Hellmann's® Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes

Whether it's for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there's no denying it: America is a sandwich-loving nation! According to the new "Hellmann's® State of the Sandwich" survey, a majority of American sandwich eaters (84%) believe that how a sandwich is made is just as important as the ingredients used to make it.** Something else many of America's sandwich fans agree on: If there's a must-have sandwich ingredient, it's Hellmann's®* mayonnaise!

To help celebrate America's passionate preferences for building the perfect sandwich, Hellmann's® and Best Foods® are partnering with Chef Bobby Flay to show families how to make real, simple, delicious sandwiches, and to uncover unique and personal sandwich-making techniques. They want to know how you slice it, spread it, stack it or serve it ... Do you spread your Hellmann's® Mayonnaise on one slice or both? Is the cheese on the top or in the center of the sandwich?

All you have to do is go to Facebook.com/hellmanns to share your sandwich-making tips, tricks, techniques and secrets. You'll also have the opportunity to build your perfect sandwich and enter the Hellmann's® Build Your Perfect Sandwich Sweepstakes for a chance to win great prizes including a kitchen essentials bundle, grocery gift cards and Hellmann's® and Best Foods® products.***

Did you know that 33 percent of Americans who eat sandwiches credit their mom with teaching them how to make a great sandwich? And nearly three-quarters (71 percent) of moms with sandwich-loving kids say they serve their families the favorites they ate growing up!**

Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann's® prize package in exchange for this informational post. No monetary exchange took place.

Win a trip to Los Angeles with Dole for the California Cook-Off

Do you have a special grilling recipe that incorporates a Dole product that you're proud of and has your family and friends drooling over? If so, Dole wants to know about it! Submit your great grill creation to the Dole 2011 California Cook-Off recipe contest at www.facebook.com/dole and if you're chosen as one of the 3 finalists, pack your swimsuit and shades and head for an all-expense paid trip to sunny L.A.! As a finalist, you'll enjoy 3 days/2 nights in Hollywood where you'll prepare your delectable Dole dish with other finalists at celebrity haven The Grove and meet celebrity Chef Ben Ford.

The contest begins April 10, 2011 at 12 a.m. ET and closes on May 15, 2011. The finalists will be announced June 1, 2011 and the Dole 2011 California Cook-Off event will take place live at The Grove in L.A. on Sunday, June 26.

To participate is easy - you must be 18 years old or older and visit
Dole on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dole to "like" the page and then enter your recipe under the "Enter to Win" tab for a chance to win. You can even submit a new original recipe once each day for more chances to win.

Submit a delicious, healthy recipe that is prepared on a gas grill (partially or entirely) using at least one Dole product and up to seven additional ingredients (spices/herbs, water, oil/butter/cooking spray don't count).

***Disclosure-No monetary compensation was received. This is an informational post only. I received coupons to sample Dole products.

U by Kotex, tween

Do you have a tween? Have you had the talk with your tween?

I am going to take to you back to me and my moment. I am hispanic as you already know. My mom always working, sometimes 2 to 3 jobs. My mother was raised by her older sister, and married very young. Back then innocent times, naive moments, but that is how she grew up and passed it along to me. My mother never talk to me about my body and its changes. I, like most girls, like to go to the restroom in groups. This day was no different. My tween friends and I headed to the restroom. I am using the restroom and guess what little friend visited me for the first time. I thought I was dying. I was screaming my lungs out. My friends did not know what was going on with me. All I could do was sit there and scream. I was so scared, and then of course embarrased. My mom finally had that talk with me, kinda late.

Research shows that four out of five moms feel only somewhat or not at all prepared to talk to their daughter about her changing body and one in three young girls have no idea what’s happening when they get their first period. Talking to tween girls about growing up – from her body to boys— is never easy, but is especially important now due to an earlier onset of puberty than previous years.

To help make talking about some of these tougher topics easier, U by Kotex has created an arsenal of tools and tips, available at www.Kotex.com/Tween, that will help empower moms to proactively talk to their tween daughters, while reducing the stress and anxiety around the conversation. U by Kotex has also created a new line of products -- U by Kotex Tween -- designed especially for tweens between the ages of 8 – 12, as well as created a place online where girls can exchange stories with other girls, learn more about periods and puberty through articles and engaging activities, as well as ask questions, at www.UbyKotex.com/HelloPeriod.

My thoughts-The packaging is so tween friendly. It is "cool" packaging. Girly girls do not have to be embarrased to pick these up. The pads are designed smaller to fit smaller sizes, perfect for tweens. Each package has reassuring messages, tween-friendly myths and facts, and an informational booklet inside.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. Packages were sent to me to review. I have passed them along to tweens who loved them. These are my honest thoughts, you may have a different opinion.

Febreze-New Zealand Springs review

Febreze has a new exotic scent, New Zealand Springs.

The new scent is the most recent addition to the Febreze Destinations Collection, which already includes Brazilian Carnaval, Hawaiian Aloha and Thai Dragon Fruit. New Zealand Springs was inspired by the country's south island. New Zealand Springs is available in Febreze Air Effects, Candles and NOTICEables.

My thoughts-I like Febreze products. They are very good for ordor control. I like the new scent. It is very fresh and different than any other scent I have smelled. The smell is long lasting in whatever room I sprayed. It did give me a little get-a-way every time I sprayed. I used it this week to get a rotten banana, forgotten in our Easter picnic basket, smell out of the kitchen.

***Disclosure-I received this product to review. No compensation was received. This product has been Independentmami tested and Independentmami approved. Your nose may like different scents, but according to mine, these are my honest opinions.

Prom review

15 yrs ago, I was a Senior at James Madison Sr High School. Prom was in the air, just as it is now. Back then-I was looking for a dress, wondering who I was going to prom with, and was so excited for that day to come. Funny thing is I took my sophomore boyfriend to the Prom.

I won 2 tickets at a school raffle. My friends and I shared a limo ride to the Crown Plaza Hotel where our Prom was. Prom was so much fun! Prom is a right of passage for all Seniors.

This movie was a very cute movie. My husband, son, and I were invited to a special screening. The movie was really good. It took me back to some memorable moments in my life. Even if you did not go, after watching the movie you will want to have gone. Now-My husband wants to attend Prom. He missed out on his Prom. He has told our son, we will be attending Prom with him. We all loved the movie, and recommend you should watch it too.

At "Prom," every couple has a story and no two are exactly alike. Several intersecting stories unfold at one high school as the big dance approaches; "Prom" portrays the precarious passage from high school to independence as some relationships unravel and others ignite.

For Nova Prescott (Aimee Teegarden), it's a battle of wills as she finds herself drawn to the guy (Thomas McDonell)

who gets in the way of her perfect prom. Fellow seniors Mei (Yin Chang) and Tyler (De'Vaughn Nixon) harbor secrets, while others face all the insecurity and anticipation that surrounds one of high school's most seminal events. There are hundreds of nights in high school, but there's only one "Prom." Featuring an emerging ensemble cast and a powerful soundtrack, "Prom" hits theaters April 29, 2011.

***Disclosure-No monetary compensation was received. My family was invited to a special private screening of this movie. Prom has been Independentmami viewed, and Independentmami recommended. These are my honest opinions.

Participa y Gana con JOHNSON'S® en la Sección "For You" de Facebook

Check out this sweepstakes-Mira este concurso....

¡Nos complace anunciarles que JOHNSON'S® Baby ya está en Facebook! En esta página encontrarás información relacionada con bebés, padres, embarazo y mujeres, incluyendo consejos, promociones, concursos, tarjetas de regalo y mucho más.

Y como no se nos puede olvidar que las madres también son mujeres, JOHNSON'S® está llevando a cabo una variedad de concursos en la sección "For You" pensando sólo en ti.

Es sencillo, haz clic en el botón "like" de la siguiente página http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbaby?v=app_134379533296666, para la oportunidad única de ganar diferentes tipos de regalos tales como un viaje para dos para un spa y docenas de tarjetas de regalo instantáneas de Coach, Juicy Couture, Guess y Sephora, entre otras marcas.

El último día para participar es el 4/30/2011. ¡No te pierdas de esta oportunidad!

Participate and Win with JOHNSON'S® "For You" Tab on Facebook

We are thrilled to announce that JOHNSON'S® Baby is now on Facebook. At the page you will find everything related to babies, moms, pregnancy and women including tips, promotions, contests, gift cards and much more.

But we didn't forget that moms are women too! And as a way to pamper women everywhere, JOHNSON'S® is hosting a variety of giveaways on its "For You" tab. It's simple; click "like" at http://www.facebook.com/johnsonsbaby?v=app_134379533296666, for the chance to win different types of prizes such as a luxurious spa trip for 2 and dozens of instant gift cars to Coach, Juicy Couture, Guess and Sephora, among others.

Deadline to participate: 4/30/2011, don't miss this opportunity!


***Disclosure-No compensation was received. This is an informational post only.

Giveaway-JOHNSON’S® Beauty Challenge

When you think of JOHNSON’S® what do you think of? Babies. JOHNSON’S® has normally throughout the years has been used for babies, but now, JOHNSON’S® is also being used by the mamis. JOHNSON’S® has a full line of products such as, JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil Gel, JOHNSON’S® Baby Creamy Oils, JOHNSON’S® Baby Oil, JOHNSON’S® Baby Shampoo, JOHNSON’S® Baby Pink Lotion, JOHNSON’S® Baby Body Washes and JOHNSON’S® Baby Powder.

I love how they smell. I love how baby soft they leave the babies' skin. SO why not try them on myself. It they are great on babies why not? Mamis' can use JOHNSON’S® every day to leave skin feeling as soft and moisturized as a baby. Check out all these products and there suggested uses, I love it!!

I have always used baby oil on my legs, they make them so soft and smooth after shaving. I also used baby oil on the tips of a Q-tip to get the crust out of my stubbord dirty brothers ears growing up. And any time I have an allegic reaction, I always can use JOHNSON’S® because it does not irrate my skin. I took the challenge and try several of this above. I love all the uses. I have been running for several months now. Training out in the sun has been killing my skin. But JOHNSON’S® has been helping my skin get better. I have used these products from head to toe.

Would you like to take the JOHNSON’S® Beauty Challenge?  How to enter:
MANDATORY-
1)  Share your JOHNSON’S® beauty tips. (1 entry/tip, unlimited)
ENTRA ENTRY-
2)  Tweet. (1 entry/tweet,unlimited)
Win a $50 value JOHNSON’S® Beauty bag @independentmami http://tinyurl.com/3wckvrd #giveaway ends 5/10


One lucky winner will win a $50 value JOHNSON’S® Beauty bag.  The winner will randomly be selected.  Please leave your email address in your comment.  Good Luck.

***Disclosure-I received JOHNSON’S® products for my JOHNSON’S® Beauty Challenge.  I also received a $50 gc.  These are my honest opinions.  These products have been Independentmami tested, and Independentmami approved.  JOHNSON’S® is my prefer brand I have always used.

Guest Post-State Farm® Sponsors the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards

State Farm® Sponsors the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards and “Tu Música. Tu Ride.”   The program was launched for Latin Music Fans and gave one lucky winner a chance to win.
This is the third year that State Farm® is a sponsor of the 2011 Billboard Latin Music Awards and the Billboard en Concierto Tour with the launch of a new program, Tu Música. Tu Ride. The program brings Latin music fans into one place. The Tu Música. Tu Ride. The program consists of several components dedicated to consumers, including a sweepstakes, a State Farm Latino Facebook page, community events, and a concert series with top artists Camila and Tito El Bambino.  State Farm partnered with Telemundo to reward one lucky person and a friend with a free trip to attend the Billboard Latin Music Awards presented by State Farm in Miami, FL on April 28, 2011. 

Guest Post-I was offered tickets to the Billboard en Concierto Tour, a concert series featuring top artists Camila. April 5, at the House of Blues. It was such a great experience. My husband and I were able to see the concert and then have a VIP experience. We went backstage. We were up close and personal with the group. My favorite song from the Group is Todo Cambio.
Todo cambió, cuando te vi, oh
De blanco y negro a color, me convertí
Y fue tan fácil, quererte tanto
Algo que no imaginaba
Fue entregarte mi amor, con una mirada

Oooh no no no no...

Todo tembló, dentro de mí
El universo escribió que fueras para mí
Y fue tan fácil, quererte tanto
Algo que no imaginaba
Fue perderme en tu amor simplemente pasó y todo tuyo ya soy

Antes que pase más, tiempo contigo amor
Tengo que decir que eres el amor de mi vida
Antes que te ame más, escucha por favor déjame decir que todo te di
Y no hay como explicár, pero menos, dudar, simplemente así lo sentí
Cuando te vi...

Me sorprendió, todo de ti
Del blanco y negro al color, me convertí
Sé que no es fácil, decir te amo, yo tampoco lo esperaba
Pero así es el amor simplemente pasó y todo tuyo ya soy

Antes que pase más, tiempo contigo amor
Tengo que decir que eres el amor de mi vida
Antes que te ame más, escucha por favor
Déjame decir que todo te di
Y no hay como explicar, pero menos, dudar, simplemente así lo sentí
Cuando te vi...

Todo cambió,
Cuando te vi...

This was a great date night for my husband and I. We are getting married in November. And this concert was really great!

All thanks to State Farm and Independentmami. Check out some of pictures.

Elsa Rodriguez
***Disclosure-Guest Post. No compensation was received.

Giveaway-CoverGirl LipPerfection Experience

Back in February, I was sent me a very special invitation to attend a Red Carpet Beauty Event. I told you all about my experience here.

WATCH: Latina Readers get a Makeover!
video courtesy of Latina.com

One of the main products featured in the Latina.com video that was used at the Red Carpet Beauty Event, is the LipPerfection lipstick, there are 44 shades.

One of my lucky readers will get a chance to win 5 shades of their choice.

(Images courtesy of CoverGirl.com)

Here is how to enter:
Mandatory:
1) Go to facebook/covergirl, like them, and tell them Independentmami sent you. (1 entry)

Extra entries:
2) Tell me which 5 shades of LipPerfection lipstick you would like to experience. (1 entry)
3) Tweet- Win 5 shades of @covergirl LipPerfection lipstick @independentmami #giveaway 5/10 http://tinyurl.com/66gg63l (1 entry per tweet/unlimited)

This giveaway ends on May 10 @ 8 a.m. 1 winner will be randomly selected. Please leave your email in your comment. Good Luck.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received for this or previous post.

Centrum FIT-tastic contest

What are you doing to get healthy this year? April is almost gone, and what have you been doing? Well if you have been working out or eating healthy, bravo for you!! If you haven't it is not too late. Either way, check this contest out...Win a trip to LA and a one-on-one training session with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak, creator of the 5 Factor Diet!

To enter the contest, all users have to do is text the word "CENTRUM" along with an image of a Centrum multivitamin bottle to 89800 for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles to receive a personal training session with Harley himself, trainer to Jennifer Hudson and Lady Gaga to name a few. Contest ends June 14, 2011.

GET FIT and “Like” the new Centrum Facebook page to

* Receive exclusive fitness tips from renowned celebrity fitness and nutrition experts

* Learn how to enter for a chance to win a Wii Fit Plus every day between now and June 14th.

* Download a $3 coupon your next Centrum purchase

There has never been a more rewarding time to GET FIT.

***Disclosure-I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Don't Fret The Sweat

As a parent of a tween, there are changes happening now that my tween and I may not be ready for. One thing is for certain, we as parents try to have all the answers but sometimes don't. I have a son, and I am a girl. So some things don't translate. I like when brands have solutions to our problems or sometimes just suggestions.

Unilever - the maker of Degree, Dove and Suave deodorants - wants to ensure parents and kids remain cool, calm and confident throughout the day - especially during those sweat-inducing moments. Check out Facebook.com/DontFretTheSweat for money saving offers and expert tips, tools and real life stories about how parents are communicating and transitioning their tweens into confident and self-reliant teens.





***Disclosure--I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

April Runners Log

April is Earth Month. What better way to start this month then to do a race for the park.

My participation in the "4 the Park" Fun Run helps the Conservancy to plan, protect and preserve Memorial Park. Approximately 4 million people visit Memorial Park each year, with the Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail being the heaviest used park amenity in the City of Houston. Memorial Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, is working towards forest conservation and trail improvements within the park to ensure Memorial Park is a healthy and sustainable environment.

Alba

4 the Park Fun Run

04/02/11

0:46:23

4 Mile Run

I have never been to the trails at Memorial Park. I have only driven by.  I have seen all the runners, joggers, and walkers out there on my way home.  Boy, have I been missing out. The trails are surrounded by beautiful trees. It was great to see so many people come out and support.

So I thought this was it for the month of April but we are not done yet. Yep, I did 2 challenges again this month. What do you think I did?

I never ever, ever thought in a million years that I would think of running a half marathon or that it could be done by me. The first time my bestfriend told me about doing a half marathon, I was glad it was too much money and there were no spots left. And when I got sick in January, I almost felt good about not having signed up, like it was a sign that I could not have ever finished.

When my bestfriend brought it up again, I was like my bestfriend is trying to kill me. In the back of my head, I kept thinking my bestfriend did it, why can’t I. Not because it’s a competition or anything like that, but because I felt like my bestfriend had the courage to sign up and do it. Where I, no matter what, could not convince myself I could. Get it, I kept telling myself I could not, therefore, I could not. I have faced several obstacles in life where people told me I could not, and I took that as a challenge/bet/dare and I finished and finished strong. Whatever it was. Baby Daddy said I would never make it without him, I proved him wrong. Single mothers can never become homeowners, you cant afford it, but I did. I bought a house, and am paying for it. These are just some things that have pushed me to the limits, and I have gone all out to prove to those people I could do it. But when it comes to proving to myself I can do it, that’s where the problem lies. I do not believe in myself, well at least I didn’t.

My bestfriend put the challenge out there. My whole entire goal was to just finish. And I finished. It does not matter what place, or what time, the point is I actually proved myself wrong. The first 2 miles, were very hard for me. They were a battle within a battle. I had already giving up on myself. Anything negative I could think about, I was thinking it. When my bestfriend smacked me in the butt as she was passing me up, it snapped something in me. Somewhat of the whip hitting a horse, or the gun actually going off this time for the first time. My bestfriend believed we could do it and we did. I thank her for pushing me. Like her coach,Coach T said, it is good when we are held accountable. I like that we push each other. I am so glad that I did this. Here are some pictures of my wonderful achievement. I am so proud of myself. And yes, I am tooting my own horn, for the first time!!

The miracle was not the finish, but that I had the courage to start!

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Alba- Hippity ROC 04/23/11 2:57:53 Half Marathon 13.1 miles

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, in the middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I have finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that."
-Fred Lebow, New York City Marathon co-founder

Wanna join me? Do you want to start? I started out doing walks. One of the first walks I did, and still do is the March of Dimes which is coming up on May 1st, Houston.

"Ask yourself: 'Can I give more?'. The answer is usually: 'Yes'."
-Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner

Win up to $100 a Day at www.theMumClub.com!

Check out this instant win sweepstakes with prizes available every day! Check out the rules and more details at www.theMumClub.com/official- rules/.

The sweepstakes started at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on February 28, 2011 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EDT on May 31, 2011. (There's still plenty of time!) It is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older (19 years or older if a resident of AL or NE) at the time of entry.
Rewards Contest Prize: One (1) $250 in American Express Gift Card per Weekly Entry Period

Instant Win Prizes: 93 American Express Gift Cards will be available to be won each day: 39 $25 cards, 26 $50 cards, 13 $75 cards and 15 $100 cards.

AOL and Chef Boyardee have teamed up to present you with Club Mum! Taking care of your family can be pretty challenging. We're here to help! Club Mum is where mothers everywhere come together to share their stories and their secret tips to raising healthy, happy kids!

Win a Day at the Spa-Terra.com sweepstakes

Attention Mothers! Mother's Day is around the corner and Terra.com couldn't let your day just slip by without a big celebration. You will have the opportunity to win a well deserved day at the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa in Miami Beach. Whether you are pregnant, a new mom or even a grandmother, Terra will celebrate Mother's Day giving away a day spa to 3 different types of moms.

Each one of the 3 lucky moms will enjoy a $1,000 value prize including a day out at a spa with zumba classes, a power lunch, massages, beauty treatments, meditation on the beach, belly dancing and many more surprises. Also, our fashion and beauty expert Martín Llorens will host a video of the day at the spa, where the winning mothers will come out looking gorgeous and fabulous; the whole experience will be broadcasted for you and your family to enjoy together.

It is simple, just visit the Terra Mother's Day Sweepstakes at www.terra.com/dia-madre/spa_en to participate and for your chance to win, today can be your lucky day. Also, you will get to see the best of celeb moms, gift guides, polls, mom's recipes and much more. Don't miss this unique opportunity!

El Día de la Madre: Gánate un día en un Spa

¡Atención Madres! El Día de la Madre está por llegar y Terra.com no podría dejar que tu día pase sin una gran celebración. Tendrás la oportunidad de ganar un relajante y merecido día en el Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa en Miami Beach. Ya sea que estés embarazada, o seas una mamá primeriza o si ya eres abuela, Terra celebrará el Día de la Madre, premiando a 3 diferentes tipos de mamás.

Las afortunadas ganadoras disfrutaran de un regalo valorado en $1,000 incluyendo un día en el spa con clases de zumba, un almuerzo energético, masajes y tratamientos de belleza, meditación en la playa, baile de la danza del vientre y muchas sorpresas más. Nuestro experto en moda y belleza Martín Llorens, compartirá con la audiencia de Terra todo el día en video, donde podrás ver a las mamás ganadoras luciendo hermosas y fabulosas; toda la experiencia será transmita para que tú y tu familia la puedan disfrutar juntos.

Es fácil, para participar sólo vista el Sorteo del Día de la Madre de Terra www.terra.com/dia-madre/spa y tendrás la oportunidad de ganar ¡hoy puede ser tu día de suerte! También podrás disfrutar de videos de las mamás más reconocidas del espectáculo, guías de regalos, encuestas, recetas para mamá y mucho más. ¡No te pierdas de esta oportunidad!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  This is an informational post only.

Tasty Thursday-Kim Son

Hello and welcome to another edition of Tasty Thursday. This Thursday is another dinner edition. Remember our goal for dinner is to stay under $50.00 for the entire meal for 3 people including tip. My husband picked this week, Kim Son. It is one of my favorite restaurants. They have 3 locations all over Houston-Southwest Freeway, Jefferson St, and Bellaire.

ABOUT-
"Mama La" is the secret ingredient behind the Kim Son Restaurants. Born in Vietnam, Kim Su Tran La, her husband, and their seven children arrived in Houston in 1980 after fleeing from Communist rule in their homeland. Armed with only her extensive knowledge of Vietnamese cooking - she had memorized more than 250 recipes from her mother-in-law - with her family support, she opened the second restaurant in Houston's China Town in 1982 (The original Kim Son was located in Vinh Long and closed with the Communist takeover.)

Our dinner experience-
As we were walking in, I noticed the dinner specials. The 2 dishes looked yummy and had great portions.

Check out the specials, all $9.95

Now check out our dishes we ordered-

Grilled Chicken Spring Rolls (2)

Chicken Lettuce Wrap-
Chopped chicken breast, water chestnuts, carrot, mushroom, stir fried in special sauce.

Pho Beef
Pho Tai Nam (beef broth). I love these soups.

This is my son's kid's plate-Chicken, rice, veggies

My husband went with one of the specials. You pick two combinations, and all plates come with rice, and veggies. This plate was huge. He was very full afterwards.

Total for all items was $44.10, including a $6.00 tip. We made our goal and stayed under $50.00. We have 1 full to-go box with the lettuce wraps. And 1 container of the Pho-soup. We are all full. Again, we did go a little crazy and could have left of a dish or two. Their plates are family style so you can always share. And on a side note-Kevin, our waiter was very nice, polite, and was very attentive.

African Cats movie review

By now you should have already heard of the movie, African Cats.  If you haven't here is the sypnosis:

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a once banished lion. Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”). An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

Independentmami review-I really enjoyed this movie.  It was a wonderful learning experience.  It was great to see the animals in their own environment.  Perfect movie for my 12 yr old, 6th grader.  I really enjoyed the story line.  I do not want to ruin the movie for you.  It is a must see.  If you are looking for something to do, this movie comes out tomorrow, Earth Day-April 22. 

Check out these clips from the movie:




Help Save the Savanna-
The African wildlife needs your help. For everyone who sees African Cats during opening week, Disneynature will make a donation to help preserve the area these animals call home.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received. I was invited to a movie screening. This movie has been Independentmami watched, and Independentmami approved. These are my honest opinions.

Biggest Loser Cruise

Look what I found. This is one of my favorite shows to watch. I would love to go on this cruise. This is a chance for those that can't get on the show to get training, go to exercise classes, and seminars.

Free Trees from Loews Earth Day 4/23

Looking for something good to do for the Earth, plant a tree.

Discovery Green -CIty of Houston Earth Day 4/23

Hey Houston, looking for something to do this Earth Day weekend. Well Go to Discovery Green, April 23 from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The City of Houston is throwing a party. There will be entertainment, environmental education, the Green Expo for consumer green products and services and this year's new Eco Landscaping "green gardening" Zone.

Here is a line up of the entertainment which will be going on ALL DAY!
10:15 - 11:00 AM Miles Ahead
11:20 - 12:05 PM Grupo Ka-Che
12:25 - 1:10 PM Texodus
1:30 - 2:15 PM The Matchsticks
2:45 - 3:30 PM The Others

Also 600 Red Oak Liners will be given away. First 300 people to visit the Green Mountain booth will walk away with a free tree - so get there early!

Free Starbucks on Earth Day 4/22

Earth Day is April 22

Bring in a travel cup and receive a free coffee or tea at participating Starbucks stores. Check to see if your local store is participating before heading out.

Disney Cruises

I want to let everyone know that Disney Cruise Line will now be coming out of Galveston. Next September will be the first trip out. So if you are trying to plan ahead, this could be a trip to look forward too. Last year, we went on a cruise and it was so much fun. And it was not even a Disney cruise, so I can't even begin to imagine all the fun on this ship.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener

When my husband and I first were dating he would comment on how good my slothes smelled. I told him it was because I add softners to my laundry. After we got married and life got complicated and busy, he mentioned the laundry not smelling the same. When I told him to wash the clothes, he said no because I add a step that makes all the clothes smell good. Adding softner to all my loads is a chore to me. Why? because you have to listen to the cycle. I always forget I am doing laundry and forget to add softner. But I have been introduced to a new product-

Purex Complete Crystals Softener

It is easy to use. I added add the beginning at the start of the wash cycle. I do not have to worry I will stain the clothes when I pour the liquid in because these are crystals. It has not stained, worn out, or discolored any of my clothes. And I do not have to wait for the rinse cycle, which I would always forget as I am multi-tasking while doing laundry.

It comes in 3 different scents, Fresh Spring Waters, Lavender Blossom, and Tropical Splash.

The fragrance lasts for weeks. Ask my husband, he will tell you.

Disclosure-
I received this product to review. These are my honest opinions. This product has been Independentmami tested and Independentmami approved. You may have different results or like a product better, it is always recommened you try a product first.