Get Up and Move!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of PlayStation MOVE. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you need some inspiration to get moving? I sure do. I feel like I'm constantly moving, but not in the exercise kind of way.

Wii now has some competition. PlayStation has come out with PlayStation Move - designed to get you up and moving and having fun. Move is for all levels - casual to intense gamer. Their games range from sports, activity, party, family, shooter, and more.

If a little Genie popped over to our house and granted us a PlayStation Move I think our family would really have a good time with it. My son will be getting to an age where he can actually play with coordination.  The Move controller looks pretty easy to use and I think we'd have fun playing together as a family.

I think hubby would enjoy the Resident Evil game. He's a big fan of those movies. Marshal would definitely like EyePet, and I think I would too, although Start The Party looks fun too.

The best part is that if you already have a PlayStation you can bring motion gaming exclusively to your existing PlayStation®3 for only $99 with the MOVE bundle package!

Cell Phone Issues

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boost Mobile. All opinions are 100% mine.

Way back when hubby and I were reviewing our cell phone plan we signed up for 700 minutes and unlimited texting. That was when I worked full time, sitting at a desk all day, and mostly used my phone to call hubby and let him know I was leaving work.

Now, I'm full time out and about on my phone a LOT. Well, guess what? I totally spaced about only having 700 minutes - between the TWO of us! Yeah. When the bill came I was a little shocked. It was $134 more than normal. Ouch.

Yes, it was my fault. I should have paid more attention or had something like Boost Mobile and their Re-Boost program. I wouldn't be in such a pickle.

Re-Boost allows you to add funds to your phone anytime. You can even set up a payment plan where you only pay for the minutes you use - which means no going over your minutes. How nice would that be? You can pay on-line, in-person, or pay by phone. It's simple to sign up for the Reboost program if you're already with Boost Mobile - just go into "My Account", enter your phone number and pin, and then just "add money"...so easy. And if you aren't with them yet, it's just as easy to sign up - pick your plan, activate it, and done.

I am seriously tempted to switch to Boost Mobile...$60 for unlimited text, talking, and web even with the Blackberry phone like the one I have. That is a lot less than what I pay now. If I did switch, I'd probably move from the blackberry to the Motorola i1 Android type phone. It looks sweet with a touch screen and 5MP camera. Plus there are a ton of accessories you can get to go with it - from a Scan disc memory card to supr cool over the ear head phones.

I use my phone for so much more than talking. I check e-mails and love to know when I have a response on Facebook. I'm not a huge Twitter-er but that is something I know a lot of people do from their phones. And I so wish my Blackberry had a better camera, but I do love the full keyboard. The touch screen keyboard isn't my favorite.

So if you're in the market for a new phone, and possibly a new carrier, take a look at Boost Mobile and their options. They will keep you in touch with friends on Facebook and Twitter while still giving you the minutes you need to work. :)

Another Plug for an Online Degree

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.

I know I've mentioned it before (although it's been a few months), but I earned my Bachelor's degree online and loved the experience. Life is crazy and hectic so attending classes in person for me was not realistic. I worked full time, was planning our wedding, and had several hobbies. Now I'd have no other option than online since we have a little guy in the picture.

In fact, when I was studying for my insurance license I did everything online - studying, taking practice exams, and registering for the test.

USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC is offering Masters of Arts in Teaching program that you can study and earn online! Head to their site for more program information.

There are some big advantages to getting a degree online, other than the flexibility, and USC offers quite a few benefits with their program:

• Highly interactive online learning combined with field-based experiences
• Groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program
• Accelerated program you can complete in as little as 12 months
• Learning from the #22 ranked Teaching School in the United States, and #9 among all private universities by US News and World Report
• Tuition reimbursement and scholarships
• MAT@USC Student Blog, hear insights about the program from actual students
• Technology video that introduces the interactivity of the program

"Attending" USC gives you the opportunity to earn your Masters of Arts in Teaching from an internationally known school with a 100 year history of educating the educators - from faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education. You know they're good in the technology side of things since they were awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education - an important thing for an online program.

With a highly interactive experience-driven program, taught by USC faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education, you will be proud to call yourself a Trojan!

Gift Giving Made Simple

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

How many of you have woken up one morning and realized..."OH crap! So and So has a birthday today!!!" You don't have time to run to the store for a present or maybe they live across the country and you forgot to send something. I'm not saying this has happened to us or anything ... *cough* ... um ... yeah.

Now you don't have to fret. I don't know about you, but I LOVE getting gift cards. And FriendGiftr has made it super easy, convenient, and friendly to send the perfect gift...even at the last minute. You can send real physical cards or even virtual ones!

There are over 120 vendors you can choose from, including one of our favorites, Cabela's. =) Of course, not everyone is going to love Cabela's...so if we picked a Cabela's card to send and our friend didn't love it - FriendGiftr actually lets them SWAP for a card they do want! How cool is that? No one wants a gift card to go to waste, but if you don't like a certain store what do you do? Swap it! The giver doesn't even have to know so no hurt feelings.

As if it wasn't already a great site, FriendGiftr also works with your iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, and even Facebook. So if you're out at the grocery store and realize you need to send a gift fast - you're covered!

Oh...and if you want to send me a gift card I won't complain. :)

I Need a Moment

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dove Ice Cream. All opinions are 100% mine.

Oh how I need a moment...in the worst and most desperate way. And somehow my favorite Ice Cream brand - Dove - has made it even more tempting to take some time to myself with their brand new Dove Ice Cream Miniatures. Oh Em Gee! As if I need another reason to eat ice cream.

These little dreamy bites of heaven only have 70 calories - yummy ice cream wrapped in Dove chocolate. I'm drooling right now. They have their decadent Café Collection which features Java Chip and Cappuccino Flavors. The problem I'd have is not stopping at just one! :)

Dove now has a “My Mini Moment” contest and everyone I know HAS to enter! :)

DOVE® Ice Cream is asking women to share their favorite mini moment of escape and since everyone's idea of luxury is different one lucky winner could win one of THREE different sensational mini-grand prizes:

• A mini-getaway to Napa Valley
• Spa services for a year
• A mini-home makeover

To enter, all you need to do is submit a photo and short essay at DoveIceCream.com/myminimoment by June 7, 2010.

Easy peesy.

If you do enter you must, must, must let me know so I can go vote! =)

Let's Go on a Field Trip!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you remember field trips from school? I think most of us have fond (or not so fond) memories of our school field trips. Or "field" trips with our families. I can recall a few of mine...specifically the James and the Giant Peach field trip to the theater. Oh and we went and saw Peter Pan one year. Other than that, I don't remember a lot of field trips when I was in elementary school.

Our 8th grade class celebrated our "graduation" by going to a water amusement park. That was fun, but I don't really count that as a field trip. Nor do I count the senior trip from high school - we got to go on a "cruise" around the Sound with a Casino night and then to a sports bar that they closed down for the night where we played games. Again...not really a field trip.

I wish I had gone on more hands on field trips because trips when you're young can be huge learning opportunities, disguised as fun.

Lunchables wants more deserving kids across the country to have an opportunity to experience a hands-on inspiring educational experience...in the form of a field trip. They won't even realize they're learning!!!

Field Trips For All is the first effort from Lunchables new initiative called Project Potential. This program has the admirable goal of empowering kids with opportunities to help them reach their full potential. Project Potential will provide enriching experiences kids might otherwise not have. Because let's face it, schools aren't exactly throwing money at teachers to take kids outside the classroom for a wider education.

In 2009, a report from The American Association of School Administrators estimates that in this current school year the number of schools eliminating field trip budgets willi ncrease 56% - more than 30,000 schools. Lunchables Field Trips For All wants to help kids have those opportunities.

I'm not sure I love the idea of pretending that the aliens in this video are "real" but obviously they figure it out in the end. :) And what a cool field trip - they get to be in a commercial!



So how can a classroom win a chance at an awesome field trip? Easy...

Anyone 6 years or old can nominate a classroom by going to THIS website and filling out the nomination form. They're going to pick 50 classrooms!

And seriously, if you nominate a classroom let me know...and if your classroom gets nominated I MUST know about it so I can share the excitement. :)

I Can See Clearly Now!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

If we could afford it, and I wasn't in the middle of changing jobs, I would seriously consider getting Lasiks eye surgery. I never would have thought about it before Marshal came. But the little stinker thinks my glasses are fascinating and likes to put his hand right smack dab in the middle of them. *sigh*

Imagine never having to fumble for my "eyes" in the morning. Being able to see where I'm walking in the middle of the night.

Don't get me wrong, I really love my glasses - how could I not? They're pink Coach with sparkly crystals on the sides. They're pure bling. But it sure would be nice to not HAVE to wear them.

I really hope that Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO), a global leader in laser vision correction, holds another "You Gotta See This" iLASIK Video Contest in the future. People made videos to show how improved vision could improve their lives for the chance to win some slammin' prizes, including a $5,000 Grand Prize. I missed out on this one, but here are the winners from this year's contest.

$5,000 Grand Prize
“You Gotta See This Music Video” by Alex

Category 1: My Contacts Are Getting In The Way Of My Good Time
First Prize: “You Gotta Be Kidding Me! A True Story” by Robbo (HDTV package — a $2,500 value)
Second Prize: “Contacts Stink” by windysail (Flip UltraHD™ camcorder — a $199.99 value)

Category 2: My Favorite Sport Or Activity Would Be So Much Cooler With Better Vision
First Prize: “iLASIK Would Make Surfing More Enjoyable” by jhbmw007 (HDTV package)
Second Prize: “Foggy Riding” by Snowman (Flip UltraHD camcorder)

Category 3: You Should See Life After The iLASIK® Procedure
First Prize: “Orbs Of Perfection” by Danny V (HDTV package)
Second Prize: “Army LASIK” by ahowalton (Flip UltraHD camcorder)

Hubby had Lasik before he became a Trooper, but I doubt he'd have entered a iLASIK Video Contest. He's just too shy. I'd totally do one, but I'm not super creative when it comes to things like that. Although I think I'd have to have the "I Can See Clearly Now" song in it...it's now stuck in my head!

We Are SO Going on A Date!

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 20th Century Fox. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you seen the commercials for Date Night Movie with Steve Carell and Tina Fey? Hubby and I saw a preview when we saw Avatar and laughed so hard. We both love Steve Carell (The Office is one of our favorite shows). He is such a funny actor. And Tina Fey can hold her own as well.

It starts in theaters this Friday, April 9, 2010! If you haven't yet seen the trailer, you can watch it here:



The basics of the movie ... a bored suburban couple played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey go on their weekly dinner date and find themselves thrown into a night of intrigue: there’s breaking and entering, a car chase, a shootout and a showdown with an underworld boss at a strip club. Husband and wife come out of the adventure with some scratches and also with their ardor renewed.

Hubby and I cracked up at the scene in the preview where Tina Fey takes out her bite guard after Steve wants a little cuddling time. We said "THAT'S US!!!" hahahaha (Yes, I have a bite guard...I grind my teeth like nobody's business.)

Plus the "Kill Shot" scene (oh and the one where she talks about being "whacked off" *snort*) had us busting up. I'm hoping that the commercials are just a preview of the hilarity in this movie!

If hubby didn't work this weekend we would be seeing it opening night. And if you and your special one are anything like us, you'll find a lot to relate to in this movie. If you go see it please let me know how it is!

Squeak Squeak

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.
 
I remember the first Alvin and the Chipmunks...not because I saw it in theaters but because the commercials cracked me up every single time they were on! The part where one of the little guys (was it Theodore?) is in the dishwasher and Alvin opens and the chipmunk screams. It made me L.O.L every single time.

Now the second movie is out on DVD! You can buy it now on DVD, BluRay, and even digital download (I've never even heard of that before)! I think if Marshal was older he'd enjoy this movie (and the first one).

There's also a Double DVD Pack that includes "The Squeak Along" Bonus Disc, with more music, mayhem and all-new singalongs! It's twice the fun for the price of one (always better in my budget views)!

If you go to Munk Yourself - More Munk Mayhem - you can actually Munk yourself. I think it's kind of sad that I really enjoyed doing this!

I'm GORGEOUS! hee hee

Honestly, I wasn't into the Chipmunks as a kid, other than their Christmas songs. But every time I hear the Squequal songs I want to boogie...and even Marshal's ears perked up (and more importantly he stopped crying for a few seconds) when the theme song came on! "All the Single Ladies!" =)

Have you seen the Squeakqual? Or, more importantly, have your kiddies? Did they like it?

Earn Your Degree Online

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of USC. All opinions are 100% mine.


Yes, another sponsored post. :) Since I don't have much jewelry stuff to chat about. I am being picky though in the opportunities I select for these types of posts. This one actually strikes home to me, because I actually earned my Bachelors degree online.

My experience with online school was wonderful. I was able to work full time while "going" to school and earning money to help me pay for my tuition (as well as my company providing tuition reimbursement...major bonus!). If I had to go back to school now I think the only way I'd be able to manage is by going online. I think it requires a certain personality to self motivate and work online, but schools are making it easier and more user friendly than ever before.

USC Rossier School of Education’s MAT@USC is offering Masters of Arts in Teaching program that you can study and earn online! Head to their site for more program information.

You can earn your Masters of Arts in Teaching from an internationally known school with a 100 year history of educating the educators - from faculty recognized for their contributions to modern education. Their School of Education has been ranged #22 in the U.S., and #9 among all private universities by US News and World Report. Rossier and the MAT@USC were also awarded by AACTE for innovative use of technology in education - an important thing for an online program.

As a student online you will have access to a combination of highly interactive online learning with field-based experiences in your local area. USC has a groundbreaking tuition reimbursement program designed exclusively for MAT@USC graduates.

Not only that, you get full USC student status and benefits, participation in commencement ceremonies and free lifetime Alumni Associate memberships. All from the comfort of your home (or library...I sometimes went to the library to work when it was too distracting at work LOL).

If you have time right now, they even offer an accelerated 12 month program - you could have your Masters in less than a year!

Oh...and you can officially call yourself a TROJAN! =) How cool is that?

Help Haiti and Your Child's Future

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Cryo-Cell International. All opinions are 100% mine.

I know...two sponsored posts in as many days. Crazy right? But I had to write about this one because it actually hits very close to home for me.

Hubby and I talked and prayed about whether or not to have Marshal's cord blood stored. It's very expensive and the science is far from settled.

However, we did decide to have his cord blood taken right after birth and sent off to a company (not the sponsor company) to store in case (God forbid!) he ever needed it someday. Why? Because my father died from cancer at the age of 36. And hubby's mom is dying from Leukemia right now. We also have a variety of diseases in our family like hypertension and diabetes. But it was the cancer issues (since it's on both sides of our family) that made us decide to do it.

While the science might not be settled, I have faith that science continues to make huge strides in the area of stem cells. The cells inside the cord blood are extremely special - they are a perfect match for Marshal. Stem cells can (potentially) benefit him in the event that he has to be treated for a disease like cancer. There is even talk of stem cells helping with Type 1 Diabetes and to regenerate heart cells:

"Stem cells from umbilical cord blood may provide the raw material to repair the hearts of thousands of babies born each year with defective heart valves, according to data presented at last week's American Heart Association annual meeting."

Obviously these things are not settled science, but with our history it just made sense to save Marshal's cord blood. You only have one chance to save this precious substance and it's something you need to plan ahead. If you are having a baby soon, or plan on having one someday, I recommend discussing this option with your partner (and  your doctor) and doing research on the best option for you.

Cryo-Cell International is working with Save the Children...for every person who enrolls with them, Cryo-Cell Int'l will donate $25 to Save the Children and the relief efforts ongoing in Haiti. This is only through the end of February, but even if you don't enroll this month it's something to be considered and researched.

Not Your Grandmother's Skin Cream

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dermajuv Skin Care Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you use skin care products? I am horrible when it comes to taking care of my skin. Maybe it's because I had to do SO much with my skin as a teenager (I had TERRIBLE acne) and so I just got sick of it. I've tried all sorts of creams and lotions though.

For me, it's a matter of convenience and I think that the trend has been to provide this for consumers. I hate even having to wash my face, but if I don't my skin breaks out like I'm 16 years old again. And since I do have to wash my face, it dries out regularly and I *should* use some sort of cream or lotion. What I'd love to see is a combined face wash / lotion. =) That's the trend I want to see in the future.

My mom didn't really use a lot of facial products that I can remember, but my grandmother always had a drug store worth of products in her cabinets. I LOVED going through all the bottles and potions when I was young.

Have products changed a lot since my mom or grandma's time? Advertisers want you to think they have but I'm not a scientist and I don't know. I do know that there are a LOT more options now (and there seemed to be quite a few options back "then"). Do they really work? No idea. They sure do have pretty packaging though.

You can purchase from big manufacturers like Avon, Dermajuv, or Clinique...or from small independent shops who make their products in their homes (like those folks on Etsy). I like that in the last few years we've seen more and more independent shops selling all natural products, which I see as a major trend going forward.

It seems like there are an overwhelming number of skin care options out there. So how do you determine what to use?

For me, I think looking at ingredients is important - but it's definitely hard to sort through all the claims. I admit that I'm tempted by Dermajuv's Acne skin treatment cream. I like the idea of avoiding the side effects of Benzoyl Peroxide, which makes my face turn bright red and itchy. If their "Resveratrol" ingredient does work better than benzoyl peroxide then it might be worth the $70 price tag. (Ouch!)

Do you think that creams can reduce wrinkles? I think it's probably a temporary effect, but if you use it every day it will give you some sort of benefit. "Matrixyl" is the ingredient that is supposed to help in Dermajuv's anti-wrinkle cream, but for $70 they need to show me a lot more evidence.

For now I'll stick with my oncoming wrinkles. :)

What is your skin care routine?

Birthday Celebration Sponsor - InVita Paper Studios

People don't write personal notes or cards anymore...at least not nearly as often as they should. It's so fun and uplifting to receive a special letter in the mail. For no reason at all. I've had a couple of customers even send hand written thank you notes and those mean SO much. I save them all.

What better way to motivate yourself to send cards is to have amazing and classy cards at hand? InVitaPaper Studios is there to provide! I started buying Adriana's cards last year and was so impressed that I asked her to do custom Thank You cards for my jewelry business. Every time someone gets their order they also receive a thank you note written on my InVita note cards.

And for all of April people are receiving a free card in their Birthday Party Favor gift. There are two different cards available and this lovely Thank You card is one of them. I actually ordered a set for myself because I liked them so much, and sent them out to folks after my birthday party. :) While supplies last of course and the stock is getting low!

InVita has great customer service and I love supporting handcrafting. All of her cards are designed and created from her home. Oh and she's pregnant! Congratulations, Adriana!!! :) I am so excited for her.

She also kindly contributed two packs of cards for the big Birthday Giveaway (ending in just over a week!!!). A pack of recipe cards that make even me want to cook just so I can use them! And a set of So Sweet super classy and elegant cards.

She also does Wedding Invitations and Birth Announcements! If I were getting married I would totally have her do my invites. And when my little cousin finally ties the knot (we're waiting guys!) I'm going to pony up and pay for InVita's amazing work. My JoJo deserves it. =)

If you love surprising people with a special note I highly recommend InVita's professional and handcrafted work. Oh and visit her blog One Blue Chocolate to say hi!

Birthday Celebration Sponsor - The Dippy Chick

Veggies need a little pick me up? Looking for a little added flavor with those chips and pretzels?

May I recommend The Dippy Chick? I've been ordering her yummies for over a year as gifts and they are always a huge hit!

With fun names like "Don't Squat With Your Spurs On" and "In the Dill of the Night" it's hard not to want to learn more.

Christine, owner and stay at home mom of two boys, started her Dippy business in 2004 and is a huge hit. All of her products are made from scratch and you can be certain that she only uses the finest ingredients.

Food allergies? Gluten sensitivity? These are the dips for you. All of her recipes are gluten free and she even has a Special Diets page.

With every purchase from Casto Creations in the month of April you will receive a special "party favor" gift pack, which includes a Dippy Chick pack!


And the winner of the 30th Birthday Celebration wins the big bag of goodies which includes several Wickedly Delicious Dips!

Birthday Contributor Post - The Tyger Lily

When I saw this knit purse designed and handcrafted by Karen of The Tyger Lily I knew it would be mine. I bought it for myself as a birthday gift to me. :) The second it came in the mail I jumped up and down and made hubby take a photo of me with it. It just rocks!


This isn't your granny's knit purse. And I can't even count the number of compliments and oohs and aaahs that I've received from people all over the place - the grocery store, teriyaki restaurant, work, everywhere. People can just see the quality and then when I open it with a little snap they are even more impressed. It's hard to believe that it's handmade!

It holds quite a bit but when I first got it I was using a D&B leather wallet that was just way too big so I just "had" to order a smaller wallet and now everything fits like a glove.

Karen sent along a special little extra with my birthday gift - a fabulous knit covered journal for the Grand Prize Birthday Giveaway! It is SO cute!!!

Perfect to carry in your bag or keep by the phone for a stylish notepad helper. It matches my purse! But I'm not keeping it. :) Ha!

I highly recommend The Tyger Lily's products and service. She is excellent!

Thank you Karen for participating in my fun Birthday celebration!!!