Jolly Mom: Recipes | Crafts | Atlanta Mom Blogger | Brand Ambassador | Product Reviews

Promote Your Giveaways: #Giveaways Galore

2012-05-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Link up your giveaways!

Please make sure to link directly to the giveaway and list the name of the giveaway along with the expiration date. Don't forget to stop by Go Graham Go to link up over there as well!

Join Me for a Summer Picnics Cooking Connections Class this Thursday!

2012-05-16T00:00:00.003-04:00

We are so excited that Summer is almost here! I am already working on our Must Do Summer Activities list, which will include everything that I want us as a family to do together this summer. You know what will definitely be on the list? Picnics. Lots and lots of picnics at the park! Who doesn't love a good summer picnic, right? They are so much fun and they are also fun to plan -- especially the food!

I hope that you'll join me along with a group of fabulous bloggers for a Cooking Connections Class with Chef George Duran and The Moherhood this Thursday, May 17th at 1:00 pm ET. Chef George Duran will appear on live feed video to demonstrate how to cook up great picnic dishes and discuss easy-to-prepare recipes that will keep your menu filled with new tastes and flavors, and keep your picnics far from reaching a state of "same old, same old" by summer's end. Talk sponsored by ReadySetEat.com and ConAgra Foods.

Giveaway! We are also giving away a summer picnic gift basket for class participation – don’t miss out! Here’s how to enter: Attend the live chat and answer the question, “Which picnic recipe from ReadySetEat are you most excited to try?” You can check out the recipes on ReadySetEat HERE.

Let us know that you're coming by registering HERE.

This post is part of a compensated campaign with The Motherhood. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Wordless Wednesday: LOL. #thatisall

2012-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

LOL. That is all.

World's Safest & Funnest Trampoline! JumpSport Elite Trampoline (Review)

2012-05-15T16:25:00.000-04:00

I think as a parent one of my biggest challenges is trying to find fun, new things for Lucas to do - without having to take him somewhere and spend money. I know many kids would gladly adhere themselves to the TV or some sort of “i” device for hours, but that is not my idea of time well spent. Sometimes yes, but certainly not all the time. It's important that kids and adults alike get up and get moving. Thankfully, Lucas loves to play outside and like most 4 year old's -- he has a bundle of energy to burn. That's why I was beyond thrilled when I got the opportunity to review the JumpSport Elite trampoline! It is the perfect thing get the entire family moving and have lots of fun in the process!

I wasn't the only one that was excited -- let's just say that my hubby, Mike was ecstatic and pretty much acted like a kid in a candy store when I told him the news. There aren't words to describe Lucas' level of excitement. Lucas loves to jump -- on his bed, into the pool, on top of me (lol), and he literally goes crazy over bounce houses. Anytime we are anywhere near a bounce house he zones in on it like he has a built in bounce house tracking system. So naturally when we told him that we were getting a trampoline, he went crazy with excitement. We finally got it assembled a few days ago and he was blown away. His mouth hung open without making a sound for almost a full minute. It was awesome!

Since we assembled the trampoline, we haven't stopped jumping -- especially Lucas who wakes me up in the morning asking, "Mommy, can I go jump now?"

Even Mike and I love jumping -- it honestly makes you feel like you're a kid again! Plus, it's a real workout and calorie burner, which is also a nice caveat.

Now onto the actual trampoline -- we received the 12 foot JumpSport Elite Trampoline to review. For us, it is the perfect size. Not too big, but not too small. We found the perfect spot in the yard so it doesn’t take up a ton of space. Set up took several hours. I will let Mike explain to you about what it was like to put it together, but it seemed to be pretty pain free.

Hello everyone, this is Mike. I was equally excited to get the trampoline. I always wanted one as a kid and now we have one of the best you can buy so yeah -- I am definitely excited. I. of course, was tasked with putting the trampoline together. I must admit I was a little intimidated at first, having never put together something so big. And though it did take a few hours, it was really easy. The directions suggest that you use two people, but if you are even slightly handy, you can most definitely do it with one. The actual main body of the trampoline doesn’t even take any tools for assembly. It goes together fairly quickly and once assembled is still light enough to be moved by a couple of well-abled people (I assembled it in the driveway and then Piera and I moved it into position before I attached the net). Next was the assembly of the safety net, which takes a bit more time, but is no harder to do. With the net all in place and everything strapped and tightened up, the ladder was last. No sooner did I have that ladder attached (which is an accessory) and Lucas was climbing inside a bouncing away. If there is one piece of advice I can give when assembling, it’s to read the directions. I know that is something us guys have a hard time doing, but in order to properly attach both the springs and the net, you really do have to read the directions!

"Jolly Dad" (aka: my hubby, Mike LOL) Reviews the JumpSport Elite Trampoline

The JumpSport Elite Trampoline is one the best AND safest trampolines you can buy. JumpSport’s Elite line of Trampolines comes in 10’, 12’, and 14’ sizes. All JumpSport Elite Trampolines are made out of high quality steel tubing and all come with Staged Bounce Technology. Most trampoline injuries occur on the trampoline while jumping. Staged Bounce Technology engages half the springs a half a second after the first half making impact on your body much easier. The safety net is by far my favorite feature and honestly I wouldn’t allow Lucas to jump on a large size trampoline without one. The net is attached internally to poles that are attached to the body of the trampoline so there is no way of falling to the ground if you happen to land against the net (Mike tested this out, and I can report no injuries). This is really important because there are trampolines on the market with nets, but the nets do not work. The person jumping hits the net and the net gives and the person obviously hits the ground. This can result is serious injuries. The JumpSport's net even overlaps at the entrance, so you can’t fall out there either. And of course the frame, poles, and all the springs are covered with a thick padding so if you do hit those spots -- you don't get hurt. All told I don’t see how they could make it any safer. Two very ecstatic thumbs up from me!!

Watch JumpSport Net Crash Test

On top of all the fantastic safety features and the out-of-the-box coolness and fun factor, the JumpSport Trampolines can be used with a variety of cool accessories to make jumping even more fun. They sell a basketball & hoop attachment so your kids can learn to slam dunk at an early age. They sell a tent attachment to turn your trampoline into an outdoor camper, and they even have a misting system designed to lower temperatures at your trampoline by as much as 25 degrees.

There are literally a ton of accessories and game attachments, so it’s best if you just check out their site and see for yourself everything they have to offer. Click to see the trampoline accessories.

Lucas Jumping and Enjoying His New JumpSport Trampoline

The JumpSport Elite Tramplines come in 10', 12', and 14' feet and pricing starts at $949. Make sure to keep up with all JumpSport related news and promos by following them on Facebook and of course, visiting their website JumpSport.com.

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed are mine. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Are you a sports mom? Get SAFESKIN Kids Sport Wrap (Walmart GC Giveaway)

2012-05-15T15:18:00.000-04:00

Lucas will be going on his fourth Peanut baseball season this Fall. This Spring he was on the Texas Rangers Peanut baseball team -- Go Rangers!

He loves to play all sports, but if you know kids and sports -- there are bound to be boo-boos. Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and sometimes even worst injuries like sprains and strains. Did you know that each year, more than 3.5 million children under age 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries, with strains and sprains among the most common complaints? That's a lot of boo-boos!

Preparation is key though. I have been a co-team mom for all of Lucas' baseball seasons so I always carry around an emergency kit to use in case any of the kids get hurt. One product that should be in every sports mom's emergency kit is SAFESKIN® Kids Sport Wrap. It’s self adhesive, water resistant, reusable, latex free and does not need clips or pins to secure it in place. It is excellent for first aid applications like securing bandages or splints and protecting and cushioning wounds. Plus, it comes in fun, bright colors that kids will love!

Check out Lucas sporting his Safeskin Kids Sport Wrap ...

Buy It: SAFESKIN® Kids Sport Wrap can be purchased at Walmart for $3.94

WIN IT!

One Jolly Mom reader will win a $50 Walmart Gift Card!

How To Enter:

1. Leave me a comment letting me know what is your favorite story related to sports you experienced with your child.

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each):

2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.jollymom.com and leave the link to your post in the comment.

3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email or follow on Blogger or Google Friend Connect

4.One Extra Entry Per Day: Follow @JollyMom on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway using the . Make sure to leave your Tweet url in your comment.

5. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar

6. Stumble this post (the post, not the site)

7. Jolly Mom and Safeskin Facebook followers receive an additional entry. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.

8. List this giveaway on any giveaway site or share the giveaway, including the link, on your Facebook page. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include the link of the giveaway.

This giveaway will end on May 18th, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org and will be announced on this post. US entries only, please.

I received compensation from Kimberly-Clark Professional in the form of a gift card to participate in this campaign promoting the Sport Some Color SAFESKIN Kids Sport Wrap Challenge.The winner of this giveaway will be randomly chosen. In addition, Kimberly-Clark Professional provided the gift card I am using as the prize in my promotion. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Child Hunger Ends Here + ConAgra Foods = HOPE #childhunger

2012-05-14T14:27:00.001-04:00

As you guys know, this is now my third time working with ConAgra Foods on their Child Hunger Ends Here initiative. I am so honored to be working with them on generating awareness about the issue of child hunger in our very own country and actually helping to feed kids who are in need.

ConAgra Foods has been at this for several decades - they are very passionate about making a difference. It is evident in the video below...please take a second to watch it (it will make you happy) and take another second to enter a code from one of the participating brands at ChildHungerEndsHere.com. Every code you enter = one meal for a hungry child in the U.S.

Child Hunger Ends Here + ConAgra Foods = HOPE

For more information, visit www.ChildHungerEndsHere.com. You can also follow the discussion atwww.facebook.com/ConAgraFoods, or tweet along by following www.twitter.com/ConAgraFoods and using the hashtag #ChildHunger.

This post is part of a compensated campaign. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Do You Love Avocados? Enter the Avocados from Mexico Online Recipe Contest! #amolosaguacates

2012-05-14T13:50:00.001-04:00

Some of you that have been long-time Jolly Mom readers may remember that a couple of years ago, I entered and won 3rd place in a national recipe contest put on by Avocados from Mexico. The recipe I entered was My Peachy Avocado Delight (pictured below) -- a sweet spin on a quesadilla that is super delicious!

The entire experience was so much fun -- from creating the recipe, to finding out that I was a finalist, to having a professional photographer sent out to my home to take pictures, to winning 3rd place! Now, I'm thrilled to announce that Avocados from Mexico is hosting another fun recipe contest so if you love avocados -- you should definitely enter! Contest details below:

The world´s first avocado was grown and cultivated in Mexico countless generations ago. For hundreds of years, the avocado has played an important role in Mexico´s culinary history.
Avocados from Mexico invites you to celebrate the taste of tradition with the “Aguacate Lindo y Querido Recipe Contest” and show how authentic Mexican avocados have graced your family´s table -- be it a healthy twist on a traditional Mexican favorite or your take on your grandmother´s favorite recipe. All you need to do is create an original Mexican-inspired recipe using rich and creamy Avocados from Mexico, snap some photos, name your dish, and enter your recipe using the form here.

Plus, this is a great opportunity to eat lots of yummy and healthy avocados! Check out all of the nutritional benefits below:

• Avocados from Mexico supply nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including potassium, vitamins B6, C and E, folate and fiber
• Mexican avocados have the “good” fats - mono- and poly-unsaturated fats that make avocados a good alternative to foods that are rich in saturated fats like dairy and mayonnaise
• One serving of avocado equals 1 ounce or about 3 slices of avocado
• Avocados have only 50 calories per ounce — the amount typically added to a sandwich, salad or other dish
• Avocados have just 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving, a good fit for some low-carb diets
• Avocados have 1 gram of fiber per ounce

*This is part of a sponsored campaign with Latina Mom Bloggers and Avocados From Mexico. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Promote Your Giveaways: Giveaways Galore Link Up

2012-05-10T00:00:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: The Claw

2012-05-09T00:01:00.003-04:00

Who Inspires You? Come Dish with Me at The Soap Dish!

2012-05-09T00:00:00.002-04:00

Have you heard of The Soap Dish yet? It's an online community created by Ivory that is hosted on Ivory's Facebook fan page. The Soap Dish was born out of the simple fact that women love to talk, share and "dish” about the realities of their lives. The everyday trials and tribulations of being a wife and a mom, that beg every woman to reflect on how to balance it all - and can you? The one common theme in a lot of this discussion between women/moms is: is simple too hard?

I'll be the guest host over at The Soap Dish for the entire month of May so I hope you'll join me! Right now, we're dishing about the people who inspire us. My mom has been one of the biggest inspirations in my life. With Mother's Day coming up this weekend, I'd love to hear about who inspires you? Tell me over at The Soap Dish!

This post is part of a compensated campaign. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Champions of Great Starts at the USOC #KelloggsChamps

2012-05-08T00:00:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I had the great honor of visiting the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California as part of the Kellogg's Champions of Great Starts Team.

I was ecstatic to see all of the lovely ladies who are part of the Champions of Great Starts team with me -- Danielle, Ana, Caryn, Niri, Liz, and Crystal. Check us out with the Rice Krispies gang and Tony the Tiger!

It was so much fun getting to catch up with everyone during the trip -- we even bonded over Rice Krispies Treats : )

We were all very excited to learn more about Kellogg's sponsorship of the 2012 Olympics in London this year and the olympic hopefuls on Team Kellogg's.

I adore the fact that they are focusing on the athletes "start" rather than their "finish"!

We got to meet and interview Rita Wieber -- mom of Jordyn Wieber (pictured below), a World Champion gymnast and Olympic-hopeful on Team Kelloggs. I will be posting the video interview soon, but let me just say that I loved Rita -- she is such a great mom and so down-to-earth!

Speaking of Olympic hopefuls -- we got to meet javelin thrower, Kara Patterson (pictured below) who is quite possibly one of the loveliest people ever!

And, we even got to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow from Olympians! By the way, if you ever get a chance to try archery -- DO IT. It is such a stress relieving sport!

We also got to sit down with the Kellogg's team and discussed nutrition, what's coming up in the future for Kellogg's and more -- all of which I will definitely be sharing soon!

In the meantime, you can learn more about the entire Olympic Team Kellogg's on their Facebook page or on Kelloggs.com. Take the time to watch the athlete's "Start Stories" -- trust me, you will not regret it. They are so inspiring!

Eat a Meal, Give a Meal: Tomato Baked Chicken (Recipe) #ChildHunger

2012-05-07T14:44:00.001-04:00

We always have a pantry stocked full of diced, whole, and crushed tomatoes. They are so versatile and can be the basis to a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. One of our favorites is Tomato Baked Chicken -- it's easy to make and so good! Recipe below...

Tomato Baked Chicken

1 small onion, finely chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
2-3 Tbsp green onions or scallions, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in quarters lengthwise
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) Hunt's petite diced tomatoes
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place into baking sheet or pan.

Combine the diced tomatoes, parsley, onion, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste into a bowl and mix.

Spread the tomato mixture over the chicken.

Top with parmesan cheese and green onions.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly. If needed, place under the broiler for a minute or two.

You know what else is great about this meal? While you are eating, you can feel good that YOUR meal helped a hungry child in the US. Yep, if you buy the Hunt's Petite Diced Tomatoes that have the Child Hunger Ends Here red pushpin on the can (pictured below) and you enter the code at ChildHungerEndsHere.com -- ConAgra will donate a meal to a child in need in the US!

For more information, visit www.ChildHungerEndsHere.com, on Facebook, or tweet along by following @ConAgraFoods and using the hashtag #ChildHunger.

Promote Your Giveaways: Giveaways Galore Link Up

2012-05-03T00:00:00.002-04:00

Join Us for a Twitter Party: Talk Your First Year Favorites with Fisher-Price #FPBabyGear

2012-05-02T23:03:00.000-04:00

I can still remember being a new mom and trying to figure out what baby products to buy from a sea of baby products on the shelf. There is so much to choose from, but the truth is that not everything is necessary. Not every product functions as promised. However, when you find the perfect product -- a product that makes life a little easier -- it is awesome. Join Fisher-Price and Felicia @gograhamgo; Crissy @crissy; Amanda @momof2monkeys; Jenna @MommyJenna; Piera @jollymom on May 8th from 7-8 pm ET to talk your first year favorites and for a chance to win some awesome prizes!

PARTY DETAILS:
When: Tuesday, May 8th
Time: 7pm-8pm EST
Hosts: Felicia @gograhamgo; Crissy @crissy; Amanda @momof2monkeys; Jenna @MommyJenna; Piera @jollymom
Hashtag: #FPBabyGear

RSVP: To RSVP for and join this Twitter party, post "RSVP" in the comments section below. If you would potentially like to see your Tweets and other materials that you contribute to the Twitter party appear in future Fisher-Price advertising, in addition to posting "RSVP" in the comments section below, also cut and paste the following agreement to the release at http://www.fisher-price.com/twitterrelease/, followed by Twitter handle:

"I agree to the release at http://www.fisher-price.com/twitterrelease/, including Fisher-Price's advertising and other use of my content and identity [Insert Your Twitter handle]."

Please be aware that the release includes a broad license for Fisher-Price to use your Twitter party content and your Twitter handle for any other purpose including Fisher-Price's advertising. See http://www.fisher-price.com/twitterrelease/ for full terms and conditions.

This is part of a compensated campaign with Fisher-Price. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Wordless Wednesday: Disney Magic #DisneySMMoms

2012-05-02T00:00:00.012-04:00

A little Disney magic at Disney Jr. show at Hollywood Studios this week.

Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair Review & Giveaway

2012-04-26T23:19:00.000-04:00

Typically when I purchase things, I go for form and function. I want something that looks good and gets the job done. I made a mistake when I bought Lucas' highchair back when he was a baby. I chose form over function. His highchair was beautiful, but it was not very functional. It was missing key features such as a reclining back and easy-to-clean seat. I would say that we kept 98% of Lucas' stuff from when he was a baby so we could reuse them when we have our next baby. Guess where his highchair ended up? That's right. Craigslist. Honestly, I wish I'd researched highchairs a little more back then. I wish I'd known of other moms to ask. That's why I love the Fisher Price First Year Favorites site, which lists the Top 10 Babygear products along with comments and reviews by BabyCenter moms. It's a great resource for new and experienced moms and dads!

If I had a chance to do it over again, I would definitely choose a different highchair. I recently got the opportunity to review the Fisher-Price Space Saver Highchair. We put it to the test with my niece, Tatiana and it is way better than the one we bought for Lucas.

Here's why I love it...

Baby can sit at the table with the family rather than in a chair off to the side
Easy to clean seat
Reclining seat with a padded cushion so it's very comfy
Very portable -- you can easily take it to the sitter's or to grandma's
Grows with your child -- highchair turns into a booster chair
Takes up way less space than a traditional highchair so it's the perfect choice for small spaces

The highchair is also super easy to set up -- literally from out of the box to child secured took less than 5 minutes. The highchair sits on top of any standard chair and secures to it from both the bottom and the back. The pad is easliy removed for cleaning. And really the whole chair is easy to clean since it's made with a very smooth surface plastic with no no nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in.

The other plus? It comes in a wide range of lovely patterns and colors to go with any decor. Form and function. Love it!

WIN IT!

One Jolly Mom reader will win a Fisher Price Space Save Highchair!

How To Enter:

1. Visit the First Year Favorites site and leave me a comment letting me know which of the Top 10 products is your favorite and why.

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each):

2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.fisherprice.com and www.jollymom.com and leave the link to your post in the comment.

3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email

4.One Extra Entry Per Day: Follow @fisheprice AND @JollyMom on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway. Make sure to leave your Tweet url in your comment.

5. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar

6. Stumble this post (the post, not the site)

7. Jolly Mom and Fisher Price Facebook followers receive an additional entry. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.

8. List this giveaway on any giveaway site or share the giveaway, including the link, on your Facebook page. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include the link of the giveaway.

This giveaway will end on May 11th, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org and will be announced on this post. US entries and 18 and up only, please.

Compensation was provided by Fisher-Price, but Fisher-Price is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this post. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Fisher-Price. The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed are mine. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Promote Your Giveaways: Giveaways Galore Link Up

2012-04-25T12:00:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: They're Grrrrrrrrrreat! #KelloggsChamps

2012-04-25T00:00:00.005-04:00

Eureka SuctionSeal with AirSpeed Technology Vacuum Review & Giveaway

2012-04-24T00:00:00.002-04:00

I recently had the chance to check out a new upright vacuum cleaner by Eureka -- the SuctionSeal with AirSpeed Technology. The SuctionSeal boasts that it has been proven to clean better than the Dyson DC25 and DC41 for half the price and that it never loses suction. While I haven't been able to test it against the Dyson, I can vouche for the fact that the new Eureka SuctionSeal is one solid and very powerful vacuum cleaner.

Another feature that I love is that it is very easy to maneuver. The front of the vacuum is sleek and low allowing it to move under low sitting furniture. The vacuum is also very user friendly with a quick on/off switch at your feet and my absolute favorite feature -- a retractable cord.

The vacuum’s SuctionSeal technology works because of the seal plates at the bottom of the vacuum. They adjust to the surface you are on and concentrates the airflow so that it picks up all the dirt and doesn’t scatter it on the hard floor. However, the AirSpeed technology is the really unique feature of this vacuum. There is a selector knob on the side of the vacuum that redirects the airflow from the bottom brush straight into the canister or from the hose straight to the canister with limited bends, which in turn increases airflow and speed.

With other vacuums the dirt has to always travel through the hose to the canister whether it’s coming from the brush or the hose. And let’s be honest, the place that you really want your power to be is at the base brush where the vacuum needs to pull up the dirt from your carpet fibers. The AirSpeed Technology is very cool!

The vacuum comes with a wand attachment that is already loaded on the hose for quick use and an easily accessible brush and crevice tool. It also comes with a suction powered pet tool that is loaded on the front. This is probably my favorite attachment because it literally attacks all of the hair my chocolate lab leaves laying around all over the house and on the couches -- LOVE it!

The Eureka SuctionSeal vacuum has a lot of built in features and makes a number of claims on performance. So far -- it meets and exceeds my expectations. Of course, as with all vacuums only time will tell. It’s not how it performs when you first open it up; it’s how it performs after its 500th or so use. I haven’t used it 500 times, but I have used it a lot and so far so good.

See Mike Put the Eureka SuctionSeal with AirSpeed Technology Vacuum to the Test:

PRODUCT FEATURES

Bagless technology eliminates the need to change bags and enables simple cleanup.
HEPA filter traps dust, pollen and other irritants to promote a healthy environment.
14" cleaning path. Lets you clean a broad swath of floor with each pass. Edge cleaning makes it easy to clean along the edge of the wall.
27' cord automatically rewinds for neat, easy storage.
PET Power Paw attachment along with a pet dusting brush helps you clean up after pets.
SuctionSeal and AirSpeed technologies ensure deep cleaning on multiple surfaces.
Brushroll on/off switch
12 amps of power to effectively clean carpets, bare floors, stairs, upholstery and more.

Available at Best Buy for $159.99.

WIN IT!

One Jolly Mom reader will win a Eureka SuctionSeal with AirSpeed Technology Vacuum Cleaner!

How To Enter:

1. Leave me a comment letting me know which feature from the Eureka SuctionSeal with AirSpeed Technology Vacuum you love the best.

Extra Entries (leave separate comments for each):

2. Blog about the giveaway and link to www.eureka.com and www.jollymom.com and leave the link to your post in the comment.

3. Subscribe to Jolly Mom by reader or email

4.One Extra Entry Per Day: Follow @JollyMom on Twitter and Tweet about the giveaway. Make sure to leave your Tweet url in your comment.

5. Add the Jolly Mom button to your sidebar

6. Stumble this post (the post, not the site)

7. Jolly Mom Facebook followers receive an additional entry. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include your Facebook name.

8. List this giveaway on any giveaway site or share the giveaway, including the link, on your Facebook page. Leave me a comment letting me know that you did and include the link of the giveaway.

This giveaway will end on May 8h, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST. Winner will be drawn using random.org and will be announced on this post. US entries only, please.

Totsy & Thomas the Train Sale and Twitter Party

2012-04-23T00:00:00.000-04:00

Choo! Choo! Guess who has pulled into Totsy? Thomas & Friends, that's who! Totsy is having a pretty huge Thomas & Friends sale right now PLUS there's a Twitter party today (Monday, April 23rd) from 2-3 pm ET! Sale includes Books, Puzzles, Train Sets, Accessories, Room Decor and Apparel, which you can check out at Totsy.com.

TWITTER PARTY DETAILS
WHEN: Monday, April 23rd, Time: 2-3 pm EST

WHO TO FOLLOW: @babygoodbuys @TrueBlueEngine @MyTotsy, @TotsyFan, @TotsyMom

HASHTAG: #totsyparty

PRIZES: Five (5) Thomas & Friends Up Up and away DVDs (SRP $14.98 each), Trackmaster R/C toys (SRP $19.99 each)

No RSVP necessary -- just Tweet during the party using the #totsyparty hashtag! See you there!

For more information or to sign up for your FREE Totsy account, visit Totsy.com.

I am a compensated member of the Totsy Mom Committee. Affiliate links are used in the above post. All opinions expressed in this article are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use for more information.

Celebrate Earth Day with Totsy -- Giveaways and Eco-Sales!

2012-04-22T19:05:00.001-04:00

Happy Earth Day, everyone! Just wanted to spread a little green love by sharing some eco-fabulous things Totsy is doing for Earth Week.

Enter Totsy's “Little Things Can Change the World” sweepstakes, and share what little things you do with your little ones, to help make their world a greener place. Sweepstake link is live through Monday, April 30th.

Three (3) lucky winners will receive prize packs from our friends at Bumkins Organics, iPlay, Wear Your Intention and Full Circle. And for one (1) grand prize winner, Totsy will donate $100 to their favorite environmental charity.

Enter HERE.

Wait -- there's more! Starting today, Totsy is having some amazing sales by eco-friendly brands. Check them out below.

Brands: Jambu, Full Circle, Bumkins Organic, Wear Your Intention, i Play, Pure Style, Global Handmade Hope & Ethos
Categories: Home; Infant & Toddler Apparel; Layette; Women's shoes, Accessories & Apparel

For more information or to sign up for your FREE Totsy account, visit Totsy.com.

Wordless Wednesday: The Minions

2012-04-18T00:00:00.007-04:00

What Surprises YOU the Most About the Issue of Child Hunger in the US?

2012-04-17T00:00:00.002-04:00

ConAgra Foods was at Blissdom last month and were asking attendees what surprises them most about the issue of child hunger in the US. Check out my answer below.

My Thoughts On Child Hunger in the US

What surprises YOU the most about the issue of child hunger in the US?

NEW Spring Books by Kids Can Press

2012-04-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

Kids Can Press has a ton of new books for Spring that would make a perfect addition to any child's library this Spring. Check them out below...

Vote for Me! written and illustrated by Ben Clanton

Hey, you! Yes, you with the dazzling smile! The donkey wants your vote. So does the elephant. And each will do just about anything to win your support. Brag? Sure! Flatter? Absolutely! Exaggerate, name-call, make silly promises and generally act childish? Yes, yes, yes and yes. Soon, the tension mounts, and these two quarrelsome candidates resort to slinging mud (literally) and flinging insults. And what happens when the election results are in? Well, let's just say the donkey and the elephant are in for a little surprise — and a certain bewhiskered, third-party candidate is in for a first term.

Vote for Me! is a timely satire of American politics, but it's a story readers of all nationalities and ages will recognize. Comical, retro illustrations (in shades of blue and red, of course) are completely winning, and the duelling duo's insult-laden exchanges promise to have readers laughing out loud.

Get Outside written by Jane Drake and Ann Love and illustrated by Heather Collins

Armed with Get Outside, a kid will never say, "I'm bored!" again. This book is a key to the world of fun beyond the front door. Activities are divided into four categories (Nature Lover, Outdoor Fun and Games, Cozy Inside and Look to the Sky), where readers will find instructions for making things like sundials, bird feeders and kites, as well as rules for games such as 500 Up, Spud and Shinny.

Accompanying these descriptions are fun facts and scientific, historic and cultural context. The passage on playing jacks, for example, includes a sidebar about a similar game played by the ancient Greeks. Children in Northern climes will love learning to play traditional First Nations winter games and be thrilled to find out how to create a backyard ice rink. It's a wealth of fun and fascination that will captivate any young person — who won't mind ditching the video game for the great outdoors

Animal Masquerade written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

Come one, come all to the animal masquerade! The lion is going as an elephant, the elephant as a parrot, and the parrot as a turtle! Each costume gives way to another, yielding new surprises on every page, and revealing a menagerie of familiar and unusual animals. Young children will delight in the absurd and amusing images (who wouldn't love a ladybug dressed as a hippopotamus?) and will also appreciate the gags (a fish costumed as a cat is dubbed a "catfish") and other bits of silly sweetness. Recapping this reading adventure: a detailed panorama at book's end, showing all the party guests in their fanciful finery.

Faith written and illustrated by Richard Steckel and Michele Steckel

This kid-friendly exploration of faith provides a superb overview of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Young readers will learn about different aspects of each religion, including historical origins and beliefs, holy texts, religious clothing and places of worship. They will also find out about the values, customs and symbols all five religions share, such as the golden rule, charity, prayer and candles. Straightforward, simple text makes the content interesting and accessible, as do the vivid photos of children around the world. Parents and teachers will find Faith an invaluable tool for teaching youngsters tolerance and respect for people of different beliefs.

Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Willow Dawson

Based on the idea that knowledge is power, The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea shows how the ocean works and why this immense ecosystem needs our protection. Experiments using everyday materials help explain scientific concepts, such as why the ocean is salty, how temperature affects water density and why fish don't get waterlogged.

A focus on pollution and other ecological hazards raises awareness. Young scientists will gain a hands-on understanding of how "booms" clean oil spills and how a garbage patch roughly twice the size of Texas came to exist in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Newsy sidebars bring readers up to date on efforts to combat environmental hazards — such as the use of oysters to help squelch pollution in urban waterways. An ideal tool for classroom use or the perfect way to spend a rainy day, The Big Green Book of the Big Blue Sea is an essential part of any science library.

Larf written and illustrated by Ashley Spires

No one believes Larf exists, and he likes it that way. Larf, you see, is a sasquatch, the only sasquatch in the world (or so it seems). He has a very pleasant, and very private, life in the woods, where on any given day he might be found jogging, gardening or walking Eric, his pet bunny. But everything changes one morning when Larf discovers that another sasquatch is scheduled to make an appearance in the nearby city of Hunderfitz. What?! That must mean he's not the only sasquatch in the world!

Excited by the prospect of having a friend to share hair grooming tips with (and let's face it, teeter-tottering alone is no fun), Larf disguises himself as a city slicker and heads for Hunderfitz — where he's in for a couple enormous surprises.

Ashley Spires once again shows her chops for creating irresistible, quirky characters and laugh-aloud stories and illustrations. Readers with little feet and big feet will fall head over heels for Larf.

The Pirate Girl's Treasure: An Origami Adventure written by Peyton Leung and illustrated by Hilary Leung
In this spectacularly original picture book, the story mirrors an origami activity: As a pig-tailed pirate girl travels through mountains, valleys, a cave and finally by sea to reach the treasure her grandfather has hidden for her, imaginative illustrations show different incarnations of a single folded sheet of paper within the scenes. Best of all, clear instructions at the end will let readers recreate the story with just a few folds and tears, transforming a piece of notebook paper into a mountain, hat, cave, boat and really cool pirate shirt.

The Island Horse written by Susan Hughes

It's the early half of the 19th century in coastal Nova Scotia, and almost-ten-year-old Ellie is adjusting to the recent death of her mother. But just when she finally begins to feel happy again, Ellie and her father move to remote Sable Island, a tiny, windblown crescent of grass and sand in the Atlantic. While her father works, Ellie explores the island, feeling alone and furious with her pa for making them leave their beloved home. Even meeting a spirited island girl named Sarah does little to dispel her anger and grief. Then one afternoon, Ellie encounters a wild stallion grazing on the dunes, and slowly forges a secret connection with the beautiful horse she names Orchid. But Ellie soon learns that Orchid and his family are threatened, and it may be up to her to save them. Based on historical fact, this early chapter book is a touching exploration of loss and loneliness and the redemptive power of love and friendship.

Earth-Friendly Buildings, Bridges and More The Eco-Journal of Corry LaPont written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by Stephen MacEachern

Introducing Corry Lapont: 12-year-old and aspiring "green" engineer. This dynamic title takes the form of Corry's scrapbook. It's a dazzling collection of postcards, brochures and other memorabilia documenting Corry's research into green design. Kid-friendly language explains the engineering behind some of the planet's most cutting edge towers, bridges, tunnels, domes, dams, dikes, locks and levees. These structures include the Vizcaya Bridge in Spain, where gondolas transport cars over the Nervion River, and the Channel tunnel, where trains speed between England and France in just 35 minutes. Readers will explore the environmental impact of structures, such as the pros and cons of dam construction and how rainwater can be used to cool buildings. Complex concepts are clarified with simple activities, as well as colorful drawings, fun facts and the occasional wisecrack from Corry's kid brother, Riley.

For more information on any of the above books, please visit KidsCanPress.com.

Strawberry Kefir Smoothie (Recipe)

2012-04-16T00:01:00.000-04:00

Ever since I discovered kefir a few months ago, I have become hooked on Strawberry Kefir Smoothies. Mike, Lucas, and I drink one almost every day -- they are delicious, so good for you, and the best part -- so easy to make! If you haven't tried or heard of kefir, it is basically a fermented milk that is rich in beneficial bacteria and yeast, it cleanses the intestines, provides important vitamins and minerals, and is an excellent source of protein. It has a very refreshing and tangy flavor that is perfect in a smoothie -- especially now that the weather is warming up. Recipe below...

Strawberry Kefir Smoothie

Ingredients (shown above)

1 large handful of frozen strawberries
1 cup of low fat kefir
1-2 packets of Truvia or other sweetener of your choice

Directions: Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until smooth. Serve. Makes 1 serving.

Enjoy!