With news breaking hourly about the spread of the Swine Flu, both around the world and within our country, we have been hearing Moms across the nation concerned about what precautions to take along with how to distinguish regular cold and flu symptoms from the Swine Flu.
This leaves us with the questions of what key precautions we need to take to keep our families healthy, and what key symptoms we should be on the alert for. With a count of 64 identified cases of Swine Flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports today,
"The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S."
Major health organizations, in particular the CDC, recommend hand washing with soap and water and when that is not available, hand sanitizing with an alcohol-based rub, as critical to minimize the spread of germs during illness outbreaks. When the Purell team at Johnson & Johnson contacted Mom Central yesterday about a public service campaign to help spread the word to Moms - they immediately got their attention. Purell wants Moms to be aware of these important public health messages:
· According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH), the hands are one of the most frequent transmission routes for many types of infections as they come into direct contact with known portals of entry for pathogens (mouth, nose, conjunctiva of the eyes). Therefore, practicing proper hand hygiene is the easiest way to help reduce infections. Another way that some infections can spread is through the air, which is why it is important to cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze.
· While no hand sanitizer is indicated to prevent Swine Flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the ways you can help protect yourself from Swine Flu is by practicing good hand hygiene. Specific CDC recommendations include keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water may not be available, such as when you're on the go.
- Using soap and water, wash hands for 15 to 20 second.
- When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply enough product to thoroughly wet hands, then rub hands together briskly until dry.
· PURELL® Instant Hand Sanitizer has a unique formulation of 65% alcohol with a special blend of moisturizers to kill germs on hands. The alcohol breaks down the germs' cell walls causing them to die. When applied to hands it evaporates within seconds. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Guidelines for Infection Control Practice, "alcohols applied to the skin are among the safest known antiseptics."
The CDC reports the following (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm):
- "What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans? The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea."
- "How does swine flu spread? Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose."
- "Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
For more information, go to http://www.purell.com or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu or http://www.ifh-homehygiene.or/.
Swine Flu Latest & Parental Precautions
The Double Daring Book for Girls Giveaway
Three winners will be receiving The Double Daring Book for Girls by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz.
You can enter this giveaway once a day.
The eagerly anticipated follow-up to the bestselling phenomenon The Daring Book for Girls is an even more daring guide to everything from making a raft to learning how to play football to the art of the Japanese Tea ceremony. This second volume, with all new original material, promises to be even more of a daring adventure than the first. Girls will learn how to surf, get horseback riding tips, make a labyrinth, find out about April Fool’s Day history and pranks, how to organize a croquet tournament, find out about cowgirls, the Nobel Prize, being a detective and much more! Just as packed with creative and exciting material as the original, but twice as fun, this book will be beloved by all Daring fans everywhere!
Miriam Peskowitz has been a camp counselor, an historian, a blogger, a musician, a professor, and is the author of many books, including The Truth Behind the Mommy Wars. Miriam is the mother of two girls, including an almost-eleven-year-old who climbs trees, capsizes small boats, and rides her pastel blue bike around the neighborhood (and a three-year-old who is learning to be daring). Miriam kayaks in summer, snowshoes in winter, and loves writing the Daring Books for Girls. She is super-excited about the latest addition: The Double-Daring Book for Girls.
Andrea J. Buchanan is a writer living in Philadelphia. In addition to her latest book, The Double-Daring Book For Girls (HarperCollins), she is the author of the New York Times bestselling The Daring Book For Girls, The Pocket Daring Book For Girls: Things To Do, and The Pocket Daring Book For Girls: Wisdom and Wonder, along with Miriam Peskowitz. She is also the author of Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It and the editor of three anthologies. She is the mother of a daughter and a son, both of whom are equally daring.
This will giveaway will conclude on May 11th.
- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
- Follow me on this blog.
- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Join Facebook group.
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Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.
Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.
Free $10 Gift Certificate for Mama Mio
Register at Mama Mio and receive a free $10 gift certificate. This offer will expire on May 10th, 2009.
On Tuesday May 12, 2009 they’ll email you your secret code that you’ll enter at checkout when you shop on their site.
O•Mega Body Oil $35
Bootcamp for Butts $160
Shower Cream $19
Choosing the Best Summer Camp for Your Children
For the third year running, Lakeway Resort and Spa is proud to be the home of Champions Day Camp. Lakeway Resort chose to integrate camp into its menu of amenities at the resort because it provides an invaluable experience all its own, to both children and parents alike. Among other attributes, camp often helps children develop greater self confidence, a sense of respect and responsibility in a fun interactive format.
It is always important to carefully research the long list of camp programs to find the organization best suited for your child, and family as a whole. To make the search easier, Faye Sager, Camp Director for Champions Day Camp, has developed a list of key points to consider:
Decide What Is Most Important
Decide what it is you want your child to get out of the program – Have fun? Make new friends? Build character? Build new skills? Have time to spend just being a kid? Interact with only girls or boys? Do you want camp to emphasize existing religious beliefs? Every camp program is built with a variety of key points in mind – make sure that what is important to you is also important to the camp. Also, do not be afraid to ask camp directors and counselors how their program promotes and emphasizes those items that are of particular interest.
Stay Consistent With Your Parenting Style
Look for camps that match your parenting style. You will want counselors to interact with your children in the same fashion you do at home. It is essential that the program dynamic instill the same values as your home instead of contradicting them.
American Camp Association
Ask what accreditations the camp has to get a better idea of how they built their program structure. Many camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) which sets the highest industry standards requiring accredited camps to pass a very comprehensive set of guidelines and site visits.
Begin Online
Look for camps online, call the ones that interest you, and then visit your top choice camps. Visiting a camp not only helps you make a good decision by getting a good "feeling" about the camp and its staff, but it also helps your camper overcome pre-camp anxiety.
Have Fun at the Fair
Camp fairs are a great place to see a large variety of different camps at once. While you explore, take the opportunity to speak with staff and counselors. Often each booth will have interactive components that will allow your child to get a feel for the type of camp offered as well. Be sure to have a list of qualities that are important to you before you go.
It Starts With the Staff
Inquire from the camp director about their staff recruiting process, training process, and experience requirements. Also ask about “counselor in training programs” and keep in mind whether this something that your child may want to get involved in once they are old enough.
Variety is Key
Look for programs with an array of activities to provide variety, especially in long programs. Be sure the camp offers activities that your child is interested in, and ask how activities are assigned (if you child will pick their activities or if they are assigned by other means). It is important that your child is be able to participate in the activities that interest him, but also remember that part of camp is trying new experiences.
Take It from Someone Who Has Been There
Feel free to ask the camp director for referrals from last season’s parents. These former clients will give you a huge insight into what their children enjoyed and took away from their camp experience, as well as the easy of working with the organization and staff.
Champions Day Camp is designed to offer programs in weeklong, weekend, and individual session formats. As a part of Camp Champions, a local accredited resident camp recently named #1 overnight camp in Austin, TX, by Austin Family Magazine, Champions Day Camp aims to provide the same positive youth development in a day camp structure.
For more information regarding Champions Day Camp at Lakeway Resort and Spa, please contact Faye Sager direct at 512-261-7353 or via email at fsager@campchampions.com.
About Lakeway Resort and Spa
Majestically situated on the shores of Texas’ renowned Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa has been the preferred destination for an unparalleled lakeside experience for over 25 years. Spectacular views only enhance the 168 guestrooms, suites and villas, 24,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space, dining outlets, and calming experience of San Saba Spa. Located just west of downtown, the resort has long been considered the ideal spot for mixing business with pleasure. As a Dolce Resort, Lakeway Resort and Spa is managed by a global hospitality company specializing in the meetings experience and resort destinations. Dolce Hotels and Resorts holds a portfolio of 27 unique properties in the United States, Canada, and Europe, each with its own unique style.
Lakeway Resort and Spa is located at 101 Lakeway Drive, Austin, Texas 78734. Reservations may be made by calling toll-free 800-525-3929; local, 512-261-6600, or online at http://www.lakeway.dolce.com.
Review: Joolwe
With Mother's Day peeking around the corner, Joolwe is the perfect site for gift ideas.
Review: I had the opportunity to try out the Gold Over Sterling Silver and Orange CZ Cheetah Pattern Ring on the behalf of Family Review Network and Joolwe.
This ring is simply stunning and classy! It looks high end without the big price tag.
Even though this particular piece is no longer on their site, they offer a few similar rings: 18k Gold Over Sterling Silver and 3.9 ctw Garnet Cluster Ring ($34.99), 18k Gold Over Sterling Silver and 4.7 ctw Sapphire Ring ($49.99) and 18k Gold Over Sterling Silver and 4.7 ctw Ruby Ring ($49.99).
Joolwe maintains their reputation by providing excellent customer care. They offer Free Shipping on all orders, a best value guarantee, an easy returns/exchange policy and a biweekly free jewelry giveaway.
KidZui
This week, April 27-May 3, is Internet Safety Week, a time when families start the conversation about how to stay safe online. But shouldn’t the conversation be about more than just safety? It is of course vital to keep kids safe online and there are lots of products out there that do that, but that’s only half the story. The Internet is not all bad. It can be an amazing source of fun, discovery and learning for kids. Families should also be discussing how kids can take advantage of the Internet’s myriad learning possibilities. 
Would you be interested in interviewing families and teachers about their Internet experiences and how they keep their kids safe online? Here are a few examples:
· Eight-year-old Ricky Andrews from Bettendorf, IA has ADHD, is deaf and is the recipient of bilateral cochlear implants. Because Ricky couldn’t receive the implant until he was almost 4, he missed out on critical speech-learning years. The Internet has opened up a new avenue for Ricky to learn through online games, and has provided an outlet to connect with his sister who is not hard of hearing.
· Timmy Lionberger, a 12-year-old boy from the small town North Plains near Portland, OR, has Asperger’s syndrome/autism. Pop-up ads and adult content on the Web confused and disturbed Timmy and prevented him from getting to the online destinations he wanted to visit, resulting in the need for constant adult supervision by his grandmother Jana Lionberger. Now he surfs alone and uses the Internet for homework and trivia and Jana loves the parental reports that give her an idea of what topics Timmy is interested in exploring.
· Melissa Volker of East Longmeadow, MA recently decided to home-school her six-year-old son. They use the Internet as a home-school tool to learn about first-grade topics like the solar system, dinosaurs and telling time. Melissa’s son now independently surfs the Web has begun to type search words himself.
· Jennifer Spencer is an elementary school teacher at Gilpin Manor Elementary in Elkton, MD. Most of her 8 or 9-year-old students are homeless or in foster care and were unmotivated to learn until Jennifer added the Internet into her curriculum. Since then, students use of the library’s computers has increased dramatically, and Jennifer has seen vast improvements in the students’ technology know-how and desire to learn, and has seen quiet, reserved students become more social.
The children mentioned above use a service called KidZui to access the Internet. It is the Internet designed specifically for kids, giving them access to more than 1.8 million parent and teacher approved Web sites, YouTube videos, games and photos. Parents like the service because it offers so much more than a monitoring device: KidZui provides a safe and fun environment in which kids are rewarded for exploring the good things on the Internet and learning, with no chance of their stumbling across inappropriate content or chatting with strangers.
National Infertility Awareness Week: Help for Couples
In recognition of the difficulties many couples face when trying to get pregnant, Conceivex, Inc. is offering a coupon code for $20 off the purchase of the Conception Kit, the nation’s only FDA-cleared at-home fertility enhancer.
$20 off with coupon code: NIAW Exp. 5/15/09
More About the Conception Kit:
The Conception Kit is a low-cost fertility enhancement solution for couples who are having difficulty getting pregnant. Since the Kit’s clearance in 2007, thousands of people have overcome problems such as tilted cervix, low sperm count and hostile vaginal environment to become pregnant using the Kit. The Kit uses cervical cap insemination along with other tools to help couples time and enhance the natural process of conception. At $299.95, the Kit is an effective and affordable step to take before turning to costly and invasive fertility treatments.
Review and Giveaway: KINeSYS
One winner will receive 4oz Kid Spray & 4oz Moisturizer from KINeSYS.
You can enter this giveaway once a day.
Thanks to Family Review Network and KINeSYS! We had a chance to test out the KIDS SPF 30 Alcohol Free Sunscreen Spray and SPF 30 Girl Sunscreen Spray. I love their products, especially the SPF 30 Girl Sunscreen Spray since it has a vanilla scent, which is one of my favorite scents. I keep this particular spray in my purse and the other one in my diaper bag. I love that the sunscreen spray is very lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy residue. I haven't tried anything like it before, and prefer this over the traditional sunscreens.
KINeSYS sun block products are carbon neutral, their packaging is made of 100% recyclable materials and their products are 100% cruelty free. KINeSYS is also a proud signer of The Compact for Safe Cosmetics.
This will giveaway will conclude on May 4th.
- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
- Follow me on this blog.
- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Join Facebook group.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.
- Subscribe to this blog.
- Stumble this post.
- Add me to your blog roll.
Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.
Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.
Review: Annie Chun's
Many Americans love Asian-inspired food but don't know how to make it at home.
Noodles are essential part of Asian cooking and the base for many favorite dishes. Annie Chun's is the leading producer of all-natural, quick and easy Asian foods, makes it easy to recreate restaurant quality Asian food at home - at a fraction of the cost of going out to dinner.
We had the opportunity to sample a variety of products from the Anni Chun's line: Chinese Stir Fry Sauce, Pad Thai Sauce, Chow Mein Noodles, Maifun Rice Noodles, Pad Thai Rice Noodles, Soba Noodles, Udon Soup FreshPak Noodle Bowl and Peanut Sauce Noodle Bowl.
I'm a big fan of noodles (and rice) and was not disappointed at all with the Annie Chun's line! The fact that all of her food products are natural was an extra perk. Out of all the products that we had a chance to sample, the Pad Thai Rice Noodles Chow Mein Noodles were my favorites. I wasn't too fond of the Udon Soup FreshPak Noodle Bowl - a bit too salty for someone like me who is not a big fan of salt. And, I was absolutely crazy about the sauces! I will definitely not hesitate at buying anything from this line in the future.
Peanut Sauce Noodle Bowl $3.49
As a busy mom, Annie loves flavorful meals that are easy to make, healthy and go anywhere. That's why she created her Peanut Sauce Noodle Bowl with fresh cooked noodles and sauce. She took soft, fresh-cooked hokkien noodles - not your ordinary dried noodles - and paired them with her delicious peanut sauce. Even kids who have never tried Asian food will love this mild flavor combination. And it's ready in just two minutes - so all you have to do is relax and enjoy!
Miso Soup FreshPak Noodle Bowl $3.49
Udon Noodles are more flavorful and offer a more satisfying texture than everyday dry noodles. Creamy fresh white miso makes this soup full-bodied, while seasoned red miso intensifies its rich flavors. Together, they bring you what the Japanese call umami - that ultimately delicious state when complex flavors attain perfection! In Japan, miso is valued for its energizing qualities, and my soup is the perfect soy food to energize your day.
Soba Noodles $2.99
Japanese soba noodles get their appealing, nutty flavor and speckled brown color from a secret ingredient: nutritious buckwheat flour. They're delicious in stir-fries and soups, and Annie loves to use them in salads.
Pad Thai Rice Noodles $2.99
These Pad Thai (fettuccine) rice noodles are perfect for making Thailand's national dish, Pad Thai, right at home. There's even an easy recipe right on the side of the package. They're also great in all kinds of other dishes, from soups and stir-fries to cold noodle salads. You can toss them with any of their Annie Chun's Sauces to make a quick, satisfying hot or cold meal in less than five minutes.
Maifun Rice Noodles $2.99
Their delicate, appealingly tender Mai Fun -/*/(angel hair) rice noodles are fantastic any way you serve them - in soups, tir-fries or cold salads.
Chow Mein Noodles $2.99
The next time you're getting ready to make that ten-thousandth pot of spaghetti, why not say 'ciao' to pasta and 'hello' to Chow Mein! Their Chow Mein noodles cook up ust right in less than five minutes. And you can enjoy them with any of their\eady- -to-use Annie Chun's Sauces.
These traditional wheat-flour noodles are made with egg whites only, no yolks, so they're lighter than typical Italian style pastas. They're all-natural, and very low in fat. Sauce them, stir-fry them, or use them in cold noodle salads. I invite you to discover the irresistible flavor and texture of Asian Noodles. It's easy and fun!
Chinese Stir Fry Sauce $2.99
This savory garlic scallion sauce won First Place at the major New York specialty food show. It is incredibly versatile and Annie uses it for everything from stir fry to making delicious Chinese chow mein dishes.
Tips: Use as a marinade for fish, chicken or meat. Add broccoli, snow peas, chicken and her Chow Mein noodles to make a tasty chicken chow mein stir fry.
Pad Thai Sauce $4.69
Pad Thai is one of Annie's favorite Thai dishes. So she created this complex and delicious sauce to make it easy for you to have great Pad Thai in minutes, right in your own kitchen! It's also terrific as a sweet and sour stir fry sauce or as a Thai grilling sauce.
Tips: Add shrimp, bean sprouts, shredded carrot and tofu with her Pad Thai noodles. Stir fry ingredients. Mix in cooked noodles, sprinkle with peanuts and enjoy.
Shinzi Katoh
Shinzi Katoh 2 Deck Energy Lunch Box $19.95
Shinzi Katoh Stainless Steel Hands Tumbler $19.95
Shinzi Katoh 500 ml In The Sky Trekking Bottle $19.95
Shinzi Katoh Delicious Serving Tray $39.95
Shinzi Katoh 2 Deck Birds Lunch Box $19.95
Shinzi Katoh 280 ml Sunny Stainless Steel Tumbler $19.95
Click here for the latest coupons and deals for Kir DeVries.
Gifts You Can Feel Good About Getting
This Mother’s Day, a dozen roses or a fancy dinner out might seem too rich for the times. But every mom wants to be recognized and OneWorld Health, the non-profit that provides life-saving medicines to the poorest people on the planet, has an affordable luxury that’s just right for the times because it helps other mothers and their children survive.
The OneWorld Health charm features a distinctive water drop dangle, which symbolizes the hope OneWorld Health provides with every drop of life-saving medicine it develops for poorest mothers and children on the planet.
The OneWorld Health-Pandora partnership has already yielded more than $200,000.00 in donations to OneWorld Health and the Glamour Woman of the Year-founded organization is hoping their “Charm Your Mother and Save a Life” Mother's Day campaign will help support its new efforts to save poor women and children from dying of preventable diseases.
Review: Kahina - Giving Beauty
About Katharine L'Heureux: Self described as a skin care junkie Katharine L'Heureux began her search for the perfect skin care regimen at the age of 12 while rummaging through her mother's cluttered bathroom cabinet in San Francisco. Her search ended over 30 years later on a journey to Morocco which has led to the creation of Kahina Giving Beauty, her organic skin care line intended for women like her who looking for a simple organic skin care program that works and that women can feel good about buying. Kahina Giving Beauty is based on 100% organic argan oil sourced from the women's cooperatives of Morocco. Kahina Giving Beauty will source key ingredients from women's cooperatives around the world and donate a portion of the profits to the women who work to provide the raw materials for Kahina Giving Beauty products.
Kahina Giving Beauty products do not and will never contain parabens, synthetics, sulfates, petroleum, GMOs, animal byproducts, artificial colors or fragrances. The boxes are made from 100% recycled materials. The bottles are made from high quality recyclable violet glass which also acts as a preservative by blocking out damaging light rays. They encourage their customers to return their bottles for reuse.
This Facial Lotion ($52) is an unscented moisturizer that is ideal for all skin types. I love how this lotion keeps my face hydrated without feeling oily. It also makes my face feel incredibly soft. This facial lotion has high concentrations of 100% organic argan oi with other naturally beneficial ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate and organic shea butter - ingredients that make a truly effective moisturizer. It may be used following Kahina Serum to maximize skin benefits.
I love their Serum ($69). I've tried out many different types of serums, but this is my absolute favorite! After a great cleansing with the Clarisonic Plus Skin Care System ($225) and Kahina Facial Cleanser ($42), I love to apply this serum, because it sinks in quickly and makes my face feel well pampered. Depending on your skin's level of dryness, you can apply this underneath Kahina Facial Lotion. This serum is extremely rich in fatty acids and beta carotene. It utilizes the recuperative properties of organic argan oil, boosted by organic sea buckthorn seed oil and organic coffee oil to heal and rejuvenate skin.
Kahina Argan Oil ($32 - $72) is the ultimate beauty secret and the very heart of Kahina Giving Beauty. I love it much as their Serum, because it is very light and non-greasy. I believe their Argan Oil has helped out tremendously with blemishes. There hasn't been a pimple in sight since I've been using this product. This product is not only good for treating acne, but it also good for a lot of things - hair oil, hand treatment, body oil, bath oil, etc. Now I understand why it is so popular.
Their Facial Cleanser ($15 - $42) is perfect for my combination skin, because it is gentle and it deeply cleanses. It is also well moisturizing, which also makes it ideal for dry skin. This cleanser has a combination of organic argan oil, organic willow bark extract, organic honey and organic papaya extract that will help cleanse away impurities and eliminate bacteria without stripping skin of its natural oils. They recommend using this cleanser morning and evening before moisturizing with the Kahina Serum and/or Kahina Facial Lotion.
Simple Green Naturals Giveaway
One winner will have a chance to win the entire Simple Green Naturals line.
Question: Which product from the Simple Green Naturals line are you looking forward to trying out?
Click here for my review.
You can enter this giveaway once a day.
As certified by Green Seal, the five Simple Green Naturals products contain 100% naturally sourced ingredients – no synthetic preservatives, colorants, or fragrances. The ingredients of Simple Green Naturals are derived from sources such as chicory, coconut, corn, palm, minerals, salt and sugar. The scents in Simple Green Naturals are 100% natural essential oils and plant extracts manufactured to the most stringent regulations of the International Fragrance Association, ensuring skin-sensitization does not occur when these products contact skin. Simple Green Naturals contain no animal or animal derived ingredients and the finished products are never tested on animals.
This will giveaway will conclude on May 4th.
- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
- Follow me on this blog.
- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Join Facebook group.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.
- Subscribe to this blog.
- Stumble this post.
- Add me to your blog roll.
Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.
Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.
Note: Comment section is shut off.
BRIDE WARS / Paper Shouts Giveaway
One winner will have a chance to win a BRIDE WARS DVD and a $25 Paper Shouts gift certificate.
The selected winner will also be entered into the Grand Prize drawing on the Paper Shouts website. Prizes include movie memorabilia such as the sunglasses worn in the movie by Kate Hudson and a movie one-sheet signed by Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway and the Grand Prize is a great Mexican vacation — 6 nights at the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort and airfare for 2 on AirTran airlines.
Question: Which character from BRIDE WARS do you relate to most: Emma’s traditional, romantic style or Liv’s couture, “only the best” approach? Also, go to the Paper Shouts web-site and post about your favorite card from the Bridal Shouts section on the widget.
You can enter this giveaway once a day.
Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway), best friends since childhood, are always there for each other, through good times and bad. They even become engaged to be married within a few hours of one another. Together they plan their respective weddings, each to take place at New York’s ultimate bridal destination, the Plaza Hotel. But a clerical error and subsequent clash in wedding dates pits the two brides – neither of whom will step aside – against each other, in a competition that quickly escalates into all-out war.
Paper Shouts is a family owned business located in the Santa Cruz California area. They created Paper Shouts with the mission of giving people a way to share their family news that is not only easy and cost effective but with an end result that is as fabulous and personal as the events themselves.
As we journey through our lives from the finding that special someone to announcing new additions to the family to celebrating momentous birthdays and everything in between we find ourselves looking for just the right way to shout out our exciting news. Paper Shouts wants to be a part of life's big moments by making the creation of your announcements and invitations a fun and easy process.
Exclusive: 15% off your order at Paper Shouts with coupon code: Mother
The giveaway will conclude May 8th.
- Link giveaway on your own blog, Twitter, Facebook, and / or Myspace.
- Follow me on this blog.
- Become a fan of this blog on Facebook.
- Join Facebook group.
- Add my blog button on your sidebar.
- Subscribe to this blog.
- Stumble this post.
- Add me to your blog roll.
Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.
Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.
Note: Comment section is shut off. Pretty please sign the form.
Review: Simple Green Naturals
Review: I had the opportunity to try out the Simple Green Naturals line, which includes: Naturals Carpet Care, Naturals Glass & Surface Care, Naturals Liquid Hand Soap, Naturals Bathroom Cleaner and Naturals Multi-Surface ($3.99 each). 
I couldn't wait to try out the Naturals Carpet Care. Thanks to bambino, our living room carpet had a few hard to get out beverage stains. I sprayed a little bit of this on the tough stains and waited a few minutes for it to penetrate. Then, I gently blotted the spot with a white cloth. While this didn't get the red juice stain out of our carpet, it worked perfectly with the mild stains. I honestly haven't found a carpet cleaner that worked great as this one!
Most traditional hand soaps make my hands dry and some even cause my hands to peel. This one did not do either. It makes my hands feel soft and smelling pretty with natural oil scents of basil oil, orange oil, rosemary oil, sage oil and clary sage oil. The consistency is slightly runnier than your traditional hand soap, but it lathers surprisingly well without any harsh ingredients. 
I've tried out a few "green" glass cleaners that weren't worth the hype. However, this one puts the not so green Sparkle to shame. It doesn't leave any smears and it smells great with the subtle scent of rosemary mint.
Cleaning the bathroom is my least favorite chore, but their bathroom cleaner makes the experience easier to tolerate. It didn't take very much of this product or time to get the bathtub sparkling clean. It has a sugar based acid that works flawlessly to remove stubborn grime, alkaline soils and hard water deposits that are found in most bathrooms. Unlike the glass cleaner, the rosemary scent is much more evident and smells better than most of the bathroom cleaners I've used in the past. It is not recommended for limestone, marble or soapstone. Granite is okay.
Their Naturals Multi-Surface has multi-tasked it's way to my heart, cabinets and counters. I'm usually leery of multi-purpose cleaners, but this one actually works. If you're looking for something that will work above and beyond, this is it!
As certified by Green Seal, the five Simple Green Naturals products contain 100% naturally sourced ingredients – no synthetic preservatives, colorants, or fragrances. The ingredients of Simple Green Naturals are derived from sources such as chicory, coconut, corn, palm, minerals, salt and sugar. The scents in Simple Green Naturals are 100% natural essential oils and plant extracts manufactured to the most stringent regulations of the International Fragrance Association, ensuring skin-sensitization does not occur when these products contact skin. Simple Green Naturals contain no animal or animal derived ingredients and the finished products are never tested on animals.
Simple Green has been on the cutting edge of non-toxic, biodegradable, environmentally responsible cleaning products for over 30 years, and will continue to develop new and exciting products for generations to come.
Review and Giveaway: Photofiddle
One winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Photofiddle.
Visit Photofiddle and tell us about your favorite art style.
Post about which one you would like to win on the comment widget along with name and email address on the comment widget above instead of replying to the post (less hassle that way). All of your information will be hidden. You can enter this contest daily.
Review: Fiddle-de-dum. Guess what? I have been fiddled! Well, not exactly. However, I was contacted for the opportunity to have a picture fiddled and chose the picture above. They emailed me various art styles to choose from, and I chose to have my son's picture done in oil painting style. Photofiddle will turn any picture into a work of art with over 50 photo art styles to choose from! I was very impressed with the canvas picture they sent me. I can't wait to hang it up! I'm very proud of it. It is definitely something I will always treasure. This would make a valuable and honorable gift if you're stumped at what to get your mom for Mother's Day.
The giveaway will conclude May 3rd.
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Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.
Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.
Earth Day 1 Million CFL Light Bulb Giveaway
The Home Depot will be giving away 1 million CFL bulbs in support of our environment on Earth Day 2009. Receive a free EcoSmart 14w CFL bulb from participating The Home Depot stores on April 19, 2009. Quantities may vary by store. Limit one per customer while quantities last. No purchase necessary. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotional offer or discount. No credit if offer refused.
Electrolux Blog Tour
Electrolux and Kelly Ripa have teamed up to introduce an eco-friendly front-load washer and dryer in a truly vibrant shade – “Kelly Green.” The new limited edition shade, an upbeat green designed to pack a visual punch, was inspired by the great outdoors and self-proclaimed eco-Mom Kelly Ripa. Here’s a quote from Kelly herself:
“I love green … the color green and the act of living green,” said Ripa. “What better place to make a simple, every day difference than in the laundry room? Kelly Green is a gorgeous shade, and just by using the new Electrolux high-efficiency washer and dryer you can save energy and use less water. How green is that?” 
Just in time for Earth day, Electrolux kicks off its virtual flower garden campaign to drive awareness and raise funds for Global Green USA. Starting today, when you go to http://www.electroluxappliances.com/ and plant a virtual flower for a friend, Electrolux will donate $1 to Global Green USA to support their healthy green schools initiatives across America. Everyone who logs on to the site and plants a virtual flower will be automatically entered for a chance to win a new eco-friendly Kelly Green front-load washer and dryer!
In addition, Mom Central will be giving away one eco-friendly “Kelly Green” washer and dryer set to a member of our community! To enter, simply click here and (1) tell them which flower you planted on the Electrolux site and (2) share your own “laundry tips” for saving time and energy. Mom Central will pick one lucky winner in a random drawing from all entries received!
Review: Mr. Bobbles' Blankets
About Mr. Bobbles' Blankets: This company is owned and run by Renee Sirulnik, an entrepreneurial mom who has always loved sewing and creating things. Renee was surrounded by sewing her whole life. One grandma was a seamstress who worked in a garment factory in PA., while the other grandma was always crafting and working on a new creative project. Renee's mom is an avid watercolor artist, as well as a seamstress and generally creative person - the type of mom who made everything from bedroom curtains to fancy Easter dresses, Halloween and school-play costumes. She also designed and made Renee's wedding dress. Renee's dad is creative in a different way - teaching her how to think "outside of the box" and come up with new ways to solve problems - to "invent" things using everyday objects. 
Review: My son has been enjoying the Supersize Blanket and Toddler Pillow in All Sport ($30.50) - not the same print shown in the picture above. This popular set comes with a toddler pillow and a matching Supersize (60" x 44") blanket in the fabric design of your choice. They have several choices to choose from. This is perfect for your little one to take to daycare or preschool. However, my son likes to take it everywhere!
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