Schwan’s~Triple Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

What started in 1952 as ice cream truck deliveries has grown into the 6th most popular grocery e-tailer in the U.S.* offering a range of delicious frozen dishes and desserts, all delivered right to the doorstep.  Schwan’s ice cream has stood the test of time since Marvin Schwan started selling his family’s signature ice cream to local Minnesota families.

Now, in honor of its 60th Schwan’s introduces a new Triple Chocolate Chunk flavor.

The special Triple Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream features milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate ice creams swirled with pieced of white and dark chocolate. With a smooth, creamy texture and fresh dairy taste, this limited-edition flavor is crafted in small batches and packaged in a reusable commemorative anniversary container.

Visit Schwans.com to learn more about the ice cream and Schwan’s 60th Anniversary special promotion.  Spend $60 on Schwans.com, 888-SCHWANS or at the door, and receive $5.00 off your order plus a FREE gift (coupon book) valued at $60.

My thoughts-Schwans delivered straight to my door.  It was in a cooler with dry ice.  My ice cream was not melted, it arrived in one piece.  The Triple Chocolate Chunk ice cream was so good.  If you are a chocolate lover like I am, you will love this.  My son and I were hogging it up.  My husband had to steal a little lick because I was not giving mine bowl of ice cream up. 

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received to review.  Schwann's Triple Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream has been Independentmami tested and Independentmami approved!!!

BRITAX Stroller Board Giveaway***CLOSED

The BRITAX Stroller Board easily attaches to most strollers providing travel options for additional children. Three wheels with independent suspension provide a comfortable and stable ride for children weighing up to 50 pounds. The quick release design enables easy removal and installation of the stroller board. The stroller board can easily be adjusted to accommodate your child’s height. When not in use, the storage strap will hold the board up and out of the way.

 

 

Product Features 

Three wheels with independent suspension provide balance and child comfort

Quick-release feature allows the removal of the stroller board while the mounting bracket remains installed

Storage strap to position board out of the way when unoccupied

Attaches to horizontal or vertical stroller frames

Three way adjustable attachment allows the board to fit on most strollers 

MSRP (USD) $89.99

Giveaway~1 Lucky reader will win a  BRITAX Stroller Board

How to enter:

1)   Visit the Britax website at www.britaxusa.com and tell me which strollers are compatible with this product. (1 entry)

2)  Like the Britax Los Llevos Seguros Facebook Page (1 entry)

3)  Follow the @SafeConBritax Twitter (1 entry)

4)  Facebook share. (1 entry/per share)

5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win @SafeConBritax Stroller Board @independentmami #baby #giveaway ends 6/11 http://tinyurl.com/7aj76kh

This giveaway ends 6/11/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Good Luck.

***Disclosure-The information provided for this post is because I am a Brtiax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories are my own.

BRITAX Kick Mats Giveaway***CLOSED

Keep your vehicle seat backs clean with the BRITAX Kick Mats. The top and bottom attachment points provide a secure fit, while its large 17.4 x 22.5 in. (44.5 x 57 cm) size ensures full coverage. Deep mesh pockets on the top of the BRITAX Kick Mats offer extra storage possibilities with an elastic top and fastener to keep objects in place. The water resistant fabric is machine washable and also folds for storage. Sold as a 2 pack.

 

 

Product Features 

Large 17.5 x 22.5 in (44.5 x 57 cm) size for full coverage designed to fit most vehicle seats

Deep mesh pockets with elastic top to securely store necessities

Two attachment points at the top and bottom of the vehicle seat for a secure fit

Washable and water resistant fabric

Folds for easy storage

Two (2) Kick Mats Included 

MSRP (USD) $15.99

Giveaway~1 Lucky reader will win the  BRITAX Kick Mats (2 pack).

How to enter-

1)  Visit the Britax website at http://www.britaxusa.com/ and tell me another accessory you like and why? (1 entry)

2)  Like the Britax Los Llevos Seguros Facebook Page (1 entry)

3)  Follow the @SafeConBritax Twitter (1 entry)

4)  Facebook Share. (1 entry/per share)

5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win @SafeConBritax Kick Mats @independentmami #baby #giveaway ends 6/11 http://tinyurl.com/csm4pz9

This giveaway ends 6/11/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Good Luck.

***Disclosure-The information provided for this post is because I am a Brtiax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories are my own.

BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow Giveaway***CLOSED

The BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow with full body and contoured head support provides superior comfort for your precious cargo. The reversible design has plush fleece on one side and moisture-control fabric on the other to offer all-season temperature control. The EZ-Dry wicking fabric draws moisture away from baby keeping the surface feeling cool and dry, while the plush fleece keeps your little one warm and cozy. The BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow fits both car seat and stroller harness systems and has been crash tested and approved for use with all BRITAX convertible and infant car seats for children weighing up to 22 lbs. Machine washable.

 

Product Features 

Full body and contoured head support for superior comfort

Reversible design with plush fleece on one side and moisture-control fabric on the other

EZ-Dry wicking fabric draws moisture away from baby keeping the surface feeling cool and dry

Adjustable and detachable head support for versatility as baby grows

Fits car seat and stroller harness systems

Crash tested and approved for use with BRITAX convertible and infant car seats

Machine wash, delicate cycle, line dry 

MSRP (USD) $29.99

 Giveaway~1 Lucky reader will win a BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow

How to enter: 

1)   Go to  the Britax website at http://www.britaxusa.com/ and name one of the compatible products you can use this on. (1 entry)

2)  Like the Britax Los Llevos Seguros Facebook Page (1 entry)

3)   Follow the @SafeConBritax Twitter (1 entry)

4)  Facebook share. (1 entry/per share)

5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win @SafeConBritax Head & Body Support Pillow @independentmami #baby #giveaway ends 6/11 http://tinyurl.com/8325b2n

This giveaway ends 6/11/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Good Luck.

***Disclosure-The information provided for this post is because I am a Brtiax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories are my own.

BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades Giveaway***CLOSED

Keep your child cool and shield them from UV rays and sun glare with the BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades (2 pack). The unique cling design with a lightweight, reinforced frame makes application and repositioning a breeze. The BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shade safely clings to the vehicle window with a UPF 30+ sun protection. The additional mesh screen provides shade to keep your child cool while maintaining driver visibility. Use the wire frame to easily remove the BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shade and store it away to reuse again and again. The 19 x 12 in (48 x 30.5 cm) size is designed for an optimal fit to most vehicle rear-side windows.

Product Features 

Unique cling design with a lightweight, reinforced frame simplifies application and repositioning

UPF 30+ sun protection blocks UV sun rays

Mesh screen reduces sun glare and keeps your child cool while maintaining driver visibility

19 x 12 in (48 x 30.5 cm) size for an optimal fit on most vehicle rear-side windows

Easily stores away to reuse again and again

Two (2) Shades Included  

MSRP (USD) $9.99 

Giveaway ~1  Lucky Reader will win a BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades (2 pack)

How to enter-

1)   Go to http://www.britaxusa.com/ and tell me another item you would like, and why? (1 entry) 

2)   Like the Britax Los Llevos Seguros Facebook Page (1 entry)

3)  (1 entry) https://twitter.com/#%21/safeconbritax

4)  Facebook Share. (1 entry)

5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per hour)

Enter to #win @SafeConBritax EZ-Cling Window Shades @independentmami #baby #giveaway ends 6/11 http://tinyurl.com/c9uy2p7

This giveaway ends 6/11/2012 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.  US only.  Good Luck!

***Disclosure-The information provided for this post is because I am a Brtiax Latina Advisory Board Member and Blogger. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories are my own.

 

AMF Summer Unplugged & Summer Pass

Summer is here!! School is out this week!!!

How will you keep your kids busy or entertained?  On a budget, worried about how much will it cost you to take yourr entire family for an outing.  

AMF's Summer Unplugged is this summer's best bowling deal for kids!  And adults get in on the fun too with Summer Pass.

Summer Unplugged: Zip, Zero, Zilch for Kids 15 and Under

At select AMF centers, two free games of bowling per day for kids 15 and under. (Shoe rental not included, but they’re worth paying for.)

• Time: Free bowling until 8:00PM, 7 days a week.
• Dates: Monday, May 14 through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day).
  
• Parents go to http://bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 250 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
• Free game coupons emailed every week starting May 14 – it’s that simple!
• $3.29 Kids Meals

Summer Pass: Great Deal for Everyone 16 and Over
2 free games, per day for up to four people ages 16 and up (shoe rental not included).
One $29.95 Summer Pass is good for 2 games per day for up to four people all summer long - that's $7.50 per person! (Same dates and times as above.)

 I just signed up my son and bought a Summer pass for us to bowl this summer.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  I am a One2One Network member, and all information was provided through them.  This post is my entry into a sweepstakes.

Little Caesars HOT-N-READ​Y Giveaway***CLOSED

School is out.  The kids are going to be home, what is a busy mom like you to do? Planning a graduation party, don't want to cook, running late and have no time to cook? 

For dinnertime value, there's nobody like Little Caesars—voted Best Value in America five years in a row!

 Enjoy a large $5 HOT-N-READY pepperoni pizza, or a large HOT-N-READY 3 Meat Treat, with pepperoni, sausage and bacon for just $8!

Nobody does it like Little Caesars. Pick-up a large HOT-N-READY pizza whenever you walk in, with a taste that makes your family happy—at a price that makes you happy!

Find the nearest location: click here.

I have a giveaway.  1 lucky reader will win a $10 Little Caesars gift card

How to enter:

1)  (1 entry) Follow Little Caesars Facebook
2)  (1 entry) Follow Little Caesars Twitter
3)  (1 entry) Pin this giveaway.
4)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, per hour)

Enter to #win @littlecaesars $10 gc @independentmami #giveaway ends 6/18 http://tinyurl.com/7zjbojk

This giveaway ends 6/18/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  Please leave your email in the comment.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-A $5 gc will be provided to sample product.  All information and materials were provided by Little Caesars.  Any opinions expressed are my own.

RAISE Armpit Stain Remover Review

 RAISE Armpit Stain Remover 12 Oz bottle ($12.50 value). RAISE is the first ever stain remover to effectively eliminate underarm stains as well as ring around the collar. You will be able to restore shirts to new again.
This product is best used by pre treating the effected area, rubbing together (or using a small brush) and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes before laundering.
When testing the product make sure to use on stains that have not been treated with bleach as bleach will set making it permanent.

This product was featured on The Doctor's as well as in the upcoming June issue of Shape Magazine

Their Promise- RAISE is fully guaranteed to work to your satisfaction or we will refund your full purchase price, no questions asked. We cannot refund shipping costs. Please just return the unused portion of the product you ordered and we will process the refund or replacement of the product as you wish.

My thoughts-I hate armpit stains.  They make me want to throw out the shirts.  My husband has this problem especially with his work undershirts and workout t-shirts.  I have ruined my nice dress shirts from nasty armpit stains.  Makes shirts look dirty no matter how much you wash them.  And I just learned you aren't suppose to add bleach which I have been doing.  I tested this product on my husbands tough armpit stains and voila.  I was so surprised that it actually worked. 
 
For a limited time RAISE Armpit Stain Remover is offering a 2 for $20 special on their site http://www.armpitstainremover.com/.
 
***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.

Want a Free Britax Car Seat

I am on the Britax Latina Advisory Board.  And I get to find out all the great things Britax is doing, and pass it on to you. 

 This weekend the Britax Expect Greatness Tour came to Houston. They have been visiting cities all across the US. There was product information available. You were able to test out the car seasts, strollers, bassinets, carriers, and accesories.


There were baby changing games, stroller races, raffles, and lots of giveaways.  Attendees not only learned about the Britax products, learned how to use them properly, some even won Britax products. 

My sister in law, Maria who is expecting baby #2 due Nov 2012 pictured here, won the Advocate 70 CS-some features
Base with SafeCell Technology features SafeCells designed to compress in a crash, significantly lowering the center of gravity and counteracting the forward rotation of the child seat which normally propels the child toward the front seat

Integrated Steel Bars strengthen the connection to the vehicle and reduce forward flexing of the child seat during a crash

Energy-Absorbing Versa-Tether features a staged-release tether webbing to slow the forward movement, reducing the crash forces reaching the child, and a two-point attachment to minimize forward rotation while anchoring the top of the child seat

MSRP (USD) $379.99

Do you want to learn how you can get a FREE Britax car seat?  Read more about Britax Registry Rewards.  Follow me and the rest of the Latina Advisory Board members on Facebook at Britax Los Lleva Seguros.  And look for Britax products in the new movie What to Expect When you are Expecting out now at the movies.

***Disclosure-I am on the Britax Latina Advisory Board. 

Norwegian Cruise Line & The Children's Place Review and Giveaway

The Children’s Place has great cruise-worthy clothing options for kids this summer! Gia is wearing a cute summer dress that comes with matching undies.  This is one of many to choose from at The Children's Place.  They have a variety of summer worthy outfits for girls and boys.

Are you taking a family vacation? Is it a cruise? a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation? Are you worried about the kids, check this out?

Norwegian Cruise Line ~ SPLASH ACADEMY FOR KIDS

Splash Academy is here and making a big, well, splash. Our new program is specifically designed to engage active and creative kids ages 6 months – 12 years old. Whether it’s learning to juggle at circus school with Cirque du Jour presented by Hilario Productions, working on arts & crafts projects or getting the high score on Wii™, there’s plenty of fun for everyone throughout the ship.

Age Groups

Guppies: 6 mo. - 2 yrs.

Turtles: 3 - 5 yrs.

Seals: 6 - 9 yrs.

Dolphins: 10 - 12 yrs.

I have a Norwegian Cruise Line Prize Pack to giveaway.  How to enter:

1)  Facebook Share. (1 entry)
2)  Pin this.  (1 entry)
3)  Tweet.  (1 entry/per hour, unlimited)

Enter to #win a Norwegian Cruise Line prize pack @independentmami #giveaway ends 6/4 http://tinyurl.com/6qu59ph
This giveaway ends 6/4/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  US only.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  Please leave your email in the comment.

***Disclosure-I received a $25 Children's Place gift card to purchase the outfit above.  This is a store I shop at, and these are my honest opinions. 

NEUTROGENA® Pure & Free® Review

It is a SCORCHER out there in this heat.  The other day I wasn't outside for very long and got raccoon eyes before I knew it.  I can just imagine what it will do to my baby.  But this weekend, we had fun in the sun and I had no worries.  Baby Gia had sun protection on and I did not have to worry about hurting her precious baby skin.  We do not know if baby are going to be allergic to things.  Their skin is so sensitive you do not just want to put anything on them. I like that Neutrogena has this line just for kids, especially that I can use it on my 5 month old.  The stick is so easy to use.  Baby are wiggling and giggling everywhere and the stick really helps make putting sunscreen on a bit faster and less messier. 

Wanna try it for yourself?  1 winner will get the following:

Neutrogena® Pure & Free® Baby Faces Sunscreen SPF 50+ with PureScreen™


Neutrogena® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 60+ with PureScreen™

Neutrogena® Pure & Free® Baby Sunscreen SPF 60 with PureScreen™

Neutrogena® Wet Skin Kids Stick SPF 70+

Snorkel -*Bonus gift for you to enjoy!

Here is how to enter:

1)  Become a Facebook fan.  (1 entry)
2)  Be a Network Blog Follower. (1 entry)
3)  Be a Twitter follower. (1 entry)
4)  Leave a comment on any NON-giveaway post, post dated 5/29 and after. (1 enttry/per comment)
5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet/per day)

Enter to #win Neutrogena Pure & Free prize pack @independentmami #baby #kids #giveaway ends 6/27 http://tinyurl.com/cu3798h
This giveaway ends 6/27/12 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  Please leave your email in the comment.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-Sample product provided to review.  This product has been Baby Gia tested and Independentmami approved.  All opinions are my own.

Happy Memorial Day

Are you off from work today?  Are you bbq'ing?  Are you out at the beach, pool, park, etc?  Do you know why we celebrate Memorial Day?

I asked my son why he was off from school.  Here in Houston, we have 1 more week of school left.  My son's answer was cause it's Memorial Day.  So I asked, what is Memorial Day?  He said a holiday mom.  I said I know that but why do we celebrate it.  He did not know.  We explained to him-

Memorial day is a day for everyone to remember the FALLEN.  All those who have served for our freedom, for our rights, for our holiday and 3 day weekend.

So my question to you is, do you know why we celebrate?  Do your kids know?

Happy Memorial Day!  We remember the fallen.  Thank you to them, to those who are serving, and to those who are planning on serving.  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!

BRAVE~Fergus Shares a Legend

 

BRAVE arrives in theaters everywhere on June 22nd!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

PEOPLE LIKE US~Family Outing

PEOPLE LIKE US hits theaters everywhere on June 29th!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Brave – Freedom Broch

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) andcantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

And the winners are...

 Congratulations to the following winners...

Winner Camilia Teething Relief-

lilyk said...3

I follow Camilia on Facebook under the username likwan.

mslilyk@hotmail.com

Winner Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture-

CelticsDraftee said... 29

Posted on Roger Nix blog post. celticsdraftee AT aol DOT com

May 5, 2012 10:24 AM 

Winner $25 BK GC-

Jessica said... 126

I follow Burger King on twitter (@jjak2003)
jjak2003 at gmail dot com

May 13, 2012 7:38 PM

You have 24 hours to claim your prize.  

Check out my blog next week for new giveaways.

-Children's Place $ gift card
- Neutrogena $50 Sun products
-and much, much more

DISNEY JUNIOR'S "YO HO, LET'S GO SUMMER"

 DISNEY JUNIOR'S "YO HO, LET'S GO SUMMER!" MULTI-PLATFORM PROGRAMMING EVENT RETURNS FEATURING NEW EPISODES OF CABLE TV'S #1 AND #2 SERIES AMONG KIDS 2-5, "DOC MCSTUFFINS" AND "JAKE AND THE NEVER LAND PIRATES," BEGINNING MONDAY, JUNE 4 New iOS Apps Available Today for "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates"  DisneyJunior.com to Launch Summer Super-Site Featuring New Online Games to "Unlock" Each Week and Printable Summer Scrapbook 

Disney Junior's interactive multi-platform "Yo Ho, Let's Go Summer!" programming event returns with new episodes of "Doc McStuffins" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," cable TV's #1 and #2 series among Kids 2-5 respectively, as well as other favorite Disney Junior series including "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Jungle Junction" and "Octonauts" beginning MONDAY, JUNE 4-FRIDAY, AUGUST 24.  The "Yo Ho, Let's Go Summer!" programming event will take place across all Disney Junior digital platforms including Disney Junior On Demand, Mobile and iTunes, as well as an immersive online super-site on DisneyJunior.com featuring new games to "unlock" each week and a printable summer scrapbook.  Additionally, new interactive iOS apps for "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" launch today.                

Disney Junior's "Yo Ho, Let's Go Summer!" programming event kicks off on Monday, June 4 with a week of new "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" episodes airing on both the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel (8:30 a.m., ET/PT) and the new 24-hour Disney Junior channel (5:30 p.m., ET/PT).  Also beginning June 4, kids and their parents can log on to DisneyJunior.com/Summer to print out pictures of their favorite Disney Junior characters to take along with them and include in photos of their summer adventures.  Parents can then upload the photos of their child with their character for the chance to be seen on Disney Junior.  The site will also feature a printable summer scrapbook, with new pages added each week through August 24. 

Beginning Friday, June 15, new episodes of favorite Disney Junior series will air every Friday throughout the summer on both the Disney Junior programming block and the Disney Junior channel.  During each episode premiere, kids will see a featured Disney Junior character of the day and can go online to DisneyJunior.com/Summer to unlock a new game based on that character.

Among the premieres are an episode of "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" where Marina (voiced by recurring guest star Ariel Winter of "Modern Family") and the rest of the mermaids make Izzy an honorary mermaid, Friday, June 29; a special 45-minute episode of "Jungle Junction," where Zooter and Ellyvan care for a stranded baby FlaGoGo bird, Friday, July 6; Donald Duck serves as a reluctant babysitter for a mystery egg on "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," Friday, July 13; Jim Belushi guest stars as the recurring character Glo-Bo, a six-handed toy monster in "Doc McStuffins," Friday, July 20; Jane Kaczmarek guest stars in the recurring role of Red Jessica, a swashbuckling pirate gal who wins over Captain Hook in "Jake and the Never Land Pirates," Friday, August 10; and a heartwarming episode of "Doc McStuffins" where Doc's toy friends come to her rescue when she becomes the patient, Friday, August 17. 

In anticipation of this summer's programming festivities, the network today launched two new iOS apps, the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally" appisode app on iPad and "Jake's Never Land Pirate School" gaming app for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

 The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally appisode brings viewing, learning and interaction together into one cohesive, fun-filled iPad experience.   Fans 2-7 years old can touch, tap shake, swipe, drag and talk through an entire episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  The activities presented in the "appisode" include valuable counting, critical thinking and problem solving skills.  This is the first in a series of Disney Junior Appisodes to be released this year.

Using the "Jake's Never Land Pirate School" app, preschoolers can become completely immersed in Never Land, completing pirate-themed challenges presented in Sailing, Music, Flying, and Map and Spyglass classes.  Features include: hunting for doubloons on Doubloon Beach; a customizable pirate certificate signed by Jake; and the ability to import a child's photo into Pixie Dust flying class. 

 Disney Channel's Disney Junior block ended 1Q 2012 with its highest 1Q ratings ever across target demos Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5, Boys 2-5, Women 18-49 and Total Viewers (1.4 million), marking its 5th straight quarter of posting quarterly highs (1Q11 to 1Q12) in Kids 2-5 and Boys 2-5.  Year to date, "Doc McStuffins" and "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" are the Top 2 cable TV series in Kids 2-5 and Boys 2-5, and the Top 2 preschool cable TV series in Total Viewers and Women 18-49.  "Doc McStuffins" is also cable’s #1 series with girls 2-5 for the year. Moreover, the March 23 premiere of "Doc McStuffins" became the #1 preschool series launch in cable TV history in Adults 18-49. [Source: NTI, 12/26/11-5/20/12, L+7 ratings. "Doc McStuffins" series launch, 3/23/12,  Live + SD; Series ranks based on program level data, most current, includes ties based on rating.]

 Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7.

 Disney Junior's series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network's biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels.  On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. bringing the total number of channels to 29 worldwide.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Hilary Duff Prepara Kits de JOHNSON'S® BABY CARES

La actriz, cantante y nueva mamá, Hilary Duff activó la campaña JOHNSON'S® BABY CARES ayer, 10 de mayo en Los Ángeles preparando "Care Kits", los cuales serán distribuidos a familias afectadas en momentos de desastres naturales. La plataforma caritativa, junto con la organización humanitaria global de niños, Save the Children, apoya el desarrollo saludable de las mamás y sus bebés y, al mismo tiempo, aborda las necesidades básicas de familias durante situaciones de crisis mediante campañas educativas, donación de productos y ayuda financiera.

Hilary Duff Assembles JOHNSON'S® BABY CARES Kits Actress, singer and new mom Hilary Duff kicked off the JOHNSON'S® BABY CARES campaign in Los Angeles yesterday, May 10th by assembling "Care Kits" that will be distributed to families in times of natural disasters. The program, along with global children's humanitarian organization Save the Children, will support the healthy development of moms and babies while also addressing the basic care needs of families during crisis situations in the form of educational initiatives, product donations and financial assistance.

Photos are courtesy of Casey Rodgers, AP Photographer / Fotos cortesía de Casey Rodgers, AP Photographer   ***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

AMC~Pixar Summer Movie Weekend

Looking for fun things to do this weekend, check this out:

DISNEYŸPIXAR FAMILY FAVORITES RETURNING TO THE BIG SCREEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ONLY AT AMC THEATRES^®

AMC Theatres Presents Pixar Summer Movie Weekend May 25-28, featuring the beloved films

 “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E”

Kansas City, Mo. (May 16, 2012) – With the summer movie season heating up, four popular Disney•Pixar movies are returning exclusively to AMC Theatres for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. From May 25 through May 28, “Toy Story 3,” “Ratatouille,” “Up” and “WALL•E” will be featured at AMC locations around the country. Each film will be accompanied by a classic Pixar short film and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming movie, “Brave.”

“There are some great films coming out Memorial Day weekend but nothing specifically for families and young children,” said Sun Dee Larson, vice president of Film Marketing at AMC. “We’re excited to provide our guests with an opportunity to take the whole family out to the theatre to enjoy some of the most treasured movies of all time, plus give our guests the chance to see a behind-the-scenes look at ‘Brave.’”

Priced at $6 per movie (pricing may vary), each movie will play once every day on a rotating schedule. Participating locations, showtime information and advance tickets are available now at amctheatres.com/pixar.

About AMC Theatres.

AMC Theatres delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences in 347 theatres with 5,048 screens across the United States and Canada. The company operates 22 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the country, including the top three. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content.  AMCTheatres.com.

About Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award^®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including "Toy Story," "Monsters, Inc.," "Finding Nemo," "The Incredibles," "Ratatouille," "WALL•E," "Up" and "Toy Story 3." The Northern California studio has won 29 Academy Awards and its 12 films have grossed more than $7.2 billion at the worldwide box office to date. Pixar's next adventure, "Brave," takes aim at theaters on June 22, 2012.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Informational post only.

Nueva Cocina Review

 What is one of the most common chronic health disorders in western countries and affects approximately 3 million American?  It’s Celiac Disease, also known as gluten intolerance, which causes symptoms that range from mild weakness and bone pain, to chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and progressive weight loss.   Sufferers cannot eat specific food-grain antigens that are found in wheat, rye, and barley, and he only treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.  With May being Celiac Awareness month,

 Nueva Cocina, the nation’s first line of all-natural, healthy and authentic Latin rice dishes, seasonings and soups, is taking you on a culinary adventure by bringing attention to the condition and by showing you that eating gluten-free due to Celiac Disease or other food allergies, can still be delicious.  We will be featuring gluten-free recipes all month, and we’re offering a 20% discount off on our Gluten-free Variety Pack, which features two each of our gluten-free rice mixes, soups and seasonings.  Click here http://www.nuevacocina.com/store/2386/Gluten-Free-Pack.aspx and enter in the code NOGLUTEN when purchasing.

One of the most common misconceptions about gluten-free foods is that they taste bad or bland and have a strange consistency.  Nueva Cocina founders Celeste De Armas (who is gluten sensitive) and Corina Mascaro set out change this perception. “From the very beginning, our intention was to create a line of products that we would want to eat ourselves, and feel good about serving to our family and friends.  We knew that there was nothing available in the Latin food category that was 100% natural, met the gluten-free dietary needs of millions of people, and at the same time, tasted amazing.”  Today, 16 out of 18 of Nueva Cocina products are gluten-free. The Coconut Raisin Rice parfait recipe below will tantalize your taste buds and take eating gluten free from drab to ‘delicioso.’  

Coconut Raisin Rice Parfait

 1 box of Nueva Cocina Coconut Raisin Rice

1 Cup of unsweetened coconut milk
1 Cup of cream of coconut
1 tablespoon of butter
1 tub of gluten-free pudding (you can also cook the instant kind)
Whipped cream (you can use Cool Whip or make your own with heavy whipping cream)

Follow the directions on the Nueva Cocina box to cook the Coconut Raisin Rice.  Once cooked, add 1 cup of cream of coconut, 1 cup of the unsweetened coconut milk and 1 tablespoon of butter.  Cook on low heat until liquid is absorbed and rice has a thick and creamy consistency, approximately 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and refrigerate covered for at least an hour.  When ready to serve, spoon a layer of pudding into a wine glass, then add a layer of the rice mixture.  Continue to build your layers and top it off with whipped cream.  Garnish with toasted coconut and/or fruit of your choice.

My thoughts-With more and more people going to GLUTEN FREE, there should be more options.  I am so glad that finally there is a Latin cuisine option.  Nueva Cocina has great easy to read and follow directions on each product.  The Picadillo is our favorite.  My mom really liked the Coconut Raisin Rice too. 

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Samples provided for review.  These are my honest opinions.