247moms: February 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

This week on 24/7 MOMS - Two NIGHTS Two SHOWS

Two NIGHTS Two SHOWS - Join us either Tuesday night or Wednesday night on 24/7 MOMS Live as we chat With Rebecca Knowlden author of On the UpSide. Hope for Parents....Success for the child with Autism. and then we will keep it simple with our Top 10 Time saving tips for moms

It all begins at Tuesday Night at 7pm PST/ 10pm EST OR Wednesday night at 9pm PST / 12am EST at www.247moms.com

24/7 MOMS Live the show created by Moms just for Moms. (TV on your computer)

This Week 24/7 MOMS Live Features:

-

Rebecca Knowlden author of On the UpSide . Hope for Parents…Success for the Child with Autism

- Trisha's 10 Time Saving Tips For Moms

- Mom Chat

- Fun MOM Giveaways

Put your kids to bed - Surf over to channel www.247moms.com on your computer and join us.

Join the chat to WIN prizes

We go live every Tuesday night at 7pm PST/ 10pm EST or Wednesday night at 9pm PST / 12am EST at www.247moms.com

Tweet, TXT, Facebook , invite all of your MOM friends to this weeks 24/7 MOMS Live Webcast.

Pass it On.... MOMtourage

Pass it On.....Chat it, Tweet it, Facebook it, Yell it, Shout it, Tell every mom that there are TWO nights and TWO Shows every week created by moms for moms

Help us continue to make 24/7 MOMS LIVE the #1 LIVE web cast for moms and you will be entered for a chance to WIN this weeks MOMtourage giveaway. (winner announced on Thursday AM)

2 Nights 2 Times Tuesday 7pm PST/ 10pm EST and Wednesday 9pm PST / 12pm EST

You can earn up to 4 entries each week by doing any of the below options, just be sure to come back and fill out the form after each entry!

OPTION #1 - Post about 24/7 MOMS Live web cast on your Facebook, with a link to www.247moms.com.

OPTION #2 - Add the 24/7 MOMS Live web cast button to your blog . Copy and paste link below. ( receive a weekly entry every week you keep our button on your site).

MOMS, if you would like to add our button to your blog, please use the
code below.

OPTION #3 - Tweet about the weekly 24/7 MOMS Live web cast . www.twitter.com

Sample tweet - Watch the #1 MOM webcast 24/7 MOMS Live every Tues 7pm PST/ 10pm EST and Wed. 9pm PST / 12am EST at www.247moms.com @247moms

Sample tweet - Its FREE Its FUN - 24/7 MOMS Live webcast Tues 7pm PST and Wed. 9pm PST Mom Chat, Giveaways, Tips over at www.247moms.com @247moms

OPTION #4 - Blog about the weekly 24/7 MOMS Live web cast with a link back to www.247moms.com

Once you have completed an entry method, fill out the form below! Be sure you fill out a form for each entry you do.

4 Ways to Get Your Child Interested in Technology

by: Jessica Thompson

It’s 2011, and technology is everywhere you look—the internet, GPS technology, smart phones and so much more have all become a huge part of our everyday lives. As parents, it’s our job to help children safely navigate this vast world of technology. But how can we encourage them to use technology in a constructive, educational and/or creative way?

· Create a Website. One reason teachers often include a visual component (such as a poster or diorama) when assigning a big project is because they understand that the creative aspect makes learning a lot more enjoyable. Having your child create a website about something they’ve researched has the same effect: it gives them an opportunity to take something they’ve learned and present it in a creative, visually-appealing way. There are sites that will allow you to build a website for free—but if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of website building, basic HTML code is easy to learn and all you need to experiment with it is a program like Notepad!

· Start Blogging. Blogs are a great outlet for creative expression, and they can be focused on virtually any topic. Unlike a traditional journal, blogs are easy to share with friends and relatives, and doing so provides a great opportunity for kids to receive feedback. (What blogger doesn’t love comments?) For those concerned about privacy, most free blogging services allow you to keep your blog hidden so that it won’t appear in Google or other search engines, meaning that it can only be accessed by those who have the link.

· Educational Video Games. Educational games have been around for a long time. In recent years, however, the “edutainment” market has exploded as educators and developers alike have recognized the great potential of learning that is both interactive and fun. There are plenty of educational games that are backed by research, so why not give it a try?

· Photography. Most of us have used a digital camera, but did you know that there are cheap digital cameras out there designed specifically for kids? The cool thing is that many of these cameras come with software that allows kids to edit the photos, so they can get some experience with computer software as well.

Of course, there are many ways to help our children become proficient with technology. What are some of yours?

Jessica Thompson is a former language arts teacher who currently works for Mentor Interactive, a company that develops educational video games for children. When she's not working or spending time with her family, Jessica enjoys reading, writing, experimental cooking, and playing with the latest technological gadgets. Her husband and two beautiful daughters are her life!

FREE Subway Frameable Art For St. Patricks Day

Free St. Patrick's Day Subway art from Today's Fabulous Finds.

There are several variations to choose from. Pick up Green or Black frames and frame these for Teacher gifts Click here to choose and print yours today.

Magazine Subscription Deals and Giveaway

It's a DEAL and a GIVEAWAY - for one week only Tanga is offering three fabulous magazine deals and two giveaways. So, if you are in need of some new mom reading material or gifts now is the time to subscribe to these great mom magazines.
Family Circle Magazine Subscription, $3.99 with coupon code '247MOM': (Reg price: $19.99 per year). Click here to subscribe. http://bit.ly/erCBKR

Parents Magazine Subscription, $3.99 with coupon code '247MOM': (Reg price: $15.99 per year). Click here to subscribe http://bit.ly/guYKPK

Disney Family Fun Magazine Subscription, $3.99 with coupon code '247MOM': (Reg price: $9.99 per year) Click here to subscribe. http://bit.ly/geICu9

WIN: Tanga is giving away a $25 Tanga Cash Gift card to TWO of our 24/7 MOMS.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on March 6, 2011.

WIN - Raisels

Are you searching for a healthier alternative to candy? The National Raisin Company has come up with the answer with Raisels. Raisels are the first 100% real fruit snack that actually tastes like candy. 100% Vitamin C, real dried fruit golden raisins, less added sugar than sweetened dried cranberries! – make Raisels a great alternative to cookies, candy and sugary fruit snacks.

Raisels are:

100% US RDA for Vitamin C
Rich in Antioxidants
Fat Free
Cholesterol Free
No High Fructose Corn Syrup or Artificial Sweeteners
No Sodium
Kosher Certified by the Orthodox Union

Click here to visit Raisels Facebook page.

Click here to visit Raisels Twitter page.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Raisels are a giving away a prize package of a variety of Raisels.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on March 12, 2011.

**We received complimentary Raisels for review no financial compensation was received.

Drum roll please...... this weeks MOMTOURAGE Winne

Drum roll please...... last weeks MOMTOURAGE Winner is Shawn Harrington This weeks giveaway was the Set of JUNO products- Congratulations.

Thanks MOMTOURAGE moms for shouting out about us this week. Be sure to enter this weeks contest beginning today.

Winners be sure to email us at win247moms@gmail.com with your shipping information.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What is something mischievous you have done?

Riddle:
Q: What happens to tires when they get old?
A: They are retired.
(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Souper Sunday - Busy Day Beef Stew

Busy Day Beef Stew
from: Taste Of Home

8-10 Servings
Prep: 10 min. Cook: 10 hours

Ingredients

1 boneless beef chuck roast (1 to 1-1/2 pounds)
1 envelope onion soup mix
2 teaspoons browning sauce, optional
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups water
2 cups cubed peeled potatoes (1/2-inch pieces)
6 to 8 medium carrots, cut into chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 cup frozen corn, thawed, optional
5 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons cold water

Directions

Place roast in a 5-qt. slow cooker; sprinkle with soup mix, browning sauce if desired, salt and pepper. Pour water over meat. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
Remove roast to a cutting board; let stand for 5 minutes. Add vegetables to slow cooker. Cube beef and return to slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 1-1/2 hours or until vegetables are tender.
Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes or until thickened. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Free: Button Rainbow Printable For St. Patricks Day

Create your own Button Rainbow Framed decoration for St. Patrick's day with this FREE printable from Funky Polka Dot Giraffe. Click here to download yours now.

DEAL:$10 for $20 Worth of Mabels Labels

This deal is perfect for school age kids - I personally use Mabel Labels on my kids belongings including their Lunch boxes, school supplies, toys and cloting. They make my mom life simple when it is time to label things.

Mabel's Labels - pay $10 for $20 Worth of Organizational Labels from Mabel’s Labels. Prices. Click here to get deal now. *Plus use code FRIENDS20 and get an additional 20% off of your Mampedia deal making it only $8.00.

*For a limited time, you can use the coupon code FRIENDS20 to get 20% off any Mamapedia Sweet Deal! (Maximum discount of $10 off. One coupon code use per person. Offer ends 2/28 at midnight)

WIN - Barney Musical Zoo DVD

Tune in for wild musical fun with everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur, Barney and his playground friends, in the all-new Barney: Musical Zoo now available on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.

Trusted by moms and adored by children, Barney displays sharing, caring, imagining, dancing and learning on television, online and through live events, home entertainment and publishing. The Emmy^® award-winning series, Barney & Friends is one of the top-rated preschool shows today, airing on PBS KIDS^® and PBS KIDS Sprout^®. The DVD also includes a bonus episode of the all-new Preschool TV series, Timmy Time from the Academy-Award^® winning Aardman studios.

DVD SYNOPSIS

Hear an elephant trumpet and a lion roar as Barney and Riff create a wild concert filled with exotic animal sounds in Barney: Musical Zoo. Join Riff as he composes for a different kind of puppet show and then BJ and Baby Bop get into the act, learning about rhythm and performing for others in this super-dee-duper orchestral treat that the whole family will enjoy.

Check out this new Barney Set:

Barney LearningPack 6 DVD Set

Celebrate the gift of learning with Barney in this jam-packed 6 DVD compilation, containing educational episodes focusing on colors, counting, nursery rhymes and learning the alphabet. A great value, this gift set is the perfect present and a tee-riffic opportunity for your preschooler to learn important lessons with Barney & Friends.

The Set includes these DVDs:

It’s Time for Counting
Numbers! Numbers!
Now I Know My ABCs
Rhyme Time Rhythm
Let’s Play School!
Red, Yellow & Blue

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment are giving away a Barney Musical Zoo DVD.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on March 12, 2011.

**We received a complimentary Barney Musical Zoo DVD & Barney Learning Pack - 6 DVD Set for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What has been your best work of art? Describe it.

Riddle:
Q: Why do hurricanes travel so fast?
A: Because if they travelled slowly, they'd be known as slow-i-canes.

(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Saturday, February 26, 2011

FREEbie - Irish for a Day: St. Patrick's Crafts and Recipes eBook.

Free Offer: Irish for a Day: St. Patrick's Crafts and Recipes eBook.

Included in this eBook:
Leprechaun Greeting Yard Sign (pg. 14)
Lucky Clover Pendant Necklace (pg. 20)
Good Luck Charm Bag (pg.27)
Felt Shamrock Garland (pg. 28)
County Cork Irish Sew (pg. 31)
Many other St. Patrick's Day crafts and recipes

Click here to download your Free eBook.

4 MONEY Saving MOM Deals You Will Love

FOUR DEALS:

#1 - Chocolate Cupcake Club - Pay $8 for $16 Worth of Kid’s & Family Products at Chocolate Cake Club. Click here to get deal now. *Plus use code FRIENDS20 and get an additional 20% off of your Mampedia deal making it only $6.40

#2 Cookie Jar Fun - Pay $10 for $25 Worth of Cookie Jar Fun, Educational DVDs at Special Mamapedia Prices. Click here to get deal now. *Plus use code FRIENDS20 and get an additional 20% off of your Mampedia deal making it only $8.00.

#3 Image Canvas - Pay $39 for One 16x20 Photo-to-Canvas Print from Image Canvas ($89 Value). Click here to get deal now. *Plus use code FRIENDS20 and get an additional 20% off of your Mampedia deal making it only $31.20

Deal BELOW (Mabel's Labels) starts on Sunday at 6:30am EST

#3 Mabel's Labels - pay $10 for $20 Worth of Organizational Labels from Mabel’s Labels. Prices. Click here to get deal now. *Plus use code FRIENDS20 and get an additional 20% off of your Mampedia deal making it only $8.00.

*For a limited time, you can use the coupon code FRIENDS20 to get 20% off any Mamapedia Sweet Deal! (Maximum discount of $10 off. One coupon code use per person. Offer ends 2/28 at midnight)

Ballet Shoe Advice For Parents of Little Ballerinas

Your child is now a budding dancer – complete with bun, leotard, chiffon skirt and pink ballet shoes. In 15 years, she’s going to take the stage and be the next Anna Pavlova!

That, of course, will take years of hard work and training. But you can make a significant contribution to your child’s dance career early on by ensuring you buy proper-fitting ballet shoes.

When ballet shoes fit, they should fit like a snug sock and move with the feet. If they are too tight, the toes will curl inside and the back will cut into the achille’s heel – a painful way to dance. If the shoes are too loose, the shoes will look “floppy” and the child will struggle through jumps and turns.

Proper-fitting ballet slippers don’t have to cost a lot. The typical pair runs anywhere from $15-20 and with the internet, you can buy them online if you know your child’s size. For the first pair, it is recommended that you get your child fitted at a store that specializes in dancewear.

Inevitably, as your child grows, you’ll need to invest in new shoes to maintain the proper fit. But don’t despair, as you can buy shoes that are a ½ size larger in some cases so they can grow into the shoe. Be careful to ensure the fit is not too loose for the child.

Ballet shoes often run a few sizes smaller than street size, so if you noticed your child’s street size increasing, it might be time for new ballet shoes.

If you’d like to learn more about how to buy ballet shoes, visit Best Ballet Shoes.

WIN - Muscle Cars book

The 1960s and early 1970s were the age of raw American automotive power. Whether it was a classic Hemi ‘Cuda, Pontiac GTO, Charger, or Boss Mustang, big engines were king at local drag strips and cruises. Muscle Cars explores this era and the current models with a broad survey of classic muscle and today’s new machines. Each chapter is organized around a theme (milestones, factory racers, etc), each model getting a multi-page spread of full-color photography, performance stats, trivia, and more. Photos and stories from the people who built and raced these amazing machines make the book a must-read for any fan of American muscle.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and First Gear are giving away a Muscle Cars book.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on March 12, 2011.

**We received a complimentary Muscle Car book for review no financial compensation was received.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: What makes you tick?

Riddle:
Q: What part of a clock is always old?
A: The second hand.
(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Friday, February 25, 2011

Prevention Magazine Best Easy Healthy Eating LIVE Chat

Are you like me, a busy mom, who wants healthy food for their family? Prevention Magazine has chosen their Best Packaged Food Awards 2011. 24/7 MOMS is partnering with them to host a LIVE Q & A about how to eat healthy, and live well. Join us March 1^st, 9:30am PST / 12:30 pm ET. Bring your friends & your questions! We will be live at www.247moms.com

Prevention.com Packaged Foods Webcast from Brian Boyd on Vimeo.

5 Fun Manners Games - Teaching Kids the Fun Way

My favorite scene in the movie cheaper by the dozen is the crazy breakfast scene where the missing frog reappears and creates complete mayhem.

This scene reminds me of the continued need for table manner training in my home. And I have some fun simple ideas and games to help you teach manners to your kids

Oink Oink - This s a fun table manner reminder game. You will need some sort of pig either stuffed, plastic or a picture you have printed off the computer of a pig.

To Play -
If someone breaks a table manner rule that is on the list 2 or 3 of the ones you are working on and another family member squeals on him by saying "Oink, Oink " the pig is then placed in front of the table manner breakers plate and they are informed as to what manner rule was broken.

Through out the meal the pig will travel to person to person as rules are broken. The last person with the little pig during the diner meal is the Oink , Oink helper of the night and given a kitchen duty such as clearing the table, sweeping the floor etc.

* A variation of the game would be to keep score and wait till the end of the week and decide who is the Oink, Oink helper.

Manners B-I-N-G-O - Using manners bingo cards with various table manners written in each square to play Bingo. You can download FREE manners bingo cards .

To Play:
If one of the table guest ( family members) is seen doing a great job on one or more of their table manners they get to put a "X" on that square. The first one to get a bingo wins.

* From moreofamom.com

Table Manner QUIZ - Give a pop quiz to your family members (and Mom and Dad too!) on what kinds of things you should and shouldn't do at the dinner table. The winner gets to pick who washes the dishes that evening. Click here to get your FREE pop quiz.

Mrs. Manners Says - a Manner variation of Simon says. During dinner or family time Mrs. Manners calls out good or bad manner actions to those playing the game. If it is a good manner the players are to act it out, if it is a bad manner players are to remain still. For example Mr.s Manners calls out "chew with your mouth closed" players all chew with their mouths closed. If Mrs. Manners calls out use your shirt sleeve to wipe your mouth, players are to remain still. If a player makes a mistake and does a bad manner action you can choose to have them sit our the next round of play.

Blunders Game -The game Blunders board game, teaches children table manners, introductions, guest and host skills, not to gossip, to show respect and telephone manners. Designed for ages 5 to 10, it can be played by two or more players. Blunders is available at http://www.blundersmania.com/

Thirteen Indoor Activities for Snow Days

By Trisha

The kids are out of school for a snow day and its cold out. The “I’m bored” syndrome is hitting your home. What is a mom to do with a group of bored kids on those long snow days?

Fear no more! Here are 13 fun ideas to cure the “I’m bored” syndrome in no time.

To read the full article and see my list of 13 fun ideas click here.

Be sure to leave me a comment over at SC Johnson

*Each week Trisha Blogs on SC Johnson Family Economics website as a paid writer be sure to read her weekly organization articles.

WIN - Baby in Bliss Prize Pack

Baby in Bliss is a new CD and DVD that brings out peace, calm, joy, love, focus, and inspiration in children and helps deepen the bond between mother and baby. The drum beats of the melodies are said to connect us to our pulse and our heartbeat, grounding us back to the rhythm that began in the womb. It’s great for newborns through young children. The tracks are titled spiritual themes ranging from Peace, Gratitude, Love, and many more. Instantly calming and contagiously happy, Baby in Bliss is grouped with melodic voices, inspirational lyrics, positive messages, and beautiful instrumental accompaniment.

WIN: 24/7 MOMS and Baby in Bliss are giving away a Baby in Bliss Prize Pack including: CD, DVD, one bib, and two onesies.

Enter for your chance to win:

1. Become a 24/7 MOMS Subscriber Enter your email address below then leave a comment that you subscribed along with your email address.

2. If you are already a subscriber just leave a comment that you are a subscriber along with your email address.

US entries only and one entry per person. Winner will be chosen on March 12, 2011.

**We received a complimentary Baby in Bliss product for review no financial compensation was received.

9 Giveaways Ending Saturday at Midnight

WIN: Crocs, Inc. is giving away a pair of Crocs Tone shoes. Click here to enter.

WIN: Sassy is giving away all 3 products: Rock Star Developmental Gym, Teething Feeder & Silly Squirts. Click here to enter.

WIN: Case-Mate is giving away a DIY Case-Mate Case that you can crate and personalize. Click here to enter.

WIN: Munchkin, Inc. is giving away a Munchkin Safety Gate (the Auto-Close). Click here to enter.

WIN: Neve Designs is giving away a Neve Designs Electra Sweater (winner chooses color). Click here to enter.

WIN: Lionsgate & Hit Entertainment are giving away an Animal Tails DVD. Click here to enter.

WIN: First Gear is giving away a Hot Rods book. Click here to enter.

WIN: HEXBUG is giving away a HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set. Click here to enter now.

WIN: Goji Gourmet is giving away a $25.oo gift certificate to Goji Gourmet. Click here to enter now.

Table Talk

Tonight's Table Talk
....to create conversation

Q: How many hours do you spend on your computer each day? How much time do you spend "surfing the Web"?

Riddle:
Q: What is black and white and red all over?
A: A skunk with diaper rash.
(each day 24/7 MOMS posts a question and riddle to help you create dinner time conversation with your families)

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Re-Play For MOMS -Kids and Manners Matter

Five Manners Essential to Your Child’s Success and FUN Table Manner games to play with weekly Host Trisha Novotny and guest Arden Clise of Clise Etiquette

Video chat by Stickam.com

Five Manners Essential to Your Child’s Success

Arden Clise shared these tips with us on Kids and Manners during this week Live Webcast.

Five Manners Essential to Your Child’s Success

by: Arden Clise

1. Good table manners.

· Chew with their mouths closed and chew quietly.

· Wait to eat until everyone has been served.

· Put their napkin on their lap and to use it to wipe their mouth but never to blow their nose.

· Don’t eat with their fingers unless they are too young to use utensils.

· Teach them how to use their utensils properly.

2. Introduce themselves and others.

· Introduce themselves if not introduced

· When introducing two people say the name of the older person or person with a title first and say the name of the younger person or person without a title second. Example: “Coach Ball this is my friend Mary Smith.”

3. Conversation skills.

· Listen, don’t interrupt

· Not a monologue.

· Don’t just wait to talk.

· As parent, reinforce listening skills. Put Blackberry down. Be a good role model.

4. Write thank you notes.

· Kids need to be reminded and prompted.

A few TY note pointers to help:

1. Have a supply of note cards on hand.

2. Send the card within 48 hours so that feelings are still fresh

3. Follow this format for thank you notes:

a. Say thank you for the gift or whatever it is you received.

b. Let the giver know what you plan to do with it or have done with it.

c. Tell the person how much you like the gift or why you are so happy with it

d. If your child didn’t like the gift or received a duplicate have them say something about how thoughtful it was of the giver to give them a gift.

5. Be nice and courteous to others.

· Respect differences

· Be kind to others and don’t intentionally hurt people.

· Say please and thank you.

· Help others – hold doors, help coach put equipment away, visit friend in hospital

· Look for the positive – give sincere compliment

Modern Manners for Modern Children class, March 5, 11am to 1pm, Bothell, WA. For more information go to http://www.cliseetiquette.com/events/