Aveeno Review

aveeno bottelsRecently received Aveeno Positively Nourishing body lotion at the MomMixer.  My husband because of his psoriasis uses a lot of lotion because his skin cracks because of his condition.   He has always been a fan of the Aveeno because he like the active Naturals and colloidal oatmeal.  While at the event a friend of mine share her lotion with me for Jeff due to his psoriasis coverage 110% he goes through about a tube of lotion a week.

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming

  • The scent is Lavender and chamomile  not over powering , He said it was perfect and not over powering, (for me nice lingering smell)
  • Calming he said it really calms down his skin from the dry burning he feels
  • Last for many hours
  • Absorbs quick
  • The Colloidal Oatmeal helps to sooth the skin
  • Perks of this my daughter uses a little lotion on her hand every night .. we call it her “sweet dream cream”  I read smelling lavender or a pleasant smell makes you sleep better.  This lotion fits the bill.
  • Price runs from  $5.70- 6.99  walgreens was the lowest

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Energizing

  • The sent is Pomegranate and Grapefruit  the sent is light and refreshing
  • The lotion feel more invigorating wakes up your skin.
  • last for hours
  • Absorbs quickly

 

aveeno

Aveeno is a Johnson and Johnson product.  They had some other great product in the Positively Nourishing line of products.  I cant wait to see if they help my husband.

Disclosure I received samples from the mommixer from gift bag.

 

 

14 tips for take great Holiday Photos &Giveaway

kids with dogs taking a pictureSo every year around this time I start think the Holidays are around the corner.  I start taking pictures in hopes that one might be perfect for theholiday card of the year.  The one that sent to all friends and family.

People might know that I love taking pictures, if you read my blog you will see that most of the photos are mine.

Tips for getting great Photos to use on your Holiday cards:

  1. Clean lens of the camera with a proper lens cloth
  2. Take the shots on your largest and highest resolution  it will give you a lot to work with later allowing you to crop and edit.
  3. Make sure kids are well rested
  4. Time of day to take Pictures are better taken not in high sun or bright sun, try late afternoon, or early morning, and overcast days.  This will help you avoid over exposure and white burn spots.
  5. Get outside and take them natural light is best, and will avoid using the flash.. see #3
  6. Location  choose a place where the kids are happy and not too distracted, walk in the woods, a deserted playground.
  7. Avoid clutters background,  use nature as a back drop, but make sure there is not a garbage behind you.
  8. Wear colors, but you don’t have to be matchy matchy.. one accent color on every one can tie a picture together.
  9. Step close when taking a shot. (when you take a picture take 2 steps closer,  the shot will be better)  No one cares what shoes your family had on they want to see your smiling face,  unless you are just taking a just shoe shot to show how big your kids feet are.
  10. Take a lot of photos a better chance of getting the shot or you can use multiple shots on your holiday cards.
  11. Take from different angles,  your knees bend so get down on there level, or get on a chair
  12. If you are worried about a dbl chin.. always take the picture with you looking up to the camera, from above)
  13. Include yourself and spouse you are part of the picture
  14. If you want a family shot .. no one around ,  it is ok to ask a stranger (if they have a big camera around there neck even better,  and ask them to step in for the shot  (tell them you want a close shot)
  15. Also you can make all you photos look similar using an effect to join them all like this.. I used a cross process effect on picmonkey.  various pictures of kids

So you want to save some money from Shutterfly for your  Holiday cards be sure to visit Shutterfly’s Special Offers page.

You want to win ? Giveaway prize: an extra $50 off order of $50 or more (excluding tax and shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos (expire 12/14/2012 – no extensions)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
This post is sponsored by Shutterfly,  Disclosure I will receive product from Shutterfly in exchange for this post.

Beverage with a holiday kick!

fruit in a glassSo I was at a my best friends wedding. I noticed that her dad looked fantastic,  I asked Frank what he was doing.  He sat me down and told me all about his NutriBullet.  He was making a cold gazpacho soup. He drank it every day.  Frank is a diabetic like me,  so I was wondering how his sugars are,  he said they are great.  Frank  is hoping to be off of his meds soon.  I was impressed,  he swore by the NutriBullet.   So because of Frank I have become interested in the smoothy crazy and what it can do for me.

So I recently received some information from Nutribullet,  about some holiday Ideas.  So I would like to share them with you:

Sniffle Snatcher

A tasty combination of vitamin C-rich ingredients, cayenne to reduce congestion, and rosemary to reduce inflammation and soothe a sore throat.

Ingredients:

1 cup kale

1 carrot

1 pear (cored and seeds removed)

1/2 cup cubed pineapple

Dash of cayenne pepper

Dash of fresh rosemary

Preparation: Add water to the max line of the large cup, and blast.

 

Sweet Apple Pumpkin Pie

An antioxidant-rich, protein-packed healthy dessert option so you can enjoy the flavors of the season guilt-free.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup organic silken tofu or organic Greek-style yogurt

1/2 cup canned pumpkin or cooked fresh pumpkin

1/2 apple (cut, cored, and seeds removed)

1 tablespoon raw almond butter

Pinch of cinnamon

Pinch of ground cloves

1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

1 cup almond milk

Preparation: Add ingredients to large cup and blast.

 

Flu Fighter

Vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-bacterial ginger help keep the immune system at its peak during the winter months.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup spinach

1/2 cup Swiss chard

1/4 cup parsley

1 kiwi (peeled)

1/2 lime (peeled)

1 banana (peeled)

1/2 bell pepper (seeds and stem removed)

1 inch fresh ginger root (peeled)

 

Preparation: Add water to the max line of the large cup and blast.

 

Cranbanana Blast

Filled with heart-healthy nutrients and anti-viral properties, cranberries blend well with bananas and dates for a tart-sweet treat.

Ingredients:

1 cup spinach

1 ripe banana (peeled)

1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

2 dates

Preparation: Add water or almond milk to the max line of the large cup and blast.

 

Sweet Potato Pick-Me-Up

Complex carbs from the sweet potato will provide sustained energy, and cinnamon keeps blood sugar balanced.

Ingredients:

1/2 cooked sweet potato (skin on)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

1 cup ice cubes

Preparation: Add almond or coconut milk to the max line of the large cup and blast.


I do not own a NutriBullet yet,  but I hope there is one in my future with the holidays.. hint hint..

Do you juice, smoothy,  what is your favorite combo?

 

Little Passport Review

little_passport_1442Today a Philadelphia MomMixer,  I learned about Little Passport.  Which is a monthly subscription service that you can join  that provided your child with a new travel learning experience delivered right to your mailbox. The main characters of Little Passport  Travels are Sam and Sofia.  They visit the world and share there experience with your child, in the form of activities stores and visually 3d projects.  Little passport has a new USA  version starts at 11.95 a month and features 2 states every month.  Little Passport also have a world version where you child can explore one country every month.

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For the first month, your USA Editionsubscription starts with our Discovery Kit which comes in a custom Sam and Sofia USA Portfolio and includes:

  • An introductory letter from Sam and Sofia
  • USA Field Guide
  • USA Scratch Book
  • USA Wall Map
  • Disposable Camera and Photo Scavenger Hunt

Every month thereafter, your child will visit 2 new states and receive:

  • A 32-page activity-packed journal covering 2 states
  • Stickers
  • Pop-out Models
  • Postcards
  • Access to more information and activities online

The recommended age range for our USA Edition is 7 to 12 years old

Little_passport_1446
For the first month, your World Edition subscription starts with our Explorer Kit which includes:

  • Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sam and Sofia
  • World wall map
  • Travel passport
  • Fun stickers
  • Activity sheet
  • Access to online games and activities with our boarding pass

Every month thereafter, your child will receive country-specific packages filled with:

  • Adventure letters from Sam and Sofia
  • Fun souvenirs (Japan sushi eraser, Egypt pyramid dig kit and more!)
  • Stickers for your suitcase, passport and map
  • Photos
  • Activity Sheets
  • Boarding Passes to access more online games and activities

The recommended age range for our World Edition is 5 to 10 years old.

I love the idea of a Little Passport for a gift,  every month you child get a new travel adventure.  I was really impressed with all the materials I was able to review the bight colors and fun activities.  I love the idea the kids building a 3d item in there kit such as a car or a bus. The travel kit provide hours of activities that will expand your childs knowledge of the world. Check out the Little Passport and see if it is a great idea for your kids as it is for mine.

Little Passports

This post contains affiliate links which help defer the cost of running this blog.

Great Gifts to look for this Holiday

MomMixer_1495

Love seeing my blogging buddies  and this weekend when I went to Holiday Showcase with Mom Mixer Event Colleen Padilla & Whitney Wingerd at the gorgeous XIX, the 19th floor and the top of the Hyatt Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. They had some great sponsors with some of the latest items.

Check at Hasbro.. Furby and  Spiderman is the hot toy this holiday season.
Hasbro_1502
Knex-  I was impress to learn the creative play Knex are 90% Made int he USA.. so buy USA made!
knex_1433
American Girl  The new released doll Caroline is so pretty in person.  My daughter is in love with American girls.   So this is a top pick on our list.
american_girl_1472
Stella and Dot with there line of got to awesome jewelery and they also have scarfs.  Stella and dot are go to one stop shop for all your accessory needs.
stella_a_dot_1397
Tommy Hiliger from Headquarter had great pieces that are available at Macys. Check out he holiday boys fashion.
Kid_headquaters_1465
Cherchies Gourmet Specialty Foods  the lemon dill dip was amazing on verggies and so easy to make,  Cherchies also offers soup and other specialty food.
cherchies_1404
VZ Wraps are a Mom-owner and created gift wrap that are reusable made out of fabric.. so great for the environment.
vzwraps_1420
I have some more to share this week be sure to check in tomorrow for a gift I love for the kiddos

The bloggers received a swag bag filled with some great items.
MomMixer_swag
Disclosure: I did receive products but the opinions in this post are my own.

FoudyAuction Twitter Party Benefiting Girls

FoudyAuction  Twitter Party Benefiting Girls Join me Tomorrow Wednesday November  7th

for a Twitter party to bid in a charitable auction and/or win $25 VISA gift cards, which you can use for community service projects with your kids! The Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy is hosting a “Choose to Matter” contest, encouraging moms and FoudyAuction daughters to team up for community service projects and then share their stories for a chance to win a trip to Disney World. To champion the cause, Julie and her own daughter, Izzy, are hosting a series of auctions to raise money for charity, and the first one will take place on Twitter! Julie and Izzy will auction off one of Izzy’s dolls, in addition to a signed Abby Wambach soccer jersey.

When: The party/auction will be on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 1p ET. It will last one hour.

 

Where: Use the #FoudyAuction hashtag on Twitter to find us!

 

Hosts: Follow @JulieFoudy, @theMotherhood, @CooperMunroe and @EmilyMcKhann

 

Bidding: If you’d like to submit a bid for the doll and signed Abby Wambach jersey, you can tweet @JulieFoudy during the Twitter party/auction on Nov. 7. The winner of the auction will be announced at the end of the party.

Disclosure: I am panelist for this twitterparty.

 

Prizes: We’ll be giving away four $25 VISA gift cards, which you are welcome to use toward community service projects with your kids!

 

Twtvite: http://twtvite.com/foudyauction

Ninja Cooking System Review and Ginger Beef

Ninja cooking systemMy review of the Ninja cooking system:  a few weeks ago I was invited to a Ninja Cooking system party.  During the party we learned about all the cool functions of the Ninja.  The Ninja is a slow cooker with a stove top and bake function.   Which means you can brown your meat without going to a stove top. The ninja does it all in one place.  No moving of hot pots around the kitchen,  so it  is safe with little kids running around under foot.   The Ninja also has a backing function, you can bake brownies, cakes and more.

There is a also a steam basket which allows you to layer your meals. You can put you pasta, rice, and or couscous  with veggies on the bottom of the ninja then place your protein in the steam basket to cook to perfection leaving all the favor in the meat.   The protein cooks with steam allowing for the moisture to stay in the food.

So once  I received the Ninja and I had to try it out.  My husband could not wait to see it it worked, we used it the 1st night.  He wanted to try out the pasta method. He cooked ground Italian sausage in the ninja and  then added the other ingredients  the sauce, dry pasta, and 4 cups of water in the Ninjia and cook for 20 minutes.    The result awesome baked pasta,  I loved it because it was not watery, yet fully cooked the tomato sauce and sausage flavor was infused the pasta.  baked pasta

This Sunday I get to church and realize it is the pot luck luncheon.  So I skip the sermon ran home and made my potluck pasta  in less than 30 minutes.   I made the pasta, transfer it to my pot luck dish  put cheese on top threw it under the oven broiler then brought a pipping hot dish to church.  The Ninja saved me from embarrassment. I received a a ton of complements on my pot luck dish.

Next I made Ginger Beef  using the layering method cooking in stages.

  • 1 lb of stew meat sliced ( or an inexpensive cut)
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 tbls of oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
  • 3 carrots peeled and Jillane
  • 1/4 tbls powered ginger
  • 2 tbls of soy sauce
  • 2 cups of rice
  • 3 cups of water
  • 1  (14oz) can of beef broth
  • 1 head of broccoli cut
  1. Turn Ninjia to stove top high add oil Cook onions  till golden and caramelizedonions cooked
  2. add beef, ginger to ninja cook till beef is brown
  3. add soy and carrotbeef cooking with carrots
  4. turn to slow cooker function cook for 1-2 hours on slow cooker till the beef in infused and tender
  5. Add 3 cups of water, 1 can of beef broth and 2 cups of uncooked dry rice   cook for 2o minutes on Ninja  stove top functionuncooked rice on beef
  6. Add uncooked broccoli to top of rice, cover cook another 5-10 minutes till rice is cooked and broccoli is tender broccoli with rice

Mix broccoli in serve and enjoybeef with rice Finally thoughts: Why I really love the Ninja cooking system.

  • It is easy to use
  • Variety of functions backing, stove top, steam,  and slow cooker
  • I am excited to bring it camping when we go next year.
  • Options It gives me so many different things I can make
  • Healthy way to cook with less oil
  • Keeps moisture in the food
  • Clean up is so easy, because it is one pot so no extra stainer too clean (less pots)
  • Ninja cooking system  easy non stick surface.
  • Ninja in stores is approximately $159.99 and the $199.99 is the price for the online package, as it comes with some additional items.

This is the beginning of my Ninja adventure.. I cant wait to see what I can make with it going forward.. chicken and dumplings maybe??

Want to win a Ninja valued at $199 one check one of my Blogging Buddies (enter all 3) who running a Giveaway PhillyFun4kids  Monderdaydonnareed  and Look What Mom Found

Do you have a Ninja Cooking System I would love to read what you tried ? link your post


Disclosure : I received my Ninja for the purpose of this review. All the opinions in this post are of my own.

Cell Phone Safety School : What I learned!

So I was able to attend the AT&T Mobile Safety Webinar  last week I was really surprised by the information AT&T shared with us.   Cell phones are a fact of life.  This past week during the hurricane they have been a life line to people with love ones and connecting with others.   For out children they are also a fact of life. I observed this week how much preteens are tied to there phones.  Which comes to  my concerns with preteen/ teen cell phone use bullying, privacy, texting while driving and others.

AT&T is making the effort to learn about what “wireless safety” means, and share that information with families.

The Mobile Safety program has been established to educate parents on what safety means when it comes to mobile devices, and to provide resources that help parents navigate this day-to-day in their homes.

AT&T conducted a study of 1,000 parents and 500 kids – ages 8-17 – on a variety of topics that relate to mobile phones, devices and other issues.

My son does not have a phone yet.. good to know I am on track the average according to the study the the average age is 12.1 which is where I am finding we are at,  because my son is spending more time away from us.   So the question is smart phone or no smart phone.. they study showed that only 345 of kids have smart phones.  Which took the pressure off me to get a smart phone,  so when they say every kid has a smart phone you can say that is not true.

So what about the “Issues” ?   according to the survey

 What parents are concerned about in their kids’ use of mobile phones:

  • 89% are worried about texting and driving
  • 67% are concerned about bullying text messages
  • 69% are concerned about sexually suggestive messages
  • 77% are worried about their kids receiving calls from unknown numbers.

What we found interesting is how those worries related to what was actually happening, according to kids:

  • Over HALF have been in a car with someone who was texting and driving
  • Over 1 in 5 have received a mean text message
  • Almost half have a friend who received a sexual picture or message
  • 69% have received a call from an unknown number.

So our concerns are real.

  • 53% of kids have been in a motor vehicle with someone who was texting and driving
  • Over 1 in 5 have received a mean or bullying text message from another kid on their mobile phone
  • Almost half (46%) have a friend who has received a message or picture that their parents would not have liked because it was too sexual
  • 69% have answered a call from an unknown number

AT&T also asked kids about the rules they have on their mobile phones. 66% said they do have rules on their phone usage. BUT, 90% said they would be OK with their parents setting rules. What we see there is an opportunity. Some parents might not be setting rules because they don’t think their kids will follow them, and that may not be the case.

Another interesting data point: 93% of kids have rules on their phones at school. So even if they don’t have rules at home – they are used to having them at school, and it could be a smooth transition to implement some of those rules at home.

AT&T also found that 76% of parents say they monitor their kids’ phones. However, only 42% of kids say their parents monitor their phone. A few things could be happening here. Parents may be saying they monitor their kids’ phones, but actually give them more freedom. OR, parents are monitoring their kids’ phones without telling them that they are doing so.

2 of 5 kids say their parents have not talked to them about mobile safety, and they are more likely to have heard from their parents about stranger danger, alcohol and drugs and sex education that these issues. While these are the standard safety issues that kids learn about from their parents and at school, these other issues are a reality for kids in today’s world.

AT&T has put together a variety of resources to help parents. From learning what other families are doing through videos, or downloadable tip sheets, the website at http://www.att.com/familysafety has a wealth of information available to anyone who is interested.

Q&A with Lesley Backus and Whaewon Choi of Fleishman-Hillard, who worked with AT&T to develop the Mobile Safety School program:

 AT&T has a product called Smart Limits for wireless. It’s $4.99 per month, and you can set a monthly limit for the number of text messages you want your child to be able to send.  So if you child is an over texter  this function helps to limit so you do not have huge cell bills

More common phone rule are as follows and I plan on following them with my son.

  • No texting or talking while driving (often it was a family rule, with parents staying off the phone in the car, as well, to set a good example for younger kids).
  • No phones at the dinner table,
  • No phones in the bedroom at night.
  •  There are resources on att.com/familysafety for rules on phones at school, responsible citizenship, new rules to think about as kids graduate to smartphones, etc.
  • Cell phones at school,  they have to follow the schools rules
  • Tip:Some parents will have their kids charge their cell phones in the parents’ bedroom, since often parents think kids are in bed, but they’re texting with friends.

Kids are learning a lot of their behaviors from adults. As parents  need to model good phone behavior for the kids in our lives.

I loved learning about At&T Family Map is an app you can download for your family on your individual phones. You sign up yourself and your family members, and it allows you to log in and see where a particular phone is. If your child is always with their phone and you want to make sure they arrive at a particular destination safely, you can log in and see that phone on a map. You can also set alerts to make sure you check in at specific times.

It allows you to check on your kids without bothering them – avoiding the issue of texting while driving, etc

I really learned a lot from AT&T mobile safety school. I was great to know that other parents are faced with similar issues.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by AT&T