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Saturday, March 30, 2013

FeverAll Review

Temporarily Reduce Fever with FeverAll®- An Official Recommended Product of Mommy MD Guides

Hand sanitizer….check. Flu shot…check. Chicken soup recipe on the ready…you got it! Preparation is the key to warding off and/or shortening the duration of colds and flu this season!
Savvy parents also prepare for the other “what ifs,” like “what if your little one comes down with a fever with vomiting?” Those parents keep FeverAll® Acetaminophen Suppositories in their medicine cabinet to be ready to temporarily relieve an infant’s or child’s pain and reduce fever, even when they are unable to take liquid acetaminophen orally due to vomiting, fussiness, spitting up, or spitting out.
As an alternative to oral acetaminophen, FeverAll® provides no fuss, no mess, accurate dosing for your child’s age every single time. FeverAll® is an Official Recommended Product of “Mommy MD Guides” (http://www.mommymdguides.com/), and is mentioned in the newest book in their series, “The Mommy MD Guide to the Toddler Years.”
· FeverAll® Infants’ Strength (80 mg) is the ONLY acetaminophen suppository approved for infants as young as six months (up to 36 months)
· FeverAll® Children’s Strength is indicated for ages 3-6 years
· FeverAll® Jr. Strength (ages 6-12 years) is a great alternative for older children who are unable or unwilling to take a full dose of acetaminophen orally, have allergies, or difficulty swallowing due to physical or medical conditions
FeverAll® is available at major retailers and drugstores across the U.S., such as CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart, for a suggested retail price of approximately $7.00 for a package of six suppositories. Learn more about FeverAll® at www.FeverAll.com and join our community at www.Facebook.com/FeverAll.  

My thoughts-So my daughter has been on meds since the beginning of January.  So now anytime she sees medicine she cringes and refuses to take it.  We end up spilling most of it.  Recently she suffered from a fever.  I did not know what to do.  I remember I received a sample of FeverAll.  It was really easy to use.  I changed her diaper and while there slipped the suppository in.  Her fever came down, and she was a happy camper.  No spilled medicine and her fever all gone.  

***Disclosure-Sample product sent to review.  These are my honest opinions based on my results. 

EPIC Adventure Coming in May

Discover a new world in this summer’s upcoming 3D animated adventure, EPIC. The film ventures into a fantastical world with big characters, big adventure and epic heroes. Deep in the forest there is an on-going battle between the forces of good and evil. A teenage girl, MK, finds herself transported to this secret universe and teams up with the Leafmen warriors and a team of hilarious characters to save the world.

Voice talent includes Beyoncé, Pitbull, Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson and Christoph Waltz.



Coming May 24 for an EPIC adventure!


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

Friday, March 29, 2013

Fitness Friday-Color Run

Do you run?  Do you jog?  Heck you have 2 legs, use them!!! and have some fun!!!  I did the Houston Color Run with my bestfriend and her son (7yr old).  We had a blast.
 Something about a color run is that it makes you feel like a kid all over again.  You get wild and have fun.
 We even stopped to take pictures along the 5K route.  This is me on this long bridge, me and this bridge have a history, so I was jumping for joy on the turnaround.  See Houston in the background.
 This is just some of the chaos in a color run.  There are tutus, colors everywhere, and in the end a big party.
This is me in front of the stage ready to throw some color in the air!  Don't be afraid of some color and join in the fun.  I had never had so much fun.  I was trying to get like a rainbow.  I think I even swallowed some color.  This was my bestfriend's son's 1st 5K (3 whole miles).  Kids, moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, anyone can do it.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

***CLOSED***JOHNSON'S® Baby Washcloths Giveaway

JOHNSON'S® Baby Washcloths, Convenience meets experience

Just like every baby is unique, so are their mother's needs. JOHNSON'S® Baby is excited to introduce the new JOHNSON'S® Baby Head-to-Toe® Washcloths and JOHNSON'S® Baby Bedtime® Washcloths a convenient portable, all-in-one ultra-soft cloth that only requires water to cleanse baby's delicate skin. These disposable, time saving washcloths are softer than a regular washcloth and include the same JOHNSON'S® Baby Head-to-Toe® wash formula that mother's trust. Whether mom is at home or on the go, cleaning her baby or toddlers became safe and easier.

Both products contain the mild ingredients of a NO MORE TEARS® formula which creates a rich and creamy lather when wet, cleansing delicate infant skin and leaving it feeling moisturized. They are dye-free, allergy tested and Dermatologist tested.

My thoughts-OMG...I love these washcloths.  They are so simple to use.  My daughter loves bath time.  JOHNSON'S® Baby Bedtime® Washcloths and JOHNSON'S® Baby Head-to-Toe® Washcloths makes it even easier for me.  This are great for us when we are traveling too.  No need to pack the entire bottle with you, and washcloths.  This is the 2 in one.

Would you like to try them?  How to enter:

1)  Mandatory-Must follow my blog. (1 entry)
2)  Facebook Share. (1 entry)
3)  Twitter. (1 entry)

Enter to #win JOHNSON'S washcloths @independentmami #giveaway ends 4/25 http://tinyurl.com/dy3g28c
This giveaway ends 4/25/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  You must leave your email in the comment.  US only.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Good luck.






New Designer Tie by PUCCINI Review


Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Easter is around the corner.  Have you picked out an outfit or outfits for the family?  We normally like to all dress coordinated with the same colors.  I like for my son and husband to wear the same color ties or dress alike.  But I also like for us to coordinate, so I always pick a color that we all can wear.  I love lime green and how it looks on us, so of course that is the color I always pick!

This color is also my son's school color and on game days, he has to dress up.  He loves to wear different outfits every week.  This week we tried something different - New Designer Tie by PUCCINI from bows-n-ties.com

-Just $9.90 Each
-Available in Bright Red & White Striped Tie, Aubergine Purple & Berry Pink Striped Tie, Festive Silver & White Striped Tie, Yellow & Navy Striped Tie, Brick Red and Midnight Blue Striped Tie, Amber Yellow & White Striped Tie, Oasis Blue & White Striped Tie, Deep Burgundy & Gray Striped Tie


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Spring Tips

Spring is here..Spring is here...Spring is here!!  I am so excited that Spring is here.  I love this weather minus the head cold and allergies, lol. 

I have come up with a list of Spring tips to help you and your family:  (items I keep in the car)

1)  Sunscreen-So you may think that because the weather is cool and the clouds are hiding that you are not going to get burnt but those darn UV rays are so sneaky.  Make sure you find one that works for you and the kiddos.
2)  Sweater-The weather does not want to make up it's mind.  Hot one day, cold another.  Something light.
3)  Stroller/Baby Carrier-For those of us with kids, this can be a life saver. Just this weekend we headed to Seaworld and our stroller helped us transport the baby, carry all of bags, and was a drink holder.  I keep my stroller and my baby carrier in the vehicle at all times, you never know when you are going to need it.
4)  Sunglasses-Protect your eyes from the sun.  You do not need expensive ones. (baby girl has hers)
Perfect places to head this Spring:

1)  Park-The weather is beautiful.  It is not too hot or too cold.
     -take turns pushing the baby on the stroller and take a walk on a nature trail
     -go for a jog/run
     -city parks have schedule of events planned, so find the nearest one to you.
(I love taking the baby out on walks around our neighborhood.  I have the Britax B-Ready.  I can face the baby forward so she can see where we are going or if she falls asleep while our walk/jog I can turn her towards me.  On our walk we make a stop at our neighborhood park.  I bring her a small ball she can play with and a drink in her cup holder for when she gets thirsty.)
2)  Petting Zoo-Animal interaction is so much fun.  Whether it is at the Zoo or at the Rodeo.  We went to the Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo and Lil Bit had so much fun petting all the animals.  She even rode a Pony for the first time and did not want to get off.
(My Lil Bit loves to be in her carrier.  My hands don't get tired.  And I am hands free to push the stroller or grab things.  Her carrier allows her to not feel so restrained)

Anywhere outdoors.  Just get out. 

***Disclosure-This is a sponsored post as a Britax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories stated here are clearly my own.

And the winners are....

Congrats to the 3 winners below..

• Winner Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends

DONNA CHEATLE said... 7

I follow on @HBOats as @lilypaddj
lilypaddj3(at)gmail.com

March 1, 2013 at 8:31 PM


• Winner Dial Coconut Water Body Wash
Amanda said... 18

Following you on gfc under the name amanda
Sweetlikecandy1688 at gmail dot com

March 10, 2013 at 3:09 PM


• Winner Soft Scrub Total All Purpose

• Dealsfan32 said... 19

https://twitter.com/Dealsfan32/status/311632846504726529
dealsfan32 at gmail dot com

• March 12, 2013 at 7:20 PM

Please claim your prize by responding to the email sent.  You have 24 hours.  Thanks. 

***Coming soon-Aveeno Hair Products, Johnson's Baby Washcloths, Dial Kids body Wash...and much, much more



Wednesday, March 27, 2013

***CLOSED***Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Giveaway

Do you like Soft Scrub products?  I do.  I love them, and you can use them all over the house.  Now Soft Scrub has a new product, Soft Scrub Advanced Surface.  It is a cleaner and a polish for granite, stainless steel, glass cooktops, and marble.  It is a rinse-free gel so just wipe away with a damp sponge, cloth, or paper towel.

Giveaway-Win a bottle of Soft Scrub Advanced Surface

How to enter:

1)  Be a follower. (1 entry/per follow)
2)  Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share/per day)
3)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per day-must link)

Enter to #win Soft Scrub Advanced Surface @independentmami #giveaway ends 4/11 http://tinyurl.com/cdeuc6w
Bonus:

Enter the sweepstakes: (One lucky winner will receive $1,000, while 250 second place winners get to try NEW Soft Scrub® Advanced Surface for FREE!)

http://insiders.purex.com/BeHappySweepstakes/?id=10153



This giveaway ends 4/11/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Thank you and Good luck.

***Disclosure-Sample product was received to review.  All opinions are my very own.

***CLOSED***Tide Vivid White + Bright and Boost! Giveaway

In our families, la abuela is an important figure who commands respect. Because of this, Tide’s latest “Mi Tide” campaign focuses on the abuela figure as a driving influence in the needs of her family: la abuela siempre está al tanto de lo más moderno; only the best for her family!


Tide has also released a survey with relevant around laundry and stain removal concerns.  For example, did you know that 65% of Hispanics throw away garments ruined by bleach or home remedies, up to 5 times a year? The survey also found that 68% of Hispanics want a detergent that both whitens and brightens and leaves fabrics like new.
Tide is here to the rescue with a new bleach alternative to help families get whiter and brighter: Tide Vivid White + Bright and Boost!

My thoughts-So I have a son who plays Soccer for his school.  We have his practice clothes, game clothes, and the school uniform we try to keep looking good all year long.  Tide Vivid helped keep his Khaki pants looking sharp and not dull. 

Tide Boost Vivid helped get all those tough stains out of the baby's clothes.  My daughter spills and drools food and drink all over her clothes.  Sometimes I am guilty of just throwing it away because of that persky stain that won't get out. 

Would you like to put Tide Vivid to the test?  How to enter:

1)  Mandatory-Must be a blog follower. (1 entry)
2)  Facebook Share-(1 entry/per share/per day)
3)  Tweet-(1 entry/per tweet/per day-must link)

Enter to #win Tide Vivid White + Bright and Boost @independentmami #giveaway ends 4/5 http://tinyurl.com/cdzs7mj
This giveaway is ends 4/5/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  Must leave email in the comment.  Good luck.


***Disclosure-Sample product provided to review.  All opinions are my own.  Results may vary and are based on my personal experience.


Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs

Are you looking for Easter basket goodies?  Have you made your baskets?

I have the perfect gift for kiddos that they will just love....

Easter Eggs - Hide 'Em and Hatch 'Em Eggs

1. Place the eggs in ROOM TEMPERATURE water (this is critical to the grow process!) Make sure the eggs are completely submerged.

2. In 6 - 12 hours you will see small cracks in the shell. At this point you can help your little friend out by cracking the shell (just like a mamma might need to do for her hatchling) or you can change the water and let it continue to grow.

3. You will notice the water (and the baby) will be slippery. This is the material that allows it to grow - it is necessary to change the water so your new friend can grow completely.

4. Continue to change the water daily until your animal hatches on its own or until the animal is done growing.

5. Enjoy your new friend - Once removed from the water shrinkage will probably occur but the animal will harden and is fun to play with!

My thoughts-These were so much fun.  We got them out of the containers.  Place them in the water and watched their progress.  It was so cool to see the eggs hatch right before our eyes.  My daughter loves her little surprises.  They are soft enough for her to play with.

These can be purchased on amazon.com.

***Disclosure-Sample product received to review.  All opinions are my own, honest opinions.

 

 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Happy 25th Birthday to the Houston Children's Festival

The Houston Children’s Festival was born in 1988 and was originally known as the “Children for Children Festival.”

The Houston Children’s Festival is celebrating its 25th year in 2013, it has developed into one of the primary fund-raisers for Child Advocates

In Harris County alone, 5,000 children languish in foster care because of life-threatening abuse and neglect. There were 36,198 reports of alleged child abuse in Harris County in 2011 and 5,629 confirmed victims of child abuse in 2010. Child Advocates recruits, trains and supports volunteers assigned by a family court judge to the cases of these children. Child Advocates’ volunteers contact caseworkers, interview parents, ensure necessary medical care, look out for educational interests and make recommendations in court regarding the permanent placement of the child. Most importantly, they serve as a "constant" person for that child to count on during a very tumultuous time. Child Advocates has served 19,800 children since it began in 1984. The Houston Children’s Festival has become a cornerstone event for Child Advocates and to date has raised over $4.5 dollars to assist Child Advocates in this critical mission.

So what are you waiting for?  Get your tickets now for the Houston Children’s Festival, April 6 & 7, downtown Houston.  Come join the 25th Birthday of Largest Children’s Festival in the United States!

Remember Laura Marano, from Disney Channel’s Austin and Ally, will appear at The Festival on Saturday, April 7. Laura will appear on the Apache Energy Stage at 1:30 pm and will be available for autograph opportunities immediately following. All the info at www.houstonchildrensfestival.com

***Disclosure-My family will receive complimentary entries to HCF.  All opinions are my own, honest opinions.




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Monday, March 25, 2013

Check out Aquatica's Wildside

Do you like swimming with Sharks?  Well I don't either....what about Stingrays?  Did you know that they are close relatives of sharks?  I didn't.  They bury themselves on the sea floor in the sand. 
This is my wild child, I guess she gets it from her mami.  My dare devil of a daughter, my son, and I all got to get in the water with these Stingrays.  (disclosure-no animals, kids, or parents were harmed)

So we got a briefing first and learned how to act around the Stingrays for our protection and theirs.  My 15 month old daughter was not scared at all and was loving the enviroment.  Once she got in the water, she laughed every time a Stingray passed her, brushed by her, or came up for food.  My son and I were really intrigued by this wild experience.  We walked on the wild side, now will you?

Would you go in the water with Stingrays?

***Disclosure-I am a Seaworld Wildsider.  All experiences are my very own.  All interactions and opinions are my own and are honest.  The Stingray experience has been Independentmami and kid tested and is Independentmami and Lil Bit approved!

And the Winner is....Shutterfly

Congratulations...

mummytotwoboys said... 5


I really like Polka Dot Grow 14x42 Growth Chart

mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

March 18, 2013 at 6:56 PM

You are the winner.  Please repond to the email to claim your prize.  Thanks for entering!!

Run for the Rose 2013

I won a free entry (Thanks to Dr. Marnie Rose Foundation) into a race I had never heard of, Run for the Rose.
Dr Marnie Rose was a doctor who died of Brain Cancer at 27 years young.  She was a resident at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital (same hospital my daughter was born at, and was in NICU). 


Will you join me?  This isn't just a race, it is a great cause.


***Disclosure-I was not asked to post, promote any of this but I believe everyone should know about this great family and foundation that supports brain cancer research, survivors, and pediatrics.  I did win a free entry into this race through an online contest.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Jockey Activewear Review

So three weeks ago I decided to get serious about my running.  I have been running at least 5 days a week ever since.  I take my clothes to work and run at lunch.  After work, I go again.  One thing I have learned is that the right gear can make all the difference.  Here are some problems I have experience:

-bottoms rolling under belly
-cameltoe (yes, I say it)
-bottoms riding up
-wedgies
-sport bra too tight cutting off circulation
-sport bra too big making everything giggle everywhere

Overall uncomfortable clothes can ruin your running mood and make a situation very dificult. 

Did you know Jockey makes activewear?  I like Jockey underwear.  They are so comfortable.  But Jockey Activewear?  I didn't know...
(Yes, this is a full body pic of me modeling Jockey Activewear before my Zumba/Aerobics class)

Jockey Cotton Stretch Bootleg Pant-

-I like that the pants are made out of breathable cotton and they stretch.

-I like the extra-wide waistband because it sits right at my belly button and stays in place.
-I like the slim fit with a slightly flared leg opening that doesn't make me look retarted.  It fits just right on my real curvy frame.

-It is available in short length.  Look a real pair of activewear pants that is my perfect length.  I never buy pants because they are too super long for me.  This length is perfect.

-It has a hidden pocket on the waist.


Jockey Seamless Sports Bra w/Removable Cups-

-I like the breathable fabric.


-It fits like a glove.  It is seamless. 

-I have worn this under a dress and it looks just fine. 

-It is comfortable.
-It has removable bra cups.

-It is available in several colors and I like to be colorful!!

-The thickness of the straps fits fine and does not cut off my circulation.


***Disclosure-Product was sent to review.  Jockey bootleg pants and bra top have been Independentmami tested and are Independentmami approved.  Any opinions expressed are my very, own honest opinions based on my experience.

Give a Book, Get a Free Kid's Meal

On April 2 experience LongHorn’s celebration of International Children’s Book Day with our “Give a Book, Get a Free Steakhouse Kid’s Meal” offer, supporting local Boys & Girls Clubs of America.


Here’s how it works:

· All families have to do is donate one children’s book (new or used) suitable for ages 5-12 at their local LongHorn restaurant on International Children’s Book Day.
· As a special “thanks,” participating guests will receive one free kid’s meal from LongHorn’s kid’s menu with the purchase of one adult entrĂ©e.   How awesome is this!!!  Grab some books and see you there!   ***Disclosure-GC will be provided for review.  Any opinions stated are my own.   

Houston Children's Festival tkts

Living Social is offering $6 tkts to the Houston Children's Festival, which is a 40% saving.

The Houston Children's Festival  will be on the wekend of April 6 &7.  Guest appearances by Victoria Justice. 

Don't forget today is the last day to get your early bird discount on Victoria Backstage Meet & Greet tickets.

Also guest appearances by Laura Marano, Dora the Explorer, Sid the Science Kid, 5 Stages, 8 Big Family Adventure Zones, and over 300 fun activities.


***Disclosure-My family will be receiving complimentary tkts to HCF.  All opinions stated are my own.

Fitness Friday-Snacks

Did you know March is National Nutrition month?  

How many times do you eat in a day?  Do you snack in between meals?  Snacking is not a bad thing.  Snacking is a good friend of ours.  Snacking keeps us from eating everything and anything.  Snacking also gives the body fuel.  The next question si are you healthy snacking?
Do you like pork rinds?  I do.
Pork Rinds boasting a mere 80 calories per serving, in comparison to the normal 160 for chips make a great salty substitution. In fact: Men’s Health labeled them as “Junk Food That is Good For You”.

Rudolph Foods! Flavors include: Orginial, Sweet BBQ, Hot and Spicy, and Salt and Vinegar!   My thoughts-I like to snack on pork rinds.  This were good.  I like the variety of flavors.  My son loves bbq and he loved the 2 bbq flavors.  My husband liked the hot & spicy ones.  The baby loved the original.  I liked every falvor but most of all the salt & vinegar.   ***Disclosure-Sample product provided to review.  These are our honest opinions.  This product has been Independentmami taste tested and is Independentmami approved.

The Croods 3D

The Croods is a 3D comedy adventure that follows the world's first modern family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always been their home, is destroyed.  Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods are rocked by generational clashes and seismic shifts as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures -- and their outlook is changed forever.

My thoughts-The kids and I had a very fun time watching this movie.  It was a very silly, fun adventure to follow.  Every character is too cute.  My 14 year old said it was funny.  Lil Bit enjoyed all the action and animals.  It was very entertaining from start to finish.  Recommend for kids and families.

***Disclosure-My family was invited to an advanced screening.  These are my very own, honest opinions.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

***CLOSED***Purex with Crystals Fragance Giveaway

New.  A combination of Purex power and Purex Crystals.

(In 2013, the entire family of Purex detergents will have the power of DirtLift Action which works deeps into clothes to get out dirt.  With the deep cleaning power of Purex DirtLift Action, you can rest assured that your clothes will stay bright, white and clean.)

My thoughts-So you know I have been running everyday, sometimes twice a day.  I need my running gear to be tip top shape.  I am constantly washing it for week to week.  The nasty dirty smells all come off and they smell great.  And if you are on a budget you should know that Purex is half the price of a leading brand, which could in the end lead up to savings of over $45.  That is diapers and baby wipes for me.

I have a giveaway for 1 lucky winner.  How to enter:

1)  Be a follower. (1 entry)
2)  Follow @Purex (1 entry)
3)  Facebook share. (1 entry/per share/per day-must link)
4)  Tweet. (1 entry/pwer tweet/per day-must link)

Enter to #win @Purex with Crystals fragance @independentmami #giveaway ends 4/19

This giveaway ends 4/19/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  You must leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-Sample product provided for review.  Any opinions expressed are my own.

And the Winner is...Dry Idea

Congratulations....

tarter95 said... 32
GFC follower: tarter95

tarter95 at hotmail dot com

March 19, 2013 at 12:42 PM

You have 24 hours to claim your prize, please reply to your email.  Thanks for entering.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

The Big Wedding coming in April

SYNOPSIS:


With an all-star cast led by Robert DeNiro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace, with Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams, THE BIG WEDDING is an uproarious romantic comedy about a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration that has the potential to become a full blown family fiasco. To the amusement of their adult children and friends, long divorced couple Don and Ellie Griffin (De Niro and Keaton) are once again forced to play the happy couple for the sake of their adopted son's wedding after his ultra conservative biological mother unexpectedly decides to fly halfway across the world to attend. With all of the wedding guests looking on, the Griffins are hilariously forced to confront their past, present and future - and hopefully avoid killing each other in the process. Screenplay by Justin Zackham. Directed by Justin Zackham.     THE BIG WEDDING will be in theaters everywhere April 26, 2013!   ***Disclosure-No compensation was received.

Monday, March 18, 2013

***CLOSED***Home Decor with Shutterfly Giveaway

Spring is in the air!! Woohoo....have you started spring cleaning yet?  I did.  I got a jumpstart but now is the fun time.  Time to decorate my fresh, newly painted bare walls.  I love putting pictures all over because they tell our "family" story.  Every Spring I update the pictures.  How about you?  Do you update the pictures on your walls?  I also like doing creative things with my pictures.
Shutterfly offers great decor ideas like canvas prints, desktop plaques, fleece photo blankets, mounted wall art, acrylic prints, woven photo blankets, acrylic photo blocks, photo cubes, dimensional wall art, personalized growth charts, decorative wall decals, wall decals, plates, cups, ornaments, and book display easels. 

Well Shutterfly wants to give one lucky reader  a 5x5 Photo Gallery Acrylic Block plus shipping.

How to enter:

1)  Mandatory Entry: Visit Shutterfly home DĂ©cor page and comment favorite item you’d like to feature in your home.  (1 entry-mandatory)

Bonus:
1)  Facebook Share (1 entry/per share/per day)
2)  Tweet. (1 entryper tweet/per day)

Enter to #win Shutterfly #giveaway @independentmami ends 3/25 http://tinyurl.com/d5q4q3q


 
This giveaway ends 3/25/13 at 8 a.m.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave email in your comment.  US only.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-I will be compensated with product in exchange for posting this campaign.  All opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Victoria Justice in Houston

Hey Houston!  Do you know who is coming to Houston?

VICTORIA JUSTICE

Victoria Justice, who stars as Victoria Justice on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, will appear at the Houston Children’s Festival on Sunday, April 7.   Early Bird discount on Victoria Backstage Meet & Greet tickets through March 22. All the details as www.houstonchildrensfestival.com

***Disclosure-My family will be receiving complimentary passes to HCF.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE | Capitol Portraits Revealed!

SYNOPSIS:


THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.   THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE opens on November 22, 2013.








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

Seven Layer Dip with a St Patrick's Day Twist

We had a pot luck lunch at work and I decided to bring a seven layer dip.  Seven layer dip is easy to make.  It consists of different ingredients and many add or take out ingredients as their taste buds choose.

Here are my ingredients in order from bottom to top-

-refried beans (with jalapenos...mmm)
-guacamole (you can make homemade but I buy Dean's and I like it)
-Pace (hot or mild-whatever you like)
-cheese (shredded-jack, mixed, whatever you like)
-tomatoes (cut them in small cubes)
-black olives (I cut them really small and just add about 2)
-sour cream (as much or as little as you like)
-onions (use as garnish)


So I make individual cups for each person.  Since the theme is St Patrick's I wanted the color green to stand out of the clear cups.  Since the bottom layer is beans, you can use the guacamole on the bottom and spread it all over cup.  Then add the beans.  Next layer is guacamole.  When you add the guacamole, make a cup effect so when you add the Pace on top you only see green on the side of the cup.  I then got the sour cream and dyed it green with food coloring.  Smear a thin layer of sour cream all over the sides of the cup.  Then all cheese, tomatoes, olives, and top with lettuce and green onions.  I also add a Spinach flavored chip.

This is a very filling appetizer you can eat with a fork or chips and great for everyone to enjoy.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Friday, March 15, 2013

Fitness Friday-Apps and Virtual Races

Today I am going to tell you a couple of tips to keep you motivated and hopefully help you keep the fire burning.

First-Do you have an app to track your running, walking, exercising?  I use Nike Plus app.  It tracks my mileage, time, how I feel, where I run, and I can even add friends.  I have also used Endomondo and it works good too.  But there are so many to choose from, find one that works for you.

Another app I use is MyFitnessPal.  It is a great way to keep track of everything, a fitness diary per say.  You can track your food, exercise, and even your water.  You can also add friends on this app and motivate each other.
Second-Have you ever tried a virtual run?  A virtual run is held online but you do it wherever you want.  I recently did my 1st virtual run...

I found it online at www.mamavation.com  It was fun.  My son joined me and we ran a 5K in our neighborhood.

This week I am doing my 2nd virtual race...
I found this one at http://jillconyers.com.  You still have time to participate, it starts 03/15-03/22.  There you can find out more information about #13in2013.
There are many everywhere that are working hard at fitness just like you and me.  Let us help each other.  I will cheer you on every step of the way!!  YOU GO GIRL or Boy!!

***Disclosure-I am not a doctor, physician, nurse, trainer, or whatever, nor I claim to be.  Please consult your own doctor before starting any exercise plans or diets.  These and others are suggestions of things that work for me.  You may have different results.  Independentmami does not take any responsibility for actions you may take.  These are merely recommendations.