April 28, 2018 · 12:20 pm

Party For National Superhero Day #PJMasks #Giveaway

National Superhero Day is Today!!!

Are you having a party? You can find great PJ Masks Party Supplies at stores like Party City. Check out our video below to see some of the great party supplies you can find. They will make your make your next PJ Masks Party super fun!

If you want even more of the PJ Masks Superheros, you can enter the PJ Masks It’s Time To Be A Hero Library Program Sweepstakes until Mother’s Day, May 13th!  Prize Packages include a TV, DVD, Book and a Game for everyone in the family to enjoy the PJ Masks Experience! 

 

For the entire month of April local libraries will provide activity booklets for kids (a new one each week!), storytime, arts and crafts, fun and games, and more; all inspired by PJ Masks.

The PJ Masks, “It’s Time to be a Hero” Experience is being offered at these participating libraries.
You can still catch PJ Masks Live at these locations. Remember you can find your favorite PJ Masks Superheros on The Disney Channel-check your local listings.
 

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April 25, 2018 · 12:03 am

“ZOMBIES” The Disney Channel’s Newest Original Movie! #Giveaway

 ZOMBIES  have arrived in the Disney Channel’s Newest Original Movie!  At Seabrook High, it’s Zoms vs Poms!

The movie features exclusive bonus content including bloopers, deleted scenes, Zombie Survival Guide to High School and more!

Disney’s  ZOMBIES  is a music and dance-filled story set in the fictitious world of Seabrook, a cookie-cutter community brimming with perky conformity 50 years after a zombie apocalypse.

Today, the zombies pose no threat, but are required to live in Zombietown, an isolated, rundown community infused with their unique creative spirit. When zombies are finally allowed to enroll in Seabrook High School, the charming, charismatic zombie Zed, who is determined to play football, meets freshman Addison who dreams of being a cheerleader — the ultimate form of status in Seabrook.

Addison takes a lot of flak for befriending Zed and his zombie friends, but comes to learn that zombies and cheerleaders aren’t so different after all. Zed and Addison work together to show Seabrook what they can achieve when they embrace their differences and celebrate what makes them a community.

Cast:  Milo Manheim as Zed; Meg Donnelly as Addison; Trevor Tordjman as Bucky; Kylee Russell as Eliza; Carla Jeffery as Bree; Kingston Foster as Zoey;
and James Godfrey as Bonzo.

Director:Paul Hoen

Executive Producers:  Effie Brown and Paul Hoen

Writers: David Light and Joseph Raso

Bonus Material:  Zombie Blooper Reel (DVD Exclusive)  – Laugh out loud at the Cast of ZOMBIES in this compilation of the funniest bloopers and outtakes from the making of the film.  TRT:  3:53

The Zombie Survival Guide To High School (DVD Exclusive) – This piece uses a visual motif of a Zombie Survival Guide, with styled infographics and hosted by the talent.  We go down the list of some of the most important survival tips for Zombies and humans on how to get along and make the best of high school.  TRT:  2:24

Dance Tutorial – Join Meg Donnelly (Addison), Kylee Russell (Eliza) and ZOMBIES Choreographer, Christopher Scott, as they show you how to dance along to the ‘BAMM” Music Video. TRT:  3:38

Deleted Scene #1 (DVD Exclusive)  – It’s a Cheer-tastrope  TRT:  :57

Deleted Scene #2 (DVD Exclusive) – New Jacket, New Name TRT:  1:09

Audition Tapes (DVD Exclusive)

Milo Manheim Audition TRT: 1:16

Meg Donnelly Audition TRT :57

Music Video – “BAMM” TRT 3:39

Lyric Video – “BAMM”  TRT 3:23

Trailer #1  TRT:  2:20

Trailer #2   TRT 1:50

Release Date:   April 24, 2018

Packaging: DVD

Rating: TV-G

Feature Run Time:       Approx. 94 minutes (excluding bonus)

To celebrate this new film, we are sharing the downloadable Disney ZOMBIES Movie Night Fun Pack.

So, are you excited to see this new movie? Let me know.

Giveaway:

Disney is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own ZOMBIES DVD! Thank you to Disney Channel for the review movie and for sponsoring this scary good giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US residents.

Disney ZOMBIES Movie DVD Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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April 24, 2018 · 11:19 am

“I Walk With Vanessa” is An Empowering Story with No Words

As the old saying goes, ” a picture is worth a thousand words”, and that sentiment is true in the new children’s picture book, I Walk With Vanessa. This relevant, wordless book speaks volumes about how a simple act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. 

Written by New York Times bestselling husband and wife team Kerascoët, I Walk With Vanessa, explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly. Based on true events, it is the empowering story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying.

The story is inspired by a Baylor University student who was escorted to class by 300 of her classmates after she was bullied the day before, this timeless, profound, feel-good story addresses themes of kindness and acceptance, acting as a call to action to even the youngest of children to stand up for what they know is right.

PRAISE FOR I WALK WITH VANESSA

“A wonderfully illustrated, hopeful book that can help caregivers tackle an emotionally fraught subject with even very young children.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

 “A simple, beautiful story with an empowering lesson and call to action.” —School Library Journal, starred review

“The wordless pages and small, toylike figures make this a good choice for young children who can work out for themselves what has happened, what Vanessa’s new friend does, and why it works.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Drawn with loose lines and plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Plenty of personality . . . a stirring example of how an image can both reflect and extend the individual reader’s experience.” —The New York Times Book Review

Giveaway

Random House Kids is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win their own hardcover copy of, I Walk With Vanessa! Thank you to Random House Kids for the review book and for sponsoring this inspiring giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! Open to US Residents.

I Walk With Vanessa Book Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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

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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!!!

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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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