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Mom Centrals Holiday Gift Guide with Giveaways

- brandy3

Mom Central Has started their annual Holiday Gift Guide that features great items and giveaways too.

Each week they will feature different items with giveaways. some of the items coming up are:


Pandora Bracelet: These versatile bracelets allow you to customize your look through numerous charms that you can add or change to match your outfit.  Create a tradition with family and friends by giving charms for different celebrations and milestones after presenting the bracelet as the original gift this holiday season.

Daisy Rock: Debutante Electric Guitar Starter Set: A starter kit for young girls who aspire to be rock stars!  The set includes all she will need to begin her musical adventure: an “atomic pink” guitar, 10 watt amplifier, electronic tuner, guitar strap, picks, string winder, polish cloth, and an instructional DVD.

So hurry on over and enter 

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. Mom Central entered my name in a random drawing to win a gift to thank me for taking the time to participate

Ultimate Party Meatballs

- brandy3

I don’t really cook around the holidays, we usually go to our family’s house. This year i’m doing everything myself and we are having dinner here. I’m searching for holiday recipes to help me, since I am not a great cook.

Mom Central recently introduced me to a great holiday recipe, the Ultimate Party Meatballs recipe. It’s very simple with three ingredients and can be cooked on the stove or in a slowcooker.

 

 

 

The recipe is…

  • 1 14-ounce can Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
  • 1 12-ounce bottle Heinz Chili Sauce
  • 1 2-pound bag frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs

Combine sauces in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth. Add meatballs. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through, stirring occasionally.

With Slow cooker: Place meatballs in a slow cooker. Combine sauces and pour over meatballs. Cover and cook 4 hours on HIGH.

Makes about 30 appetizer servings

 

 

 

For more on this recipe and more visit http://ultimatepartymeatballs.com/

***I was really nervous to try this, because I am such a picky eater. They were really delicious though. We used them for dinner and made meatball subs.  You can bet we will be making this recipe more.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Heinz and Ocean Spray and received the ingredients necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

The Power of Parents (MADD)

- brandy3

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Growing up I always was made fun of because how supportive I was of SADD and MADD. In high school I was president of my SADD club for three years and a member for4 years.  To this day I’m still very serious about drinking and driving.

Underage drinking has emerged as the number one youth drug problem. By being an informed, caring parent you can strongly impact your teens decisions regarding alcohol. In fact, 74% of kids will turn to their parents for guidance on drinking. And research shows that as moms we are the number one influencers in dealing with this issue. For teens, alcohol is an illegal drug—and a zero tolerance policy is the best policy to have as a parent.

here are seven tips for getting through to your teen:

  • Communicate before a problem starts-Have important discussions now, before there is blame and anger, and punishments. Agree on a time to talk about the dangers of alcohol.
  • Discuss rules and consequences-explain what you expect from them, and why you don’t want them to drink. Agree on consequences if rules are broken.
  • Show you care-show your teen affection, and tell them you love them and want them to be healthy and safe, and thats why you want to talk to them about the dangers of underage drinking.
  • Pay attention-Even when life gets hectic, take tie out and listen to your teen. Monitor where and what your teen is doing.
  • Share family activities– Have dinner together at least 3 times a week.
  • Give and get respect-When your teen talk to you listen and respond respectfully. Ask that your teen treat you with respect, too.
  • Enforce consequences consistently-If your teen breaks the rules, stay calm and enforce the consequences.  

Underage alcohol use kills more young people than all illegal drugs combined. High school students who use alcohol or other substances are more likely to drop out of high school.

If that doesn’t scare a parent I don’t know what would. I grew up around underage drinking. I even have  members of my family with DUI’s. They are legal age, but from  class=”hiddenSpellError” pre=”from “>personnal experience it’s not a good thing and very expensive. luckily there were never any accidents and no one was hurt.

74% of kids ages (8-17) said their parents are the leading influence on their decision about drinking.

If you want more information on MADD, here are some resources,

Their Blog

Twitter

Facebook 

and visit their new website launching today The power of Parents.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of MADD.  A donation was made to MADD in my name to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

New Infant and Mom Nutrition Website

- brandy3 1 Comment

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www.infantnutritioncenter.com is an amazing way to find good nutrition information for your infant child. It shows in great visual detail how proper nutrition shapes development and how individual nutrients affect the senses, bone formation, and the immune system of infants.

Developed as a resource for Moms, the website brings together information from leading health centers and researchers across the country to explain how nutrition is crucial to infant development. How can you make sure that your newborn gets the nutrients she needs to ensure healthy growth through her first birthday? How do you keep her stomach from getting upset? What should you, as an expectant Mom, eat to ensure that you stay healthy as your infant grows? What vitamins do you need if you’re breastfeeding to ensure that you’re passing along the right nutrients to your infant?

This site is a great resource for any mother especially, new mothers. It explains through detailed videos how much nutrition a baby needs, and at what age. They also very much support breastfeeding a child. Breast milk has more nutrients than any formula.

This site is put together by doctors, from all over, and in every field.

They unveiled this site on Monday with a live webcast. to see the video you can go here

**I think this site is great very informative and helpful. Although It’s just starting out there is only 14 videos for infant nutrtion. I’m sure it will expand though! Visit the site www.infantnutritioncenter.com

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mead Johnson. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Frigidaire’s new ambassador and oven giveaway

- brandy3 2 Comments

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Frigidaire just announced Jennifer Garner as their new celebrity ambassador! She’s a great actress, and mother. This afternoon Jennifer will introduce Frigidaire’s new line of appliances, designed with features that help us Moms save time in our busy schedules, and challenge us to pledge a bit of our own time to help children in need. Frigidaire’s new “Make Time for CHANGE” campaign supports Save the Children’s U.S. Programs, dedicated to making a difference in children’s lives.

Frigidaire and Garner are asking Moms to think ahead to November 1st(actually 10/31) – the day all of us change the clocks and get an extra hour – and pledge to use that time to help make a difference in the lives of children. Save the Children created the CHANGE program (Creating Healthy, Active, and Nurturing Growing-up Environments) to promote healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty by providing nutritious snacks and regular opportunities for them to be physically active.
Starting today, everyone who goes to Frigidaire and raises their hand with a pledge to make time for a child, will commit Frigidaire to donate $1 to support the CHANGE. As an added bonus, everyone who pledges their time will be entered for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven.

Momcentral is also giving away a double wall oven on their site, go enter here. In your comment you need to tell them about your pledge, and how you would give back your time to children in need

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Electrolux Text-a-Thon for Ovarian Cancer Blog Tour

- brandy3 1 Comment

Did you know September is ovarian cancer awarness month?

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa will once again lend their support to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to help find a cure. Ovarian Cancer affects thousands of women each year, and we need your help to raise awareness about this disease. Moms can participate in a unique “Text-a-Thon for a Cause” campaign to fund research and promote early detection of Ovarian cancer. You can also enter for a chance to win a luxury frontload washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color of ovarian cancer awareness.

As part of their contribution, Electrolux will donate $200 to OCRF for every Turquoise Sky washer and dryer pair purchased. Additionally, Kelly Ripa designed limited edition T-shirts which you can purchase online at www.kelly-confidential.com. Electrolux will donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts to the cause.

Today, Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are kicking off a unique “Text-a-Thon for a Cause” to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). Moms can donate $5 to the cause by texting “KELLY” to 85944 from their mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) – or by logging on to www.kelly-confidential.com. Also, each day you log on to the Web site, you are entered for a chance to win a luxury frontload washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color of ovarian cancer awareness.

During September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can also help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend.  For every virtual T-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. You can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

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You can also enter to win Frontlaod washer and dryer in turquoise sky at Mom Central

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Electrolux and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Ringling Bros. Barnum and Baily 2009 circus tour

- brandy3 2 Comments

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The circus can be so much fun for kids. The tricks, animals, clowns. It can bring a big smile to  your face.

This year Ringling Bros. Barnum and Baily have  two shows coming to your town this fall/winter.

Over the top Hi res hat

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Over The Top, an all-new live entertainment extravaganza featuring the ultimate tug of war between Ringmaster Chuck Wagner and clown eccentric Tom Dougherty over a magical top hat that controls the circus. When the Ringmaster dons the hat he conjures stupendous spectacles for his circus, like the stunt riding Royal Cossack Cavalry while the clown uses the hat to summon silly and whimsical acts for his circus, such as a cavalry of goats riding on ponies in a Barnyard Bonanza.  They continue to top one another until the Ringmaster and clown realize that the magic of the circus is not in the hat but in the hearts of everyone. The show culminates in an amazing display of gigantic glowing rainforest flowers surrounding Chinese acrobats swinging on vines and propelling through the air. Over the Top is two circuses in one providing excitement for the whole family. Audiences will see nearly 100 animals including flying dogs, Asian elephants that skip, hop, and groove, miniature horses, llamas, pigs, and even a performing porcupine. In a daring feat, the courageous Daniel Raffo stands eye to eye with a pack of powerful Bengal tigers. Circus celebrities help rev-up the motorcycle madness featuring one cycle on a high wire and seven speeding riders in a Globe of Steel. Extraordinary aerial acts fill the arena sky with a rare double-decker trapeze and the Bombastic Bouncers who combine gigantic inner tubes and awe-inspiring acrobatics in a high-energy performance never before seen in America. And with the audience’s participation, this circus really goes Over The Top!

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Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM: Through the mystery of magic and the mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents ZING ZANG ZOOM®, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.  Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus and wards off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of “heavies” who try to bring everyone down.  Be mesmerized when a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes, and a gravity-inducing nemesis transforms across species into a ferocious tiger.  Stand in awe as a dazzling trapeze artist performs a perilous, anatomically unimaginable one-arm speed-spin high atop the arena floor, and two formidable, female human cannonballs are blasted through the air in a daring, awe-inspiring display of bravery.  Become electrified as the dangerous double wheel of steel, the gasp-inducing high wire and soaring gigantic swings defy both gravity and logic. Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinite possibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of a wand, and audience spirits keep rising as the high flying circus is (literally) turned upside down.  Perhaps the most magical of all, watch in amazement as an incomparable array of exotic animals including a herd of majestic Asian elephants, magnificent Bengal tigers and elegant Arabian and Friesian horses join forces with our human performers to create an experience that will surprise and delight Children of All Ages, rendering us speechless and reminding us that the magic of The Greatest Show On Earth® lives forever in our hearts and imaginations.

check their site to see what show and when they will be in your town.

If you wanted to go see them this year, I have a special code to offer my readers.

look for the box marked “MC Promotion” when purchasing tickets:

  • *Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code “MOM” at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
  • *Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price.
  • Offer #3: Get the best Circus Celebrity, Front Row and VIP seats available – We have  reserved seats in these sections just for you! Enter the code MOM. No discounts available on these sections.

This code is good for the following cities

  • Denver: September 30 – October 11, 2009
  • Boston: October 14-18, 2009
  • St. Louis: October 15-18, 2009
  • Cleveland: October 21-26, 2009
  • Rosemont/Chicago: November 5 – 29, 2009
  • Auburn Hills: November 18-22, 2009
  • Charlotte: January 27-31, 2010
  • Atlanta: February 12-21, 2010
  • Cincinnati: March 10-14, 2010
  • Dayton: April 29 – May 2, 2010

I will be going to see the circus next year in Feburary, and I’m so excited.  I can’t use the code, but it shouldn’t stop anyone from going and having a blast. Make sure you showup early too. You can chat with the performers and mingle with the clowns before the show!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Centralon behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

 

Disney on Ice 2009 blog tour

- brandy3 1 Comment

Disney on Ice is always a fun time with the family. You get to experiance all the Disney characters without the hefty price tag. Disney is taking the show on the road for the 2009 season with 4 different shows.

Disney On Icepresents Celebrations! It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends!  Enjoy a winter wonderland with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a Halloween haunt with the Disney Villains, a Very Merry Unbirthday Party, a Royal Ball with the Disney Princesses and more in a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivals from around the globe. Come join the party when this spectacular ice show visits your hometown

Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy: Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy.  Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar’s CARS race across the ice.  Dive into The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the ‘Circle of Life’ with The Lion King.  Then enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories. Special Bonus!  Come see a Disney princess and a dazzling display of gorgeous gowns at the Disney Princess Pre-Show starting one hour before show time!  Complimentary to all ticket holders

800x600Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic: Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!  You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and all the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!

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Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics: Dreams really do come true! Disney On Ice is proud to bring you a dazzling tale of hope, heart, heroism and hilarity as Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics. This stunning spectacle is an awe-inspiring and fun-filled journey to the magical lands of Disney’s classic fairy tales. Travel to a kingdom under the sea, an enchanted palace in France, an Arabian castle and more! Enter the fantasy worlds of your favorite Disney princesses – Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan and Snow White – as they bring magic to your city in this royal skating extravaganza. 

visit Disney on Ice to see a date and show near you

 

I have a great special to offer you, so you and your family can enjoy Disney on Ice.

look for the box marked “MC Promotion” when purchasing tickets:

  • *Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code “MOM” at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.
  • *Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price
  • Offer #3: Get the best Front Row and VIP seats available – We have reserved seats in the Front Row and VIP sections just for you! No discounts available on these seats.
  • *Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats or combinable with other offers including opening night offers. Other fees may apply

This code is only valid for the following cities:

  • St. Louis: September 3-6, 2009
  • Chicago: September 8-13, 2009
  • Sunrise: September 17-20, 2009
  • Dayton/Cincinnati: September 17-27, 2009
  • Miami: September 23-27, 2009
  • Auburn Hills: September 30 – October 4, 2009
  • Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
  • Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
  • Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
  • Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
  • Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
  • Sacramento: October 28 – November 1, 2009
  • Baltimore: October 28 – November 1, 2009
  • Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
  • Houston: November 11-15, 2009
  • NYC: November 17-22, 2009
  • East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
  • Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009
  • St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
  • Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
  • Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
  • Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
  • Philadelphia: December 23 – January 3, 2010
  • Boston: December 26-29, 2009
  • Ontario: December 30 – January 3, 2010
  • Cleveland: January 8 -18, 2009

Unfortunatly my city is not on there, but I will still be enjoying Disneys 100 years of Magic in Dec. at the Greensboro Colliseum.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Atkins blog tour

- brandy3

As a mother of three children under the age of 5, it’s hard at times for me to eat right. I usually make my kids something to eat, and by the time i sit down everyone is done eating, so i grab something quick and usually unhealthy.

Atkins is making it possible to eat healthy, with their cruise line of meals. They are even adding two new products All purpose baking mix and penne pasta come packed with fiber, and fit perfectly into a low carb lifestyle. Plus, they make cooking and baking easy. And, when you try them with one of Atkins’ cool recipes like Penne with Fresh Tomatoes, Lemon and Feta or Rich Chocolate Brownies, you won’t feel the slightest bit guilty about indulging.

Eat your favorite foods without compromising your diet. Atkins Penne Pasta. Incredible taste, half the carbs and ready for your favorite sauce in minutes. Who’s hungry?

I was sent both the all purpose baking mix and penne pasta to try out

ATKINS NUTRITIONALS MIX AND PASTA

The Atkins all purpose baking mix can be used for all you baking needs. Pancakes, muffins, breads, and more.  With a low carb formula you can enjoy your baked goods with only 150 calories and 5 net carbs.

The Atkins penne is made with semolina wheat and contains 140 calories per serving and 19 net carbs.

I made pancakes with the flour and just penne with spaghetti sauce. my kids are so picky, i just made it easy. You can check out www.atkins.com for great recipes.

To celebrate the launch of these new products, Atkins has announced an online recipe contest where you can share your own recipe featuring the All Purpose Baking Mix or Penne Pasta and win great prizes.   Recipes can be submitted Atkins by September 30, 2009.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Atkins and received samples to facilitate my candid review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Gather.com blog tour

- brandy3 1 Comment

Gather.com is the newest place you can go to meet new people and make great new friends. It’s a social networking site, that lets you share your interests and passions with others. www.gather.com has thousands of groups and conversations, with topics ranging from organic gardens, to rambunctious toddlers.  share recipes with your friends, learn new things.

With www.gather.com you’ll even earn reward points for content you contribute to the site. with your reward points you can get gift cards to some of your favorite shops like home depot, the gap, target.  You can even choose to make your reward paypal cash..

what could be better than gift cards and new friends. well maybe sharing your interest and recipes with new friends you can conect with.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gather.  Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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