Odd Mom Out new show on Bravo
June 1, 2015 by 1 Comment
New TV shows come and go. Unfortunately most of them are reality TV and have very little in terms of story and a whole lot in terms of drama and human stories, plus they are cheaper then scripted TV so they are pumped out like bread loaves. Fortunately some people still watch scripted TV and it is actually still made. Bravo is releasing one such show in just a few days called Odd Mom Out. It is the story of an upper class family which is not as upper class as the rest of the neighborhood in New York City. The kids aren’t perfect, the apartment has actual stuff in it and life is fun and chaotic in a silly way. Not your average uptight upper class New Yorkers. They are more down to Earth with Underwear Dance Parties and profanities. Thus making the mother the ‘Odd Mom Out’ at social interactions and functions. The show pokes fun at stereotypical ‘first world problems’, while still keeping the tone down to Earth and relative. It is also quite funny, think sex and city minus the sex but plus Mom issues and humor.
Everyone has those Odd Mom Out moments when you just don’t feel in the right setting and are the oddity in the room. I have felt this way in the past as well, most times because I am either the youngest or the one having the most fun at a particular setting. In professional settings I am often the youngest yet the most open minded and as such do not get the respect I deserve, but have a great time anyway. No matter how many death stares or hopes of my heads exploding fired my way, it never works out and instead I just have a great time in spite of what others might think. Its a fun way to go about things and keeps me from getting in trouble or thinking too much.
Enjoy these mom themed drink recipes from the show!
I especially like how down to Earth and quirky the lead character played by Jill Kargman is. Check out this clip.
To celebrate Bravo’s new series they are running a cool new contest.
As part of our V.I.M.s Perks Program (Very Important Moms), we will be encouraging readers to Download Bravo’s mobile app – The Daily Dish – available for Android and iPhone via your mobile store.
Through the Daily Dish app, not only can you catch up on your fave Bravo-lebs, but you’ll also be eligible for exclusive VIM discounts from partners.
Viewers have an opportunity to win $20,000 in each of the first 4 weeks of premiere episodes (starting 6/8 – 6/29) through the Tune-In to Win Sweepstakes. Tell fans to tune in live at 10/9c on Mondays (6/8-6/29) for the secret hashtag and tweet it out to @BravoTV each week for their chance to win.
For more information about VIM check it out now.
DIGBY PINES GOLF RESORT & SPA
June 1, 2015 by 2 Comments
Located on the western coast of Nova Scotia, overlooking the Bay of Fundy, the Signature Resorts of Nova Scotia property is the perfect escape for travellers looking for a secluded getaway. With a rich history dating back to 1929, the property is comprised of a main lodge which includes 85 guestrooms and 31 independent cottages ranging from one to three-bedroom accommodations.
“This new alliance with Choice Hotel’s Ascend Collection is a great way for us to reach a growing audience of travelers who appreciate the distinct characteristics only found in independent hotels,” said Gerry Chase, president and COO of New Castle. “With summer upon us, we look forward to sharing Digby Pines with guests who will enjoy the magnificent scenery and local attractions, including our golf course.”
The hotel’s resort amenities include a classic 18-hole Stanley Thompson golf course and an onsite Aveda spa, offering guests a full range of treatments. Nearby whale watching excursions lead the list of family friendly vacation highlights.
Digby Pines features two restaurants – Churchill’s Restaurant and Lounge and the 19th Hole Clubhouse & Eatery – serving classic dishes with a modern twist as well as local fare including freshly caught seafood and the area’s world renowned Digby scallops. Additional amenities include an outdoor heated pool, complimentary bicycle lending, a fitness centre and banquet and conference rooms for groups up to 250.
The property is conveniently located close to area attractions like Fort Anne, Port Royal and the Bear River and Annapolis Highlands Wineries. Visitors will find Digby Pines easily accessible by car from Halifax and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and via ferry from Portland Maine and Saint John New Brunswick.
Reservations at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa can be made by calling 800.4CHOICE or by visiting ChoiceHotels.ca/cna66.
Have You Met Sasha?
May 29, 2015 by 1 Comment
Have you met Sasha? Our latest foster dog is looking for her forever home- if you think that could be you, email me for more info and I will send you the rescue agency’s adoption application.
Sasha is 6 years old, likes long walks on the beach (or anywhere, really), and is quite the lady on her leash. She never pulls, and walks at whatever pace you are- this pup aims to please. Clearly a beauty, she will bat her gold eyes and dazzle you with a smile that she flashes at anyone- she’s a flirt.
Sasha is great in the car, loves belly rubs, and wants to be someone’s baby. Just like any girly-girl, she likes to have her fur brushed. She doesn’t love going up and down stairs (she’s a bit overweight), but will gladly play fetch in the backyard with you. (By “fetch” I mean run wildly after that stick you threw and chew it to bits, or hold the ball in her mouth and show it to you.)
This is the perfect dog for empty nesters. She loves to ride in the car, never makes a peep and lounges like she owns it. Completely housebroken, Sasha knows her name, how to sit, and stay. Sasha has lots of energy, and is really strong- but she listens very well and is learning more commands. She will beg for snacks if you have them- or stalk you- which some would find beneath them, but Sasha doesn’t care (as long as it ends with treats).
Head To Kohl’s for Everything You Need This Summer
May 28, 2015 by 6 Comments
Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
Summer is fast approaching, and it lately feels like it’s here already. Doesn’t it feel like we skipped spring? It’s about that time that we need to refresh summer wardrobes, grab what you need for that upcoming vacation or roadtrip, and make sure your kid’s sandals fit. What, they don’t? Of course they don’t, they never do!
I don’t like to spend a lot of time going from store to store to get what I need. As a busy working wife and mother, I have a lot of hats I wear on a daily basis, and any way I can trim time I spend doing those “must do” activities is a bonus for me. That’s one of the many reasons I love shopping at Kohl’s- whether you shop in stores or online, it’s a one stop shopping experience that you don’t need to spend tons of time and energy on. Bonus? The prices are great- you can catch amazing deals, get rewarded just for shopping and buying what you need to (with Kohl’s Cash, good for anything in the store) AND they constantly mail out money saving coupons in the weekly mailers, snail mail, and the best ones come via email when you sign up to receive promotions. Really, you should- there is not a reason in the world not to. They only send you deals and updates, Kohl’s is not one of those places that bombard you with useless emails 300 times a week.
While I usually enjoy shopping, shopping for my husband and son can be a less then fun experience, and one I prefer to either do alone or online. My son is OK if he’s with me, but if daddy is also with us, he turns into a whine machine. I don’t know why that is, but the quickness and ease of shopping at Kohl’s and getting what I need to for everyone in the family with no fuss is VERY appreciated by this mommy, let me tell you. Maybe it’s a guy thing- but they just don’t make shopping fun, and it’s great to go in with a list, sizes, and be done with it. Shopping online at 2 am is another great standby. No one annoys me then, and since they are both dudes? They don’t care what I buy them as long as it fits, and for the kiddo maybe has an Angry Bird or two involved, haha.
Canine Flu is Spreading — now in 13 States
May 28, 2015 by 2 Comments
Canine Flu is now in Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Wisconsin and Texas
What You Can Do to Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy
Flu season may be winding down for humans, but there have been thousands of reported cases of canine influenza in the last several months. To help dog owners better understand the virus, here are some key facts from the American Veterinary Medical Association:
What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A subtype H3N8 virus first discovered in 2004.
What are common symptoms of the infection in dogs?
In the mild form, the most common sign is a cough that persists for 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop signs of severe pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F-106°F) and faster breathing. Other signs in infected dogs include nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and refusing food.
Is every dog at risk of infection?
All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection.
How does it spread?
Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog through the air, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people ineracting with infected and uninfected dogs. On surfaces, the virus is alive and can infect dogs for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.
Can veterinarians test for canine influenza?
The most reliable and sensitive method for confirmation is serologic testing. Antibodies to canine influenza virus can appear in blood as early as 7 days after symptoms begin, and the virus may be identified in nasal or pharyngeal swabs during the first 4 days of illness.
Any treatment options?
In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Trials have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. Dog owners should consult with their vet to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.
Can canine influenza infect people?
There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.
What can dog owners do to help protect their pet?
Some pet owners are steering away from dog parks and other areas where other infected dogs might gather.
For more information about canine influenza virus, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/
Potty Training with Pampers Easy Ups #PampersEasyUps #ad
May 27, 2015 by 6 Comments
Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. Pampers has sponsored this post. All opinions are my own and honest.
Potty training can be both an exciting and nerve racking experience. For some it is a breeze- for others like our little guy, not so much. It’s one of those things we all need to do, and of course worth it to have the little squirt go ‘squirt’ in a toilet. Everyone seems to have some trick or tip to make potty training easy. My trick- just keep at it.
Here are are few thoughts from L Jana MD.
- Promote potty learning. Instead of referring to your child’s transition from wearing diapers to using the potty as “potty training,” consider calling it “potty learning.” After all, mastering this eagerly anticipated milestone of childhood takes time, teaching, and plenty of practice and patience!
- Take a teamwork approach. From the outset, I find it helps to keep in mind that potty training is a team sport. If you simply remind yourself that you are (and always will be) on the same team as your child, it can really help you stay calm in the face of potty accidents and be a much more positive and effective potty training coach.
- Stock your deck. Part of the secret to your child’s potty success will involve being well equipped and removing any obstacles that stand between your child and potty success. Sure, this typically includes a fun trip out to purchase a brand new first set of coveted “big-boy” or “big-girl” underwear. But it also means having on hand other practical supplies that can help foster your child’s interest and independence – from a step stool (to improve access to the toilet) or potty seat to training pants. That’s why I’m happy to partner with Pampers, whose Easy Ups training pants are designed to help the diaper-to-underwear transition by allowing potty-training toddlers to set aside their diapers and wear something with more of an underwear-like look and feel that still helps contain accidental messes no matter whether they happen at home, on-the-go or overnight.
- Embrace success. As with any learning experience, young children can learn a lot from both their potty successes and their failures. While potty accidents are an inevitable (and admittedly inconvenient) aspect of potty learning, they shouldn’t dominate your day-to-day discussions. Instead, simply help your child learn to cope with (and clean up) any messes and focus your attention on celebrating your child’s successes with plenty of hugs and words of encouragement.
- Watch for the signs. There are several characteristic signs and developmental abilities you can watch for that suggest children are ready to potty train. These signs of potty training readiness typically include the ability to use their words to express themselves, toddle their own way to the bathroom, pull down their own pants, and to be aware of the sensation of peeing or pooping (characteristically noticeable when young children suddenly stop what they’re doing as they feel themselves start to pee. Or when they start hiding behind the sofa or standing in a corner to poop. It is also helpful (and increases the likelihood of potty training interest) when children start to be bothered by their poopy and/or wet diapers, as that can serve as a good motivation for using the potty instead!
- Start making connections. There’s a lot that you can do to help your child be well-prepared to use the potty successfully long before he actually starts to. Reading fun and engaging children’s books about potty training, such as You and Me Against the Pee! (which I co-authored) can go a long way towards making the idea of potty training a family and eagerly anticipated one. You can take this familiarity a step further by letting your toddler accompany you in to the bathroom when you need to go so that he both becomes familiar with the routine and comfortable with the idea of using the toilet, rather than being afraid of or intimidated by it!
Pampers Easy Ups are another great way to potty train your little ones. They feature an “easy up” underpants type design, while also providing 25% more absorbent then other brands. Easy Ups also feature fun designs including Thomas the Tank Engine for boys and Dora the Explorer for girls. If the Easy Ups get wet, the design fades to show your little ones when its time to hit the potty. They feel more like underwear, so children will be that much more inclined to act like a “big kid” and head to the potty instead of using the diaper.
Product Features
- An absorbent core that holds 25% more than the other leading training pant (Huggies® Pull-Ups® Learning Designs®) and ensures little ones remain dry
- Pampers Easy Ups® have fewer leaks than the other leading training pant (Huggies® Pull-Ups® Learning Designs®)
- Fun Thomas & Friends® designs for boys and Dora the Explorer® designs for girls
- A more underwear-like design for growing toddlers
- Graphics that fade when wet to help little ones learn
- Super-stretchy sides to make them easy to pull up and down when using the potty
- Available for Boys and Girls sizes 2T/3T through 4T/5T
They are available everywhere diapers are sold, so why not try them out? See how they work for your little one. Let them pick out the design they like best- they won’t want to get their new “big boy” or girl Pampers EASY UPS wet!
Learn More
Visit the Pampers Website
Submit a review on Pampers.com to earn Rewards points
Follow Pampers on Twitter and Facebook
#PampersEasyUps
Crayola DJ Music App
May 27, 2015 by 6 Comments
New apps are available everyday, and as more come out they become more and more creative in what they offer the average smart phone or tablet user. Today we are looking at just one creative app made by Crayola, Crayola DJ.
Crayola DJ is a fun new app where kids (suggested for kids aged 6 and up) learn about music production and music mixing in a fun, colorful, friendly way. The app is easy to use and is fun for everyone, including adults, to become “celebrity” DJ’s. In the app there are almost 100 exclusive tracks by professional DJs. These tracks are from various genres like Holiday, Hip Hop, Dance, and Pop, which sound great and are easy to mix together to make head bopping, toe tapping beats.
Learning how to mix the various elements of the song is interesting, and its even more fun once you have an understanding of them as well and can mix with some background. It is great fun taking and mashing up different genres and coming up with something interesting. Why not mix dance and holiday tunes? Each song can also be saved to be played again and again as many times as you like.
Once your track is complete, its time to perform. In performance mode, there are strobe lights, effects, and a whole lot more fun as the user can get creative with their track and even score points as well.
DJ battle is a two player competitive mode where each player tries to out scratch and mix the other, this mode is quite fun although takes a bit to learn.
The new Crayola® DJ app is available now for $4.99 on Google Play for Android phones and tablets. In June, it will also be sold in the iTunes Store for iOS devices, for the same price.
