Interactive Little Girls’ Birthday Party Ideas

Interactive Little Girls’ Birthday Party Ideas

If your little girl is about to turn another year older, then it’s time for you to get planning! Little girls’ birthday parties are the most fun. Your daughter’s birthday party is a time for you to make her feel like the absolute center of attention and a time for you to enjoy spoiling her a teeny bit on her special day. There’s nothing wrong with throwing a regular birthday party, but keeping the kids occupied is important and sometimes the structure of a theme can help you do that with ease. Here are a few tried and true girly party themes to consider.

1. Spa Day
You’ll want to enlist the help of a couple of the other moms of some female friends and relatives for this one because it might get a little messy. Get nail polish, face masks, soaking salts and wash every towel in the house. Depending upon the size of your guest list, you may want to have the guests bring their own towel as well. With the help of the grown up girls you can help them put on facemasks, soak their feet in warm water with the soaking salts or bubbles and then paint their fingernails and toenails. Tiaras are appropriate for this setting as well, so the girls feel extra special.

2. Tea Party
It’s never too early to introduce young ladies to a sophisticated tea party. State on the invitation that the guests should bring large sun hats to wear, and when they arrive, have a basket full of costume or plastic jewelry for them to dress up with and take home as party favors. Serve small cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off and lots of herbal and fruit flavored tea of many kinds. Wear a big hat yourself and join in on the fun! Once the table is cleared of breakables, you can play musical chairs.

3. Mermaid Party
If you have a summer baby, the Mermaid theme is perfect. You can set out a few different kinds of sprinkler heads and get a slip and slide for the backyard. Have the guests bring bathing suits and let the girls run around and splash in the sun. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen! Once they have tired themselves out, you can serve fish shaped sandwiches and French fries and then onto the Mermaid cake.

The most important thing about your little girl’s birthday party is that she has a great time and feels special. Ask her what she would like to do and treat her to a day of fun with her friends. Don’t stress too much about anything, enjoy yourself too!

About the Author: Lisa is a guest post blogger who writes about party planning and where to find things like Super Mario party supplies and other themed goods.

Annie's Organic Pizza Review and Giveaway

Annie's Organic Pizza Review and Giveaway

We are lovers of pizza in our house.  We are also very conscientious about eating as much organic foods as possible.  For that reason, Annie's is a well known brand in our home, my daughter loves their Organic Mac & Cheese and we have gone through cases of the Bunny Snacks (of course the Chocolate Bunny Grahams are her favorite, she is after all my daughter!).

I was ecstatic to see that such a great brand would come out with the first-ever certified organic pizza in four flavors that will make everyone in the house happy.

We enjoyed our pizza very much, the crust came out great (not a huge crust fan myself but this one was good)  I also found the toppings to be of a high quality and very flavorful (not like other bland frozen pizzas I have tried in the past).  

About Annie's
For more than 20 years, Annie’s has been nourishing families with simple, down-to-earth foods that taste great and are easy to love. They’ve sought out the best ingredients Mother Earth has to offer, harvesting pure, natural flavors to make delicious foods every family can feel good about.

Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza is:
• Certified Organic
• Naturally rising crust, 8g whole grains per serving
• 100% real cheese, made with milk from cows not treated with the growth hormone rBST*
• Features meats with no nitrates or nitrites added (except for naturally occurring nitrates in sea salt or
celery juice powder)
• Available in four flavors, including Uncured Pepperoni, Four Cheese, Supreme, and Spinach & Mushroom
• Ready to eat in 25 minutes or less with a crispier or softer crust depending on how you bake it
• Family-size, great for adults and kids alike

Where to Purchase
Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza is available in the freezer aisle at Whole Foods Market (Suggested
Retail Price $9.99 for one 11.5-inch pizza).

Make sure to check out Annie’s website and Facebook page for more info about these delicious pizzas!


 Win It: Annie's is generously offering (1) Vouchers to purchase (1) Annie’s Organic Rising Crust Pizza at a local Whole Foods Market store to THREE lucky winners!

SunRidge Farms Organic & Natural Foods

SunRidge Farms Organic & Natural Foods 

My family is regularly on the move especially on the weekend.  Having healthy options available for on the go snacking is a must and it seems like everyone in the house likes something different depending on the time and day (although mine is almost always a sweet tooth!).

About SunRidge Farms
SunRidge Farms' products are manufactures in Pajro, CA and the distribution facility is powered by 70 percent solar energy at peak usage.  SunRidge Farms has worked diligently over the past several years to become a Certified Green Business by the Monterey County Green Business Program. 

Since being founded in 1982, SunRidge Farms is on a mission to promote healthy living through the quality, integrity and environmental sensibility of the products they create.  The company uses biodiesel delivery trucks, powers its sales fleet with hybrid vehicles, offers recycling education classes and pays employees $5 a day to bike to and from work.

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts
We tried a few of the many products available from SunRidge farms, some I loved some were more on my husband's list.  I tend to lean towards the sweet side so the Organic Chocolate Almonds and Dark Chocolate Almonds were my favorites.  I found the chocolate to be of a good quality, not cheap and waxy like some brands.  My husband leans more towards the salty and spicy snacks like the Organic NutCracker Crunch (think Japanese rice crackers) and the Thai Curry Cashews (a bit to spicy for my wimpy taste buds).  Our daughter, being a combination of both of us, loves a mix of sweet and salty, her favorite was the Organic Cranberry Harvest.  She loved that it had little bits of chocolate, dried fruits and nuts.  I loved that it is not only organic (which is important to us) but that it is chock full of  antioxidants, tastes delicious, contains fiber, iron and other nutrients.

Where to Purchase
SunRidge Farms products are available throughout the U.S., Canada and online at www.SunRidgeFarms.com.


  **Disclaimer: I received a free product in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other manner.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. Other people may have different experiences with the products.**

Guest Post: Ten Thousand Villages' Toys and Crafts

                Ten Thousand Villages’ Toys And Crafts

History Of A Vision

Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit organization dedicated to fair trade, handcrafted items from artisans around the world. Founded in 1946 by Edna Ruth Byler, the group now has 390 retail stores Across the US.

Founder Byler was way ahead of her time. Since she started the organization back in the 1940’s, she  was dedicated to green and sustainable products (although the concept wasn’t called “green and sustainable” back then). On a trip with her husband to Puerto Rico, she saw women making gorgeous textiles. She brought these pieces back to the US and sold them, then sent the proceeds back to the women who made them. In fact, the Fair Trade Federation cites Byler as first person to introduce the concept of “fair trade” to the United States.

Today, Byler’s vision has turned into long-term trade relationships with 35 countries and thousands of artists. Every item sold by the organization represents the employment of someone who may otherwise be living in poverty. According to their annual report, “Growth and success in our markets translate directly to improved lives for artisans and their families.”

Beautiful Toys For Beautiful Girls And Boys

The artisans of Ten Thousand Villages create unique handcrafted items for adults and kids alike. This year, the children’s offerings range from whimsical to practical. Below are our top picks for some of the most creative toys, games and crafts for a variety of ages. One of the best things about these items is that the price point is similar to what one would expect to pay at a large chain retail store, but they are handcrafted:

Crocodile Puzzle: This wooden, hand painted puzzle comes from Sri Lanka and is designed for learning numbers and letters. Painted in varying shades of green, it retails for $34.00.

 

Super Duck Backpack: From Bangladesh, this versatile backpack is bright and sturdy. Made entirely of cotton, it’s also easy to wash. It retails for just $13.50. This item is on clearance and quantities are limited.

Angel Finger Puppets: These adorable little knit puppets retail for $2.00 each. They’re made by artists in Peru. At such a low price point, you can collect the whole set! Quantities are limted.

“Twin” Dolls: Here’s a great opportunity and a fantastic concept: when you purchase one of these dolls (choose from a boy or a girl doll), the doll’s twin will be donated to a child in Zimbabwe, where the dolls are created. The boy doll retails for $21 and the girl doll retails for $28.

Great Gifts For The Whole Family

Six In One Dice: This stunning dice set comes in a wooden box that is a dice itself. Crafted from Indian shesham wood, this set’s appearance improves with handling because of the wood contains a significant amount of natural oils. Retails for $20.

 

Embrace Peace Puzzle: A great puzzle for kids and adults of all ages, this puzzle is also made from shesham wood by artists in the northern foothills of  Saharanpur. Retails for $24.

 

Pig Piggy Bank: Crafted in Chile, this little guy is sure to delight. He comes with a cork in his fat belly so you don’t have to break him to access your cash. Retails for $18.

 

Peacock Feather Xylophone: Forget those plastic xylophones! This handmade instrument is totally unique and easy to play. It comes from Indonesia and is animal-friendly: the peacock feathers are painted on. Retails for $34.

 

Tibetan Finger Cymbals: For the person who has everything, this item is sure to please. Made in Napal of plated brass, it’s an instrument used for meditation and prayer. Retails for $38.

Ditch The Hassle of Arranging A Sitter with SitterScout.com

Ditch The Hassle of Arranging A Sitter with SitterScout.com

My husband and I were married over 9 years before deciding we were ready to move on from being a couple to being a family. 

We were the last of our friends and last of our siblings (on both sides) to have children.  When we wanted to go out for date night or with our friends, we just made sure the dogs had food and off we went.

Now that we have our daughter, she is three, we have only gone out five or six times and one of those was a business dinner.  There are 4 approved sitters on my list: the oldest of my younger sisters, my sister-in-law, my mother, and my dad.  

The main reason we do not go out for more date nights is because, I hate the hassle of arranging a sitter.  There are two main reasons that my husband and I do not go out more often for date nights:
1. Hassle: it is a hassle to call around to see who is available and willing to give up an evening to watch my little mini me
2. Guilt: Since the approved sitter list is all my family, I feel guilty bothering them and taking them away from their family to babysit. I also feel guilty about asking one person and not the others.

Enter SitterScout.com!

SitterScout  

(info provided by sponsor)

SitterScout is an online/mobile tool to help book your existing babysitters faster, by instantly contacting the sitters you choose - and enabling them to respond - via SMS.

SitterScout can be used to schedule any of your babysitters, no matter where you’ve found them - whether it’s the girl down the street, or someone you found through an online sitter service.

You enter your sitters’ information (which is only visible to you,) then choose which sitters to contact when you need some time away. We contact those chosen via SMS, and they can reply back with a simple text message to accept or decline. When a sitter accepts, the parent gets a text message letting them know immediately.

Parents can choose to invite their sitters in “rounds,” so their favorites get first dibs, or they can contact everyone at once.

 

The SitterScout Philosophy

SitterScout’s reason for being is to help parents with babysitter logistics, with the end goal being to get parents out of the house and into some much-needed grown-up time.

●     We have a strong belief that happy parents are better parents. To be happy, parents need time away from their kids.

●     There are many products for/about kids. This one is for PARENTS.

●     We want to support and encourage parents in their efforts to recharge their batteries by helping them make and find time for themselves.

●     Learn more about our philosophy and founder parents here: http://www.sitterscout.com/pages/about

Over Thirty Mommy's thoughts:
Signing up for an account is super easy and does not require alot of personal information to be given.  After signing up for a free account, you enter the name, cell phone number and optional email address.  Then when you are ready to schedule yourbabysitters, you enter the time and date into sitterscout and select which sitters you would like to invite.  Personally, I plan to go with the invite everyone and the first to respond wins! 

All in all I think this is a great way to easily make babysitter arrangements.  I see more date nights, more frequently in my future!

Make sure you contact your sitters first so they do not freak out when they get a text from sitterscout.com (it arrives within minutes of entering their info into the system). 

SitterScout is a sitter scheduling service, not a sitter recruiting service. 

*** Disclosure: This is a Splash Creative Media campaign on behalf of SitterScout.com. All opinions are 100% my own.***

4 Prep Steps For SAT Success

4 Prep Steps For SAT Success

The SAT is one of the biggest tests any high school student will take. It tests students' knowledge of everything they have learned from grade school, junior high and high school. It is natural for teens to feel nervous about taking such an important test. Parents can greatly reduce their teens' worries about the SAT by following a few simple suggestions.

1. Encourage children to read. It is never too early to start encouraging a child to read. Using flash cards the week before the test will probably not help much. It is especially important to have teens read during their middle school years. By doing this, they will expand their vocabulary and know how to spell words correctly.

2. Enroll the teen in challenging courses. The SAT measures an individual's reasoning and problem-solving skills. Have teens take as many rigorous or advanced classes as possible. As C.S. Lewis once said, logic should be required in schools. However, it is not. Consider purchasing some logic books with puzzles and exercises for a child to complete at home. These books are great for developing critical thinking skills.

3. Be familiar with the format of the test. Although the ACT does not have penalties for incorrect answers, the SAT does. Each correct answer receives one point. Incorrect answers receive a small fraction of a point. However, questions that remain unanswered are not given any points. Encourage teens to practice using the process of elimination to determine the best answer. Make sure they understand that guessing is better than not guessing, but the optimal choice is to use critical thinking for answering each question.

4. Research available options before paying for test prep. There are thousands of resources online for SAT preparation, and many of them come with significant price tags. Parents may choose from software, online tutorials, books or tutors. Experts strongly encourage parents to be cautious of any tutor claiming to be able to raise a student's score by a certain amount. It is also important to remember that paying for study materials will not be profitable unless the student puts in the required study time. So, which option is the best? There is no correct answer to this question that applies everyone. Each child learns differently, so parents must determine their child's learning needs. For example, a teen who reads and mostly learns independently will likely benefit from reading materials. However, a student who learns better from classroom lectures may benefit from a tutor.

In some cases, there may be more things parents can do to optimize their teens' chances of getting higher scores. Some individuals suffer from severe test anxiety. If a teen develops or complains of symptoms prior to the test, be sure to seek medical help. Some children may need counseling. Overall, it is important for parents to remain supportive, calm and patient. A supportive and confident parent contributes greatly to test success.

Richard Barnes is a political writer working on his masters in political science to gain more knowledge in his field.

Guest post: Should You Give Your Teenager the Keys?

Should You Give Your Teenager the Keys?

When they’re babies you can hardly imagine that your kids will one day be independent adults. But before you know it, that sixteenth birthday arrives, and the adult responsibilities and freedoms of driving go along with it. Or do they? Unfortunately, adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance policy can mean a big rate hike for you. But there are some tactics you can use to keep the rate hike as low as possible.

Get the Discounts You Deserve

Insurance companies offer a number of discounts for their loyal customers. You may already be familiar with multiple-car discounts and safe-driver discounts, but here are a few others that your insurance company might have that could apply to your teenage driver:

• good student discounts—generally offered to students who maintain a B average or higher

• driver’s education—given with proof that your teen completed a driver’s training class

• insurance safety incentives—may be offered in conjunction with the addition of monitoring devices in your car to ensure your teen is driving responsibly

Choose Your Teen’s Car Carefully

You may be thinking of giving your teen a car for his or her birthday. Or maybe your teenager has plans to buy a car. Whether the car is brand new or an old clunker, some models just cost more to insure than others. Older cars are usually worth less than older ones, so they cost less to insure. Additionally, if you own the car outright, you aren’t required to buy full coverage on the vehicle. On the other hand, a car with safety features such as airbags and antilock brakes can merit discounts that some older cars may not qualify for. Some car models are magnets for thieves, and are more costly to insure. Other cars have a higher rate of accidents. Think twice before you select a car. Your agent can tell you how much it will cost to insure your drivers on each vehicle.

Changing Insurance Coverage

If you aren’t happy with the quotes you’ve received from your current agent, it might be time to look at other companies. Study your state’s requirements first, and determine how much insurance you want to have. That way, when you receive quotes from other companies, you can easily compare them because they will be for comparable levels of coverage. If you get a quote for high coverage from one company, and minimal coverage from another, it will be difficult to know which company will give you the most for your money.

Once you know what your state requires, you can make some adjustments. Some people increase their deductibles in order to lower their premiums. A good rule of thumb is to keep your deductible at a level that you can reasonably cover if you should need to.

But resist the temptation to cut too much. Especially with your child out there on the roads (or the sidewalks), you’ll want to make sure your coverage is adequate for your needs.

Making It Work for You

Having another licensed driver in your home does have its advantages. You’ll have more time because you won’t have to drive your teen around anymore. A teenager with a license is often glad to run errands and help in other ways just to have a legitimate reason to be behind the wheel. And driving helps your teenager learn responsibility. The insurance costs for new drivers may be high, but they can be made lower. And the benefits of your teen becoming a driver can be priceless.

Author Sandy Landsford is an accountant and blogs for carinsurance.org.uk, a site where you can get cheap car insurance. Get a quote today!

Guest Post: CookieCoo Dancing Star: Sing, Dance and Play for iPhone and iPad

CookieCoo Dancing Star: Sing, Dance and Play for iPhone and iPad

The CookieCoo Dancing Star is one of the smartest inventions of ThinkCube in this generation. As kids these days are become more exposed to technology, ThinkCube managed to take advantage of the digital world to introduce to its younger customers a game that will not only bring them massive entertainment but also a means to learn some of the basic  skills that every child must learn. This rhythm game is definitely more than meets the eye.

Kids are quite fond of coming up with some of the most bizarre creatures using their imagination and their love for singing and dancing are sure to cause you plenty of entertainment. But did you know that you can direct these skills of your kids in a more enjoyable way? You might have been thirsting for a few moments of reprieve from teaching your exuberant child so why not distract them with the CookieCoo Dancing Star? This game is definitely packed with some of the most unusual creatures not to mention catchy tunes that your kids can sing to when they start playing. For sure, they will get hooked the moment they start playing and you can have your moment's peace.

CookieCoo Dancing Star has an interface that is simple to understand. There are cues that direct kids on how to start the game so they can play. The different levels are designed to teach kids of all ages the benefits of having fun while studying. Little do your kids know that even as they play they are expanding their vocabulary while at the same time honing their coordination skills by developing their sense of sight, hearing and touching. This rhythm game has it all and the best part is that parents won't even spend a fortune for this game.

Aside from the rhythm game where you can teach your kids to tap the instrument where the notes fall on, there is also a “Watch” mode where your kids can simply watch the characters of the game dance and sing to the children's songs included in the CookieCoo Dancing Star game. These catchy tunes are sure to be loved by your little ones and they will definitely be singing to it every now and then. There is simply no question that CookieCoo Dancing Star is a game that any parent should have in their arsenal. And at just less than $1.00, this game can go a long way.

iPhone: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cookiecoo-dancing-star/id489072048?mt=8

iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cookiecoo-dancingstar-hd/id495611023?mt=8

Guest Post by Peter, Peter work with many Korean developers and publishers with consulting and promotion. 

Couponing Tips for Busy Dads

Couponing Tips for Busy Dads

Juggling work, kids, after-school events, and responsibilities at home can make for one hectic schedule. If you're a busy dad with a full plate, you may feel like you want to save some money by couponing, but simply don't have the time to squeeze one more thing in. The good news here is that you really can do it--and the money that you save by using coupons may well be worth the little bit of time you invest in collecting them. Here are some tips to make couponing easier and more efficient for all of those busy dads out there.

Get a Coupon Buddy

Collecting coupons does take some time--looking for them, printing them, and cutting them out may seem like too much if you're pressed for time. This is where a "coupon buddy" can come in really handy. If you're married, ask your spouse to help you. If you're single, ask a relative, friend, or neighbor to be your coupon buddy. You can take turns collecting coupons from the newspaper or online couponing sites--just make a list of what you're looking for so that you both know what to clip. If you both want the same coupon, you can usually print out additional ones by using the back button on your browser. It also doesn't hurt for you both to subscribe to the Sunday paper--it's usually full of money-saving coupons and sales ads. You can both benefit from some big savings and you'll be helping each other out by collecting coupons for each other. If you have trouble finding a coupon buddy, consider asking one of your children to help you out. Kids often love to help with tasks like these, and it's something that will allow you to spend some time together while doing something productive.

Stay Organized 

Organization is the key to successful couponing, so find a system that works for you--one that makes it easier for you to coupon, not harder. Binders work wonderfully for storing coupons, and you can use sports card protectors to store individual coupon stashes for easy viewing and quick removal. You can also use a small folder with pockets or a recipe box to organize and store you coupons. Decide which one method of organizing you like best and then take a few minutes each day to flip through and eliminate the coupons that have expired so that you have room for new ones. If you don't clean out your coupon binder or box on a regular basis, you'll end up spending too much time on it later because there will be too many to manage.

Pick a Focus

If you're new to couponing, the whole thing can seem entirely overwhelming at first. Couponing requires some patience in the beginning--and for some shoppers it's best to ease into it slowly. The easiest way to do this is to pick a focus. Take a look at your grocery list and pick out some of the higher-priced items. Cleaning supplies and toiletries usually tend to be some of the pricier items on most lists, so focus on finding coupons just for those items to start out. After you get the hang of couponing, you can gradually look for more coupons for other items in order to get some additional savings. 

Use Couponing Resources and Apps

There are countless coupon sites, tools, blogs, and apps that can help reduce the amount of time you need to devote to couponing. Several online resources can do searches for you, saving and bookmarking only the coupons that you'll use according to what you typically shop for. Check out coupon blogs to find out which sites will be the most useful to you--and pick up more couponing tips along the way. If you have a smartphone, download a couponing app. A good coupon app will allow you to make a grocery list and search for relevant coupons directly from your phone. 

Couponing is much easier than most dads might think. With these helpful tips, a minimal time investment, and a bit of patience, even the busiest of dads will find that couponing is well-worth the money it saves.

Guest post from Adam. Adam shares coupons for dads through FrugalDad.com.

THE LONE RANGER Coming Soon!

From producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Gore Verbinski comes Disney/Bruckheimer Films' THE LONE RANGER. Tonto (Johnny Depp), a spirit warrior on a personal quest, joins forces in a fight for justice with John Reid (Armie Hammer), a lawman who has become a masked avenger.

THE LONE RANGER will be released in May 2013.

Over Thirty Mommy's thoughts:
I am a fan of most anything that Johnny Depp does.  I might even go so far as to say he has replace my teenage crush on Christian Slater, maybe not totally but shh don't tell my husband I have two crushes! I remember the Lone Ranges days from my youth and am looking forward to seeing this movie.  It might be a stretch to make Johnny Depp into Tonto the Spirit Warrior but who other than Captain Jack Sparrow could pull of wearing a Black Crow on his head and still look HOT (Hmm, I am sensing a bit of a bird theme going on here!).  I'll check it out just because he is in the movie!

Primrose Schools© Family Dance-off competition: $81,000 in Prizes

The Primrose Schools, the leader in educational child care, is once again holding a Family Dance-off contest. A Family Dance-off is a great way to spend time together as a family having fun and exercising, The Family Dance-off supports Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals, which collectively treat 17 million children annually for every illness and injury imaginable.

Here's how you and your family can enter the Primrose Schools^© Family Dance-off competition:

1. Record a 30-second video of your family's best dance moves. Don't be afraid to let loose and be silly!
2. Visit www.familydanceoff.com and upload your best take between February 25th and March 23rd.
3. Share your video with your friends via email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.
4. View and vote daily (you can place one vote per day per device) for your favorite family dance video!

No contest is complete without amazing prizes. Primrose Schools^© is providing prizes that are great for your family and your community too, with $81,000 in donations to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals^©:

• 16 families will receive a $1,000 donation to their Children's Miracle Network Hospital^© and advance to the finalist round from March 26-30 to compete for the grand, second and third prizes.
• Grand Prize: $5,000 and Primrose Schools^© will make a $30,000 donation to their Children's Miracle Network Hospital^©
• 2nd Prize: $3,000 and Primrose Schools^© will make a $20,000 donation to their Children's Miracle Network Hospital^©
• 3rd Prize: $1,500 and Primrose Schools^© will make a $15,000 donation to their Children's Miracle Network Hospital^©

Childhood obesity is a critical issue for young children in America. Dance is a fun, easy way to incorporate physical activity into your family's routine while enjoying quality time together. The Family Dance-off supports Children's Miracle Network Hospitals^©, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals, which collectively treat 17 million children annually for every illness and injury imaginable.

This post was written as part of a public service campaign for MomSelect. It has not been monetarily compensated however I have received an entry into a drawing for a gift card in exchange for my participation.

Summer Camping: A Three Year Old's View

Summer Camping: A Three Year Old's View

For a year or so now my husband has been talking about getting a camper for our truck so that we can take our daughter camping.  Both he and I grew up camping, I real camping in a tent and he light weight camping in a camper or trailer.

I have to admit, we borrowed his parents 5th wheel a couple time while we lived in Wyoming and I can't blame him for being a light weight camper.  With the ever present threat of bears, mountain lions and the comforts of not trekking in the dark (with a flashlight that you know will run out of juice any second) to find your way to a bathroom (or bush!).  Being warm and dry on nights when it rained did not suck!  Having a bed to sleep on was not all bad and having a shower was pretty nice when stuck in close quarters for long periods of time.

He had his mind set that this was the year, our daughter is three and we believe ready to experience camping.   I asked her a few times if she would like to go camping and fishing this summer with Mommy and Daddy.  Her response 90% of the time was "can I roast marshmallows" to which I replied sure and she then agreed that camping would be fun

I told him to pick what he wanted and let me know.  He felt I needed to view the options in person and get a feel for the different sizes so off we went to the Portland RV show this past weekend.  Before leaving I asked Bean if she wanted to go look at campers, her response was "yes, can I roast marshmallows".  What is it with this girl and marshmallows?  Of course I responded, not yet but maybe if we go camping this summer.

I thought we were going to look but we ended up purchasing the cute pop-up camper above from Apache Camping Center. 

As soon as we got to the show, Bean was asking if it was camping time so that she could roast marshmallows (seriously, again with the marshmallows!).  Then for some reason she started thinking that Camping was a movie or show and every sound on the PA she started talking about how we had to get going because Camping was starting and she didn't want to miss it.

After we got home she was even more confused since we did not bring a camper home with us.  Here is the conversations that followed that evening:
Conversation #1
Bean: Is it camping time?
Me: No, not until summer
Bean: Is it summer?
Me: Not, it is spring
Bean: Can I have marshmallows?
Me: When we go camping
Bean: Next week?
Me: No, this summer
Bean: Hmmmm (runs off to play)

Conversation #2 (about 2 hours later)
Bean: Where is my fishing pole?
Me: At Grandma and Grandpa M's
Bean: Well then how am I going to fish? (in a snarky tone of voice, where did she get that?  I have no idea!)
Me: We will get you a new one for here
Bean: Then I want a Hello Kitty pole! (very matter of factly!)
Me: OK, I will see if we can find one

I have been avoiding the topic of camping since the weekend because I can not find any more ways to tell her she can not roast marshmallows for another 3 months.  I am sure there will be more conversations about marshmallows, fishing and many more topics after we bring home our new camper next weekend and every day after that when she sees it in the back yard.

Man it is going to be a long 3 months! I might crack and let her roast the darn marshmallows in the back yard just so she will stop asking!

**Disclaimer: This post is a personal story about my family, it was not sponsored in anyway.**

COMING SOON: MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS

COMING SOON: MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS

I am really looing forward to this movie.  My husband and I rarely get out to see movies but I am going to make sure we make it to this one.  It has something for everyone!

1. Superheros - Check
2. Super hunky male characters - Check and double check!
3. Very attractive female character in tightly clad outfits - Check
4. Action packed  - Checkety check
5. Uber hot male actors showing their muscles - ok, similar to #2 but there are many of them so it warranted a second CHECK!!!

Connect with Marvel's The Avengers now and be ready for the May 4th opening!

“Like” MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MarvelsTheAvengers

Follow MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS on Twitter: twitter.com/avengers

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS hits theaters everywhere on May 4^th!

How Moms Become Managers

How Moms Become Managers

As a mom, you already have a challenging job. You’re no stranger to juggling the demands of a family, a job -- and dare we even suggest it -- a personal life.

While it can be hard to imagine fitting anything else into your already hectic schedule, keeping yourself competitive in the workplace is a must. Online education is perfectly suited to the busy life you lead. You might be surprised at how flexible online degree programs can be. Some traditional colleges and universities offer certain classes online, while other schools are exclusively online. Programs include everything from business management and nursing to human resources management and accounting. Degrees ranging from bachelor's to Ph.D. can be earned online.

Enjoy a Flexible Schedule

While almost everyone enjoys the flexibility of online learning, some people need a routine to help them complete assignments. It’s generally best to schedule a regular time to devote to your online studies. This makes it easier to take care of everything else you need to do during the day without stressing yourself out too much. You're still going to have deadlines for your class work, but - unlike traditional school - you can usually turn your work in early without penalty. Some programs let you work ahead. This way you can schedule weekend fun and other activities without worrying about getting your classwork done. Tests and quizzes usually have  to be completed within a specific amount of time -- perhaps a few hours -- but you can still take your tests at a convenient time for you, say when the kids are at school.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Given the adaptability of online programs, there isn't any reason why you can't keep your current job as you obtain an online degree. Earning a degree can help you get ahead at work by making you eligible for a promotion or advancement within the company. You can also use your online degree to pursue a new career. Some prospective employers are wiling to hire you while you get your education, with the stimulation that you complete the program and earn a degree. Online courses can also serve as refresher courses to keep you current in your field or to give you an advantage at work. Make it known to your employer or company's HR department that you are taking online classes. In today's economic climate, anything that can make you a more valuable asset at work helps.

Paying for Your Online Education

According to the U.S. Department of Education, tuition for an online school is generally lower than what you would pay for a traditional school. Your total expenses depend on how many classes you are taking. You also save on costs normally associated with commuting and typical classroom supplies such as books. Most online programs allow you to download everything you need, including reading materials, lectures, assignments and other course-related materials. Some online programs give you access to video lectures and presentations. If you're not sure if online learning is right for you, consider taking one online class to see if it fits into your schedule.

Some online programs allow you to transfer some or all credits you may have from traditional schools. In reality, the only thing you need to earn a degree online is a desire to better yourself. Most programs are affordable. Schedules are flexible and you'll have plenty of support along the way. You already manage family responsibilities and a half dozen other little things everyday. The flexibility of an online degree program means that you can turn your natural management skills into a better, higher paying job or an entirely new career.

 

Christopher Jensen, a stay-at-home father of three, earned his journalism degree through an online program. He now writes about many topics including how to find the best auto insurance plans to meet the requirements of those looking for rhode island auto insurance coverage.

Gerber Voluntarily Withdraws a Batch of Gerber® Good Start® Infant Formula

Gerber Voluntarily Withdraws a Specific Batch of Gerber® Good Start® Infant Formula and Offers Replacement Product to Consumers

Gerber Products Company is proactively retrieving and offering a replacement to consumers who purchased Gerber® Good Start® Gentle powdered infant formula 23.2 ounce plastic package from batch GXP1684 expiration date of March 5, 2013.

The product poses no health or safety risk. However, this product might have an off-odor noticeable to some consumers. In some cases spit-up and other gastrointestinal complaints have been reported.
Consumers who have the product with the batch code and expiration date above should contact the Gerber Parents Resource Center at 1-800-487-7763 for replacement. Additionally, Gerber is working with retailers to retrieve any remaining product from this batch.

Please note, this is limited to only one Gerber® Good Start® Gentle powder manufacturing code, and no other Gerber® or Gerber® Good Start® products are affected or involved.
At Gerber, the safety and quality of our products is our top priority. If parents or caregivers have questions, Gerber is here for them. They can call the Parents Resource Center anytime, day or night, at 1-800-487-7763.

 

Kushyfoot Flats-To-Go

I love my high heeled shoes!  I have a closet full of uncomfortable but ultra cute shoes.  My husband is always telling me to stop wearing them and go with something more functional.  We always joke that I am more about fashion than function.  

Sadly for the past year my beloved shoes have sat quietly locked behind my closet door.  My new job required that (other than walking into or out of the building) I wear stark white plain tennis shoes, outside shoes, heels and open toes shoes are expressly forbidden.  I know BORING!!!!!

For Christmas, my sister-in-law presented my husband and I with tickets to a fancy New Years Eve party.  So, for the first time in 12 years, my husband and I went out for New Years this year.  We got all gussied up went to a fantastic party and danced the night away.  As the night went on, my feet started killing me since I was out of practice wearing fancy high heels. 

kushyfoot Flats-to-go to the rescue!

As the night came to a close, I had zero desire to continue wearing my heels and even less desire to walk the streets of downtown Portland in my bare feet.  So I slipped off my heels and pulled my Kushyfoot flats-to-go out of my purse and I was good to go.

About Kushyfoot: 
Kushyfoor legwear products are made by Doris International, one of North America's finest hosiery manufacturers available in more than 30 foot comfort based styles, they deliver unheard-of comfort and high-end quality at surprisingly reasonable prices.  In addition to Flats-to-go, the collection includes tights, almost invisible foot covers, toe covers, trouser socks, mitten socks, yoga socks, and athletic varieties plus shoe solution cushions - many with reflexology inspired soles that work with every different type of shoe silhouette.  All of these items are readily available nationwide and online at www.kushyfoot.com.  Prices range fron $3.99 - $9.99.
 
About Flats-to-go:
Soft, flexible faux leather Flats-to-go® are an instant and elegant solution to a perennial need for the relief of sore heels, blisters and scrunched up toes. Featuring an elastic back for a better fit, and a unique, 3-dimensional wavy sole that cushions and massages the foot as the wearer walks-perfect for indoor and smooth outdoor surfaces. They slip neatly and easily into their owner's purse, folded into a cute clear plastic carrier with its own little handles.


The full line from Kushyfoot are available online and at these retailers.  

Make sure to connect with Kushyfoot on Facebook & Twitter.

  **Disclaimer: I received a free product in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other manner.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. Other people may have different experiences with the products.**

Freschetta Rally for Real Pizza! Win Freschetta for a Year!

Freschetta Rally for Real Pizza! 

 Win Freschetta for a Year!

Frozen pizza shouldn’t simply taste better. It should be better. Freschetta®frozen pizzas are made with top-quality ingredients and taste-tested recipes, just to make sure your pizza will always deliver Fresch® flavor.

You can join Freschetta's Rally for Real Pizza by submitting a photo to the Rally Mosaic on Facebook. Each week they will select 100 winners to each receive 5 Freschetta® Pizzas. On March 30, they will also select 10 winners who will each receive Freschetta® Pizza for a year!

"Rally for Real Pizza" by pledging to boycott "blah" and serve only the freshest frozen pizza - FRESCHETTA® pizza!

Details:

Date -	February 27, 2012 - March 30, 2012
What -	Rally for Real Pizza
Where -	From the comfort of your own home
Details -	Starting February 27, 2012 on www.Facebook.com/Freschettapizza

The makers of FRESCHETTA® products will be asking fans to take a stand for FRESCH® pizza! Fans will be able to submit a photo to a Rally Mosaic on our Facebook Fan Page for a chance to win FRESCHETTA® pizza. Each week, we will select 100 winners to receive 5 FRESCHETTA® pizzas. On March 30, we will select 10 winners who will receive a year supply of FRESCHETTA® pizza. You can find all the delicious details surrounding this campaign on the message board in FreschettaFreshConnection.com. 

Disclaimer: I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts. However, the opinions I share are solely my own. I have the possibility of winning prizes for posting this.

Itzy Bitzy Klippie Klub Review and Giveaway

My daughter is a little fashionista!  She loves dressing up (what 3 year old doesn't) but it is so much more than that.  She loves shoes, purses (she got her first Coach purse at 11 months), hats, scarves, gloves, and anything else she can use to accessorize her outfit of choice for the day.

She received a Barbie Powerwheel Jeep from Santa for Christmas this year and had to get dressed up and accessorize before she would get in to ride it around the house.  That is how crazy she is about accessories.

About a month or so ago, right around her third birthday, she started to grow an affinity for hair clips. Now that she is showing interest in accessorizing her hair along with the rest of her body, I have started finding her cute hair clips, headbands and bows to complete her ensembles!

The hard part is that she likes to change it up on a regular basis and does not wear the same clips over and over.  That is where the Itzy Bitzy Klippie Klub comes in.

A Little About Itzy Bitzy
Itzy Bitzy Designs was founded in October 2007 by Michelle Ruesch, RDH and is based in Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  Itzy Bitzy is committed to providing "Adorable, yet still affordable footwear and accessories" for infants and toddlers as well as educating the public and increasing acceptance of children with differences.  For more information, visit www.itzybitzy.com

About the Klippie Klub
The Klippie Klub, clip of the month club, is the perfect way to build a hair accessories collection.  A Klippie Klub membership will insure that your little fashionista will always have the perfect hair accessory for any outfit, without breaking the bank.

How exciting will it be for your little on to receive a new assortment, each month, of unique, adorable hair accessories valued at $40 retail for a 50-70% savings! 

There are two membership levels for Klippie Klub members to select from:
Kasual $18.99 per month: Receive over 50% savings, Free Shipping, no commitment (cancel any time)
Krazy $15.99 per month: Receive over 70% savings, free shipping, 6 month commitment

In addition to a 70% savings on each monthly collection, Krazy Klippie Klub members also receive $65 in FREE products.  Krazy Klippie Klub members receive their first monthly kit ($40 retail value) and the Klippie Klutch Hair Accessories organizer and travel bag ($25 retail value) for no additional charge (pay only $4.99 for S&H)

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts:
I think the Klippie Klub is a wonderful idea.  My daughter LOVES to receive packages in the mail and was thrilled when she opened her first monthly shipment of Klippies from Itzy Bitzy.   She spent the rest of the evening running around trying on all her new clips with and with out the headband to see which was her favorite.  We loaded them all into her Klippie Klutch and off she went carrying it around like a purse.

I found the clips to be of a high quality and like that they can be worn both alone or as part of a headband making them very versatile and changing up the look for my ever demanding diva!

Klippie Klub Giveaway