A Girl’s Gotta Laugh…Design the Next Hallmark Card
February 19, 2010
I don’t have the opportunity to spend nights out with my girlfriends much these days, but when I do, it’s usually with moms just like myself. Once you become a parent, it’s hard for others to empathize with you when your toddler sticks a crayon up his nose. So most of my nights out with the girls are with other moms. Other moms who have similar stories about things our children have said and done.
Now through February 22, Hallmark and Ovation TV are hosting a contest called “A Girls Gotta Laugh.” The objective of the contest is to create a funny card that helps any mom laugh about the crazy reality of motherhood. Twenty four winners will be selected to have their greeting card creation sold in stores and one lucky winner will have their card broadcast on Ovation TV – reaching more than 38 million homes!
Here are some ideas to get you started…
Do you have a funny potty moment with kids? Ask my husband!
Do you dream of going off somewhere where nobody calls your name (Mommy)?
Have you had the joy of being in the bathroom with everyone and the dog attempting to barge in? (I can’t even go to the bathroom by myself these days)
If you enter, I’d love to know once the contest is over so I can check out your submissions!
I was compensated for this post on behalf of my relationship as a member of the Role Mommy Writers Network.
Are We There Yet? How to Break the Boredom of Travel!
September 2, 2009
For the past week or so, my family and I have been on vacation all over the country (at least it feels that way!). We’ve done a TON of driving as well as flying, which results in a lot of down time. We’re constantly trying to figure out new and exciting things to keep my little boy (as well as ourselves entertained!).
We recently had an opportunity to check out a set of travel games from Rand McNally’s new line called The Boredom Breakers. Here is a little more information from the site:
Rand McNally developed the five games based on extensive parent research. Moms across the country were clear about what they like – creative activities that make kids laugh and allow family members to learn more about one another – and what they don’t like – games with a lot of little pieces. The products are designed to bring families together, encouraging conversation, laughter and fun making the miles fly by for moms and kids on the go.
In the past, we’ve used DVD’s, books, and new toys to entertain. My family grew up playing games so it’s something I love to do to pass time. Games are also highly interactive and it’s a great way to encourage people to communicate. When I was a child, my parents bought me travel games with a ton of pieces that ended up getting lost. What’s great about The Boredom Breakers is that there are no pieces to lose. We received Travel Card Games, which features 3 question/answer type games to initiate conversation. The cards come in a slim box that stows nicely in the back seat. My husband and I played this in the car since my son (of course) is too young right now. We actually learned some things about each other playing the “Tough Choice” game, which asks you to choose between 2 difficult circumstances. For example, my husband would rather be in a tornado while I’d rather be in an earthquake (ironic since he’s from the South and I’m from the West). I Saw It First is great for kids. It keeps them occupied as they try to earn points for spotting various roadside landmarks. 30 Second Interview is another game that encourages communication. Again, you’ll be surprised at what you don’t know about a family member when asked questions like What Talent Would You Most Like To Possess?
Up and Coming…
May 5, 2009
I can hardly contain my excitement. There are going to be some really exciting things that will be up and coming, here on Rockin’ Mama. In case you haven’t noticed, I have begun to do more series-focused events and that is something that is here to stay! Next week begins a summer-long event that you won’t want to miss. It’s seriously going to be the biggest event ever, here on Rockin’ Mama.
I hope you’ve decided to participate in National Mom’s Nite Out this week. Mother’s Day is less than a week away and I don’t know one mom who wouldn’t love a night to herself, to spend with other women. Do check out the site, particularly the “Local Events” section to find out about events in your area. I am attending the Los Angeles event, hosted by The Go-To Mom.tv and sponsored by The Pump Station. If you’re in the area, let me know! I’d love to meet you!
On Friday, I have a HUGE announcement to make. Mums the word until then!
On Saturday, I am attending one of the most prestigious events ever. I still can’t believe I received an invite and I have to thank Beth from Role Mommy. Castle Ivar will be the backdrop for the Mother’s Day Spa Retreat & Style Lounge and if you’d like to read more about this truly special event, check out Beth’s post here.
Do Something Green…With Your Clean! (Part 1)
April 25, 2009
Spring isn’t over yet and I’m constantly cleaning SOMETHING! It’s never-ending I tell you. If you have children in the house, then you want to make sure you’re cleaning with products that are safe and eco-friendly. Conventional, household cleaning agents are among the most toxic substances you’ll find in your household, contributing to problems like allergies, cancer, birth defects, and more (Healthy Child, Healthy World).
When I was pregnant with my son, we were living in a very old flat in Edinburgh, Scotland. In the final weeks before we were to come home permanently, we had to get the flat cleaned and prepped for inspection. We bought your traditional chemicals and my husband and I began cleaning the flat. I don’t ever remember cleaning products bothering me prior to my pregnancy. As I was cleaning the bathroom, I started to become nauseous and sick to my stomach. Chalk it up to those pregnancy hormones but thankfully, that is what forced me to stop cleaning. Needless to say I started doing some research on “alternatives” to conventional cleaning products since my husband was not going to let me get away with not cleaning the house for 10 months!
I recently had an opportunity to try out some products from BabyGanics, “a line of safe, natural and effective cleaning solutions for households with infants and growing families.” The company was founded by two dads who were concerned about the personal and environmental effects of synthetic and “green” cleaning products. I received the Essentials Kit ($19.99) which contains Breathin’ Easy (an air freshener & odor eliminator), The Germinator (a foaming hand sanitizer), The Grime Fighter (an all-purpose household cleaner), Dish Dazzler (a foaming dish & bottle soap), and The Grime Fighter All-Purpose Surface Wipes. The company recently extended it’s line (and came out with brand-new, packaging!) to include products designed to clean all areas where families eat, play, bathe, breathe, and sleep.
I have tried practically every “green” cleaning product on the market (of course, I’m likely going to receive an email stating just the opposite) so I have much to compare BabyGanics to. First off, this is truly the only line marketed towards children and for that reason alone, families will be drawn to it. The products are effective and many of them do not contain fragrance which I believe is another added bonus. The company is transparent with their ingredients, which I appreciate both as a consumer and as a mom.
The Germinator is alcohol-free and as effective as alcohol in killing germs. I like that it’s a foam versus a gel because it doesn’t leave a residue. It’s already in my purse, waiting to be used at Disneyland trips, play dates, and trips to the park.
I have never considered using air fresheners in my son’s room because of the risk of triggering allergies and/or respiratory problems. Breathin’ Easy has a light, lovely lavender vanilla fragrance and the product is made with water, plant-based surfactants, plant-derived glycerine, and natural fragrance. It uses a pump as opposed to an aerosol-system which is much better for the environment.
Dish Dazzler is another foaming fragrance-free cleaner for bottles and dishes. It contains naturally-derived plant-based cleaning agents and water and removes even dried food easily with a sponge.
The Grime Fighter All-Purpse Cleaner and Surface Wipes are fragrance-free and contain plant-based cleaning agents, water, and other natural agents. I prefer the wipes because they’re just easier to use although I don’t think they disinfect.
Here is a list of the products available from the line:
- The Grime Fighter – All Purpose Cleaner
- The Sparkle Maker – Glass and Surface Cleaner
- Floors to Adore – Floor Concentrate
- Breathin’ Easy Air Freshener
- Fine and Handy Foaming Hand Soap
- Loads of Love 3X Concentrate Laundry Detergent
- Scrub-a-Tub Tub and Tile Cleaner
- Fine & Handy Hand Soap, unscented and lavender scent
- The Grime Fighter – All Purpose Cleaner Wipes, 75ct canister and 25ct “on the go” pack
- Dish Dazzler Foaming Dish & Bottle Soap, Citrus
- Stain, Stain, Go Away!™ Stain & Odor Remover
If you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly line of effective, affordable ($4.99-$13.99) cleaning agents, consider BabyGanics. Products are available online or at Babies R Us and Toys R Us.
Provided for review by Southard Communications on behalf of BabyGanics.
Role Mommy – Working Moms Blog
Eco-Friendly Toys by Hosung NY
March 19, 2009
We took my son to Toys R Us a week or so ago to find him a toddler bed (that story is definitely best suited for another post). This wasn’t his first time, but it was definitely the first time he actually had an opinion about the toys. He spoke to Elmo…LIVE, lunged on an Elmo chair, and WOULD NOT leave the “Wonder Pets” aisle. After much protesting, we walked out with Linny in hand and a very happy toddler. I never thought I would say this but…shopping for toys without any direction is a little overwhelming.
If you are a frequent visitor, then you know that I support and purchase organic, all-natural, eco-friendly products. If I could easily replace all of my son’s toys with eco-friendly, all-natural toys, I would. My son and I recently had an opportunity to review two all-natural toys from miYim and My Natural, thanks to Role Mommy. We received the Baby Ben Plush Frog from miYim and a monkey from the My Natural line. As soon as we opened the box my son was saying “Ooh, Ooh” because he just loves monkeys. Both toys are super soft and super safe! They’re made from 100% cotton and died naturally without the use of chemical treatments.
My son LOVES both plush toys. The frog has an adorable jumper and my son likes to put him to “sleep” in the box he came in. While my son is pretty much out of the phase where everything goes in his mouth, I have found him chewing on the choo choo on occasion. That is why all-natural, soft toys are so important. This toy could really be used for any baby or child since there is nothing dangerous or harmful in the toy. The packaging is made from recycled materials and my son loves the box to put his little monkey to sleep in although it would be perfect to store stationary or photos. Here is a little more information about Hosung NY Inc, the leading toymaker behind miYim and My Natural:
The company aims to enrich the lives of today’s families by fostering the imaginations of children and celebrating the lifestyle of the eco-conscious home. They also aim to teach values and environmental responsibility, all while touching the hearts of our children through imagination and whimsy.
If you have ever shopped for organic toys then you know that with quality comes expense. Fortunately both miYim and My Natural have made their plush toys affordable and convenient. You can purchase a selection of miYim toys on Amazon.com and at Babies R Us and My Natural toys at Target.
Karito Kids…Making A Difference One Doll At A Time
January 5, 2009
“Open her world, her mind, her heart”
When I was a little girl, I played with Barbie dolls and Cabbage Patch Kids. In fact, I still have them boxed up at my parent’s house hoping that a little girl in our future may appreciate them as much as I did. Little girls and their dolls go hand in hand. If you go to Toys R Us or any other toy retailer you’ll find row after row of dolls that eat, drink, and even giggle.
Karito Kids are the type of dolls I’d want my little girl to own. Each of the six dolls represent different cultures from around the world and they are working together to make the world a better place. They each stand at 21″ tall (wow!), are hand-strung, and constructed from vinyl. Their soft torso is 100% cotton and polyester fill and your child can wash and style each doll’s hair. Each doll comes with a hardbound fiction book which is unique to each girl and her adventures and her country. To really appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of these dolls, you have to see them in person. We received Zoe from the USA, and from her blond hair and long eyelashes to her bright blue eyes and freckles, she’s adorably life-like. The quality of the doll is amazing…even her clothes and shoes.
My husband and I are from two different cultures (I’m Puerto Rican and he’s American) and we embrace cultural diversity. We want to share that appreciation with our children. The Karito Kids dolls are a wonderful way to expose children to other cultures while recognizing their similarities and celebrating their differences. Each doll comes with it’s own code that allows kids to help other kids around the world through a children’s charity called Plan. The Karito Kids site is where the fun begins. Children can earn points or World Change by playing games on the site and learning about other cultures. Once enough points have been acquired, your child can vote for the project she wants to help. Three percent of the retail price goes towards helping another child. Your child can choose one of four causes: school, home, health or food.
Little girls will love dressing their doll, reading about her adventures, and collecting them all. You can purchase both all six Karito Kids dolls including accessories on the site. Each doll retails for $99.99.
Film Review: The Librarian
December 2, 2008
Music and movies oh my! Here is another one you’re going to love. On December 7 TNT will premiere The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice starring Noah Wyle. Thanks to Beth at Role Mommy my husband and I had the opportunity to take a “first look.” I only wish I had seen the first two installments, The Librarian: Quest for the Spear and The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines.
About the film:
The world is in danger of being overrun by vampires, and the only person who can prevent it from happening is Flynn Carsen in the third installment of TNT’s hugely successful Librarian franchise, starring Noah Wyle (ER). THE LIBRARIAN: CURSE OF THE JUDAS CHALICE, co-starring Bob Newhart (Elf, The Bob Newhart Show) and Jane Curtin (Our Town, 3rd Rock from the Sun), sends the bookish hero Flynn to New Orleans, where he tries to undo a nefarious vampire plot and rescue a kidnapped professor (Bruce Davison – X-Men, Knight Rider) with the help of a beautiful chanteuse (Stana Katic – Feast of Love).
This action-filled adventure follows Noah Wyle as Flynn, the increasingly reluctant treasure hunter, on his quest in locating the Library’s latest relic. His journey this time is even more important: understanding his important role and calling as the Library’s chosen one; it’s key to finding the world’s most important artifacts and in turn saving the world from certain doom and disaster.
This is a great movie for the treasure hunter in all of us. If you’re a fan of the National Treasure movies (Nicholas Cage), then this is definitely a film for you. The plot has a few great twists and turns that leave you wondering what will happen next.
You can catch The Librarian: Curse of The Judas Chalice, Sunday, December 7, at 8pm (ET/PT) on TNT.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUt_7sI7Tx0&hl=en&fs=1]
