Preparing an Emergency Winter Survival Kit #EnergizerCFK #CBias

This post is part two of a two part series.  To see the first post, head over here.  I'll wait for you.

We rely on our cars to get us back and forth to work, drop our children off at school, or for taking a family vacation.  But cars can break down at the most inconvenient time and in the most inconvenient place, so it's best to be prepared for an emergency.

By taking the time to prepare a car emergency kit you'll be prepared for just about anything that may happen while traveling.  You know...an ounce of prevention.  Of course you'll want to have some basic tools in your car for mechanical emergencies, but you'll also need to pack items that will keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable.

Things you may want to consider packing include:

Energizer flashlight and extra batteries

Wet Ones Wipes

First Aid Kit

Jumper cables

Blanket

Road flares

A local map (It's what we used before GPS and you'll need it if you have no cell signal)

Hat, gloves, extra socks, and a pair of boots

Scissors and/or a knife

Bright colored shirt (to increase being seen by passing motorists)

Snacks and water

Rain gear and/or a good sized plastic tarp

Extra clothes

Books, toys and games

Toilet paper

Keeping a car emergency kit will provide you with peace of mind as well as provide the items necessary to rescue yourself in a true emergency.  Be sure to periodically check the contents of your kit and replace items as they expire or have been used.

I put together an Emergency Winter Survival Kit, (You can see the items I included in greater detail in my Google + album.) which I donated to Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children.  The Lamb’s Fold, a partner agency of  United Way of Will County, helps homeless women and children and victims of domestic violence transition to successful independence through educational enhancement, supportive services, and personalized recovery services.

Learn more about Energizer and Champions for Kids:

Champions For Kids Website

Energizer’s Website

Energizer’s Positive Energy Website

@Champions4Kids on Twitter

@Energizer on Twitter

Champions for Kids on Facebook

Energizer on Facebook

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions are my own and photos are my own.

Fight Dry Skin with Dial™ NutriSkin™ #DialNutriSkin #CBias

The dry Midwest winter combined with my hypothyroidism leaves my skin dry and flaky.  My lower legs, my hands and my cheeks suffer the most.  There are a few things I can do to treat my dry skin, such as drink more water...blech, not a good water drinker.  I can also apply lotion to rehydrate my problem spots.  The problem there being that I am somewhat of a lotion snob.  I prefer my lotion to be not too heavy, but not too watery either.  It can't be greasy!  Or sticky!  I don't mind a light scent, but nothing too floral or too sweet, and some scent is better than none.  I don't like that medicinal smell.  Most importantly, it has to be a good buy.  I'm not one to spend a lot of money on beauty supplies.

So when the opportunity to try Dial™ NutriSkin™ at a demo in Walmart came along, I jumped at the chance to give it a try and see how it would stand up to my expectations.  Being as picky as I am, I love it when they have demos in stores; it's great to try the product before you buy.  Saves me the time and trouble of returning an unwanted item back to the store.

I was also excited about heading back to this particular Walmart because I thought I remembered that there was a fabric department.  It's an illness...I just like to peruse the fabric aisle, touching and creating amazing projects in my head.  Sadly, there was no fabric.

 

As I entered the store, I immediately headed to the cosmetics area where I saw the display stand for Dial™ NutriSkin™.  I introduced myself to Sherry and we started up a conversation about the different lotions.  Sherry apologized for not having each of the varieties available.  It's not really something she can control as she relies on the store stock for her display and demonstration.  I tried the Extra Dry Skin, which I was most interested in, as well as the Sensitive Skin and ended up buying some of each.  Both formulas passed my strict requirements and with the boys both having eczema we can never have enough hypo allergenic lotion in the house.  An added bonus were the $1 off coupons that Sherry offered.  The smaller purse sized lotions were only 97 cents after the coupon and the bonus size bottle was a steal at $3.97 after the coupon.

After Dial™ NutriSkin™ passed my tests, I had Whynot try it as soon as I got home.  Looks like I'll be heading back to pick up a larger bottle of Dial™ NutriSkin™ Extra Dry Skin very soon.

Disclaimer:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias, #CBias  All opinions and photos are my own.

More information and special offers can be found here :

○ Dial™NutriSkin™ Website
○ Dial™ NutriSkin™Twitter @DialNutriSkin
○ Dial™NutriSkin™Facebook

Click here for more photos on Google +

Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life

Phase 4 Films is pleased to announce the DVD, on demand, and digital release of JEREMY FINK AND THE MEANING OF LIFE on March 6, 2012. Based on the beloved children’s novel by Wendy Mass, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life is a family-friendly adventure film starring Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino and Emmy Award winner Joe Pantoliano.

In the movie, 12-year-old Jeremy Fink receives a mysterious wooden box with the words “The Meaning of Life – for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13 birthday.” The box has four locks, but the keys are lost. In order to find out what secrets lie within the box, it’s up to Jeremy and his best friend Lizzy to search high and low throughout Manhattan for clues to the keys. The adventure takes them from flea markets to science museums, and the duo meet an assortment of wacky and interesting characters along the way. Each encounter unlocks a clue, bringing them closer to finding out just what’s in the box – and ultimately the greatest secret of them all!



What I thought: I watched Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life with TOF on a school holiday. It was refreshing to see a movie without swearing, nudity and violence.  At 6, TOF is a little young to understand the entire movie.  But the cast meshed together so well that it kept his attention, if only to satisfy his curiosity for what was inside the box.  IMO it's geared towards slightly older children, (tweens) but it's a beautiful story to share on a family movie night.  It would certainly make for some thought provoking parent-child discussions afterwards.

The film is rated PG with a run time of 88 minutes. The suggested retail price for the DVD is $29.99. For more information about Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life, please visit www.Phase4Films.com, www.facebook.com/phase4films or @Phase4Films on Twitter.

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of the DVD for review, there was no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

Children's Advil

Flu season may leave your child feeling feverish, so as the season heats up, don't get caught empty-handed and having to make that midnight run to the pharmacy.

Children's Advil® is there to offer the relief you and your child can depend on! Children's Advil® provides up to 8-hours of fever relief in just one dose, relieving fever faster and keeping it down longer to help kids get back to feeling like kids again.

Click here for an online coupon link for Children's Advil.

Dye-free Infants' Advil® is available for children ages 6-23 months and Children's Advil® is available for ages 2-11 in four great liquid suspension flavors including Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape, as well as convenient Grape Chewables.

For more information, visit www.childrensadvil.com.

Disclaimer:  This is an informational post from Children's Advil on behalf of MyBlogSpark for which I received no compensation.

Let's Just Watch TV Together on Valentine's Day

This is a big year for me.  I turn 50 in October, so everything all year long is supposed to be rainbows, puppies and unicorns.  At least in my head it is.  It's Valentine's Day and I'm just sitting here waiting for the florist to arrive with long stem roses.  But he won't come.  Whynot won't hand deliver them later tonight either.  Nor will he bring Fannie May chocolates and I'll be quite surprised if we even go out to dinner.

I saw this post on Facebook:

My creed today: I didn't make Valentine's day crafts, I didn't make a special V-day breakfast. Our lunch is the same as everyday and my daughter took normal punch-out cards to school. I didn't get flowers or chocolates or a card. Today my children are laughing in a warm, clean home and I get to eat chips & dip with my hubby on our casual date tonight. Love is in our hearts, just not expressed in a way that is "perfectly pinterest-able." And that is ok!

And I thought, yeah I guess.  I should be thankful for all those things too.  I know Whynot loves me, he's just not into Hallmark holidays.

But I AM!!!!

And quite frankly, when I see posts like this:

A box of wine and roses. Happy Valentine's Day to me! 

With a picture attached

and this:

A beautiful surprise at my work today.

With another picture of beautiful flowers!

and this:

I got some wonderful chocolate covered strawberries for Valentine's Day! Yum!

or the photos of the telltale light blue box!

It turns me all sorts of shades of green and makes me want to stab the screen on my laptop in a Glenn Close Fatal Attraction kind of way!  And under my breath I scream a little FU.

Even the slutty girl next door's bf was seen carrying a celophane wrapped box of chocolates, or maybe it was an economy box of condoms.

I think I may go out and buy myself flowers and chocolate.  Some really expensive jewelry and some sexy lingerie and then lie about it on Facebook later.

Those Who Can, Do! Valentine's Day Edition

Have you ever noticed the shortage of cute boy clothes?  Especially around a holiday!

Christmas was pretty easy, 2 matching dinosaurs tangled up in Christmas lights surrounded by presents sweaters at Macy's, $14.99 each.  Instant cuteness!

Enter Valentine's Day. 

One very cute TooPoo (Snoopy for those not fluent in toddlerise) size 5t shirt at Target $9.99 and not a single thing in size 7.  Not one!  Nothing!  Is a kindergarten boy too cool for Valentine's day?  Pfft.  I don't think so!

Enter one awesome Mema and her laptop.

Etsy to the rescue.  But those prices!  OMG!  I refuse to pay $20+ for a shirt that won't get much wear! 

I. WILL.  NOT.  DO.  IT.

Fortunately, Etsy is an awesome inspiration for those who can.  For all others there is Visa and Master Card.

Even more fortunate is that this Mema can!

For a fraction of the price.

Two blue long sleeved t-shirts from Target on clearance for $4.88.

Some fabric scraps already at home. 

A little Heat n Bond.

A little imagination.

A pen, scissors, an iron and my trusty Singer.

Less than a half hour later, let me present....

Matching Valentine's shirts for my very favorite little boys!

Feel free to copy, I did.

Take the Scare of of the Dentist's Chair

Did you know that February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

Ten Ways to Take the Scare out of the Dental Chair from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

1. Start early – The AAPD recommends that every child establish a Dental Home and visit a dentist by their first birthday. The earlier the visit, the better the chances of preventing dental problems, which can source fear for visits to come.

2. Test the waters – Parents with toddlers, who have not yet seen a dentist, should consider a “get acquainted” visit to introduce your child to the dental office before the first appointment.

3. Choose words wisely – Be careful about using scary words. Check-ups and 90 percent of first visits do not have anything to do with “hurt,” so do not even use the word!

4. Time it out – Select an appointment time when your child is alert and rested.

5. Be confident –Children often perceive a parent’s anxiety. They also tolerate procedures best when their parents understand what to expect and prepare them for the experience. As parents become more confident, so will the child.

6. Make ‘pediatric’ a priority – Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry, with two to three years of specialized training in treating children beyond dental school. Plus, because they see only children, their office environment is set up for children.

7. Manage expectations – Before the visit, explain that the dentist is a friend and will help your child keep their teeth healthy. Reinforce that the visit will be fun.

8. Share a story – Read your child a story about a character that had a good dental visit. (Ask the dental office for suggested reading.)

9. List out questions – Make a list of your questions about your child’s oral health in advance. This could include such topics as home care, injury prevention, diet and snacking, fluoride and tooth development.

10. Offer control – Give your child some control over the dental visit. Such choices as “Will you hold your bear or should I?” or “Which color toothbrush do you like?” will make the visit more enjoyable.

Save Big With Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

In a time when everyone is looking to save money, Walgreens is offering a special discount on membership for it's Prescription Savings Club.  A full year membership will cover your entire immediate family, including spouse, dependents under 22 and pets for only $35.  Individuals can join for $20 annually.

If you lack drug coverage, or your prescription coverage is inadequate, then join the over 2 millions already saving money with Walgreens Prescription Savings Club.

Benefits of membership include:

-Savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications

-Discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, compound medications, nebulizers and diabetic supplies

-Bonuses when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services

These valuable benefits are all backed by the trusted health care expertise you've come to expect from Walgreens.  It's easy to enroll online or visit your local Walgreens pharmacy, where the friendly pharmacy staff will handle the registration for you.  If you enroll in store your membership is active immediately, when enrolling online allow for 24 hours.  You will receive a permanent card with 2 weeks.

Through their Prescription Savings Club, Walgreens continues to help consumers save money on medications, store brand products as well as photo finishing.  I encourage you to show your support by following Walgreens on Twitter and liking Walgreens on Facebook.

Light Up A Life Winter Survival Kit #EnergizerCFK

Here in the Chicago area we've really been lucky this winter.  Just last week temperatures were hovering near 40 degrees and we've only had one winter storm that dumped almost 9 inches in our area.  It's a far cry from 2011's Snowmagedon of 22 inches, that had travelers stranded on snow covered roads overnight in some instances.

Fortunately during that snowstorm, my family and I were safe at home.  But I wonder if those motorists on Lake Shore Drive last year were prepared?  Did they have anything in their cars to sustain them in this emergency?  Where any of them traveling with children?

Did you know:

• Over 9 million children suffer from non-fatal injuries each year, and accidents are the leading cause of death for children. Additionally, dangerous weather events cause hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year.

• 70% of power outages in the U.S. are weather related. Numerous power failures are caused by natural weather phenomena such as lightening, rain, snow, ice, wind,and even dust.

The Center of Disease Control recommends having a kit ready in preparation for
any emergency that may arise. They recommend the kit include food, water, flash
light, extra batteries, first aid kit, sanitation and personal hygiene items, and other necessities.

This month I'm partnering with Energizer and Champions for Kids in the Energizer Light Up A Life Champions for Kids Campaign.  My task is to put together a Winter Survival Kit to help children in need stay safe and be prepared for winter weather emergencies.  Later this month I'll be sharing what I included in my Winter Survival Kit.

I encourage you to gather your co-workers, family and friends and put together a few items that would be useful in an emergency and donate them to a shelter or other organization that serves children and may not have the means to purchase these items.  Together we can reach thousands and be true Champions for Kids!

Please join us for a Twitter Party on 

Thursday, February 9th at 8:00 p.m. EST

to spread the word about this campaign.

There will be prizes!  (2) $25, (1) $50, and (1) $100 Walmart Gift Cards.

RSVP here and follow along using hashtag #EnergizerCFK

For additional information visit:

• Champions For Kids Website:  http://championsforkids.org/simple/
• Energizer’s Website:  http://www.energizer.com/Pages/default.aspx
• Energizer’s Positive Energy Website:  http://www.nowthatspositivenergy.com/
• @Champions4Kids on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/search/champions4kids
• @Energizer on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/EnergizerBunny
• Champions for Kids on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/ChampionsForKids
• Energizer on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EnergizerBunny

Disclaimer:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias, all opinions are my own.

Super Bowl Commercials

Happy Monday!

The Super Bowl Commercials are now over and my biggest pet peeve was that they kept being interrupted by a silly football game! No worries, that was my time to head over and snack.  Way. too. much. I definitely ate too many chips and artichoke dip. And Whynot's famous chili. And red velvet caaaake. Oh my poor tummy.

So to begin, here are (in no particular order) my favorite commercials of the Super Bowl and at the very end, my absolute, OMG I laughed so hard I nearly peed myself, favorite.

Honda CRV and Ferris Bueller

Naked M&Ms

Oikos Yogurt

Here We Go Bud Light Rescue Dog <---loved

Doritos Sling Baby

And now, drum roll please...
.
.
.
.
.
my very, very, most favorite, ad last night:



I found this commercial to be so dang funny I nearly cried. In an Apocalyptic world, only the Silverado, Twinkies and frogs will survive. I won't even mention the men, because surely there were some moms and kids in Traverses that hadn't arrived to the meeting place yet. But Twinkies people! Twinkies will survive! Long live the Twinkie! 

Great Job Chevy!

Please tell me I'm not the only one laughing.

P.S.      Dear Coke, the bears are cute, but really overused.

P.P.S.   As a former Kia owner, the Kia Optima commercial got a wow, that's a Kia? reaction from me.

P.P.S.   What was your favorite commercial last night?

Disney on Ice - Dare to Dream

Well this was  refreshing surprise!  The winner of my giveaway for Disney on Ice Dare to Dream emailed me with this sweet note and shared pictures as well.  Thank you so much Noreen, I'm glad you enjoyed the show.

It has been years since we have gone to the Disney on Ice shows and as they did in the past, the show delivered in spades. Lights, camera, action and my girls (ages 21 and 15) were transported back to being little kids, wanting to be princesses and listening to the story. They watched intently as the skaters told the Princess stories and they were transfixed on the scenes playing out in front of them. Gone were the teen and pre-adult attitudes, and what was left was an evening of smiles and wide eyed stares. Even my daughter’s boyfriend had a smile on his face as he shared this night with us. Thanks so much for making this happen; these memories cannot be bought!

My crew and I attended the performance last night at the United Center and I wholeheartedly agree with Noreen.  The show was just amazing.  From the flamingos that reminded me of Vegas show girls, to Cinderella's horse drawn carriage, to the grace of Maximus (two skaters in a horse suit, in perfect sync).  The finale was truly spectacular in true Disney style, the coordinating costumes were beyond beautiful.

I'm privileged to work with the wonderful people of Feld Entertainment for a second year in a row.  Thank you for all you do!

Enjoy these photos that Noreen shared with me.

This free picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Advance Auto Parts Presents Monster Jam

Allstate Arena February 10-12, 2012

Show Description:

Come join us to celebrate Monster Jam’s 30th anniversary of Grave Digger! While at the show, you will be captivated by an incredibly family-friendly experience starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam monster trucks. These twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over - OR smash through. Monster Jam provides a massive night’s entertainment tailored perfectly for your family’s budget, and these colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Featuring:

USHRA Monster Trucks including Grave Digger® driven by Pablo Huffaker, El Toro Loco® driven by Aaron Basl, Monster Mutt® Dalmatian driven by Candice Jolly, Advance Auto Parts Grinder℠ driven by Frank Krmel, Superman driven by Sean Duhon, Mohawk Warrior℠ driven by George Balhan, Avenger driven by Jim Koehler, and Wrecking Crew driven by Steve Koehler! (All competitors subject to change without notice.)

PARTY IN THE PITS Sunday 11am-1pm

Pit passes available for $10 through the Allstate Arena Box Office and Ticketmaster while supplies last. (A Sunday, Feb. 12, 2pm event ticket along with Pit Pass are required for entry.)

Save 33% on Adult tickets with code “MOM” – Kids tickets are always just $10. Valid for all shows, except opening night on Fri., Feb. 10 at 7:30 pm when tickets are just $10 for kids and adults. Discounts not valid on VIP or Gold Circle Seating. All tickets $2 more day of show. Discount not valid for purchases day of show.

Show Schedule:

Fri.	Sat.	Sun.
Feb. 10	Feb. 11	Feb. 12
7:30 PM	2:00 PM	2:00 PM
	7:30 PM	7:30 PM

Want to see the show? Buy Monster Jam Tickets here and check out more venue locations for Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam!

Disclaimer: I will receive complimentary tickets for sharin gthis information with my readers. Helpful Tip Monster Trucks have large loud engines so bring earplugs!