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Thursday, June 27, 2013

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Pedal Party and Little Soya

***Disclosure-Hello Houston Media Bloggers and Blog Free Houston Bloggers were invited to a Pedal Party sponsored by Little Soya and Pedal Party.  This giveaway is brought to you by Pedal Party and Little Soya.  Any opinions stated are based on my personal experience.

On Monday, I told you about my Sunday Funday adventure with our very own Houston Pedal Party.  It was so much fun.  Well.....


















a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Aveeno Summer Prize Pack

***Disclosure-Sample product line was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

AVEENO® PROTECT+HYDRATE® Sun care Collection, AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL® Hair Collection and AVEENO® ULTRA-CALMING® Makeup Removing Wipes are what are going to help you stay looking great this summer.

Our temperatures are not even in the 100s yet here in Houston but they are feeling like we are in the 100s.  Summer just started.  More and more people are discovering new found allergies that they never had notice before.

Aveeno is a brand we use at home.  Just last night I had an allergic reaction to the food I ate.  I was covered in hives from head to toe.  I used my Aveeno ultra calming makeup removing wipes.  Then I had no worries because when I tried to take a shower I used the Aveeno pure renewal collection.  And this morning when I got ready to leave for work I made sure to put on Aveeno protect + hydrate somy skin would be protected from the blazing sun all day.

Discover a new, pure way to refresh and renew your hair. These sulfate-free exclusive ACTIVE NATURALS® formulas, infused with balancing seaweed extract, gives you soft, weightless shine and healthy manageability.

The AVEENO® brand offers a wide range of sun care products with superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and exclusive

My skin is feeling great today.  Aveeno helps my entire body stay healthy and looking beautiful.  I can count on the ingredients being all natural and safe for me to use on my sensitive skin.  

Do you have sensitive skin?  Do you use Aveeno?  Did you know they have a hair collection as well as their sun care collection?  Would you like to win this prize pack?  

How to enter:  

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

Enter to #win Aveeno Hair and Sun Care Collection #giveaway @independentmami ends 7/29  http://tinyurl.com/pq2lk6c


Extra entries-  
4)  Pin this, Instagram this. (1 entry/per item)
5)  Leave a comment on any non-giveaway post dated June 2013. (1 entry/per comment)  

This giveaway ends 7/29/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  You must leave your email in the comment.  Good luck.

Tasty Thursday-Barbara Bermudo for Beech-Nut and Goya

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.  Make sure to check out a giveaway coming soon provided by the sponsor.

Last month, I received sample product for my daughter to sample.  Did you see my post?  



Barbara is a mother of two beautiful little girls.  She is now the spokesperson for this new line of baby food by Beech-Nut and Goya.  Beech-Nut and Goya have teamed up to make a line of baby food with the authentic flavors of our culture.
As you may know, Beech-Nut is a family owned baby food company with a rich history that prides itself on having all natural ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives. Goya, is synonymous with delicious, authentic Hispanic flavors or "sabor".

Beat the Summer Heat with Fantastic Sams!

***Disclosure-I received a gift certificate to review services and shampoo/conditioner to review.  All opinions stated will be based on my personal experience.

It’s officially summer and time for some fun in the sun! Hotter weather is great, but it can also be harsh on hair. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the beach or take up a new water sport, Fantastic Sams wants to make sure your hair stays hydrated and healthy!

Here are some tips to beat the heat from our style expert Pam Kelly:
· To fight frizz, opt for a keratin smoothing treatment. This non-chemical smoothing treatment can last from 30 days to 3 months depending on the type selected for your hair. It provides deep conditioning and seals the hair shaft to make hair humidity resistant.

-Visit your Fantastic Sams stylist for a complimentary consultation to see if a smoothing treatment is right for you!

· The hot sun can damage hair by creating excessive dryness and making hair strands brittle, which may lead to breakage and split ends. Use Fantasticstyle™ Moisturizing Leave-in Conditioner which has UVA/UVB sunscreen to protect hair from the damaging rays of the sun.

· Protect your color! The sun’s heat and UV light exposure can cause natural and artificial color to lighten. Clear glazing treatments will maintain your color between retouches, refresh color and add shine and silkiness. And remember, by using professional salon products such as the Fantastic Sams Color Protect regimen, you can prolong the life of your color under the sun.

· To minimize hair damage over the summer, back away from the dryer and dial down on the hot styling tools! If heat styling is absolutely necessary, make sure you are using Fantastic Sams Thermal Guard for protection!

· Love swimming pools but hate the impact that chlorinated water has on your hair? It’s important to remove chlorine from hair after swimming, so use Fantasticcleanse™ Clarifying Shampoo to rid your hair of unwanted chemicals that can cause damage. And follow up with Fantasticcondition™ Moisturizing Conditioner to keep your hair in perfect moisture balance.

Coupon for the month of June is good for $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at your local Fantastic Sams location. You can get this coupon, as well as other great updates, at their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fantasticsamshairsalons.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

THE LONE RANGER - Premiere

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

Images from the premiere of THE LONE RANGER at Disney California Adventure!
A giant red carpet down the Park’s iconic Hollywood Boulevard was lined with thousands of park guests cheering for the film’s stars, filmmakers, and celebrities in attendance. The Lone Ranger’s horse Silver made an appearance along with the actual train engine built for the film. Ticket sales from the event benefitted the American Indian College Fund.






“Like” The Lone Ranger on Facebook: Facebook.com/theloneranger

“Follow” The Lone Ranger on Twitter: @loneranger

Visit the website: www.disney.com/theloneranger
THE LONE RANGER releases in theaters on July 3, 2013!

Monday, June 24, 2013

Houston-Pedal Party

***Disclosure-Thanks to Pedal Party and Little Soya for sponsoring our 1st meet up for the Hello Houston Media Bloggers and Blog Free - Houston and Beyond.  Any opinions stated will be my own based on my personal experience.

Do you like to party? Have you ever heard of a Pedal Party or seen one out in the streets? No, you say.

Well a Pedal Party consist of a captain:  (these 2 characters were our captains for the nite)
Next you need a bartender, someone to keep the drinks flowing: (that's yours truly)
Now all you need for the party are the pedalers, can't get the party started without them:
So what happens on a pedal party?  Well you heard that saying what happens on a pedal party, stays at the pedal party, NAH!!!  This is what happens...

You make stops at local bars like our 1st stop to Christian's Tailgate (in case you didn't know, they have been voted the best burger in town.  They have 2 locations in Houston for you to try.)
You get to try different beers, drinks, etc...like our 2nd stop Porch Swing Pub
It is all fun and games the entire time....like our 3rd stop Liberty Station
Do you know what you get when mix bloggers and a Pedal Party?  You get a great adventure full of fun-filled laughs...don't believe me.   This is what happens ....Bloggers say what.....What happens on the pedal party gets tweet'd, instagram'd, facebook'd, etc...

  Now do you see what I mean?  Do you think you can top that? 
To plan your own party you can find Pedal Party online at www.pedal-party.com.  You can call also call for more information to 832-429-6977.  They are also on Facebook and on Twitter.

If you want to see more pictures of our fun nite, check out #HOUbloggerspedalparty on twitter, facebook, instagram, exchange-o-gram(lol), etc...!  You think we had fun, do you think you want to join in the fun with us?  Join our network, Hello Houston Media Bloggers and tell them Independentmami sent you!

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Schlitterbahn Waterparks

***Disclosure-I will be receiving complimentary tickets for my family in exchange for this post.  Any opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Last month in my post Aren't you suppose to be on Vacation, I told you about my awesome get-a-way trip (sponsored) to South Padre Schlitterbahn Resort.  Summer has begun, the kids are out of school, and the weather is perfect to hit their waterparks. 
Need some excuses to hit the waterpark:

1) INDOOR WATERPARK-Worried about being in the sun all day?  No worries because with an indoor waterpark you can stay nice and cool and away from the sun.  You can bring the babies and toddlers without risk of being in the sun too long.  (Schlitterbahn is America’s #1 waterpark for 15 years and has won awards for the best indoor waterpark, best waterpark ride, and best new ride.)

2) SURFING 101-If you read my post last month, you know I did the Boogie Bahn and had a blast.  It was so much fun!  I never had tried surfing but this was so much fun to try and actually do.  If my 14 year and I can do it, so can you!! (Schlitterbahn has been the birthplace of nearly every waterpark ride innovation including the world’s first uphill water coaster and the inland surfing ride, the Boogie Bahn.)

3) Need more reasons or excuses to grab the family and go to these waterparks because there is more than one.  And each is different and has so much fun things to do.

Every park has a claim to fame:
· New Braunfels: So much fun to relax and enjoy this tude ride! (World’s longest tube ride; America’s Favorite Waterpark)

· South Padre: So cool.  You don't even have to walk because of the interconnected river feature.  (World’s first Transportainment system where interconnected rivers are queue lines for rides.)

· Galveston: So close to home for us.  (World’s favorite indoor park)

· Kansas City: We haven't been here, not yet but have it on our bucket list.  (Midwest’s longest tubing adventure)   4)  It won't cost you and arm and a leg with a special discount via this link-  http://www.schlitterbahn.com/bloggers   The promo code for the 2 day $7 Off discount is 299000334

The promo code for the $5 off discount is 299000335

Valid at ALL Texas Schlitterbahn Parks!

5)  BEST REASON EVER...BYOP!! You can bring your own picnic.  Bring your own cooler.  (No alcohol or glass containers, coolers will be checked)  Schlitterbahn saves mami’s budget by offering free parking, and free life jackets.  Food prices are reasonable and healthy options abound.  

Well I will give you one more reason, win free tickets here!! 

How to enter:  

1)  MANDATORY-You must be a blog follower, and tell me your favorite park or ride at Schlitterbahn. (1 entry)

2)  Facebook Share- Make sure you tag Schlitterbahn’s FB page (1 entry/per share/per day)

3)  Tweet.  (1 entry/per tweet/per day)  

Enter to #win @schlitterbahn #BahnFever #giveaway @independentmami ends 7/18   http://tinyurl.com/mowz7j6


This giveaway ends 7/18/13 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.  Winner will receive 2 Schlitterbahn tickets from sponsor.    

Sunday, June 23, 2013

The Lone Ranger - Featurette "Hi Yo Silver"

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





“Like” THE LONE RANGER on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theloneranger
"Follow" THE LONE RANGER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypictures
Visit THE LONE RANGER website: www.disney.com/theloneranger
THE LONE RANGER rides into theaters on July 3rd!

Frozen – Teaser Trailer

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






“Like” FROZEN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyFrozen
Follow FROZEN on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyAnimation
Visit the official website: http://www.disney.com/frozen
FROZEN opens in theatres everywhere on November 27th!

Saturday, June 22, 2013

The Lone Ranger - Featurette "The Craft"

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

So excited to go see this movie....


“Like” THE LONE RANGER on Facebook: www.facebook.com/theloneranger
"Follow" THE LONE RANGER on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypictures
Visit THE LONE RANGER website: www.disney.com/theloneranger
THE LONE RANGER rides into theaters on July 3rd!

Disney's PLANES - New Character Posters

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

I remember when I was little I loved collecting movie posters.  I would decorate my room with them.  I would also make collages of the different posters too.  My son likes to do this now.  I don't remember what age I started but this was always fun for me to do. 

Here are some new movie posters for the new movie Planes coming this August:




Do you kids collect movie posters?  Be honest, did you?

Friday, June 21, 2013

Il Trovatore Returns to Houston

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


David McVicar’s Acclaimed Production of “Il Trovatore” Returns to Movie Theaters This Wednesday
Starring four of the world's most celebrated interpreters of the leading roles, David McVicar's critically acclaimed production stars Marcelo Álvarez as the heroic troubadour of the title. In the role of Leonora, Sondra Radvanovsky is "remarkable...a spirited, feisty heroine" (Variety); Dolora Zajick is "a force of nature" (The New York Times) as Azucena, the gypsy with a dark secret; and Dmitri Hvorostovsky's "vivid presence and rich baritone emphasize Count di Luna's swings between hell-bent vengeance and romantic obsession" (Variety). Marco Armiliato conducts. This staging of “Il Trovatore,” which is visually inspired by Francisco Goya's series of prints entitled "The Disasters of War," features sets by Charles Edwards, costumes by Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting by Jennifer Tipton, and choreography by Leah Hausman. Original transmission: Saturday, April 30, 2011. (Running time: approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes including two intermissions.)
Ticket prices vary. More information on tickets and theaters in all participating locations is available at www.fathomevents.com or http://www.metoperafamily.org/hdlive.
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
THE STARS OF “Il Trovatore”

Alyssa uses AVEENO® Baby Wash & Shampoo

***Disclosure- I received a sample bottle to review.  All opinions stated are based on my own personal experience.

For over 60 years moms have been turning to AVEENO® Baby products to help nourish, soothe and protect baby's sensitive skin. AVEENO® Baby is recommended by pediatricians and specially formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® ingredients like Oat Extract and Colloidal Oatmeal.
Celeb mom, Alyssa Milano trusts the AVEENO® Baby Wash & Shampoo for her son, Milo. This tear-free, soap-free, paraban-free formula cleanses, nourishes and soothes baby’s sensitive skin and hair without drying.
So go ahead, and give your little one the celeb treatment with AVEENO® Baby Wash & Shampoo, from the #1 natural baby care brand moms love.   My thoughts-Alyssa is not the only mom that cares about her babies and their skin.  My daughter was born early due to my pregnancy being high risk.  And you know what that means, sometimes babies have not fully developed.  My daughter skin was very sensitive when she was born.  I used Aveeno on her sensitive skin.  
AVEENO® Baby Wash & Shampoo

· Formulated with ACTIVE NATURALS® Natural Oat Extract (carefully extracted from the oat kernel) is known for its soothing properties
· Blends into a rich, lathering cleanser that cleans without drying
· Gentle enough for everyday use on infants and babies’ sensitive skin
· Lightly scented
· Allergy-tested, soap-free, tear free, and paraben free
· AVEENO® Brand is Pediatrician recommended

Adventures in San Antonio with SAVE

***Disclosure-I received a Passport to San Antonio booklet for each member of my family which included complimentary entrance to these venues for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

Keeping the kids entertained over the Summer can be hard.  My son got out of school right after Memorial Day and I have been getting creative with his Summer activities.

Last year I told you about my wonderful experience in San Antonio by land, sea, and water.  San Antonio has so much fun things to do and it is so close to home for us.  With a short drive, we headed south again to see what fun we could find. 

We started out at the Ripley's Haunted Adventure. 
I do not recommend this adventure for babies, toddlers, small children that are normally scared of spooky, Halloween items, etc....  #mommyfail #1 I didn't think about it but I took my 18 month old through the adventure course.  #mommyfail #2 I didn't think about my mom having heart problems.  But what I did think about how fun this would be.  You start of downstairs and this creepy elevator takes you to this room above.  After this, you are on your own.  No pictures were taken on the adventure passed this point.  I laughed so hard.  My 18 month old is not a scardy cat.  She wanted to see everything that was going on.  Put it this was imagine a haunted house, which to my defense, I have never been to.  In the end, I almost pee'd my shorts from laughing so hard.  My mom kept screaming but it was hilarious.  She had so much fun.  My husband and son could not contain themselves either.  Recommended for older elementary school aged kids, teens, parents, and anyone who likes to get scared.

Next door was Guinness World Records Museum where we headed next.

(By the way, my daughter is not suppose to be in there-DO NOT PUT CHILDREN BEHIND A CAGE.)  Now that we have that settled, we headed to the Tomb Rider 3D Adventure Ride and Arcade.  The ride was so much fun.  You have guns and you and your partner are competing to see who gets the most targets.  And after the ride you get to go to the Arcade which has all games FREE!!  FREE games for the entire family to play.  We love playing games.  I was bowling, and everyone else did shooting games.  Even Lil Bit bowled a little. 

But our fun did not stop there, down the street is more fun.  Just a few steps down is the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! And Louis Tussaud’s Wax Works.  (located directly across from the Alamo) 

To learn more about summer fun in San Antonio and pick up SAVE deals and discounts, visitors can go to save.visitsanantonio.com.

***CLOSED***Giveaway-Dreft

***Disclosure-I received sample packs donated by Dreft for my participation in this blogging/trial program.  These items are not intended as payment for any favorable opinions.  All opinions stated are based on my own personal experience.

Dreft is the baby laundry detergent most recommended by pediatricians and the brand that parents have trusted for over 75 years to leave their little one’s clothes and linens soft and comfortable.  As gentle as water on baby’s skin and specially formulated for the unique needs of baby items, parents have relied on Dreft to not only help prepare their little one’s essentials before their arrival, but also to keep those items clean and safe once they’re brought home from the hospital.  Complete with a scent that's truly beloved by parents (that's also gentle for baby), Dreft leaves little one’s clothing as clean and as soft as can be, bringing cuddle time to a whole new level of warm and fuzzy.
Check out Royal Baby fever at www.Facebook.com/DreftYou can participate in The Royal Baby Name Bracket now and Heir to the Highchair

And don’t forget, Dreft gently cleans every royal mess.   Dreft leaves little one’s clothing as clean and as soft as can be, bringing cuddle time to a whole new level of warm and fuzzy with your own little prince or princess. 

Have you ever used Dreft?  Do you currently use Dreft?  When my daughter was born I had been suffering from alot of allergic reactions.  So I wanted to be careful and make sure that she wasn't allergic to anything as well.  One precaution I made was washing all her newborn clothes in Dreft.

Do you want to win some Dreft for you to try?

How to enter:

1)  MANDATORY-You must be a follower. (1 entry)
2)  Facebook Share - https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=facebook.com/Dreft (1 entry, per share/per day)
3)  Facebook Share this giveaway. (1 entry/per share/per day)
4)  Tweet - Dreft baby detergent cordially invites UR little Prince or Princess 2 receive the royal treatment @ Facebook.com/Dreft #DreftCelebrates (1 entry/per tweet/per day)
5)  Tweet this giveaway. (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Enter to #win Dreft @independentmami #giveaway ends 7/3 #baby #laundry http://tinyurl.com/kqla7dv


This giveaway ends 7/3/13 at 5 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected to win Dreft prize.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  You must leave your email in the comment.  Thank you.

Lilo & Stich 2- Movie Collection Now available

***Disclosure-I received this movie to review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.


In Lilo and Stitch, get ready to crash-land on Earth with Stitch, a runaway genetic experiment from a faraway planet. As he wreaks havoc on the Hawaiian Islands, he becomes the mischeivous adopted alien "puppy" of an independent little girl named Lilo and learns about loyalty, friendship, and 'ohana, the Hawaiian tradition of family.
My thoughts-Lilo is a girl who just wants to have a friend and wants to fit in, who doesn't relate.  It is a great story for the kids to learn about friendship.  Watch this clip,which is one of my favorite parts of the movie:
Elvis - Clip - Lilo & Stitch on Disney Video
Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch

Before the other 625 experiments land in Hawaii, Stitch is living the good life and is helping Lilo follow in the footsteps of her mother as she prepares for the big island hula contest. But when Stitch gets a glitch, their perfect world goes haywire. Now it's going to take Lilo, Nani, Jumba, and a whole lotta "Ohana" for them to save their funny little friend.
My thoughts-We really loved part #1 and part #2 did not disappoint.  Lilo and Stitch are at it again.  It was such a fun movie.  We all enjoyed it.


Lilo and Stitch 2 - Behind the Scenes on Disney Video

Both are now available for the 1st time on Blu-ray™ combo pack.   We love watching movies on Friday nights or on Saturday mornings, and this has become one of our favorites to watch. My daughter asks for it. Now that the kids are home for the summer,
movies can keep them busy and entertained.  What is your favorite Disney movie?


Monsters University Opens Today

***Disclosure-My family and I were invited to an advanced screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.


Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.

Screaming with laughter and oozing with heart, Disney•Pixar’s “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”), produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”) and features music from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning composer Randy Newman (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Toy Story 3”).   The film opens in U.S. theaters on TODAY, and will be shown in 3D in select theaters. 

 My thoughts-We loved Monsters Inc.  Just the a couple of nights before this movie screening, the trailer came out for Monsters University and my daughter was glued to the tv.  We all enjoyed the movie.  Lil Bit loved it.  After the movie she was trying to scare us and kept roaring.  It was a very cute, and entertaining movie that we recommend for the entire family to see.  It was very funny. 

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Sandra Echeverria's Fresh and Effortless Beauty Tips

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.
A Daily Regimen for a Flawless & Natural Appearance

Famous actress and NEUTROGENA® Hispanic Brand Ambassador, Sandra Echeverria, shares her daily routine on how to complete the perfect look for fresh, everyday wear. From luminous, healthy skin to eyes that "pop", Echeverria provides effortless beauty tips that will leave your readers equipped with a day to day routine for a flawless and natural appearance.






















About Neutrogena:

A worldwide leader in premium, dermatologist-recommended skin, hair and cosmetics products, Neutrogena Corporation has been providing consumers with health and beauty improvements for over 40 years. The Company manufactures and markets a line of premium-priced skin and hair care products that are distributed in more than 70 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Neutrogena is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, the world's most comprehensive and broadly based health care products company.