Category Archives: Mommy Ramblings

May 17, 2014 · 11:53 pm

Publisher Plus, Desktop Publishing For Mac Review & Giveaway!!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

My friend and business partner who is a Mac user, recently reviewed the desktop publishing software, Publisher Plus for Mommy Ramblings. She said it was a cinch to download the software from the App store. She really liked the ease of using the program and thought it was excellent for anyone with their own business, like us. It’s also great for creating any kind of cards, brochures, flyers, newsletters, catalogs, certificates, books and more. It was full of great templates for specific projects or you can be truly creative and start with your own blank canvas.

She has already used it to make some great business cards, product literature and more. Everything works well and runs smoothly, no freezing or performance issues of any kind. You can customize the projects with your own pictures and clip art or choose from the included library. There are a wealth of fonts, colors, designs and styles to add flair to any project.

Publisher Plus is a powerful page layout application for desktop publishing on Mac. It empowers you to create stunning flyers, brochures, business cards, newsletters, adverts, reports, calendars, posters, booklets, etc.

Key Features:

170+ professionally designed templates.
Customize text and crate multiple pages freely.
Lots of art resources: clipart, background, mask, frame and filter.
Lots of editing features: margin, size, calendar, layer, etc.
Add preset shapes or customize shapes with drawing tool.
Multiple export and share options.

Check it out at the Mac App Store:

If you would like to win a copy of this great desktop publishing software, just enter with the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!!!

Publisher Plus Desktop Publishing Software For Mac Giveaway:

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Filed under Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as App Store, Desktop Publishing, giveaway, Mac, Mommy Ramblings, Publisher Plus, review, Tomoson

May 16, 2014 · 2:10 am

D-Link® Wi-Fi Baby Day/Night, HD, Cloud Camera Review & Giveaway!!!

Are you in the market for a great Wi-Fi Baby Camera that will allow you to monitor your child on your smart phone or tablet? Look no further than D-Link^® Wi-Fi Baby Camera (DCS-825L). This Baby and Child Camera comes with a free mobile app loaded with features to ensure parents never miss a moment.

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The DCS-825L Baby Camera features HD video, integrated motion and sound detection, temperature sensing, instant push alerts, night-vision technology, integrated lullabies, and video recording. The D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera is the most versatile baby monitoring solution available on the market today, providing at-home and remote monitoring for multiple users using their own mobile device and the new free mydlink^™ Baby Camera Monitor app and service.

“The D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera has already been recognized as one of the most cost-effective, full-featured baby monitoring solutions available today by receiving a CES Innovations Honoree Award,” said Daniel Kelley, vice president of marketing, D-Link Systems, Inc. “Our baby monitor helps parents feel in control, whether it is watching your baby, selecting lullabies, or just checking to ensure the temperature in the room is comfortable.

Setup of the Wi-Fi Baby Camera with the free mydlink Baby Camera Monitor app is easy and advanced features like two-way audio, motion and sound detection, and automatic night vision with infrared LEDs allow parents to see what’s going on both day and night.”

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The Wi-Fi Baby Camera can easily connect to an existing Wi-Fi network for local and remote monitoring (via Internet connection) and can also be used even when a wireless network is not available by wirelessly connecting the mobile device directly to the camera for instant local monitoring – ideal for use while traveling.

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The camera also features motion, sound and temperature sensing technology that can trigger instant push alerts to notify parents if something is amiss and a microSD card for auto-recording to ensure no details or special moments are overlooked.

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This camera was so easy to set up and I loved the fact that I could use my smartphone or tablet to monitor easily even away from home. Great camera for baby, child or even your pet. The music feature is sweet and I love the shape and style and that you can interchange the pink and blue rings. The temperature feature is really nice and can alert you to sudden shifts in heating or cooling. All around a great choice for a high quality baby/child camera monitor.

More About the Wi-Fi Baby Camera

Recognized as an International CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree and 2014 IF Design Award recipient, the Wi-Fi Baby camera represents the next generation of baby monitoring solutions:

HD Resolution/Pinch-Zoom* – Provides rich detail and high image quality; pinch and zoom capabilities to see things up close
Mobile App Support – Three easy steps to set up the camera and then enjoy local or remote monitoring of your baby on a mobile device with the free mydlink Baby Camera Monitor app (available for iOS and Android devices)
MicroSD Card Slot – Automatically records video on a microSD card when motion or sound is detected; replay recorded video clips
Record Video Clips – The mydlink Baby Camera Monitor app allows you to take snapshots or video clips and save directly to your mobile device for viewing and sharing
Automatic Night Vision – See your baby up to 15 feet away in the dark via night mode
Micro USB Power Input – Ideal for traveling and on-the-go monitoring, the baby camera can be powered by an external battery pack (not included)
Temperature Sensor and LED* – Temperature display available on the Baby Camera Monitor app; receive push alerts when temperature levels are outside the set range
Instant Push Alerts – Receive push notifications anytime noise or motion is detected
Sound/Motion Detection – Sound/motion sensor triggers push alerts or recording
Lullabies – Five pre-recorded lullabies to help soothe child
Two-Way Audio – Listen to and talk to your baby
mydlink Service – Remotely watch your baby on your mobile device via 3G, Wi-Fi, or 4G LTE
Color Coordinated – Apply pink or blue rings to personalize camera for your baby’s room

Availability and Pricing

The D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera (DCS-825L) is now available for $179.99 at Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Target.com, Walmart.com, and throughout D-Link’s vast network of retail and e-tail outlets in the United States. Detailed specifications are available online at www.dlink.com/.

About D-Link

D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information visit www.dlink.com, or connect with D-Link on Facebook and Twitter or D-Link’s blog.

Enter to Win!!!

D-Link is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win a D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera! Thank you D-Link for the review camera and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!! Open to US residents.

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D-Link Wi-Fi Baby Camera Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Baby, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as baby, child, Cloud Camera, D-Link®, Day/Night, giveaway, HD, Mommy Ramblings, Pet, review, Wi-Fi

May 14, 2014 · 1:57 am

A Matter of Perspective: Still Embracing Dandelions!!!

I have never been obsessed with my lawn, dandelions don’t bother me. I would rather have them grow instead of coating my lawn with chemicals. I really don’t see the need to go nuts over it, when you cut the lawn they’re gone and by the time they’re really blooming all over, it’s time to cut the lawn again. If we did not have dandelions my kids would never have “Wishy Flowers” to make a wish and blow on.

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I see posts on Facebook from people upset that the dandelions are growing on their lawn They talk about bringing out the “big guns” (pesticides), to get rid of them. I cannot understand it when they would rather expose their kids and pets to the pesticides rather than let a few or maybe a lot, of pretty yellow weeds grow.

As I was pondering the thought, my little ones came out onto the lawn and scanning it they marveled, “Look at all the pretty yellow flowers! Don’t step on them they are so nice. How did we get so many?”

Today I was the recipient of a very special dandelion placed on my laptop while I was out of the room. A very special flower from my seven-year old.

My preschooler brings me home dandelions in his backpack and by the time he gets home they are closed and dry, but he still asks me to put them in water. I treasure the dandelion bouquets they bring me as this time is so precious and their vision so pure. Seeing these weeds as beautiful yellow flowers, something to share with their mother and something to preserve. The innocence of these children makes me think of something I heard once, if dandelions were hard to grow everyone would want them.

A few years ago I wrote a post entitled Embracing the Dandelions and today I am still embracing the dandelions and embracing the love that brings me them and asks, “Aren’t they so pretty mommy?” You know what? They sure are! They are more beautiful than roses because of the thought and love behind them. It’s only a matter of perspective and this mom will forever be embracing the dandelions and the sweet memories.

Save $5 On Tickets To LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester!!!

(Jim Sulley/newscast)

Did you know that the LEGOLAND Discovery Center is one of Westchester’s top kids attractions and has one of the world’s biggest boxes of LEGO bricks!

(Jim Sulley/newscast)
Explore LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester and see New York’s top landmarks made out of LEGO bricks, learn secrets from the Master Model Builder, experience their indoor soft play and score big on our LEGO rides.

(Jim Sulley/newscast)

Ideal for children aged 3-10 years, LEGOLAND Discovery Center is perfect for the biggest fans of LEGO families! With 15 different attractions all included in the admission price, purchasing tickets online is the only way to guarantee entry to the Center as tickets are limited. We are planning a trip here with our kids and cannot wait to follow up and share with you all the fun. Hey, maybe we will meet you there! Click HERE to save $5 on tickets!!!

C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0 Review & Giveaway!!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Do you ever get the feeling Big Brother is watching? If so, you may wonder if anyone is able to hack in and spy on you through your webcam on your laptop, desktop computer, monitor, smart TV, PS4, Xbox Kinect and some other External Web cameras. The C-SLIDE Webcam Cover 1.0 is a patented design that works with all the devices I just mentioned and will protect you from unauthorized spying eyes.

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Product Features:
Super Thin: 1mm thick so laptops are able to shut with ease
Length: 1.5”
Height: .5”
Applications: double sided tape
Durable : made from high-grade plastic
Won’t Scratch: designed to open and close without harming the camera lens

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The C-SLIDE is available for purchase at C-SLIDE, eBay, Amazon, Open Sky, and Etsy

Want to win a C-SLIDE Webcam Cover? Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter the giveaway!!! Open to US residents. Good Luck!!!

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Filed under Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Shopping

Tagged as C-SLIDE, Cover, giveaway, Hacking, Mommy Ramblings, review, safe, Safety, Secure, Stop Spying, Tomoson, Webcam

· 1:38 am

Montagne Jeunesse Facial Masques Review & Giveaway!!!

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Mother’s Day weekend is upon us and I can tell you after the stress filled week I have had, I am looking forward to some quality family time and much-needed R & R. Home improvements are stressful and this week has left me with one nerve. I am definitely planning some “me time” where I can de-stress.

I have the perfect way to do it too, using one of the new Montagne Jeunesse masques I received recently. Made with only natural ingredients, the fun, easy to use masques are bursting with delicious ingredients to cleanse, purify, refresh and soothe your skin. They keep your skin looking fabulous and you will be glad to know they are organic, vegan and cruelty-free!

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The assortment I received consisted of Pomegranate & Passion Flower, Green & Ginger, Raspberry & Mango, Aloe Vera & Willow and Cocoa Butter & Cream. Easy to apply and will dry so you can just peel it right off. These are a real treat and I am looking forward to using the deep cleaning Passion Flower and Pomegranate tomorrow.

I would love to use it while laying in my new whirlpool, but since a certain tile contractor I won’t mention is still not finished with our bathroom, I will do the best I can, and just let the wonderful aromas take me away to a beach paradise. In the 15-20 minutes that it takes to dry and be ready to peel off, I can certainly lie back and just imagine waves crashing to the shore as I lie on the warm sand. Ahhh! Happy Mother’s Day All!!!

Would you like to win some of these fabulous masques? If so just enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

Montagne Jeunesse Masques Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Open to US residents.

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Filed under Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Review

Tagged as Beauty, Deep Cleaning, Detox, Facial, giveaway, Mask, Masque, Mommy Ramblings, Montagne Jeunesse, Mother's Day, Peel Off, Pore Cleansing, review, Skin, Smooth, Spa, Tomoson

May 9, 2014 · 7:31 pm

State Farm Neighborhood Assist Needs Your Help To Help Others!!!

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I have always put great value on the importance of giving back in our own community. Whether it’s joining a local group that plants flowers in town or volunteering as a scout leader, sports coach or to help with a neighborhood litter pluck, it’s a great feeling to take part in something that impacts the community.

I have been a scout leader, headed local volunteer organizations and understand the importance of giving back. Our community is dependant on individuals to give their time for the betterment of our neighborhoods and towns. I consider myself lucky to live in a place where people are willing to volunteer in an effort to assist others, beautify our towns and teach new skills.

As a mom, I know that we are an example to our children. I have always encouraged my children to volunteer and give back to the community as well. My oldest daughter has volunteered at blood drives and has been a youth leadership ambassador and leader since her early teens. She is graduating with honors with her Masters degree in May with numerous awards and one is the university’s public service award. It makes me proud as a mom to see that my children are a positive influence on others.

State Farm Neighborhood Assist is a life-changing program that helps empower communities and the people who live there…by awarding grants of $25,000 to 40 deserving projects!

Communities across the United States and Canada answered the call from State Farm to help create a positive impact in their community and submitted 4,000 causes as part of this year’s State Farm Neighborhood Assist. Now the top 200 causes have been selected by the State and they need your “assist” to help vote them into the top 40.

State Farm Neighborhood Assist awards desperately needed grants to the top 40 deserving programs determined by your votes! Please vote by visiting their page and casting your vote for your favorite State Farm Neighborhood Assist programs — you can show your support up to 10 times each day! Hurry because voting ends May 16th!

You can learn more by visiting the State Farm Neighborhood Assist Website HERE!

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of MomCentral Consulting for State Farm. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

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Tagged as Community, Give Back, Grant, Mom Central, Mommy Ramblings, Neighborhood Assist, Program, State Farm, Vote Now

May 8, 2014 · 2:10 pm

Enter To Win Tickets To See The New X-Men: Days Of Future Past Movie!!!

The new X-Men movie Days of Future Past is opening on May 23rd and if you have X-Men fans in your home like I do, you know this is a big deal!

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Right now at select Walgreens stores you will find a special Axe X-men gift pack and movie poster promo. To find a participating Walgreens near you just input your zip code in the store locater below.

Enter The Giveaway!!!

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Three winners will win a Movie Certificate that is valid for two tickets. To enter please use the Rafflecopter widget below! Good Luck!!! Open to US residents.

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Filed under Entertainment, Giveaway, Main Page Post, Mommy Ramblings, Shopping

Tagged as 3 Winners, Axe, Days Of Future Past, Edition, Enter to Win, Free Movie Tickets, Gift Set, giveaway, May 23rd, Mommy Ramblings, Movie, new, Poster, Special, Store, Walgreens, X-Men

May 7, 2014 · 6:13 pm

Master Bath Renovation Update in our Curb Appeal Series!!! #CurbAppeal

Well, it is time for another curb appeal update. The master bath is slowly coming along. Our tile contractor still has about a week to finish but things are finally shaping up. Tomorrow they are grouting the shower and finishing more walls. After all the walls are done they will tile the floor, then put the new toilet in, install the tub and we can get the shower panel and frameless doors on, the vanity installed, countertop and sinks, all the trim and the paint.

Here is a look at some of the progress since last time:

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Filed under Curb Appeal, DIY, Home Improvement, Mommy Ramblings, Uncategorized

Tagged as Bathroom, Curb Appeal, curbappeal, DIY, home, Improvement, Mommy Ramblings, Renovation, Tile

· 10:11 am

Win an Autographed Copy of “It Ain’t Over…” By Marlo Thomas

Anyone who has ever tried to make a big life change knows it can be a bit more complicated – and frightening – than that. How do you get up the nerve and confidence to actually take the leap? No one knows better than the women profiled in this powerful book by actress, activist, and bestselling author Marlo Thomas.

It Ain’t Over . . . Till It’s Over introduces us to sixty amazing women who are proving that it’s never too late to live out a dream – to launch a business, travel the world, get a PhD, indulge a creative impulse, make a family recipe famous, escape danger, find love, or fill a void in life with a challenging new experience.

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Meet a graphic artist who fulfilled a childhood ambition by going to med school at age forty-two; a suburban mom whose innovative snack recipe for her daughter’s lunchbox turned into a multimillion-dollar business; a private-practice psychiatrist who convinced her husband that they should quit their jobs and take off on an exciting, open-ended, cross-country adventure – in a giant bus, no less!; and a middle-aged English teacher who, devastated to discover that her husband was cheating on her, refused to be a victim, filed for divorce, and began the challenging journey of rebuilding her life.

Brimming with anecdotes that will inspire smiles, tears, and – most of all – hope, It Ain’t Over speaks to women of all ages with an empowering message: The best is yet to come!
Get your copy today at But anyone who has ever tried to make a big life change knows it can be a bit more complicated – and frightening – than that. How do you get up the nerve and confidence to actually take the leap? No one knows better than the women profiled in this powerful book by actress, activist, and bestselling author Marlo Thomas.

I am excited to be meeting with Marlo Thomas tomorrow during a live webinar and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

Get your copy today on Amazon! Follow Marlo on Twitter @MarloThomas and like her on Facebook.

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