31 October 2012

5 Tips To Save Money On Your Home Phone Service



Do you currently pay for a home phone line?  Are you looking for ways to save money on your home phone service?  Saving money is always a plus!  Below are some great tips to help you slash your home phone bill, meaning more money in your pocket.  Who doesn't like the sound of that?


1)  If your provider offers multiple services such as home phone, cell phone, internet, and cable or satellite television you may be able to get a discount for bundling all the services you use into one great low rate package.  Call your provider and ask if they offer any package discount rates for bundling.  You do not have to use all of their current services to get a bundling package.

2)  If a bundling package is something you're not interested in, you can always call your provider and ask if they are running any current specials.  If a competitor company is offering a lower rate, you can inquire to see if they will price match, so do your research!

3)  Are you a loyal and long term customer of your current provider?  If you are planning on staying with your current provider you can ask to have a lower rate in exchange for locking in a one year agreement.  I have personally done this and it works!

4)  If you make a lot of long distance phone calls your best option for saving money is to go with an unlimited long distance plan.  It's a flat rate on your bill every month for as many long distance calls you make.

5)  Are you a low income household?  Many phone services offer a discounted rate for those who are low income.  Inquire with your phone company and see if this is an option for you.  You usually will need to provide proof of income to get this discount.

Little Soya Soy Sauce Review And Giveaway




Little Soya is changing the way America thinks about soy sauce!  Little Soya not only packs great flavor, their soy sauce is also gluten-free, fat free, MSG free, and low in sodium.  Their soy sauce contains the lowest sodium content when compared to leading brands.  That means more flavor, less salty soy sauce!  Another great thing to love about Little Soya is that their soy sauce comes in cute and convenient resealable and recyclable containers that resemble little fish.  Use just the amount you need and then reseal for later use.

So how did Little Soya get it's start?  The idea for Little Soya came about when founder and CEO Gary Murphy decided to produce the best tasting soy sauce that would build a bridge between China and the United States.  Caesars Palace Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas asked Gary to find them just the right soy sauce, so he did!  Gary launched Little Soya in June 2011 and has been getting rave reviews ever since.  There are even more great sauces coming in the future to include Little Hot Sauce, Little Spicy Mustard, Little BBQ, and more!




I recently reviewed Little Soya soy sauce and found it to be full of flavor and a great addition to many dishes!  I'm a vegetarian so I eat a lot of stir fry and rice with meals.  One thing I like to use on these dishes is soy sauce, but I have to be careful with the amount I use due to sodium content.  With Little Soya I can add a little more than I can with the leading brands because it contains much less sodium.  I love that!  I also like that I can take a container with me on the go when eating out because they are resealable and fit perfectly in your purse so that you can enjoy Little Soya at any restaurant!  Because there is less sodium in Little Soya, I think it brings forth more flavor in the sauce and I will continue to use this brand over my old leading brand.  I recommend Little Soya for anyone who enjoys adding soy sauce to their meals and would like a healthier alternative.



Win A Package Of Little Soya Soy Sauce!

(4) Readers of Textbook Mommy are going to win a package of Little Soya Soy Sauce (contains 12 packets).  How cool is that?

Giveaway Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years of age and above.  Entry is via Rafflecopter and winners will have 48 hours to confirm their win or alternate winners will be selected.  Good Luck!

Giveaway Ends:  November 14, 2012 at Midnight EST

a Rafflecopter giveaway  


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.

29 October 2012

Going Back To School - Degree Options




When making the decision to go back to school you may be deciding what degree goal you have in mind and the field of study you are going into.  For myself, my current goal is to obtain my Bachelors but I have an overall future goal of one day having my Masters degree.  Depending on your field of study and ultimate career placement you may only need an Associate's degree, although I think obtaining higher is always a huge plus!  Make sure to do your homework ahead of time in finding out what level of education your future career requires.

Making the choice to go back to school at any age is a wise choice and one that is so fulfilling once you have completed your education.  From a mom going back to school later in life I can honestly tell you that even though at times I feel stressed and overloaded (what college student doesn't?), going back to school has been one of the best decisions I've ever made and it's so rewarding to see yourself making those grades!  If you're still deciding what field of study you want to embark upon as you enter back into the classroom, below are some great fields that may interest you.  
 
 
Psychology Degree - Most psychology careers require at least a Bachelors degree.  If you enjoy working with others and helping people, Psychology could be a great field to enter into.  This is my field of study!

HR Degree - Some entry level positions in the Human Resources field require at least an Associate's degree.  Naturally the higher positions that come with better pay need a Bachelors degree or above.

Nursing Degree - If you are looking at becoming an RN you will need an Associate's degree.  Many who choose this path end up getting their BSN at some point down the road.  A BSN requires a Bachelors.

Accounting Degree -  If you like working with numbers and are more of an independent worker, Accounting could be a great field to enter into.  Most accountants will need at least a Bachelor's degree.

Web Design Degree -  If you enjoy design and have an eye for art you might enjoy a career in Web Design.  Some positions available with an Associate's degree, most opt for a Bachelors in this area.

Physical Therapist Degree - Most physical therapists can enter in with an Associate's degree.  This degree can be an affordable option through your local community college.  Higher degrees can also be sought after in this career field.

Dental Assistant Degree -  This is another field of study that can be earned through a local community college to keep costs down.  Most dental assistants can enter with an Associates degree.



 

Guest Post: Pros & Cons of Home School vs. Public School

Study of Study
There are certain social aspects of schooling that are necessary for a child's growth and development. The way children learn through school and build relationships can carry with them throughout life, whether that means they are outgoing or more reserved and shy. Before making a decision on whether you'd prefer to home school your child or send them to a public school, it's important to know the facts and understand the pros and cons of both.






Homeschooling pros

There are many benefits to homeschooling, with educational freedom being one of the most important ones. Homeschooling gives children the opportunity to learn responsibility and understand prioritization at a very young age. The physical freedom is also rewarding. Since the child doesn't have to worry about getting to and from school everyday, it frees up that time that's usually spent on transportation.
In terms of socialization, children who are home schooled can escape the effects of peer pressure, competition and most importantly, bullies. Having the opportunity to develop a sense of self without pressure from other kids is another big pro of home schooling.
Additionally, home schooling allows for flexibility, whether it be due to challenging situations at home, illness or any other type of emergency. Because the home schooling schedule is based on the time and schedule of the parent conducting the schooling, it's easy to adjust and change accordingly.



Home school cons

One of the biggest cons of home school is in regards to socialization. While children are protected from peer pressure and bullying at home, they're also isolated from other children their own age. Not having the opportunity to make friends like other children, it can have negative impacts on the personality of a child who is home schooled.
For parents, the cons of homeschooling their child could outweigh the pros, depending on the parent. When you choose to home school your child, you have to commit to being a full-time caregiver and teacher. This could result in some type of financial restraint on the family. You also have to be prepared for very little separation from your children since they'll be home with you all day and night if they're being home schooled.



Public school pros

When attending public school, your transportation is provided so parents don't need to concern themselves with car pooling or dropping/picking up their children. Public schools offer multiple after school programs, including clubs or sports for children to be interactive and socialize.
One huge positive of attending a public school is that children have the opportunity to meet all types of other children. This can help open your child's eyes to all different kids from different backgrounds and viewpoints.
Going to public school also allows children to have a variety of teachers, all specializing in different subjects. Because their knowledge is specific to a certain subject, they can teach your kids more than just textbook material.



Public school cons

Public school cons are focused mainly around what kids can pick up socially from being at a public school. Since they're surrounded by all different kids with all different backgrounds, chances are they will pick up bad habits. Peer pressure and bullying are enormous cons of public schooling, especially because it's inevitable that your child will face these issues.
In terms of learning, children do have more specialized teachers, but since there are so many children, they receive less attention. Teaching at public schools is done at a medium pace, therefore if your child is excelling quickly, there's a good chance they'll get bored easily.
Before you make your final decision on whether home schooling or public school is right for your child, make sure you weigh which pros and cons are most important to you and your child's development. Whichever decision you choose, make sure everyone's on board and understands why the decision was made.
Alaina Mason is a freelance writer and social worker who works with children from both public schooling and home schooling. By researching programs like the case western university social work degree program, she's hoping to gain more knowledge and learn more about the developmental issues children from each educational background are struggling with today.

27 October 2012

BH Cosmetics 60 Color Eyeshadow Palette Review And Giveaway





Combine 30 eyeshadow colors for day and 30 eyeshadow colors for night into one fabulous palette and you get the 60 Color BH Day & Night Palette by BH Cosmetics!  The daytime eyeshadows are soft and sophisticated with an array of neutral and pastel colors.  The night glam shadows are a mix of deep and rich colors that will have you ready to step out for a night on the town!  With this makeup palette you can transition from your day to night look effortlessly.

BH Cosmetics also carries other makeup and beauty products to have you looking your best including products for your eyes, face, and lips.  Need some new makeup brushes?  BH Cosmetics carries those too!  For great gift ideas when it comes to the beauty savvy, BH Cosmetics also offers gift cards to their website.



See How To Create This Halloween Makeup Look With BH Cosmetics! 



You can find more fun makeup tutorial videos on their website to help you create your perfect look!  Right now BH Cosmetics are offering free shipping on all orders over $50.00.  They also offer hassle free returns and exchanges on all of their products. BH Cosmetics are confident that you are going to love their products!




Thanks to BH Cosmetics I had the opportunity to review their 60 Color Day & Night Palette.  When I first opened up this palette I was immediately amazed at all the different colored shadows to choose from.  Every color I would ever want or need is all inside this handy palette!  Both the day and the night shadows are amazing and apply with great pigmentation.  I'm still enjoying trying new shadows and shadow combinations.  My older girls were jealous so I'm thinking getting them each one of these palettes for Christmas would be a great gift idea!  If you love to experiment with eyeshadow looks I would highly recommend this palette by BH Cosmetics.  Right now you can purchase this exact palette for only $13.50, normally priced at $21.00.


Connect With BH Cosmetics:
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest
Google+
YouTube
 



Win The Same Palette I Reviewed!


Giveaway Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, ages 18 and over.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form below.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner will be selected.

Prize:  (1) lucky reader of Textbook Mommy will receive the BH Cosmetics 60 Color Day & Night Eyeshadow Palette.

Giveaway Ends:  November 10, 2012 @ Midnight EST




*Disclosure:  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.  

Blog Post Thieves - Are Your Posts Safe?

Photo credit: giggs from morguefile.com



Earlier tonight I read an interesting article titled "Blogging Basics - Is Copyright Important?" from one of my favorite blogs DadBlunders.com.  I recommend if you're a blogger that you head on over and read this article.  Some wonderful points are brought up about copyright rules and how this affects us as bloggers.  The blog's author discovered a website that had some blog posts of his on their site, a site known for stealing content to up their Google ranking.  Not only did he find some of his posts on this website, he also recognized some fellow bloggers posts.

As bloggers our Google ranking can be the determining factor of whether or not we get the traffic coming into our sites that we desire.  When websites steal our blog posts they are creating duplicate content which is not good and is frowned upon through Google.  Duplicate content can and will hurt your ranking in Google.  This website is stealing posts and putting them on their site.  This is copyright infringement.

The blog post mentioned above shows you how to see if this particular website has any of your content.  I followed the advice and checked to see if they had any of my posts.  Sure enough they had 2 of my posts on their site!  This really angered me because I have been blogging for a couple years now and I have put a lot of work into this blog.  My post rankings in Google are important to me, as is the case with most bloggers.  I have emailed this website's owner and have requested to have my posts removed from their site.  If you're a blogger I encourage you to check out the article and see if your posts are safe.

26 October 2012

Honey Cornbread Recipe - So Good!




I personally love corn bread, especially alongside a good soup or stew in the colder months.  My husband however has never like cornbread.  Recently he had a piece of honey cornbread at a local restaurant that has apparently changed his whole view on cornbread.  Excited at this news because it would mean I could make it more often at home, I asked him what about it he liked so that I could try to recreate it.  He told me that this cornbread was honey flavored, which he really liked.  He also said that this cornbread contained actual pieces of corn inside and that it was a different spin on cornbread that he surprisingly enjoyed.  I decided to use creamed corn in my recipe to keep the cornbread itself nice and moist.  I also added honey in the batter and also drizzled some on top when it was finished.  Here's the recipe - husband and kid approved!



Honey Cornbread Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 box of Krusteaz Natural Honey Cornbread
2/3 cup of milk
1/3 cup of vegetable oil
1 egg
1 (14.75 oz) can of Cream Style Sweet Corn
1 Tablespoon of honey + additional to drizzle on top after baking


Directions:

1)  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2)  In a medium bowl combine milk, oil, egg, can of corn, tablespoon of honey, and full box of cornbread mix.  Stir well.

3)  Spoon batter into prepared 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan.

4)  Bake for 22-26 minutes.

5)  Drizzle honey on top and you're ready to serve!



* For cornbread muffins, cook 11-13 minutes for a batch of 24 muffins or 14-16 minutes for a batch of 12 muffins.



Stamps And Supplies With StampXpress.com




Looking to add a personalized touch to your documents and stationary?  Do you want to incorporate a more professional look to your business?  For quality stamps and supplies, StampXpress.com has what you need!  StampXpress offers a wide range of choices for personal use or for your business including rubber stamps, custom stamps, date stamps, address stamps, notary stamps, and much more.  Most orders ship the same day and shipping is free for purchases of at least $10.00.  

If you are aiming for a particular look for your stamp, StampXpress offers you the ability to customize your own stamp using their design feature.  You can upload your own image, enter your own text, and customize the font style and size.  If you're not quite ready to design your own, or if you're just looking for a more simplified design, StampXpress has plenty of pre-made stamps to fit your needs.  They offer their pre-made Xstamper stock stamps that also come with a lifetime guarantee. 







My favorite section on their website is the novelty stamps!  The above pictured novelty stamp is my favorite.  It's a fun way to show how you really feel with the option to "Like" or "Dislike".  Too funny!  They also offer other fun novelty stamps such as ones that say "Fail", "WTF", "OMG", "LOL", "DIY", and more.  



































If you love to incorporate stamping into your art, StampXpress has some products that may interest you.  They carry both Memories branded ink pads, as well as Palette Hybrid branded ink pads.  StampXpress.com also carries embossing powders.  Above is a great chart that shows the wide variety of embossing powders they carry!

In addition to their vast line of stamps, StampXpress.com also offers ink refills, stationary embossers, awards and plaques, name badges and signs, security products, and so much more that you really need to visit their site to see it all!  StampXpress is also proud to offer eco-friendly stamps and markers.  Looking for business cards?  StampXpress has those too!  Be sure to head on over to their website and see what products they offer that may be perfect for you.




Disclosure: "This sponsored post was made possible by SheHeard. I have been compensated for my time and work on this campaign, however all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own."

25 October 2012

V8 V-Fusion Energy Drink Review



If you haven't yet heard of or seen V8 V-Fusion, it's the new energy drink by V8!  You get the same great servings of fruits and veggies you love from V8 drinks, as well as a boost of energy to get you through your day.  You get natural energy powered by green tea that contains one combined serving of fruits and vegetables.  V8 V-Fusion does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.  You can also feel good about only 50 calories a serving and no added sugar!  V8 V-Fusion comes in both Pomegranate Blueberry and Peach Mango flavors.

If you haven't already signed up for Safeway's "Just for u" savings program that loads valuable coupons onto your Safeway Club Card, I encourage you to do so!  Not only will you get a valuable coupon you can load onto your card for a future purchase of V8 V-Fusion, you will also get amazing savings store wide on your everyday purchases.  To learn more, click here.





Ginger Berry Dip Recipe Made With V8 V-Fusion!



I had the opportunity to try the new V8 V-Fusion energy drinks this past week and share my thoughts with you.  If I do opt to use an energy drink I am usually pretty picky.  I like an energy drink that not only delivers the energy you expect it to, but one that also tastes good.  I tried the Peach Mango V8 V-Fusion.  The flavor was actually quite tasty!  It tasted just like a medley of peaches and mango.  I know it has some vegetables too but I didn't taste them so that was a bonus!  As far as the delivery of energy it was about what I get drinking a cup or two of coffee.  While I still love my coffee I think that the V8 V-Fusion is a great addition to switch up my choices of energy fueling drinks.  I'm looking forward to picking up the Pomegranate Blueberry next time I'm at Safeway so I can try that one as well!



Connect with V8 V-Fusion:




*Disclosure:  I was provided a sample from the above mentioned company as a member of Smiley360.com.  All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own and are not a result of any outside influence.
 



24 October 2012

Teacher Approved Educational & Learning Game Websites For Kids




I just got back from parent teacher conferences tonight and I thought I would share a list of teacher approved websites that one of my girls' teachers gave me.  I'm very grateful for this list, as sometimes it can be hard finding websites that are safe for the little ones.  I'm going to be putting this list up on the wall next to the computer so all the kids can have access to these great educational websites that combine learning and fun! 


Math:


Science:


Writing:


Educational Games:
 
 

Sending Flowers - A Guide To Picking The Perfect Floral Arrangement




Sending flowers is a very special gesture for both the sender and the receiver. When sending floral arrangements you can ensure that you pick the flowers that are both perfect for the receiver and/or occasion, as well as the flowers that will last the longest.  I also have some tips regarding care that are unique to each different flower you choose for your arrangement.



Carnation - Carnations are known for being a great year round addition to any arrangement.  They are also very budget friendly!  You can expect a 14-21 day vase life for carnations.  For maximum vase life it is recommended that you change out the water every 2-3 days and that you re-cut stems between the nodes when switching out for clean water.

Freesia - Also available all year round.  Freesia has a shorter vase life of 5-7 days.  It is recommended to handle the stems with care, as they can get tangled easily.  Re-cut stems when changing water and be sure to remove wilted heads to encourage further flowering.  Freesia is known for it's versatile use in weddings.

Gerbera - Gerbara, also known as the Barberton Daisy, are available year round and have a vase life of 5-10 days.  It is recommended to use flower food with Gerbara because they are sensitive to bacteria.  Re-cut stems at an angle when switching water and keep out of direct heat.  Popular wedding flower.

Iris - Available all year round with a shorter vase life of 4-7 days.  To prolong vase life it is recommended that you re-cut stems every couple of days and store in a cool area.  Flower food is also good for the Iris.  Great for use in table arrangements.

Lily - Available year round with a good vase life of 10-14 days.  Re-cut stems at an angle and use flower food.  The Lily is poisonous to cats so be careful in this regard.  You can remove lily stains by brushing gently or with the use of sticky tape.  Beautiful addition to larger bouquets.

Orchid - This flower has a vase life of 10-14 days and is available year round.  Orchids thrive best in warm rooms but should avoid direct heat.  Re-cut stems at an angle and for maximum vase life mist lightly daily.  Great for cascading bouquets/arrangements.

Peony - Available February - July, but hits it's peak April - June.  Has a vase life of approximately 5-10 days.  Re-cut stems every 2-3 and replace with fresh water and flower food.  Great for adding elegance to any home arrangement or as a wedding flower.

Rose - Available year round with a vase life of 7-14 days.  Use a knife to re-cut rose stems at an angle and place in fresh, cold water.  Change water every 2-3 days with the addition of flower food.  Display in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.  Roses are very versatile and perfect for any occasion!

Sunflower - Available May - October, and limited availability outside of these months.  Sunflowers have a vase life of 7-10 days.  Re-cut stems at an angle and place in fresh water.  Not recommended with the use of floral foam.  Remove any foliage that comes in contact with the water.  Works well as a wedding flower or as an addition to other bold floral arrangement flowers.

Tulip - Available October - June, but peaks December - April.  Vase life is 5-10 days.  Re-cut stems every 1-2 days, replacing fresh water.  Tulips thrive best when light can equally hit all sides.  Display in a cool area out of direct heat.  Popular bridal flower.  Also makes a great addition to a Spring floral arrangement.



Interflora carries the perfect flowers, arrangements, and gifts when it comes to finding just the perfect sentiment for the occasion and receiver.  They use high quality flowers in their arrangements and they have handy tips for choosing the best flowers for your bouquet, as well as arrangements by occasion.  Interflora is comprised of florists in London, but they ship internationally through a network of knowledgeable florists in over 140 countries.  I recommend this site for beautiful arrangements at great prices. 

Find The Career That Fits Your Personality





Finding a career field that suits your personality is a great way to set yourself up for a job that you will not only love, but succeed in!  Whether you're an introvert or an extrovert, a natural leader or one that likes to let others take the lead, there are many options for career choices.  The following are some personality traits along with the careers that fit those traits best.


Hands On/Realistic - Do you like hands on work?  Do you enjoy working with tools or machinery?  Consider one of many culinary programs to become a chef or follow an educational path towards becoming a computer engineer.


Detailed/Conventional - Do you pay great attention to detail when working?  Are you one that likes to follow rules and instructions carefully and by the book?  You might enjoy a career as an accountant or a pharmacy technician.


Motivated/Entrepreneur - Are you a highly motivated individual?  Are you a self starter with strong leadership qualities?  Consider a career as a marketing manager or real estate agent.


Independent/Artistic - Do you prefer to work on projects alone?  Do you love to use art as a means of self expression?  You may enjoy a career as a graphic, web, or fashion designer.


Social Butterfly/Helper - Are you naturally a very social and talkative person?  Do you enjoy helping others?  Consider a career as a registered nurse or counselor.


Thinker/Problem Solver - Do you enjoy solving complex problems?  Are you naturally curious in nature?  You may enjoy a career as a private investigator or as a paralegal.



If none of these seem to fit your personality, or if you want a more exact match for you, consider searching the internet for a variety of fantastic websites that will find you a great career based on a series of detailed personality questions.





23 October 2012

Save Money By Renting Your College Textbooks






As a college student I know how expensive textbooks can be.  Most books are at least over $100, and in my experience most of the time you get way less than half of what you paid for it trying to sell it back or the school doesn't buy your book back at all!  Last year I rented my textbooks through the school but is was still almost as much as just buying the book.  I have since gotten a lot smarter and I have switched to finding cheaper book rentals online, or by simply renting or buying the eTextbook version.  If I can't find a particular textbook in eTextbook format I try to buy a gently used print copy and then shop around for companies who will buy it back once I am finished with it.  If you search around online you can sometimes get a better deal selling it back to an online book retailer verses your college.  There are plenty of price search comparison websites for textbooks online that make finding the best buy back deal easier.



Perks of Digital Textbooks:

1)  No heavy books to carry around:  Save the strain on your neck and back, plus saves trees!

2)  Handy interactive features:  On screen highlighting and note taking, copy and paste functionality, as well as the ability to search for text and phrases.  Plus, you can print pages anytime if needed!

3)  Same As Print:  eTextbooks are page for page the same as you will find in the print version.

 

One website I have found with great prices for eTextbook rentals is CourseSmart.  You can get up to 60% off of what you would pay for the print version!  With CourseSmart, your eTextbook rentals come in a handy format that allows you to highlight and take notes, copy and paste text, print pages and more.  Their eTextbooks are compatible with Android devices, iPad, iPhone, and the iPod Touch. 










 

Harvest Fresh Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe - Mrs.Cubbinson's



This Thanksgiving delight your guests with a fresh take on your traditional stuffing.  With the help of Mrs.Cubbinson's and their tasty stuffing mix, I created a recipe that you will love!  I wanted to incorporate fall fruity flavors that would taste great as a stand alone side dish, and also one that will go perfect on leftover turkey sandwiches!  I used apples and dried cranberries to create this perfect pop of flavor.





Harvest Fresh Thanksgiving Stuffing Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 Granny Smith Apple (diced)
1/2 cup of dried cranberries
1 cup butter
2 cups of broth
1 box of Mrs. Cubbinson's Classic Seasoned Dressing


Directions:

1)  In a large saucepan melt your cup of butter on medium high heat.
2)  Stir in your broth gradually, bringing it to a boil.
3)  Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 3 minutes.
4)  Turn off heat, add dressing mix and blend lightly.  Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
5)  Add diced apples and cranberries and fluff stuffing with fork and serve.







Mrs.Cubbinson's invites you to check out their Thanksgiving Across America Survey results.  See what people voted was their favorite holiday, what they are most thankful for, where others go for menu help, and more!  At ThanksgivingTips.com you can find some terrific recipes to get you started with menu planning this Thanksgiving.  I've got my eye on their Crispy Onion Twice-Baked Potatoes.  They look like a delicious addition to my menu this year!  Here you will also find handy tips to help plan your festivities, as well as some tips on the turkey. 


Connect with Mrs.Cubbinson's:
Website
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube 





Win Some Goodies For Thanksgiving!

Details:  Open to U.S. Residents, 18 years of age and over.  Entry is via Rafflecopter form below.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning email or an alternate winner will be selected.

Prize:  Gift pack of Mrs. Cubbison's Stuffing, a bottle of Morehouse Mustard, a coupon for a free Sunsweet product, a coupon for a free Rhodes Bread product, and other kitchen goodies to help make the meal!
Giveaway Ends:  November 3, 2012 at Midnight EST




*Disclosure:  I was provided products from the above named company in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions in this review are 100% my own and are not a result of any outside influence. 

22 October 2012

October Is Vegetarian Awareness Month



October is Vegetarian Awareness Month.  For me, vegetarian awareness is 12 months out of the year, but for those of you who are interested in learning more about a vegetarian diet there's no better time than now!  I became a vegetarian 16 months ago and I have never looked back.  I'm a solo vegetarian in my house.  My husband and kids eat meat and you know what, that's okay with me!  I still cook their meat for them and I would never try to force them into a vegetarian diet.  I've had some wonderful fellow moms comment on past posts of mine that are also solo vegetarians in their home as well.  I'm not alone, hooray!

Tonight I came across this great infographic by RetailMeNot in support of Vegetarian Awareness Month.  This infographic brings up a lot of reasons why I don't eat meat, in addition to not wanting to harm animals for food of course.  The benefits I love that are brought up in the infographic (which I posted below) are lower cholesterol, a lower risk of cancer, and for overall health. Check it out!



vegetarian month

Scholastic Kids Reading App "Storia" - Free Download + Free Books!


Are you looking for some safe and engaging reading games for kids?  Well I have a great one to tell you about today! Storia, the new reading app for children by Scholastic combines learning and fun!  This interactive app packs a punch with plenty of activities to keep your little one busy including learning activities, read-to-me books, a handy dictionary, highlighter and note takers, personalized book shelves, and more.  Parents can feel safe that their children are using an app by Scholastic, a trusted company when it comes to children's books.  Scholastic Storia wants you to feel confident that your child's reading is progressing as it should with their new app, so parents are able to create private settings in Storia so you can personally monitor your child's reading achievements along the way!

From little ones to teens, Storia has over 2,000 titles to choose from!  Pick from vocabulary and comprehension building titles to strengthen their reading skills.  Right now you can download Storia for FREE to your PC, iPad, or Android powered devices, plus get your first 5 ebook downloads FREE!  Click here to get started with your FREE download.






Storia has been getting rave reviews and attention by being nominated one of the "Top 10 Best High Tech Products of 2012" by Dr. Toy, and has been greatly praised in the New York Times and School Library Journal.







19 October 2012

Tail Towns Friends Game Review





Tail Towns Friends is a new Facebook game where you explore Tail Towns with fun characters that have their own unique storyline and goals.  When you first enter Tail Towns and start the game you are met with a challenge.  You are recruited to help out gathering fruit at Iris' Orchard for your friend so he can bake at his restaurant.  Iris nicknames you "Country", and then with her help you start harvesting fruit for your friend and maintaining the orchard so that you can keep achieving goals throughout your characters storyline.




You also have the ability to unlock more characters of Tail Towns by purchasing a figurine that comes with a unique code that you enter through the game.  Once you unlock a new character you get to follow another new storyline and also have access to that character's unique game goals.  You can follow the link in the game to purchase these Tail Town figurines/codes online or you can find them at stores through their store locator here.





Thanks to Ganz, the maker of Tail Towns game and figurines, I was sent a Tail Towns figurine to review the game and unlock my new character's storyline and goals!  The character I received is "Night on the Town".  You can see my screenshot above where my character is highlighted, as well as the other characters available.  Each figurine comes beautifully hand painted and with their own unique code.






I found Tail Towns to be a really fun social game!  I enjoyed the challenge of completing goals and I also liked that once I unlocked my new figurine's code, I was able to unlock a whole new storyline with more goals!  So far in the game I am having the most fun cleaning up and decorating the orchard.  The game's store has so many great items you can buy with your coins in game to jazz up your orchard!  Right now with Halloween fast approaching, there are many great themed items available to purchase and add a spooky feel to your land!  This is one game that I will continue to play and I am already looking at purchasing some additional figurines.  I would encourage my readers to give this game a try and see how much fun it is!



Connect With Tail Towns:
Play the game on Facebook here
Follow on Twitter
Follow on Pinterest





*Disclosure:  I was provided a product from the above named company, in partnership with Child's Play Communications in exchange for my honest review of the game.  All opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and are not a result of any outside influence.

18 October 2012

Free Celebrity Wake Up Calls For Kids By Get Schooled




Get Schooled is a non-profit website that motivates kids to succeed in school.  Get Schooled aims to increase graduation rates and empowers kids to follow through with college.  Hollywood celebrities that are helping Get Schooled with their mission include Victoria Justice, One Direction, Tyra Banks, Nicki Minaj, Dwayne Wade, Wiz Khalifa, Mindless Behavior, and more!

Right now you can sign up through the Get Schooled website here for free celebrity wake up calls to get your kids motivated about getting up and going to school!  Each week a new celebrity's pre recorded wake up call will go out.  Just a few celebrities in the line up are Victoria Justice and the boy band One Direction.  I don't know about you other moms with daughters, but I know my girls would love a wake up call from One Direction!  You can also easily stop the calls at any time if your child no longer wishes to receive them.  Sign up is easy so head over to their website and get your child motivated this school year!


17 October 2012

Smartfood Selects Review

 


Smartfood Selects all natural snacks are a great way to snack smart!  With tasty varieties of puffed corn and popped chips, you are sure to find a flavor {or two!} that you will love.  Smartfood Selects contain real herbs and spices to naturally flavor their products.  Smartfood Selects puffed corn and popped chips do not contain MSG or any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.  These products also contain 0 grams of trans fat.  Many of their snacks also come in resealable bags, which help lock in the freshness easier! 



Puffed Corn Flavors:
Cinnamon Brown Sugar
Buffalo Cheddar
Parmesan Herb
Sour Cream and Onion


Popped Chips Flavors:
Cinnamon Brown Sugar
Feta Herb Hummus
Italian Herb Multigrain
Tomato Basil Hummus

  

As a member of BzzAgent I received some sample products from Smartfood Selects.  I received their Sour Cream and Onion puffed corn, Cinnamon & Brown Sugar popped chips, and Garlic Tomato Basil popped chips.  While all of the flavors I received were ones I would gladly purchase, my favorite was the Sour Cream and Onion puffed corn.  The puffed corn was light and airy, and very full of flavor!  I also loved the resealable bag feature so that I could lock in the freshness with ease.  I like that these products contain no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.  It's nice to have a great snack that can naturally just taste good without all the added junk!  My kids also loved the Smartfood Selects snacks I received.  We will definitely be buying these for our house in the future.








*Disclosure:  I was provided samples by the above mentioned company, in partnership with my membership through BzzAgent.com.  All opinions are 100% my own and are not a result of any outside influence.

ShareThis