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Monday, October 31, 2011

Kermit Carving Kit from the Muppets


Halloween Jokes from the Muppets


***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

Happy Halloween from the Muppets


***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

FyrFlyz Party

When you were younger remember playing with homemade toys? Well I have one toy that will flash you right back to your childhood. But it has been newly improved for our kids...We were chosen to host a Fyrflyz party. We received a party kit which included:

•6 light up, spinning Fyrflyz in Blue, and Green
•Themed activities and delicious, easy-to-make recipes

Check out all the fun we were having with these fun toys:


You can check out http://www.fyrflyz.com/ to learn more.

Disclosure-No compensation was received. I received the party kit with free product as part of a promotional program with Fyrflyz and MomSelect.

HEXBUG Nano Halloween party

Yeah, we were selected to have a HEXBUG Nano Halloween party. And so we threw a big party for all the kiddos. Friends brought their kids in costumes and we decorated the house. The kids had a blast playing for hours. The best feature of all was that everything glowed in the dark.

We received party kits full of everything we needed HEXBUG Nano Halloween Zombie Party Kit:

•12 Limited Edition HEXBUG Nano Halloween Zombie bugs
•Each limited edition HEXBUG Nano Halloween Zombie will rise to the occasion from its coffin-shaped packaging and a glow in the dark exoskeleton, to make sure kids are happily trick-or-shrieking!
•Available end of September at RadioShack stores nationwide
•15 Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Galileo Collection bugs
•With the Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Galielo Collection fun can come to life during the day or night
•Available at major retailers nationwide or at www.hexbug.com
•2 Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Habitat Sets
•This set allows you to create a variety of customizable playgrounds and includes 10 easy to connect pieces!
•2 extremely rare glows in the dark HEXBUG Nano mutations
•4 easy connect glows in the dark curved pieces
•3 easy connect glows in the dark straight pieces
•3 easy connect glows in the dark hexagon pieces
•1 Glows in the Dark HEXBUG Nano Elevation Habitat Set
•This setfeatures a multi-level spiral ramp that rises two levels up, 52 easy connect pieces and 2 rare HEXBUG Nanos
•Additional batteries (16 two-packs)
•1 mini screw driver

Check out some of the kids and decorations:

***Disclosure-I received a party kit for party. No compensation was received.

Muppets-El Dia De Los Muertos


El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. On this day in Mexico, the streets near the cemeteries are filled with decorations of papel picado , flowers, candy calaveras (skeletons and skulls), and parades. It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2. In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds known as cempazuchitl (also spelled zempasuchil) and most importantly a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar. Death is laughed at in its face. Many euphemisms are used for death, La calaca (the skeleton), la pelona ("baldy"), la flaca ("skinny"), and la huesada ("bony"). There are refranes, sayings, and poems that are popular with day of the dead. These sayings are cliches and lose meaning when translated. For example "La muerte es flaca y no puede conmigo" means "Death is skinny/weak and she can't carry me." Calaveras (skulls) are decorated with bright colors with the name of the departed inscribed on the head. Children carrying yellow marigolds enjoy the processions to the cemetery. At the cemetery, music is played and dances are made to honor the spirits.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

2012 Chevy Traverse ~ Diamond Edition Review

So I had the wonderful opportunity to test drive a 2012 Chevy Traverse ~ Diamond Edition for 2 whole weeks. We are a Chevy family. And were very glad to be able to test drive the Traverse. Check out my favortie features:

-compartments-I love all the extra compartments. I like that I can keep items hidden or tucked away in the Traverse.
-steering wheel-I love that the steering wheel moves up and down, and in and out. It adjusted to fit my pregnant belly.
-3rd row-I love the 3rd row seating. I like that you can fit adults, comfortably in the back. The Traverse is made to fit adult legs.
-rear AC-My son loved this. He was able to control the temperature in the back for all the back seat passengers. No more freezing mom to keep the back cool.
-Rear Space-The 3rd row can easily be folded down for space. And there are easy to use latches to pull the seats back to where they belong. I especially like this because I am short and the belly. There is also a hidden compartment back here.
-heated and cooled seats-Houston weather, you never know which button you may need this Fall.
-10 to 12 cup holders

This vehicle is a crossover. For those people who need the van space but want a kinda car/suv look, Traverse is for you. Most guys wont get caught in the uncool mommy vehicle, but this is one is cool enough so says my husband. Not your typical mommy vehicle.  And best of all, it seats 8.


8 is enough in the Traverse from Alba Garza on Vimeo.


Would you like to test drive a Chevy Traverse? Check it out for yourself...
Test Drive a Chevy Traverse between October 31 and November 26 and receive a $40 SpaFinder gift card.

***Disclosure-I test drove the Traverse for 2 weeks. I received a gas card and a spa certificate for my time. These are my honest opinions. I am a Chevy Girl!!

Friday, October 28, 2011

And the winner is..Desitin Prize Pack

Congratulations...

1610yesi said...35

http://twitter.com/#!/1610Yesi/status/122203048318712528

yesi819@hotmail.com

October 7, 2011 1:56 AM

Congratulations. You have 24 hours to claim your prize. Thanks for entering everyone.

And the winner is..Pink Together Prize Pack

Congratulations...

Vero L said...162

10/12 tweet http://twitter.com/#!/verolc2010/status/124145604732518402

vero-lc2010@hotmail.com

October 12, 2011 10:34 PM

You are the winner. You have 24 hours to claim your prize. Thank you everyone for entering.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Cars 2 is Coming to Houston

DISNEY●PIXAR’S CARS 2 LIGHTNING MCQUEEN, BEST FRIEND MATER AND THE VERY SAVVY BRITISH SPY FINN MCMISSLE RACE INTO DISCOVERY GREEN®

WHAT: Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissle from Disney●Pixar CARS 2 stop at Discovery Green®

WHO: Disney●Pixar CARS 2, State Farm, GES, KKHH-FM, KHMX-FM & Radio Disney

WHERE: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
**Jones Lawn West, across from George R. Brown**

WHEN: Thursday, November 10, 2011 / 3:00 PM – 7:00PM

The public is invited to join KKHH-FM, KHMX-FM and Radio Disney as Lightning McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissle race into Discovery Green®. Photo opportunities will be available with life-sized replicas of Lighting McQueen, Mater and Finn McMissile as well as taking in some special agent training missions and thousands of promotional item giveaways provided by State Farm®. Various “missions” will be available for families to participate in, such as the “special agent search and find” station, “special agent memory testing” station and an inflatable training course. A few lucky fans will even have the chance to win copies of the DVD and Disney Store® shopping cards awarded by KKHH-FM, KHMX-FM and Radio Disney.

About CARS 2
Star racecar Lightning McQueen and the incomparable tow truck Mater take their friendship to exciting new places in “Cars 2” when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Mater finds himself torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret mission orchestrated by master British super spy Finn McMissile and the stunning rookie field spy Holley Shiftwell. Mater’s action packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. The fast-paced fun includes a colorful new all-car cast, complete with menacing villains and international racing competitors.

ON BLU-RAY™ COMBO PACK, DVD, MOVIE DOWNLOAD AND 3D NOVEMBER 1!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

Winnie the Pooh Blu-Ray & DVD Out Now



Walt Disney Animation Studios returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with "Winnie the Pooh," the first big-screen Pooh adventure from Disney animation in more than 35 years. Owl sends the whole gang -- Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore -- on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit. It turns out to be a very busy day for a bear who simply set out to find some hunny.

This movie was released in theaters in July. It is a great kids movie that is a family must watch. Add it to your collection today because it is now able in stores. It is available in Blu-ray and DVD combo pack.

Disc 1 - Blu-ray

•Feature Film
•Exclusive Winnie The Pooh And His Story Too
•Exclusive Sing Along With The Movie
•5 Deleted Scenes With Director Intro
•"The Ballad of Nessie" Theatrical Short
•Mini Adventures of Winnie The Pooh: "Pooh's Balloon" Short

Disc 2 - DVD

•Feature Film
•3 Deleted Scenes With Director Intro
•"The Ballad of Nessie" Theatrical Short
•Mini Adventures of Winnie The Pooh: "Pooh's Balloon" Short

Disc 3 - Digital Copy

•Feature Film

For a $5 coupon, click here.

Pirates of Caribbean: On Stranger Tides


Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penélope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Bergès-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides came out on the movies back this May. Anw now it has hit the stores. So if you are are a fan and like these movies, you need to add this one to your collection. It is a great fantasy film that keeps you chasing the adventures Captain Sparrow goes on. I have bee "hooked" on these since my husband first would play them over and over. Until I watch the movie, I did not know what the fuss was all about. The adventures are captivating, and you will love the solving the mysteries. And not to mention the cuties that come out in the film. I love me some pirates!! yo-ho-yo-ho...a Pirates life we live... love it!

DISNEY STORE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEWLY-DESIGNED STORE - HOUSTON GALLERIA

PASADENA, Calif., October 26, 2011– Today, Disney Store celebrated the opening of its award-winning new concept store at Houston Galleria in Houston, TX. Houston Galleria is the fourth newly-designed Disney Store to open in Texas, providing an interactive shopping experience for Disney fans of all ages. Disney Store’s new design aims to deliver “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day” through immersive experiences, including a Disney Princess castle with magic mirror, translucent magical trees, Disney∙Pixar CARS neighborhood, and the Disney Store Theatre, featuring the latest in Disney entertainment.

(Editor’s Note: For high resolution images, please go to http://www.bit.ly/DSNewStores)

“The newly-designed Disney Store provides the local community with a uniquely Disney experience,” said Molly Adams, senior vice president of Disney Store North America, “More than a store, we’ve created a family destination where we bring the magic of Disney to Houston every day.”

Disney Store at Houston Galleria opens just as the holiday season kicks off and will carry an array of holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Guests will find the hottest holiday toys of the season, including the recently launched Disney Animators’ Collection princess toddler dolls. A Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year Award winner, the Disney Animators’ Collection was designed by legendary animators Glen Keane and Mark Henn, who have animated 7 of the 10 Disney Princess characters between them. The Disney Animators’ Collection includes all 10 Disney Princess characters and is the first doll collection co-branded by Disney Store, Disney Animation Studios, and Disney Parks and Resorts.

The Houston store joins the growing list of newly-designed stores already opened around the world, and by the end of 2011, the Disney Store will have 60 new concept stores in 16 major cities in North America and eight countries.

With each new store opening in the United States and Canada in 2011, Disney Store will donate 10 percent of the first day’s sales to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
To find a Disney Store location, guests can visit www.DisneyStore.com/storelocator or call (866) 902-2798. Guests can also sign up for email alerts at www.DisneyStore.com/Updates , become a fan on www.facebook.com/DisneyStore or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/DisneyStore to stay connected to your favorite destination.

ABOUT DISNEY STORE

The Disney Store retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe, and Japan. Disney Store is the retail merchandising arm of Disney Consumer Products, the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that extends the Disney brand to merchandise. Disney Store carries high-quality products, including exclusive product lines that support and promote Disney's key entertainment initiatives and characters. Disney Store opened its first store in Glendale, California and, in doing so, originated the themed retail business model. There are currently more than 200 Disney Store locations in North America; more than 40 Disney Store locations in Japan; and more than 100 Disney Store locations in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy and Portugal, plus online stores www.DisneyStore.com and www.disneystore.co.uk. Each Disney Store location offers a magical shopping experience that can only be delivered by Disney, one of the world's largest and most successful entertainment companies. For more information, please visit www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/press/us/disneystore or follow us at www.facebook.com/DisneyStore and www.twitter.com/DisneyStore.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Celebrate the "Greening" of Frito-Lay's Casa Grande Plant

Frito-Lay’s manufacturing facility in Casa Grande, Arizona is 75% Near Net Zero! You may be wondering what ‘near net zero’ is… It means that the facility now operates mostly on renewable energy and recycled water while producing nearly zero waste.

•At the Casa Grande plant, we’ve implemented technologies to recycle water, generate electricity and steam from renewable energy sources, achieved LEED certification and succeeded in sending nearly zero waste to the landfill.
•At all of our facilities, we reuse our shipping cartons up to six times before recycling them to help reduce waste. All Frito-Lay manufacturing plants are striving to divert at least 99% of waste from landfills.
•Frito-Lay added 1,200+ fuel-efficient Sprinter vehicles to its fleet along with converting 650 sales cars to hybrid vehicles to help reduce emissions. Now, we’re even using all electric route delivery trucks in some of our metropolitan markets.
· For more than a decade, Frito-Lay North America has been committed to reducing the use of key major resources and the company’s overall environmental footprint, with the goal of: reducing water use by 75%; natural gas by 50%; electricity by 45% and fuel by 50% - all by 2020. Our environmental sustainability milestones at the Casa Grande plant are certainly helping us make progress on these goals.
· Through the “Near Net Zero” project, Frito-Lay has gone further than any other U.S. food manufacturer in taking a production facility nearly “off the grid”.

My thoughts-As you enjoy a bag of your favorite chips, remember the Frito Lay is doing good for our enviroment, and our future. These are the chips I enjoy. And I am glad that Frito Lay is making changes to help the enviroment we all live in. They also have a Chip in for Change program which donates $0.02 per bag collected (all Frito-Lay brands and sizes are included) to a school or non-profit organization chosen by each Chip Bag Brigade. Recycling and helping a area schools, I like that.

***Disclosure-I received the featured products from Frito Lay. These are my honest opinions.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Nestle - Recetas de Halloween


Disfruta en Halloween estas recetas espeluznantes, deliciosas y fáciles de preparar; son ideales para fiestas escolares y familiares.

Entra en el espíritu de Halloween con los Ojos Terroríficos de Macarrones y Queso con STOUFFER’S® Macaroni & Cheese. Los niños se la pasarán súper bien mientras los saborean.

Para divertirte más en tus fiestas, haz que tus fantasmitas y espantos favoritos prueben las Calaveras de Chocolate ABUELITA™, fáciles de preparar, malvadas y deliciosas. El chocolate y la canela le brindan un delicioso sabor encantado que embrujará a todos para pedir más.

Ojos Terroríficos de Macarrones y Queso

Ingredientes:
1 paquete (20 onzas) STOUFFER’S® Macaroni & Cheese
1 taza de pan molido sin sabor
1 1/2 cucharaditas de MAGGI® Caldo Sabor a Pollo Granulado
Aceitunas verdes rellenas de pimiento, en rodajas

Instrucciones:
PREPARA los macarrones con queso según las instrucciones del paquete. Deja que enfrié en el refrigerador durante 30 minutos.

PRECALIENTA el horno a 350° F. Engrasa una bandeja para hornear ligeramente con espray antiadherente.

COMBINA el pan molido y el caldo en un plato plano.

FORMA los macarrones con queso en bolitas de 1 ½ pulgadas y pásalas por la mezcla de pan rallado. Pon las bolitas sobre la bandeja engrasada y coloca una rodaja de aceituna en el centro de cada bolita.

HORNEA de 15 a 20 minutos o hasta que estén calientes.

Calaveras de Chocolate Abuelita™

Ingredientes:
1 3/4 tazas de harina para todo uso
3/4 cucharadita bicarbonato de sodio
1/4 cucharadita de sal
1/2 taza (1 barra) de mantequilla
2 tablillas (90 gramos cada una) de Chocolate ABUELITA™ de NESTLÉ®
2/3 taza de azúcar granulado
1 huevo grande
4 cajas individuales de caramelos WONKA® SweeTARTS® Skulls N' Bones
(hallado en los WONKA Monster Treats, bolsas de caramelos variados)

Instrucciones:
PRECALIENTA el horno a 375° F.

COMBINA la harina, el bicarbonato de sodio y la sal en un tazón mediano y reserva aparte.

PON la mantequilla y el chocolate Abuelita en una olla mediana. Cuécelos a fuego medio-bajo mezclando frecuentemente durante 5 minutos o hasta que el chocolate esté completamente derretido y suave. Deja enfriar durante 10 minutos.

BATE la mezcla de Abuelita y el azúcar en un tazón grande. Agrega el huevo y bate hasta que estén bien mezclados. Agrega la mezcla de harina poco a poco y bate bien hasta que estén bien combinados.

FORMA una cucharada colmada de la masa en forma de bola. Aplástala en forma dedisco y fórmala como una calavera apretando la parte inferior del disco. Repite con la masa restante. Pon las galletas 2 pulgadas apartes en una bandeja para hornear sin engrasar.


***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

Winnie the Pooh Giveaway***CLOSED***

Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, for the latest adventure featuring the world’s beloved bear, Winnie The Pooh! Join Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, Owl, Kanga, Piglet, Eeyore, and all of the classic characters you know and love when Walt Disney Pictures releases Winnie The Pooh on DVD and Blu-Ray today, October 25, 2011!


I have a giveaway. How to enter:

Mandatory-
1) Take the personality quiz and share which Winnie The Pooh character you most resembled. (1 entry.)
Extra Entries-
2) Facebook share. (1 entry/per share)
3) Linky Share. (1 entry/per linky)
4) Comment on any non-giveaway post. (1 entry/per comment)
5) Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win a Winnie The Pooh DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack @independentmami ends 10/31 http://tinyurl.com/3oytsbf


This giveaway ends on 10/31 at 8 am. Please leave you email in the comment. 1 winner will be randomly selected. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck. US only.

***No compensation was received.

Pregnancy Diaries ~ Milk Nursingwear Review and Giveaway***CLOSED***

The founder of Milk is a mother of four beautiful breastfed children.

Her inspiration for Milk came after the birth of her first daughter in 1997. Early on she was introduced to the concept of nursingwear. While she loved the discretion and ease that nursing clothing provided, she did not love the dowdy styling. She wanted to feel attractive and fashionable and believed her clothing should reflect that.

So in June 2000, armed with entrepreneurial spirit, her MBA, experience as a Bloomingdale's buyer and a Marketing Manager, She realized her vision by launching a line of fashion-forward nursingwear. After seven successful years of running that company and bringing fashionable nursingwear to women the world over, She is doing it again now with Milk - better than ever before.
My thoughts-The Milk Nursingwear top is so cute. Nobody can tell that it is a nursing top. I wore it to work and got several compliments. I even think it makes me look skinner, and I am 7 months pregnant. So this top is going to good use now before the birth of my baby and then after the birth, so I can nurse. The slips in concealed and very easy to adjust when needed. The top is made stretchy and it is not uncomfortable at all.

Sleeveless crossover nursing top now $31.99 (was $39.00)

-black/blue -XS, S, M, L, XL

•Sleek crossover nursing top
•Nurse easily in public by moving aside the front fabric to access nursing openings
•Enjoy wearing long after your nursing days are through
•Super soft fabric is 60% cotton, 35% poly, 5% spandex
•Machine wash gentle, tumble dry low

You can earn 32 Milk Money rewards points on this product!

I have a giveaway. Please follow the rules below to enter:

1. To enter the contest to win one of Milk Nursingwear products, entrants need to either like Milk on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/milk-nursingwear/108520224740
2. OR write a comment that includes a LINK to the product you like most on their website.
(Each entrant can earn 2 spots in the contest. One for a "like" on facebook and one for linking to the product they like. Doing one of these options is mandatory.)

Extra entries-
3. Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win Milk nursingwear @independentmami ends 11/16 http://tinyurl.com/3c66fjz


This giveaway ends on 11/16 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please make sure you follow the directions on how to enter, you will be disqualified if the mandatory entries are not fulfilled. Please leave your email in the comment. US only. Good luck. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.


***Disclosure-I received this product to review. These are my honest opinions.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Moms Meet Mommy Party~ Annie Chun's

Sesame Seaweed Snacks

Here’s your chance to discover a delicious new snack that’s bursting with flavor and chock-full of vitamins and minerals to keep you going all day long. Our Korean seaweed is roasted to perfection and then seasoned with a dash of salt and sesame seed oil, creating a savory taste sensation that promises to excite your palate. Go ahead. Indulge. Your friends will have culture envy. Bring Home Annie Chun’s Sesame Seaweed Snacks today and enjoy a unique, healthy snack!

Wasabi Seaweed Snacks

Here’s your chance to discover a delicious new snack that’s bursting with flavor and chock-full of vitamins and minerals to keep you going all day long. Our Korean seaweed is roasted to perfection and then seasoned with a dash of salt, sesame seed oil, and wasabi powder creating a savory taste sensation that promises to excite your palate. Go ahead. Indulge. Your friends will have culture envy. Order Annie Chun’s Wasabi Seaweed Snacks today and enjoy a unique, healthy snack!

About Annue Chun's

Annie Chun founded the company in 1992 with the dream of creating healthy, delicious Asian foods that would introduce America to the diversity of Asian foods and flavors.

Since those early days, the company has grown to become the leading producer of all-natural, gourmet Pan-Asian food in the United States. Today, Annie Chun’s continues to provide consumers with simple, convenient meal solutions through innovative product offerings and unique flavor profiles that unlock a sense of worldliness with every bite.

In 2005, Annie Chun’s forged a strategic partnership with CJ Corp., Korea’s largest food producer, strengthening the company’s commitment to creating all natural, great tasting products that promote good health and further the company’s goal of introducing new and exciting Asian foods to the American consumer. The complete line of innovative, premium goods provides a variety of options such as vegetarian, organic and gluten-free to adapt to dietary restrictions or preferences.

Annie Chun’s products can now be found at most major supermarkets and natural foods stores, Whole Foods, Target, Wal-mart, and Trader Joe’s as well as in select Canadian chains.

Our Mission:

Annie Chun’s mission is to take the mystery out of Asian cooking and allow you to easily re-create your favorite Asian dishes right at home. Delicious. Healthy. Convenient.

***Disclosure-I was provided all information, and samples for this Mommy Party. No monetary compensation was received.

Around the Blogosphere..Giveaways

Happily Mother After Giveaway-Knit baby hat 10/31

Pregnancy Diaries ~ Week 28

This is me at week 28.

How am I feeling?

I am tired. This last trimester is the one I was dreading the most, and now I see why. I actually am so tired when I hit the bed, I knock out. And when I wake up, I feel like a thousand bricks fell on me. My bones hurt really bad. And not to mention that my feet will not go back to normal. This morning my shows don't even fit. The ones I bought for this pregnancy, one size bigger, with all the cushion, and padding.

How is baby girl?

Her moves are getting more and more visible. Even though she plays hide and go seek with everyone who tries to feel her. Daddy has felt her power a couple of times now. He loves to wake her up, and get her all worked up. it is cute to see them play together.

News?

I am in my bestfrieed's wedding that is in 2 weeks, and I am the Maid of Honor. This weekend was the bachelorette weekend, and I am so glad that is over with. I still have not received my dress, that needs to be severely doctored to fit my 7 month pregnant self. I am trying not to stress over that but we will see how long I can stay this calm.

Dr Visits?

I have a check up scheduled this week with my OB/GYN. We will see what the doctor says. I know I have to go see the Fetal Specialist again but they have not called to schedule my appointment. Can't wait to see baby girl again.

Well until next update...

Friday, October 21, 2011

Univision's Lourdes Stephen by Pantene & CoverGirl @ Magia De La Moda

Lourdes Stephen looked stunning last night in Miami as the mistress of ceremonies for the “Magia De La Moda” fashion show by Isabel Toledo & Televisa’s Vanidades Magazine, part of Miami Fashion Week (Funkshion). The popular television reporter from Univision’s “Sal y Pimienta” show looked radiant in a silver dress by Mandalay and black heels by Christian Louboutin. The show was presented by CoverGirl & Pantene as all the models rocked the latest makeup and hair styling products from these two iconic beauty brands. Isabel Toledo’s runway show for Spring 2012 took place in the historic Moore Building in the Design District and was her first time ever showing in Miami. She currently also has a collection partnership with Payless. In attendance were Miami’s top beauty bloggers and editors along with VIPs such as actresses Marlene Favela and Geraldine Bazan, Isabel’s husband and co-designer Ruben Toledo, Vanidades Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Blanco, fashion designer Adriana Castro, singer Elijah King, and the “My CoverGirl” sweepstakes winner Jany Rodriguez.

Makeup artist Jessica Rivera tells us how she managed Lourdes’ look backstage using COVERGIRL:
· I began preparing her face with the COVERGIRL & OLAY Simply Ageless Serum Primer to add a softness look to the skin. I then applied COVERGIRL & OLAY Simply Ageless Concealer (#215) to illuminate the area under her eyes.

· Afterwards, I covered her skin with a light layer of COVERGIRL & OLAY Simply Ageless Foundation (#255) and then used the COVERGIRL Clean Pressed Powder (Normal Skin, #165) to reduce the brightness of her skin in order to prepare her for the catwalk lighting and camera flashes.
· On her cheeks I used COVERGIRL & OLAY Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush (#210) for the rich creaminess of this blush but then I also mixed it with the Lush Berry (#230) tone to give off a lasting color to her lips.

· For her lips, I simply added COVERGIRL Shine Blast Lip Gloss (#800) in Glow.

· For her eyes, since Lourdes loves to highlight her eyes and her long eyelashes, in order to achieve the smoky eye look I used COVERGIRL Intense ShadowBlast (#800) in Beige Blaze and COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows color palette (#222) in Drama Eyes.

· I then outlined her eyes gently with COVERGIRL LiquilineBlast Eye Liner in Black Fire and finally used the COVERGIRL LashBlast Fusion mascara in Very Back to make her eyes more striking.

· Join “My CoverGirl” at www.facebook.com/covergirl

Hair by Televisa’s hair styling team using PANTENE:

· The team of stylists created a voluminous and loose waves look to complement the dress and makeup.

· Before drying the hair they used Pantene Heat Protection & ShineSpray from the Medium to Thick collection.

· Then they created open waves using a wide pincer and finally sprayed Pantene’s Medium to Thick Anti-Humidity Hairspray to control moisture and give lasting shine to her hair.

· Visit “Tu Pantene” at www.facebook.com/pantene

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Informational post only.

Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid and "Nature Makes Perfect Scents" Review and Giveaway***CLOSED***

The power of scent is remarkable. It can have positive effects on your mood, reduce stress, and even help you sleep better. But not all scents are created equal. The fruit, floral and herbal ingredients used to create the scents in Seventh Generation´s new natural dish liquid come from fields, not factories.

Seventh Generation dish liquid contains only essential oils and botanical extracts, and delivers real cleaning power. Your tableware will be left fresh and ready to serve your next home cooked meal.

•With authentic ingredients like lavender from the fields of Drome in the foothills of the Alps, clementines from sunny Calabria and lemons from the soils of Sicily, Seventh Generation natural dish liquid is free of unnecessary synthetic colors or chemically engineered scents.

•Enter the "Nature Makes Perfect Scents" sweepstakes at seventhgeneration.com/scents and you can have the chance to take a trip for two to visit one of the sourcing sites of Seventh Generation natural dish liquid fragrance ingredients. Visit seventhgeneration.com/scents to learn more about each scent´s origin.

Enter to win a trip to Italy, France, or Vermont.

My thoughts-I like all the scents. Right now I can smell everything from a mile aways with this pregnancy nose. My favorite would have to be Lavender Floral and Mint. The scents kinda made me forget I was doing a chore. lol. I also like that the dish washing liquid is natural.

I have a giveaway for you...

How to enter:

1) Which of the Seventh Generation natural dish liquid varieties are you most interested in trying? (1 entry)

2) Which essential oil sourcing site would you be most excited to visit, if you were to win the "Nature Makes Perfect Scents" sweepstakes? (1 entry)

3) "Like" Seventh Generation´s Facebook page, leave a comment on their page telling them which of the natural dish liquid varieties you are most interested in trying or which essential oil sourcing site they would be most excited to visit. (1 entry)

4) Follow Seventh Generation on Twitter . (1 entry)

5) Tweet (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Win @SeventhGen Prize Pack 11/16 Thanks http://tinyurl.com/5s9u4r8 #7thGenDishLiquid and #MyBlogSpark!

6) Facebook Share (1 entry/per share/per day)

7) Linky Share (1 entry/per linky)

This giveaway ends 11/16. Open to US only. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please leave your email in your comment. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good luck.

***Disclosure-The Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark."

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Winnie The Pooh

Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity Book Review and Giveaway***CLOSED***

I want to share a new book Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity (Cypress House, Sept 2011), the story a 14-year-old’s courage and unwavering optimism through brain cancer, and the legacy of community service she left behind.
Meeting the need for “normal”Let It Be foundation helps families through life-threatening diagnosis by restoring a sense of normalcy LOS ANGELES – When Ruthe Rosen’s family learned that 14-year-old Karla had an inoperable brain tumor, they did what any family facing life-threatening illness would do: they put their normal lives on hold, sought the best doctors, solicited prayers, and clung to hope. Karla’s year long cancer fight evoked a community-wide outpouring of love, support, media coverage, and magical moments. She received private guitar lessons from James Valentine of Maroon 5, got to meet her hero pro-surfer and Soul Surfer author Bethany Hamilton, was given a $2500 shopping spree, and got a surprise room makeover worthy of a TV special. But more than any of those wishes granted in her final year, all she really wanted was to “be normal.” In Karla’s memory, her parents, Ruthe and Michael, founded The Let It Be Foundation™ (www.theletitbefoundation.org), a nonprofit organization that helps restore a sense of normalcy during life-threatening pediatric illness. A source of ongoing support not just for the sick child but also for the entire family, The Let It Be Foundation partners with families as they battle the most serious illnesses, because when a child is sick, the entire family is rocked. When illness strikes, medical expenses can overwhelm a once financially stable family, not to mention a family already living day-to-day. The stress and financial strain can damage even a strong marriage, and siblings are left feeling despair and loneliness as all of the family’s attention centers on the sick child. That’s why the foundation works to meet families’ everyday needs with housekeeping, grocery shopping, lawn care, meals, and transportation, sibling play dates and family outings. Through donations and private funding, they help with the normal day-to-day activities that get lost in the process. They also created a Youth Leadership Program to help the sick children they serve feel like normal kids again. Drawing on local student volunteers to give back to the community, members of the Youth Leadership Program befriend the kids, take them to local baseball games, bring them cards and handmade gifts, and hold fundraisers for special projects like Room Enhancements. The students work with local designers and construction companies who volunteer their services, making sure the rooms are kid-approved. Ruthe hopes The Let It Be Foundation will serve as a national model for community service. “If your heart’s desire is to help someone in need, just do it, and know you are making a difference,” she says.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- Ruthe Rosen’s book, Never Give Up: How to Find Hope and Purpose in Adversity, passes on the meaningful lessons she learned from living with her daughter Karla’s cancer. It is a remarkable story of faith, hope, and joy in the face of the unimaginable. RUTHE ROSEN (www.rutherosen.com) is a family advocate, speaker and author. She is the cofounder and CEO of The Let It Be Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps families with children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. She shares her journey as a public speaker to healthcare professionals and to parents and families coping with a sick loved one. She has been recognized for her community service with many accolades. She was named the 2010 MLB and People Magazine “All Star Among Us,” and in 2009 received a “Making a Difference for Women Award” and an award for “Outstanding Citizens of the Year.” She lives in Chino Hills with her husband, Michael, and their two boys.

My thoughts-There are not enough words in the dictionary for a mother's love for a child. I am have a 10 yr old son, and am currently pregnant with my Lil Bit. And I would do anything for my kids. Life throws us challenges at times, and it is hard for us as adults to understand. Can you imagine a child? What they feel and what they are going through? The issues and dilemas they are dealing with. This book does just that. It gives us a view. It shows how strong a person or persons can be. And that sometimes, just being Normal is not that bad. It really made me reflect on my life, my challenges (which are not so bad compared to others), and the way I see and enjoy.

Would you like to win a copy of this book?

1) Be a blog follower. (1 entry)
2) Be a twitter follower. (1 entry)
3) Tweet. (1 entry/per day)

Win a copy of Never Give Up #giveaway @independentmami ends 10/31 http://tinyurl.com/3humjvl


4) Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share/per day)
5) Linky Share. (1 entry/per linky)

This giveaway ends on 10/31 at 8 am. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please leave your email in the comment. US and Canada only. The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck.


***Disclosure-I received a book copy to review. These are my honest opinions.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Walmart Unwraps Its Top 20 Holiday Toys and Exclusive Offers

Retailer Gives the Gift of Low Prices Every Day on Hot Toys this Holiday Season

Santa arrives early at Walmart (NYSE: WMT), with a delivery of must-have toys sure to be on every child's wish list. The retailer today announced its top 20 toys for the holiday season, which include exclusive items, educational and interactive toys, licensed products and family entertainment available at low prices every day in store and online atwalmart.com. Walmart is also helping parents place these toys under the family Christmas tree with its Christmas layaway program which kicks off Oct. 17. "Value is a huge priority for our customers and they rely on Walmart for the right toys at great prices everyday and especially during the holiday season," said Laura Phillips, senior vice president of toys and seasonal merchandising, Walmart. "We know this economic climate is difficult for our customers and we are committed to helping them have the Christmas they want and deserve." Top Twenty Toys for Toddlers to Tweens:As the top toy destination, Phillips and her team of toy merchants work year-round to identify the hottest toys, which include:
Exclusive to Walmart:
·         Mattel Monster High 3-Pack
·         Lego Mace Windu FighterPreschool Play
·         Hasbro Race Along Chuck
·         Fisher Price Dance 'n Play Puppy
·         Hasbro Elmo Rocks
·         Fisher Price Dora's Fiesta Kitchen
·         LeapFrog Leap Pad ExplorerGames and More for Girls
·         MGA Lalaloopsy Silly Hair
·         Mattel Fijit
·         Hasbro Easy Bake Oven
·         Hasbro Cookie Pie FurReal
·         Mattel Barbie CamperPlaytime for Boys
·         Hasbro Beyblades Triple Battle
·         Hasbro Star Wars FX Lightsaber
·         Hasbro Nerf Nitron
·         Fisher Price Imaginext Bat Cave
·         Spinmaster RC Real McQueen
·         Hasbro Transformers Ultimate OptimusFamily Fun
·         Wowee Paper Jams Pro Mic
·         Hasbro Yahtzee Flash Games

Holiday Shopping is Easier with Christmas Layaway To help families deliver a Christmas to remember, this year Walmart is offering a Christmas layaway program for electronics and toys. Available at all stores nationwide beginning Oct. 17 through Dec. 16, the program will be available on eligible toy and electronic gifts with a retail price of $15 or more*, including dozens of additional popular toys on Rollback to $15, such as Leapfrog Scribble and Write, Disney Princess Toddler Dolls, Transformers 3 Mechtech and select Lego playsets. * In order to participate, each item must have a price of $15 or more, customers must have a total minimum layaway purchase of $50, make a 10% down payment on the total purchase, and pay a one-time non-refundable $5 service fee. Items put on layaway must be paid in full and picked up on or before Dec. 16. There is a $10 cancellation fee for any orders not picked up by that date or cancelled by the customer.  Cancellation fees and service fees may vary by state. Contract wireless phones are not eligible for the layaway program. About WalmartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) serves customers and members more than 200 million times per week at over 9,600 retail units under 69 different banners in 28 countries. With fiscal year 2011 sales of $419 billion, Walmart employs 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://walmartstores.com/ and on Twitter athttp://twitter.com/walmart. Online merchandise sales are available at http://www.walmart.com/ and http://www.samsclub.comsource/ Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.


***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Essentials Feet TreatMint Foot Lotion Review

This month, Stanley Home is featuring a body product!

Essentials Feet TreatMint Foot Lotion has all the robust soothing action of a visit to the spa, available at the cost of your usual care product. With peppermint, menthol, and camphor oils, Essentials Foot Lotion is an invigorating foot therapy; moisturizing and working deep to help your feet unwind. With a collagen-rich formula, the Foot Lotion helps your feet stay young and pliable. Stanley Home is here to assist in all aspects of home care, and the Foot Lotion is just one small part of that.




My thoughts-I am 28 weeks pregnant and my feet are swollen!!!! They need someone or something to the rescue. But who can afford to hire someone to massage your feet everyday. I know I can't but I wish I could. My loving husband does take care of this for me since he feels so sorry for my achy feet. Essentials Feet TreatMint Foot Lotion came to my rescue. It not only soothed my achy feet but it relaxed me from the scent. I could feel the lotion soothing my feet. I may still have swollen feet everyday but now I have something to relieve my achyness.

Disclosure-I received sample product to review. These are my honest opinions.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

And the winner is...Monte Carlo

Congratulations to the winner:

Carmen Ortiz said...
101

http://twitter.com/#!/carmen0571/status/126143155786625024 barcarel(at)yahoo(dot)com

October 17, 2011 10:51 PM


You have 24 hours to claim your prize. Thank you all for entering!

Monday, October 17, 2011

And the winners are...Real Steel and Belevation

The winner of the Real Steel Prize pk is....Congrats...

Adalia said...
39

http://twitter.com/#!/MiDiaaDiablog/status/122717824891363328
tweetd

October 8, 2011 12:00 PM


The winner of the Belevation is.... Congrats...

Blogging ExtraLite said...
24

I liked Belevation on Facebook and told them you sent me.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Belevation/121139697954682?sk=wall#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=203263163075668&id=121139697954682

corellana86@aol.com

You have 24 hrs to claim your prize. Please reply to the email. THANK YOU all for entering.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Pregnancy Diaries - Wink Shapewear

So I am currently pregnant with baby #2, and this one is really taking me places I have not ever been before. Just look at the before I was pregnant..
I am already hitting number on the scale that I have never seen before and with my doctor putting me on such high risk. I cannot exercise at all. And now with the Placenta Previa, I am supposedly scheduled to have a C-section. My 1st was born natural and I really want this baby to be natural. But for my baby's well being I do not care what the doctors have to do as long as my baby is safe, and healthy at birth. So I am planning on going back into my size small (4/6). I have battled the scale before and am need of something to hold it all in and help me take care of myself at the same time.

I am gonna share a secret weapon with you...shhhhh

wink - the original medical-grade compression & shape wear

Slims you down | Improves power and performance | Enhances skin tone | Keeps you cool and dry | Kills bacteria |

How Does Wink Medical Shapewear Slim More Than Spanx®?
The results of 15 years of scientific textile research, our patented, F5 ComfortWeave fabric delivers the highest level of slimming power available. In fact, world renowned French plastic surgeon Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz, M.D. found that only fabric with the pressure range between 17 to 20 mm Hg (found in our F5 fabric) delivers true slimming benefits such as the reduction of the appearance of cellulite.

MEDICALLY SPEAKING | The need for tissue compression following a c-section or normal delivery is caused by the trauma and insult to the underlying body structures involved. Muscles, blood vessels, lymphatic channels, and connective fibers attaching skin to deeper structures can all be altered, severed, bruised, or damaged during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

Bruising, edema, swelling of the uterus and discomfort are the results of this trauma. The art of proper post-pregnancy compression can assist in lessening these post-delivery conditions and further reducing the risk of possible complications, pooch bellies, loose skin, and pain. | Wearing a Wink™ Belly Wraps slimming garment post-delivery you will see your body bouncing back to shape faster. |


My thoughts-I have tried several shapewears in my past. I have gone from a size 14 to a size 4. And none of them seem to be backed with such compression. I can't wait to deliver my baby girl and start getting back in shape. I like the support this underwear will be able to give me after my C-section. I have not seen anything like it before for C-sections. It is contoured for my shape. One of my co-workers had to be admitted back into the hospital because her C-section opened back up. She had no support from her underwear and had her recovery time doubled.

***disclosure-No monetary compensation was received. I received a product sample to review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. Your experience may be different than my own.