Check Out Verizon FiOS

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

Share you solar cooking and win

Pretty Little Liars DVD

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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.