FRANKENWEENIE Memory Cards game

 FRANKENWEENIE arrives in theatres everywhere on October 5th!

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

Mega Bloks® First Builder Party

For 25 years, Mega Bloks®, has been creating award-winning toys with great play value, specifically designed for little hands with big ideas.  Mega Bloks® encourages children to discover their imagination and creativity.  Mega Bloks® world of construction toys are meant to expand and grow just as children do.

I was chosen to party host for MommyParties sponsored by Mega Bloks®!  How fun and exciting is to receive a huge box of goodies for our MommyParty!  Let the fun start to build with Mega Bloks!

As our play dates arrived, they were greeted with an obsticle course to enter.  Once they made it through the course then they headed to the building station.  After the building station our guests headed to the fueling stations where we had alphabet soup.  Check out some of our fun we had with some of the kiddos:

Join the Mega Bloks® Family Club to receive coupons, learn about new products and lots more!

***Disclosure-Thanks to MomSelect, MommyParties, and Mega Bloks for providing this party kit.  All opinions are my own honest opinions. 

WRECK-IT RALPH / New Character Posters

So are you excited about WRECK-IT RALPH.  Which character are you the most excited about?

Enter the Play & Win Sweepstakes! Complete missions, earn coins, and get the chance to win a hero's journey from Adventures by Disney!http://di.sn/k3h
Visit the official site: www.disney.com/wreckitralph

WRECK-IT RALPH smashes into theaters everywhere on November 2nd!!

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

Progresso Light Cream Soup Review and Giveaway***CLOSED

Do you like soup?  I do.  The weather is changing.  It is become breezy in the afternoons and cooler and cooler as the days go by.  Do like to warm up with a good bowl of soup?  Try Progresso Light Cream Soup-

Craving rich and creamy flavors, but don’t want to splurge on calories? With two new creamy flavors, Progresso® Light soups are giving those who are managing their weight a new reason to celebrate! At 100 calories per serving, now you can indulge in warm, creamy soups like Light Creamy Potato with Bacon and Cheese* and Light Chicken Pot Pie Style* without feeling guilty. Packed with indulgent, satisfying flavor, these two new Light creamy soups are the perfect way to make thoughtful eating decisions without sacrificing incredible taste.
•These two new Progresso Light creamy soups are joining the lineup of more than 40 flavorful soups that are 100 calories or less per serving

•These Weight Watchers® endorsed soups have 100 calories and a 2 PointsPlus® value per serving

•The Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese variety boasts pieces of potato with savory bacon and rich cheese flavor

•The Chicken Pot Pie Style variety exudes a home-style essence with cuts of white-meat chicken, hearty potatoes and classic vegetables

*Light Chicken Pot Pie Style: At least 33% fewer calories than regular ready-to-serve soups. Light Creamy Potato with Bacon & Cheese: 50% fewer calories than the leading potato, cheese, and bacon ready-to serve soup. See nutrition information for sodium content.
In addition, visit http://goo.gl/WbbPS to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of 4 cans of Progresso® soup.

I have a giveaway for my readers.

How to enter:

1)  Be a follower: (1 entry)
2)  Like Progresso on Facebook (1 entry)
3)  Follow me on twitter. (1 entry)
4)  Goggle + (1 entry)
5)  Tweet. (1 entry/per day/must leave link)

Enter to win Progresso Light Cream soup #MyBlogSpark @independentmami #giveaway ends 10/16 http://goo.gl/ZSFsb

This giveaway ends 10/16/2012 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly selected.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  You must leave your email in the comment.  Good luck.


Disclosure: The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Progresso® through MyBlogSpark.

And the Winner is...Soft Scrub

Congratulations....

Anonymous said... 15



9/21 https://twitter.com/yourpotofgold/status/249138819939581953 yellow_patricia at hotmail dot com



September 21, 2012 8:32 AM   You have 24 hours to claim your prize. 

Fitness Friday~Water

This past weekend my family and my runner's group participated in our monthly challenge-Houston Texans Running of the Bulls 5K Run.  I did not think I was going to be able to run on Sunday since I took a tumble on Saturday down our stairs.  I am ok.  I was determined and motivated and was not going to miss this run.  And if you read my Motivation Monday post, you know there is no room for excuses anymore. 

So I started out with a bruised body from the fall but I did not let that stop me.  My son has been running for his school on the Cross Country Team, runs 4 days a week, and had a meet on Saturday.  But his main goal is to always beat mom and dad.  My poor husband came home sick from work, slept for 3 hours, and was here ready to run.  We started out together, did not finish together, but the main idea is that we FINISHED! 

Anyways back to my tip this month of WATER.  Your body needs water.  Do you know how many glasses of water is recommend for you to drink on a daily basis?  It is recommened you drink 8 glasses of water everyday.  Do you want to know my tips on how I get all 8 glasses in 1 day? 
-I try to drink 1 glass of water every hour I am at work. (8-5 = 9)
-I bring a gallon of water and try to finish it all by the time I leave work.
-I place 8 highlighters on my desk, removing 1 as I drink my glasses.

Funny story-My co-worker saw that everyday I had highlighters all over my desk.  He finally stopped and asked me, what is the deal with all the highlighters.  He knows I used them alot but everyday.  I told him I was was using this as a reminder to drink my 8 glasses of water everyday.  He laughed and told me about a water bottle that does the counting for you.
-Buy a water bottle that counts for you.

-Get an app that keeps track, like MyFitnessPal

Do you track your water intake?  Have you tried any of mine?  Do you have your own suggestions? 

The main thing I keep repeating to you is find what works for you, find a buddy or start with family, and make it FUN!  My disclosure-I am not a doctor, nor do I try or pretend to be.  I am not an expert or do I pretend to know it all.  But I am sharing my experiences to encourage, motivate, and help you along the way. 

SECRET OF THE WINGS~Meet the New Fairies

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

Freschetta® pizza team’s The Strength of 1™

Now through the end of October, 2012, the makers of Freschetta® pizza are helping to promote breast cancer awareness through their new The Strength of 1™ campaign, which includes sponsoring Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support to high-risk individuals. The mission of this The Strength of 1™ initiative is to inspire everyone to realize they can make a difference in some way in the fight against breast cancer.


You too can join me and join other women taking the pledge to show you have The Strength of 1™ power within you. You can do so at www.facebook.com/freschettapizza

Women can also support The Strength of 1™ Thunderclap. To do so, visit www.thunderclap.it, click on Explore Thunderclaps, and choose “Cause” in the drop-down menu to find The Strength of 1™ Thunderclap. Click on the “Support with Twitter” or “Support with Facebook” button to help further spread the word about this The Strength of 1™ mission.

Join the FRESCHETTA® team on Twitter to help spread the word about


The Strength of 1™ program.
1.Change your Twitter profile photo to The Strength of 1™ badge.

2.Tweet @Freschetta with how you would use $500 to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

You could win $500 - and a matching donation to Bright Pink® in your name.

How to Change Your Twitter Profile Badge


1.Click the download link beneath the badge

2.Log in to your twitter account

3.Click the icon, then click “View My Profile Page”

4.Click “Edit Your Profile”

5.Click “Choose File,” then select the file you downloaded

and click “Open”

6.Click “Done”

Winner will be announced on Twitter on October 8, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.


***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  I occasionally receive compensation in the form of products for posts.   However, the opinions I share are solely my own.

Houston Students, Teachers & Principals Get Out the Vote -- Gangnam Style

Yesterday, I participated in the #VoteHou #LiberaTuVoz #Latism Twitter party at Univision.  I learned alot about voting rules and regulations.  I also found out that Houston students, teachers, and parents in HISD worked really hard and registered over 1000 people.  Have you registered?  If not, head to any HISD school or library.  It is really easy to do.  Check out this video:


VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Baby Unplugged Books

Baby Unplugged books were written by pediatrician and father of three, Dr. John S. Hutton (he also owns a children’s bookstore), Baby Unplugged is a celebration of "old-school" experiences and icons of childhood; educational not as an overt means to some baby/toddler academic end, but as a natural byproduct of a child's desire to play and connect with people and the world.  They are an antidote to the legions of screen-based curricula and gadgets marketed to make children smarter, faster, often contrary to normal development, with no evidence of efficacy.  Illustrations by artist Andrea Kang.  To-date there are seven books in the series -Pets, Yard, and Blanket were the first three out, with Book, Box, Beach, and Ball all just released mid – June.  The series was a winner of a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Medal and was named a Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year.  In addition to the series, Dr. Hutton writes a supporting blog at www.babyunplugged.com. 

  What’s the best gift for a baby or young child?
Their answer: A box.
Developed by board-certified pediatrician and store owner, Dr. John S. Hutton and veteran art educator Kelli Gleiner, inspired by equal parts science and nostalgia, blue manatee boxes™ are custom gift boxes containing selections of hand-picked children’s books, addressing the developmental needs of kids under three. Everything about them is designed to spur togetherness and creative play, from the books, to the packaging, to the box itself.

blue manatee boxes™ invite customers to think as “outside of the box” as they wish, with boxes organized into popular themes – e.g. vehicles, classics, lullaby - a Build Your Own option, and plenty of help.  The books inside are best-of-breed, deserving a place on every child’s bookshelf and fun to read over and over.   They are easy to order and customize from the tranquility of home, with a fixed price for each of three sizes – 3, 6, or 9 books - including free shipping. 

Blue manatee boxes on Facebook or Twitter

Lil Bit received a blue manatee box and this is what was in it.  I love the concept.  It was so easy to go to online and order her box.  Once I ordered it.  I received a confirmation email.  And last night she got her box.  Inside the box was a big crayon, She really enjoyed playing with her box.  And then she sat on my lap as I read her the books.  I love the colors.  They were easy to follow.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received for review.

Champneys Spa Indulgence Review

Introducing a NEW bath and body spa collection, Champneys. 

No more going to the spa for a spa treatment.  You can use this at home, and save some money. 

About Champneys
A seasoned expert in tranquility, Champneys is making it possible for people across the U.S. to experience the luxury of total relaxation in the comfort of their own home, every day. London’s top celebrities – Princess Diana, Daniel Craig, David Beckham, Kate Moss and Simon Cowell – have visited the spa and know the products. Now, consumers will be able to get these pampering products for an affordable price, starting at just $7.99 Launched in partnership with Boots, a premier UK health and beauty brand introduced to the U.S. in 2004, Champneys products will be available in Target stores nationwide, and online at Target.com andShopBootsUSA.com, starting March 2012. Prices range from $7.99 to $12.99.

My thoughts-I used it and it felt like a wonderful scrub.  The last time I went to a spa, heck I have never been to a spa for a scrub.  Afterwards, it left my skin really moisturized.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received to review.  These are my honest opinions.

New Neutrogena Shine Control Review and Giveaway***CLOSED***

NEUTROGENA® Shine Control Primer

-First lightweight daily primer in mass, designed to absorb excess oil and keep skin shine-free, leaving behind a flawless base (Primera base ligera de uso diario, diseñada para absorber el exceso de aceite de la piel y dejarla libre de brillo, dejando una base firme)


NEUTROGENA® Shine Control Liquid Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 20
-Silky and lightweight foundation that blends seamlessly with skin to provide a flawless, breathable, matte finish and control shine (Base delicada y ligera que se une a la piel suavemente ofreciendo un acabado perfecto y ventilado para el control de brillo)


NEUTROGENA® Shine Control Powder-Flawless finish powder that blends into all skin tones, instantly eliminating shine for a fresh look that's never heavy (Polvo compacto para un acabado impecable que armoniza sin importar el tono de la piel, eliminando de manera instantánea el brillo para un look fresco y siempre ligero)

My thoughts-I like the non greasy feel.  I like that it helps keep skin shine free.  I like that it does not feel heavy.  I like how flawless they make me look. 

Giveaway-Neutrogena Shine Control Prize Pack

How to enter-

1)  Be a follower. (1 entry)
2)  Follow on facebook. (1 entry)
3)  Follow on twitter. (1 entry)
4)  Goggle + (1 entry)
5)  Share this giveaway on facebook.  (1 entry/per day-must leave link)
6)  Tweet. (1 entry/per tweet, must be an hour apart)

enter to #win Neutrogena Shine Control Prize Pack @independentmami #giveaway ends 10/4 http://goo.gl/Tq9Rw


This giveaway ends 10/4/2012 at 8 am.  1 winner will be randomly chosen.  YOU MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN THE COMMENT.  The winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize.  US only.  Good luck.

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product received to review.  These are my honest opinions.

stripedshirt.com Review

Do you like to wear stripes?  Horizontal stripes?  I for one am not the kind to wear them, why?  Because I feel they make me look wider than what I really am, plus I still have a small baby pooch.  And a girl will take any help from a flattering piece of clothing any day of the week.

Let me introduce you to stripedshirt.com, where you can find a striped shirt in 2 color combinations.  Whether you are a mom headed to the high school football game, little league baseball, college football, etc.. there is a shirt for you.  The shirts are available for women, kids, and babies.

Babies size - 6 mo, 12 mo, & 18 mo
Kids size - 2-3 year, 4-5 year, 6-7 year, & 8-9 year
Women size - XS, S, M, L, XL

Shipping available for a flat rate of $3.00 per item.

I wanted to put this shirt to the test.  Again, I do not like wearing stripes.  Check me out:

I love this shirt, and I am not one to like stripes.  I like the length on the shirt.  It doesn't roll.  The material is comfortable.  It is stretchy too.  And the #1 reason I LOVE this shirt~I look skinny~  My husband said buy one in every color!  I like that I can wear this shirt to my son's school functions and I can represent in his school colors!

Order yours today stripedshirt.com. 

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  Sample product was received to review.  These are my honest opinions.  The striped shirt has been Independentmami tested and Independentmami APPROVED!!

Latina & CVS~Houston Beauty Bash

I have an exclusive invite for you ladies that live in the Houston area.  Here are the details:

Who:  Latina Magazine and CVS

What:  Invite you to Houston Beauty Bash

When:  September 26, 2012

Where: HOUSTON, TEXAS

From:  6:00-8:00 pm

You must RSVP for this event.  There will be mini-makeovers, and you get to leave with a swag bag!!

For more information and to RSVP, go to the following link:  RSVP HERE

See you there!!

***Disclosure-No compensation was received.  I will be in attendance!

Motivation Monday~Chris Donnelly, The Journey TV

Who woke up today on the right foot?  Were you running late?  Already starting the week bad, you told yourself Friday-Monday would be better.  Here is Monday, is it better?  What did you do to make a change?

Last Friday, I told myself it would be better on Monday.  I was going to be serious.  I normally do Fitness Friday and give you a little tip or try to motivate you and myself.  Well it is Monday and we are going to start the week off great.  Here is a little motivation for you, let me tell what happened on Friday.

I was invited by Pamela from A Renaissance Woman to meet and greet Chris Donnelly from The Journey TV.  Karen A Nelson from Design With Your Dime in Mind opened up her beautiful home to host this wonderful event.  Madame Mariposa and myself were invited as special guest and were able to take part in the taping of the cooking segment.  Chris used the ingredients donated by Kroger to make us some delicious food!  Once the food was ready, thanks to Mirassou, the food was pair with some Pinot Noir wine.  We started with a Caprese Salad (tomatoes, fresh mozarella, sweet basil, salt & pepper, and balsamic vinegar reduction) and for the main dish, we had Beef Tenderlion on a fried potato cake with asparagus (balsamic vinegar reduction too!)

But the evening gets better, as we all gathered around Karen's living room, Chris shared his story with us.  Here is some of what motivates Chris and some of his story:

Chris went from about 475 in 2009 to now losing 150 lbs.  How you ask?  Well trying anything and everything as he journals on The Journey TV.  He wanted to be accountable online, just like me.  He has participate in a triatholon (swim, bike, & 11 mile before he got pulled), Ironman, rode a bike from LA to Albuquerque, and this weekend competed in Crossfit ~ Beast Wars.  What hasn't he tried?  Well he is up to the challenge, what ever it is.  I love his spirit.  Chris says:

"I'm just a dude"
"With Fitness everything is learned"

I asked him what keeps him going?  The idea of progess
I asked if has he hit a plateau, and how did he over come it?  He stopped weighing himself.  Now he only weighs himself once a month. 
So how does he measure weight loss?  He watches his activity level going up.  He is not worried about now because it will eventually come off.  He nows progress will come. 

So this is what I took from this, I am always complaining about stuff I cannot do but won't try and here this "dude" is doing it.  We need to train for life because this is a lifestyle change.  And maybe you too can have your cake, and eat it too!  Your journey begins today, right now.

If you would like to follow Chris's journey, follow #TheJourneyTV hashtag on twitter, Chris Donnelly on facebook, and/or on Youtube.

So are you motivated?  What are you waiting for?

***Disclosure-No compensation was received, only motivation!!! 

Frankenweenie Science Experiment Activity Sheets

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

Wreck-It Ralph coming November 2

 Wreck-It Ralph smashes into theaters everywhere on November 2nd!

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

Frankenweenie Activity Sheets

Disney’s FRANKENWEENIE is only a few weeks away (October 5th), here are some fun activity sheets including mazes and a “Pin-the-Tail on Sparky” game to share with the kiddos!

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

Lincoln coming November 16

LINCOLN arrives in theaters November 9th (Limited) and Nationwide November 16th!

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

Fitness Friday-Running

A couple of years ago, I was challenged to run a race.  Who knew I would become a runner after that.  Now I love to run!  It is a way to clear my head, and I really do not see it as exercise because it is so much fun.  So today for my Fitness Friday tip, I am suggesting you try running/walking.  It does not matter what level of fitness you are, everyone can walk.  Start there.  Make it fun.  Join a group.  Ask your friends to walk with you.  Why not run/walk a race and challenge yourself?  Start now, and you will be able to do a race...

What about this race?  TXU Energy 2012 Turkey Trot

When:  On Thankskiving Day, Nov 22, 2012

While the rest of the world is just thinking about dinner, you can be getting a good start.  Burn your calories and have extra calories so you can have 2 slices of pecan pie.  (I have burned over 400 calories at any given race/walk)

Where:  Houston, TX (but if you are not in Houston, find a race near you.  They are races everywhere.)

Why:  2 reasons

1)  To help you get fit, start moving, and exercise
2)  To help Sheltering Arms Senior Services (Most races all support charities.  Pick from the many there are that you want to support)

HOW:  Easy.  Step 1.  Get off this computer and go outside.  Step 2.  Move one foot in front of the other.  Like I said it is easy, just start and start now.  Don't sit at the Thanksgiving table this year, and have a flashback to this post.  You will not be happy if you did not start. 

 My family, friends, co-workers, and other Houston Bloggers will be participating in this race.  Join us today.

THANKS!
***Disclosure-Entries for this race were provided by TXU Energy.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

Houston Blogger Symposium Recap

Who:     Bloggers
What:    Meet, Hangout, Shop, Mingle, etc...
When:   Saturday, September 15, 2012
Where:  Hotel ZaZa, Houston, TX
Why:    ------->

Well why not! 

We mingled, we shopped, we talked, exchanged business cards, and we do what bloggers do!!

Here is some of the conversation from the panel:

-put good quality content on your blog
-give yourself a break every now and again
-be consistent
-find your voice
-be original
-be authentic
-respond to emails
-do what works for you
-make your schedule work
-know why you are blogging and who is your audience

Thanks to MyLitter for graciously giving Independentmami her ticket for this wonderful event.  Check out her website for great deals!