Cricket Wireless: Concert Series with Pittbull & Enrique #STSA #Sponsored #MC

 “I participated in Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for Cricket Wireless. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

A long time ago…let’s just say in the late 90’s I got my very FIRST cell phone.  It was mint green and I thought I was hot stuff walking around with that cell phone.  Now days if you don’t have a cell phone people think you are down right crazy!  Ha!  Well, my very first cell phone was a Cricket Wireless phone.  I had that phone for a long while and Cricket is a company I know and trust because they’ve been around for years and truly care for their customers.

Cricket Wireless aims to give people something to smile about #STSA.

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I remember going to my first concert.  I think it was to see the Dixie Chicks and the crowd and atmosphere were AMAZING!  Speaking of concerts… Cricket is sponsoring a concert tour with Pitbull & Enrique Iglesias.  I love Pitbull and Enrique…I can just imagine how awesome their concert is and how pumped up they get the audience.  Pitbull and Enrique have collaborated on songs such as: “I Like It”, “I’m A Freak”, “I Like How It Feels”, “Tchu Tchu Tcha”, and “Come N Go”.

Cricket is sponsoring the widely popular Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias tour, connecting with consumers and music fans.   More than a sponsor, Cricket is enhancing the fan experience by setting up some super cool activities, including:

Cricket Stage – A 10X20 stage erected at select tour stops where fans can hop up on stage and give their best “headliner” pose. Participants can share their 360 images on their social channels via “share kiosks” around the stage. Photos will be entered into a sweepstakes where a winner and 3 guests will get a trip to the Miami Latin Grammy Street Party.

Participants of “The Stage” activation all receive Cricket ear buds (how cool is that?)

VIP Meet & Greet – A backstage VIP area will be set up backstage. Meet&Greet participants will get to meet Pitbull or Enrique and take photos on a Cricket step & repeat.

Selfie Station – Mirrors in the lady’s room encourage fans to snap selfies and post to their social channels. They can take pictures of all the fun they are having at the concert to share with friends.

Ask Enrique – Fans can win a trip to the Pitbull and Enrique tour stop in Atlanta, meet Enrique in person and ask him that burning question they have.

Hologram Standee Billboards – Located at high-traffic spots within the activation venues, holograms of Enrique and Pitbull will create completely lifelike images of the musician for concert goes to check out!

I mean this has got to be one of best concerts of the fall with all of this going on!!!

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The Pitbull and Enrique Iglesias Fall 2014 tour is going to be rockin y’all!  Are any of you going?

Check out more about this concert series and get pumped  up on Twitter & Facebook.

 

Bed Wetting Solutions with #TRUFITBetterNites + A $40 Gift Card Giveaway!

“I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for GoodNites* TRU-FIT*. I received samples for this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

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Bedwetting…it’s something that our family has personally experienced throughout the past year.  Connor sleeps so heavily he often doesn’t even realize he needs to get up and use the bathroom.  It’s hardest at school during nap time because it happens in front of all his friends.  I usually pick up his clothing in a plastic bag at LEAST a few times a week & always pack extra outfits because I know he’s going through this phase right now.

I try to not make it a big issue and just encourage him to keep trying.  It’s not only frustrating to me (extra laundry and I feel like I’M doing something wrong), but it’s hard for him because he doesn’t understand why he can’t control when it happens.

Connor has been wearing GoodNites* TRU-FIT* for the last week and so far we really like them!   GoodNites® brand is introducing a completely new kind of bedtime protection: GoodNites* TRU-FIT* Underwear. GoodNites* TRU-FIT* is machine-washable, real underwear with disposable, absorbent inserts that help keep sheets and PJs dry all night.

I know that wearing something similar to regular underwear makes Connor feel like a “big boy”.   In a study 87% of Moms that tried the product said that TRU-FIT* will make their kids more confident.

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GoodNites* TRU-FIT* is available for boys and girls in sizes S/M and L/XL with colors and patterns for each size.  GoodNites* TRU-FIT* Underwear is accompanied by a disposable, absorbent insert – designed to protect sheets and PJs all night long.

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The disposable, absorbent insert should be discarded after each night’s use.  The underwear is machine washable so you can wear over and over again!

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GoodNites* TRU-FIT* is available now at select national retailers for purchase.

You can download a GoodNites* TRU-FIT* coupon for $3 off HERE.

Follow along with other Moms on Twitter & Facebook

GoodNites®/Bedwetting Facts

According to a GoodNites® brand study, it’s estimated that 1 in 6 children between the ages of 4-12 in the United States suffer from nocturnal enuresis, more commonly known as bedwetting

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that psychologically, children who wet the bed do not want to participate in fun activities, such as sleepovers, because of their fear and embarrassment

Bedwetting is a fairly common condition that a child cannot control or be trained out of

43% of parents incorrectly believe that bedwetting can be “trained” out of a child

41% of parents of bedwetters describe it as frustrating

51% seek a better overall bedwetting product

More than one-quarter express anxiety about their child spending the night somewhere and wetting the bed

As a THANK YOU for reading Mom Central is hosting a $40 Gift Card Giveaway!

To Enter: “Leave a comment telling me how you would assist your child with bed wetting issues & what actions you would take in doing so.”

“Contest entrants are only eligible to win once per sweepstake, per household as part of a campaign sponsored by Mom Central.”  Giveaway Ends: Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014

Protect Your Eyes With These Simple Steps #AOA #MC

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central for the American Optometric Association.  I received a promotional item as a thank you for my participation.

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For as long as I can remember…6th grade to be exact…I’ve been wearing glasses.  I wore glasses until I got high school and then my Mom & Dad FINALLY let me try contacts.  Wearing glasses and contacts has always been a part of my life and I’m thankful, because without them I’d be literally blind.  I actually enjoy wearing glasses now that I’m older and trying out different styles.  I knew growing up it was likely I was going to need glasses because both of my parents had them.  It’s hard to know if someone else needs glasses, some children will show signs and symptoms, while others may not.

I remember coming home from school one day and telling my Mom it was hard to see at a distance.  We booked an eye exam, and sure enough the verdict was glasses.  Now that I’m a Mom of my own I want to make sure Connor can do the best he can while he’s at school.  When a child can’t see it can affect the way they learn and cause frustration.  The best way to deal with this is to communicate with your child and ask them if everything is okay?  Early eye exams are also a good idea.  If you suspect your child is having vision problems don’t wait to see an optometrist.

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The use of technology among children both at home and in the classroom is on the rise, and a new survey from the American Optometric Association (AOA) shows that parents drastically underestimate the time their children spend on digital devices.  This is so true!  I know I let Connor spend way to much time on the iPad.  Even though we do limit his time on electronics it’s what he gravitates towards and wants to do every single day!

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  • An AOA survey reports that 83 percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 estimate they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day.

  • A separate AOA survey of parents revealed that only 40 percent of parents believe their children use an electronic device for that same amount of time. Most parents believe the time their kids spend using technology is far less than what it is.

  • Eighty percent of children surveyed report experiencing burning, itchy or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time.

Digital eye strain, a temporary vision condition caused by prolonged use of technology. Additional symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision or head and neck pain.  I totally agree with this because I sit in front of a computer all day and have almost all of these symptoms.  I get up and walk around for a bit or read a book for a while.  Just do something to take your eyes off the screen for a while and you’ll feel much better!

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This little guy’s eyes are important to me.  By following these simple steps below you can help prevent digital eye strain:

Children should make sure they practice the 20-20-20 rule: when using technology or doing near work, take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.

To help prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with digital eye strain and exposure to blue light, the AOA recommends:

  • Checking the height and position of the device. Computer screens should be four to five inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Digital devices should be held a safe distance away from eyes and slightly below eye level.

  • Checking for glare on the screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of a computer monitor. If this happens, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Also consider adjusting the brightness of the screen on your digital device or changing its background color.

  • Reducing the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A lower-wattage light can be substituted for a bright overhead light or a dimmer switch may be installed to give flexible control of room lighting.

  • Adjusting font size. Increase the size of text on the screen of the device to make it easier on your eyes when reading.

  • Keep blinking. Frequent blinking reduces the chances for developing dry eye by keeping the front surface of the eye moist.

The AOA recommends every child have an eye exam by an optometrist soon after six months of age, before age three and every year thereafter.

Children now have the benefit of yearly comprehensive eye exams thanks to the Pediatric Essential Health Benefit in the Affordable Act, through age 18.

Please click here for a press release with additional information

For more information and updates from the American Optometric Association follow along on Twitter & Facebook.

Fruit Shoot #StuntHunt Contest

Fruit Shoot is currently celebrating imaginative activities with a really special competition.  Fruit Shoot is looking to families across the U.S. to share videos of your kids doing amazingly active stunts.

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Here’s the trick: Your submission has to feature a Fruit Shoot bottle and a ball of your choice. The best of your videos will get the Hollywood treatment with special effects added to bring your kids’ imagination to life! You’ll instantly receive a coupon for a free bottle of Fruit Shoot just for registering!

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Need a cool ball to shoot your video with? Any time you buy 6 bottles of Fruit Shoot in-store, you can send away for a FREE Waboba ball, the ball that bounces on water!

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So grab your camera, and show us what you can do!

ENTER HERE

Robinsons Fruit Shoot is a Fruit Juice Drink designed especially for kids! It offers a unique blend of water and 25% Fruit Juice delivering tasty& fruity refreshment that contains no artificial colours, sweeteners or flavors.

Fruit Shoot has yummy flavors like Apple, Berry Burst,  Orange, & Strawberry Raspberry.

Here is Connor’s video below “Bowling for Fruit Shoot“:

Twinkie Tiramisu #TwinkieCookBook #MC

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on
behalf of Twinkies. I received samples and a promotional item to thank me for
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Twinkies are BACK and in a big way!  I was devastated when I heard the news that Twinkies were going to disappear a while ago and I’m so excited they are back on the shelves.  I’ve had Twinkies my entire life, they were a part of my childhood.  There is something nostalgic and magical about a Twinkie.  They perfect combo of short bread and cream stuffing….please never leave my life again Twinkies!

To welcome the comeback of Twinkies there’s going to be a Twinkies Cookbook.  I know right?  I mean this is going to be the most awesome cookbook EVER!

If you would like to submit a recipe to the Twinkie Cookbook go HERE  before July 31st.

I decided to whip up a little Twinkie treat in my kitchen and you know what this “Java Mama” loves??? ESPRESSO!

So I decided to make a “Twinkie Tiramisu” and OMG y’all it is so good you have to make this.  It’s super easy and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Let me walk you through how to make a Twinkie Tiramisu:
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Above are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

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You will need 14 Twinkies total for the tiramisu.
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This is like building a casserole. Layer the Twinkie halves, drizzle on espresso, spread mascarpone/whipped cream mixture, layer another 7 Twinkie halves, drizzle espresso, and then spread the remainder of the cream mixture over top. Then dust with cocoa powder.

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Twinkie Tiramisu

Ingredients:

14 Twinkies
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions:

Slice Twinkies in half long ways, straight through the cream filling. Set aside.

Espresso Syrup Ingredients:

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 1/3 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2/3 cup brewed espresso coffee, cooled

1/4 cup Italian Brandy (optional)

Directions:

Combine water and sugar in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer to dissolve sugar, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool and add in coffee (and the optional brandy). Set aside.

Mascarpone Filling Ingredients:

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1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pound mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature

Directions:

Whip cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in softened mascarpone cheese until well blended. Set aside.

Assembly Instructions:

Place a layer of 7 Twinkies (14 halves) into the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish or cake pan. Drizzle with half the espresso syrup. Spread half the mascarpone filling over this layer. Repeat with remaining 7 Twinkies, syrup and filling. Smooth top with spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Remove wrap and sprinkle with cocoa powder just before serving. 

Doesn’t this just look soooooooo GOOD!

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I’m so excited Twinkies are back and I hope you’ll consider submitting your recipe to the Twinkie Cook Book too.  I can’t wait to read a copy myself.

Follow along with the latest on Twinkies and Hostess Snacks on Facebook & Twitter

Date Night at P.F. Chang’s

Thank you P.F. Chang’s for a lovely date night with my hubby.

My Mom and Grandma were visiting this weekend and last night they graciously offered to watch Connor so Terence and I could have a date night 🙂

I was so excited because it’s been awhile since we’ve been on a date just the two of us.  We started off the evening at one of our favorite restaurants P.F. Chang’s.

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P.F. Chang’s is rolling out a new menu in the Dallas area with items like sushi, to small plates, to happy hour!  

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Here is a sampling of the new menu items:

JICAMA PORK TACOS 3 FOR $6.95
Lemongrass seared pork, topped with a refreshing tropical pepper slaw served in jicama “shells”

ASIAN CARNITAS BAO 3 FOR $6.95
Carnitas with an Asian twist. Seared chili marinated pork stuffed in soft steamed pillow bao buns, served with a fresh pineapple salsa

HAND-FOLDED CRAB WONTONS 4 FOR $4.95 / 6 FOR $6.95
Crispy wontons filled with crab, bell peppers and green onions, with spicy plum sauce

SAIGON SUMMER ROLLS 2 FOR $6.95
Lemongrass chicken, julienne carrots, celery root, cilantro, peanuts, Thai basil and mint wrapped in cool rice paper with a sweet chili dipping sauce

EDAMAME HUMMUS $4.95
Our twist on hummus is a signature blend
of fresh edamame, sesame seeds, ginger,
and a hint of chili. Served with house-made crisp plantains

CRISPY GREEN BEANS $6.95
Tempura-battered with our signature spicy dipping sauce

SPICY TUNA ROLL* $8.95
Sushi-grade Ahi with cucumber, daikon sprouts, sesame-seasoned rice and a dash of sriracha

CALIFORNIA ROLL* $7.95
Kani kama, crisp cucumber, avocado, sesame-chive rice and sweet soy sauce

TEMPURA SHRIMP HAND ROLL 1 FOR $5.95 / 2 FOR $10.95
A sesame-soy wrap, hand-rolled with crisp tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and Japanese rice

NEW 3 TO 7 HAPPY HOUR
$3 – $7 FROM 3 – 7 PM
MONDAY – FRIDAY

RED SANGRIA $5
Absolut Mandarin Vodka and merlot mixed with fresh fruit

CHANG’S MAI TAI $6
Bacardi Light and Myers’s Dark Rum with orange liqueur and tropical juices

ORGANIC AGAVE MARGARITA $7
Patrón Silver Tequila and organic agave nectar shaken with fresh lime juice

TWISTED WHISKEY SOUR $7
Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Cointreau, orange juice, honey with orange bitters

(And MUCH more not listed here- check out the website for full menu)

I started the night off with a Pear Mint Mojito…it was SO good!

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Our super nice waiter started us off with some refreshing veggies.

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Next we tried the Crispy Green Beans and they were SOOOOOO good!

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 Followed by a California Roll

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Everything was so yummy, but we just kept on eating…ha ha!

Next we tried the Edamame Hummus.

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 I tried another drink called Red Sangria. It was DELISH!

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And last, but not least no dinner would be complete without a little chocolate right?

Meet the Chocolate Dome in all it’s glory.  Secretly I wished we ordered two so I could have one all to myself…but I probably didn’t need it after eating all this food!

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Thank you so much P.F. Changs for a wonderful date night with my honey and the food was absolutely DELICIOUS as always!  Can’t wait to come back soon for Happy Hour!

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After dinner we saw the new Transformers movie and it was really good (not to mention Mark Wahlberg is in it!) If you haven’t seen it I highly recommend and before you go try some of these fab new menu items from P.F. Chang’s.  (It’s a LONG movie and you don’t want a hungry belly :))

Showing Love to Our Troops with Community Coffee

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting Community Coffee. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

A lot of you already know this, but Terence and I were in the Air Force for a little over 5 years. Right after we got married August 2001…September 11th happened. Our lives for the next 5 years would be CRAZY! Terence worked very hard during those years and also spent a term in Iraq. I remember how scared I was and wondering if he was okay all the time. Being a military family is not always easy.

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I love to support companies that support or troops in return. I’m so grateful for everything our military does for us.  I know exactly how they feel because we’ve been in their shoes. Community ® Coffee has a wonderful program right now where they are matching your purchase with an additional four bags, and will send all eight items plus a signature military mug to the APO/FPO military base address of your choice.

If you know someone in the military, whether a friend or family who loves coffee…..like ME…this is a great program to show them how much you care.  I know every little thing you send to remind them you care is appreciated.

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I received some flavors of Community® Coffee to try and I absolutely loved the Hazelnut flavor.  My Dad loves Hazelnut too 🙂  He served 11 years in the US Army….I grew up a military brat and swore I’d never marry into it, but God had other plans! ha ha!

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So, if you love coffee as much as I do and want to share the love with those who need it most please consider visiting Community® Coffee and supporting our troops!

I promise it won’t go unnoticed 😉