Winter Outdoor Fun Bucket List

Disclosure: I am currently serving as a “Play Ambassador” for Let’s Play. This is a sponsored post, however, the opinions expressed are my own.

This is such a busy time of year. Between buying gifts, attending holiday parties, and traveling to visit out-of-town family members, making time to stay active is easily forgotten. A few years ago I created a holiday bucket list for our family so this year I wanted to share a bucket list of ideas for active winter fun!

Take a walk around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. If you don’t live in a neighborhood you can search for places in your town that have great light displays and walk around those areas. Make some hot cocoa before you leave and put on some extra layers to stay warm and toasty as you walk.

Have a snowball fight. Whether you play as teams or every man for themselves, having a snowball fight is a fun way to let out all the stress of the holidays while burning some calories as you run around.

Go ice skating. Ice skating and hockey are great winter sports to get involved in. Many ice rinks offer skating lessons if you have family members who don’t know how to skate.

Sled down the biggest hill in town. Sledding is a winter activity that my family looks forward to every year. It’s a long climb to the top of the biggest hill but that just means it’s more exciting to sled down!

Make snow angels. Whenever there is fresh snow on the ground, kids love to plop down in it and make beautiful snow angels. When they are laying in the snow remind them to stretch out their arms to make the biggest angel possible.

Go on a nature walk. Look for pinecones on your walk and then when you come home you can spend the afternoon making bird feeders. Here are some tutorials on how to make them.

Build a snowman. Remember how fun it is to make a snowman? Join your kids as they play in the snow and challenge them to build the biggest snowman ever. They’ll need your help!

What is your family’s favorite way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter? Join me and make active play a daily priority in the lives of your kids and take the Let’s Play pledge here. Follow along on Social Media, too! Find Let’s Play on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram.

 

 

Fabulous {And Safe!} Fall Fun With Our Springfree Trampoline

(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Springfree Trampoline but all thoughts are my own.)

Ever since I was a kid I wished I had a trampoline in my backyard. It always looked like so much fun but we never had one because traditional trampolines aren’t very safe. I never understood the dangers when I was a kid but now, as a mom, I’m very nervous every time my kids go to someone’s house with a trampoline. Every time they’d bounce near the edge I would take a deep breath in anticipation and then let it back out once they landed on the trampoline and bounced back towards the middle.

I thought we’d never have a trampoline until I learned about Springfree Trampoline. Finally the fun of a trampoline was combined with the safety that mom needed to see. Boy were my kids excited the day the trampoline was installed!

The boys have enjoyed jumping on it and I have enjoyed being able to watch them jump without worrying that they were going to fall off and get hurt. If you have never heard of Springfree trampolines check out this video to learn more:

Why is Springfree safer than a traditional trampoline? Let’s compare the two!

Safety and fun! What could be better?

 

 

Fun Active Halloween Games For Kids

(Disclosure: I am currently serving as a “Play Ambassador” for Let’s Play. This is a sponsored post, however, the opinions expressed are my own.)

Can you believe that it’s mid-October already!? Halloween is just around the corner, which means the planning of spooktacular parties is in full gear! Since this holiday involves lots of sweets, I like to make sure my kids are getting in extra activity this time of year to keep them healthy and balanced. I planned a little party for my kids, niece and nephew recently and am also helping plan Luke’s classroom party for Halloween day so I’ve been brainstorming some fun, active activities to incorporate. There are lots of great craft ideas online to keep the kids busy at the party but not a whole lot of play ideas so I wanted to share some of my favorite, spooky ways to keep kids active.

One game we played at our little Halloween party was a basic ring toss game, but we added a Halloween twist by having the kids throw rings onto “witch’s hats.” We bought our set but you can easily make one yourself by getting black construction cones and decorating them to look like a witch’s hat.

Another fun game that I used to play growing up is called “Ghost in the Graveyard.” It’s definitely a game you can play year round, but its name perfect for a spooky Halloween party. We’d wait until the sun went down and then play a version of hide and seek where one person (the “ghost”) would hide while all the other players would look for him or her. Once a player found the “ghost,” they’d yell “ghost in the graveyard!” and everyone would run back to base while the “ghost” tried to tag them. Whoever the ghost tagged was the next person to hide. This is a great game to play with kids who are a little bit older and need to release lots of energy.

For the younger crowd, a game of “Pin the Mouth on the Skeleton” gets lots of giggles. There are several different Halloween-themed varieties of this game, including “Pin the Broom on the Witch” or “Pin the Leg on the Spider.” To kick up the activity level a notch, have the kids spin each other around and then try to place the piece on the right spot while blindfolded. It adds a bit of a challenge to the game and gives them the opportunity to get their bodies moving.

For more ideas visit LetsPlay.com and sign the Let’s Play pledge while you are there! You can also find Let’s Play on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.

What are your favorite active games to play during the Halloween season?

 

 

Enter The Sing Your “Frozen” Heart Out Contest

(Disclosure: I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Influence-Central for Kohl’s. I received a sample to facilitate my review and a thank you item for participating.)

Ever have songs that come on the radio and you just can’t help but sing along with them? That’s how we were with Frozen’s “Let It Go” song. When it first came on the radio I’d turn it up and Lucas and I would sing it at the top of our lungs while Jacob, my oldest, would scrunch his nose and plug his ears so he didn’t have to hear us sing (we may not be the greatest of singers but come on, we aren’t THAT bad….). I loved how Lucas would giggle throughout the song and just when I thought he couldn’t be any louder he would shout “Let it GOOOOOOOOOO”. Turns out that the perfect contest for Lucas and I to enter has been created.

Kohl’s Department stores, in collaboration with Disney, announced a national call for a Sing Your Heart Out contest. Disney “Frozen” fans can submit videos of themselves, their kids, and/or the entire family singing “Let it Go” for the chance to appear in a Kohl’s holiday commercial that will air during the 2014 American Music Awards (AMAs) broadcast. How fun! Hurry and enter because the contest ends on September 29th 2014! Find more details here and contest rules here.

I asked Lucas if he wanted to enter it with me and all of a sudden he became camera shy. I’ll have to tape him singing in the car when he doesn’t know the camera is on him. He is so cute you guys!

To add to the Frozen fun, Kohl’s will be offering Disney “Frozen” products this season. From apparel to toys and electronics, your little Frozen fan is covered! Here are some of my favorite Frozen merchandise available at Kohls.com now:

 

 

Four Benefits Of Team Sports

(Disclosure: I am currently serving as a “Play Ambassador” for Let’s Play. This is a sponsored post, however, the opinions expressed are my own.)

One of my favorite places to be is on the sidelines cheering for my boys as they play sports. This summer Jacob was in baseball and both Jacob and Lucas were in soccer. Fall brings Jacob’s first football season.

Sports offer many benefits including teamwork, responsibility, exercise and friendship. I hope that the boys continue playing sports for years to come. All of the great things that come from playing sports will become even more important as they head into elementary school and then into the teenage years.

Since sports are not a solo activity, one of the main things the boys learn from being on a team is team work and how to get along with others. They can probably kick a ball down the field and score a goal themselves but it’s much more meaningful when they can share the win with a friend. On the baseball field, one person can’t cover all of the bases themselves, they have to throw the ball to a teammate.

Another thing that the boys learn while playing sports is responsibility. They have to practice to get better and they have to make sure they are at practices and games. This is mostly the parents’ job right now but as the boys get older they will have to become more disciplined in making sure that they practice and arrive places on time so they don’t let their teammates down.

Sports are a fun way to get exercise. Running is not something either of my boys enjoy doing but they have to do it when they play sports and then they don’t mind because it’s made to be fun. Running the bases while people in the stands cheer, running down the field after a player who has the soccer ball or running, football under the arm, gives the activity a purpose. As kids get older they tend to become more sedentary in front of video games and tv so it’s good that by their teen years they will already be used to regular exercise.

Best of all, friendships develop while playing team sports. All those hours spent practicing and on the sidelines help the boys develop bonds with other kids. With delayed language and being on the Autism Spectrum, Lucas has not always formed friendships easily as he tends to sometimes be in his own world. This past season of soccer though, I really saw him come out of his shell talking with the kids on his team and laughing with them. This is the greatest thing that has come out of sports and I hope that as they get older they will continue to make new friends through the different teams they’re on.

What benefits have you seen from your children playing sports? If you want more ideas of how to keep children active from childhood to their teen years visit Let’s Play.com. You can also find Let’s Play on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

New Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Collection {$100 Kohl’s Gift Card Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I participated in an Ambassador campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kohl’s. I received promotional items and product samples as a thank you for participating.)

I love celebrating special occasions, even the littlest of ones, with special outfits. I do this when we go to events, have themed parties and when new movies come out. When we went to see Cars 2 in theaters, the boys had special Disney Cars shirts that they wore. With Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue coming out on July 18th what better way to celebrate than with special shirts and toys?

Kohl’s exclusive Disney apparel by Jumping Beans collection is in stores now! We found t-shirts, shorts, long sleeve shirts, pants, and hooded sweatshirts. The boys and I shopped the collection and Jacob and Lucas just loved all the items. Here are some of our favorites:

We are all ready for the new Planes movie now! We even got two of the character toys to play with while we wait patiently for the movie to come out. We found the toys on the same racks with the clothes.

Along with being a fun collection, I love that the clothes are well made. Since the boys are only one year apart (and both born in June), Luke can wear Jake’s hand-me-downs. I have confidence that these clothes will last a couple years. Kohl’s always has great deals as well- between weekly sales and Kohl’s cash. My kids look cute and I save money. What could be better?

Want a chance to shop the collection yourself? One lucky winner will win a $100 Kohl’s gift card! Easy entry and you can earn extra entries for sharing the giveaway!

HOW TO ENTER:

Comment below telling me what your favorite piece in the collection is

FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY:

Share this giveaway on a social network and comment below letting me know that you did so

Giveaway ends July 1, 2014 at 11:59pm CST. Must be 21 or older and a US resident to enter.

 

 

Join Me In Taking The “Let’s Play” Pledge

(Disclosure: I am currently serving as a “Play Ambassador” for Let’s Play. This is a sponsored post, however, the opinions expressed are my own.)

I’m excited to share that I’ve recently been chosen to be a Play Ambassador for Let’s Play, a community partnership led by Dr Pepper Snapple Group to get kids and families active by providing the tools, places and inspiration to make play a daily priority. I first realized the importance of play when I taught pre-k years ago. I saw first-hand how children learned through play more so than they did through any other way.

As a mom, I continue to believe in the importance of play but it is not so easy to integrate into life outside of the classroom. After a long day of work and driving the boys to their activities, I often just want to head home to eat dinner and relax. We have a backyard but the boys would rather sit inside and play legos or watch TV. I don’t want them to grow up and be couch potatoes so it’s my responsibility, as their mom, to get them outside playing.

With summer just around the corner I’m looking forward to warmer weather and more time outside. I decided that as tired as I am at the end of the day, it doesn’t take much more energy to sit at the park while they play on the playground than it does to sit on my couch. I figured we could spend 30 minutes to an hour at least a few times a week at the park. I recently heard about the “Let’s Play” pledge and signed it, pledging to engage my children in 120 hours of active play each week.

Along with playing on the playground, here are 5 other fun active ideas for kids this summer:

  • Go on a nature walk and make a nature collage with items they find
  • Have a toy wash. Grab a bucket of soapy water and a sponge and kids can have fun while they are cleaning their toys
  • Pull out the sprinkler and the slip n’ slide and cool off on a hot day
  • Play ball! Baseball, soccer, football, and other sports are great activities
  • Ride tricycles or scooters on the sidewalk

Want to join me and make active play a daily priority in the lives of your kids? You can sign the pledge here. Follow along on Social Media, too! Find Let’s Play on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

Confession: I’m A Television Show Junkie

I am a huge TV junkie so when Netflix asked me to be on their Stream Team and write sponsored posts each month I of course said yes. I already used (and loved!) their service. For this month’s post I thought I’d share 5 TV shows I enjoy watching that you can find on Netflix.

1) Scandal: This show is amazing. Every time I think I know what is going on there is a plot twist that I did not see coming. The cast, especially the main character played by Kerry Washington, is fantastic.

2) Parenthood: This show about an extended family has brought me to tears numerous times. I think it’s a show where most people can identify with at least one of the characters and it covers deep subjects such as Cancer, divorce, and Autism. (I may be extra in love with this show because one of the main characters has Aspergers.)

3) Switched At Birth: I just discovered this show last month (just in time for the season finale) and I watched every single episode in about a week. I thought it was an interesting storyline and I feel like I’ve picked up a bit of sign language just by watching it.

4) Drop Dead Diva: The plot is really far-fetched (a model dies and comes back in the body of a plus-sized woman) but I like the realness of the actress and every week I sit and hope she ends up with the love of her (previous) life.

5) Pretty Little Liars: I’m not a teen girl! I swear! lol I don’t know why I enjoy this teenage show but I do. Every week I watch as the group of friends gets closer to the mystery of what happened to their friend and who “A” is.

I have also been adding shows I want to watch to my “to watch list” on Netflix. I am discovering all of these interesting shows I never knew existed! It’s been great :)

What are you watching this month?

Winter Is Almost Over!

(Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Campbell Soup Company and I am being compensated as an Ambassador.)

Exciting news!! Winter is ALMOST OVER! It was 56 degrees here today! 56! See all of the exclamation points in the previous statements? That is how excited I am.

Along with winter, my time as a Campbell Wisest Kid Ambassador is also coming to an end. I have enjoyed introducing you to The Wisest Kid in the Whole World and sharing Campbell Soup Company recipes.

Some of my favorite recipes have come from the Campbell’s Kitchen. I especially loved the mini green bean casseroles since that’s a fun take on one of my favorite side dishes. My kids love the mini macaroni & cheese cups the most. Checking the website again today I see another recipe I am going to add to this week’s menu plan, the mini cheesy chicken enchiladas. So many ways to use soup that I didn’t even know existed!

Wondering which recipes were the most popular? Below are three top ranked recipes from the site. Which one was your favorite?

If you are still looking for indoor activities, consider cooking a delicious meal with your kids, a lunch full of dunkables with Campbell’s Condensed Tomato soup, or one of the fun ideas featured in this video below.

What Do Farmers Do In The Winter?

(Disclosure: I am an Illinois Farm Families Ambassador. All thoughts are my own other than italicized writing which is that of the farmers.)

When it’s cold out I want to do nothing but stay inside. Driving out to my mom’s house I pass fields and I’ve always wondered what Farmers did during the winter. I pictured them relaxing for a few months a year and thought that must be a nice job. I decided to chat with a farmer and finally get all my questions answered. Donna Jeschke and her husband own a farm in Mazon, IL where they grow corn and soybeans.

Question 1: Do farmers take winters off (or any portion of the winter or another season)? If not, what do they do during the winter?

Donna’s Answer: Dec, Jan, and Feb seem to be as busy as the planting, growing and harvesting season! It is during this time when we are finalizing agronomic plans for the next crop. This includes deciding which varieties of seed corn and seed beans will be planted in which fields. We review yield results from the previous fall, as well as, study the latest soil test from each field to help make these decisions.We are also doing maintenance and making repairs on the machinery we used to harvest the crop in the fall as well as on the machines we will use to plant the upcoming crop. During this time, we also may decide to trade in older machines for more undated equipment. This year we purchased a new machine to apply nitrogen to the corn fields this spring. The liquid applicator came disassembled so my husband, brother and nephew have been working in our shop this winter to put it together. During the winter we spend about 30 days hauling the corn and beans that are stored in bins on the farm to the grain elevator or terminal facility that we sold them to. In our area, that could be a facility on the Illinois River in Morris, to one of our local coops that loads cargo containers for export, to a processor in the Chicagoland area, or to a agricultural grain company who rails corn and soybeans to livestock markets in the southeastern US or the southwestern US. Also during these three months, we attend various conferences and seminars where we learn about new agricultural technologies and equipment. These meetings help us to become better farmers by learning from other farmers, industry professionals and university researchers.

AND, the most fun is that we try to spend a day, or part of a day, each week with our 2 granddaughters! They live about 50 miles from us.

Question #2: How do you deal with the cold while working on the farm?

Donna’s Answer:  We just put on more clothes if we have to be hauling grain or working on other outside activities! On the days that are below 0 degrees, we are working in the shop (which is heated) or in the farm office(that’s in the house). Those days are good to catch up on bookwork!

Question #3: How and why do you choose specific seed types and varieties?

Donna’s Answer: We made all of our seed variety and purchases in December. We decide to plant certain varieties based on how they yielded previously on our farm, our neighbors’ farms or in variety seed plots in Illinois. We meet with several seed salespeople who sell the different products and listen to their suggestions for our specific types of soils and agronomic needs. This can be a whole blog if you want to dig deeper.

Question #4: How far in advance do you plan for the next year’s crop?

Donna’s Answer: We begin planning for the next crop year as we are planting the present crop. What I mean is we may see a situation, such as the way a particular corn variety germinates in April, and decide to plant or not to plant that variety again. We “evaluate” constantly what we are doing, why we do it and how it is working. Our actual purchasing of seed is done in the Nov-Dec months for the following year.

Question #5: Has the extreme cold and record snow we’ve been having this winter effected your work at all?

Donna’s Answer: The record winter cold and snow has not affected us too much except that my husband has moved a lot more snow in the farmyard so we can move grain trucks in and out more easily. The piles if snow around here are pretty high! We also have used more LP to keep the shop warm enough to work…that’s around 50 degrees. I guess the house heating bill was higher too :)

Learn more about the Jeschke’s farm here. What other questions do you have for the Illinois Farm Families?

 

Nothing Better Than Soup On A Cold Day

(Disclosure: I am an Ambassador for Campbell Soup Company and ‘The Wisest Kid In The Whole World” campaign. All thoughts are my own.)

Brrrr, it’s cold outside! Here in Chicago we have had four days off of school this month due to extreme temps. Our city has even been dubbed “Chiberia”. While it’s funny to joke about as I sit in my warm house, it is not funny at all to be out in that bitter cold.

One thing that I enjoy on a cold day is soup and I know I’m not the only one! Can you believe that Campbell’s® Condensed Chicken Noodle soup has been around since 1934? The soup is 80 years old and more than 250 million cans have been sold. That is a LOT of soup!

1959 Print Ad

Who else loves Campbell’s soups? Frank Sinatra always asked for chicken and rice soup to be available to him in his dressing rooms before he went on stage. It has also been noted that pop-art artist, Andy Warhol, found the inspiration to paint his “Campbell’s Soup Cans” series because that’s what he had for lunch every day for 20 years. And don’t forget the kids! They enjoy it, too and it comes in a bunch of fun varieties.

What is your favorite soup?

Saving Money At The Grocery Store

(Disclosure: This is a compensated post but all thoughts are my own.)

I wrote a couple weeks ago about how I was cutting down on expenses to save money. I had a list of 8 things I was doing in the month of January and one of them was to eat less fast food and more of the leftovers we had in the fridge. Trying to pinch every penny, I have been looking into saving on food even more. Ideally I’d love to find out how to provide my family with quality food but just find a more cost efficient way to do so.

I checked out the Illinois Farm Families blog to learn more about healthy eating and shopping for food. Some of the posts were written by moms I know so I knew I could trust what they wrote. I was really interested in food labeling since food that is “better for you” is often more expensive. I wanted to see if I was really getting what I paid for.

The first article I came upon was called Five Misleading Food Labels and had one key line that stuck out to me:

I know that if I was comparing two products next to each other I’d probably choose the one that was labeled “no _____” on it but the one next to it could be free of whatever the other label claimed as well. No reason to pay extra for the one with a special label if they both are free from the same thing.

The next article I read was from a mom who toured the Dean’s Plant. From this article I discovered that the milk in my grocery store’s dairy case is all the same. Why am I paying more for a gallon of milk labeled “Dean’s” when it is just the same as the milk that is sold under the store’s label. Yay for saving money on something we buy tons of!

Another thing I read about was a store that I’d consider a “discount” food store and all of the guidelines they have about freshness (read the article here). It made me rethink where I get my groceries and the fact that I can find quality food for cheaper prices. I will be checking out all of my local grocery stores and seeing where I can find good deals while still maintaining the quality of food that I want.

So excited to be able to cut our food budget down. What other tips do you have for me when it comes to saving money at the grocery store?

Tomato Soup “Dunkables”

(Disclosure: I am an Ambassador for Campbell Soup Company and ‘The Wisest Kid In The Whole World” campaign. All thoughts are my own.)

There is nothing better on a cold day, especially one with a snow-filled morning of fun, than a bowl of soup for lunch. Since childhood I’ve enjoyed eating tomato soup with grilled cheese on the side. There’s just something about a warm bowl of soup paired with cheesy goodness that I love.

According to The Wisest Kid, there are “More ways to dunk than can be thunk.” What do your wise kids prefer with their Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup? If you or your kids love dunking grilled cheese in tomato soup like I do I am excited to share a list of alternative “dunkers” and “toppers” with you all. Campbell Soup Company got my list started and I added a bunch more dunkable items to the list. Lunch will never be the same!

Dunkers and Toppers:

  • String cheese
  • Pita Bread
  • Diced onions
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers
  • Chicken chunks
  • Bell peppers
  • Saltine crackers
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Popcorn
  • Pretzels
  • Sour cream
  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Ground beef
  • Diced pepperoni
  • Croutons
  • Strips of tortilla

Campbell’s newest commercial is adorable. Check out the musical abilities of the wisest kid!

Want some more winter-friendly recipes? Try this recipe for Skillet Chicken & Broccoli or Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese.

Illinois Moms: Become A Field Mom

(Disclosure: This is a compensated post. I am an Illinois Farm Families Ambassador® but all thoughts are my own.)

Have you ever wondered where your food came from? If so, I have an exciting opportunity to share with you! Illinois Farm Families® is now accepting applications for it’s 2014 Field Moms program.

“Field Moms” are moms from the Chicago area. They visit different Illinois farms throughout the year to learn more about the farmers and their families and what they do on their farms. Four Saturday trips are planned for the year. They also get to ask questions about food and farming topics they see in the news.

2013 Field Moms

Along with visiting farms, the 2013 Field Moms followed the growth of an acre of soybeans and an acre of corn at Donna’s farm and a pen of pigs at Jen’s farm. This gave the Field Moms a chance to experience first-hand what it is like to be a farmer.

Here are what two moms had to say about the Field Moms program:

“As a person concerned with the overall public’s health and as a self-declared ‘foodie,’ how (and where) our food is provided, butchered and served is of utmost importance to me. Clearly, cattle steering is not an easy way to earn a living. I was impressed with the family’s candor and openness when faced with tough questions.” –Renee Keats, 2013 Field Mom

“Integrity, hospitality, hard work, intelligent, precision farming are all words or terms that shined through on this visit to Paul and Donna Jeschke’s farm. We learned so much about corn and soybean planting. They hosted us even though they were still planting on the day of our visit.” –
Susan Herold, 2013 Field Mom 

Want to join in on the fun and learning? Find out more about the Illinois Farm Families, the Field Moms program, and how to apply here.

 

Food To Be Thankful For

(Disclosure: I am a Campbell’s Brand Ambassador and this is a sponsored post but all thoughts are my own.)

I can’t believe that Thanksgiving is just a few days away! I try to keep a thankful attitude all year long but, like many, the holiday really makes me concentrate on what I’m thankful for. This year I am thankful for so much. I’m thankful for my family and especially that we are all healthy and that my children have grown so much since the beginning of the school year. I’m thankful for the fact that both Sinisa and I have jobs and can support our family. I’m also thankful for blogging and everything it’s brought my family and I am thankful for you all, my readers, since I wouldn’t be where I am without you.

Jacob & Lucas, Thanksgiving 2012

I thought it would be fun to ask my children what they are thankful for. Here is what Jacob said: Daddy, Skylanders, Mrs. D (his teacher), and my friends. Lucas said: brother, Daddy, a robot, and Thomas. Do you notice how “mommy” did not make either list? :/ That’s okay though, since I know I have made their list of things to be thankful for in the past and I’m sure they are thankful for me.

One thing we often overlook are the simple things. Things like the air we breathe, the sun peaking out from behind clouds, and the food we have to eat. All those are things to be thankful for!

And speaking of food…Campbell Soup Company has some great ideas for the Thanksgiving table that are kid-friendly. Check out these adorable mini ideas!

Mini Green Bean Casseroles

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Mini Chicken & Stuffing Cups

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Don’t forget to ask The Wisest Kid if you’re forgetting anything on your Thanksgiving table! He can help you plan your Thanksgiving menu. Check out this cute Thanksgiving commercial from Campbell’s. I love Green Bean Casserole! What new recipe will your family enjoy this Thanksgiving?

Take A Mini-Vacation At Chula Vista Resort {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I am a Chula Vista Resort Ambassador and received a free stay at the resort. All thoughts are my own.)

Everyone needs to get away from it all once in a while so I’m really excited to be working with Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells to offer a giveaway for a two-night stay! Their indoor waterpark is the perfect way to escape the cold winter days. We went there this summer and had a great time! Here are some pictures of the resort:

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GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a two-night stay in the tower guest rooms at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells.

(The winner will be able to upgrade to a suite, villa, or condo for a nominal fee if they’d like to.)

HOW TO ENTER: 

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Check out Chula Vista’s website and tell me what your favorite thing about the resort is

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Follow @ChulaVistaWI on Twitter

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Subscribe to this blog via email

6) Comment on another one of my blog posts

Giveaway ends December 10, 2013 at 11:59pm CST. Must be a US resident and 21 or older to enter. Giveaway includes resort stay only, no other fees are covered.

The Wisest Kid Shares Last Minute Halloween Ideas

(Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I am an Ambassador for Campbell’s and The Wisest Kid in the Whole World. All thoughts are my own.)

Halloween is tomorrow and my kids are so excited! We’ve been to the pumpkin farm and decorated pumpkins. We went costume shopping and made “mummy” dogs. We have treat bags ready for our school friends and bags of candy to pass out. Their favorite part of the holiday though? Trick-or-treating, of course! They can’t wait to dress up and get candy.

Lucas has been going around our home for the past week with a bucket saying “trick or treat”. He’s collected whatever we can find around us to put in his container including toys, pinecones, pieces of paper, pencils, cards from a game and stickers. He’s been hoping for candies but thinks it’s hilarious when we put other things in his bucket. He will be so happy when he finally goes trick-or-treating for real and gets chocolates and other candy.

To balance out all that junk my kids will be eating Halloween night, I consulted the Wisest Kid in the Whole World about how I could work in some veggies to their dinner. I heard it’s supposed to be raining and cold so I definitely want to make sure I put something warm in their tummies.

He had some great ideas and shared some delicious recipes made with Campbell’s soups that both parents and kids would like. Here are a few of my favorites:

Mini Chicken Pot Pie

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Pockets

Mini Taco Mac & Cheese Cups

Hmm…wonder what other wise advice he has? I’m sure he has a great last-minute costume idea. Let’s check out what he has to say!

How simple is that? Print out the beard and you are all set for trick or treating. Check out Campbell’s Facebook page for more great costume ideas. What would you ask the Wisest Kid in the Whole World?

Learn About Illinois Farms With Me

(Disclosure: This post is compensated but all thoughts are my own.)

My grandpa was a farmer. I remember getting to visit him when I was younger and I thought it was so cool that he got to be around animals all day (especially horses because those are my favorite animals). I understood nothing abut what he did on a daily basis and what it took to run a farm and to be honest, I still have no clue.

When I was asked to be a Blog Ambassador for Illinois Farm Families® I was excited and accepted because that meant I would get to head back to a farm and I’d get to understand what my grandfather really did. I also looked forward to learning more about growing food and seeing where my food comes from. It’s not everyday that you get that chance.

Looking into Illinois Farm Families more I learned that nearly all Illinois farms – 94 percent of them – are family owned and operated. I always thought that nowadays most farms were owned by corporations so it was really awesome to know that there are people like you and me running these farms and growing the food we eat. They feed their families the food they grow.

It was interesting looking on the Illinois Farm Families website and seeing that they are completely open about what goes on at the farms. They have Chicago area moms who are invited to be “Field Moms” and visit a variety of Illinois family farms to meet the farmers who grow crops and vegetables and raise livestock. They also invite people to ask questions through their website to learn more about how food is grown, technology that is used on the farm, environmental issues, and more.

What questions do you have about farming in Illinois? You can look for monthly blog posts over the next year answering my questions for the farmers (and yours too). I look forward to documenting my experiences and sharing what I learn with you all.

 

Announcing Campbell’s Wisest Kid

I am so excited to finally be able to spill the beans about something I have been keeping under wraps since July! I have been chosen to work with Campbell’s Soup Company as a Brand Ambassador. I’ve enjoyed Campbell’s soups since I was a little girl and have fond memories of slurping up those noodles in their chicken noodle soup and dipping grilled cheese in their tomato soup so I think this is a perfect fit.

In July Campbell’s shared their newest campaign with a small group of bloggers which they said they’d be launching in September and I have kept it a secret until today. You’ll love this new campaign! Some of you might have seen the little teaser commercials from Campbell’s with an adorable little boy with a long beard called the “Wisest Kid in the Whole World”.  The Wisest Kid in the Whole World is a kid guru, the ultimate authority on what makes kids happy. He knows all the secrets to kid contentment, and is here to share with parents everywhere. He knows how much kids truly love Campbell’s — himself included.

Check out this video below to meet him:

 

Have a wisest kid of your own? Enter the wisest thing your child has said in the widget below to share it with Campbell’s.

 

Live in New York City? Campbell’s is hosting a special event on September 17 in Times Square from 12pm to 2pm EST. Here, people are able to interact with the campaign and meet the Wisest Kid as he live streams from a billboard. From home, you can tweet @TheWisestKid and/or use the hashtag (#AskWisestKid) to ask for the Wisest Kid’s advice or to share something funny your wisest kid says.

(Disclosure: I am being compensated by Campbell Soup Company as an Ambassador for the next 6 months. All thoughts are my own.)

Chula Vista Resort {Wisconsin Dells, WI}

I am so excited to be heading to Wisconsin Dells in a couple weeks. I am a Chula Vista Resort Ambassador so my family will be staying at the Chula Vista Resort which I’ve never been to before. The pictures on the website make me even more excited because it looks like we are going to have an amazing time. I am looking forward to relaxing and my kids are looking forward to checking out the waterpark.

And you don’t think I’d leave you all, my readers, out of the fun do you!? After our mini-vacation I will be giving away a 2 night stay at Chula Vista Resort to one of you so you can take your family on a fun vacation, too!

(Disclosure: As stated above, I am a Chula Vista Resort Ambassador so I am receiving a complementary stay. All thoughts are my own.)

Back To School With The Children’s Place

The boys start school in 2 weeks. There is so much to do before then but thankfully I crossed out “buy first day of school outfits” off my list before I headed to BlogHer last week. The Children’s Place invited me to shop their Fall collection and gave me a gift card to buy some of my favorite fashions. Here are some of the items I found:

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Have you done your back to school clothes shopping yet? Find all your Back to School styles at The Children’s Place! You can also see what some of my fellow bloggers found by checking out The Children’s Place Pinterest board.

(Disclosure: As stated above, I received a gift card to shop but all thoughts are my own.)

Spring Fashions From The Children’s Place {Giveaway}

(Disclosure: I received a gift card to shop at The Children’s Place but all thoughts are my own. I featured pictures of my boys in clothes from The Children’s Place long before I started working with them as a blogger and TCP Ambassador.)

The boys are all set for Spring after my recent shopping trip to The Children’s Place! I try to get a couple pieces each Spring that are green because that color, to me, is such a bright, fun color that’s perfect for the season. I had bought some dress shirts around Christmas time that the boys will wear to Church on Easter Sunday but I bought the plaid shirts above for our Easter celebration and egg hunt at my mom’s house. I figured that would be more comfortable while they are running around and playing. I bought some matching plaid shorts for them and they each got a pair of sunglasses since the sun is finally starting to come out around here!

Overall I got 15 items for a little over a hundred dollars and got 2 ‘Place Cash’ certificates to spend next month which will get me $40 off my purchase. At that time I will probably get some more Summer clothes.

Have you gone shopping for clothes yet this season? What are staples in your child’s wardrobe during the Spring?

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $25 gift card to The Children’s Place

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me who you’d shop for at The Children’s Place

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Subscribe to this blog via email or RSS

Giveaway ends April 14, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. US residents, ages 18+ only.

Love Your Skin With Eucerin {$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

Maintaining a healthy daily routine is crucial for your skin’s overall well-being.  Here are some tips from Eucerin to keep your skin luminous and lovely:

  • Hit the gym!  Exercising can help you de-stress.  The increased blood flow from physical activity also helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells.
  • Moisturize! In cold winter months, remember to use rich creams and lip balm to give your skin additional moisture and to soothe cracked skin.
  • Catch up on some Zzzz’s!   When you sleep, you allow your skin cells a chance to regenerate. Experts recommend 6-8 hours each night.
  • Cut down on the sugar!  No one’s telling you to abandon chocolate altogether, but processed sugar can contribute to the breakdown of collagen, making your skin dull and less taut.
  • Exfoliate! Exfoliating a couple times each week helps to remove dead skin cells and expose fresh new cells.
  • Get enough Vitamin C!  Vitamin C is known to help prevent cell damage, keeping your skin less prone to wrinkles. So make sure to stock up on C-rich foods, like guava, kiwi and tomatoes.

A couple more tips I would add:

  • Wear sunscreen every day (even in winter)
  • Slather your feet with lotion and then put socks on before bed. You’ll wake with much smoother skin!
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Use the right skin care products for your skin. Eucerin has a great app on their Facebook page which will suggest the right products for you!

GIVEAWAY:

$100 Visa Gift Card, Eucerin Products, Nivea Lip Balm, and Bag of Chocolates

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me your tip for keeping your skin luminous

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Use Eucerin’s Skindicator app on Facebook and tell me what skin care products Eucerin suggests for you

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @eucerinUS on Twitter

6) Comment on another one of my posts

Giveaway ends March 20, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. US residents 18 and over only.

(Disclosure: I received a prize pack from Eucerin but all thoughts are my own.)

My Valentine’s Day Playlist

Some Of My Favorite Romantic Songs

Tank- Next Breath
Savage Garden- Truly Madly Deeply
NeYo- Let Me Love You
Sixpence None The Richer- Kiss Me
98 Degrees- I Do
Brian McKnight- Back at One
K-Ci and JoJo- All My Life
Rascal Flatts- Bless The Broken Road
Bryan Adams- Everything I Do, I Do It For You
Steven Curtis Chapman- I Will Be Here
Luther Vandross- Here and Now
Whitney Houston- I Will Always Love You
Edwin McCain- I’ll Be

What are your favorite romantic songs?

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I’ve been enjoying using my Windows Phone 8X by HTC to play music. It has Beats Audio. Here’s a little more about what makes it amazing according to HTC:

The 8X has a dedicated amp built right into the phone, so it pumps more power to your headphones than ever. Plus, Beats Audio is coming to Windows phones for the first time ever. Take that combination and transform your listening pleasure with deeper bass, crisper vocals and detailed high notes for music, games, movies and videos.

 (Disclosure: I am a member of HTC’s Troop 8X and received this phone to review. All thoughts are my own.)

Get Pampers Rewards When You Shop At The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place and Pampers have teamed up to bring even more value to The Children’s Place “Love you Baby Sale”! Now through February 11, earn 25 Pampers Gifts to Grow Reward Points for every baby item purchased at The Children’s Place retail stores. Plus, get even more savings for future purchases at The Children’s Place. Pampers is offering an exclusive 20% off $50 or more coupon, available online at https://en.giftstogrow.pampers.com. It’s the perfect partnership to help you get all you need for baby (and save you money!).

Here’s how it works: Simply shop baby items at The Children’s Place retail stores to start earning Pampers Gifts to Grow Reward Points. You’ll receive 25 points for every baby item you buy. Then register online at Pampers.com, on your computer or smartphone. Enter your voucher code(s) to instantly redeem Gifts to Grow points for over 1.4 million prizes. Keep earning points every time you purchase Pampers diapers or wipes.

(Disclosure: I am a Children’s Place Ambassador. All content was provided by them but I wasn’t compensated for this post.)

My Favorite Apps On My Windows 8X Phone By HTC

Since I wrote about my new Windows 8 phone last week I have discovered a ton more apps that make my life easier. Here are some of my favorites:

1) Starbuck’s Finder. You all know that I run on Starbuck’s so this app is a must! I know where my local Starbuck’s coffee shops are but when I head to the city and beyond I have no clue where I can get my coffee fix.

2) Temperature. I love having the temperature displayed right on my home screen. In the morning when I’m rushing to get the boys out the door I don’t have time to check the weather on my computer or the television so it’s nice to just glance at my phone and know what weather Chicago is going to have that day. (Seriously…last week we had one day that was in the 50s or 60s and then had some snow on another day. It’s crazy!)

3) Me. Not sure if that’s the apps real name but that’s what it says when I click on the picture of my kiddos. It has all my social updates and emails in one spot. It could replace all of the individual apps for my social networks but I like having the option of checking them individually in their “native” app if I have time to waste or using this app to view them all at once to get an idea of what’s going on in my network.

4) All Recipes. Having a recipe app on my phone is great because when I’m menu planning I can search for recipes using this app and when I’m at the grocery store I can use it to make sure I don’t forget any ingredients I need.

5) The Bible. Gone are the days of carrying around a big, bulky Bible. Having it on my smartphone lets me read the Word anytime, anywhere I am.

6) Pinspiration. It’s an app for Pinterest so I don’t think I need to explain why I like it ;)

What are some of your favorite phone apps?

(Disclosure: I received a phone from HTC to review but all thoughts are my own.)

Skin Resolutions {$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

Did you know that the foods you eat, amount you sleep and level of exercise activity all have an impact on your skin? Here are some tips to get your skin’s metabolism moving in the New Year:

o   Swap your white bread with whole grain options to help support healthy looking skin. Whole grains help make skin firming collagen and elastin!

o   Make sure to add Vitamin C rich foods, like broccoli and citrus fruits, to your shopping list in 2013. Vitamin C can help your skin neutralize free radicals.

o   Exercising can do more than trim your waistline; it’s also good for your skin. Increased blood flow from physical activity helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells

o   Many people vow to eat healthier in the New Year, but doing so can also help impact your skin. What do carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash have in common? All are high in Beta-Carotene, which promotes cell turnover and growth while protecting the collagen in your skin.

o   Rest up!  When you sleep, you allow your skin cells a chance to regenerate.   Do you get 6-8 hours of sleep each night?

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My five 2013 healthy body resolutions:

1) Wear sunscreen whenever I’m outside

2) Get up and walk around during the day

3) Eat more fruits and veggies

4) Be in bed by 11pm at least three days per week

5) Put lotion on my skin every night before bed

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Eucerin has a great app called the “Skindicator” on their Facebook page. You can get a personalized skin care recommendation from their Eucerin Skin First Dermatologists. It’s pretty cool. The app told me I needed the Redness Relief Line, Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion, Original Healing Soothing Repair Lotion, and the Skin Calming- Itch Relief Treatment. My skin is not normally very dry but I do have some really dry, eczema like patches that I’ve been trying to provide relief to and haven’t been able to so I’m excited to try these new products.

GIVEAWAY:

One winner will win a $100 Visa Gift Card and the skin care products that the “Skindicator” app suggests for you.

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me what your “skin care” resolution would be

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Enter another one of my giveaways (find them in the upper right corner)

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right hand corner)

7) Follow me on Pinterest

8) Try the Skindicator app on Facebook and tell me what products are recommended for you

Giveaway ends February 22, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. The giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years and older only.

(Disclosure: I received a prize pack from Eucerin but all thoughts are my own.)


Windows Phone 8X by HTC

I recently got the new Windows Phone 8X by HTC and have enjoyed testing it out for the past week. I normally go for a plain colored phone but I like the bright blue color of this one. I also like how it runs Windows 8 like my computer does so I found the phone pretty easy to use.

Here are some of my favorite features of the phone so far:

  • It’s so thin! I think it’s the slimmest phone I’ve ever owned. I think this is a great plus for those who like to stick their phone in their pocket.
  • There’s a great variety of apps. I thought Windows wouldn’t have that many apps since the Windows store hasn’t been around as long as the iPhone and Android stores have but I found a lot of apps I love in the store. My new discovery is a Starbucks finder app that tells me where the closest Starbucks is and lets me pay via my phone. I am so excited to try it out.
  • Bright colors on the screen. The screen is so bright and the colors are so vivid. It’s nice to look at.
  • Family Room. I can easily share my calendar, photos, notes, and have a group chat all conveniently on my phone by setting up a “family room”. All I have to do is invite my family members or close friends. So easy to stay connected and I can see so many uses for this.
  • I like being able to “slide” from screen to screen easily with just a flick of my finger.
  • Easy to locate apps and information on the phone. I like the boxes on the main screen but there is also a list of apps for people who prefer that.
  • It’s fast! I’m impatient when it comes to technology and don’t like to wait when I push a button so I’m happy that this phone can keep up with me.

Overall it is a fantastic phone that’s easy to use and I look forward to discovering more features that make life easier and more enjoyable.

(Disclosure: I am a member of HTC’s Troop 8X and received this phone to review. All thoughts are my own.)

Gift With Purchase At The Children’s Place {And Spring Fashions}

I love dressing my boys up in cute clothes so I’m really excited to announce that I am a Blogger Ambassador for The Children’s Place! This means I will be sharing great promotions, sales and giveaways with you this year!

With thoughts of shopping for Easter clothes coming up soon I thought I’d go back in time and share some of my favorite Spring looks from there modeled by my children over the past few years :)

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Apparently I love green and blue at Easter and argyle is my go-to look in Spring for the boys :) This last little outfit even had argyle socks with little linen pants. My kids just prefer to wear no clothes in the house apparently.

If you need to go shopping for some new clothes, The Children’s Place has some great promotions right now. The monster sale I talked about weeks ago is still going on–prices are up to 80% off! They have a Spring sale and a Valentine’s Day sale going on as well. {I love a good sale!}

One new promotion is a special gift with purchase. From today, January 22nd , to January 31st (while supplies last) if you make an in-store purchase of $75 or more you will get a free plush Bunny. How cute would this little bunny be in your child’s Easter basket?

(Disclosure: As an Ambassador I receive promotional items from The Children’s Place. All thoughts are my own.)

 

Internet Security In The New Year

Since March of last year my family has been a participant in the Digital Joneses study. This study is organized by Internet security company Trend Micro and follows seven bloggers {and our families} throughout the year as we complete monthly technology challenges. The goal of the study is to help improve and examine the struggles each family experiences with modern technology. Each challenge has identified and addressed one facet of digital security that is affecting living in a modern digitally-connected household.

I was asked to think about what I have learned so far and what I hope to learn in this new year. When I look back I realize that I’ve learned a lot about a variety of different topics relating to online security. I wanted to share a few things that I learned from each monthly challenge I have completed and also what I hope to still learn in the coming months.

The first challenge was to complete an online quiz called “Are You {Digitally} Smarter Than A 5th Grader?”. Having been online for years and “tech-savvy” I learned that I didn’t know as much as I thought I had. For example, I couldn’t even distinguish the real Facebook logo from three look alikes! It definitely made me think about the sites I frequented and how I would have to double check the address bar before I put any personal information or passwords in a site I thought I was on. Sinisa learned a lot in this challenge too, including the difference between “http” and “https” in web addresses. Do you know the difference between the two?

The second challenge was to talk to our children about online safety. Trend Micro had some great tips on how to talk to children about this topic and even had some ideas on how I could do so with my preschooler. My boys aren’t online a lot by themselves but they do like YouTube videos and so we talked about safety on YouTube and how they shouldn’t click on anything if they don’t know what it is.

The third challenge was to spring clean our digital lives. They provided us with a checklist so we’d know what kind of things they suggested doing. The main things that stuck out to me during this challenge were suggestions on tackling the email inbox. One suggestion from Trend Micro was to delete the attachments from my emails. Another task on the list was to delete any emails that had password or account information to keep would be hackers from getting confidential information. I really got a lot out of that challenge.

The next challenge was on mobile security. I didn’t even know that I needed security software for my phone so that was a huge thing I learned. I was told of a cool app called the “Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Ed” app that would scan every application I wanted to install to make sure it was safe. That was definitely something I wanted to do before putting any apps on my phone.

After mobile security, we learned about online gaming. I learned that 41 percent of homes with kids five and under have internet connected game consoles and that more kids access the internet through game consoles than through a computer. Five and under! That’s a lot of young kids online and it’s important that they are safe while playing. I learned a handful of tips but one I didn’t know about was parental controls. I knew that TVs had them but I learned that gaming systems had them, too.

In July we tackled scams surrounding the Olympics. I never knew how many fake sites existed surrounding the summer games and how many of them looked like the real thing. This was another reminder to use the “official” sites as resources and not go to sites I was unfamiliar with.

August brought a scary story about a man who had his digital life stolen in less than an hour because all of his accounts were hooked together. It really made me think twice before I hook up any accounts. I learned about two-factor authentication on email accounts to keep my accounts out of the wrong hands.

The following month we learned some internet security facts and how we could protect ourselves online. Having secure passwords was a big focus of this challenge. Trend Micro suggests using a phrase of random words that you can remember, instead of paraphrases or single words. Having passwords of at least ten to twelve characters is a good start and they recommend more characters for passwords that protect sensitive sites (like banks).

Last month‘s challenge was focused on cyber shopping and Trend Micro shared tips on how to stay safe online while doing our Christmas shopping. Being fairly new to online shopping I learned a lot about this topic. They stressed using reliable, well-known shopping sites and making sure that they offered secure payment options. Another tip was to use a credit card to pay since they offer better buyer protection.

When I look at what I have learned and think about what I still hope to learn in the coming months I think that most of it revolves around how how my children and I use the internet. I’d love to learn more ways to protect my boys while they are on YouTube since parental controls don’t block everything I’d like to be blocked. For myself, I’d love to learn how to stay safer while using social media- particularly when it comes to links on Twitter and while on blogs that have pop-ups that slow the computer down.

I’m looking forward to the next few months of learning and so thankful for this opportunity to work with Trend Micro. To end I just wanted to share four facts I’ve learned about digital security since becoming a Digital Joneses family (please forgive the fact that I sound like a frog!)

 

(Disclosure: This post is part of a study sponsored by Trend Micro that I am participating in. As a Digital Joneses family we are receiving assets to complete our challenges but all thoughts are my own.)

Verizon’s HopeLine For Domestic Violence

This holiday season you can support Verizon’s fight against domestic violence.  Nearly one in four women, one in seven men, and over 3 million children have been affected by domestic violence. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives.

HopeLine® from Verizon puts the nation’s most reliable network to work in the community by turning no-longer used cell phones into support for domestic violence victims and survivors. If you will be receiving a new phone this Christmas please consider donating your old phone to this great cause.

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

12 Days Of Skin Tips {$100 Gift Card Giveaway}

‘Tis the season to moisturize! With a New Year right around the corner, it’s never too late to take charge of your skin. As you reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, commit to putting the health of your skin first. Skin stress that appears during the holidays can be the result of a lack of moisture, especially if you live in a colder climate.

Here are 12 days of skin tips from Eucerin to give your skin the beautiful and healthy-looking holiday glow it deserves:

1)      Cold, dry, winter weather can be tough on your hands, wear gloves to help keep them protected against harsh winter elements.

2)      Keep your showers short and sweet and use lukewarm water. Bathing for long periods in hot water can cause skin to lose natural oils and nutrients.

3)      Winter can wreak havoc on your skin because there is less moisture in the air, low humidity. Give your skin a boost and run a humidifier at night to help add moisture.

4)      Relieve dryness associated with frequent hand washing by washing with lukewarm water, using a gentle soap, and applying moisturizer right after drying your hands.

5)      3 steps to revive dry feet. 1) Remove dry, flaky skin with a pumice stone. 2) Apply a rich moisturizer, like Eucerin’s Aquaphor Healing Ointment before bed. 3) Throw on a pair of socks to lock in the moisture and go to sleep!

6)      Try Eucerin Calming Crème (with oatmeal) to help dry, itchy skin this season.

7)      Chemicals and allergens in certain makeups, perfumes, soaps, and detergents can cause skin irritation. Avoid products that you know have irritated your skin and use gentle cleansers!

8)      Snow reflects sunlight, making it important to wear an SPF product like Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30 all year round for protection from UVA and UVB rays.

9)      Coarse fabrics can cause itchiness if you have sensitive skin. Go for something silky!

10)   Getting a full six to eight hours of sleep is important for your overall well-being and helps your skin look its best. Get to bed early to get plenty of shut-eye

11)   Tame chapped lips. For lip hydration, try applying a few drops of olive oil and honey or pick up Aquaphor Lip Repair + Protect SPF 30.

12)   Wind can act like sandpaper when constantly hitting exposed skin. Protect skin with a rich moisturizer and bundle up with hats and scarves.

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Make sure to visit the Eucerin US Facebook page to receive a sample of Eucerin lotion when you like the Eucerin Facebook page. There you will also find great tips and personalized recommendations from Eucerin dermatologists!

Featured Eucerin Products Of The Month:

Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion (16.9 fl. oz.) a unique, fast absorbing lotion that combines Ceramide-3, skin’s own moisturizers, and Gluco-Glycerol to improve the condition of skin and help fight dryness at the source.

o   Dermatologist recommended

o   Provides intense moisture for skin that looks and feels immediately hydrated

o   Strengthens the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture

o   Improves moisture reserves to help prevent dryness from recurring for healthy looking skin

o   Fast absorbing, non-greasy

Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion (6.8 fl. oz.) helps alleviate and repair extremely dry skin with a unique concentrated formula that features a groundbreaking technology that combines skin’s own natural moisturizers and Ceramide-3, a component of a healthy skin barrier, with Gluco-Glycerol,  an innovative moisturizer—to improve the condition of skin and fight extreme dryness. The product is highly effective and has been granted the Good Housekeeping Seal. If it doesn’t work as claimed Good Housekeeping will replace or refund the purchase price.

o   Dermatologist recommended

o   Moisture rich formula, yet lightweight and fast absorbing

o   Strengthens the skin’s barrier to lock in moisture

o   Improves moisture reserves to help prevent dryness from recurring for healthy looking skin

o   Fragrance-free, won’t clog pores

 GIVEAWAY:

Healthy Skin Kit Prize pack includes: Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion, Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion, moisturizing gloves, a pumice stone, and a $100 Visa Gift Card!

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Which skin tip above is your favorite?

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Enter another one of my giveaways (find them in the upper right corner)

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right hand corner)

7) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends January 15, 2013 at 11:59pm Central time. US 18+ only.

(Disclosure: I received a prize pack from Eucerin for posting this giveaway.}

Christmas Shopping Online {And Safe Cyber Shopping Tips!}

I never used to like shopping online. I hated paying for shipping and waiting for my packages to be delivered. I liked touching what I was thinking about purchasing before I spent money and taking my finds home from the stores.

A couple months back I received some Amazon e-cards and I had been holding on to them for Holiday shopping. The week of Black Friday I put them into my Amazon account and took a look around the site. I discovered some great prices on things I had planned on buying for Christmas. I put a few items in my online shopping cart and then a little box about Amazon Prime came up. After reading about it I got excited because I could get shipping free and it would only take two days to arrive. I signed up for my free trial of Amazon Prime and was relieved that I had started my shopping early this year.

I have to say that I have fallen in love with Amazon Prime and won’t be cancelling it. I love that I don’t have to put a minimum amount in my cart so I’ve been watching for deals and crossing things off my list as I see them. And I haven’t just limited myself to Amazon. I’ve shopped Walmart Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and chosen site-to-store so all I have to do is run in and pick up my packages when they arrive. I also have shopped sales at Kohls, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, and Osh’Kosh Bgosh- all of which had amazing sales.

With all of the amazing sales online, some better than what I’ve seen in stores, I’ve been able to finish most of my Christmas shopping with only having to go into one store. Now that gifts for everyone else were handled it was time to shop for myself. I had been wanting a SLR camera since I was in high school and I told myself that I would finally get one this year. I decided I wanted a Canon Rebel T3i so I searched online because I wanted to find the best price I could. I typed in “Canon Rebel T3i prices” on Google to see if I could easily find a price comparison site. Towards the top was a link to cnet.com which is a reputable technology review site. Along with the review of the camera they gave a list of about 20 online sites that sold the camera and their prices.

Most of the prices were pretty similar with some sites being hundreds higher. The lowest one was about $530, $70 less than the average. I clicked through to the BPPhoto site without even thinking about it because the site I was on was well-known and I figured they wouldn’t be linking to a site that wasn’t trustworthy. While they didn’t have the camera that I wanted in stock, I looked around at what other items I did have since they had great prices on lenses and other camera accessories. I find that I am leery of sites that offer products for a reduced rate so I also checked for signs that the site was secure. I noticed that the site had a security validated button and a 30 day money back guarantee which is nice to have when making an online purchase and made me feel like this was an online retailer that I could trust.

In the end I ended up going with Amazon.com and buying a Rebel T3 {not T3i} because I found the best price on that site. 2-day shipping was free, I got 2% of my purchase back in Amazon credits, I got a free camera bag and memory card, and I got an extra lens for $150 off {which made it only $7}. I was so excited about the deal I found during the Cyber Monday sale and can’t wait to use my new camera to take pictures!

Are you shopping online this Christmas season? Here are some cyber shopping tips, courtesy of Trend Micro, to keep in mind:

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU CLICK:

1. Go with What You Know: Bookmark reliable online shopping sites, as search engines like Google can lead you to malicious sites.

2. Go with Your Instinct: Ignore suspicious emails and spam offering huge discounts and bargains as they may contain malicious links and file attachments.

3. If It’s too Good to be True It Usually is: Spam and online ads that offer mind-boggling promos and discounts can lead to web threats.

4. Double, Triple Confirm: Check a payment site’s URL. Phishers trick users into giving out personal information via spoofed pages. Two of the most commonly phished sites are eBay and PayPal.

5. Tried and True: Use reliable security software that helps you avoid visiting comprised sites.

6. Buyer Beware: Never use a payment method that does not offer any kind of buyer protection. Wire transfers and money orders are therefore off the table as there is no way of getting your money back. Pay with a credit card as it offers better protection.

7. Keep It Private: Don’t shop in a public “hot spot” or in places with unsecure networks. Limit online shopping to when you are at home, this assures uninterrupted and safe sessions.

8. Spot the Obvious: Legitimate banking or e-commerce sites’ URLs usually begin with https not http. The padlock icon at the lower right or near the address bar (depending on your browser) is also a good indicator of site’s security.

9. Keep Records: Always keep your transaction records to track your online purchases and avoid becoming a victim of online scams and other kinds of fraud.

10. Stay Aware: Stringently check your credit card billing statements to monitor all of your transactions. Immediately report any discrepancies to your bank.

 

(Disclosure: As a Trend Micro Digital Joneses family I received a gift card to shop online with but all thoughts are my own.)

Nokia Lumia 822 Smartphone & Verizon Gift Card {Giveaway}

I hinted at this giveaway on my Facebook page and found a lot of you were excited about the opportunity to win a brand new phone from Verizon! I’m pleased to announce a giveaway for the Nokia Lumia 822. This smartphone runs on Windows Phone 8 and is packed with great features like Nokia Drive+ and Nokia City Lens. It includes Nokia Music with subscription-free streaming from a collection of millions of tracks. Plus, with Data Sense, a Verizon Wireless exclusive, you can get the most out of your data plan while enjoying the benefits of the lightning fast 4GLTE network.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a Nokia Lumia 822 and a $100 Verizon Gift Card

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me what Lumia feature you are most excited for.

EXTRA ENTRY:

You can earn an extra entry by sharing this giveaway on a social media network and leaving a comment telling me that you have done so.

Giveaway ends on November 30, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US only. Please note: Multiple blogs will be running a similar giveaway and Verizon has asked that, to be fair, only one phone/gift card set is won per person.

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

$75 Whole Foods Gift Card & Eucerin Lotion Giveaway

Thanksgiving is over and now it’s time to think about the holidays. To start the season off we are having a Holiday Turkey Hunt blog hop where over 50 blogs are each offering prizes valued at over $25 and there’s also a grand prize giveaway hosted at The WIC Project for a $135 Amazon Gift Card.

Here at Making Time For Mommy I’m happy to introduce Eucerin, the skin care company that is sponsoring my giveaway. I’ve worked with them for the past 6 months or so and have learned so much about skin care and their products. Each month that I’ve worked with them there has been a theme of the month and for the month of November the theme is “Healthy Foods For Healthy Skin”. I have never put that much thought into how what I eat affects my skin but I’ve learned this month that it does. The skin experts over at Eucerin recommend eating foods with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Omega-3s whenever you can.  That’s something I’m definitely going to make sure that I think about when choosing my weekly menu plan.

To help keep skin healthy, Eucerin is offering one of my readers a great prize package!

GIVEAWAY:

One person will win a prize package from Eucerin that includes:

$75 Whole Foods Gift Card

Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion

Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Share how you nurture your skin from the inside out

2) Share this giveaway on a social network

3) Enter another one of my giveaways (find them in the upper right corner)

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right hand corner)

7) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends December 7, 2012 at 11:59pm Eastern time. The giveaway is open to US Residents 18 years and over only.

(Disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for Eucerin and received a prize pack like the one I am giving away.)

 

$100 Visa Gift Card & Autumn Care Prize Package Giveaway

October is almost gone and Autumn is in full swing, and what does that mean?  It means colorful leaves, football, caramel apples – and colder temperatures.  Among other things, the season is often characterized as a time of frequent temperature changes between indoors and outdoors, and harsh winds. This results in more sensitive skin that can become dry, tight, itchy and irritated. So, before getting that Pumpkin Latte tomorrow, grab some Eucerin Smoothing Repair lotion to keep your skin glowing all season long!

I’ve been using Eucerin for months and my skin is still as soft now as it was during the warmer months. I’ve also been trying to take showers that use water that’s a bit cooler than what I like because I’ve heard that really hot water during showers dries skin. How do you protect your skin during the colder weather? I’d love to hear and if you share below you have a chance to win a fabulous prize!

GIVEAWAY

Eucerin would like to send one of my readers an Autumn prize package! The package includes a $100 Visa gift card, Eucerin Smoothing Repair Dry Skin Lotion, Eucerin Professional Repair Extremely Dry Skin Lotion, and a Large, Spiced Pumpkin Yankee Candle.

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Share how you care for your skin during the changing seasons

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Eucerin on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

7) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right hand corner)

8) Comment on another one of my posts (find them here)

9) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends on November 20, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US 18+ only.

(Disclosure: I received a prize pack and am posting this giveaway as a Eucerin blog ambassador but all thoughts are my own.)

How Sweet the Sound Gospel Celebration {Ticket Giveaway For Chicago Event}

Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ Gospel Celebration unites communities and cities across America in celebration and song.  The tour pays tribute to gospel music and provides local choirs a platform to showcase their talent with a broader community. Choirs rejoice in song and praise; sing in front of gospel greats and fans; and compete for a chance to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

 This year, regional events will take place in the following cities:

·         Dallas – Sept. 6 at Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie

·         Atlanta – Sept. 10 at Philips Arena

·         Washington, DC – Sept. 12 at Verizon Center

·         Newark – Sept. 13 at Prudential Center

·         Detroit – Sept. 15 at Joe Louis Arena

·         Chicago – Sept. 17 at United Center

·         Los Angeles – Sept. 21 at Staples Center

·         Finale – New York – Nov. 4 at Barclays Center

GRAMMY® award-winning, songwriter, producer, arranger and music director Donald Lawrence will return as host and be joined by GRAMMY® award-winning entertainer, producer, author and syndicated radio host Yolanda Adams. In addition, Erica Campbell of Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and CeCe Winans will serve as resident judges for this year’s competition, which will feature each region’s top six choirs.

Tickets to the 2012 Verizon How Sweet the Sound™ tour are on sale now.  For more details about Verizon’s How Sweet the Sound™ including video content, judging criteria, ticket sales information, and official rules, please visit www.HowSweettheSound.com.

TICKET GIVEAWAY:

I have one pair of tickets to give away to the Chicago stop of this tour.
The event is September 17th at the United Center.

{Giveaway does not cover transportation to the event, parking or any other costs}

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment telling me why you want to win!

For an extra entry, share this giveaway on a social network :)

Giveaway ends September 11, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. Winner will have 24 hours to respond due to the timely nature of this giveaway.

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.)

5 Tips To Protect Your Online Identity

Think about all of the things you do online. You email, you save and share pictures, you connect with family and friends on social networks, you bookmark recipes and ideas you want to do in the future…now imagine if one day you logged in and everything was GONE. How would you feel? This is what happened to Mat Honan. Within one hour hackers were able to destroy Mat’s digital life, including erasing everything on his iPhone, iPad and Macbook. He shared the whole story, including his mistakes and Apple’s huge security flaws, over at Wired. Mat eventually got 75% of his hard drive back but it cost him over $1600 to do so and he still lost some important documents and emotionally valuable photos.

Trend Micro brought this story to my attention and asked me, as one of their Digital Joneses bloggers, to share Mat’s story with you all and how we can make sure it doesn’t happen to us. They also sent our family tablets and stressed the importance of securing our tablets like we do our laptops. Trend Micro shared 5 things we can do to secure our tablets {and really our digital life in general}:

Tip #1:

Tip #2:

Tip #3:

Tip #4:

Tip #5:

I thought these were great tips. Some I use already, like receiving emails when someone signs into my Facebook account from a location I never have used before and not saving my credit card info on sites. Some were things I had never considered before, like leaving my social media pages open on my computer and linking sites together. Those things that make it easy for me to quickly get things done online also make it easy for hackers to access personal details.

Do you follow all of the tips above? If not, which ones do you struggle with following?

Past Challenges:

Are you {Digitally} Smarter Than a 5th Grader

Talking About Online Safety With My Preschooler

Spring Clean Your Digital Life

Mobile Security

Online Gaming Safety Tips For Children & Teens

The Olympics, Scams & You

(Disclosure: This post is part of a study sponsored by Trend Micro that I am participating in. As a Digital Joneses family we are receiving assets to complete our challenges but all thoughts are my own.)

The ABC’s Of Healthy Skin {$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}

Time for the August giveaway sponsored by Eucerin!

I am loving my soft skin thanks to the Eucerin lotion I’ve been using daily :)

***

This month, Eucerin would like to help you put your Skin First every day with the ABC’s for your skin care routine. It’s not just what you put on your skin but also what you put in your body that effects how your skin looks and feels. Besides cleansing and moisturizing, during the day and night, there are simple things you can do every day to keep your skin healthy.

·         A is for Anti-oxidants – Foods rich in antioxidants help prevent and repair damage to your skin from the sun.

·         B is for Vitamin B – Found in many grain and dairy products, Vitamin B helps maintain healthy skin.

·         C is for Children – Did you know that one severe childhood sunburn doubles your chance of developing melanoma? Protect your children from sunburn now by teaching them to use an SPF lotion, like Eucerin Daily Protection Lotion, every day.

·         D is for Dermatologist – You should see a board certified dermatologist at least once a year.

·         E is for Everyday – While it may not flair up as severely in the summer months, dry skin requires year-long care. Eucerin Skin Calming Daily Moisturizing Crème with natural oatmeal will moisturize and soothe dry, itchy skin. Has Eucerin helped relieve your dry skin?

·         F is for Feet – You spend most of the day on your feet, so why not care for them just as much as you do other parts of your body. If you suffer from chapped or crack skin on your feet, try Aquaphor Healing Ointment or Eucerin Intensive Repair Extra-Enriched Foot Crème.

·         G is for Gluco-Glycerol – Eucerin Professional Repair with Gluco-Glycerol improves the moisture supply to the skin. Professional Repair’s unique formula is ideal for extremely dry skin.

·         H is for Healing – Nothing beats the original! If you have cracks or persistently dry skin, you may need more than a daily moisturizer. Eucerin Original Healing Soothing Repair Creme is fragrance free and dermatologist recommended to seal in the moisture your skin will need to help in the healing process.

·         I is for Incidental Sun Exposure – Skin is exposed to the sun’s UVA/UVB rays during everyday activities like driving in a car or sitting by a window at work. Use Eucerin Daily Protection Lotion to help protect your skin everyday!

·         J is for Joyous – We were joyous when the Eucerin US Facebook page hit 500,000 fans earlier this year. And it continues to grow! 7xx,xxx [Switch out the number of fans for that day’s post] and counting. Thanks for being such dedicated fans throughout the years! [Include link to Thank You video]

·         K is for Kale – Kale’s antioxidant properties can help your skin look healthier.

·         L is for Lotion – Lotions have a lighter texture than creams and can work best for daily skin hydration. Look at our texture scale on every bottle of Eucerin and choose lightweight ones, like Daily Protection or Daily Replenishing Lotion, for use on warm summer days. (Include image of texture scale)

·         M is for Moisturizer – We recommend moisturizing twice a day – morning and night – to keep your skin looking healthy all day long.

·         N is for Nourish – What are your tips for nourishing your skin on a daily basis? Share yours and we could feature it in a Eucerin Facebook photo or update!

·         O is for Organ – Your skin is your body’s largest organ, which is why we put skin care at the top of our to-do list.

·         P is for pH Balance – The skin’s natural pH ranges from 4.5 to 5.5, but UV light, temperature changes, and sweating can all affect the skin’s pH levels, causing your skin to dry out. To help keep this dryness at bay, apply a Eucerin body lotion daily after your shower or bath.

·         Q is for Quiz – Which Eucerin product contains Gluco-Glycerol? A. Intensive Repair B. Professional Repair C. Original D. Daily Protection

·         R is for Replenishing – Don’t just moisturize your skin; make sure you’re using a product that will help heal it too! Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion is specially formulated to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier for healthier looking skin.

·         S is for Sunscreen – Dermatologists recommend applying at least 1 ounce (about a golf ball sized amount) of sunscreen to your entire body at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.

·         T is for Texture – Every bottle of Eucerin comes with a texture scale right on the label to help you decide which product you should use on your skin. [Include image of texture scale]

·         U is for Urea – For conditions like Keratosis Pilaris, dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer that contains urea and buffered alpha hydroxy acids – like Eucerin’s Professional Repair. Urea provides intense moisture, while the alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin for a smoother look and feel.

·         V is for Vigilant – Regular full-body exams ensure that you’re catching suspicious spots and preventing skin cancer. Be vigilant and if you notice an unusually dark or abnormally shaped spot on your skin, bring it to the attention of your doctor or dermatologist.

·         W is for Warm – Warm, not hot showers and baths are best to prevent the stripping of natural oils and nutrients from your skin.

·         X is for X-Ray – Similar to x-rays, UVA rays can penetrate everything from clouds, clothing, and car windows. Help protect your skin from the sun with Eucerin Daily Protection Lotions this summer.

·         Y is for You! – You can help protect your skin and keep it looking healthy – with FREE samples of Eucerin’s Daily Replenishing Lotion on our Facebook page. All you have to do is Like the Facebook Page and click on the app that says “Unlock Free Samples.

·         Z is for Zinc – Zinc oxide is a mineral that provides UVA/UVB protection. Look for this ingredient in your sunscreens and in Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion SPF 30 and make sure you’re getting broad spectrum protection to help prevent sun damage.

***

GIVEAWAY:

$100 Visa Gift Card and Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz)

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) What did you learn from the ABC’s of healthy skin?

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Eucerin on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

7) Subscribe to this blog via email (look in upper right hand corner)

8) Comment on another one of my posts (find them here)

9) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends September 5, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US Only.

(Disclosure: I received a Eucerin prize pack like the one that is being given away. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

Gourmet Food {Wordless Wednesday}

A couple weekends ago I attended dinner courtesy of Verizon Wireless and have to share pictures of the food I ate because it was probably the most beautiful plate display I’ve seen and it was all amazingly delicious. If you are ever in Chicago I recommend you eat dinner at Bin 36!

Also, I wanted to show the quality of the camera on my new Samsung Galaxy III. Considering the fact that the room was not well-lit, I think they turned out great for a cell phone camera.

Heirloom Cherry Tomato Salad w/ Watermelon, Persian Feta Cheese, Basil Pistou

***

Grilled Swan Creek Flat Iron Steak w/ Sauteed Spinach, Mashed Potatoes Roquefort Butter

***

Chocolate Mousse Bombe w/ Dried Cherries & Almonds, Apricot Sauce, Amaretto Ice Cream

***

(Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Savvy Moms program and have been
provided with a wireless device and six months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the
product.)

$100 Visa Gift Card, Beach Tote, & Eucerin Lotion Giveaway

I’m so excited to share this month’s Eucerin update with you. Eucerin’s Skin First Dermatologists Members Dr. Ingleton and Dr. Sarnoff are spilling the secret to healthy, beautiful skin with us!!

Dr. Ingleton’s daily skin care regimen consists of:

Mornings
1. Cleanse with soap-free cleanser

2. Apply a cream to protect your skin from environmental damage

3. Apply an eye cream that hydrates and fades darkness

4. Finish with an oil-free SPF moisturizer

Evenings
1. Cleanse with soap-free cleanser to remove make-up and dirt

2. Apply an eye cream

3. Finish with a serum that hydrates

Dr. Sarnoff’s secrets to healthy skin: 

·         Every morning and evening wash your face with a mild cleanser and avoid bar soap

·         Use eye makeup that is washable

·         The best time to apply moisturizer is to put on immediately after you shower when the skin is damp.

***

I always thought a heavy moisturizer was what I should put on my face at night so I am headed to the store this weekend to look for a skin serum. {Any of you have suggestions on a product you love?} The Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion is great for skin after bathing to help replenish the skin’s natural moisture.

***

Get FREE samples of Eucerin’s Daily Replenishing Lotion on Eucerin’s Facebook page.

All you have to do is Like the Facebook Page and click on the app that says “Unlock Free Samples.

***

GIVEAWAY:

“Go For Skin Health Gold” Prize Pack from Eucerin

    $100 Visa Gift Card, Summer Tote, Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz)

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me about your nightly skin routine

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Eucerin on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

7) Subscribe to this blog via RSS or email (look in upper right hand corner)

8) Comment on another one of my posts (find them here)

9) Follow me on Pinterest

***

Giveaway ends August 20, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US only and must be 18+.

(Disclosure: I was compensated for posting this as a Eucerin Skin First Ambassador. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

The Olympics, Scams & You

As one of the families in Trend Micro’s Digital Joneses campaign I get a new challenge each month that focuses on online safety. This month’s challenge has to do with internet scams that may come via email or be found on social networks. I get scams like this all of the time telling me that I’ve won money. I know better than to fall for any of these scams but people less familiar with the internet may not. According to Senior Threat Researcher Robert McArdle believes that “…attackers are still using these because these scams are still giving them successful margins. Social engineering has worked for years and there are little signs of that changing.”

Scammers will use large events to target people and the Olympic games, probably the largest sporting event in the world, is no exception. To help consumers identify possible scams they will be susceptible to, Trend Micro created a fun little quiz to determine which type of viewer they are of the Olympics. There are four “types” of viewers: The fanatic, the loyal supporter, the avid social watcher, and the curious observer.

I took the quiz and was not surprised to find out that I ended up being a “curious observer”. I am not a big Olympic games watcher because I honestly don’t have the time to watch the games. In past years I have watched the opening ceremonies and really enjoyed them but this year I wasn’t home to watch them. I hope in future years to introduce the boys to them.

After the quiz I read through Trend Micro’s ebook for “curious observers” of the Olympics. It told me that I should be on the lookout for search result fraud and social media fraud. Something that may look like a valid link to scores, medal counts, or videos of the games could really be links to sites that will infect my computer with viruses. The suggestion from Trend Micro was to go right to trusted sources when looking for information on the Olympic games. I thought this was a great idea since I tend to use search engines for information I am looking for. Here is a link to the official site: olympic.org.

To keep up to date on current scams that have been found in regards to the Olympics you can check out the Trend Micro blog. They have a large list of scams that have already been found. The most common seem to be sites that claim to be live streaming the games so be careful and check the sites you are watching the games on! Looking at them I probably wouldn’t know that they are not legit because some of them look very similar to the official site. Smartphone users beware as well because there are some fake Olympics apps that have been found in the Google Play store.

Example of a fake website claiming to live stream the Olympics and sell tickets to the games!

Here are some more tips from Trend Micro:

Ignore any communication that asks you to reveal information, such as bank details or to pay any amounts of money up front. London 2012 will only ever use a secure website to collect personal or bank card details. Look for a padlock symbol in the browser window. The website address will begin with ‘https://’. If you click on the padlock, your browser will either give our full title (London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Ltd), or identify our sites as part of london2012.com. If you don’t see a padlock, or if the site name is not what you are expecting, then you should not enter personal or financial information into the page.

***
Have you seen any Olympic related scams yet this year?

(Disclosure: As part of the Digital Joneses campaign I have received software and technology products from Trend Micro. All thoughts are my own.)

Online Gaming Safety Tips For Children & Teens

A recent Trend Micro Digital Joneses survey found that 41 percent of homes with kids five and under have internet connected game consoles and that more kids access the internet through game consoles than through a computer, so keeping kids safe while gaming is more important than ever. 

Wow! I couldn’t believe that statistic. I even emailed to verify that it was really five and under and wasn’t supposed to say five and over. When it comes to online gaming it is very important to start the safety education at a young age. Trend Micro has provided me with some great tips on how to keep children safe while gaming and I wanted to share a few of them with you all.

Stay Involved – When I was growing up my parents kept the family computer in the tv room like the “experts” suggested. As children, we were always mindful that our parents were there and we could ask them questions or talk to them about concerns we had while we were online. I think any gaming console that has the capability to be connected to the internet should follow this same rule. Keeping your gaming console in a common area of your home gives parents an idea of how much time their kids are spending using it and what types of games they are playing without having to be invasive. Games are also a fun way for families to spend time together.
Rely on Ratings – Just like movies have ratings, so do video games. The entertainment Software Rating Board rates games and the ratings can give both children and parents an idea as to the content of the games. Each family can then decide which ratings are age appropriate for their children. It’s also important for parents to preview each game so they know what their children are playing. Some parents may be okay with violence but not language, or car chases but not violence, so it’s always important to see why games are rated how they are. {Common Sense Media is a great website to get ratings for games along with movies, tv shows, websites, music, and more.}
Use Parental Controls – Gaming consoles have parental controls so that you can block kids from accessing games that aren’t age-appropriate.  You can also set limits on how much time they spend gaming and who they play with. Parents can also disable internet access on some gaming devices so they can ensure that their children aren’t interacting with people that they do not know.

Want to learn more about online gaming safety? Trend Micro has created a great ebook called “Level Up and Secure Your Online Gaming Experience”. You can view the ebook here.

What do you do to keep your children safe while they are gaming online?

(Disclosure: As part of the Digital Joneses campaign I have received software and technology products from Trend Micro. All thoughts are my own.)

Splash Into A Safe Summer Giveaway {$100 Visa Gift Card & Eucerin Prize Pack}

Can you believe that it’s already the end of June!? I hope you all are enjoying your summer so far. I hope you are also taking care of your skin while you are outside. Eucerin has shared some great tips for keeping your skin protected that I wanted to pass on to you all:

· Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you head outside. Don’t forget places like the tops of your ears, nose, eyelids, lips, back, hands, feet, shoulders and backs of thighs. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen or a lotion with SPF every 2 hour or more frequently, and if you’re swimming at the pool or beach make sure to use a water resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen.
· Wear sun protective clothing – Did you know fabrics have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating that measures their level of UV protection? These fabrics provide more protection than other clothing due to the tighter woven fabric. Look for clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
· Wear sunglasses to help protect eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light
· Wear a hat – A wide-brimmed hat can shield your skin from the sun’s harsh rays. 
· Use Daily lightweight moisturizers that have SPF to protect skin even on cloudy days –  Eucerin Daily Protection Lotions are lightweight SPF moisturizers that provide head-to-toe sun protection. SPF 15 Body Lotion helps protect against daily UV exposure while SPF 30 Face Lotion moisturizes and protects with UVA/UVB sunscreens.
· Stay inside or seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest – between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  A beach umbrella or portable shelter can help protect your skin from the heat and sun’s rays.

Hope those tips will help you keep your skin safe this summer! Don’t forget that you can get a couple samples of Eucerin Daily Protection body lotion by taking the Skin First pledge on their Facebook page.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a Splash Into A Safe Summer prize pack that includes:

$100 Visa Gift Card

Sun Hat to help protect your face and the top of your head.

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.)

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.)

HOW TO ENTER:

{Do any or all of the following, leave a separate comment for each you do}

1) Tell me what you do to keep your skin safe in the summer (or what you will start doing)

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Eucerin on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

7) Subscribe to this blog via RSS or email (look in upper right hand corner)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways (found here)

9) Comment on a non-giveaway post (found here)

10) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends July 20, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US only and must be 18+.

(Disclosure: I was compensated for posting this as a Eucerin Skin First Ambassador. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

Show Love For Your Skin Giveaway {$100 Visa Gift Card, $50 Sun Glass Hut, Eucerin Lotion}

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than two million people diagnosed annually. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Eucerin wants to make sure everyone is doing what they can to protect their gorgeous skin and putting the health of their skin FIRST! Do you know that skin is the body’s largest organ?  It’s vital we keep it healthy, so for Skin Cancer Awareness month Eucerin would like to share some tips to help protect your skin from potential sun damage this month.

·         Skin Cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone. Head to toe annual skin checks can help catch melanoma early – when it’s most curable.

·         Always remember to apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside and make sure to reapply it every two hours.

·         You can decrease your UV exposure by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses and avoiding the sun between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

·         Making sure your skin’s protective barrier is strong is also another great way to keep your skin healthy and safe.

·         Don’t forget to use SPF on days when it’s cloudy because the sun’s harmful UV rays can still cause damage and increase your risk of developing melanoma

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body and Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion contain sunscreens so it moisturizing your skin one easy step. I love these 2-in-1 products because they save me a step in the morning! See my review of these products that I wrote last month.

Eucerin is currently offering two FREE samples of their Daily Protection Moisturizing Lotions, one for the face and body, to help protect your skin and keep it looking healthy. All you have to do is “like” the Eucerin Facebook Page and follow the instructions on how to take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge. This lotion was featured in SELF magazine’s May issue as a winner in the 2012 Healthy Beauty Awards.

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a $100 Visa Gift Card, $50 Sun Glass Hut Gift Card, Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.) , Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) , and a Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz).

HOW TO ENTER:

1) Tell me what you do to show love to your skin

2) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

3) Like Eucerin on Facebook

4) Follow @aliciamarie112 on Twitter

5) Follow @EucerinUS on Twitter

6) Share this giveaway on a social network

7) Subscribe to this blog via RSS or email (look in upper right hand corner)

8) Enter another one of my giveaways (found here)

9) Comment on a non-giveaway post

10) Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends June 20, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US Only.

(Disclosure: I received a Show Love For Your Skin kit but thoughts are my own. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way.)

Mobile Security With Trend Micro

As a family in the Digital Joneses campaign for Trend Micro we have a challenge to complete every month. This month’s challenge was focused on mobile security and staying safe while on the go. To complete the challenge we received smartphones and were told that we should try doing everything we need to do online using only a phone. Working from home I am online 70-80 hours a week so I knew that doing all my work from a phone was not realistic but I aimed to do as much as possible on it as I could.

The first thing I did after I set up my phone was to install some of Trend Micro’s android applications. The first was their free Android security app called “Trend Micro Mobile Security Personal Ed”. This application will protect my phone from loss, malicious apps, and dangerous website. It includes an app scanner that will scan every application that I install to make sure it’s safe. It also includes a trial of some of their premium features including safe surfing, parental controls, call and text blocking, a way to find your loss phone using google maps, an alarm if your phone is lost and you are looking for it, and a way to lock and wipe the device if you lose it and you can’t find it. All of these extra features sounded great. I especially loved all of the features it offered for lost phones since that is one of the worst things that could happen to my phone.

The next app that I added was their Longetivity app to extend my phone’s battery life. It never fails that my phone dies within a few hours of me leaving my house, especially if I use it as a GPS to get to my location. I liked that this app was easy to use. The “Just-a-phone” mode can be used when the battery is low so that the phone can still be used for calls and texts. You can also see which apps are taking the most battery power which is helpful when you want to preserve your battery life.

The final application I added was their Backup and Restore app. This free app makes a secure copy of my contacts, messages, photos and videos and lets me restore them to any Android device I’d like to. We could have really used this feature in the past when one of Sinisa’s phones got broken. All the pictures that were on it from when our children were little were lost. Those images are something we can never get back.

Once I got the applications loaded I got started on my challenge. The first thing I did was check the longetivity application to see how much battery power my phone had. It showed 13 hours and if I used the “just-a-phone” mode I would have 15 hours of battery time. I kept this in mind so I could use this feature when I wasn’t using the internet or applications.

Trend Micro had challenged us to use our smartphones and try doing at least four items on a list of tasks. The first task of the challenge I wanted to complete was downloading a Pinterest app and creating a Pinterest board but when I went to the Android store on my phone and searched “Pinterest” there were 318 apps that came up. Looking through the list I didn’t see one that looked like it was from Pinterest so I moved on to another task. I figured I should probably check my emails so I setup my email account and was happy to find that I had no problem doing so. My last Android phone never let me setup the email feature with my hotmail address. Once I started checking the emails I found that I had to click on the message header and then wait for the message to download. After a few minutes of the message trying to download I gave up and moved onto a different task. The next task I tried was streaming videos on YouTube. I searched for videos on blogging and watched a few videos, including one by Darren Rowse on family/blogging balance. I loved how clear the picture was on this new phone. I then watched a live lip dub marriage proposal which had me cracking up. The last task that I did was downloaded a picture to Facebook.

This month’s challenge was fun. The majority of what I do on my phone is check my emails and Facebook so it was nice to do some other things that I normally don’t take time to do, like watch videos on YouTube. I am happy that I have some great Trend Micro applications to help me stay safe while I use my phone for work and entertainment. We received two phones so we decided we would give Jacob {our 3, soon to be 4 year old} one for his birthday so that he can watch videos, play games and take pictures instead of using mommy or daddy’s phones. With the ability to setup parental controls on his phone in addition to us sitting with him we feel that he will be safe while exploring the internet using this new technology.

Here are some additional safety tips from Trend Micro to keep in mind:

1) Enable your password on your mobile device. Make sure it is not an easy password that others can guess.

2) If you ever experience your mobile device turning off and on unexpectedly, or sending unauthorized messages to your contacts, you should know it is infected with a virus.

3) Trust the source, not the application. Make it a habit to download applications only from trusted sources.

4) Update your phone as soon as your phone alerts you that there is a new update.

4) Pay attention when installing applications. If an app asks for access to irrelevant data (like a game asks for access to your phone book) immediately stop installation and recheck the source.

5) Beware when using public wi-fi. Avoid accessing sensitive personal data while using it.

(Disclosure: As part of the Digital Joneses campaign I have received software and technology products from Trend Micro. All thoughts are my own.)

Mother’s Day Giveaway {$125 Visa Gift Card, Eucerin Lotion, and Eco Orbies}

mothers day gift ideas

Everyone loves their mom and always wants to find the best gift to make her feel loved and appreciated. These are the gifts I have found and would love to share with you. After you enter my giveaway head over to Makobi Scribe to see her mothers day gift ideas worth over $3000. Then stop by Sason & Pobi to enter the grand prize drawing of a Toshiba 32SLV411U – 32″ class 720p 60Hz TV/DVD Combo!

MY GIVEAWAY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

$125 Visa Gift Card {sponsored by Eucerin}

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.)

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.)

Eucerin Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz)

Eco Orbies

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Leave a comment below telling me why you want to win

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

{Do any or all of the following for extra entries, leave a comment for each you do}

1) “Like” Eco Orbies on Facebook

2) Like Eucerin on Facebook

3) Like Making Time For Mommy on Facebook

4) Follow me on Pinterest

5) Subscribe to this blog {look in the upper right hand corner}

6) Enter another one of my giveaways {found here}

This giveaway ends May 15, 2012 at 11:59pm Central time. US Only.

(Disclosure: I received a gift package from Eucerin and they are generously providing my winner with a great prize package as well. I was not compensated for including information about Eco Orbies. This giveaway is not associated with Facebook in any way. Makobi Scribe Reviews, LLC or the Mother’s Day Gift Event Bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.)



Eucerin Daily Protection Lotion Review

As part of the Eucerin Skin First Network I get to try all of the wonderful lotions that Eucerin has available. For the month of April I tried Eucerin’s Daily Protection Body Lotion and the Daily Protection Face Lotion.

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15 (13.5 oz.) – Helps protect skin from daily sun exposure with a lotion specifically formulated to moisturize and protect. This light, fast-absorbing formula with SPF 15 sunscreen provides 24-hour moisture and helps defend against sunburn.

Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) – This lightweight, gentle broad spectrum SPF 30 formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps defend against long-term sun damage and also provides effective moisturization.

I like that the Daily Protection lotions have sunscreen in them. A lot of times I am hurrying to get out of the house and having a product that is “2 in 1” and saves me a step in the morning is fantastic {especially since the step that tends to be skipped is the sunscreen!}. The lotion felt very lightweight on my skin and wasn’t greasy. I thought the face lotion felt even lighter and was a perfect foundation for my makeup to go on smoothly. The lotions say that they are fragrance free but it did have a faint sunscreen smell. I didn’t think it was that noticeable though and it actually reminded me of summer time so I didn’t mind the smell of them.

WONDERING WHICH LOTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Eucerin just launched their new SkinDicator app that recommends a product based your SkinDicator quiz results.

GET FREE SAMPLES!

Eucerin wants to help refresh your skin and keep it looking healthy so they are offering free samples of their lotion. To get the free sample, all you have to do is “like” the Eucerin Facebook Page and follow the instructions on how to take the Eucerin Skin First Pledge.

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!

Check back tomorrow night for a great giveaway that includes Eucerin lotion and a Visa gift card!!

(Disclosure: I received a gift package from Eucerin but all thoughts are my own.)

Spring Clean Your Digital Life

Every Spring people talk about spring cleaning their homes. The purging of unused items, organizing, and deep cleaning of the house is a great way to start this new season but what about tidying up the things others don’t see? Things like your email inbox, your computer’s storage files, and your online security measures?

As a family in Trend Micro’s Digital Joneses, our challenge of the month was to spring clean our digital life. I didn’t know where to start. With thousands of pictures stored online, even more unread emails in my inbox, and so many files with contents that are a mystery to me I was overwhelmed. Thankfully, Trend Micro has created a digital spring cleaning checklist. Being an avid to-do list maker and checklist lover this made me very excited :)

The first task that I wanted to do was to clean out my inbox. I have over 9,000 emails in my inbox folder and over 3500 of those haven’t been opened. I have been trying to go through it and either delete or sort emails but it’s a daunting task. Looking over the checklist I saw a few more things I wanted to do when it came to my inbox. One suggestion from Trend Micro was to delete the attachments from my emails. Another task on the list was to delete any emails that had password or account information. It’s a great way to keep would be hackers from getting confidential information.

The next step was to go through my web browser history. This is something that I have never done before. The checklist also suggested that I go through my bookmarks and delete ones I don’t need anymore. This wasn’t too hard since I don’t really use bookmarks that often.

After this I needed to sort through my documents. The checklist suggested sorting them into three categories- delete {documents we don’t need}, confidential {documents that need to be secured with a password}, and important {documents that should be backed up}. I had a lot of old documents that I didn’t need anymore so I was able to delete them. I only had a couple things that were confidential. Most of my documents are just things I wanted to keep {like pictures} so I need to back them up. That is still not crossed off on my list. Programs that are unused need to be deleted, too but I didn’t have any programs to delete since I only download what I need.

The next steps include running scans on the computer. I used to do this often since I’m used to my computers running slow and I have found that running troubleshooting and maintenance scans make it run faster. My new computer is running fine so I skipped this step.

One of the last steps is to make sure your digital life is secure by changing your passwords. It’s recommended that passwords be changed at least every three months. This is something that I often forget to do on a regular basis but probably one of the most important steps in this whole process. Trouble remembering multiple logins and passwords? Trend Micro has a product that will manage website passwords and login IDs in one secure location so you only have to remember one password!

Once your digital life is clean and your house is clean, imagine how amazing you will feel! Find out more about the Digital Joneses here.

(Disclosure: I am receiving technology and software as a member of the Digital Joneses blogger study but all thoughts are my own.)

#Pin4Autism And Make A Difference {Autism Awareness Month}

I am a huge fan of any company that donates money to a great cause on behalf of it’s consumers so I’m really excited to share about what Lindt is doing. For the third year in a row, Lindt is partnering with Autism Speaks to raise money for Autism Awareness and it’s simple for you to be a part of it.

For every re-pin on Pinterest that Lindt gets {between now and Easter} they will be donating $10 to Autism Speaks {up to $10,000}. I know the majority of you are as Pinterest-obsessed as I am so why not raise money for a good cause while doing something that you enjoy?

All you have to do is visit their #Pin4Autism board on Pinterest and select and re-pin the Easter tradition photo that you enjoy most. Pin donations are limited to one per person but you can maximize your impact by inviting friends and family to get involved by sharing about #Pin4Autism on your Facebook pages, in your Twitter feeds or anywhere else that you connect with others.

Here are the steps Lindt would like you to take:

  1. Visit our #Pin4Autism board on Pinterest
  2. Select the “Re-Pin” button on the tradition photo that you enjoy most.
  3. You can even customize the caption of the repinned image so that it includes your own personal message. Just make sure to keep the #Pin4Autism hashtag along with the donation text within caption to ensure that your donation is included.  Example Caption (bolded portion must remain):  “Egg decorating is my favorite Easter tradition!    [I just donated 10 dollars to the Autism cause by pinning this photo.  Learn how you can #Pin4Autism too by clicking on the image above.]”
  4. Select “Pin It”
  5. You’ve donated!

Want to help even more? Recreate one of the Lindt inspired projects {could be a recipe or craft} that incorporates Lindt products on Lindt’s Pinterest page  and email Lindt and include the image or link to your creation, along with the subject line:  #Pin4Autism Donation.  The amazing folks over at Lindt will donate $25.00 to Autism Speaks in return

And as an added bonus…. if you re-pin something as part of Lindt’s #pin4Autism you get one extra entry into my giveaway for the $125 gift card & Eucerin lotion! All you have to do is follow Lindt’s directions above and once you are done go to my Eucerin/Visa gift card giveaway {found here} and leave a comment saying “I pinned 4 Autism!” AND you can get this extra entry in every one of my Eucerin/Visa Gift Card giveaways in the future {there are about 9 or 10 that will be posted in the months to come}! That is how much I want you to #pin4Autism :)

(Disclosure: I wasn’t compensated for this post. Autism Speaks is a charity I support as a mom of a child with Autism.)