The #TLCVoxBox Goodies

I love getting boxes from Influenster.  I received the TLC VoxBox filled with goodies to give yourself some much needed tender loving care.

Neosporin - Neo To Go

This is a convenient little pain relief you can toss in your purse for when your little one takes a dive off the swing and scrapes their knee.  Just squeeze and spray to stop infection on the go.

Neo To Go is no touch and no sting, which my daughter really likes.







Avon Anew Reversalist Express Wrinkle Smoother

This is a great product to smooth out wrinkles.  It's like a balm that you pat on your skin and it blurs the look of your wrinkles.

I use it before I put on my makeup in the morning.  It won't make all your wrinkles magically disappear, but it does make a nice noticeable difference.







Ivory Bar Soap

Ivory is 99.44% pure clean and simple with no dyes or perfumes.  That's why I've been using Ivory since I was a little girl.  I started using Ivory when I was young because it didn't cause my skin to break out and itch like a lot of other soaps did.

This is why I've been using it ever since and probably why 4 out of 5 moms recommend it.





Breyers Gelato Indulgences

I have always wanted to try a gelato and now I wish I wouldn't have waited so long.  I got the vanilla caramel......so creamy and yummy.  It's a little rich, so I can't eat too much at once.

It's a nice treat for me and the hubby to share after a long day.






Puffs To Go

These are perfect to have in the car, your purse or your kid's backpack.

I like the Puffs Plus with lotion because they are soft and smooth.









 Shell Fuel Rewards Newtwork Card

This card give you a discount per gallon of gas at Shell stations.  You can also earn 10 cents/gallon for every $50 you spend when dining and 5 cents/gallon shopping the online mall.

Unfortunately, I don't have any nearby Shell stations, but it sounds like a great way to save some cash at the pump.





Disclosure:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Wordless Wednesday (Linkly) - Sunny Day

Just wishing for a weather change and sunnier days, like we had a couple of Sundays ago in the pics above.

Happy Wordless Wednesday:)  Please feel free to link up your #ww photo posts below and enjoy some others while you are here.  

Get Quick Anwsers At MommyPolls

Ask, Vote, Comment, Earn Rewards

I recently found a great site for moms called MommyPolls. You can poll other moms about all your parenting questions and get quick answers. It's also very easy to use.

How do you use MommyPolls?

• You can create a poll with your question, follow any other polls that interest you and vote and comment on polls. All polls created and followed will appear on your personal page for easy access.

• Maybe you have an article you think could help other moms, just upload it to the article section.

• Earn points for helping out other moms and redeem them for gift certificates.

I think it's great to be able to easily get other moms opinions on anything from when to start potty training to when did your child lose his first tooth.

My daughter is now 9 years old, so I like to help by answering questions from moms of babies and younger children if I can. Below are a couple examples of recent polls.

How would you answer the polls above?  Being a mom is a tough job and we could all use some help and advice now and then.

Next time you're wondering if your toddler is the only one who insists on wearing his underwear backwards, head over to MommyPolls and find out from some other moms.  You'll find out you're not alone:)

You can also find MommyPolls on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.


Disclosure: This post was not sponsored. All opinions are 100% my own based on my own experience.

Free Caught Santa Keepsake Photo

Now that it is December, I can start diving into Christmas.  I love decorating and made my hubby drag out all the lights and boxes this evening.  I especially love lots of lights.  Since we are in a house this year, I have a lot more places to string them up.  My hubby will be a busy boy.

Another special part of Christmas for me is keeping my daughter believing in Santa Clause as long as I can.  She is nine now and it's getting harder to convince her that there's a big jolly guy delivering presents all in one night led by flying reindeer.  Especially when she starts asking all the typical questions, like what if there isn't a chimney?

Well, this year I have proof to show her that Santa came to her house.  I now have a picture of Santa caught napping in my very own living room (above).  I can't wait to see the look on Rachel's face when she sees it on Christmas morning.

iCaughtSanta.com is a neat website to create memorable keepsake photos.  In three easy steps, you can add Santa to your photo.





There are various poses of Santa to choose from.  Would you like Santa by the tree, eating milk and cookies or napping on the couch?  For less than $10, you're kids will think you're a hero for catching Santa in the act.
As one of my readers, get your Santa photo for Free.

Free Caught Santa photo keepsake Code:  SantaShare
Expires:  Dec. 10th

After making your photo, make sure you enter their Customer Appreciation Giveaway.  They are giving away Visa, Starbucks and Amazon gift cards plus a brand new Apple iPad Air with retina display.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

 

  

How To Use Your Smartphone As A Powerful Security Device

So many people now have mobile phones as their trusted tool of communication.  Everyone I know from my 80 year old mother-in-law to my 12 year old nephew, take their mobile phones everywhere they go.  We use them to communicate, stay organized, play games and so much more.  How would you like your mobile phone to also keep you safe?

React Mobile provides mobile security and gives some peace of mind to parents, students, employees and anyone on the go.  React Mobile started by wanting to develop a tool to improve safety on university and corporate campuses.

I heard a teenager say that her phone was her lifeline.  Of course, she was probably referring to keeping up with her friends and seeing who's changed their relationship status on Facebook, but she is right.  The React Mobile App lets you turn your phone into a powerful lifeline.

A mobile app that easily turns your phone into a security device.  Just push one button and and SOS alert with your GPS coordinates is sent to emergency contacts via text message, email and an alert can even be posted to Facebook and Twitter.  It also lets you report an incident or any criminal activity.

React Mobile features the following:

•  Follow me - real time tracking
•  SOS via text
• Send group SMS messages
• SOS alerts via SMS and e-mail
• SOS alerts via Facebook and Twitter
• 911 button prompt
• GPS location tracking
• Last known good GPS

And coming soon.....

• Dispatch console access
• GPS hardware integration
• Geofencing capabilities

Watch the two short videos below to see all the benefits and features of the app and how to easily set it up.

   

React Mobile Personal Safety App from Robb on Vimeo.


ReactMobileReshoot from Robb on Vimeo.

I have a Droid Razr M and easily installed and set up the app with no troubles.  My main use for the app is when I take my walks.  Living in south Texas, I walk after dark because it's cooler.  I turn on Follow Me and my hubby can keep an eye on me just in case I should run into any trouble.  I hope I never have to use the app due to an emergency, but I do feel better knowing that I can.

React Mobile is free to download.  Just click one of the links below to download to your smartphone.

Apple iTunes Download 

Google Play Download


Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post brought to you by React Mobile.  All opinions are 100% my own based on my own experience.  


 

Easy Bake Oven 50 Year History

Can you believe the Easy Bake Oven has been around for 50 years?  Over 23 million Easy Bake Ovens have been sold and Time Magazine named it one of the top 100 toys of all time.  Did you have an Easy Bake Oven as a kid or have you bought one for your kids?

To celebrate 50 years, I thought I would share this neat infographic on the evolution of the Easy Bake Oven.  (click on to see larger version)   

Wordless Wednesday (Linky) - School Days

4th Grade Open House

Win A Pair Of Real Kids Shades Everyday

Click Picture To Enter

30 Days Of Real Kids Shades

I have reviewed and posted about Real Kids Shades a few times this past year.  My daughter wears her RKS to school everyday and I don't have to worry about her eyes getting sun damage.  

Speaking of back to school, Real Kids Shades wants to help you check off eyewear on your supply list.  

For the month of September, they are giving away a pair of children's sunglasses everyday.  Visit the Real Kids Shades Facebook page (or just click the picture above) now through September 30, 2013 to enter for your chance to win a pair of sunglasses for your child.

Sunglasses are important gear for your child during back to school time and throughout the year! Your child's backpack should always have a pair of sunglasses handy so their sensitive eyes are protected from harmful UV rays.   

In case you missed my review post, you can read it at the following link and learn more about how the sun can damage your kid's eyes permanantly. (Protect Your Child's Eyes - Real Kids Shades Review)  

Special Back to School Discount and Free Shipping:

You can also enjoy FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25 ! 

Click HERE or go to site at:  http://www.realkidshades.com/buynow.html

 and enjoy these specials today !

Offer expires 9/30/13

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.  Lil' Debi As Mama is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

 

#GrowingUpOnline Free E-Book & Win The Lorax on Blu-ray

My daughter, Rachel is now nine years old and in the 4th grade and therefore using the internet more and more.  I have set up all the parental controls on her computer and try to teach her how to be safe online.

It's not like when we were young, our children do not know a world without the internet.  As they are spending more and more time online, it is so important to teach them how to use all this technology safely and responsibly.

Along with NBC News, The More You Know Learning Series has launched Growing Up Online.  This is a free e-book for parents to keep their kids safe on the internet.

Download the FREE Growing Up Online eBook and be sure to watch all four entertaining comic book stories as a family, which show real situations that may occur when your kids go online.

This free e-book provides easy to use information that addresses the growing concern about kid's online privacy and cyberbullying in a unique and engaging way.  Growing Up Online is packed with important tips that every parent should know.

Check out the Growing Up Online blog app for more information and tips to help your kids be safe when surfing the web.

• Quiz - Is your child internet ready?   Have you talked with your kids about online safety?  Take the quiz to find out if your child is internet ready.

• Comic Book Videos  Watch all 4 comic book stories as a family to discuss real situations that may occur when your kids go online.

• Download the free e-book  Just because they have never known a world without internet doesn't mean they know how to behave online.  Download the free e-book and start a conversation with your kids.

 

Growing Up Online is also allowing me to giveaway The Lorax Blu-Ray Combo Pack to one of my readers.  Easy entry through the rafflecopter form below.  The giveaway is open to the U.S. and Canada and ends 11/22/2013.  Good luck to everyone.




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are 100%  my own from my own experience.  Lil' Debi As Mama is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

 

What Are The Benefits Of Music Education?

Were any of you in your school band or chorus?  I had participated in both when I was in grade school and junior high.  I love music as I believe it soothes the soul.  I played the clarinet for six years and was in chorus for a year or two. 

I actually became a pretty good clarinet player and worked my way up to a first chair position in our band.  My mom started taking me to private lessons every Saturday, which really helped to improve my playing.  It also helped me to learn some discipline, which is something I think a lot of kids need more of these days.

I was also a pretty shy child and learning an instrument and performing in front of people was probably my first boost of self esteem.  Though I was terrified the first time I played in front of a crowd and tried to hide behind my music stand, it did get easier each time.  

There are numerous benefits for students who have music education, whether it be band, chorus or the performing arts.

• Studies have shown connections between musical training and higher scores in both reading and math.
• Playing music, especially duets and in small groups, teaches children how to work as part of a team, an important skill they will need in school and later at work. 
• Keeping up a steady practice schedule instills great discipline and work ethic in kids, teaching them to work hard and be patient.
• Musical training improves memory, language skills and listening skills. Studies have shown that this combination leads to improved ability to learn a second language. 
• Playing an instrument improves hand-eye coordination and nuanced muscle control, as musicians must make very precise gestures in order to play their instruments correctly. 
• Children who grow up around music show more advanced language development, even at 2 years old, than children who don’t.
• Studying music improves a child’s ability to understand spatial-temporal relationships, a skill which can help in fields ranging from math and engineering to architecture and gaming. 
• Learning music improves a child’s ability to focus, which can lead to better studying and higher test scores.
• Children who study and perform music gain confidence and learn to conquer stage fright.
• Education in music and the arts helps children learn to think about problems creatively, finding multiple solutions to problems.
• Recent studies have shown that students who studied music go on to achieve higher scores on average than students who did not study music.   
• Kids who study music and the arts are more likely to graduate from high school and are less likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
• Learning a musical instrument and performing improves a child’s self-esteem.  

Since 2006 TakeLessons.com has helped thousands of students find their music passion by matching them with the best local teachers across the nation. You're sure to find what you're looking for with over 35 lesson types including singing, guitar, math, reading, spanish and more. It doesn't matter if you live in New York City or San Diego, Take Lessons has teachers across the nation.

TakeLessons connects students and families with private music teachers, arts instructors and academic tutors throughout the US. Find your teacher and sign up for lessons at TakeLessons.com or give us a call at 855-684-5482. Get 20% off your music or tutoring lessons with coupon code MUSIC1!

Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Take Lessons.  All opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

Wordless Wednesday (Linky) - 4th Grader

First Day Of 4th Grade.  I can't believe it.  It seems like not so long ago I was walking her to her first day of pre-school. 

#StandingUp To Bullies Giveaway

Bullying is an issue very close to my heart and we need to stand up against bullying.  Did you know that 160,000 U.S. students stay home from school each day because they are so scared of being bullied?  Every child deserves to get an education in a safe environment without fear of bullies.

Standing Up is a heart-warming family movie with an important anti-bullying message.  The movie is based on the beloved young adult novel and directed by the acclaimed D.J. Caruso.  Standing up follows two kids who get bullied by a vicious summer camp prank.  Left together on an island, their adventure begins when they decide not to be victims and Stand Up.  

One of the things we can do to understand the problem and discuss solutions is to be inspired.  That's what this movie does.  Get the DVD August 20th!

Check out the Standing Up blog app.  

• Watch the trailer.

• Do you stand up to bullies?  Or do you let them intimidate you and others?  Take the quiz to see where you stand.

• Beat The Bully - tips and tricks to beat the bullies in your life

• Take the Anti-bullying Pledge! (click on PDF image above to print)  Read it, sign it and hang it somewhere you can always see it as a reminder.  Bullying can effect even the strongest of people.  I have my pledge hanging on the fridge.

 

Besides the movie's charm, it also carries a powerful message.  After watching, talk with your kids about some of the life lessons in the movie and encourage them to ask questions.  

 

You can also get the stunning soundtrack from Varese Sarabande Records September 3rd on iTunes and in stores September 24th. 

I am pleased that I get to give one of my readers a Standing Up DVD signed by director D.J. Caruso.  Easy entry with the rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway is open to the U.S. and ends 8/30/13.  Good luck to everyone.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.  Lil' Debi As Mama is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Kidecals Review #LABELITDONTLOSEIT

It's back to school time and I've almost got my daughter ready.  I always write her name on her backpack, lunchbox and other supplies since she tends to misplace things.  After a while though the marker tends to fade or run if it gets wet, so this year I'm using labels.

 
I received 120 cute rainbow labels with her full name on them from Kidecals.  Kidecals offers personalized and waterproof name labels and decals.  These labels are great for kids and busy moms.  You decide what information will be printed on the labels.  They also offer grown up labels for organizing, weddings and more.

• Stick to any surface

• Waterproof             

• Dishwasher and washing machine safe

• Over 80 designs to choose from

 

I wanted to test out how waterproof they really are.  I put one on a cup that I put in the dishwasher and one on a pair of shorts before doing laundry.  I was surprised they came out looking the same as they did before I washed them.  I thought maybe the edges would roll up, but the labels were still stuck perfectly.
  

Check out Kidecals on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter and see how others are designing and using their labels.  Create luggage tags or some labels for your potluck containers.  It's fun to design your own decals.

Also check out their keycals as seen on the Today Show.  Jazz up your keyboard with these fun removable decals.

Sign up for the Kidecal newsletter and receive 15% off all your purchases and always free shipping no matter how much you order. 

Disclosure:   I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a free product for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.

          

Tween Back To School Savings

We all know how important it is for tweens everywhere to wear what they like and to have clothing that fits their personality.  I want my daughter to create her own style, but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for it.

That's why zulily is having a Back to School event dedicated for your tween, giving you all of the great savings that zulily has to offer. Whatever their developing tastes, zulily has plenty of on-trend choices to help them on their fashionable way. Happy Shopping!

Wednesday, 08/07
Tween Week: Wild Style – Lions and cheetahs and zebras – oh, yes! Taking a walk on the wild side has never been more fun thanks to this menagerie of fierce animal print fashions.

Thursday, 08/08
Tween Week: The Trendsetter – With these fresh takes on camo, your modern trailblazer is sure to stand out. Let some military-spired looks invade her closet and watch her conquer the world.  

Friday, 08/09
Tween Week: The Sporty Girl – For active girls, comfort is key, but fashion isn’t forgotten. These sporty styles offer high-performance functionality without leaving her taste for trends in the dust.

How ready and organized are you for back to school?   Print the zulily checklist to make sure you haven't forgotten anything.  Glad I did because I forgot rain boots.  They really help save the sneakers if it's raining at the bus stop.

Wordless Wednesday (Linky) - Tractor Bed

My hubby has been at it again.  He built a toddler tractor bed for his boss's grandson.  They surprised him with it on his birthday.

This was the first prototype.  He ended up altering this one as it wasn't quite to his satisfaction.

This is the final product.  It fits a toddler size mattress and has a steering wheel.  The tractor bucket doubles as a toy box and the lights around the top really work.

I thought it turned out great and was a neat idea for a little boys room.

Have you done any DIY projects lately?  Please add your Wordless (or not so) Wednesday posts below.  I love seeing everyone's awesome pictures.

When Your Child Wants To Watch An Inappropriate Movie

My daughter and I have always enjoyed watching movies together.  We would cuddle up on the couch with one of her favorite animated movies. I never worried about age appropriate content when we were choosing from Disney classics or other G rated movies.

Now that she is 9 years old she's started requesting more than our usual animated movies and I can't get away with only Tinkerbell, Cinderella and the similiar.  She sees movie trailers advertised on television and hears about different movies from her friends.  Then she will ask me if she is allowed to watch it or not. 

Now this can sometimes get a little tricky if I tell her she's not allowed to watch a movie that one of her friends has watched.  I try to explain that all parents are different and have different sets of rules.  I am not super strict but there are things I just don't think my 9 year old should see. 

For example I let her watch the first Twilight movie with me, but I wouldn't let her watch Breaking Dawn 1&2 because of the sex scenes.  Even though the scenes are not explicit, it's still a subject matter that I don't believe she needs to know about yet.  If there is a lot of violence or bad language I won't let her watch it either. I will usually just tell her that there are too many bad words in it and that's why I don't want her to watch it.  Luckily for me, that suffices her for now.

Some parents just go by the movie rating, but that's just a guide to me.  Some PG movies I will allow my daughter to see and some I won't.  If I haven't seen the movie myself, I try to find out more about it.  That's when I found out about Mommy Bear Media.  It has been an excellent tool for finding age appropriate movies at excellent prices.

Mommy Bear Media only sells G, PG and some PG-13 rated. With each movie you see a family movie review.  You can read other parents reviews and also get content rating.  There is an A-F grade for each of the following - violence, sexual content, language and quality.  It is now my favorite place to find family movies and I especially like the prices.

Below I picked a couple of my favorites at Mommy Bear Media in each rating G, PG and PG-13.

G - General Audiences - Suitable For All Ages

$5.95

$12.49

                                          








PG - Parental Guidance Suggested - Some Material May Not Be Suitable For Children

$6.49

$16.96

PG-13 - Parents Strongly Cautioned - Some Material May Be Unappropriate For Children Under 13

$5.45

$20.49

What are some of your families' favorite movies.  I love comments and hearing from my readers so let me know how you handle your child wanting to watch a movie you find inappropriate?

Sanus and TV Safety

Being a parent includes keeping your child safe.  When they are first born you go crazy baby proofing the house, buying all the latest safety gadgets.  As they grow up, you buy bike helmets and elbow pads.  Safety is always an issue no matter how old they get.

There is a safety risk that some parents may not be aware of.  Flat panel televisions are in many family homes now, but did you know the safety risks they pose?  They can easily fall or be tipped over and cause serious injury. 

I was surprised at the following numbers from a US Product Safety Commission report on flat panel TV safety.

• A child is killed every 3 weeks from an unsecured TV.

• Every 45 minutes a child visits an emergency room due to a TV tip-over related injury.

• Between 2000 and 2011, 215 fatalities have resulted from TV tip-over.

• An estimated 17,000 people each year, the majority which are children, are treated for injuries from TV tip-overs.

• Reported cases have increased almost 25% from 2006 to 2010, and over the last ten years, injuries have increased by 31%

SANUS and Safe Kids Worldwide offer safe solutions for families by reducing TV tip-over related injuries and fatalities.  Check out the SANUS TV safety video below.

SANUS TV Mounting Tips:

Easy 1, 2, 3 installation with a wall template to ensure even placement

• Online video walkthrough of simple installation available at any time
• No additional tools necessary – all required installation hardware is included in package
• Live customer support available 6 days a week 

SANUS wall mounts are available at your local Walmart to fit your size television. 

  

Most Beautiful Eyes Contest

Real Kids Shades is proud to continue it's sponsorship of Prevent Blindness America's Most Beautiful Eye Contest. The contest allows children across the United States the chance to win a $10,000 educational scholarship.

Protecting your kid's eyes is just as important as protecting their skin from permanent sun damage.  If you haven't heard of Real Kids Shades, you can check out my previous post and review - Protect Your Child's Eyes.

Here are the Most Beautiful Eyes contest details:

From June 24 - July 31, 2013, parents of children ages zero to 17 are encouraged to enter their child in the Prevent Blindness America Most Beautiful Eyes Contest by submitting a photo to the Prevent Blindness America Facebook page at facebook.com/preventblindness.

From August 1 - 31, 2013, the public will be encouraged to place online votes for their choice of the child with the most beautiful eyes. Each state will have a winner (void where prohibited), who advance to the second round of voting.

All state winners will receive a free pair of Real Kids Shades sunglasses and a copy of the children's book, "Jacob's Eye Patch" by Beth Kobliner Shaw and Jacob Shaw.

The national winner will be decided by the panel of celebrity judges including, ORA-TV's Larry King, "Fox NFL Sunday" host Curt Menefee, actress Barbara Eden, and bestselling author Beth Kobliner Shaw.

The 2013 national winner will be announced at the Prevent Blindness America Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, November 8, 2013. The national winner and two family members will enjoy a weekend in Chicago where they will accept the award.

You can enter the contest and follow along on Facebook. Real Kids Shades will continue to give contest updates on their facebook page.  facebook.com/realkidsshades.

                                         Real Kids Shades is also having a SUMMER SALE!

       

  Sale Ends July 21st.

Summer Sun Hat Combo - $28.99

   Now $19.99 plus free shipping

FREE shipping on all orders over $25

Click on the cutie to the left to check out all the latest styles.