Modern American Teen: Transition from Glasses to Contacts

My DD Kristen and I wanted to give you an update to her journey to contacts since becoming participating Test Drive Ambassadors for Bausch + Lomb Soflens daily disposable contact lenses. She received a complimentary 90-day supply following her eye exam and evaluation. Our eye care professional agreed that she was a great candidate to try them. Kristen returned for a fitting and lesson in use and care of these great daily wear contacts. The eyecare professional was so very encouraging throughout the appointment, and she worked carefully with us to be sure Kristen was comfortable with the process and care regime. Kristen persevered through the whole "touching your eyes" barrier and gained confidence in the process!

Click on this link to the Soflens daily disposables site to learn more: http://bit.ly/nwJpLU


She has been practicing the insertion and removal and how important sterile conditions and care are to maintaining healthy eyesight. Kristen looks and feels great - building her self-esteem and confidence. Her friends have commented on how beautiful her eyes are without the distraction of her regular glasses. She has found the entire experience very positive and affirming as she journeys through these tumultuous teen years.

The experience has further cemented our relationship far beyond the issue of eye wear. We have instituted a "Daily Talk” with your teen – which helps us maneuver the "warzone" of parent-teen communication mine field and broach more difficult subjects. Today's youth carry a heavy load that we adults need to support as they journey towards adulthood. MomCentral Consulting and Bausch + Lomb provides added insight at http://www.bausch.com/en/Our-Company/Recent-News/2011-Archive/Big-Talk

I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bausch + Lomb and received Soflens daily disposables to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.

LIFE: Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic

Are you like me, procrastination queen of planning for insurance and other key financial arrangements? I am taking a careful review of our family's situation this month to feel some piece of mind and more in control over these vital details...especially as we move towards plans for the kids' education and our retirement - hey, the future is now!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to think about protecting the most important people in our lives. The nonprofit LIFE Foundation sponsors Life Insurance Awareness Month in response to the growing problem of too many families not having adequate life insurance protection. According to the industry research group LIMRA, 11 million U.S. households with children under age 18 have no coverage. Those families are just one illness or accident away from a financial crisis, and something needs to be done about it. That's why LIFE has created the "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" in support of Life Insurance Awareness Month.

The "Insure Your Love Picture Mosaic" is designed to recognize and celebrate those who have made the responsible decision to protect their loved ones by owning life insurance, while also introducing them to a larger community of others who have made the same choice. People are encouraged to upload up to 20 photos of their loved ones, whose financial future has been safeguarded by their decision to purchase life insurance.

I've uploaded some of our family photos to include myself, hubs, the kids, Pekinese Preston and our parents in honor of their excellent example. By adding your photos to the mosaic, you will also be helping out a great cause. For each photo uploaded, $1 will be donated to the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to students who have lost a parent and are struggling to achieve their dream of a college education.

Here are the details on how to upload your photos (up to 20) to the mosaic, which can be done through the LIFE Foundation's Facebook fan page, located at www.facebook.com/lifehappens.org.

I received a gift card as part of a promotional program with the LIFE Foundation and MomSelect.

Beat the Back-to-School Heat With Tips From Gatorade

Back-to-school time means back to the athletic fields for our family...soccer, volleyball, and basketball practices, games and championship activities fill our calendar throughout the seasons...it's all good! However, the heat can be dangerous during these on-field activities. We make sure to have lots of fluids, including Gatorade, available for all the athletes to promote better hydration and replace important electrolytes. Gatorade wants all athletes to get the critical information for our young athletes to play hard and stay hydrated....

Moms play a key role in keeping their athletes safe, so Moms need to understand that young athletes may be at greater risk for heat-related illness and know the ways to prevent it.

Water isn’t enough. While fundamental, water alone does not hydrate and refuel as effectively as Gatorade.

Gatorade supplies the proper amount of fluid, electrolytes and carbohydrates to rapidly put back what your young athlete loses in sweat and provides energy to keep them going.

In drinking water, the brain may turn off the perception of thirst before the body’s overall fluid needs are met and stops the athlete from fully rehydrating. The electrolytes in Gatorade help maintain the stimulus to drink so athletes drink enough to replenish and refuel.

Equipment makes a difference - wear light net-type jerseys, T-shirts and shorts, change sweat-soaked clothing, avoid wearing excess clothing, remove helmets when not playing and remember to stay hydrated.

You can help- download a free Gatorade Heat Safety Kit found at www.nfl.com/trainingcamp. For every unique download Gatorade will donate $1 to “Beat the Heat” charities up to $20,000

Visit the Gatorade Site:
a link to the “Beat the Heat” website where you can download your own Heat Safety Kit http://www.nfl.com/trainingcamp

BEAT THE HEAT FACT SHEET


Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Illness and Emergencies Heat-related illnesses have many factors involved but can be caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity and is unable to cool down. Dehydration also can be a factor. Dehydration makes it more difficult for the body to function properly and takes a toll on an athletes’ performance.

Causes of Heat Emergencies

Primary contributors to heat-related emergencies include:

* Heat and high humidity

* Extreme physical exertion

* Layered or rubberized clothing

* Inadequate fluid intake


Risk for Young Athletes

* Children may be less tolerant of heat stress than adults and may be at greater risk for heat illness


Warning Signs – What to Look For

Without taking precautionary measures, young athletes might experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, they might be unaware they are experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Make sure your child knows the signs of heat-related illness and encourage his/her coach to periodically check players during practice or workouts for the acute warning signs of heat illness, which can include:

* Nausea

* Headache

* Weakness

* Fainting

* Poor concentration

* Flushed skin

* Light headedness

* Loss of muscle coordination

* Fatigue

* Vomiting


Equipment Makes a Difference

* Encourage young athletes to wear net-type jerseys

* As they acclimate to the heat, athletes should wear T-shirts and shorts, not pads

* Remind athletes to remove helmets when not playing or scrimmaging and avoid wearing sweatshirts and excess clothing

* Young athletes should change sweat-soaked clothing as soon as possible after activity
BEAT THE HEAT FACT SHEET


Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Illness and Emergencies Heat-related illnesses have many factors involved but can be caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity and is unable to cool down. Dehydration also can be a factor. Dehydration makes it more difficult for the body to function properly and takes a toll on an athletes’ performance.

Causes of Heat Emergencies

Primary contributors to heat-related emergencies include:

* Heat and high humidity

* Extreme physical exertion

* Layered or rubberized clothing

* Inadequate fluid intake


Risk for Young Athletes

* Children may be less tolerant of heat stress than adults and may be at greater risk for heat illness


Warning Signs – What to Look For

Without taking precautionary measures, young athletes might experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, they might be unaware they are experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Make sure your child knows the signs of heat-related illness and encourage his/her coach to periodically check players during practice or workouts for the acute warning signs of heat illness, which can include:

* Nausea

* Headache

* Weakness

* Fainting

* Poor concentration

* Flushed skin

* Light headedness

* Loss of muscle coordination

* Fatigue

* Vomiting


Equipment Makes a Difference

* Encourage young athletes to wear net-type jerseys

* As they acclimate to the heat, athletes should wear T-shirts and shorts, not pads

* Remind athletes to remove helmets when not playing or scrimmaging and avoid wearing sweatshirts and excess clothing

* Young athletes should change sweat-soaked clothing as soon as possible after activity
BEAT THE HEAT FACT SHEET


Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat Illness and Emergencies Heat-related illnesses have many factors involved but can be caused when an individual is subjected to extreme temperatures and humidity and is unable to cool down. Dehydration also can be a factor. Dehydration makes it more difficult for the body to function properly and takes a toll on an athletes’ performance.

Causes of Heat Emergencies

Primary contributors to heat-related emergencies include:

* Heat and high humidity

* Extreme physical exertion

* Layered or rubberized clothing

* Inadequate fluid intake


Risk for Young Athletes

* Children may be less tolerant of heat stress than adults and may be at greater risk for heat illness


Warning Signs – What to Look For

Without taking precautionary measures, young athletes might experience a heat-related illness. In some cases, they might be unaware they are experiencing this condition and continue practicing. Make sure your child knows the signs of heat-related illness and encourage his/her coach to periodically check players during practice or workouts for the acute warning signs of heat illness, which can include:

* Nausea

* Headache

* Weakness

* Fainting

* Poor concentration

* Flushed skin

* Light headedness

* Loss of muscle coordination

* Fatigue

* Vomiting


Equipment Makes a Difference

* Encourage young athletes to wear net-type jerseys

* As they acclimate to the heat, athletes should wear T-shirts and shorts, not pads

* Remind athletes to remove helmets when not playing or scrimmaging and avoid wearing sweatshirts and excess clothing

* Young athletes should change sweat-soaked clothing as soon as possible after activity

Hydration Guidelines

* Flavored, cold, lightly salted and/or sports drinks like Gatorade improve voluntary fluid replacement by players, especially the younger athletes.

* Athletes need to think about hydration before, during and after physical activity. A player should be fully hydrated before beginning practice or competition. Fluids lost through sweat

and breathing should be replaced by fluid consumption including during workouts, practices and games (physical activity).

* During activity, players should have unrestricted access to appropriate fluids. Thirst is a late indicator of the need to hydrate. Dehydration has occurred once thirst is turned on.

* The best approach, particularly in hot environments, is to have players weigh in and out each day to help determine adequate fluid replacement needs. Following a competition or workout, the coach should have players weigh out and drink enough to match their weight loss. Remember 16 ounces is one pound. For each pound that the player did not replace, the player may need to consume 20-24 ounces to fully rehydrate for the next training session.

* Players should consume food and drinks that contain a liberal amount of salt. Options like sports drinks and nutrition provide some benefit over water because sports drinks give athletes fluid to rehydrate, carbohydrates to fuel muscles and important electrolytes like sodium to help maintain fluid balance.


Types of Heat Illness

* Heat Cramps: Some athletes may experience heat cramps. This type of cramp is the tightening and spasms experienced in large muscle groups (e.g. quadriceps, hamstrings, etc.). It is often preceded by heavy sweating and large electrolyte losses. If a young athlete is experiencing heat cramps, he or she should stop the activity, find a cool spot to gently stretch and massage the muscle and drink appropriate fluids like sports drinks that contain important electrolytes including sodium.


* Heat Exhaustion: Another type of heat illness is heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms of this problem can include profuse sweating, dehydration, fatigue, lightheadedness, rapid pulse and low blood pressure. Body temperature may be slightly elevated. If heat exhaustion is suspected, the child should lie in a cool place with legs elevated, have cool, wet towels applied to the body, drink cool fluids and have someone monitor their vital signs. With heat exhaustion, often the ill athlete feels better when he or she rests in a cool place and replenishes fluids by drinking cool liquids. Continue to monitor the athlete. If signs are present that the illness is severe or progressing, activate the emergency action plan and follow these emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care. Check the player for signs. Call 911 or the local emergency number immediately. Have someone administer your emergency care plan.

* Heat Stroke: This is the most serious heat-related illness. With heat stroke an athlete will have a high body temperature – 104° F or higher - and could have red, hot, dry or moist skin, vomit, be incoherent or lose consciousness, have shallow breathing and/or a weak pulse. He or she might experience mild shock, convulsions, a coma and can die from heat stroke. If he or she goes into respiratory or cardiac arrest, an adult should begin rescue breathing or CPR, as appropriate. Cool by any means possible, as quickly as possible. Keep an ice bath or “cool pool” nearby so emergency personnel can decide whether to immerse the player. If necessary, trained medical personnel should place the player in an ice bath while monitoring core body temperature and call for emergency medical services (EMS). Continue to cool and monitor the player while awaiting EMS.

What You Should Know if You Coach Youth Sports Lots of moms are out there coaching, assistant coaching and serving the important role of “team mom” and should know the following steps to help prevent heat-related illnesses:


BEFORE

* Allow 10-14 days of light activity in the heat for adjusting to warmer climate/temperatures.

* Schedule practice during cooler times of day.

* Remind players to hydrate throughout the day. Coaches and parents should teach athletes how to monitor their hydration levels by checking the volume, frequency and color of their urine. If they are hydrated, their urine should look like lemonade. If their urine looks dark, like apple juice, they may need to drink more fluids.

* Encourage athletes to weigh in and out before and after practices to determine individual fluid losses. (See “After” section for more details).


DURING

* Schedule and enforce frequent drink breaks and rest periods during physical activity

* Remove pads and practice in T-shirts and shorts.

* Reduce intensity and/or length of training with high temperatures and/or humidity.

* When it comes to keeping athletes safe on the field, water may not be enough. While water is fundamental to the body, it does not hydrate as effectively and as a properly as formulated sports drink with sodium.

* Ask athletes to buddy up during practice with a teammate to monitor for warning signs of heat illness.

* Overexposure to high temperature and humidity can cause heat-related illnesses. The National Weather Service issues heat alerts when the daytime heat index (a combination of temperature and humidity) is 105° F or more, which can dramatically increase the risk of the most serious heat-related illnesses. At 80-105° F, fatigue and heat stroke are also possible with prolonged exposure. Athletes playing in the heat for long periods of time wearing protective padding are especially at risk.

* Be prepared by having an ice-filled tub ready for immersing a player in case of an emergency. Carry a cell phone on the field at all times. Know the precise address of the practice or game field and any specific directions required by EMS responders. Remember to cool first before trying to transport the athlete.


AFTER

* Weigh athletes following practice and compare to their weight beforehand to determine fluid losses. Coaches should monitor athletes to ensure they replace every pound lost during practice with approximately 20 ounces of fluid.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign and received Gatorade samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Summer Breakfast Adventure with General Mills

The summer is flying by (literally) - but we're "launching" a fun breakfast adventure with General Mills cereals including Trix with Fruitalicious Swirls! General Mills has partnered with Nickelodeon's The Penguins of Madagascar for an action-packed and nutritious breakfast. We are having flying penguins all over the house - and it's so much fun!!!

Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals, you'll "commence opertions" with one of five characters from The Penguins of Madagascar, who we all loved from the Madagascar movie series. Each participating cereal box has a cool plastic launcher of Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private or King Julien. Use the launchers to join the penguins on "missions" like Dive In, Soldier; Longest Penguin Propulsion Launcher; Clear the Wall, or Target Practice. The missions are all outlined on the cereal boxes...The characters make a great team, and the new release of The Penguins of Madagascar Operation DVD Premiere with awesome DreamWorks animation. This is the world premiere of the Penguins Crew's feature-length DVD. My kids are having a blast at the breakfast table every morning while I really appreciate the Whole Grain nutrition.
The promotion is while supplies last. Please visit General Mills websites for more information:

www.GeneralMills.com
www.GrowUpStrong.com


ENTER TODAY!: I am pleased to host a blog contest for one lucky winner to receive a Big G Penguins Prize package of a box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher, and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier. Please post your comment on this blog and tell me which character from Penguins of Madagascar is your child's favorite? Contest ends on August 16, 2010; 12 AM. One winner will be randomly selected. Winner will be notified by email and must be a US resident.

I received a Big G Penguins Prize Package of a box of Trix, a launcher and copy of the DVD Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premiere from General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark as well as a second prize package to be sent to the blog contest winner to help facilitate my review.

Our Favorite Movie So Far This Summer....

Go see this movie...it's hysterically funny! Perfect for a fun afternoon with the fam to cool off from the summer heat....light and positive. Steve Carrelle is wonderful. The littlest orphan, Agnes, has my favorite line, "It's so fluffy!!!!"
3D effects are great..very colorful and interesting...

Freshen Up with Unilever/Dove: Don't Fret the Sweat!

Summer is upon us, and OMG it's HOT!!! The kids are outside running around and working up a sweat - that's great for them physically, but not so fresh for everyone within range afterwards!

My daughter and I have shared our freshening philosophy together, and she's "takin' it to the streets" with her friends...it's time to invest in some deodorants...NOW!! She's at the perfect age to instill good grooming and hygiene habits, including the use of shower gel, powder, anti-perspirant deodorant and body mists. I'm not bashful to tell our kids (and occasionally my hubs...) that they're stinky, and better do something about it NOW! Dove Ultimate Go Fresh line is perfect for us - fresh, clean and light! She loves the new "Revive" scent duo of Anti-perspirant Deodorant and Body Mist with a hint of moisturizer. It's a pomegranate and lemon verbena scent, crisp and inspired by nature - it smells heavenly!!!! The Unilever Dove family of products is a brand I trust for my family.

Recently, Unilever released the Tween Confidence Index, which suggests that tween confidence is short-lived but can be safe-guarded by maintaining strong communication between tweens and parents. With this and more resources available at DontFretTheSweat.com, Unilever hopes to show parents that they can talk to their tweens about how the right deodorant can keep them free from odor, embarrassment and discomfort along the way.


Be sure to visit their site to learn more at:

DontFretTheSweat.com


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Unilever and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Join Us On Yoursphere.com - see code provided

Great family friendly social networking site: www.Yoursphere.com Use our referral code for free registration: YSMC-0063

We're learning a lot and planning to create our own "spheres"~ we hope you'll join us to connect!

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

P&G Thank You Mom Reunion Contest

I haven't seen my mom in over 15 years....yes, that's FIFTEEN YEARS! She has never seen my 11 year old daughter or seen our son since he was a baby - such a tremendous bridge to cross...she's a good person with some heavy baggage. We've stayed in touch by phone and mail, but it's never as good as being together for a real visit.

We have overcome many obstacles in our lives, and I think the time is ripe for a wonderful reunion - soon. I recently learned about an amazing contest hosted by Proctor & Gamble "Thank You Mom Reunion". I submitted my entry last night, and I'm praying for a miracle to see Mom and tell her in person what a powerful force she has been in my life - even from a distance. Here's the details:

Thank You Mom Reunion Contest

http://bit.ly/PGtymO2O

You could win $1,000 and a video camera for a special reunion with your mom or mother-figure!!!

Proctor & Gamble is kicking off the "Thank You Mom Reunions" contest to reunite Moms and their children for milestone family moments they otherwise might have missed.

“Thank You Mom Reunions” will bring together 105 moms with their children, who are unable to do so on their own. (15 per month for a 10 month campaign.)

You are invited to log onto www.thankyoumom.com and enter to win a travel voucher to help cover the cost of a special reunion with their mom or mom figure in their life.

How Someone Can Win a Thank You Mom Reunion:

Entrants must submit a 100 word essay describing why they’d like to be united with their mom.

Consumers vote for their favorite entries.

15 winners will be chosen every month through November.

Winners will also receive a portable digital video camera to capture their reunion and are encouraged to share the video on www.ThankYouMom.com.

WISHING YOU THE BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR ENTRY - WE ALL LOVE OUR SPECIAL MOMS!

Yoursphere: Safe Social Networking for Our Tweens/Teens

Our family loves our on-line technology and vibing on the social networking scene. The kids want to explore, but we're hesitate to let them roam freely without supervision. We are now registered at Yoursphere.com a great social networking site for families. Registration is free - what r u waiting 4??? LOL

Visit their site and explore all the great "spheres" on topics that are totally relevant to our kids' interests including video, games, fashion, animals, music, and more!

www.Yoursphere.com

If you choose to register for your free account, be sure to use our refrral code: YSMC-0063

We look forward to connecting with you on Yoursphere.com

I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review.

Summer Camp Time is Coming 'Round the Bend!

Springtime is finally upon us - and summer isn't far beyond! As a full-time working momma, I have to do my homework to locate the best summer camp care for my "little one" that is also in balance with our family budget and schedule...it's nevery easy, but I'm working on the List for Summer '10.

We work together with resources available to select a nice balance of educational enhancements with physical activities. I enjoyed a nice balance growing up as my mother stayed at home during my pre-high school years. I loved learning and exploring, so I spent several weeks at sleep-away camps highlighting developing friendships, confidence and outdoor skill building. It was a blast, and friendships developed at summer camp can last a lifetime!

The Tampa Bay Florida area offers a wide variety of outstanding summer camp options this year. We're researching the YMCA, Great Explorations, Bush Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, Practically Picasso Ceramics, The Arts Center in St. Petersburg, City Recreation Programs, and Our Savior Lutheran School among others. We have had good experiences with these programs, but my daughter is ready for a fresh approach to summer camp this year...

A wonderful opportunity can be found with the KinderCare Summer Camp Program. You can find out more via their website at
www.KinderCare.com/summercamp

Families will enjoy this program as you and your child can remain engaged with the facility throughout the summer months and beyond. The KinderCare weekly themes including sports, art and science are combined with educational field trips and activities to provide families with a secure and enriching summer camp experience. Children are encouraged to learn and explore beyond the classroom during the themed weekly camps while each week brings new and exciting horizons!

With input from nearly 3,000 children on how they’d like to spend their summer, KinderCare has crafted a summer day-camp program that delivers just what we’re looking for: irresistible learning opportunities, hands-on involvement and unique experiences.

There are unique weekly themes within the summer long camp, all in one convenient location, all kid approved. Themes include science, art, sports, history, nature and much, much more.

Find the camp that best suits your summer schedule. Visiting the on-line site identifies the following themes:

Wild, Wild West*
Wilderness 101*Dig Ancient Egypt*You’ve Got Talent!* School-Age Only
Puppeteer Road Show* School-Age Only
Gross & Gooey Science - Starts June 21
Spectacular Sports - Starts June 28
Animal Antics - Starts July 5
Science Adventures - Starts July 12
Art Expo - Starts July 19
Kids’ Kitchen - Starts July 26
Splish, Splash!*Surfs Up!* Preschool & Pre-K Only
Everyday Heroes* Preschool & Pre-K Only


I wrote this review ehile participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

How Far Will You Go To Feed Your Family Healthier?

I LOVE MY VEGGIES....my family, not so much!
*Sigh* We continue our saga of eating healthier, but time commitments and shrinking wallets - not to mention differing tastes create a less-than-friendly environment for healthful and delicious meals at dinner time. Hubs nearly faints at the sight of green vegetables, and the kids aren't impressed with a few others. But now I've discovered a new weapon in the fight for mealtime nutrition:
RONZONI SMART TASTE PASTA!

We have enjoyed Ronzoni pastas, but this is something new and better! It looks and tastes like traditional white pasta, but has the amazing added benefits of calcium and fiber. We tried it recently and the fam really loved it! It's not chewy or gluey and perfect with any sauce or flavor combination you may serve with it. Other benefits for the whole family include lower calories and fat than traditional while pasts, no sodium, preservatives or cholesterol. Visit www.RonzoniSmartTaste.com for get more info.

Ronzoni has also launched a fun and entertaining spoof video about the Smart Taste Super Mom (you know, she's inside all of us!) and our attempts to help our family eat right:



Supermom video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr_pTWuBDds

www.ronzonismarttaste.com to find out more information about the product

Be sure to check out the $4 rebate offer with purchases for Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta and the Disney/Pixar movie "Up": http://ronzonismarttaste.newworldpasta.com/up/


I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni Pasta and received a sample of Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate.

Listerine Oral Care Challenge

Is your family ready for the onslaught of the "cavity bugs" with all the treat-filled festivities approaching? Halloween, Fall Festivals, and the like are quickly followed by Thanksgiving pies, chocolate turkeys, and lots of candy in stockings!

Our family has accepted the Listerine Oral Care Challenge to help us in the fight for great oral hygiene! I have always the embraced the "show 'em, don't just tell 'em" philosophy regarding good brushing and flossing. The Listerine Challenge also helps arm us with interactive tools and resources for the children on

www.listerinekids.com AND

www.listerine.com

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE LINKS AND REQUEST A GREAT $1 OFF COUPON THROUGH OCTOBER!

Tips from Dr. Kanetta Lott, a leading pediatric dentist, includes such insights as well as rewarding healthy behavior! Awesome...we started a monthly calendar with stickers for daily floss, brush, rinse routine accomplishment and I'm very pleased with all our participation - all four of us are taking responsibility for a beautiful, healthy smile!

Our friends at Mom Central and Listerine provided our family with a wonderful assortment of oral care products including the new Listerine Total Care anticavity mouthwash, Listerine Agent Cool Blue tinting rinses, Reach kids brushes, and Reach Access Flosser and disposable heads! These products help motivate and inspire with great tastes and interactive technologies to keep everyone on track for at least twice daily inpsiration! I really LOVE the Listerine Total Care mouthwash...I can sometimes slack off with rinses, but the flavors are good without burn. I can sincerely feel a significant improvement in my plaque along the gumline, too!

The calendar challenge will result in positive dentist visits for everyone, and the added rewards for daily brushing, flossing rinsing goal achievement will inspire the kids...we'll enjoy a day together at Hunsader Farm's Fall Festival as a special treat!

I received assorted products to sample and review from MomCentral and Listerine brand. I have also received a gift certificate to GlobalGiving.org for my review coutesy of Listerine and MomCentral.

Disney On Ice and Ringling Brothers Tours-Discount Tickets

With the onset of fall and winter upon us already, our Girl Scout troop begins their planning for special outings and activities. The girls are at the perfect age (Junior Scouts/ages 10-12) to do research, propose ideas, discuss, plan and budget for their troop's special events and trips.

On top of their list this year will be tickets to attend a local performance of Disney On Ice and the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. These fabulous family tours are wonderful experiences for children and adults alike that feature excellent value!

The excitement, drama and thrill of Disney On Ice features iconic Disney stories, characters and music teamed with world-class skating. With spectacular ice shows featuring the magic of Disney friends and princesses is pure delight! Featured shows on tour are Disney On Ice Presents Celebrations! and Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy....

Our friends at Mom Central is extending special family offers, look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:

*Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased for $11 each.
*Offer #2: All weekend performance tickets will be $4 off the original price.
Offer #3: Get the best Front Row and VIP tickets available - We have reserved seats in the Front Row and VIP sections just for you! No discounts available. Use the code "MOM".
(*Not valid on Front Row or VIP seats or combinable with other offers including opening night offers. Other fees may apply.)

These offers are good in the following cities:
St. Louis: September 3-6, 2009
Chicago: September 8-13, 2009
Sunrise: September 17-20, 2009
Dayton/Cincinnati: September 17-27, 2009
Miami: September 23-27, 2009
Auburn Hills: September 30-October 4, 2009
Charlotte: October 8-11, 2009
Philadelphia: October 14-18, 2009
Atlanta: October 14-18, 2009
Oakland/San Jose: October 14-25, 2009
Fairfax: October 21-25, 2009
Sacramento: October 28-November 1, 2009
Baltimore: October 28-November 1, 2009
Uniondale: November 10-15, 2009
Houston: November 11-15, 2009
NYC: November 17-22, 2009
East Rutherford: November 24-29, 2009
Denver/Broomfield: December 3-13, 2009 (avail for purchase on 9/12/09)
St. Paul: December 9-13, 2009
Los Angeles: December 17-20, 2009
Toronto: December 18-27, 2009
Anaheim: December 22-27, 2009
Philadelphia: December 23-January 3, 2010 (avail for purchase on 10/12/09)
Boston: December 26-29, 2009 (avail for purchase on 9/3/09)
Ontario: December 30-January 3, 2010
Cleveland: January 8-18, 2010 (avail for presale on 10/2/09)

Visit http://disney.go.com/disneyonice/ for more information about the shows.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Feld Entertainment. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

YOPLAIT WHIPS! FROZEN TREATS/CONTEST

Yoplait yogurt is delicious and nutritious at any time - but here's a really fun and cool treat for your fam~
Enjoy your Yoplait Whips! FROZEN.....
I received a "Summer Cool Down" giftbag from MyBlogSpark to have my family try some of the new delectable flavors and innovative summer treat idea. WE LOVE IT! My daughter can't get enough of the frozen yogurt treats in her fav flavors! It's a fun project to do together with no fuss!

Simply take your favorite flavor or two of Yoplait Whips! and pour it in some ice pop molds, then freeze overnight. After a few hours, they are ready to be enjoyed for a tempting frozen treat without the guilt!

Explore the Yoplait website for great info, recipes, and coupons at
http://www.yoplait.com/?tqnm=qgviewi17375040&o=56794&c=GM&p=kpAJaoVD&cl=&cp=&eb=&ci=1&bq=&r=&lang=&cista=0
I am pleased to announce that Blog Spark is providing me with A GIFT PACKAGE that includes TWO free coupons for Yoplait Whips!, a fun, star shaped freezer mold for 3 frozen treats plus color-changing spoons in a great cooler tote!!! Perfect for a family treat to go....

To enter, simply post a comment on this blog post about your favorite Yoplait Whips! flavor (single or combo style) and include your email addy so I may contact the WINNER to be selected at random. Entries must be received by September 26, 2009, 12 Midnight EST. One entry per person. Must be US resident. I will notify the winner at the email provided to follow up for additional mailing information, courtesy of MyBlogSpark.

GOOD LUCK and that you for participating in the contest!

Family Traditions: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

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Have you ever wanted to run away with the circus??? I did when I was little - sometimes I even give in to a small voice inside....and consider the possibilities!
But, my realistic side takes over and it's back to the "daily grind".

However, I do make it a point to take the kids to visit the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus (Feld Entertainment Productions) when they come on tour each year. Early on as my son Cameron was a little guy, the Ringling Circus would make it's first stop of the season every January here in St Petersburg. It's so much fun to watch the special production as they would parade the elephants down Central Avenue downtown to the arena! More recently, they have moved the first stop to Tampa which is still very convenient for a treat to see THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH! The Circus winters in nearby Sarasota, so the first stop is lots of fun for the performers as they work out their routines. Our favorite is Bello The Clown, and we even have a signed Bello Hair-style Hat they he gave Cameron a few years back! He's really awesome! We make it a fun family affair, generally inviting several friends to join us for a special day.

Here's some great news for those interested in attending the circus - a 20% discount code is now available for upcoming tours:

The 20% discount code for Ringling Bros. Circus. Code: MCC
The code is valid for the circus shows in the following cities:

Indianapolis, IN - Sept. 4-7, 2008
Kansas City, MO - Sept. 10-14, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008
Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008
Boston, MA – Oct. 8-13, 2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008

Another great tip for any new mommies or daddies with infants - visit the Ringling Circus website at www.ringling.com to learn more about their wonderful BABY'S FIRST CIRCUS PROGRAM. This helps every family begin the family tradition of visiting the circus by allows babies to receive a FREE TICKET voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey performance, anytime, anywhere - NO EXPIRATION DATE!!!

So, pop on your funny, red clown nose and mosey on down to visit the three rings of magic and wonder - cotton candy, snow cones, funny clowns, music, laughter, spectacle and joy await....