Mom Central :: Not So Average Mama

Archive for Mom Central – Page 2

Mar
2

Banquet Thanks a Million

by Brandy

Lately I have some days where I just don’t feel like preparing a whole meal. Thankfully my family loves the Banquet Salisbury Steak. I keep a few of the family packs in my freezer just in case. All I need to do is prepare a few sides and it’s on. Everyone is happy and full and I am not stressing.

I remember eating Banquet meals when I was a kid. Usually at my grandmothers house. I would always have the Turkey. I remember it like it was yesterday. TV Dinners is what we called them and we would in fact eat them in the living room while watching weekend movies. Usually an old black and white. Those are good memories. It’s cool that banquet is still around after all of these years as other products come and go.

Right now Banquet is hosting a giveaway! The Banquet Thanks a Million instant-win game could get you a $100,000! Who couldn’t use that? I know I would love to win. banquet_logo

How do you play you say?

To play the Banquet Thanks a Million Instant Win Game, look inside specially-marked packages of Banquet Single Serve Dinners for a winning game message. If your package contains a winning game message then you win the prize indicated in your winning game message! You may also request a free game piece by visiting the game site.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

0 Categories : Contests

Feb
25

A Great Baby Shower Gift!

by Brandy

I usually always give the same thing at every shower I go to. I base it on what the most useful things I ever got at a shower were as well as what I wish I had gotten. Practical useful items.

One thing I always start off with is a small Laundry basket. Usually a small wicker one, or a very small round plastic one, such as the organizing ones you find at a dollar store. Then I buy Johnson & Johnson baby products. Johnson & Johnson are one of those companies that we are all familiar with and associate with babies. I usually pick the traditional Pink Baby Lotion, Gold Baby Shampoo, Head-To-Toe Wash, Baby Powder, Baby Oil and Desitin. I also usually add a baby detergent for washing the babies clothing . I always include baby hangers! Baby hangers are one of those gifts that no one thinks of. I fill it with a few more small items, line the basket with a nice baby blanket for a nice completely useful baby gift.

Did you know that you can also use the Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder for deodorant for you and even to help you out when you don’t have time to wash your hair? The powder will help get rid of that oily look. Trust me…new moms have a hard time finding time for a shower!

Oh! Did you know that Johnson’s recently expanded its Bedtime line with a new Bedtime Bubble Bath & Wash? It’s formulated with Naturalcalm essences which is a unique blend of soothing aromas to help babies sleep better. I wish they had developed that when I had my babies! It smells soooo good. In fact, when I am done with this post, this mama is taking herself a Naturalcalm essences infused bath…I need it!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Johnson’s and received samples of Johnson’s Baby products to facilitate my review.

4 Categories : Around Our House

Feb
22

Sing Along with Barbie DVD

by Brandy

My girls have tons of the Barbie movies. I think they love them so much because of the songs. They know them all by heart. Imagine how excited I was when I learned about the Sing Along With Barbie DVD! A DVD with all their favorite Barbie songs! Awesome!

When the DVD arrived the girls were anxious to get it on. Immediately my house was filled with the happy singing voices of my two youngest girls. The songs get stuck in your head.

In fact, on occasion you will hear the J-man singing “‘Cause nothin’ can break this, nothin’ can break this, nothin’ can break this time. Connected, connected inside.” As soon as he belts it out he is joined in chorus by Emma and Lauren. Cracks me up every time. Just between you and I….occasionally I get caught singing it as well….shhhhhhh……..

I figured a video of the girls would show you first hand how excited they are over this DVD. So, make sure your speakers are on and grab your little ones to watch as well! Listen close at the end, you can hear Emma sigh because she wore herself out singing and bouncing around!

I am sure you can tell from the video just how much my girls love this DVD. This video was taken after probably 50 plays of the DVD, the excitement doesn’t seem to be wearing off quite yet! It gets 2 thumbs up from us!

Featuring 12 songs from popular Barbie movies of the past, the DVD has easy-to-follow, on-screen lyrics, making it possible for children to take part in performing favorite Barbie movie songs. Whether your child likes “All for One” from Barbie & the Three Musketeers or “I Am a Girl Like You” from Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper, they will find extended versions of many Barbie favorites to turn into family room performances.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mattel. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

0 Categories : Around Our House

Jan
6

Airwear Lenses

by Brandy

I’ve got new glasses! I have been going without glasses for several years now because I’m not so good about taking care of me. I hate to spend money. Well, I got the chance to do a review on some lenses from Airwear! I used it as an excuse to go get my eyes checked. Apparently I have one pupil that is larger than the other. Now I will stress that I have a tumor or something in there even though they said it didn’t seem to be that big of deal.

Afterwards, I bought a pair of $9 frames and then quickly sent them off for the lenses. I was so happy to finally take care of me. When the glasses came I was a little shocked. My old glasses always made me feel weird. I don’t know how to describe the feeling. I can tell you that these feel like nothing. I mean yea, I can tell I am wearing glasses and I see better, but they feel like looking through nothing. Does that make sense? I’m guessing it is because they are so light. I’m not sure how that works, but they definitely nicer than the lenses I had many years ago.

Airwear lenses are 43% lighter and 10 times more impact resistant than standard plastic lenses! 43% is a huge difference! The impact resistance is a huge plus because I seem to be quite the klutz.

The key benefits of Airwear lenses are:

Lightness
Durability
Impact resistant
Scratch-resistance
Improved appearance
100% UV Protection

Since they are virtually unbreakable they would make a good lens choice next time Morgan’s RX changes. You should definitely check into them if you have children that wear glasses. I am wearing them as a blog this and everything is crystal clear!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Airwear and received a pair of Airwear eyeglass lenses to thank me for taking the time to participate.

1 Categories : Did You Know?

Dec
17

Mom Central Twitter Party Today for the New Out of Office blog!

by Brandy

Join Mom Central today from 3:00-4:00pm EST for a Mom Central Celebrate-the-Launch Twitter party for the new Out of Office blog! There will be lots of great prizes, shipping tips, and ideas for cool, creative projects this December.

Click here to find more information from Stacy DeBroff. You can use the hash tag #FedExBlog to join the conversation! I hope to see you there!

0 Categories : Did You Know?

Dec
17

FedEx It’s a Wrap party

by Brandy

This past Tuesday, Morgan and I went to a Mom Central Event at FedEx in Dallas. It was called the FedEx “It’s a Wrap” party. Who knew going to FedEx could be so fun? FedEx has started a new blog called “Out of Office” that talks about other non-business activities and solutions that FedEx Office offers. Trust me, FedEx does a lot more than just ship packages!

It was great meeting some local bloggers as well as some of those awesome Mom Central Ladies! I even got to finally meet Stacy DeBroff and I got a great action shot of her swinging her hair. She is totally like Wonder Woman or something. All of the ladies were so great and nice!

We got a total run down on who started FedEx, it was really interesting. The idea originated from a term paper that Fredrick Smith had written in college. I believe we were told that he got a C on that paper, since it was something that was so outrageous…you know…the idea of delivering a package overnight. Wow, I bet that professor was shocked when Mr. Smith put his plan into action!

Federal Express was the original name. It started out with only 8 planes, 186 packages and covered only about 35 – 40 cities. When he first started up the company he worried about payroll and to help the struggling company cover expenses, Mr.Smith flew to Las Vegas and managed to win enough hands of blackjack to keep the business going. Isn’t that crazy? I mean you see this huge company like FedEx and how successful it is, but do you ever wonder how they started out?

FedEx is now one of the largest international shipping and delivery services in the world! Did you know they process and deliver more than 7.5 million shipments for express, ground, freight and expedited delivery services each day? That’s a whole lotta packages! Since FedEx serves over 220 countries and territories, including every address in the United States, it is a great choice for getting your packages where they need to be!

The key to safely shipping packages, proper packing! Use Bubble Wrap to create a cushion around your entire item. Use packing paper or plastic shopping bags to pack into the empty spaces around your item. This will prevent the pack from slipping around during shipping and give it some more cushion against impact. They have packing professionals at FedEx that can help you with this.

If you have some last minute gifts to be shipped, head on over to FedEx to be sure they get there it time. Check out these shipping tips to make sure you got it covered!

Tips for Shipping for this Holiday Season

Check the weight limit on the bottom of the box you plan to use; this will tell you how much the box can safely hold.
If you are sending a gift or electronic item that includes batteries, tape them to the outside of the gift package to prevent your item from turning on during shipment.
Given the volume of packages shipped around this time, help your package arrive sooner and more directly by using the extra 4-digit code at the end of your zip code.
Put an extra label on the inside of your box as well as the outside. This will help ensure delivery if the outside label gets separated.

For other great shipping tips and hints visit a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center or visit them online!

In a recent survey on Mom shipping habits, Mom Central found that:

Moms rely most on FedEx when time is of the essence and when they trust their packages will arrive on time.

51% of Moms polled chose FedEx over the three other leading shipping carriers when under time constraints.

With 49% of Moms waiting until less than 2 weeks before the holidays to ship their gifts, they know they can trust FedEx to get their packages there on time.

Many Moms are under the misconception that FedEx is a pricey option used for business-to-business transactions.

In reality, FedEx prices are comparable to, if not lower than, other well-known shipping companies and methods.

I wrote this review after attending an event on behalf of FedEx. I received a holiday food item and complimentary FedEx shipping for it to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me note cards and a store credit to thank me for taking the time to participate.

1 Categories : Around Our House

Dec
9

Munchkin Math Review and Twitter Giveaway Info!

by Brandy

Lauren is 5 now and math has sparked her interest. She is counting her toys, grouping things that are alike, practicing subtraction with her food, asking what time it is and asking about money!

Money really interests her. I was thrilled to be able to review the Munchkin Math DVD called Counting Money. It is aimed at ages 3-9 and both my 3 year old and 5 year old were very interested in it. Lauren retained everything she watched the very first time.

She searched the house for spare change, gathered everything she could find. She began sorting the change into groups and then went on to explain to me what they were all called. I was pretty much amazed at how quickly she absorbed the information from the DVD and has held on to it.

I definitely think the series would be great for any child to help them learn and I plan on getting the Telling Time DVD as well.

Mom Central will be running a Twitter giveaway between December 9 and December 16. Anyone who posts using the hashtag #Munchkin Math will be entered to win one of three Munchkin Math DVD sets, which include all three Munchkin Math titles.

For example, you could tweet:

Give you child a head start in math with Munchkin Math DVDs. RT to enter to win 1 of 3 prize packs! #MunchkinMath

Giveaway: Kids get a head start in math with Munchkin Math’s Shapes, Telling Time, and Counting Money DVDs. RT to enter! #MunchkinMath

Don’t miss out on the chance to win this great learning tool. Great for Homeschool Families as well as Traditional Schooling families.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Munchkin Math and received a sample DVD to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

0 Categories : Did You Know?

Sep
19

Ready, Go Play-Doh!

by Brandy

Everyone loves Play-Doh! I wanted to help spread the word about a contest Play-Doh is running right now. I found out about this through Mom Central.

Embracing the idea of creating food, Play-Doh has created a “Ready, Go Play-Doh” contest where our kids can come up with their own Play-Doh “food” creations for a chance to win a makeover of both their playroom and their school’s playroom. You can visit www.ReadyGoPlayDoh.com to enter by uploading a photo of your child’s food-inspired Play-Doh creation along with the “recipe” to make it.

The grand prize winner of the “Ready, Go Play-Doh” contest will win $10,000: $5,000 for a playroom makeover as well as a $5,000 “Doh-nation” to their child’s school. Contest entries will be accepted through September 30, 2009. On October 15, 2009, the ten finalists will be posted on ReadyGoPlayDoh.com and the public will vote on who receives the $10,000 prize! The website will also feature a gallery of entries, so even if you don’t win, everyone can see your child’s creation.

0 Categories : Did You Know?

Aug
25

No More Stinky Clothes!

by Brandy

I tend to forget the laundry in the washer sometimes. I’m sure you’ve done it a thousand times too! As moms we are constantly running from one thing to the next, and sometimes we just forget! Just forgetting simple things like this cost me so much time. It meant I had to rewash all of those clothes. So, really…not only did I lose time, I lost money!

I really don’t have time or money that I can afford losing! This is one more reason why I love the Frigidaire Affinity Front Loader Washing Machine. I can forget my clothes for a little bit and they don’t stink! I think the reason for less of a stink on forgotten clothes is from 2 awesome features that the washer has.

Advanced Rinse Technology: Final rinse uses fresh water to ensure whiter whites and reduce allergens. I think the fresh water helps keep the stink factor at bay a little longer
The super crazy intense Spin Cycle! I truly feel this is probably the main reason that this washing machine makes a difference in this department. It spins the clothes out so much more than my old machine! Some things come out feeling almost dry in fact.

So yea, I still occasionally forget the laundry in the washer. Never for too long though. Atleast with this machine it keeps me from having to rewash everytime I forget. So far, they are holding true to the More Me Time Guarantee!

The one thing that could be better? Programing it to switch from washer to dryer for me!

This post is made from my own personal observations and opinions of my own personal use of the Frigidaire Affinity front loading washer and dryer that I received as part of being a Frigidaire Test Drive Mom. Thank you Mom Central!

3 Categories : Around Our House

Aug
5

The Girls First Circus!

by Brandy

Anticipation! Thanks to Mom Central and Feld Entertainment, my family and I were able to attend the circus this year. We had great seats and a super time! You can not use a camera with flash there so I did not get very many usable shots. I did get a video of the very beginning of the show to share with you all.

The show was action packed from start til finish. There were things that I had never seen before. For instance, you know how the people ride the motorcycles in the ball cage? I think usually there is maybe two? Uh, well they blew my mind and fit seven in there! I was on the edge of my seat…it made me nervous and excited all at the same time.

clown The main clown was hilarious! I normally don’t like clowns, but this guy was genuinely funny! The kids laughed so much that night! His name is Tom Dougherty and he was awesome!

Tom describes his clowning style as more improvisational and “a bit edgy,” drawing from his varied artistic influences and earning him the title of “Clown Eccentric”. Tom considers clowning a noble profession, if not something even greater. “A clown is a magical creature, with all the powers of a magical creature.”

The girls loved the man that walked upside down and said he was the favorite performer besides the clown I mentioned above.

You can catch the circus still!

Dallas, Texas: Jul 29, 2009 – Aug 09, 2009
Fort Worth, Texas: Aug 12, 2009 – Aug 16, 2009

For more information and a discount code read my previous post here!

DSCF4381

5 Categories : Around Our House

Aug
4

More Love

by Brandy

Yes, I love my new Frigidaire Affinity front loading washer and dryer. L O V E! Did I mention they were red and red is my favorite color? Yes, I am sure I mentioned that several times!

More reasons I love my washer and dryer:

NSF Certification: Dryer includes ‘Sanitize’ temperature settings to ensure your laundry will be 99.9% bacteria free.
NSF Certification: Washer includes cycles up to 153 degrees to ensure your laundry will be 99.9% bacteria free.
WashSense™ technology: ensures clothes get clean with care.
Advanced Rinse Technology: Final rinse uses fresh water to ensure whiter whites and reduce allergens.
Multiple options: Over 15 wash options including Stain Clean.
Multiple Cycles: Seven wash cycles including Whitest Whites and Deep Clean Sanitize.

More than enough reasons to love them even more!

The sanitize setting is great for sheets, blankets and towels. I also love it because of Emma. Um, she is potty learning and not doing so good. It’s nice to be able to sanitize her accidents!

I have noticed that my whites are whiter than ever and my clothes always smell fresh and clean! So much better than my last washer and dryer. Not too mention the time it saves to be able to run quick fuller loads! LOVE!

affinityredwd_lores

1 Categories : Around Our House

Jul
24

DALLAS CIRCUS WINNER

by Brandy

I can not upload the random.org image since I am not on my own computer. The winner was comment #9!

emily says: put a shout out on my blog for you! http://www.rozells.blogspot.com/

I will email the winner and notify Mom Central! Sorry, can’t blog more but will be back soon! THANKS!

0 Categories : Winners

Jul
2

Make A Fresh Start With Carefree!

by Brandy

I was given the chance (thanks to Mom Central) to try CAREFREE® Ultra Protection^TM pantiliners. Normally I am not a fan of pantiliners. They get all bunched up and then can’t serve their purpose.

These are different!

They offer the protection of a pad with wings but are as thin as a normal liner. They also absorb up to 10 times more than a regular liner. I am sure I am not the only girl to think I am done with my period and bam, suddenly that wench came back! With these you don’t need to worry, your still protected! They are very thin, comfortable and work!

Product Benefits:

Offers ten times more absorbency than an ordinary liner*

Wings keep it in place for all-day confidence.

Designed to be thin and flexible for complete comfort.

Odor control system neutralizes odors for complete freshness.

You don’t have to take my word for it! You can get a free sample and check them out yourself!The Carefree Fresh Start Fund!

Giving women a chance to win $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000 for a “fresh start.”

I made a fresh start this year. I changed my attitude and focused on making me a better, happier person. I recently joined a gym and am getting in shape! Who hasn’t wished they could make a fresh start on something? I know I have actually tried to make several fresh starts in my life.

The makers of CAREFREE® pantiliners are partnering with First30Days.com on a program to help women follow through and actually accomplish a fresh start! Women who visit the new web site will find tips for making a fresh start and the chance to receive up to $10,000 through the CAREFREE® Fresh Start Fund.

All you have to do to apply is share why you want a fresh start. They want to know your plans for reaching your goal, and how the funding could help. A panel of judges including Ariane de Bonvoisin, the founder of First30Days.com, will evaluate the entries. The evaluations will be based on the strength of your plan, use of funding and your persuasiveness!

Ten finalists will receive funding to help make their fresh start a reality, and the public will then have the chance to vote online for the best fresh start plan. The top three winners will receive $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 and a personal consultation from Ariane. Not to mention a three-day/two-night trip to New York City to be honored at the CAREFREE® Fresh Start celebration event in partnership with Step Up Women’s Network, the national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls.

All other finalists will receive $1,000 to help begin making their fresh start. The deadline for submissions is July 10, 2009.

“The CAREFREE® brand has always aimed to give women the confidence they need to manage life’s everyday obstacles,” says Lori Deo, Vice President of Marketing for the CAREFREE® brand. “Through the CAREFREE® Fresh Start Fund and our partnership with First30Days.com we hope to give women the resources to make a fresh start that will help them lead the life they’ve always wanted.”
“Now, more than ever, I hear from so many women going through changes in their life or wishing to make a fresh start, but needing a little extra support,” says Ariane de Bonvoisin. “The whole First30Days team and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the CAREFREE® Fresh Start program and help give women that optimism they need to succeed.”

For a complete list of rules or to apply for the CAREFREE® Fresh Start Fund, please visit www.CarefreeFreshStart.com.

CAREFREE® has been a feminine brand for over three decades, offering a full line of products to help women feel fresh, confident and carefree. CAREFREE® liners fulfill a range of protection and freshness needs, with CAREFREE® Original liners, CAREFREE® BODY SHAPE^TM liners and unique CAREFREE® liners Thong With Stay-Put Wings. For a complete list of products, visit www.carefreeliners.com

Thanks to Mom Central for sharing this with us!

0 Categories : Did You Know?

Jun
28

Surprise Goodies!

by Brandy

I was so surprised to get a package in the mail last week from Frigidaire! They sent me this cute basket full of Bliss goodies! I had never used Bliss before so this was awesome! All the lemony smelling goodness really energized me! Goodies Thank you so much Mom Central and Frigidaire for giving me a little me time to pamper myself! Mama’s all need to be pampered!

1 Categories : Around Our House

Jun
23

I’m Going to The Circus, Do You Want to Go Too?

by Brandy

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED

Attention Dallas/Ft. Worth people!

Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey Over the Top circus will be coming to Dallas/Fort Worth in July!

First of all…I have a coupon code for you just like I did for Disney on Ice! The coupon code will again be MOM-for four tickets for $44, any additional tickets are still priced at $11. Just visit Ticket Master to purchase!

Be sure to get to the arena early to check out the Animal Open House and the All Access Preshow. At the Animal Open House, which begins at 6:00pm, you can see the furry stars up close before their big performances. The Preshow begins at 6:30pm and will give you a chance to head down to the circus floor to meet the performers, get autographs, try on costumes, and clown around! These two extras are free for all ticket holders!

The circus will be in our area at the American Airlines Center & Ft. Worth Convention Center.

Dallas
Wed July 29: 7:30pm
Thu July 30: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Fri July 31: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Sat August 1: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun August 2: 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm
Tue August 4: 7:30pm
Wed August 5: 7:30pm
Thu August 6: 7:30pm
Fri August 7: 7:30pm
Sat August 8: 11:30am, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
Sun August 9: 10:30am, 2:30pm, 6:30pm

Fort Worth
Wed August 12: 7:30pm
Thu August 13: 7:30pm
Fri August 14: 10:30am, 7:30pm
Sat August 15: 1:30pm, 5:30pm
Sun August 16: 2:30pm

So, check this out…Mom Central, FELD Entertainment and I want to give one lucky family a set of 4 tickets to opening night, Wednesday July 29, in Dallas!

Uh huh! Are you excited? I am! Even at my age I am antsy about going!

So this is how you enter:

Leave me a comment telling me who you would be taking if you win and what you are most excited about seeing!

For bonus entries:

Subscribe to my Enews & Updates, leave a comment letting me know
Tweet this Dallas giveaway @stitchblade, link me to your tweet
Blog about this giveaway and link to my post. Leave a comment with the link to your post.
Email your friends and family about this giveaway and cc it to me: brandy [at] notsoaveragemama [dot] com. Leave a comment for this entry.

This giveaway will end Wednesday, July 22!

The winner will need a valid picture I.D. to pick up their tickets the night of the show at the will call Window.

20 Categories : Contests

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Archive for Mom Central – Page 2

Banquet Thanks a Million

How do you play you say?

A Great Baby Shower Gift!

Sing Along with Barbie DVD

Airwear Lenses

The key benefits of Airwear lenses are:

Mom Central Twitter Party Today for the New Out of Office blog!

FedEx It’s a Wrap party

Tips for Shipping for this Holiday Season

In a recent survey on Mom shipping habits, Mom Central found that:

Munchkin Math Review and Twitter Giveaway Info!

Ready, Go Play-Doh!

No More Stinky Clothes!

The Girls First Circus!

More Love

DALLAS CIRCUS WINNER

Make A Fresh Start With Carefree!

Surprise Goodies!

I’m Going to The Circus, Do You Want to Go Too?

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