Wednesday, March 27, 2013

LYSOL Introduces Healthing

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for LYSOL®. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”


With the arrival of spring, many of us start to think about the big task of “spring cleaning” – that once or twice a year job where we dive in and attempt to do everything from washing our windows to cleaning out our closets. It can be a real hassle, but, there’s nothing better than a freshly organized home.

LYSOL is introducing a new concept called Healthing – an idea centered on keeping families as healthy as possible by looking beyond just cleaning and ensuring that the proper steps are taken to stay well. Healthing goes beyond cleaning and takes a more holistic approach at helping us have healthy homes. It’s an extension of LYSOL’s Mission for Health, which is the motivation behind the creation of their products that kill 99.9 percent of household germs and offer consumers ways to accomplish disinfection and good hygiene.

One important way to incorporate Healthing into your own home, is to understand the difference between cleaning and disinfecting – both are important parts of the Healthing process. It’s obviously important to clean and organize, but killing (disinfecting) germs on commonly touched surfaces in your home can lower the risk of spreading bacteria and viruses between family members.

LYSOL offers more Healthing tips:

* Don’t let spring cleaning overwhelm you – take it one room or area at a time and use the proper products to help you get the job done, including LYSOL products, paper towels, sponges, and trash bags.

* Start with the basics – wipe down easy to reach surfaces and then move on to the little nooks and crannies.

* Don’t forget to disinfect places that you don’t think about often – such as sink drains, light switches, door knobs, and cabinet handles. Use a disinfectant product, like LYSOL Wipes, to help ensure you are killing germs as you clean.

* Remember to dust woodwork, photographs or other art/wall décor, and knick-knacks.

* Make it a family activity. Younger children can even participate by doing simple, one-step jobs like picking toys or clothing up off the floor. Leave the more complex jobs, such as scrubbing and vacuuming to older family members.


* Always practice proper hand washing after you clean. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or a hand sanitizer. Hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).



For more information about Healthing and additional resources to help keep your family healthy, please visit the LYSOL website or the LYSOL Facebook page. You can also download LYSOL's Guidebook: What Is Healthing.
 
In addition to its products, LYSOL provides education and motivation to keep a healthy home and family. Some of the ways they work to achieve this are:
• Connecting with 65,000 schools to promote healthy habits and good hygiene.
• Providing educational programs that reach 50% of new moms with health and wellness information related to caring for their newborns.
• Partnering with television personality Giuliana Rancic, LYSOL is reaching out to local YMCAs across the country to teach families about Healthing
• Working with trusted third-party organizations to promote the idea of Healthing. Some of these organizations include the National PTA, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, and the Global Hygiene Council.

I'm all in favor of anything I can do to keep my family healthy and happy. Little things that we do each day, like paying particular attention to our hygiene and cleaning habits, can make a real impact on the health of our families. This is what LYSOL’s Healthing campaign is all about. So, this season don’t just spring clean, make an effort to practice spring healthing!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Opening Title Sequence from Oz The Great and Powerful

OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL is now playing in theatres everywhere!

For those of you that have not yet seen Oz The Great and Powerful - by the way, what are you waiting for? Go see it, it's great! - here's a peek at the opening title sequence of the film. It's so fun & cool and, in 3D, it's really quite magical. Check it out...




 
Photobucket

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

The Croods from DreamWorks Animation - In Theaters 3-22-13

If you're looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend, I recommend going to see The Croods.

I had a chance to see a Pre-Screening of The Croods 3D earlier this month with my youngest son. I have to tell you that we absolutely loved it. I will definitely be going to see it again.

It's the perfect family film - something that can be enjoyed by all ages. The story is full of spectacular images and animation. Every little detail is amazing, from the colorful landscapes to the freckles and body hair on the characters. Seeing it in 3D is a must and very entertaining. The Croods will warm your heart and have you laughing out loud. Even cave families are full of love and can make sacrifices for each other. I actually cried...seriously, I cried tears at an animated movie. It's that good!

The Croods is from DreamWorks Animation and opens March 22, 2013. Check out the trailer and make plans to see it soon...





DreamWorks Animation invited me to a free Pre-Screening of The Croods. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions stated in this post are my own and may differ from others.


Photobucket

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

17 Cool and Interesting Words That I Should Work Into My Vocabulary

photo credit: jovike via photopin cc

I guess I have a fair enough vocabulary but I'm definitely no wordsmith. I could probably stand some improvement in the area. It's always impressive to hear someone speak with a strong command of language and who uses a variety of unique words.

So, just for fun, I've composed a list of 17 cool and interesting words that I think I should work into my vocabulary. I'm not sure why, but, I just like the sound of these words; they're fun to say! Surely, I'll sound quite impressive if I use them, LOL!;)...

1) happenstance - a chance happening or event
2) lackadaisical - lazy; without interest
3) winsome - charming
4) quixotic - extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; impulsive
5) nefarious - bad, sinful
6) Godspeed - success or fortune
7) hooligan - a hoodlum or criminal
8) ballyhoo - buildup or promotion/plug
9) botheration - annoyance; disturbance (I love this one, it sounds like a fake hillbilly word. And, I can say this as I descend from a long line of hillbilly-type folks)
10) rigmarole - nonsense
11) huggermugger - secrecy
12) obfuscate - to confuse or make unclear
13) yawp - to utter a loud, harsh cry
14) curmudgeon - a bad-tempered grouch
15) eschew - to keep away from or avoid
16) gossamer - fine, see-through
17) alacrity - cheerful liveliness

What about you? Any words you would like to add to the list?...any words that you think are just fun to say or make you feel like a super-smarty-pants when you use them?



Photobucket

HireInfluence - A New Social Media Ranking and Reporting System



Love social media? Want to show off your rock star-like influence and social prowess?

Go activate your profile at HireInfluence - this is done quickly and easily by using your Twitter account.

HireInfluence is a new social media platform that goes beyond an influencer score by gauging real, impactful influence with quantified results.

I just activated my profile and found out my social media strength factor. Now, I can use that information to approach companies I would like to work with and build brand relationships. Best of all, those brands and companies can now find me easily as well.

Hurry to HireInfluence and jump on the #strengthfactor bandwagon! If you activate your profile before March 25, 2013, you'll be automatically entered to win 1 of 3 $100 Amazon gift cards.


I will receive gift card compensation in exchange for sharing information about HireInfluence. Any opinions expressed are 100% my own and may differ from others.

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Last Night

 
Michael and Joanna are a young, happily married couple who both find themselves in tempting situations. Over the course of one night apart, they struggle with these temptations and show very raw and emotional reactions to their choices. There is not a lot of action in this slow-paced drama, but it's sexy, intense and beautifully acted.

With Sam Worthington, Keira Knightley, and Eva Mendes

Rated R


 
Photobucket

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Movie Trailer Tuesday - The Intouchables

 
When a wealthy quadriplegic man hires a poor, petty street criminal as his caretaker, both of their lives are forever changed. This is a really great story - poignant, heartwarming, and funny, too.

This is a foreign film with subtitles. It is based on a true story.

Rated R for language and some drug use.



 
Photobucket

Monday, March 11, 2013

Sleep Smarter with Mattresses from Ashley Sleep

For the past several months, my husband and I have both been waking with aching backs. We just do not seem to be getting a consistent good night's sleep. We have decided that means it's time to start thinking about replacing our mattress. Mattress shopping is not something I'm looking forward to; not only is it a costly endeavor, but there are so many choices and options that it seems a little overwhelming.

Ashley Sleep understands the importance of having a restful night of sleep. They are committed to providing quality mattresses and pillows to help each consumer achieve just that. They use the latest technologies and offer a variety of styles at competitive prices.

Ashley Sleep has provided some helpful information about their products. I know this will be useful for us as we start the process of shopping for a new mattress.




Check out some of the features of Ashley Sleep mattresses, pillows, and foundations:

- Value: Ashley Sleep is dedicated to Better Sleep at a Better Price. Compare their mattresses to the others and rest easy knowing you'll enjoy top sleep technologies at an Ashley Value.

- Safety & Quality: Keeping your family comfortable and safe is the highest priority. Ashley Sleep mattresses must pass over 200 rigorous quality-control tests before leaving the manufacturing facility. With proper care, Ashley’s mattresses will last for many years to come.

- Greener Technologies: At Ashley Sleep, environmentally-responsible technologies like smarter packaging and renewable materials help create a cleaner, better world.

- Latest Sleep Innovations: Ashley Sleep mattresses are built with products like ActivFresh Charcoal, Torso Tec technology, Tencel, Evergreen Green Tea Extract, and more. These help reduce odors, absorb moisture, and give you a fresh, cool, and comfortable night's rest.


The Right Mattress at the Right Price
Every family is different, and your mattress should be too! Ashley Sleep offers several options for finding a mattress that’s just right for your needs:

- Memory Foam: Today's Advanced Memory Foam from Ashley Sleep offers an ultra-comfortable mattress that's infused with the latest sleep innovations.

- Latex: Ashley Sleep Latex mattresses combine eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and renewable materials with a soft base and superior support. Plus, all Latex mattresses are made from a material that's derived from the sap of plantation-grown rubber trees.

- Gel: It's new, cool, and good for your health! With breakthrough technology infused into each Ashley Sleep Gel Mattress, you'll enjoy a cooler, more supportive night's sleep so you can fall asleep faster and wake up feeling restored and rejuvenated - ready to seize your day.


Ashley Sleep is manufactured by Ashley Furniture Industries, the largest furniture manufacturer and #1 retail furniture brand in the world. Ashley Sleep products can be found at select Ashley Furniture HomeStores and other sleep retailers. For more information visit Ashley Sleep where you can find retail locations in your area.

You can also connect with Ashley Sleep on Facebook.


I did not receive compensation of any kind for writing this post. Ashley Sleep provided information used in this post. Any opinions expressed are my own and may differ from others.



Photobucket

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

New Movie Trailer for Iron Man 3

Iron Man 3 is coming to theaters May 3, 2013. Check out this newly released movie trailer...looks like it's going to be awesome!

 


For more Iron Man 3 information be sure and visit the website or connect via Facebook and/or Twitter.


Photobucket

Movie Trailer Tuesday - Darling Companion

 
Diane Keaton is one of my very favorite actresses. I love just about every movie of hers I've ever watched. Darling Companion is no exception - I absolutely fell in love with this story! Keaton plays Beth, an almost empty-nester who is married to a self-absorbed surgeon. One day she rescues a dog on the side of the road and quickly becomes deeply attached to the animal. When her husband accidentally loses the dog, Beth is devastated. Over the course of several days, Beth and her family go to great lengths to find the dog while also delving into some much deeper issues with one another along the way. It's really a lovely film with a terrific cast.

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content including references, and language



Photobucket

Blog Tour - AfterLife by Hank Hanegraaff

Have you ever wondered about Heaven and Hell? Or, what happens to a person after they die? Are there really such things as near-death experiences? These are all questions that most people have probably pondered at one time or another.

In Afterlife: What You Need To Know About Heaven, The Hereafter & Near-Death Experiences, Hank Hanegraaff offers his thoughts on these types of questions. He uses the teachings from Scripture to provide clear answers on how he believes you will spend eternity. He also explains how your present life, your life-after-life, and your eternal life are connected.

About The Author:
Hank Hanegraaff is host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, heard daily throughout the United States and Canada via radio, satellite radio Sirius-XM 131, and the Internet. He's author of the runaway bestsellers The Prayer of Jesus and The Complete Bible Answer Book-Collector's Edition. He and his wife, Kathy, are parents to twelve children.

My Thoughts:
While I definitely consider myself a Christian, I know that I'm not very knowledgeable about bible verses and actual teachings of scripture. I've always had a certain idea in my mind as to what I think Heaven is like and I feel confident that that's where I'm going when my own life on earth ends. Because of that, reading this book was very interesting to me. Some of Hanegraaff's explanations presented a different way of looking at things than I've considered before - some concepts were actually pretty deep and difficult for me to grasp. One example is that when we die, only our spiritual being goes on to Heaven - not a physical body. He is able to back this up with scripture and explains it in a way that makes perfect sense. But, I've always imagined those who are in Heaven to be actual bodies, capable of moving around and doing things. I like to think that my dad, who passed away a few years ago, is running around up in Heaven with our beloved pet dog (who we also lost). According to Hanegraaff, we will not receive our resurrected bodies at the moment of our death, but at the second coming of Christ. 

 I feel like this book has taught me a lot and given me much to think about and contemplate further. In my opinion, Hanegraaff is a deeply theological man and his views are worth reading for anyone who may be seeking a better understanding of what awaits us after death.



I received a free copy of this book for review from Glass Road Media & Management. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and my differ from others.

Monday, March 4, 2013

THE CROODS - Free Advanced Screening Tickets for Louisville, Kentucky

 
THE CROODS is the new 3D comedy adventure from 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks Animation. It follows the world's first modern family as they embark on a journey of a lifetime when the cave that has always been their home, is destroyed. Traveling across a spectacular landscape, the Croods are rocked by generational clashes and seismic shifts as they discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures – and their outlook is changed forever. With characters voiced by Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman, and Clark Duke, this is sure to be a fun film!

Check out the trailer:



For my local friends, I have an opportunity for you to get some free passes to an advanced screening. The date/location of the advanced screening is:

Saturday, March 16
TINSELTOWN LOUISVILLE THEATRE
10:00AM
 
If you would like to go, visit  www.gofobo.com and enter code: T7557L7J to download up to 4 admit-1 passes. You must first be a registered user of gofobo (it's FREE to register and I've used it many times). Passes are first come, first served - so hurry before they're gone!
 
*I am receiving a free invite to this advanced screening, as well as to share with my blog readers. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
 
 

New Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends from Post (with GIVEAWAY)


Post has a new breakfast cereal in their lineup - it's Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends.

This new flavor combines crispy mango flavored flakes with real coconut shavings and coconut flavored granola clusters. It is not only delicious but also something you can feel good about eating. Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends contains 10g whole grains, 4 wholesome grains, 120 calories, and 9 essential vitamins and minerals, including 60% daily value of iron. It's also heart healthy - containing 0g trans fat, 0.5g saturated fat, and 0mg cholesterol.

I tried Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends and loved it. The mango and coconut combination are something I've not had in a breakfast cereal before and I thought it was quite tasty.

For more information, follow Honey Bunches of Oats on Facebook

GIVEAWAY
Would you like to try a box of Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends? I have some coupons to share, each good for one free box of Honey Bunches of Oats.

*Mandatory Entry*
For your chance to win one of the free coupons, simply leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite breakfast cereal.

*Extra Optional Entries* - leave separate comment for each
- follow @HBOats on Twitter (provide Twitter ID)
- follow @alas3lads on Twitter (provide Twitter ID)
- tweet the following message 1x daily: (provide Tweet link)

Want to try new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends cereal? Visit @ for chance to win free box


Giveaway is open to U.S residents only. Entries will be accepted until 10:00 pm EST on 3-9-13. At that time, two random winners will be selected from all eligible entries - each will win a coupon good for one free box of Honey Bunches of Oats.

Post provided me with a free box of Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends for review. They also provided coupons to share with my readers. I was not obligated to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own and may differ from others.


Photobucket

Sunday, March 3, 2013

New Iron Man 3 Posters From Marvel Studios #IronMan3

We are big fans of the Iron Man movies. With four tween/teen kids, it's truly a movie series that we can all enjoy watching together. There's something for everyone - action, adventure, suspense, humor, and even a little romance (I happen to love Robert Downey Jr and wouldn't mind being in Pepper Potts' shoes;) We are all very excited for the release of Iron Man 3 on May 3, 2013. The cast for Iron Man 3 includes Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, and Ben Kingsley, just to name a few.

Marvel Studios has released some new Iron Man 3 posters and I thought you might like to check them out. Also, be sure and like the Iron Man 3 Facebook page and follow along as it counts down to the new trailer debut coming Tuesday March 5th.

 
 
 
 
 
 
For more information, visit the website and follow Iron Man 3 on Twitter.
 

 
 
 
 


 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Weekly Links I Liked 3-2-13

Here's my weekly roundup of some things I liked on the web this week...


I really like this trend of using magnifying glasses in home décor. I would love to find a cool, vintage one to display in my home.


These shoes are on my spring must-have list. I would like a second pair in pink.



I was crying while watching this heartwarming story.



My favorite fashion pin of the week. Mint continues to be popular and I love this look for spring.



Brighton Daisy May Straw Bag at Zappos -- yes, please! The daisy fabric lining is adorable.



Wow, very interesting! Find out what "superpower" everyone SHOULD be learning.





Photobucket