April 23, 2018 · 6:14 pm

“A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean” Book Tour & Giveaway

I am here to tell you about a great new middle age novel,  A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always By The Ocean.  When Davy’s fifth grade class uncovers the secrets of their peculiar town in a series of linked tales that pair the whimsy of Sideways Stories from Wayside School with the delightful eeriness of Welcome to Night Vale.

Welcome to Topsea, the strangest place you’ll ever visit. In this town, the coves are bottomless and the pier has no end in sight. There’s a high tide and a low tide… and a vanishing tide. Dogs are a myth, but mermaids are totally real. And seaweed is the main ingredient in every meal—watch out, it might just start chewing you back!

New kid Davy definitely thinks Topsea is strange. His mom keeps saying they’ll get used to life in their new town—it’s just the way things are on the coast! But after his first day at Topsea School, Davy finds himself wondering: Why is his locker all the way at the bottom of the school swimming pool? Why can’t anyone remember his name? (It’s Davy!) And why does everyone act like all of this is normal?!

This is such fun book for your middle school child or to read aloud. It is a book both kids and parents will thoroughly enjoy.

Giveaway:

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky reader will win a hardcover copy of,  A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

A Friendly Town That’s Almost Always by the Ocean Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

Continue reading →


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· 12:10 pm

Check Out The Versatile Styling of the Lugz Stack Lo Boot #Giveaway

I can’t wait to tell you about one of the new men’s arrivals at Lugz. The Stack Lo is the perfect choice for the guy looking for an updated look to the classic moc toe oxford boot.

These boots are such a versatile style, and look great with just about anything. Perfect for work and play, the Stack Lo provides all-day-on-your-feet support. The boot features a water-resistant upper, compression molded foam core midsole for flex and cushion, a flexstride memory foam insole for comfort and stability, and rugged slip resistant rubber sole for durability and grip.

My son loves the way these low-rise boots feel and look. They are very sharp and perfect for those who work hard and play harder. The low rise makes them great for any occasion. Transition perfectly from a day on the river to a night on the town. The Stack Lo is available in three colors: black, brown and golden wheat. 

Check out the features below:

  • Water Resistant Thermabuck Upper
  • Metal hardware on logo and hex eyelet
  • Padded tongue & collar
  • Flexastride memory foam insole
  • Compression molded midsole
  • ASTM-F1677, Mark II tested slip resistant rubber sole

Giveaway:

Lugz is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win the Stack Lo in the color and size of their choice (subject to availability). Thank you to Lugz for the review boots and for sponsoring this amazing giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Lugz Stack Lo Boot Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

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April 20, 2018 · 5:11 pm

Shop Mama’s Jewelry For Unique Mother’s Day Gifts

Mother’s Day is coming up, even though you would not know it from the weather here in New York. We had snow yesterday, again! If you are thinking about Mother’s Day gifts, why not get mom something unique and special?

Moms work hard every day, give them something that really celebrates them and the family they helped to create. Mama’s Jewelry has an exquisite collection of mother’s rings, earrings and necklaces that make an unforgettable and treasured Mother’s Day gift.

Every time she looks at her ring, puts on her earings or is complimented on her necklace, she will be reminded of just how much she is loved.

When you shop at Mama’s Jewelry, you are shopping with a company that has been designing rings and pendants for mothers for 30 years! Mama’s Jewelry is committed to creating exceptional mother’s pendants, rings and earrings at affordable prices.

Mama’s Jewelry has fast turnaround times, which is important when ordering a custom piece of jewelry. As soon as Mama’s Jewelry receives your order, their CAD technician and certified jewelers get to work, designing and building your custom order.

With strict quality control standards, you can be certain, nothing will be shipped that does not have a seal of approval from Mama’s Jewelry. In fact, if they would not give it to their loved ones, they will never ship it to you.

Most orders for mother’s rings and pendants ship out within 3 to 5 days, reaching you about a week later. If you are pressed for time, shopping at the last-minute, Mama’s Jewelry will ensure you get a custom item that looks like it took months to create.

Mama’s Jewelry has beautiful pieces for grandmothers too!

Mama’s Jewelry has a Mother’s Day Special Offer  where you can Save $10 Off already their already low prices when you use the Promo Code MAMAS10. Visit Mama’s Jewelry now to shop and wrap up the savings.

Let me know what you think about Mama’s Jewelry. 


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· 1:39 pm

Helpful Tips for Talking To Your Kids About Smoking #SeenEnoughTobacco

This post was sponsored by Tobacco Free New York State as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own. 

 

Did you know that the average age of a new smoker in New York is 13? That is so sad. Beyond sad, it makes me angry because I think the way that tobacco products are marketed to kids is disgusting.

Tobacco companies are spending billions of dollars to put their products in front of our kids in stores. As a mother of 5, this horrifies me because, the more kids see tobacco products, the more likely they are to start smoking.

Next time you are out, check out the walls and rows of tobacco products that are enhanced with flashy or brightly colored signs and special sales. In-store advertising is big business in New York State.

If you have not noticed it, you can be almost sure your kids have. In fact, young people are twice as likely to recall tobacco advertising, and it makes them more likely to start smoking.

When you really take notice of how effective this in-store advertising is near schools and in low-income areas, you will see why they are doing it. This type of marketing puts these products right in the face of those most vulnerable to it.

When I think about how they are marketing these products, I am so glad that my husband and I have open conversations with our kids about the dangers of smoking. In fact, talking with our kids about smoking is one of the best ways we can reduce smoking in young people today.

Here are some tips that can help you talk to your kids about the dangers of smoking:

Start Talking and Start Early
 I don’t think it is ever too early to start a conversation with you child about smoking. My children started noticing people smoking at a very young age. We have always been honest with them, and over the years our conversations have evolved.

 

Any time is a good time to talk, whether in the car or around the table. Draw their attention to all the no smoking signs in public places, then discuss the reasons why smoking is not permitted there.

Be Honest About The Health Effects

This is not a time to sugar coat things for your child. In fact, I think you must be brutally honest. If you know of someone in your family that has died or has serious health effects as a result of smoking, let them know about that.

Talk with them about how addictive tobacco products are and  how hard it can be to stop smoking. Talk about cancer, heart and lung disease, emphysema and more. Beyond that, make sure you discuss the immediate effects of smoking like stinky clothes, hair and breath. Let them know that smoking can make them more prone to acne and how negatively it can affect their athletic performance and endurance.

Set a Good Example.

In our house, it is easy, because my husband and I do not smoke. We don’t allow smoking in our house or around our kids. If you smoke, try your best to not light up in front of your kids. Talk to them about what a mistake it was to start smoking  and just how hard it is to quit. 

Prepare Your Kids to Deal with Peer Pressure

The pressure from your child’s friends at school is something that will likely be an issue as your kids get older. Arm them with appropriate responses to use if they are offered tobacco. You can even make it fun by role-playing situations with your child. Some good responses are:

“No thanks, I don’t want my clothes to stink like smoke”
“No, I need to stay in shape for baseball or whatever sport they play.”
“No thanks, I know people who have died from smoking.”
“No, I am not really into starting something that can kill me.”
“No, smoking is really gross.”
Talk About Different Kinds of Tobacco and Smoking
Make sure you explain that even “smoke-free” alternatives are dangerous. Let them know, electronic cigarettes (vaping, electric hookahs) still have serious health effects because they use nicotine and other toxic chemicals.
Discuss the dangers of using chewing tobacco that contains almost 30 cancer-causing chemicals and is highly addicted.

Talk About the Way Tobacco Products Are Marketed

Have a frank discussion about the tactics behind the marketing. My kids get angry when we talk about how these companies are advertising to young people. 

I have also signed the  “Seen Enough Tobacco” petition to tell big tobacco our kids have seen enough. I hope you will too! You can sign the petition by clicking HERE. Let’s make sure these companies know that this type of marketing is not alright!

For more information and resources you can visit the Tobacco Free New York State Website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Let me know any tips you have for talking to your kids about smoking and the way tobacco companies are marketing to them. 


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April 19, 2018 · 9:29 pm

Signed, Makes it Easy to Send Real Cards In Your Own Handwriting

Do you like the ease of choosing and sending cards online, but want a way to make it more personal? I did, I found that with Signed. Signed is an online card concierge that allows me to choose a custom greeting card, write my own message, in my own handwriting and then have it sent to the recipient by regular mail. The entire process takes just a few minutes.

Let me show you how simple it was to choose, personalize and send a birthday card to my son, Ethan. I went to Signed’s website to choose my card.

I could choose by occasion, gender, age, relationship style or feature.

I wrote my message on a blank piece of paper and then took a photo of it with my phone. Then I could easily upload my photo to the Signed site. 

Once uploaded, I could position my signature and approve the way it looks. After that, I entered my son’s name and our mailing address. I was able to choose when I wanted the card sent. It arrived right on his birthday as I requested.

 

He was so surprised to get a card that was sent from his dad, myself and his siblings in the mail. He loved the design too!

 

All of Signed’s cards are designed by artists based in the USA.  The cards have the artist’s name and information printed on the back.  There are over 2400 custom designed cards by over 80 artists. Cards are printed in the USA on fine art paper that is made in small batches in Utah.

Cards can be ordered and sent from the comfort of your couch for only $4.95. That cost covers everything including the original stamp and USPS delivery.

You can stay in the loop with Signed on Facebook and Instagram. Let me know what you think of this great way to shop for and mail greeting cards.

This is a sponsored post and I was provided with an allotment of greeting cards in exchange for my honest review. As always, my words and opinions are 100% my own.

 

 


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April 16, 2018 · 8:58 pm

“Burning Magic” -Final Book in Shadow Magic Trilogy Blog Tour & #Giveaway

Are you ready for the third and final installment in the Shadow Magic trilogy? Burning Magic, by Joshua Khan is available now, so your wait is over!  In this sizzling adventure, Lily the sorcerer queen and Thorn the giant-bat-whisperer journey to the Sultanate of Fire to help their friend K’leef in a no-holds-barred contest for the throne.

When Lily, aka the “witch queen” and bat-rider extraordinaire Thorn travel to Sultanate of Fire, things go terribly wrong. Instead of celebrating a reunion with their old friend K’leef, they are thrust into royal murder, an epic quest, and a deadly battle for the throne.

While investigating the murder, Lily learns shocking truths about her life that could destroy all she has achieved. Yet, among the ruins of her old life, she has the opportunity to become someone greater . . . and more terrifying.

Thorn and the magnificent bat, Hades, join the timid K’leef and the idiotic Gabriel Solar in a quest to find a phoenix. These fire birds are the key to saving the sultanate, but they nest within the Shardlands. The boys must defeat not only the monsters of that magical wilderness, but also rivals eager to claim the throne for themselves. Rivals that include a renegade from House Shadow.

Giveaway

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of Burning Magic! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this magical giveaway! Open to US residents. 

Burning Magic Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

Continue reading →


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· 2:30 pm

The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

If you love the savory flavor of tender, hickory brown sugar pulled pork, you will love how easy it is to make in your slow cooker, crock pot, pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

We used a very large over 8 lb pork roast for this, so we a larger amount of spices. You can adjust the recipe for smaller or larger cuts of meat.

Print
The Best Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Ingredients

  • 1 TBSP Kosher Salt
  • 2 TBSP Paprika
  • 1 TBSP Garlic Powder
  • 1 TBSP Black Pepper
  • 1/3 Cup Packed Brown Sugar
  • 1 Cup Water
  • Pork Shoulder Roast
  • 1 Large Bottle of Hickory Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce

Instructions

  1. Stir together your rub ingredients in a bowl ( Kosher Salt, Paprika, Garlic Powder and Brown Sugar)
  2. Rinse and Pat Dry Your Roast
  3. Rub Roast with Spice Mixture
  4. Spray Slow Cooker with Oil Cooking Spray
  5. Place Roast In Cooker
  6. Add Water Down Side (Don't Rinse Rub Off)
  7. Cook on High for 5 to 6 Hours
  8. Shred Pork and Mix In Barbecue Sauce
  9. Serve on Rolls
https://www.mommyramblings.org/2018/04/16/slow-cooker-pulled-pork-recipe/

We made a video tutorial that will give you all of the specifics. Watch it below:

Let me know if you try this delicious recipe.


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· 1:42 pm

“Charlie & Frog: A Mystery” Book Blog Tour & #Giveaway

Are you looking for a page-turning, contemporary middle grade mystery novel filled with humor, intrigue and heartwarming friendships? If so, Charlie & Frog: A Mystery is a brand new book by debut author Karen Kane. My kids love the story of Frog AKA Francine Castle, who is deaf and shines as a tenacious, crime-solving protagonist who introduces Charlie to the world of sign language and teaches it throughout.

Charlie Tickler is feeling frustrated, all he wants is for his parents to listen, but they have left him once again. This time his parents are off to South Africa to help giant golden moles. Where does that leave Charlie? They dumped him off with his TV-obsessed grandparents.

Feeling lonely and curious, Charlie heads into the  village of Castle-on-the-Hudson, where a frightened old woman gives him a desperate message—in sign language. When she suddenly disappears, Charlie is determined to find answers.

Charlie walks into a cafe looking for help. He finds Francine who would much rather be solving crimes than working at the Flying Hands Cafe. This is her chance to be the world’s greatest detective that she has been dreaming about. She leaps at the chance to tackle a real-life case.

Together, Charlie and Frog set out to decipher a series of clues and uncover the truth behind the missing woman’s mysterious message. Charlie needs to learn American Sign Language (fast) to keep up with quick-witted Frog. And Frog needs to gather her detective know-how (now) to break the case before it’s too late.

Giveaway:

Disney Hyperion is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of  Charlie & Frog: A Mystery! Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review book and for sponsoring this thrilling giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

Charlie & Frog: A Mystery Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter for your chance to win using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!

Continue reading →


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April 12, 2018 · 8:08 pm

Discover Elyptol- a Natural Sanitizer Spray and Gel #Giveaway

It is no secret, that I am a germophobe, in fact, you can always find sanitizer in my purse, car and on my desk. Problem is, many of the sanitizers on the market are not natural, and I am a stickler for natural products.

That is why I was excited to discover a natural antimicrobial hand sanitizer that is available as a spray and in a gel. It is called Elyptol, and it is the next generation of hand, skin and surface hygiene products.

Elyptol is safe and gentle and is enhanced by the healing properties of eucalyptus oil, combined with naturally sourced  ethanol.More than antibacterial, Elyptol is antimicrobial and kills a wider range of germs.

Elyptol’s products meet or exceed global efficacy standards across the antimicrobial spectrum by using natural green technology. Check out the features below:

  • FREE CARABINER CLIP WITH EVERY PURCHASE NOW THROUGH EARTH DAY (APR 22)!
  • Naturally Antibacterial formula kills 99.9999% of germs. Great alternative when soap and water are not available.
  • Nourishes, Moisturizes & Sanitizes Hands – Will Never Dry, Crack or Chap the Skin
  • Infused with Eucalyptus Oil to Leave a Non-Lasting Natural Scent. Safe and gentle for your skin when used as directed.
  • Certified USDA BioPreferred 100% Biobased Ingredients

I can tell you that if you like the smell of eucalyptus oil, you will love this sanitizer. Every time I use it, it totally clears my sinuses and is very refreshing. If you would like to try Elyptol, you can find the gel and spray on Amazon. Don’t forget to enter for your chance to win both the spray and the gel using the widget below. Good Luck!!!

Giveaway:
Win a Elyptol Gel & Spray bundle #2


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· 3:38 pm

8 Reasons You Should Use An Aromatherapy Diffuser

If you have been on the fence about getting an aromatherapy diffuser, this article might be the catalyst you need to make your decision. It is no doubt, you have heard many people talking about the health benefits of diffusing essential oils in their home. Below you will find 8 reasons why you should be using an aromatherapy diffuser in your home. 

cool mist humidifier and aromatherapy diffuser

 

Improves Mood

Did you know that diffusing certain types of essential oils can help improve your mood? It is true, they can make you feel energized, uplifted and even increase your focus. I love diffusing peppermint oil in the morning or when I am working on an important project. During the winter months when many suffer from seasonal depression, diffusing mood stimulating oils like peppermint, bergamot, grapefruit, lemon and orange can be very uplifting. In fact, those oils can be used daily in your diffuser to help enhance your mood and keep you feeling your best.

Relieves Stress

Just as the oils mentioned above can help to invigorate you, and elevate your mood, other oils are known for the way they can help you relax and unwind. Oils like lavender, chamomile, cedarwood, and ylang ylang can help you at the end of a tough day to soothe nervous tension.

Promotes Sleep

Taking into account the way certain oils can help you relax and unwind, diffusing oils in your bedroom can help promote a healthy, restful sleep. Lavender is well-known for helping you sleep better. In addition to diffusing it, you can add a few drops to your pillow case or into the wash when you launder your sheets.

Relieve Allergy Symptoms

Allergies can cause all kinds of respiratory issues. Did you know that using an aromatherapy diffuser can help ease scratchy throats, stuffy noses and clogged sinuses. Try oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, basil and peppermint to help you cope with irritating allergy symptoms. When you use a diffuser that is also a cool mist humidifier, the moisture it adds to the air will help you immensely.

Boost Immunity and Kill Germs

Did you know that certain oils when diffused can kill airborne germs?  Oils like tea tree, oregano, peppermint and lemon have powerful antimicrobials so they are perfect to diffuse during cold and flu season or when someone in your home is ill. They are also good to diffuse regularly to kill germs and help you stay healthy.

Freshen the Air in Your Home

Diffusing essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser works to freshen the air in your home without the use of cancer causing and toxic chemical sprays. Diffuse scents you like to keep your home smelling its best. Lemon and other citrus oils not only create a pleasing citrus scent, but can even kill airborne germs.

Safer than Candles

Candles have been the cause of many home fires and can be a huge hazard in homes with children and pets. Aromatherapy diffusers are a safer alternative because they do not have an open flame. They also are cleaner than candles because they do not release smoke or suck oxygen out of your air.

Natural Insect Repellent

When you use your aromatherapy diffuser to diffuse oils like citronella, clove, lemongrass, rosemary and cedarwood you will find that mosquitoes, flies, fruit flies and moths stay away. Given these pesky insects can carry disease carrying germs, this is a huge health benefit of using an aromatherapy diffuser. So ditch the toxic bug spray and start diffusing.

These are just a few of the benefits of using an essential oil diffuser, there are many more. If you feel you are ready to try it out for yourself, you might like the Luna Top Fill Aromatherapy Diffuser by InvisiPure. This diffuser has a lot of features that make it a great choice.

One of the best things about the Luna is that it is also a cool mist humidifier. Not all aromatherapy diffusers are cool mist humidifiers and most cool mist humidifiers are not designed to diffuse essential oils like the Luna.  This means, the InvisiPure Luna Cool Mist Humidifier and Aromatherapy Diffuser will help put moisture back in your air as it diffuses your favorite oils. This is especially helpful during the winter and in dry climates. 

The InvisiPure Luna has a top fill design that makes it easy to fill and clean, in fact, the tank and all of the parts are easy to access and clean. You won’t have to use any type of cleaning brushes or tools to clean the Luna.

Check out all the features:

  • Ultrasonic top fill cool mist humidifier with magnetic suspension technology
  • 2.5L water tank
  • Lab tested and certified BPA FREE
  • Safe to use with all essential oils
  • Patented top fill water tank design for easy filling and cleaning
  • 360 degree adjustable mist nozzle
  • Automatic shut off when the water tank is removed or low on water
  • Seven color LED night-light can easily be cycled or turned on and off
  • Easy to use touch button controls for power, 3 timer settings, and 3 mist levels
  • Compact and lightweight in design that can be moved from any room in your home or office
  • Run Time: 58 hours(Low), 17 hours(Med), 10 hours (High)
  • Unit measures 7.95 x 7.95 x 10 inches and weighs 2.3 lbs. Power input: 110-240V.

 

This is a sponsored post, as always my words and views are 100% my own.


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