512 Kidz

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T00:00:00.010-05:00

Here's hoping you all have a Happy Halloween! Stay safe and have some fun.

Thank you for continuing to subscribe to 512 Kidz blog. I am on hiatus for the time being. I will continue to update and maintain 512 Kidz blog until I have more time for blogging at a later date.

Mary S

512 Kidz blog

August Monthly Wrap Up

2010-09-04T09:45:00.002-05:00

Books I Read in August:

None =(

But I did read Reader's Digest and Remedy Magazine!

Top Posts in August:

Expert Tips: Choosing the Right Pet/Dog for Your Family-Camp Bow Wow CEO

Help Energizer in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Brookstone Promo Code

July Monthly Wrap Up

Recent Visitors

melissa

Just Lola

jinny

Sofia

Clueless_Mama

Jumping Jack

Books I Hope to Read in September

None yet =(

Posts Coming Up in September

Reviews: (and maybe a giveaway or two!)

Terro Mosquito Repellant

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil

Star Wars Cookie Cutters

Clairvoyant Beauty

My Name is Not Isabella: Just How Big Can a Little Girl Dream? Story by Jennifer Fosberry Pictures by Mike Litwin

The Hip Klip

Tie Buddies

101 Things to do with Meatballs by Stephanie Ashcraft

Your Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4- to 12-Year-Old Child by Betsy Brown Braun

Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Decadent Cake Mix and Duncan Hines Amazing Glazes

The Ultimate Grilling Collection

Box Tops for Education Prize Pack

Thanks for reading and supporting 512 Kidz blog! Things have been crazy busy with my daughter starting school but I hope to get back in the swing of blogging soon!

Help Energizer in The Fight Against Breast Cancer

2010-08-12T15:05:00.001-05:00

Help in the fight against breast cancer research. Energizer is currently a sponsor of the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure®, a series of 15 events across the nation where participants walk 60 miles over the course of three days. As a way to celebrate this, Energizer is donating $1 to Susan G. Komen for a Cure for every new “like” on the Energizer Bunny Facebook page (up to $15,000). That’s right. All you have to do is “Like” the Energizer Bunny!

Here is a link to the Energizer Bunny Facebook page: www.energizer.com/energizerbunny

-Courtesy of Energizer

Brookstone Promo Code

2010-08-12T14:33:00.001-05:00

Have you considered Brookstone when it comes to Gifts for Him? Brookstone has been generous enough to offer 512 Kidz blog readers a coupon code for $10 off an online purchase of $70 or more! Summers coming to an end, and you'll want to keep your patio furniture beautiful until next year with some Outdoor Furniture Covers. Dad's birthday coming up? Mine is! Brookstone is your one stop shop for Gifts for Dad.

Use coupon code 22SAVE at http://www.brookstone.com/ and get $10 off any online purchase of $70 or more!

Expert Tips: Choosing the Right Pet / Dog For Your Family - Camp Bow Wow CEO

2010-08-11T19:16:00.000-05:00

Many families are looking to expand their brood turn to furry friends, which often become as much a member of the family as anyone else. So how do families decide if a pet is right for them, and if so, what type is best for your family?

Heidi Ganal, whose life, career, and passion revolves around pets, offers the below tips for selecting a canine companion or other pet for your family. As the CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, Heidi has seen it all – and knows the ins and outs of choosing the perfect fit for you.

Outlined below are her tips. Heidi is a mom-preneur, as a mother of two children, she created Camp Bow Wow after losing her husband in a tragic plane crash and has an amazing tragedy to triumph story, heading up a company that now has 200 franchises nationwide.

How Old Are the Members of My Family?

Ø If the youngsters in your household are under seven years old, they are usually not developmentally suited for puppies 5 months old and under or toy-sized (under 15 pounds) dogs of any age. Puppies have ultra sharp "milk teeth" and toenails and often teethe on and scratch children, resulting in unintentional injury to the child. The puppy becomes something to be feared rather than loved.

Ø Toy dogs are fine-boned, touch-sensitive creatures that do not weather rough or clumsy handling well. They break relatively easily and are quicker to bite than their larger boned, mellower relatives.

Ø Unless your children are unusually sensitive, low-key, respectful individuals, a medium-to-large sized dog over 5 months old is usually the safer choice. Regardless of size, all interactions between small children and dogs should be monitored by a responsible adult. When there is no one to watch over them, they should be separated.

Ø At the opposite end of the spectrum, are there frail elderly or physically challenged individuals in the household? If so, strong vigorous adolescent dogs are not a wise idea. No aging hips or wrists are safe from these yahoos. People who were one-breed fans throughout their lives may one day find that their favorite breed demands more than they can physically handle. The new dog must fit the current physical capabilities of his keepers with an eye toward what the next 10-15 years will bring.

Who Will Be the Dog's Primary Caretaker?

Ø A decade or so back, this was an easy question to answer-- Mom. She stayed home and cooked, cleaned and raised the family dog. Most families these days do not have that option. All adults have to go to work and the kids head off to school. This leaves the family dog to be sandwiched in between lessons and sports and household chores and so on. One parent should be designated Primary Caretaker to make sure the dog does not get lost in the shuffle.

Ø Some parents bow to the pressure their children put on them to get a dog. The kids promise with tears in their eyes that they will religiously take care of this soon-to-be best friend. The truth of the matter is, during the 10 - 15 year lifespan of the average dog, your children will be growing in and out of various life stages and the family dog's importance in their lives will wax and wain like the Moon. You cannot saddle a child with total responsibility for the family dog and threaten to get rid of it if the child is not providing that care. It is not fair to child or dog.

Ø Choosing the family dog should include input from all family members with the cooler-headed, more experienced family members' opinions carrying a bit more weight. The family dog should not be a gift from one family member to all the others. The selection experience is one the entire family can share. Doing some research and polling each family member about what is important to them in a dog will help pin down what you will be looking for. Books like Daniel Tortora's THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU or The ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs can be tremendously helpful and can warn you away from unsuitable choices for your family's circumstances.

How Much Can I Spend?

Ø The price to obtain a dog runs the gamut from free-to-a-good-home to several thousand dollars. It does not always hold true that you get what you pay for. The price you pay in a pet shop is usually 2 to 3 times higher than what you pay a reputable breeder for a puppy of similar (or usually better) quality.

Ø Too many folks spend all their available cash on a pet shop purchase and then have no money left for initial veterinary care, a training crate or obedience classes--all necessary expenses. Remember, the purchase price of a dog is a very small part of what the dog will actually cost. Save money for food (especially if it is a large or giant breed), grooming (fancy coated breeds such as Poodles, Cockers, and Shih Tzus need to be clipped every 4 to 6 weeks), chew toys (the vigorous chewers like a Bull Terrier or Mastiff can work their way through a $8.00 rawhide bone in a single sitting), outerwear (short-coated breeds like Greyhounds, Chihuahuas, and Whippets must have sweaters and coats in the winter or in lavishly air conditioned interiors), and miscellaneous supplies (bowls, beds, brushes, shampoos, flea products, odor neutralizers for accidents, baby gates, leashes, collars, heartworm preventative etc.).

Ø And then, there is the veterinary emergency! Very few dogs live their entire lives without at least one accident. Your puppy eats a battery or pair of pantihose, your fine-boned toy breaks a leg, your big boy has bad hips, your dog gets hit by a car or beaten/bitten by the neighborhood bully. These surprises can cost $500 or more. Unlike our children, most of our dogs are not covered by health insurance.

Ø But "How much can I spend?" is not only a question of money. How much time and energy can you spend on a new dog? Various breeds and ages of dog make different demands on our precious spare time. In general, the Sporting, Hounds, Herding, and Terrier breeds will demand more time in training and daily exercise than will the Guardian or Companion breeds. A puppy or adolescent will need more exercise, training, and supervision than will an adult dog. And the first year with any new dog regardless of age or breed type will put more demands on the owner than any other time, for this is when you are setting up house rules and routines which will last for the lifetime of your dog.

Ø America has become a nation of disposable pet owners. Doesn't your family dog deserve better? Choose wisely, for when the bond breaks, everybody concerned suffers. Make selecting your new family dog a life-affirming act.

-Courtesy of Heidi Ganal, Camp Bow Wow

July Monthly Wrap Up

2010-08-02T17:36:00.000-05:00

Books I Read in July:

Twilight: Director's Notebook by Catherine Hardwicke

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse The Illustrated Movie Companion by Mark Cotta Vaz

Doing a little better with my reading! ;)

Top Posts in July:

Back 2 School Projects to Save Money & Show Creativity

Eclipse Trivia

KinderCare Learning Centers Blog Tour

Bloggers and Giveaway Enthusiasts: Check Out Giveaway Scout!

Recent Visitors

Margarita Bloom

Until Tomorrow, Jennifer

Camryn

Ewa

Josh

Books I Hope to Read in August

The Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse Novels/True Blood Books 2-8 by Charlaine Harris

Posts Coming Up in August:

Emptying the Nest: Launching Your Young Adult Toward Success and Self-Reliance by Brad E. Sachs, Ph.D. Book Review

Kymaro Cami Review

Kymaro Fix My Roots! Review

Kymaro Bust Up Cups Review

Kymaro Backless Bra Review

and possibly a giveaway or two!

Thanks for reading and supporting 512 Kidz blog! My kiddo starts school later this month and I hope to get a jump on posting so hang on... ;)

Bloggers and Giveaway Enthusiasts: Check Out Giveaway Scout!

2010-07-25T14:36:00.000-05:00

Bloggers and Giveaway Enthusiasts: I found a great new site for bloggers to advertise their giveaways on! The site is called Giveaway Scout. You can visit the site and find tons of great giveaways from around the web. You can also register your blog to the site at this link! When you register your blog, Giveaway Scout automatically picks up and lists your giveaways. Check it out!

KinderCare Learning Centers Blog Tour

2010-07-19T23:59:00.000-05:00

Finding the right school for your young child can feel overwhelming, with so many things to consider from class size, to location, programming and curriculum. KinderCare, a preschool and kindergarten program with 1600 centers nationwide, offers age-appropriate curriculum, customized experiences and overall school preparedness, making the back to school or start of school process a whole lot easier.

KinderCare Learning Centers provide low teacher to student ratios, strong communication between families and teachers, and a safe, nurturing atmosphere. Offering projects designed to excite children's imaginations, KinderCare provides a stimulating environment for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school aged children alike. And with over 40 years experience in childcare and education, KinderCare provides peace of mind so parents can feel confident in their choice.

In a nationwide survey of parents, KinderCare Learning Centers learned that when selecting a school, 76% of parents are most concerned that their school of choice employs quality and passionate teachers and 80% want to know that their child is excited to take part in activities while at school.

-Courtesy of KinderCare and Mom Central

My daughter is starting school this fall. She will be going into preschool! She has special needs and will be in a class with kids much like her. When selecting a school for my daughter, I want to be sure its not too far from home. We live by humble means so we also want to be sure that the school isn't too expensive. As a mom of a special needs child I want to be sure that the school my daughter attends is well prepared to educate a child such as her. Our local public school has a great special needs program so my daughter will be attending school there. Above all I want to be sure my child is safe and well taken care of, and I know she will be at her future pre-k!

I don't really remember my first day of school, but I remember every year before the first day of school would be a mix of emotions. Happy to see your friends and a bit nervous about how the day will go. I changed schools a lot so I having to make new friends was always a bit tough on me. But I always met a nice group of kids. I hope my daughter doesn't have to change schools as often as I did! I hope she has a great first day of pre-k.

http://kindercare.com/

www.MomCentral.com

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

Back 2 School Projects to Save Money & Show Creativity

2010-07-12T13:29:00.000-05:00

Sandy Sandler, founder of non-profit www.C4K555.org and creator of the best selling Bowdabra, is providing several fun, easy and cost-effective projects that kids and can do that save money and show their creativity.
Between new clothes and backpacks, supplies and shoes, back to school time can really put a dent in your budget. Fortunately, with a little forethought and creativity, you can save money on your back to school supplies and still start the school year off right.

Shop Ahead
School supplies are often at their cheapest in mid summer. Call your child's school and find out if you can get the supply list a little early and take advantage of those sales. Find out when your state has its tax-free days and plan your shopping around it for extra savings.

Buy Simple
When you do hit the stores, keep an eye out for the simpler alternatives. Instead of glossy, photo covered folders and binders buy plain white and then let kids decorate them with magazine photos, fabric and paper scraps. Cover blank notebooks and journals with fun fabric and make your own book covers out of wallpaper or contact paper. Decorating their own school supplies isn't just a cost cutting measure; it will also boost confidence when they can show off their own creations to their friends.

DIY
Take advantage of all the online tutorials out there and make your own pencil cases, gym bags and even back packs. Look around the house, at thrift stores or even in the recycling bin for items you can reuse for interesting projects like this fun pencil bag - http://www.skiptomylou.org/2008/08/13/a-recycled-pencil-bag-for-the-first-day-of-school/

Clothing Face Lift
Before you spend any money on back to school clothing, go though your children's closets and drawers with them and find items that could use a little face life to give them new life. Patch the knees of boys' jeans with rough and rugged camouflage fabric, add length to a skirt or T-shirt by stitching ribbon or fringe to the hem, make your own freezer paper stencils and paint over stains with fabric paint. Even younger kids can get in on the action with this no-sew blue jeans spruce up.

You'll need:
An old pair of jeans
Roll of rickrack or fun ribbon
Permanent Fabric Glue
Scissors

1. Wash and dry the jeans and lay them out on a flat work surface. Using the ribbon, measure around the ankle of the jeans and cut four pieces just slightly longer than this length.
2. Using the fabric glue, fold over one end of the ribbon and attach it along the bottom hem of the jeans. Glue another length of ribbon onto the jean about two inches above the first. Repeat with the other leg. Be sure to fold over the other end before gluing it down.
3. Cut four more pieces just longer than the width of the back pocket. Following the same procedure, glue the ribbon down along the top of the pocket.
4. Allow the glue to dry completely before wearing. Wash according to the instructions on the glue.

Plan No-Waste Lunches
One of the biggest cost cutting measures you can take is to move to homemade reusable lunch bags and sandwich wraps. Over the course of the year, the cost of sandwich baggies and brown paper sacks can really add up, but creating your own reusable lunch packing items is easier, and cheaper, than you think. For sandwich wraps cut 12-inch squares of canvas using pinking shears. Lay the square on your work surface point side up and, with a piece of bread in the center for sizing, fold first the side corners and then the bottom and top corners down. Find the point where the top and bottom corners meet and attach stick on Velcro to each side. Kids can use fabric markers to decorate their sandwich wraps and they can easily be tossed in the laundry when they need a wash.

A reusable lunch bag is a great first sewing project that children can feel proud of every day when they sit down in the cafeteria to eat. But before you rush out to the fabric store, look through your sewing bin and check outgrown clothing. An old cotton shirt and a fleece sweater can give you all the fabric you need for this fun project.

You'll need:
(2) 12x24 inch pieces of cotton fabric
(1) 12 x 24 inch piece of polar fleece
Thread
Velcro dots
10 inches of ribbon
Scissors

1. On your work surface, layer first the fleece, then a cotton rectangle, right side up, and finally the last rectangle, right side down. Pin across one of the long sides and sew using a straight stitch.
2. Fold the top layer of cotton up and press the seam open with your fingers.
3. Now fold this new, larger rectangle in half the other way. Pin and sew along the edge.
4. Fold the cotton only side down over the fleece to create a shorter tube. Trim the raw edges of the fabric to be even and sew across the bottom of the bag.
5. Turn the whole thing right side out. Fold the corners of the bottom in and stitch into place. Add a handle to the top using the ribbon and attach the Velcro dots along the top edge of the bag to hold it closed.

For more creative ideas, visit www.C4K555.org to download free projects at Crafters 4 Kids.

To learn more, visit: www.C4K555.org

-Courtesy of Crafters 4 Kids

Share Your 'Milano Moment'

2010-07-12T11:50:00.001-05:00

Take a minute to explore the 'Milano Moment' widget above. 'Like' Milano's new page on facebook, share your 'Milano Moment' and be entered to win one of 1,000 bushels (cases) of the new Strawberry Milano Cookies from Pepperidge Farm. Check it out!

Eclipse Trivia

2010-07-09T18:23:00.000-05:00

I got this email with a bunch of Twilight trivia in it and thought I would share with you guys. I will answer the questions to the best of my ability, real answers are below!

Think you know Twilight? Well, think again as our Eclipse inspired quiz tests your Twilight mettle.

Let's get to it! The answers are below... good luck.

Eclipse

What school is Bella planning to "attend" in the fall? University of Alaska
What college did Edward apply to for Bella and perhaps help her to get accepted? Brown?
What is Bella?s astrological sign? Virgo?
What city seems to have a serial killer on the loose? Seattle
Which board game does Bella watch Edward and Alice play? Ouija?
What does Bella help Angela do in preparation for the upcoming graduation? prepare her valedictorian speech?
Who was the first Quileute Spirit Warrior to transform into a wolf? Taha Aki
What did Taha Aki?s third wife do to save the tribe from a vampire? stab herself to distract the vampires
Who did Sam date before he imprinted with Emily? Leah Clearwater
What does Edward buy for Bella when she has her "slumber party" with Alice? a heart charm for her bracelet?
Which vampire from the Denali clan showed interest in Edward? ?
What was Rosalie?s last name? ?
Why was Rosalie jealous of her best friend Vera? she had a baby and husband
Who was Rosalie engaged to as a human? a terrible man
Where did Jasper live as a human? Houston, TX
What war did Jasper fight in and what was his rank? Civil war, ?
Where did Alice meet Jasper? in philadelphia?
Who gives Bella an outfit to wear for graduation? Alice?
What color are the graduation gowns for Forks High? ?
Where do Charlie, Bella and most of the other graduates eat after graduation? the cafe?
Who throws a graduation party for Bella? Alice
What charm does Jacob give Bella on the bracelet? And Edward? a carved wooden wolf/crystal heart charm
Why is Jacob so furry as a werewolf? he has long human hair
Who is second in command of the werewolves? Jacob?
How does Bella break her hand? punching Jacob
Who is the blond newborn vampire with Victoria when she goes after Bella? Riley
Which wolf fights along with Edward against Victoria and her partner? Seth Clearwater
How does Jacob get hurt during the big battle? a newborn crushes his ribs with its grasp
What does Jacob call Carlisle when he is treating is injuries? ?
Who shows up after the newborn vampire army is destroyed? The Volturi
Who was the newborn vampire who surrendered to Carlisle? Bree Tanner
Where did Edward get Bella?s wedding ring? vintage ring from his parents

Whew! And here are the real answers...

Eclipse Answers

University of Alaska Southeast
Dartmouth
Virgo
Seattle
Chess
Address graduation announcements
Taha Aki
She stabbed herself to distract the vampire
Leah Clearwater
A huge bed
Tanya
Hale
She had a beautiful baby and loving husband
Royce King
Houston, Texas
Civil war, Major
In a Philadelphia diner
Alice
Yellow
The Lodge
Alice
Hand-carved wooden wolf, heart shaped crystal (diamond maybe)
He keeps his hair longer because he thinks Bella likes it better
Jacob
She hits Jacob in the face after he kisses her
Riley
Seth Clearwater
Trying to help Leah Clearwater fight a newborn vampire
Dr. Fang
The Volturi-Jane
Bree
It was the ring his father gave to his mother

I hope you enjoyed this trivia! I will also be posting trivia questions for the other books so keep an eye out. All you Twi-fans (like myself) can brush up on your Twilight facts!

Covet NYC Winner!

2010-07-06T17:48:00.001-05:00

And the winner of the Covet Restaurant & Lounge NYC $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway is... Comment #24, Momma Teri. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who followed, posted, and entered this giveaway!

Momma Teri said...

http://twitter.com/strawberrykidss/status/17359111909

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-07-06 22:44:43 UTC

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T14:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day to all my fellow Americans! Remember to be thankful for all the wonderful freedoms we enjoy.

Be safe and have fun! Hopefully you are spending some time with friends and family today.

I worked this morning and we will likely grill up some food later. Its been raining so we're crossing our fingers that it won't rain this evening for all the fireworks!

I might go see the new Twilight movie, Eclipse later this evening if our plans get rained out.

Again, have a Happy 4th!

Mary S

512 Kidz blog

Jiffy Lube Winner!

2010-07-02T10:49:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card Giveaway is... Comment #51, Small Footprints. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered, posted and followed this giveaway!

Small Footprints said...
I scored 60 on the MOM test (85.71%). WhooHoo!

I learned that in cold weather it's best to warm up a car for a minute and then slowly accelerate!

Thanks!

reducefootprints (at) gmail (dot) com

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2010-07-02 15:44:23 UTC

June Monthly Wrap Up

2010-07-01T19:58:00.001-05:00

Books I read in June:

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephenie Meyer

I finally read it and loved it! Can't wait to see Eclipse on the 4th.

Top Posts in June:

May Monthly Wrap Up

Recipes that Kids Can Make Dad for Father's Day

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest Reminder!

Top Commenters

alicia

Nya's mom

Recent Visitors

Karissa@Withourbest

Jessica

Joanna

Tamara aka Cheapskate Mom

Boutique on Feet

Books I Hope to Read in July

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Vampire Academy and Frostbite: A Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead

The Secret Circle: The Initiation and The Captive Part I by L. Jane Smith

Posts Coming Up in July

Terro Mosquito Repellant Review

Star Wars Cookie Cutters and The Ultimate Grilling Collection from Williams-Sonoma Review

Radius Toothbrush Review

Le Baby Hair Gel Review

You're Not the Boss of Me: Brat Proofing Your 4- to 12-Year Old Child by Betsy Brown Braun Book Review

Rich's Products Review

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil Review

myMoney Power Party

and maybe a giveaway or two!

Thanks for reading and supporting 512 Kidz blog!

The Jensen Project Family Movie Night Twitter Party 7/16!

2010-07-01T19:17:00.002-05:00

TwitterMoms is hosting a Family Movie Night Twitter Party! Join us July 16 at 8/7 central (8-10 pm or 7-9pm) to watch The Jensen Project on NBC. Log on to twitter as you watch the movie and join in the discussion. To view discussions and comment click the link below, that is where the event will take place! Use hashtag #jensenproject.

http://search.twitter.com/search?q=%23jensenproject

Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice Blog Tour

2010-06-28T23:59:00.002-05:00

"I live in a house full of athletes. Between my teenage son who currently plays varsity volleyball, my daughter who plays on a traveling club soccer team, my husband who loves to golf, and always trying to perfect my forehand on the tennis court myself; we expend tons of energy in our respective athletic pursuits. Simply put, we need carbohydrates to maintain our energy level. And when we sit down to dinner, we need to refuel!

However, what we need to eat to stay fit and healthy doesn't always work into our limited time or appeal to our taste buds. Like many moms, I tend to reach for heavier meal staples like pasta or potatoes, which are great in winter but can weigh you down during the summer months. And also like most moms, I want to serve whole grain brown rice because of its numerous health benefits (one cup meets 100% of daily grain requirement, supports a healthy heart and is loaded with iron and fiber), I just don't always have the time to prepare it.

So to give home cooks the choice, Uncle Ben's has developed a few types of whole grain brown rice – Natural Whole Grain Brown, with the traditional cook time (40 minutes), plus Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice and Boil-In-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice (both ready in 10 minutes) so you can decide which type of brown rice fits the type of meal you are preparing, but still know that you're getting whole grains on the table.

To help showcase the versatility of their Whole Grain Brown Rice, Uncle Ben's created a few recipes that will be a hit this summer such as: Chicken & Brown Rice Sloppy Joes; Tex Mex Rice with Shrimp, Corn and Lime; Chicken, Apple and Walnut Brown Rice Salad; and Mediterranean Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms."

-Courtesy of Mom Central

***

I had the wonderful opportunity to sample three types of Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice. We received Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice, Uncle Ben's Natural Whole Grain Brown Rice, and Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice.

Uncle Ben's is a trusted brand my family purchases, and I have been eating this brand since I was a kid. I remember my parents always made the Boil-in-Bag Rice with chicken and I loved it!

On the back of each box of rice I received is a great recipe you can make using the rice. Some of the recipes include Stir-Fry Chicken & Vegetables, Fiesta Chicken (sounds really good!), and Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Uncle Ben's Instant Brown Rice is great for those nights where you want to make a healthy and delicious meal in no time. As I mentioned, Uncle Ben's Boil-in-Bag Brown Rice is a favorite of my family's. And Uncle Ben's Whole Grain Brown Rice is ready in 40 minutes, making is wonderful for those meals you have no time limit on. Still much faster than soaking a bag of regular rice!

Thanks so much to Uncle Ben's and Mom Central for the delicious samples of rice! I will be giving my extra boxes to some mom friends of mine.

http://www.unclebens.com/

www.MomCentral.com

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Covet Restaurant & Lounge, NYC $50 Gift Certificate {Giveaway}!

2010-06-24T20:01:00.001-05:00

COVET RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Brings a Little Bit of St. Tropez to

Midtown Manhattan

137 E. 55th Street * 212-223-2829

www.covetlounge.com

Midtown Manhattan is embodied by glass and steel high-rise buildings, loud sirens, and a barrage of yellow taxi cabs cascading up and down Lexington Avenue. It’s hard for New Yorkers to imagine a sanctuary in the midst of all this commotion. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, Covet Restaurant & Lounge blends old world elegance and new world opulence where guests are easily transported the moment they walk through the door. The unassuming façade of Covet belies its impressive, bi-level interior. Presiding over this new chic upscale restaurant and lounge is the man behind Miami ’s nightlife resurgence, Eric Milon and entrepreneur Andre Hnatyszak. This powerhouse team has set a new standard of elegant dining with a world-class menu created by former Bruno Jamais Restaurant Executive Chef John Keller; and has redefined the New York City nightlife experience.

This bi-level venue is part restaurant and part nightclub. “Covet exudes St. Tropez and St. Barth’s glamour,” says Mr. Hnatyszak. “The mix in ambiance is designed for a well-heeled crowd attracting celebrities, models, politicians, foodies, the financial set and fashionistas. It’s where Gordon Gekko meets Devil Wears Prada." The upstairs restaurant can seat approximately 70 patrons and the downstairs nightclub can accommodate close to 300 people until 4am Monday through Saturday. Covet is also the ideal space for private events or parties of any size.

Inspired by the luxe, rustic elegance of the Alpine après ski lodges of St. Moritz , Covet effortlessly blends the best of both worlds: the sophistication and charm of uptown and ultra-sleek vibe of downtown. Covet's main dining room features large Zeppelin chandeliers while the walls are adorned with colorful oil paintings by renowned artist Robert Lambert. Downstairs, haute Alpine coziness is combined with all the amenities New York City chic has to offer, and this is done through the harmonious pairing of distressed wood with embossed "croc-skin" paneling, and chrome accents.

If you are seeking a bevy of young beauties and deep-pocketed bankers, Covet is the perfect after work destination for New Yorkers. The unique and eclectic atmosphere at this Midtown lounge makes it the place to be seen. Its prime location in New York 's business center is one of Covet’s biggest draws as well as the swanky ambiance, world-class DJs, plush couches and exotic drink specials.

Guests’ palettes will be stimulated with a menu of eclectic Asian-Mediterranean cuisine, featuring signature dishes such as Hamachi Duo, Lobster Brulee, and Wild Boar Tenderloin. Famed mixologist Orson Salicetti has created a menu of concoctions at Covet that incorporates sensual ingredients that embody the venue's sophisticated elegance. Offering excess in a glass, Salicetti is shaking things up with the $160 cocktail: The Icarus - includes Louis XIII cognac, which retails for $1,600 a bottle – exclusively at Covet.

Hidden below the main floor, Covet's intimate cocktail lounge stays true to its elegant upscale vibe. The lounge features sounds by resident DJ Evalicious, the famed '90s French-Canadian model discovered by designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. Spinning an eclectic mix of musical genres ranging from electronic pop to indie mashups, her music style stays true to Covet's international influence. For those seeking a little discretion and a retreat from the high-energy crowd, guests can escape into one of the many roped-off enclaves that populate the space.

COVET SAMPLE MENU

Starters

Hamachi Duo

Tartar with wasabi tobiko/ lemongrass-ginger oil

Sashimi with ponzu/ Serrano pepper

$19

Lobster Brulee

Mushroom duxelle/ red chili aioli / chives

$21

Entrees

Black Cod

Gingered edamame puree / baby zucchini and patty pan compote

$26

Grilled Hamachi Steak

Yuzu- Dashi / baby bok choy/ enoki mushrooms

$30

Wild Boar Tenderloin

Agave- Wasabi mustard/ green apple- leek confit/ fingerling sweet potato

$32

Sides

Persian Kale/ Mushroom Fricasse/ Roasted sweet potato fingerlings/ Shanghai Tips/ Asparagus

COVET SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

Shaman

Hungarian Paprika / Pineapple Mezcal / Himalayan Salt Rim with Spices

$18

Her Martini

Premium Vodka / Extract Ginger / Aphrodisiac Tea / Covet Sour / Hibiscus Bitters

$19

His Martini

Single Malt Scotch / Black Cardamom Essence / Red Lillet / Fresh Mint / Aphrodisiac Bitters

$19

Cupid

Grain of Paradise Infused Vodka / Aperol Cooked Strawberries / Rosemary Essence

$24

Icarus

House Essence Flambé / Premium Saffron / Louis XIII / Hand Chiseled Ice

$160

About Covet Restaurant & Lounge

Eric Milon and Andre Hnatyszak introduce you to their vision of an elegant evening destination reminiscent of European class blended with New York City sophistication. Covet is comprised of a street level restaurant and a hidden lounge below. The dining room features large Zeppelin chandeliers by designer Marcel Wanders while the walls are adorned with colorful oil paintings by renowned artist Robert Lambert. Tucked a floor below the restaurant, Covet’s intimate cocktail lounge provides guests with impeccable hospitality in an atmosphere that exudes timeless luxury.

Mr. Milon’s previous venues include South Beach ’s The Strand, Prive, The Living Room, Set, all of which have been favorites of Hollywood ’s A-list stars including Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.

Covet is located at 137 E. 55th Street in New York City . The restaurant seats 66 guests and serves dinner Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:30PM. Prices range from $11 - $35 per dish. The full service bar and lounge holds nearly 300 guests and is open until 4AM. Please call 212-223-2829 for dinner reservations.

KMR Communications would like to offer one lucky 512 Kidz blog reader the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Covet Restaurant & Lounge located in Midtown, NY (**gift card is valid for food only).

1) Gift certificate is for 1 winner per web site (total value of $50)

2) Only open to US and Canadian Residents

3) Valid for 6 months from date of issue

4) Winner must make a reservation and present gift certificate upon arrival it will not be kept on file at restaurant

5) Winner is responsible for gratuity

6) Restaurant is open for dinner Monday – Saturday

-Courtesy of Covet Restaurant & Lounge and KMR Communications

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Covet and KMR PR are offering up a $50 Gift Certificate to Covet Restaurant & Lounge in NYC, NY to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... would you use this gift certificate or pass it along to a friend? Are you planning a trip or are you a local?

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends July 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA & Canada.

www.prizey.net

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest Reminder!

2010-06-23T14:58:00.001-05:00

Our Photo: Pasta Sauce Princess

I just wanted to post a reminder about the Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest. Just by voting you can win a $25 Gift Card! The contest ends this Friday, June 25th. Feel free to vote for us (photo above) or any photo you love. The link is below!

http://www.ronzonismarttaste.com/blogger

Shell Motor Oil Matters/$35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card Review & {Giveaway}!

2010-06-21T17:38:00.002-05:00

"April is both National Car Care and National Informed Women Month and a perfect opportunity to get empowered to care for your car! Did you know that in the United States the average age of cars and light trucks on the roads today has reached a record high of 9.4 years? That means it´s more important than ever to take proper care of your vehicle.

With the informative Web site www.MotorOilMatters.org (created by the maker of industry-leading brands Pennzoil and Quaker State) you can easily locate key information about how quality motor oils can help prolong your engine´s life and improve overall efficiency, as well as help answer other questions you may have about motor oil. In addition, the site offers a fun, educational game for you to play called "M.O.M. Knows Best" where you can put your motor mind to the test with an interactive quiz.

Did you know?

According to a recent survey from the Automotive Service Association, more than 54 percent of customers who take their vehicles for service and repair are women

Using a high-quality motor oil in the right grade can help maximize fuel economy

Low-quality oils that do not meet industry standards or the vehicle manufacturer´s requirements could cost consumers in the long run by potentially damaging the vehicle´s engine or possibly voiding the manufacturer´s warranty

Another reason to look to a high-quality motor oil - like Pennzoil and Quaker State - is that it is designed to meet the demands of today´s engines"

-Courtesy of Shell Motor Oil Matters

***

The Shell Motor Oil Matters website helps consumers understand how high quality motor oils can help prolong the life of their vehicles. Did you know that more than 54% of consumers who take their car to a service station are women? I had the wonderful opportunity to take the knowledge I gained from the informative Motor Oil Matters site to Jiffy Lube for a complimentary, high quality oil change.

I went to Jiffy Lube on a Friday and figured the wait time would be long. To my surprise our truck was done with the oil change before my daughter and I were even done with lunch, next door. They even gave me $10 off because they were running a special. The truck was driving much smoother after the oil was changed and I was very pleased!

Thanks so much to Jiffy Lube and Shell Motor Oil Matters for the complimentary oil change! I love their informative website and my favorite part is the "M.O.M. Knows Best" educational game.

*I received a $35 Jiffy Lube Gift Card through My Blog Spark to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Jiffy Lube is giving a $35 Gift Card to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... What you found most interesting on the Shell Motor Oil Matters site. Or, what motor oil misconception did you have that was put to rest through the site's info? What did you score on the M.O.M. Knows Best Game?

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends July 1, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest!

2010-06-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

"Pasta has always played an important role in my family's pantry: it appeased the picky eater going through the "I just want it plain" phase and now provides a versatile base for quick meals incorporating meats and vegetables that give my kids the additional nutrients they need.

Since it looks and tastes like traditional pasta, Ronzoni Smart Taste does the job on both fronts, and is also an excellent source of fiber, calcium and Vitamin D.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, less than 60 percent of children age three to five get enough calcium, and the numbers decline as kids get older. And with three out of four pre-school age children also not getting enough fiber, Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta combines the nutritional benefits you want as a Mom with the great taste your kids want to eat—plain or not."

-Courtesy of Mom Central

Our photo: Pasta Sauce Princess

My family loves Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta and we have have tried it a few times before. The great thing about Ronzoni Smart Taste is that you really can't tell the difference between it and regular pasta.

I'd love for you to vote for me or another favorite photo of yours in the Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest! Our photo is above. Anyone who votes is entered to win a $25 gift card! The winner of the photo contest wins $500 and a year's supply of pasta. Here's the link:

http://ronzonismarttaste.newworldpasta.com/blogger

*I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Recipes that Kids Can Make Dad for Father's Day

2010-06-07T17:38:00.000-05:00

Children can proudly make dad breakfast in bed with these delicious kid-friendly recipe ideas from Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes.

MAKE DAD BREAKFAST IN BED THIS FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 20th

With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to celebrate dad. As for gifts, most fathers have more than enough ties and gadgets, so why not give him something more memorable this year. Start his day with a delicious, warm and cheerful breakfast that is sure to fill his stomach and his heart. With Aunt Jemima® Frozen Pancakes, making breakfast for dad can be so simple that kids, along with another adult, can help make his day.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are easy to make and can be prepared in only one minute in the microwave or toaster. Choose from a wide variety sure to please dad’s palate including: Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and Blueberry and New Confetti Pancakes. Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are available nationwide in the freezer section of grocery stores at suggested retail price of $2.69 for a package of 12 pancakes. They are a good source of 6 vitamins and minerals and contain no preservatives.

Here are some ways to celebrate dad:

HEAVENLY HOMESTYLE HAPPY FACE

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes

Microwaveable Bacon

Microwaveable Sausage Links

Home fries- any style you prefer

Table Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare the microwaveable bacon according to package and arrange as hair

-Prepare microwaveable sausage and arrange as a happy face smile

-Prepare home fries according to package and use as finishing touch for the happy face eyes

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

BUTTERMILK BANANA BEAR

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes

Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes

One Banana

Blueberries

Raisins

Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes in a toasted oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package and -arrange as bears ears

-Prepare two small slices of a banana and place on top of the mini pancakes for the bear’s ears

-Prepare two smaller slices of banana and arrange onto of pancake for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare one blueberry sliced in half and then place on top of banana slices for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare three raisins and arrange as the bear’s nose

-Add Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup to make the bear’s smile

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

For additional recipes and more information about Aunt Jemima® Frozen Breakfast, log onto www.auntjemimafrozen.com.

About Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast:

The Aunt Jemima® brand has been associated with high quality, great tasting breakfast products for over 100 years. Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast offers an easy breakfast solution, with a full variety of homemade-tasting items that can be prepared in minutes in the toaster or the microwave. Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast includes light and fluffy pancakes, warm and delicious waffles, hand-dipped and griddle-cooked French toast, complete single-serve breakfast entrées and portable breakfast sandwiches. For more information on Aunt Jemima Frozen Breakfast, log onto www.auntjemimafrozen.com.

About Pinnacle Foods Group LLC

Millions of times a day in over 80% of American households, consumers reach for Pinnacle Foods brands. We are a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products, many of whom have been trusted household names for decades. Headquartered in Mountain Lakes , NJ , our $2.6B business employs more than 4,500 people in 19 sites around North America . We are a leader in the dry and frozen foods segments and our brands hold the #1 or #2 market position in 9 out of 12 major category segments in which they compete. Our dry foods brands consists primarily of Armour® canned meats, Bernstein’s® and Nalley® salad dressings, Comstock® and Wilderness® delicious pie fillings and toppings, Duncan Hines® baking mixes and frostings, Log Cabin® syrups and pancake mixes, Nalley® and Brooks® chili and chili ingredients, Mrs. Butterworth's® syrups and Open Pit® barbecue sauces, snacks from Tim’s Cascade Snacks®, Snyder of Berlin® and Husman®, and Vlasic® pickles, peppers and relish. The frozen foods brands consists primarily of Aunt Jemima® frozen breakfasts, Birds Eye®, Birds Eye Steamfresh®, Birds Eye Voila!®, Celeste® frozen pizza, C&W® (California & Washington) and McKenzie’s®, Freshlike®, Lender's® bagels, Swanson® and Hungry-Man® frozen dinners and entrees, Van de Kamp's® and Mrs. Paul's® frozen seafood, and Birds Eye Fresh®, a premium line of fresh vegetables.
-Courtesy of Aunt Jemima

May Monthly Wrap Up

2010-06-03T18:08:00.000-05:00

It's time again for the monthly wrap up, but this may be a light version since I didn't do as much posting in May!

Books I Read in May:

I'm a naughty girl, because I read no books in May! But I am really looking forward to the new Eclipse novella by Stephanie Meyer that will be released in 2 days. I anticipate a trip to the book store this weekend...

Top Posts in May:

NaBloPoMo: April Monthly Wrap Up

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Google Friend Connect Week at Smart and Trendy Moms

Stunning and Eco Friendly Mother's Day Gifts

Some Healthy Travel Tips from Dr. Lewin: E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.

Chic Canvas Offers Exclusive Discount!

Bloggers: Blogger Black Book!

Happy Mother's Day!

Little (Belated) Luxuries for Every Stage of Life-May 9/10

Top Commenters

Baby Cakes Mama

Visitors

Amanda T

Just Writing

J. Anderson

Lisa

Julee

Elise

dddiva

Jill

Momma Teri

Traci66

QueenB

Lvoskani

Denise

SunflowerMommie

Rachel

Tree

Shannon

MSB

alicia

The Fat Nutrition Writer

Pam

Books I Hope to Read in June

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) by Stephenie Meyer

Posts Coming Up in June

Reviews (and maybe a giveaway or two!):

You're Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4-to 12-Year-Old Child by Betsy Brown Braun

The Ultimate Grilling Collection from Williams-Sonoma

Set of 4 Star Wars Cookie Cutters from Williams-Sonoma

Ronzoni Smart Taste Photo Contest and Blog Tour

Shell Motor Oil Matters

I had the awesome opportunity to review three products from Momcepts! The List Caddy, Koalabiner, and Koala Pouch. All three products are organizational products specifically designed to enhance your shopping experience!

I actually hosted a review and giveaway for the List Caddy on my former blog. I have found this to be an ingenious product great for the home and shopping trips. The List Caddy has a magnet on the back of it, so at home I attach it to the refrigerator. It holds notes, lists, and a pen too! When I need to make a trip to the grocery I take it with me and attach it to my shopping cart handle. It holds my coupons, shopping list and a pen to mark off the things I have put in my basket. Love it!

The Koalabiner is yet another inspired product from Momcepts. It is a metal clip shaped like a koala's head. You can attach it to your shopping cart handle and then attach your purse or reusable shopping bags to it. It keeps those items out of your way and makes it difficult for kids or thieves to make off with your stuff! You can also use the Koalabiner to clip two grocery bags together to keep the contents inside and to make it easier to carry them both at once.

And last but not least is the Momcepts Koala Pouch. Every mom needs this eco-conscious shopping organizer! It has tons of uses. You can organize and remember what you need for your shopping trips. It has a pocket for and includes two stylish reusable grocery bags. This organizer is spacious enough for coupons, lists, a pen, and List Caddy holders. There is even a see through pouch for your iPhone or Blackberry. The organizer has velcro so you can fold it over your shopping cart handle and have easy access. There is also a clip for your keys and other items.

Thanks so much to Momcepts for letting me test drive their wonderful products!

*I received samples of the featured products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

French's New Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Review

2010-05-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to test a new product from America ’s favorite mustard, French’s. It’s the company’s NEW French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce!

Everyone knows kids loves to play with their food, so why not let them dip! From favorites like chicken fingers and pretzel sticks, French’s new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce will become a family must-have from the first time you try it! In addition, it’s a great way to get finicky kids to enjoy their vegetables. So cut up some carrot and celery sticks and let them dip away!

Take A Dip Before Summer !

French’s® Debuts New Dipping Sauce

Bringing Excitement to Everyday Meals

According to the National Restaurant Association, more than 70 billion meals were served in restaurants nationwide last year. For the many consumers who enjoy recreating the restaurant experience at home with chicken fingers and other popular menu items, French’s®, America’s favorite mustard, has created a break-through dipping sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a flavorful and fun experience that everyone in the family will love and especially the kids!

The new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is a creamy and sweet condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and smoothness that adds excitement to a variety of finger foods. It is perfect for making everyday meals more interesting.

“In an effort to be economical, many families are trying to eat at home more often,” says Miguel Gonzalez, brand manager for French’s Mustard. “With its special blend of real honey and French’s mustard, our new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce makes eating at home a novel experience. Happy Dipping!”

French’s Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce compliment all kid and family favorites such as chicken nuggets but is also ideal for dipping other finger foods like veggies, fish sticks, French fries and even pretzels. It is available in a 12 oz. squeeze bottle and has a suggested retail price of $2.49. It will be available nationwide, March 2010. This new product joins French’s existing product line of traditional mustards, also available in squeeze bottles, such as Classic Yellow, Spicy Brown, Honey, Honey Dijon and Horseradish.

-Courtesy of French's

***

I had the wonderful opportunity to sample French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. The sauce is made with real honey. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce is great with pretzels, carrots & celery, chicken nuggets, french fries and more!

My husband was the first to try the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. He tried it along with the mini corn dogs he loves to eat. French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce certainly got the seal of approval!

My daughter loves the sauce with treats like nuggets, fries, corn dogs, even croutons. I like to dip healthier snacks like veggies and pretzels in French's new Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.

Thanks so much to French's for the samples!

*I received a sample of French's to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Kohl's Cares for Kids: Toy Story Plush Toys & Books Review & {Giveaway}!

2010-05-20T16:38:00.001-05:00

Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 premieres in June, but Woody and Buzz are already making their debut at Kohl’s Department Stores with exclusive Toy Story books and plush toys for just $5 each.

You can feel good about buying these great books and plush characters through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® program because 100 percent of the net profit goes to children’s health and education initiatives nationwide. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the program. Since its inception Kohl’s Cares for Kids® has raised more than $150 million.

In addition to the Toy Story merchandise, Top Secret Restaurant Recipes is also available at Kohl’s now for only $5 through the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program. Enjoy that famous food from a select restaurant and make a positive difference in the lives of children.

With the premier of Toy Story 3 coming up, now is a great time to let your readers know about this special opportunity. If you are interested in a review set (Buzz, Woody, Rex, Books and Cookbook) or in hosting a giveaway, please let me know!

-Courtesy of Kohl's Cares for Kids

***

We were very excited to review the newest items in Kohl's Cares for Kids line! Kohl's Cares for Kids features great toys and books for only $5 each. 100% of the proceeds goes to benefit childrens health and education initiatives nationwide. The newest items are from Toy Story & Toy Story 2. We received a Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Dinosaur Plush Toys, and Toy Story & Toy Story 2 books.

My daughter and her friends love the toys and books and I love that they are of such high quality and value. You couldn't get a better made plush toy for $5. And you feel great knowing that 100% off the proceeds goes to benefit needy children. Get the whole Toy Story gift set for $25!

Its fun for me to see my daughter enjoy the same stories I enjoyed as a kid. I remember when my dad took me to see Toy Story when I was in elementary school.

Thanks to Kohl's for the wonderful samples!

*I received samples from Kohl's Cares for Kids to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Kohl's Cares for Kids is giving away a Toy Story Prize Pack (3 Plush Toys & 2 Books) to one (1) 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... who you might want to win this prize pack for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 30, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest & Ultimate Lithium Batteries {Giveaway}!

2010-05-19T16:53:00.003-05:00

2009 Grand Prize Winning Photo

Energizer recently launched the third annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest. If you are planning a vacation or a staycation, remember to bring your camera because you might just take that photo that wins you a trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles. Did I mention you will also have your image appear in an Energizer Ultimate Lithium ad in National Geographic?

All skill levels are encouraged to enter and you don’t have to have professional equipment to capture a winning photo. One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Entry is simple: Visit www.energizer.com/lithium and click on Enter Now and follow the directions.

From Amateur to Accomplished, Photographers Get a “Shot” at Greatness

National Geographic and Energizer Team Up for Third Annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest

Many photographers dream of seeing their images in the pages of National Geographic magazine. Now, through the third annual Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest, photo enthusiasts of all skills levels will have a chance to realize that dream. The winner will have their photo featured in the December issue of National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries, and they’ll also be awarded the trip of a lifetime – a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles.

Through Wednesday, June 30, aspiring photographers can visit nationalgeographic.com/lithium to enter one photo in each of six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Whether you are a digital photography novice, a proud picture-taking mom or a long-time photo enthusiast, all skill levels are encouraged to enter.

“You don’t have to be an expert or have professional equipment to capture a magnificent shot,” said 20-year National Geographic photographer and contest judge Jim Richardson. “One of last year’s Category Winning photos was shot by a zoo employee on a regular point-and-shoot camera. Great photography is often about being in the right place at the right time and making sure you’re prepared to capture the moment when it happens.”

After the entry period closes, Richardson will review all of the entries and select two finalists in each category. Then, from Aug. 17 through Sept. 15, Americans will be asked to go online and review each of the Category Finalists and vote for their favorite in each category. Once the Category Winners are determined, Richardson will help choose a Grand Prize Winner, to be announced on or about Nov. 4.

The Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Web site also serves as a valuable resource for photo enthusiasts. Visitors can check out photos and tips from Richardson, enjoy a gallery of past winners as well as view a weekly gallery that will be updated with new submissions. Photo buffs can even participate in a Q&A with Richardson, asking about anything from his 20 years with National Geographic to questions on gear and equipment.

“I love fielding questions related to the gear we use,” said Richardson. “One of photographers’ biggest complaints is coming across a great image and realizing your equipment has run out of juice. When you’re out in the field, it’s the last thing you want to worry about. Keeping Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries on hand gives me peace of mind, so I can concentrate on getting the perfect shot.”

Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries are the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries in high-tech devices. They last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer* in flash units than Energizer_®_®, the company’s flagship alkaline brand. The batteries also last longer in portable GPS units, LED flashlights and handheld games. MAX

Along with a storage life of 15 years, Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries are 33 percent lighter than ordinary alkaline batteries and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to 60 degrees Celsius), making them ideal for photographers who are on-the-go.

“Energizer sets a world standard for reliability and long-lasting power, so it made perfect sense for us to partner with the world’s premier publication honoring photojournalism,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Both Energizer and National Geographic share the goal of celebrating the work of photographers from all skill levels. We can’t wait to see the incredible submissions the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest receives this year.”

Entry into the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest begins April 15, 2010, at 12 a.m. and ends June 30, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Photos must be submitted online. No print or film submissions will be accepted.

Richardson will select the 12 Category Finalists based on the following criteria: extent to which photo captures the essence of the theme selected (25 percent); impact and creativity (50 percent); and composition, clarity and technical quality (25 percent). The 12 photos designated a Category Finalist will be posted online at nationalgeographic.com/lithium on Aug. 17, and voting for the winning photo in each category will extend through Sept. 15. The Grand Prize Winner will be selected by Richardson and announced on or about Nov. 4.

Each of the Category Winners will receive a prize pack comprised of an EPIC Action Video Cam, a Nikon COOLPIX L110 digital camera, a Litepanels Micro® camera light, an Energizer_® Ultimate^® Lithium 1AA Handheld flashlight, an Energizer_® Ultimate^®Lithium Headlight, an assortment of Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries and two books from the National Geographic Collection: “Journeys of a Lifetime” and “National Geographic: The Image Collection.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive all of the items listed above as well as a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles, accompanied by a National Geographic expert.

*Versus Energizer_® MAX_®. Results vary by device.

-Courtesy of Energizer

*I received 2 packs of batteries and a $10 gift card free of charge as a thank you for spreading the word about the contest.

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Energizer wants to inspire you to take that winning photo by giving away 3 packs of Ultimate Lithium Batteries (two AA & one AA) to one 512 Kidz reader($33 value)!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... where you might take your winning photo or what the subject might be.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 29, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

The Lost Children Winner

2010-05-16T17:45:00.000-05:00

And the winner of The Lost Children Book Giveaway is... Comment #56, DEBIJOT. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered, followed, and posted this giveaway!

Bloggers: Blogger Black Book!

2010-05-07T16:57:00.000-05:00

Bloggers! I wanted to tell you about an awesome PR service that connect companies and bloggers called Blogger Black Book. Sign up and they match you with companies so you can do product reviews and giveaways on your blog. Check it out: www.bloggerblackbook.com/survey Just let them know that '512kidz' sent you in the 'How Did You Hear About Us?' section. Thanks so much!

Chic Canvas offers Exclusive Discount!

2010-05-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

"Chic Canvas offers Exclusive Discounts! I wanted to let you know about a great promotion going on with Chic Canvas right now. Chic is offering all of its canvases at 20% off with code: 512kidz

Chic Canvas gallery quality canvases commemorates all of your precious memories with beautiful Art. ChicCanvas.com offers customers the ability to upload any photo and have it re-printed onto canvas in about a week.

Prices start at $89.00 "
http://www.chiccanvas.com/

-Courtesy of Chic Canvas

Some Healthy Travel Tips from Dr. Lewin: E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.

2010-05-06T19:18:00.000-05:00

"It is no secret that obesity and a lack of good nutrition plagues many Americans. With more than 66% of Americans obese and more than two-thirds of obese children destined to become obese adults – we must break the cycle, but where do we begin?

I work with Dr. Margaret Lewin who specializes in nutrition and prevention who believes ‘you are what you eat’ and the first step is controlling cravings and what you consume. Her full bio is below.

Some Healthy Travel Tips from Dr. Lewin: E.A.T. R.I.G.H.T.

· Eat the rainbow! Not only do foods of varying colors pack a wealth of nutrition, they also look ever so enticing on the plate!

· Avoid processed foods.

· Take a list with you when you shop – with a mind to whole meals containing those fresh fruits and vegetables of varying colors as well as whole grains.

· Read package labels carefully.

· Inspect fruits and vegetables carefully for signs of spoilage, store them properly, and wash them immediately before using.

· Get locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables when possible, in order to maximize nutrition; decrease the risk of contamination and save money.

· Have fish at least twice weekly – it’s high in protein, low in calories and fat, and high in omega-3 fatty acids.

· Take time to enjoy your meals, eating slowly to decrease portion size and to help digestion.

Dr. Margaret Lewin
Chief Medical Director of Cinergy Health
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology, she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. She is affiliated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital and The Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Lewin has worked throughout her career to improve the American healthcare system. She has been on the boards of state and local medical societies and is Immediate Past President of the New York County Medical Society and Immediate Past District President of the American College of Physicians. Her decades-long volunteer work has included service to many local projects and organizations and has been enriched by her medical missions to the Third World .

Dr. Lewin has authored numerous articles in leading medical journals and lay magazines, as well as chapters for medical textbooks. Her areas of special interest and expertise include travel medicine, primary and preventive care, men's health and women's health."

-Courtesy of Cinergy Health & Dr Margaret Lewin

Stunning and Eco-Friendly Mother's Day Gifts

2010-05-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

"Green fashion and eco-consciousness are growing trends that are here to stay, and we thought your readers would enjoy recommendations for greening their Mother’s Day this year. Like all Brilliant Earth products, our Mother’s Day gifts are made of ethically-sourced conflict-free diamonds, fair-trade gemstones and 100% recycled metals, and 5% of profits are donated to African communities that have been affected by the jewelry trade.

Here are some of our favorite ways to impress Mom without spoiling the planet:

Create a personalized charm necklace: Our recycled sterling silver charm pendants are the perfect keepsake gift for every mother. Select her child’s initial and pair it with a darling heart, bee or lotus charm for a personal, one-of-a-kind gift. 

Pick her favorite colored gemstone:
-Does she have a thing for purple? Check out our Grape Garnet earrings and pendant.
-Does she look amazing in orange? A pair of Fire Citrine earrings or a pendant will be perfect!
-If she is a true blue gal, our ethical origin Blue Sapphire stud earrings will be an incredible gift.

Gift her pearls of wisdom: Our eco-friendly Tahitian pearl earrings and pendants are elegant, modern, and perfect for everyday wear."

-Courtesy of Brilliant Earth

The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan Book Review & {Giveaway}!

2010-05-05T18:08:00.001-05:00

The Lost Children
by Carolyn Cohagan

"With a quirky and charming style that should draw in readers from the outset, Cohagan's debut
is a gently creepy, captivating fantasy about loss, determination, and hope."
-Publishers Weekly

It is my pleasure to introduce you to author Carolyn Cohagan and her new middle grade novel, The Lost Children. With colorful, vivid prose, Cohagan's debut novel takes readers on the epic adventure of twelve year-old protagonist Josephine and her friends Fargus and Ida. On their mission to uncover the mystery of the lost children of Gulm, the unlikely trio must travel through cracks between worlds, battle mouthless monsters, and a daunting villain named The Master, who rules over the land of Gulm. In a world where nothing is like it seems, the friends learn the value of self-trust, true friendship and family. In the tradition of classics like Alice in Wonderland, The Lost Children is a rollercoaster of adventure and mystery, with spunky, courageous characters that make this book a must-read for children and parents alike. This epic fantasy opens a magic portal of communication between young and old, encouraging children and parents to put themselves in each other’s shoes and grow beyond the roles of parent and child to develop a more understanding and loving relationship. A passionate advocate for the connection between kids and adults through the shared joy of reading and writing, Carolyn Cohagan has been a long time mentor for the Los Angeles based non-profits Reading to Kids and Young Storytellers.

The book trailer can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu9d2wyQqg. Please find more information about the book and author Carolyn Cohagan in the paragraphs below.

The Lost Children

By Carolyn Cohagan
Alladin, February 9, 2010

Book Synopsis:

Josephine Russing owns 387 pairs of gloves. She's given a new pair every week by her father, a sullen man known best for his insistence that the citizens in town wear gloves at all times. A world away, the children of Gulm have been taken. No one knows where they might be, except the mysterious and terrifying leader of the land: The Master. When a peculiar boy named Fargus shows up on Josephine's property and then disappears soon afterward, she follows him without a second thought and finds herself magically transported to Gulm. After Fargus introduces her to his tough-as-nails friend Ida, the three of them set off on an adventure that will test everything Josephine has ever thought about the rules of the universe, leading to a revelation about the truth of the land of Gulm, and of Josephine's own life back home.

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iu9d2wyQqg

Author Bio:

Carolyn Cohagan began her writing career as a stand-up comic, performing in comedy clubs all over the world. After studying physical theater at the Ecole International de Theatre Jacques LeCoq in Paris she began to write and perform award-winning one-woman shows and theater plays throughout North America and Canada. Since moving to Los Angeles she has worked as a freelance journalist, blogger, and red carpet host for Film Independent, a non-profit organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Independent Spirit Awards. A passionate advocate for literacy among young readers, Carolyn mentors with the non-profit organizations Reading to Kids and Young Storytellers. The Lost Children is Carolyn’s first novel. She is currently working on a sequel entitled "Ida and the Unfinished City." She's also creating a performance piece based on "The Lost Children" that allows children to participate in the telling of the story by transforming them into physical elements of the scenes. In becoming the life on the story, children orchestrate and experience each moment of the story as their own and learn to develop confidence in their own unique ways of creative expression.

Author Website:

http://www.thelostchildrenbook.com

Praise for the book:

"With a quirky and charming style that should draw in readers from the outset, Cohagan's debut is a gently creepy, captivating fantasy about loss, determination, and hope."
-Publishers Weekly

"This nifty fantasy from a new author has everything: Great characters, creepy villains, laughs, frights and a great surprise twist at the end."
-Buffalo News

"A worthy first children's novel that pulses with life and promise."
-Austin Statesman

"Carolyn Cohagan's debut novel is filled with magic, wonder, and curiosity. It takes readers into a whole new world of fantasy and mystery."
-The Undercover Book Lover

“The main characters are well developed, particularly the spunky and plain-spoken Ida, the laconic but loyal Fargus, and Josephine, whose journey uncovers hidden strengths and helps her to understand her enigmatic father…
-Booklist

-Courtesy of Aladdin Books/Carolyn Cohagan

I was curious to review The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan. The synopsis sounded very Harry Potter-esque! The Lost Children is Cohagan's debut novel. She grew up here in my home base, Austin, Texas and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Cohagan has a comedy background and studied theatre in Paris. She credits her parents for "...never making her get a real job...". Love it! She is also a fellow blogger.

The Lost Children is for fantasy readers of all ages. I have been reading a few pages to my daughter at bedtime. I love the beautifully bound book and interesting names in the book. i.e. Fargus, Gulm...

The Lost Children is a fantasy. The three main characters are Josephine, Fargus, and Ida. Worlds away, the children of Gulm have disappeared and only the terrifying leader of the land knows where they may be. Josephine follows Fargus and finds herself transported to the land of Gulm. Fargus introduces Josephine to his friend Ida and they set off on an adventure that will reveal the truth about the land of Gulm.

I love this book and am excited for the sequel Ida and the Unfinished City. Cohagan is even creating a performance piece based on The Lost Children that will allow kids to participate in the story!

Thanks to Aladdin books for the book sample!

*I received a sample of The Lost Children to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Aladdin Books is giving away a copy of The Lost Children to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... why/who you would like to win this book for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

Google Friend Connect Week at Smart and Trendy Moms

2010-05-05T14:55:00.001-05:00

It's Google Friend Connect Week at Smart and Trendy Moms! Link-up and get new blog readers. It's a 'Social Parade'! Every week a new theme is introduced and everything revolves around getting new followers. Just follow the instructions in the post!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

2010-05-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

UV Skinz is giving away free UV Protective Baby Swim Shirts to all customers who place an order this May in honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. UV Skinz, your one-stop shop for UV Protective Swim Shirts and UV clothing, wants to ensure that even the youngest members of our families are given proper protection against skin cancer, which is dangerously on the rise in babies, children and teens. This is the third year in a row that UV Skinz has generously given away swimwear for their cause. Help them meet their goal of giving away 3,000 swim shirts for babies! Just visit www.uvskinz.com to learn more!

UV Skinz was started after Rhonda Sparks lost her 32-year-old husband to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. It was this experience and being left to raise their three young boys on her own that gave her the determination to help bring products to the market that can help families live sun safe, while never forgetting how important it is to LIVE and HAVE FUN outdoors!

-Courtesy of UV Skinz

STL Ocarina Review

2010-05-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

As parents begin to finalize plans for their children's summer activities, I have a music expert who can provide insight into why either learning to play a musical instrument or continuing to practice over the summer provides key benefits for kids.

Laura Yeh, director of the St. Louis School of Music who designs ocarinas for STL Ocarina, says there are practical benefits kids realize by learning to play a musical instrument and with parents still paying close attention to costs, she says it is possible to learn to play a musical instrument without breaking the bank.

"In this economy, music lessons and musical instrument purchases and rentals might be out of reach, but there are alternatives," she says.

STL Ocarina is offering two summer enrichment packages:

The Art of Ocarina for Young Children: This method book is specially designed for children and those of who are young at heart. Through ten step-by-step lessons, you can learn how to read music and how to play songs on your six-hole ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. A demonstration CD is included so you can play along with us! This book also includes: 10 Step-by-step lessons; Colorful fingering chart; Over 30 well known songs; Tips on how to practice each song; and a free 6-hole plastic ocarina. SRP: $30 Available at http://stlocarina.com/method3.html

The Art of Ocarina for Older Kids (ages 10+): This method book is designed to help older children learn to play the ocarina. No prior musical knowledge is required. In addition to presenting various rhythms and the fingerings for the notes, our lessons provide instruction on how to read standard musical notation on the ocarina. The repertoire chapter includes 12 famous songs with detailed information on how to practice each song. A demonstration CD of all the songs in the book is provided to help you learn to play beautifully. This method book includes: 12 Step-by-Step lessons; How to play each note; Tips on how to practice; Breathing techniques; How to play various rhythms; How to play in different keys; Scales and exercises for daily practice; Over 50 well known songs; and a demonstration CD. Also included in this custom package is a 12-hole Plastic Tenor Ocarina in C Major. SRP: $39. Available at http://www.stlocarina.com

Yeh has also put together nine benefits kids realize by learning to play a musical instrument.

Nine Benefits of Music Education for Kids

By Laura Yeh

Kids who learn to play a musical instrument gain an outlet for their creativity that can bring them a joy for a lifetime. They also reap tangible benefits that can help them as students and throughout their lives.

Through musical instruction, children learn discipline, patience, problem-solving skills, confidence and responsibility, to name just a few benefits. Let’s take a closer look at some of the advantages your child can gain from learning to play an instrument:

Precision, discipline and focus: In addition to fostering the development of discipline, music enables children to learn precision and accuracy. I know of no other form of education that can help students learn this kind of focused precision at a young age. Students learn to pay close attention to exactly how a particular skill looks, sounds and feels. The brain learns to notice more detail.

Patience: Students gain the valuable quality of patience, especially with a more complex instrument like violin or piano. Each skill requires hundreds of repetitions to become easy. Students must have the confidence that they will get it if they just keep practicing.

Problem-solving and persistence: Practicing is always about problem-solving. Why do I make a mistake here or why does it sound squeaky? What solutions can I come up with to fix the mistake? Good practice techniques require creativity and patience to identify and solve the problem. From this, students learn persistence. No passage is impossible to play correctly. It’s just a matter of finding the right way of practicing.

Fine motor skills: I have seen the development of fine motor skills in my violin students, particularly the ability to isolate certain muscles and joints as well as the independent use of each finger.

Healthy habits: Learning a musical instrument requires good posture and the ability to keep muscles relaxed even while doing something challenging. Students also strengthen muscles and gain flexibility, both of which contribute to overall health.

Memory: As music is memorized, the capabilities of memory are greatly enhanced. Education then becomes a matter of drawing conclusions and making connections between concepts rather than an exertion to merely memorize all the material. The younger a child can begin learning music, the greater the benefit for their short- and long-term memory.

Creativity: The wonderful thing about music is that, although it requires precision and accuracy in terms of rhythms, notes and playing technique, when it comes to interpretation, there is so much room for individuality. The skill of improvisation allows even greater creativity. Students learn to think for themselves and make their own artistic choices rather than being told how to do everything.

Cultural Understanding: Students are introduced to music of different cultures and from different times. This exposure is useful for kids to learn about and appreciate the differences and individuality of all people.

Confidence and work ethic: Students learn that if they apply themselves intelligently, efficiently, and persistently they achieve the desired result.

So what is the best way to introduce children to music? Many children with encouragement can learn challenging instruments such as the violin and piano. But not all families can invest the money and time required for instruments and lessons. A wonderful instrument that I have found to help spur children’s interest in music is the ocarina.

These ancient little wind instruments were played by the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas of South and Central America and in ancient India and China. The ocarina was well known in the United States in the early part of the last century after being issued to troops in the two World Wars.

In 2004, I bought several ocarinas while on a visit to Taiwan. I was impressed by how easy the ocarina was to pick up and play. So we began teaching it at the St. Louis School of Music. It turned out to be a perfect fit.

The ocarina is pocket-sized, fun and intriguing to play. It’s portable, economical and has a pleasant sound even in the hands of a beginner. It offers a great way to teach children the lifelong joys of music and introduce them to skills that will help them excel in everything they do.

———————————————————————————————————————

About the Author:

Laura Yeh is a performer and music educator trained in the Suzuki methods of instruction who teaches violin and ocarina at the St. Louis School of Music to children as young as 3 and adults. Laura and her husband Dennis have collaborated with ocarina makers around the world to produce new models of the ocarina. They have designed and produced many unique and innovative ocarinas sold by STL Ocarina (http://www.stlocarina.com).

-Courtesy of STL Ocarina & Laura Yeh

I was impressed when I received two STL Ocarinas for review! There are two sizes, one for children younger than age 10 and a larger Ocarina for children and adults 10 and over. The Ocarinas I received are made of durable, thick, hard plastic. The smaller Ocarina is blue and the larger is green. Simple but awesome!

I also received two Guide Books for learning to play the Ocarinas. I actually tried playing the smaller Ocarina for children first, because it looked easier. But the larger Ocarina makes such a beautiful sound when you play it.

I love that these Ocarinas are of such high quality but come at a great value. The smaller Ocarina is $30 and the larger Ocarina is $39. These are real instruments that everyone can afford!

Even renting instruments can be very expensive, not to mention purchasing them. With STL Ocarinas your child can learn to play a real wind instrument this summer. And you won't break the bank.

My daughter loves the child's Ocarina and is in the kitchen practicing as I write this. We personally have a small painted terracotta frog Ocarina that a friend brought us from her travels.

Thanks to STL Ocarina for the samples!

*I received two Ocarinas and two Guide book samples to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Baby Magic Patty Cake Review

2010-05-03T18:55:00.000-05:00

I’m excited to let you know about a new launch from Baby Magic® that I think every parent in North America is going to appreciate.

Launching this June, Baby Magic® is introducing the world’s first U.S. patented, talc-free, dustless baby powder compact. The hypoallergenic formula comes in a pressed powder form, so it easily stores away without all the mess of the traditional baby powders, and provides well over 250 uses (or more than two months).

Baby Magic® Introduces Patty Cake®,
World’s First Patented Dustless Baby Powder Compact

When it comes to changing diapers, there hasn’t been much advancement in the past century. Sure, we’ve gone from cloth to disposable diapers, an innovation that had moms the world over crying for joy, but beyond that, many parents have followed the same diaper-changing protocol for generations: remove soiled diaper, clean, apply lotion and sprinkle your little one – and everything around them – with baby powder. If only the process could be made easier and less messy. Coming this spring, Baby Magic® – a mom- and physician-approved brand for more than 100 years – will revolutionize the industry with the launch of Patty Cake®, the world’s first U.S. patented*, talc-free, dustless baby powder compact that will help give parents the magic touch at the changing table.

Baby Magic® Patty Cake®, the first pressed baby powder packaged in a conveniently-sized compact, implements a hypo-allergenic, talc-free formula that uses rice starch and Lauroyl L-lysine to help keep skin dry. Together with zinc oxide, a proven ingredient in diaper rash prevention; moisturizing jojoba esters, derived from natural jojoba oil; and lubricating squalene, derived from olives; Patty Cake® eases chafing and dryness on your baby's most sensitive areas.

DIRECTIONS: Using the disposable cotton round applicators included in every package (extra rounds can be stored in compact), swipe applicator across Patty Cake®. Apply baby powder on baby’s bottom and other areas that can use powder and are susceptible to irritating friction. Not only is the precise application easy-to-use, the dustless formula eliminates the possibility of airborne particles from entering your baby’s lungs, something that is hard to avoid with all other baby powders.

Suggested Retail Price: $8.99 (Over 250 Applications)

Patty Cake® will launch at CVS stores nationwide June 2010, with more retailers to follow.

* U.S. Patent 5747007

About Baby Magic
Baby Magic is the dermatologist and pediatrician-endorsed brand known for gently cleansing and protecting babies for over 100 years. Providing a wealth of information and support on everything parents need to keep their baby’s skin soft, clean and healthy, Baby Magic offers a wide range of products for all your baby care needs. For more information, please visit www.BabyMagic.com.

-Courtesy of Baby Magic

***

I was curious when presented with the opportunity to review Baby Magic Patty Cake. I had never heard of such an ingenious product!

Baby Magic Patty Cake is a Dustless Baby Powder compact. Similar on the outside to a makeup compact, inside is a dustless pressed baby powder cake. Included is a big stack of disposable powder applicators.

I love this product! When my daughter was a baby I never used baby powder because I read somewhere while pregnant that babies can inhale loose powder and its bad for them. Maybe I was a little overcautious but I always was irked by the fact that I could never use baby powder.

In comes Baby Magic Patty Cake. It is a Dustless Pressed Baby Powder so there's no risk of your baby breathing it in. Its also much less messy than loose powder! And Patty Cake is Talc-Free.

I am so excited to pass this product along to my sister in law at her upcoming baby shower. Its confirmed the twins (my niece and nephew) are a boy and a girl! Due this August.

Thanks so much to Baby Magic for the wonderful sample! Look for Baby magic Patty Cake in stores in June.

*I received a Patty Cake sample to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Cascadian Farm Organic 'Live Green Together' Prize Pack Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-05-02T18:26:00.006-05:00

How many times have you come home to an empty house to find that someone left the lights on? Do you leave your toaster and coffee maker plugged in all the time?

The simple act of unplugging electronics when you aren´t using them not only reduces energy, but could save you as much as 10 percent on your electric bill.

With Earth Day´s 40th anniversary on April 22nd fast approaching, Cascadian Farm wants you to join the celebration by pledging to follow a few eco-friendly tips on Facebook. Choose from eight different pledges, ranging from reusing clothes to reducing your speed while driving on the highway, and find the one that fits your lifestyle. For each person that signs a pledge now through May 31, 2010, Cascadian Farm will donate $1, up to $40,000, to the Organic Farming Research Foundation, which fosters the improvement and widespread adoption of organic farming systems.

As the Organic Farming Research Foundation continues to sow seeds to transform agriculture, you can do your part to initiate a positive change for healthier foods and a healthier earth by visiting http://www.facebook.com/cascadianfarm and signing the pledge that´s right for you.

Dedicated to organic goodness since 1972, Cascadian Farm products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients. With your help, we can all live greener together.

Visit CascadianFarm.com to learn more and download a $1.00 coupon today!

-Courtesy of Cascadian Farms

When I was presented with the opportunity to review a Cascadian Farms Organic prize pack, I knew it would be a treat! I had heard of Cascadian Farms Organic and what a great company they were before, but had never tried their products. I often see coupons for their products on coupon printing websites.

I received the following products to sample: Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars, Fruit and Nut Chewy Granola Bars, Dark Chocolate Almond Granola, Fruitful O's, Oats and Honey Granola, and Cinnamon Crunch. I love the Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars, and the Cascadian Farms Organic Granolas, while my daughter likes the Fruit and Nut Chewy Granola Bars and the Cascadian Farms Organic Kids Cereals.

The granola bars are tasty and have delicious whole organic ingredients in them. The Chocolate granola bars are made with real chocolate. And I even tried a bowl of the Fruitful O's which are a fruity cereal made with natural fruit flavors. Yum-O!

Cascadian Farm Organic was founded in Skagit Valley, Washington, USA in 1972. The farm is located in the foothills of Washington's Cascade Mountains.They are commited to brining delicious organic foods to the table.

I love the variety of flavors Cascadian Farm Organic products come in, the scrumptious taste, and the ease of preparation. The products I sampled were all ready to eat.

Thanks so much to Cascadian Farms for the product samples!

*I received a 'Live Green Together' Prize Pack to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given.

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Cascadian Farms is giving away a 'Live Green Together' Prize Pack with Cascadian Farm cereals and granola bars including: Fruitful O´s cereal, Cinnamon Crunch cereal, Chocolate Chip Chewy granola bars, Dark Chocolate Almond Granola, Dark Chocolate Almond granola bars, Oats & Honey granola, and an eco-friendly grocery bag !

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to share... what changes has your family made (or plan to make) in an effort to live greener? Or, which tips from the Cascadian Farm Organic website do you plan to incorporate into your families´ lives?
CascadianFarm.com

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 12, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

Sunshine by Karen Skloss: Independent Lens Review-Airs Tues., May 4 @ 10pm on PBS

2010-05-01T16:52:00.001-05:00

SUNSHINE, Karen Skloss’s film about the changing face of motherhood, will air on the PBS series Independent Lens on Tuesday, May 4 at 10 p.m. (check local listings).

Skloss found herself wondering if history repeats itself when she unexpectedly became pregnant, her own birth the result of her mother’s unplanned pregnancy 23 years earlier. How had ‘unwed motherhood’ changed over those decades, from 1975, when her mother, from a small town in Texas, was sent away in secret to give birth, to today, when single moms are more prevalent but the rules are still being written?

SUNSHINE examines the change from the Scarlet Letter of ‘unwed motherhood’ to today’s single moms through the story of her own life. Today, Karen and her ex-boyfriend co-parent her daughter, Jasmine, equally splitting the time with her. How are the changes in society’s perceptions changing our idea of family?

You can view a trailer here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YApfNHCSTAo

-Courtesy of Independent Lens

***

I was interested when presented with the opportunity to review Sunshine, an Independent Lens film by Karen Skloss. The film examines the changing role of mothers.

Skloss found herself asking the question 'Does history repeat itself?' when she found herself unexpectedly pregnant. She personally was the result of an unplanned pregnancy 23 years earlier.

She wondered how much had 'unwed motherhood' really changed after all these years? Many years ago in 1975 her own mother had gone away in secret to give birth to her. Today single moms are more common, but the rules are 'still being written'.

I personally know many single moms who are great moms! A good friend of mine is a single mom of two kids and does a awesome job. Many of the moms I provided in-home daycare for were single moms and worked hard to provide for their kids. Its amazing how many years ago being a single mom was unheard of, now many powerful, professional moms choose to be single mothers. When I cleaned homes one of our clients had an impressive home and she was a single professional mom of two children. Today single motherhood is more accepted but these mothers still face prejudices.

I love the discussion the film Sunshine brings to the table. Sunshine by Karen Skloss will air Tuesday May 4 at 10 pm on PBS as a feature of Independent Lens. Check your local listings.

* I received a copy of Sunshine to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

NaBloPoMo: April Monthly Wrap Up

2010-05-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

For my last official NaBloPo post I am doing the Monthly Wrap Up for April. I had so much fun with NaBloPoMo and it has really helped me get more into personal blogging. Some ideas I explored during NaBloPoMo may become regular fixtures here at 512 Kidz. Such as Manic Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday/Sepia Scenes, Shelf Share Thursday, Aloha Friday, 6 Degrees of Blogging, and the Monthly Wrap Up. I may not post each topic every day of the week but whenever I have time for blogging or when something strikes my fancy, I will post. Thanks for all your wonderful comments!

Books I read in April:

The Vampire Diaries: Volume I The Return: Nightfall by L. J. Smith (L. Jane Smith)

Top Posts for April:

Carrying Your Child Could Cause them Back Pain for Life
March Monthly Wrap Up
Swagbucks Tips
BlogFrog Turns Blogs into Communities
6 Degrees of Blogging
Triscuit Home Farming Movement
6 Degrees of Blogging II
Not so Wordless Monday

Top Commenters

Becca
Ashley
Organic Motherhood with Cool Whip
Melissa

Regular Visitors

I am Harriet
Lucy
TheAngelForever
The Activity Mom
~Noelle
Night Owl Mama
Yona Williams
imelda
Letherton
julie
triciathomas
alicia
Carolyn Evans Hammond
Tree
Puanani503
Cheryl D.
The Adventures of Princess Zaria
The Social Frog
Tatum
Jeanette Huston
Denise
Eco-office Gals
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga)
Rach
Paul and Kerry
bridget3420
tracyo
Eve
Brittany
Funky Mama Bird
Rene W.
Shayna
Holly Renee
Stella
Widge
AshleyOney
Rona's Home Page
Amy
JamericanSpice
Safe Home Happy Mom
melissa
Twincerely,Olga
Your Mommy Friend Lori
Life with Kaishon
degree
Brianne
AnnCrabs
Mrs.Sanchez

Books I Hope to Read in April

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls

Posts Coming Up in May

Cascadian Farms Review & Giveaway
Jiffy Lube Review & Giveaway
Sea Pak, Rich Whip, and French Meadow Bakery Review
Sunshine DVD/Independent Lens Review
The Lost Children by Carolyn Cohagan Book Review
STL Ocarina Review
and more!

YooHoo & Friends Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-04-30T17:33:00.003-05:00

The brand new site for Aurora's best selling brand, YooHoo & Friends, is here. Aurora created YooHoo & Friends to teach children about animals (many endangered) and the environment from which they came...it makes learning fun for them too www.yoohoofriends.com

The press release below goes into detail about the revamped site and the "Design YooHoo's Next Friend Contest."

Aurora Launches New YooHoo & Friends Web Site
Coincides With Design Next YooHoo & Friends Contest

Toy and gift manufacturer Aurora World Inc. http://www.auroragift.com has launched a brand new web site for its best selling brand, YooHoo & Friends. The free, interactive virtual world at http://www.yoohoofriends.com requires no activation code and is targeted to children 5 to 12 years old. At the web site, visitors can learn about real animals and their environment, play games, send e-cards, download wallpapers, calendars and coloring sheets, as well as adopt and raise YooHoo & Friends. Additionally, “Design YooHoo’s Next Friend Contest” entries are being accepted now; the contest http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/free/color_design.aspx runs through May 31st. http://www.yoohoofriends.com

“We are really happy with the new web site, which is now compatible with multiple browsers. Most importantly, we developed the site to make learning about the world’s animals fun and entertaining,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of Sales. He adds, “The site is packed with quizzes and maps about animals, a ‘My Room’ section for taking care of your pet; a ‘Playground’ with animations and more than 15 games; as well as a fun zone http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/index.aspx for downloads, e-cards and keeping an eye on what’s happening with all the YooHoo & Friends.”

http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/free/color_design.aspx The “Design YooHoo’s Next Friend Contest” encourages children to submit drawings http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=199159&id=288690457999 of who they think YooHoo’s (the original character from YooHoo & Friends) next friend should be. Every entry, such as the “pouch rat” is posted on the Facebook fan page. Three winners will receive various prizes including plush toys from the YooHoo & Friends line. Winners are chosen based on creativity (50%), colors (30%) and choice of animal (20%) and will be notified by June 15, 2010. Aurora encourages fans of the brand to join them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/yoohoofanpage and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/yoohoofriends to see the submission and be the first to get updated on product news, events, and freebies.

Aurora is committed to providing a safe Internet environment for kids and will never distribute personal information to third parties. The website is COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant. For more information, please visit http://www.yoohoofriends.com, email mailto:info@auroragift.com, or call 1-888-287-6722.

About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. www.auroragift.com is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. Aurora’s name reflects its extensive product lines and growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Founded in 1992, the U.S. company has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry. Aurora created one of the nation’s best selling plush lines - YooHoo & Friends™ - and its corresponding free, interactive web site http://www.yoohoofriends.com, appealing to young children and tweens alike. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide.

http://facebook.com/Yoohoofriends
http://twitter.com/yoohoofriends
http://yoohoofriends.wordpress.com

-Courtesy of Aurora World, Inc.

***

I was delighted when presented with the opportunity to review Aurora's YooHoo & Friends collection. I knew my daughter would love the line!

We received two YooHoo & Friends plush product samples. The YooHoo & Friends plush toys come in various sizes, 5 inch, 8 inch, and 24 inch. Some of the plush toys make their own unique sound when you press their tummy.

The two we received were both 5 inch toys that have sound makers in the tummy. Both are original YooHoo's, one in yellow, and one in blue.

My daughter and her friends love the YooHoo toys! I love that YooHoo & Friends also has their own free online game for 5-12 year olds. You don't even need a game piece to play! Thanks so much to Aurora for the delightful samples.

* I received two samples to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that Aurora is giving away one random 5 inch YooHoo & Friends plush toy to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this toy for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

NaBloPoMo: Aloha Friday #5

2010-04-30T16:23:00.000-05:00

Today's post is inspired by An Island Life blog. Just post a random question on your blog. You can link your post to the McLinky on An Island Life's blog. Its a good way to find new bloggy friends!

What are your favorite TV Shows? Why? Found anything good lately?

I love to DVR my favorite TV shows or watch them On Demand. My favorite shows are on HBO & Showtime. They have no commercials and don't bleep out the curse words. LOL! My favorite show lately is a re-discovery. Nurse Jackie. Its a 30-minute series on Showtime on Monday nights. I watched a bit of the first season but didnt get into it. Then one day I was bored and watched the whole first season On Demand, before the second series premiered. I loved it! Now I am enjoying watching the second season. Nurse Jackie is a nurse (obviously) and struggles with pill addiction, cheating on her husband, while doing good deeds in her everyday life. She is portrayed by the wife from the Sopranos. Forgot her name.

Another fave thats always been a fave is United States of Tara, which is currently also in its second season on Showtime, following Nurse Jackie on Monday nights. It is written by Diablo Cody (Juno) and is about a mom who has multiple personality disorder and her struggles with that. 30 minute show. Love it!

True Blood is another fave and if you haven't seen an episode, your living under a rock. Its on HBO and the third season premieres this June. They are currently re-airing the second season and some bonus shorts will be aired starting this coming Sunday following the re-aired episodes. You can purchase the first season on DVD and the second season will be coming to DVD this month. The green light has already been given to tape a fourth season. The series is loosely based on the books The Sookie Stackhouse Novels/Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. I have read the first book (excellent) and there are 9 books in all. The first book was published about 10 years ago. The series rovolves around the main character Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and her vampire boyfriend Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and the fictional Louisiana town Bon Temps and its colorful inhabitants. It is a 1 hour show.

Another fave is The Vampire Diaries on the CW and it is one of the only non-cable series I watch. The first season is currently wrapping up on the network. The series is loosely based on the books of the same name by L. J. Smith (L. Jane Smith). The first 4 books were published in the early 1990's and three additional books have been published in 2009, 2010, and the last will be published March 2011. The story is centered around the main character Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), her vampire boyfriend Stephen Salvatore (Paul Wesley), his vampire brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) and the creepy town of Mystic Falls.

Big Love is another fave on HBO, they just wrapped up the 4th season. The show is based on a fictional polygamist family in Utah. The main character Bill is a businessman and has three wives, and tons of children. The show is full of drama and keeps you on your toes!

Last but not least is Dexter, a long time favorite on Showtime. The 4th season wrapped up last fall/winter. The show is based on Dexter, a man who murders murderers. He's kind of a Robin Hood of sorts... of killers. (SPOILER ALERT) Last season his wife was murdered and I am looking forward to next season. It will be interesting to see what direction Dexter's life takes, as he had just become a new father.

Wow I didn't think I would write so much! What are your favorite TV shows??

Spiced Book Giveaway Winners!

2010-04-29T17:32:00.001-05:00

And the winners of the Spiced by Dalia Jurgensen Book Giveaway are... Comments # 39 & 4, Yona Williams and OutnumberedMama. Congrats to the winners! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who followed, posted, and entered this giveaway!

Yona Williams said... I'm a Google Connect Friend. Email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com

OutnumberedMama said... I already follow you on twitter @1outnumberedmom
polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

39 4

Timestamp: 2010-04-29 22:26:36 UTC

Mother's Day Prize Pack Review & GIVEAWAY!

2010-04-29T16:50:00.003-05:00

As we quickly approach Mother’s Day season, I’d like to introduce my readers to variety of beauty and fitness products that will help moms relieve some stress and get the pampering they deserve!

There is more information about each product below. All of the products can be purchased online on their respective Web sites.

For Moms with Limited time for Relaxation:

Clearly Beautiful: Launched in March 2010, Clearly Beautiful is an all natural skin rejuvenation line that contains exclusive formulas in the form of masks and serums to combine effective ingredients with pure plant collagen delivery system. Active ingredients in the products work to transform the skin by nourishing the epidermal layer and penetrating deeply into the skin to aid in increased collagen production, cell renewal and total skin hydration. Clearly Beautiful products provide immediate smoothing and firming of the skin to revive, restore and rejuvenate each layer. With continual use on the face, neck and hands, the skin will experience optimal hydration, the pores will be dramatically reduced and wrinkles will vanish. Products include Collagen Eye Masks, Hand Masks, Facial Masks and Neck Masks. For more information, please visit www.ClearlyBeautiful.net.

For Moms on the Go:

Hit the Deck: PowerHouse Hit The Deck™ is a scientifically designed fitness program that tones the body while burning off stress hormones and can be used for adapting to stress. The portable and easy-to-use fitness program can be done anywhere, anytime and does not require any fitness equipment. The device condones weight loss, improves sleep and energy and facilities in stress management. PowerHouse Hit The Deck™ provides the appropriate intensity for the results desired whether new to exercising or advanced. For more information please visit: www.PowerHousePerformanceCoaching.com

To Help Moms Tame their Kids’ Unruly Tresses:

Le Baby: Le Baby hair gel is a styling gel free of harsh chemicals meant to define wispy curls and tackle unruly after-nap hair. While the concept of baby hairstyling products might seem a little child-beauty-pageant to some, for many moms and dads it’s a must-have diaper bag accessory. From taming those wild fly-aways to smoothing frizzies, Le Baby hair gel works on all hair types and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Whatever your child’s hair type, Le Baby will make combing and styling a cinch. The unique formulas leave hair shiny, healthy looking and more manageable. For more information, please visit: www.lebabyinc.com

-Courtesy of KMR Communications

***

I was very excited when presented with the opportunity to review a Mother's Day prize pack including Le Baby Hair Gel, Powerhouse Hit the Deck, and Clearly Beautiful.

One of my favorite items is the Powerhouse Hit the Deck. With Powerhouse Hit the Deck you can practice Fitness & Vitality, Anytime, Anywhere. Included are an Interval Timer & 35 Cards. The system helps you lost weight, improve fitness, increase energy, manage stress and improve the quality of your sleep.

There are 5 warm up cards and 3 sets of 10 cards with exercises on them. There are easy, intermediate, and expert sets of cards. A usual workout consists of using you interval timer, warm up cards, a set of 10 exercise cards, then a cool down with the same 5 warm up cards. You do each warm up/cool down card for a minute each, then you do the 10 exercise cards for 30-40 seconds each. Then cool down when your done. You can increase the length of time you do the exercise cards as you go along and customize your workout picking and choosing which cards you like best from the three sets.

I found the exercises fun and easy to follow, the workout comes out to about 20 minutes if you follow the method above. I have been doing the workouts in the evenings after my daughter goes to bed and I have been sleeping better and feeling more accomplished!

Le Baby Hair Gel is one of my favorite hair gels made for children. After my daughter takes a bath, I brush her hair and put gel in it. I then use a hair dryer to dry her hair and the gel helps to keep her hair style smooth. Le Baby Hair Gel is chemical-free, fragrance-free, and is best for babies, children, and anyone with sensitive skin.

Clearly Beautiful is a first of its kind Collagen Mask for the face and under the eyes. With Clearly Beautiful you can revive, restore, and rejuvenate skin without going to drastic measures. Pure plant collagen helps restore your skin to its optimally hydrated best. A uniquely formulated collagen delivery system infuses your quenched skin with a fusion of Natural Plant DNA, Hyaluronic Acid, Epidermal Growth Factor, Peptides, Vitamin E, and other all natural ingredients.

With Clearly Beautiful you will see an immediate difference in your skin. Your skin will be hydrated, nourished, lifted, and will feel smoother.

* I received the above products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

I'm happy to announce that KMR Communications is giving away the Clearly Beautiful Facial and Eye Mask and Le Baby Hair Gel to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who'd you'd like to win this Mother's Day prize for.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)
Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

NaBloPoMo: Vintage Recipe Thursday

2010-04-29T14:53:00.000-05:00

French Vanilla Ice Cream

1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
2 cups scalded milk
2 cups whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix the sugar with the egg yolks and beat until thick. Pour in the scalded milk slowly, beating with a wire whisk. Boil until slightly thickened. Cool and strain; add cream, salt and vanilla. Freeze.

Ginger Ice Cream

To French Vanilla Ice Cream: Add 1/2 cup crystallized ginger diced fine.

Peanut Brittle Ice Cream

Use French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe: Omit the sugar and add 1/2 pound of peanut brittle rolled out into crumbs.

Coffee Burnt-Almond Ice Cream

To French Vanilla Ice Cream: Add 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds and 2 tablespoons instant coffee.

-Courtesy of Helen Corbitt's Cook-Book, 1957

Pamper Mom This Mother's Day Contest - Massage Chair Giveaway

2010-04-28T20:55:00.001-05:00

If anyone deserves a massage, it’s YOU Mom, wouldn’t you agree? How would you like a chance to win your very own Human Touch iJoy-2310 Massage Chair?! Just imagine a deep, sensual, relaxing massage every night for FREE.

This Mother’s Day, Human Touch is committed to making life a little easier for one lucky Mom!

Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is running a “Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day” contest and are accepting entries now until May 5^th!

We are offering a free Human Touch iJoy-2310 Massage Chair ($599 value) to the most deserving Mom. To participate, we are asking each individual to submit an entry, 150 words or less, describing why their Mom, Spouse/Partner (who is a mom of course!) deserves this great giveaway. Moms are also encouraged to submit an entry for themselves!

All information can be found here: http://blog.humantouch.com/2010/04/26/enter-to-win-mom-a-human-touch-massage-chair-for-mothers-day

www.twitter.com/htfeelbetter

www.facebook.com/htfeelbetter

Mom Central Mother's Day Gift Guide

2010-04-28T18:04:00.000-05:00

Check out the Mom Central Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Three of the exciting giveaways include:

See's Candies: See's Candies' variety of mouth-watering sweets will satisfy any taste preference. Give Mom the gift of indulgence with the new line of chocolates from the Keepsake Collection. Featuring both classic flavors as well as the new Strawberry Truffle, this line perfectly coincides with Mother's Day with pink, yellow and orange designs brightening up the boxes.

"L'Occitane Experience" Vivabox: Luckily for gift-givers (and receivers!) everywhere, Vivabox has revamped the traditional gift card with their gift box packages. Packaged by theme, each Vivabox includes gift items to use or taste as well as a gift card. With themes ranging from "Spa Beauty" to "Gourmet to your Door" and "Bar-B-Que," Vivabox offers gift card packages catering to the hobbies and interests of both men and women.

Shark Cordless: Sometimes pulling out the big vacuum can be a pain in the neck…literally. Not only does carrying the weight cause stress on your body, but the constant bending and pushing to get into nooks and crannies can be time consuming. Help make cleaning easier for Mom with the Shark Cordless Floor and Carpet Cleaner, or better yet, offer to help with the chores yourself.

www.MomCentral.com

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