian religion to understand about Jesus voluntarily giving His life for us and returning from the dead.

I wanted to post about the history of the pagan holiday becoming a Christian holiday. In the pagan celebration "Ishtar" was a day that commemorated the resurrection of one of their gods that they called "Tammuz". I won't go too deeply into that now, but it had to do with Nimrod, who was the grandson of Noah's son named Ham. (Remember the Tower of Babel?) Also it was a celebration of fertility - hence the eggs.

We know that Jesus went Jerusalem to celebrate passover, and He rode a donkey on what is called "Palm Sunday". He was crucified on "Good Friday" and rose from the dead on Easter. The tomb was empty! Because of His voluntary sacrifice, we can have forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

I was studying about how the official date was chosen. It was kind of long, so I will just quote it here: (On All About God) "The history of Christian Easter is told about in the book, A History of The Christian Church. The first definite record of the celebration of Christian Easter is in connection with the visit of Polycarp (the bishop of Smyrna) to Anicetus (the bishop of Rome) in 154 or 155 in order to come to an agreement about the time of the observance of Easter. Polycarp represented the more ancient custom of observing Easter with a vigil, ending with the Lord’s Supper, through the night of the fourteenth of the month Nisan (month of the Jewish calendar), like the Jewish Passover, regardless of what day of the week this day might fall. Anicetus represented the Roman custom that was also followed by some parts of the East to have the Easter feast always on Sunday. They did not come to an agreement, but continued on each with their own practice. After further disputes over dates within the Asia Minor church, the problem became so serious that meetings were held around 190 that decided in favor of having Easter celebrated on Sunday. At a council in 314, the Roman date of Easter was approved. In the third century in the Christian church, “the great event of the year was the Easter season. The period immediately before was one of fasting in commemoration of Christ’s sufferings. Customs differed in various parts of the empire. In Rome a forty hours’ fast and vigil was held in remembrance of Christ’s rest in the grave. This was extended, by the time of the Council of Nicaea to a forty days’ Lent. All fasting ended with the dawn of Easter morning, and the Pentecostal period of rejoicing then began. In that time there was no fasting or kneeling in prayer in public worship. Easter eve was the favorite season for baptism, that the newly initiate might participate in the Easter joy.”2 At the Council of Nicaea a uniform date for the observance of Easter was ordered."

I know this post might be a little different than your average post, but I wanted to highlight how a pagan holiday was changed to the most important holiday to Christians. It shows how God can use even pagan things to glorify Him. This year as you are coloring eggs with your children, remember to tell them the main reason Christians celebrate Easter.

About The Sponsor Hop: "Blending state of the art animation with live action, Hop is a comedy about E.B. (voiced by Russell Brand), the teenage son of the Easter Bunny. On the eve of taking over the family business, E.B. leaves for Hollywood in pursuit of his dream of becoming a drummer. Once there, he encounters Fred (James Marsden of the X-Men series, Enchanted), recently fired and determined to pull his life together. Feigning injury, E.B. persuades Fred to take him in, and Fred finds himself living with the world’s worst houseguest. Back on Easter Island, the Easter Bunny’s second in command, an oversized chick named Carlos, seizes E.B.’s disappearance as an opportunity to plot a coup. Ultimately, Fred and E.B. are Easter’s only hope and they find themselves returning to Easter Island, locked in an epic battle to save the beloved holiday. The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster Alvin and the Chipmunks and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me)."
More info: http://www.blogger.com/www.iwantcandy.com
Universal Pictures on Facebook
Follow @UniversalPics on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Hop blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Image by Luigi Diamanti.

I Was Away

2011-03-25T08:32:00.002-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know what happened. My sister was diagnosed with a serious illness, and I had to fly across the country to be with her. Please, pray for her. I don't want to reveal too many details until I ask her for permission.

I am sorry I did not post for a while. I was staying at the hospital, and I couldn't work on my blog. My sister is some better, and is at her home. Another person is staying with her for now, so I was able to fly home.

I have several blog reviews and giveaways to do, so I will get them posted.

Managing Your Family Finances

2011-02-16T09:21:00.002-06:00

Thank you to TurboTax for sponsoring my writing about household finances.Learn more about how TurboTax can help you find every tax deduction you deserve. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

It is that time of the year when people focus on their incomes and paying taxes. Unfortunately, most people live paycheck to paycheck. They spend what they want whenever they want. Many people do that and discover they are broke, and they don't know where the money went. Many times they "run out of money before the month" as the saying goes. Also it is important to have extra money saved for those unexpected emergencies. To get control of household spending and start saving we need to set up a household budget.

There I said it. The "B" word. Even the word "budget" can make people cringe. I know it sounds boring and something only "nerds" do. But if you are serious about better managing your finances, a budget can actually give you freedom. You will have more control over your money, know where your money is going, and have a plan to reach your financial goals.

Here are some easy household budgeting strategies you can use to get started.

Earnings
Write down how much you and your spouse (if married) earn each month. If you get paid weekly, then multiply that amount X 4. If you get paid every other week, the mutliply that X2. It is more difficult if your income varies month to month. You need to calculate your annual earnings and divide it by 12 to get your average monthly income.

Expenses
Your fixed expenses are the items that stay the same from month to month, such as a mortgage payment, car payment, telephone bill, etc. Some expenses vary from month to month such as your electric / gas bill. You need to budget for the approximate amount of the bill. In the middle of a cold winter, you will likely need to plan on paying more for heating. Many companies offer a "budget billing" option where they spread the payments evenly over 12 months. The the 12th month the balance is corrected, and you will owe more or less that month.

Some other expenses can be more difficult to calculate. Some people recommend that you carry a notebook and write down everything you spend for 30 days. That will tell you how much money you spent and where it went. You might realize you were doing something like speding $500 in a month to eat out!

The Difference Between the Two
Find the difference between what you spend and what you earn each month. A portion of any surplus should be budgeted for investments or savings. If there is a shortage, then you have two choices. Either you lower your expenses or increase your income or both.

Setting up a household budget is important to manage your family finances. Then hopefully you can pay your bills and save for your future.

To thank me for participating I am to be sent $50.

Dinosaur Train Valentines and Make A Match Game Giveaway

2011-02-12T09:50:00.006-06:00

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Buddy and the entire Dinosaur Train clan by downloading for FREE all-new Dinosaur Train Valentine’s Day cards. Click the highlighted area to download then print the PDF.
And for more Valentine’s Day fun, check out the new Flying with Buddy game that reinforces counting skills as Buddy collects seashells. Players use the mouse to control the flight of Buddy, Don and Tiny. Move the mouse UP and Buddy raises his legs, and Don and Tiny fly higher. Move the mouse DOWN and Don and Tiny fly lower, and Buddy reaches to grab the shells on the ground. After one minute of gameplay the characters return to their nest to count the treasures they collected. Check it out for FREE at the following link: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/flyingwithbuddy.html
The hit television series Dinosaur Train™ airs daily on PBS KIDS® (check local listings).

Dinosaur Train on PBS
The Jim Henson Company

AND find the “perfect match” with the Dinosaur Train Make A Match game from Pressman Toy!

In the Dinosaur Train Make A Match game, Buddy and his friends sharpen children’s memory skills in this special matching game that features a Buddy figure! To begin play, 48 game cards featuring favorite Dinosaurs from Dinosaur Train are shuffled and laid face down in 6 rows of 8 cards each. Players take turns turning over any two cards—so all players can see them—to find a matching pair. The game features “Take Buddy” cards, “Wild Cards” and “Lose a Pair” cards to add to the excitement. Players count their matching card sets at the end and add extra points for the player holding Buddy to determine who wins. The Dinosaur Train Make A Match Game is for 2 to 4 players, ages 3 to 6, and is available at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide for just $9.99.
Now you have a chance to win a Dinosaur Train Make A Match game!

For the first entry - tell me who would love to play this game.
Please, leave your email address, so I can contact the winner.

Bonus entries: Leave an extra comment for each one.

1. Subscribe to this blog
2. Follow this blog
3. Subscribe to my new blog Saving Simplified.
4. Follow my new blog Saving Simplified on Google Friend connect.
5. Leave a comment on any post on Saving Simplified to get 2 entries. (Please leave 2 comments on this post for 2 entries.)
6. Follow me @donnak4 and tweet about the contest. Then leave the link or your twitter ID.
Here is one you can use:

Win A Dinosaur Train Make A Match Game http://tinyurl.com/486xt72

This is for the US. Ends 2/28 at 11:59PM CST.
I did not receive any compensation for this post. The sponsor is sending the prize.

DixieRocks Giveaway

2011-02-11T08:09:00.000-06:00

DixieRocks.com is giving away the choice of an Amazon Kindle, Ipod Nano, or a $150 Gift Certificate from GameRoomsUSA.com! Entering is Easy! Contest details can be found on thier facebook fanpage at http://on.fb.me/contestdr or on their website at http://DixieRocks.com/contest.

A Better World Review

2011-02-10T18:51:00.006-06:00

Do you play any games on facebook?

I recently tried a cute new game on facebook called A Better World. This game focuses on uplifting and doing good for others.

It was easy to set up and customize my person. It looks a lot like me.

They have a section called the Heart Cart where you can give themed heart greetings to your family and friends. The themes include, romantic, fun, goodness and friendly.
The hearts are really cute. You can also read the Book of Love.

You can "Like" A Better World on Facebook and give a heart to family and friends.

Disclosure: I am receiving an Amazon gift card from ToonUps as a thank you for participating in this campaign.

GraveyardMall Deal of the Day

2011-02-06T01:00:00.001-06:00

GraveyardMall.com
Shop and Save up to 90% off on the Deal of the Day !
Other people have talked about this being a great deal previously. 9 pairs of women's sunglasses for $9.99! I plan to get it.

Groundhog Day 2011

2011-02-02T20:52:00.003-06:00

I really didn't know much about Groundhog Day, so I decided to learn about it.

According to Wikipedia "Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada. According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day, it will leave the burrow, signifying that winter-like weather will soon end. If it is sunny, the groundhog will supposedly see its shadow and retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks."

"The largest Groundhog Day celebration is held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Groundhog Day, already a widely recognized and popular tradition, received worldwide attention as a result of the 1993 film of the same name, Groundhog Day, which was set in Punxsutawney and featured Punxsutawney Phil."

Amazon has a deal on the movie Groundhog Day (Special 15th Anniversary Edition) for only $8.49 today if you want a copy of this classic.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club has a website where you can learn more about it.

Oh, Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early spring. I hope he's right!

FiberChoice Chewable Fiber Supplements Blog Tour

2011-02-01T19:43:00.003-06:00

Did you make any resolutions this year? My resolution was to lose 10 pounds. I want to lose more, but that was a goal I can achieve fairly quickly. Then I hope to be motivated to lose more.

One thing that helps with weight loss is to eat more fiber. Reaching the recommended 25 - 30 grams of fiber a day is difficult. According to the American Dietetic Association the average person gets only half that amount. Eating whole grains, vegetables, and fruits helps, but it is still difficult to reach the recommended amount.

FiberChoice Chewable Fiber Supplement is a great way to increase the fiber in your diet.

According to their website fiber benefits your health in these ways:
•Contributes to digestive health.
•Aids in weight control.
•Helps maintain your immune system.
•Fiber plus calcium promotes bone health.
•Help support a healthy heart.

The main ingredient in FiberChoice tablets is inulin, the same healthy fiber found naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Inulin is “prebiotic,” which means it nourishes the friendly, “good” bacteria in the digestive system.

FiberChoice comes in different formulations:

FiberChoice Chewable Tablets
FiberChoice Plus Calcium
FiberChoice Weight Management
FiberChoice Plus Antioxidants

I tried the FiberChoice Weight Management chewables. They had a good strawberry taste. 2 tablets daily gives you 4 grams of soluble fiber and only 16 calories.

FiberChoice Weight Management has Chromium Picolinate, green tea and plenty of fiber to help you feel full longer. You can get a $2 coupon.

I haven't been using it very long, but it does make me feel fuller.

For more information, visit www.fiberchoice.com.
Follow @FiberChoice on twitter.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of FiberChoice and received a coupon to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Eversave Deal for KlikKlikJewelry.com

2011-01-11T05:48:00.005-06:00

Check out this national deal from Eversave:

$35 for a fun, chic, DIY jewelry kit from KlikKlikJewelry.com ($75 value)
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Jan 13, 2011

According to the site:
•Fun, fashionable magnetic jewelry allows you to invent thousands of combinations of necklaces, bracelets, anklets, armbands, rings and more
•Jewelry kit includes 216 small spheres, 28 wands, and 56 cubes
•Extremely durable and easy to clean

Deal ends 11:59 PM - Jan 13, 2011

FREE Pet Toy from Paws

2011-01-11T05:36:00.003-06:00

Paws is giving away FREE toys for your pet!
Just sign up online at Paws.com. Hurry before the offer expires.
It said to allow two to six weeks for delivery.

Scrubz Review and Coupon

2011-01-03T23:11:00.005-06:00

Have you heard about Scrubz? Scrubz is a Natural Sugar Body Scrub. "Scrubs function by removing old cells to produce a smooth and refreshed skin surface and by providing physical stimulation to skin through a massaging effect, which in turn helps improve circulation. Oil-based scrubs focus on skin treatment and rejuvenation, first with exfoliation and then with nourishment, using natural oils and emollients. Scrub products also emphasize the holistic approach of de-stressing and relaxation, along with skin conditioning."

Ingredients in Scrubz Products according to their website:
Coconut-Supreme Oil (Cocus nucifera)
Olive Oil (Olea europaea)
Vitamin E Oil (Dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
Canola oil (Brassica napus)
Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)
Aloe Vera Oil (Barbadensis miller)
Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera)
Soybean Oil (Soja hispida)
Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa)
Natural Sucrose
Essential and Fragrance Oils

The great people at Scrubs sent me a jar of their body scrubz for review in the Jasmine Honeysuckle scent. I loved it. I loved the scent. It worked well on my feet and elbows. My skin felt very smooth. I would recommend it!

Great news!
Save 20% on your entire order at Scrubz.
Use coupon code NEWYEAR2011
Good thru 1/11/11

Blog Energizer

2010-12-23T02:38:00.003-06:00

Are you a new blogger? Or do you have a hard time knowing what to blog about? I like Blog Energizer. I have been a free member, and received many good resources. I plan to join the premium program this year.
Blog Energizer Premium

Free Resources