Jane Goodall-Tournament of Roses Grand Marshall

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses^® revealed today that Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, will serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2013 Tournament of Roses festivities. On New Year’s Day, in front of a world television audience, Dr. Goodall will ride in the 124^th Rose Parade^® presented by Honda and themed “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!.” She will then toss the coin before the 99^th Rose Bowl Game^® presented by VIZIO.

 At the age of 26, Jane Goodall traveled from England to what is today Tanzania and bravely entered the little-known world of wild chimpanzees. She was equipped with nothing more than a notebook and a pair of binoculars. But with her unyielding patience and characteristic optimism, she won the trust of these initially shy creatures. She managed to open a window into their sometimes strange and often familiar-seeming lives. Her early findings—that chimpanzees make and use tools, eat meat, and engage in war-like activity—profoundly altered our understanding of what it means to be human.

Today, Dr. Goodall’s work revolves around inspiring action on behalf of endangered species, particularly chimpanzees, and encouraging people to do their part to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment.

The Jane Goodall Institute, which Dr. Goodall founded in 1977, works to protect the wild chimpanzees of Gombe National Park in Tanzania and other parts of Africa, but recognizes this cannot be accomplished without a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of local people who are critical to chimpanzee survival.

The Institute’s community-centered conservation program in Africa (TACARE) includes sustainable development projects that engage local people as true partners. The program began around Gombe in 1994, but has since been replicated in other parts of the continent.

Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, which Dr. Goodall started with a group of Tanzania students in 1991, is today the Institute’s global environmental and humanitarian youth program for young people from preschool through university with hundreds of thousands of members in more than 120 countries around the world. 

***I was not compensated for this post.I am just sharing some information provided to me as part of the Disney Moms Group***

Marvel's The Avengers Giveaway

My house is full of Marvel fans.Each of use have our own favorites and we are all super excited to see the movie.I'll be watching it tomorrow at a special screening,but I will tell you more about that soon enough.

As I am sure you know by now,Marvel's The Avengers opens in theatres everywhere,this Friday,May 4th! This is your chance to catch your favorite characters in action. Thanks to my wonderful sponsors,one of my fabulous readers will have the chance to win this great pack to gear up while they watch the movie.I have to admit I am a little jealous of the winner.

ITEMS FOR GIVEAWAY:

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS t-shirt in adult sizes of S, M, L, XL

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS set of 6 buttons

- MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS one pair of limited edition 3D glasses

 

Mandatory Entry-

Tell me who your favorite Avenger is?

Extra Entries-

Follow the sponsor on facebook or twitter (links below)-1 entry each

Follow me on GFC-1 entry

Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs(widget in sidebar)-1 entry

Follow me on Pinterest or Twitter-1 entry each

You can also find out more on the Avengers Facebook page or Twitter.Open to US and Canada age 18 and over.Giveaway ends May 7th at midnight!

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I was not compensated for this post.Giveaway items are provided by the sponsor and they are responsible for shipping all prizes.***

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil

I have used products from the Tropical Traditions line before,but had never had the opportunity to try the  Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.Honestly,when I received the chance to review it,I wasn't even sure how I was going to use it.I love to try new things though,so I agreed to give it a go and see what I could come up with.
When my jar arrived,I was surprised at the size.I guess I am used to how small things have gotten in the store.I opened the jar right away to see how it looked and smelled.Of course,being me,I just had to taste it right out of the jar.That really wasn't such a great idea.It was kind of oily and I couldn't really get the taste of the coconut that way.

There are tons of uses for this oil including some great recipes you can try.


It tells you on the jar to store at or above 76 degrees to prevent it from solidifying but I didn't see that until mine had already changed.I noticed a big difference in the consistency of the oil if you let it reach the wrong temperature.The oil is extremely high in fat as well.Just 1 tablespoon contains 14 grams.Of course you aren't going to use it in giant quantities,so that may not be a huge factor.

Thanks to Tropical Traditions,one of you can win the same jar I received to try for yourself!

Mandatory Entry-
Subscribe to the sponsors newsletter

Extra Entries-1 each
Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter
Like me on GFC
Subscribe to this blog via email
Follow me on twitter
Vote on Picket Fence Blogs (button in sidebar)
Follow me on Pinterest

Giveaway ends May 15th at midnight.Please leave new comment for each entry
Open to people 18 and over in the US and Canada-(sorry everyone else)

*All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.
 **Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

My Hp Slimline and Norton Fiasco

As you know by now,my old computer went kaput on me.It had been slowing down and acting ignorant for awhile,so it wasn't a big surprise,but I hate the process of getting a new one.Ugh

After my Walmart experience,I shopped around online and eventually found the HP Slimline at Best Buy.I didn't need to replace my monitor,keyboard or other parts,so all I needed was the tower.My husband picked it up for me on his way home from work and switched it out with the old one later that evening.

The next day I called Norton support to have them transfer my 360 to the new computer.After a few minutes of explaining,the representative offered to do the remote access and get my system ready to go.He ran the scan to check for any issues and told me he couldn't install my product because my computer had 50 registry errors on it.Yes,you read that right..50 errors.We are talking about a computer that was 2 days old.I had not installed anything on it or done anything except connect it to my router,printer etc.return it to the store.

I then called Best Buy,explained what happened and was told to bring it in to the "Geek Squad" to have it fixed or replaced.What a pain,the store is a half hour away.I took it back when I got a chance and after connecting it and looking for a few minutes,the "geek" told me there was nothing wrong with it.i was told he checked for errors and found nothing at all.His solution was to call Norton back and tell them to check again.

So tomorrow I will begin phase 2 of the process to get my new computer totally set up and functioning to it's full abilities.Until then...

Rascal Flatts-Changed

Rascal Flatts' has officially released their newest album,Changed.This album hit stores a couple weeks ago and so far it seems to be a success. In case you didn't know,Rascal Flatts is the trio of singer Gary LeVox, bassist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney.This is a group that has been around for awhile and is still coming out with something new for their fans.

Changed is the eighth studio album and their first with brand new material in two years. Since their musical debut in 2000, the band has sold over 21 million albums, 25 million digital downloads and delivered 13 #1 singles to the top of the charts!

Changed is full of the band's high-gloss harmonies, songs that speak to our hearts, and above all, their desire to push themselves to bring more to the table with each record.

I am not a big fan of country myself,but my husband is.I asked him to listen to the new songs and tell me what he thought.He enjoyed the album and even shared it with a friend,so I guess that is about as positive a response as I could ask for.



***.All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I receive sample items in order to write a fair and honest review.I am sharing this information as member of One2One Network ***

I am a Coppertone Water Mom!!

With summer coming and the kids loving to play outdoors,I am always in need of a good quality sunblock.I am concerned about the possibility of sunburn and,of course,skin cancer in the future.In fact,I am so worried about it that I sometimes make people a little crazy insisting it be put on the kids faces and all exposed skin.My children love to swim too,so I need something that won't wash off in 5 minutes,yet won't be so greasy they can't enjoy playing while they wear it.

I love Coppertone for these reasons and many more.There are a ton of varieties to choose from including the Coppertone Babies.I will be bringing you more fun stuff from Coppertone throughout the summer,so keep your eyes open!

***.All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I was not compensated for this post.I just wanted to share my good news!***

Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosè Facebook Contest

Mother's Day is coming soon.I don't know about you,but I cannot think of a better way to end the evening than with a cold glass of the new Santa Margherita Sparkling Rose.Santa Margherita is embracing the strong Italian love for mothers by introducing this blend of Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Chardonnay, and a hint of Malbec.

This won't be available until May,right in time for Mother's Day.While you are waiting for the national release,you can stop by the Santa Margherita Facebook Sweepstakes and enter to win a Las Vegas Mother's Day weekend for two!!

This fabulous package includes airfare, two nights at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino and a memorable Mother's Day Brunch featuring HGTV star and entertaining expert Monica Pedersen. Other great prizes include bottles of wine, boxes of chocolates and copies of Monica Pedersen's new book, "Make it Beautiful"

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine I was entered for a chance to win a Santa Margherita prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place..***

Relive Muscle Pain with Arnicare and Giveaway

I don't think I ever get through a week without some kind of muscle pain.Of course some of that is from overdoing the yoga or trying to get in one too many sessions of belly dancing with my daughter.Most of the time though,the pain is from normal activities like cleaning or weeding my flowers for too long.

When I was offered the chance to try Arnicare,a pain relief gel,I knew it was something I would times if it worked.The homeopathic medicine from Boiron is designed to relieve muscle pan,stiffness,swelling and bruising.Because it is a natural product you can use it without worrying about overdose,reactions or side effects.

Arnicare Gel can be purchased at Walgreens,CVS,Rite Aid and Whole Foods as well as independent pharmacies and health food stores for only $9.99. Available in several forms including tablets,cream and ointment,you are sure to find a version that works best for your needs.

I tried this on my neck and shoulders after a long day of remodeling my flowerbeds.I applied the gel and went about my normal routine and within a short time I had forgotten that I even used it.The gel was able to relieve most of the pain and lasted for the rest of the night.I believe some of the pain is from fibromyalgia,which is not an intended use for this product, and is why I still had some pain after using.It did work wonders on the stiff muscles in my neck and did the same a few days later for the ones in my lower back too.

Thanks to my wonderful sponsors at Arnicare,one of my readers will get a chance to try this for themselves! The winner will receive a 2.6 oz tube of the same gel I tried.

General Mills and Curvy Straws with Giveaway

Did you know drinking the leftover milk from cereal can help kids work towards fulfilling their daily Vitamin D,dairy and calcium needs?I don't know about you,but I can't think of a better way to get down to the bottom of that pesky cereal  bowl than with the new Curvy Straws.These super cute straws are available in specially marked boxes of Big G cereal!  Using these collectable, connectable Curvy Straws, children of all ages can enjoy mixing and matching to build bigger,better and more colorful straws.Plus,while they are having fun playing with their new toy,they are also working towards stronger bones and muscles through increased calcium intake!

There are 6 different collectible straws and each one has a different General Mills cereal character.My favorite is the Cinnamon Toast Crunch but you can get Lucky Charms,Reeses Puffs,Cocoa Puffs,Honey Nut Cheerios and Trix too!

One of my readers will win a prize pack just like mine with all of these great items-

1 box of a participating Big G cereal

1 Curvy Straw

1 `spilt´ milk bowl

2 glow cups

2 tangle toys

Mandatory Entry-
Tell me which of these cereals you will be grabbing to get your own Curvy Straws

Extra Entries-
Follow me on Twitter,Pinterest,or GFC-1 entry each
Subscribe to this blog via email-1 entry
Comment on any other recent post-1 entry per post
Google +1 this post-1 entry
Share this giveaway and leave me the link where you shared-1 entry
Giveaway ends April 27th at 11:59 pm.Please leave email or user name where needed.Must be 18 and a US resident to enter.



"The prize pack, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark."

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine..***

Grab Destiny by Laura DeLuca for under a dollar!

If you are in the same blog circle as I am,you have probably heard of Destiny by now.This book has gotten excellent reviews from everyone I know who has read it and is written by a fabulous fellow blogger.If you are not familiar with the book,Laura or her blogs,I suggest taking a second and getting to know her.What better way than to read her YA novel,Destiny.You can get your own digital download on Amazon right now  for only .99!   

Ugh..sorry I am missing!

I haven't had time to get online for the past few days.Even if I had though,it wouldn't have mattered since my computer decided to stop working.I was tired of trying to fix it so I gave up and went searching for a replacement.

After spending what seemed liked forever trying to find something that suits my needs,I finally came across my new toy.I will tell you more about it later,but I will say that I now have a nice round terabyte of storage..woo-hoo!

I Loved Real Steel

I don't wait for movies to be released very often.Most of the previews I see don't interest me enough to battle the crowds,find a sitter and spend $40 to see a movie,more if I have to pay my sister to watch the kids.Not to mention doing so in a crowded theater where people are loud and get on my nerves.

That said,there are some movies I have wanted to see strongly enough to do just that.In the past year that has happened about three times that I remember.I waited to see my beloved Rise of the Planet of the Apes and am working on going to see Hunger Games now.The only other time I would have done it was to see Real Steel,which I ended up waiting for and grabbing from the Blockbuster kiosk for $2.99.

If you aren't familiar with the movie,it is set on the year 2020 and is about a boy (Dakota Goyo) who is sent to his father after his mother dies.His father,(Hugh Jackman),agrees to keep the boy for the summer,and then give full custody to his aunt and uncle when they return from a second honeymoon.In exchange the uncle gives him $100,000.

Charlie and Max (Jackman and Goyo) don't hit it off so well at first,but eventually the two bond over the sport of robot boxing.During a trip to the junkyard to steal scraps for building a new robot,Max falls over a ledge and is saved by catching on the hand of a buried robot.He insists on keeping it and digs it out himself.

They discover the robot,Atom,is a Generation 2 sparring bot built in 2014.Built to take damage but not dish it out,Charlie insists he isn't worth the time,but Max pushes him to fight Atom anyway.Atom wins and begins his trip to fame on the fighting circuit shortly after.Using his special "shadow" feature,Atom can mimic the movements of a human controller,allowing him to fight in a different style than the other bots.

There is more to the story but I don't want to give everything away.I will say I was pleased with the film,as I thought I would be and I watched it more than once while we had it.If you like boxing,robots or just fun movies,I suggest grabbing this when you get a chance.

The Great Kapok Tree

I read a book with my daughter for school a few weeks ago called The Great Kapok Tree,by Lynne Cherry.This is a super cute book about the animals in the Amazon Rain Forest who live in this amazing tree.The Kapok Tree is home to a wide variety of animals from frogs and birds to sloths and anteaters. When a man comes to chop down their home,each of the animals tells how they use,and rely on,the tree for their survival.

I thought this was a great story and my daughter enjoyed it too.She learned about a few animals she knew and some she didn't,plus the story of the tree and how it supports such a wide variety of life.I think this is a good story to share with your children.It would be perfect for a school session or a bedtime story,and the lesson behind it makes it a great discussion piece too.

This was a required book for us,but I am sure you can pick it up at the local library or grab a copy of your own   from Amazon for under $10.With the beautiful pictures,colorful animals and even a map on the inside cover,I bet your little ones will like it as much as mine did!

My New Mardi Gras Mask

I love Mardi Gras.Well,I guess technically I should say I love the idea of Mardi Gras,since I have never been to New Orleans to celebrate it in style.I have always been fascinated with the whole event,the culture,traditions,the food and style of it all.Even though I haven't gotten to go yet,I plan to as soon as I get a chance.In the meantime,I can cook the food myself and of course,I can buy fun themed items too.

 The newest addition to my collection is this gorgeous mask.I was sent this to review thanks to my super sponsor at Costume Discounters.I love their selection of Mardi Gras masks so much,it took me a few days to decide which one I wanted to try.I chose this one because it has a removable headband.Simply unhook the sides to remove,so not only is this perfect for wearing,but when I am finished,I can add it to my collection hanging on the wall.

The headband isn't tight and stretches enough that both my daughter and I were able to wear it.I love the bright colors and the ribbons and feathers down the side.My photos really don't do this one justice,so I am including one from the site too.

This is one of my favorite sites for costume items and accessories.They have an easy to browse site,great service and simple ordering.The shipping costs aren't too high and my mask arrived quickly and in perfect condition.If you are like me and love all things Mardi Gras,stop by and see what you can find.If you do,come back and tell me what you got!

***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I received the mentioned sample item in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received and my review is not influenced by receiving a free item***

Disneynature's Chimpanzee Activity Sheets and Info

If you have children,then I am sure you know about Disney and Disneynature. The newest release from Disneynature,Chimpanzee, is coming to theaters on Earth Day,April 20th,2012.

Set in the forests of Africa,this True-Life Adventure is about a young chimp named Oscar and his adventures with his friends and family.All is well in the forest until one day Oscar's family has a confrontation with another group and he is left alone to take care of himself,with a little help from an unexpected friend.

This is the fourth release for Disneynature,following titles "Earth","Oceans" and "African Cats".

You can download the Chimpanzee Family Activity Book ,which features a dot-to-dot,maze and more free for your children,or if you are a teacher or home school parent grab the Chimpanzee Educator's Guide too.These are fun and cute ways to introduce your little ones to the world of Chimpanzees or just a fun Earth Day activity.


This information was provided to me by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.I was not compensated in any way for this post.I am just sharing some fun information!

Waiting for Sunday

I wish Sunday would get here already.It seems like the past day has just crawled by.I can't seem to stay busy and all I do is sit and wish it would hurry up and get here.I know you probably think that is because it is Easter,and that is a part of it,but my main reason is I want my babies home.I hate that they will be gone for their entire spring break and most of Easter Sunday.

Even though I wanted them to be here with me,I let them go visit their dad for the weekend.They don't get to see him nearly enough,so when the chance arises,I try to take advantage of it.I wish it didn't have to be that way,but sometimes that is just how it works out.He has been living in Texas for awhile and they haven't gotten to stay with him for over 2 years until this month.Anyone know how to get him to realize that just isn't enough?

The PS3 House Party Comes To An End

For the past year,I have been participating in the Playstation Network House Party through Houseparty.com.I have really enjoyed meeting other PS3 owners and reading their opinions on characters,music and all other parts of the games.

Of course,another bonus of being part of this community were the great prizes.Each month we did missions,posts etc. for points that were accumulated through the month.At the end of each month,you were sent a prize depending on which of the 3 tiers you had reached.It was fairly simple to reach the top tier and earn the best prizes,but I didn't realize this until I had missed out on the first few months :(

In the end,I did pretty well I think.I managed to snag
a Little Big Planet 2 Sackboy plush figure that I love
2 PS3 glass tumblers
a set of LBP2 bookends
a USB car charger
a flashlight
a Playstation collectible ( I don't know what this one will be,it hasn't arrived yet)
a PS3 koozie
NBA 2011 poster
Jack and Daxter poster
 and of course some games including
MLB 2012 The Show
The Jack and Daxter Collection
Medieval Moves :Deadmunds Quest
Uncharted 3
The Resistance Duel Pack and
Gran Turismo 5XL

Not bad for about and hour a week or less.If I had participated the first months,this list would probably be doubled.These are the prizes I have earned in the past 6 months or so.I hope they decide to do another year..and I get selected again,but even if they don't,this year was a blast!

If you aren't signed up for House Party,I suggest doing so.They have many great opportunities to host a party and most of them are suitable for just about any family.I have participated in events sponsored by PS3 of course,as well as Digiorno,Silk,Freschetta,Pull-ups and more.

Last Minute Easter Ideas and Coupons

Easter is almost here,and if you are like me,you still have a few things to grab.I am not usually into posting coupons,but I figured I would try something new and share these Easter ones sent to my email today.


$0.30 off 4 oz. or larger HARIBO product

$1.00 off two bags of Wonka Jelly Beans

$1.00 off two BAGS of NESTLE NestEggs

These aren't candy,but I like to include a few little items in my kids baskets or give them a gift too.
$6 off Loopz memory game

$10 off Hot Wheels RC Stealth Rides™ vehicle 

Movies make great Easter gifts that last,so here are some kid friendly movie coupons

$3.00 off Marley & Me: The Puppy Years on DVD

$3.00 off Tooth Fairy 2 on DVD or Blu-ray™

$5.00 off Mr. Popper's Penguins on DVD or Blu-ray™



***I am sharing these deals as a member of Escalate.I was not compensated for writing this post***

Because I Tried It Birthday Chronicle Giveaway-2 Winners

If you haven't read my review of The Birthday Chronicle,feel free to read it over for more information about this super cute giveaway item.Thanks to my wonderful sponsors at Because I Tried It,two of my readers will get to enjoy their own personalized,printable keepsake Birthday Chronicles via email in PDF format.

Featuring headlines,news and pop culture from the actual year of birth,this fun giveaway item can be used for anyone you choose and is available for any day between January 1st ,1900 to December 31st,2011.Simply follow the direction on the form and enter to win!



a Rafflecopter giveaway






***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I receive sample items in order to write a fair and honest review.Giveaway items are provided by the sponsor and they are responsible for shipping all prizes.***

Chronicle Your Birthday with Because I Tried It

My youngest son Aiden is turning nine in 2 weeks and I recently was given the chance to review something I thought he would really like.The Birthday Chronicle is a cute way to remember the history of this most important day.The personalized 81/2 by 11 mini-newspaper front page is designed just for you and features a greeting by name from the United States President who was serving on the date of your chronicle. The personal page will also include newspaper stories and headlines from that year too.

Not only does The Birthday Chronicle include actual news information from that time,but it also highlights Academy Award winners and top music artists and songs too.This is a great way to remember things from the past or to learn about the things that were happening in the world around you in the year you were born.Aside from being fun to look at,The Birthday Chronicle is a great conversation starter too.

The PDF file is sent via email and can be printed on your normal printer settings and on standard size paper for a beautiful birthday keepsake that can be framed and enjoyed over and over again for years to come.Perfect for a birthday,graduation or wedding gift,or just to enjoy yourself,The Birthday Chronicle works for everyone and with prices starting at just $2,is inexpensive too!





***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I receive sample items in order to write a fair and honest review.No other compensation was received***

Some Recent Winners

I just wanted to share the most recent winners with you.I have been trying to keep up with these,but since I need to get a new computer that is sometimes easier said than done.

Hamburger Helper Prize Pack-Latanya
Printrunner-Jamie Payne
CrindleStar-Livivua Chandler

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and entered these great giveaways.I am working on adding more so check back soon!

Bake Off with Pillsbury and Walmart plus Giveaway

Some days,meal time can be a little hectic at our house.With the normal activities of three kids,it takes all I have to get a great meal on the table every day,never mind a yummy desert too.Now using the great ideas in the Pillsbury Bake-Off,I can find something creative and delicious without all the hassle normally involved in finding new recipes.100 Finalists from across the country have submitted their best work and been judged on who has the most delicious desert creation.

Whether you are in the need of a great dessert like the Chocolate and Caramel-Cinnamon Roll Skewers Recipe or Hazelnut-French Silk Turtle Pie or something more substantial like a tasty appetizer or quick breakfast,Pillsbury Bake-Off has an answer.These easy to make recipes are sure to be a hit with the entire family,so stop by the site and see what you can find to make for your next new meal.

When you find something new to make,head to your local  Walmart to find great savings on many of the fabulous Pillsbury items used in the recipes like crescent rolls,pie crust cookies and more.Before you go,don't forget to check here for additional savings and offers.

Thanks to Walmart and Pillsbury,I am able to offer one of my great readers the chance to win a $25 Walmart Gift Card that you can use to stock up on your favorite Pillsbury items.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


***All opinions on my blog are my own and may not be the same as anyone else..that's why they are mine.I received a Walmart Gift Card as a member of My Blog Spark for sharing this information.No other compensation was received .Giveaway prize provided by the sponsors and they are responsible for shipping all prizes.***