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It’s Finally Up There

May 14, 2012 by

It’s already been almost 2 years since we moved into this house. While we are constantly making changes, purchases and improvements we’ve finally gotten the TV off my dresser and onto the wall. In previous homes we’ve had the tv on tv stands but for some reason lately my dresser has become it’s home. I’ve always hated it.
wall mount tv stand
My dresser should be home to my jewelry box, clean laundry waiting to be put away or the rogue hair bands Shae leaves around the house.

Having the tv on the dresser always meant propping up pillows on a rock hard headboard to watch a show through my toes. Laying on my side worked but after a few minutes my arm would fall sleep or my hip would ache. Then there’s the issue of the pillow putting a bit of a damper on my hearing. Now that the tv is floating high above my head I can lay comfortably in bed with a remote in hand and click click click to my heart’s content.

Unfortunately this also means that my dresser has become the catchall. I say WHATEVER; it is MY dresser right. Rob uses the dog crate as his iPad and magazine holder so it only seems fair.

Thanks Dad for upgrading your tv so we could inherit your stand!

I Disclose




Tell Her “Mom You Rock” with Skype

May 14, 2012 by

I’ve been picked as a Skype Ambassador. This means I get to show you all the cool features Skype has to offer that you may not have known about already.
Mom You Rock, Skype Facebook App
This weekend was Mother’s Day, you still have the chance to send a “Mom You Rock” message through Facebook for any mom you know. Sending a message through this app will not only show the world your love for that mom but will also donate $1 to the Save the Children’s Global Action Fund in support of the new MomsTheWord.org campaign.

I’m lucky that my mom only lives 5 minutes down the road. We visit each other often, have lunch, go shopping and get together for easy family dinners. There are so many families at are separated by distance though. Think of how you can close that gap with video chatting instead of phone calls and letters. Grandparents don’t have to miss those important milestones like walking, birthdays or 1st time at bat. Skype keeps families connected better than ever.

skype video calling

There are talks of my grandmother getting a computer. I can’t wait to hear the details of it because I want to be able to talk more frequently with her. She lives far, Puerto Rico. We only get to see her every 2 years. I try to send cards and pictures and gifts but it isn’t the same as talking face to face even through a computer screen. Showing her how to use Skype is going to be one of the 1st things we do.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.




Sunday Linky Edition #143

May 12, 2012 by
Every Sunday we will be hosting a Sunday edition of Linky’s. Please list your awesome posts and giveaways that you want others to read and know about. We love Linky’s because it gives us a chance to read other blogs and enter giveaways that we might have missed out on. So please enter your permalink below so everyone can check out what you have. Don’t forget to come back every Sunday for our Sunday edition of Linky’s.



Moxie Girlz Magic Swim Mermaid plus Giveaway

May 11, 2012 by

To keep up with Shae’s obsession with all things mermaid we were recently sent a Moxie Girlz™ Magic Swim Mermaid™ to review.
moxie girls mermaid doll review

Moxie Girlz™ Magic Swim Mermaid™: The Moxie Girlz™ are imagining themselves as sparkling, magical mermaids! Product Features: First Moxie Girlz mermaid doll; Only doll that magically swims like a mermaid when placed in water. No on/off switch needed – she automatically swims on her own when she’s in water; Since she swims with her tail, she gracefully swims on her stomach, her back and even sitting down; Sparkling tail; Beautiful hair and fashion; Two characters: Avery and Kellan; Age Grade: 3+ Price: $24.99


We received Kellan and while she’s lovely like a mermaid should be the attraction is her swimming action. There are 2 sensors on the back of the doll that are activated when they get wet to simulate the swimming movement. I’ll be honest and tell you that it took me a long time to get the doll working. First, it didn’t come with batteries. Then I installed the batteries backwards. Finally after running the doll under running water I knew I had it figured out and Shae instantly asked to take a bath. She’s been playing with it anyway but now that it’s working she’s more eager to get in the tub.

Kellan is a pretty doll with precious freckles covering her nose and cheeks and fiery red hair; even when it’s caked with soap.

kellan moxie girl mermaid, freckles

I’m especially happy to work with MGA Entertainment and Moxie Girlz as they introduce a new line of girls that help Step up to Cancer.

“True Hope” Bratz® and Moxie Girlz™ Dolls
Launching in June 2012 at Toys “R” Us
Company to Support Cancer Research at City of Hope

MGA Entertainment announced its commitment and support to the fight against cancer by launching new hairless versions of their hit doll brands, Bratz® and Moxie Girlz™. Under the banner “”True Hope,” MGA will release three Bratz® dolls -Cloe™, Yasmin™ and Cameron™, and three Moxie Girlz™ dolls, Avery™, Sophina™ and Jaxson™. Available at Toys“R”Us® stores and toysrus.com beginning in June, MGA will donate $1 for every “True Hope” Bratz® and Moxie Girlz™ doll, sold to distributors, to City of Hope for cancer research.

true hope dolls, bald moxie girlz, bald dolls

Enter for a chance to win your own Moxie Girlz™ Magic Swim Mermaid™ doll for a little girl in your life.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
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  • Follow Mom & Dad & Moxie Girlz on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time, tweet a form of this message: Swimming Mermaid doll from @TheMoxieGirlz #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/K8Z3yb 
  • Enter another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment (one extra entry per giveaway you enter, just leave separate comments)
  • Leave a relevant comment on any other Review/Everyday Life/Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, June 1, 2012. The winners will be emailed and will have 24 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Continental US residents only. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




Looking For Someone from 1940?

May 11, 2012 by

The 1940 Census was conducted based on a census date of April 1, 1940 and was given a seventy-two year privacy restriction. After a 72 year embargo the 1940 census was finally released on 4/2/12.

How cool is it that you can now search for people from the 1940’s?  I am always interested in my family tree and where my family was and came from so I am going to be using the website to see what kind of information I can find.  What I find cool about the 1940 census is the questions that were asked and how the census was conducted. 

The Bureau of the Census (Department of Commerce) provided standardized forms in 1940 for all Enumerators as in previous years. The standard Population Schedule had 34 questions and more than a dozen Supplemental Questions asked only for those persons who were enumerated on specified lines. This was the means used to ensure a random nature in obtaining supplemental information.

One of the questions was “PERSONS 14 YEARS OLD AND OVER — EMPLOYMENT STATUS”.  There are 12 total questions related to 14 year olds and working.  In today’s society kids aren’t even allowed to work at the age of 14 due to child labor laws but I do find it interesting looking back into a whole different time in American history.  I am not sure how many questions are on a modern day census but back in 1940 there were 34 questions plus 16 supplemental questions for a total of 50 questions.  To me that seems like a lot of questions for someone to answer back in 1940.

So if you have been waiting for the 1940 census release it is now here after a long 72 years.  A lot of people have been waiting for this because within the first three hours of the 1940 census being released 22.5 million people logged on causing the website to overload.

Be patient if you have a hard time logging on.  We had to wait 72 years for this data so what is another hour or two?

Will you be searching the 1940 census for family?

I Disclose




Treats for my dogs from Cesar

May 10, 2012 by

Have you met our newest additions?  Rocky and Coco (otherwise know as Coco-nuts) are 2 doggies we rescued from different situations last month. Rocky was severely abused and Coco was taken to a shelter because his owner didn’t want him anymore.  They are still young dogs, 3-4 years old with lots of personality and attitude.  They are my shadows, especially Rocky.  He’s the chicken of the group, hiding from every noise and person that comes into the room.

Rocky and Coco lounging in the sun

I try to pamper these guys to show them that they’ve found their forever homes and this means letting them indulge in several treats a day.  They are little dogs with little bellies so I have to be careful how much I’m feeding them.  I stick with treats for small dogs that are nutritious and tasty.  Cesar sent over a couple bags of snacks that the doggies instantly loved.  They both were standing up at the table as I opened the bag of Cookie Crunchies Rotisserie Chicken flavor.

Each cookie style treat is only 10 calories; small enough to use as a reward for good behavior or after an active run in the yard. Our dogs like a variety of treats with different flavors and textures so the new Cesar Crunchies are a great addition to the cookie jars full of doggie goodies.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Cesar and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”




ET’s Hanging with the Stars Sweepstakes

May 9, 2012 by

Have you ever wanted to attend a celebrity party that you always see on TV and have the chance to mingle?  If you answered HECK YEAH then you are in luck because Entertainment Tonight is having a Hanging With The Stars Sweepstakes.

The grand prize is a trip to Los Angeles, California for the ET’s Exclusive Emmy Gala Party on Sunday, September 23, 2012 for you and a guest.  Trip includes economy class air transportation for the winner and a guest from a major airport near the winner’s residence to an airport in Los Angeles or Burbank, CA, round trip ground transportation between the airport and your hotel, a two night stay in a 3 star or better quality hotel, round trip transportation between the hotel and the party and two tickets to the ET’s Exclusive Emmy Gala Party. The winner and winner’s guest will be able to walk the red carpet at the party and have two seats in the VIP section during the party’s music performance.  Total approximate value of this whole trip is $2,200.

OK, I don’t know about you but this would be something I could total get into and would have a blast.

If you aren’t the lucky grand prize winner you may have the chance to win one of the following:

Weekly a person will be selected for a  total of eight Weekly Prizes that will consist of a 10 to15 minute private, off-air call with one of Entertainment Tonight’s show talent: Mark Steines or Nancy O’Dell (person you will speak with is at CBS’s discretion).

Daily a person will be selected for a total of twenty Daily Prizes where each daily prize winner will get at least his or her first name and last initial on Entertainment Tonight in an on-air graphic within the ticker, bumper or end credit.

So I know most of you want that awesome grand prize but the weekly and daily prize sound pretty cool also.

Now to the good stuff that you all have been waiting for.

Want to enter this awesome contest?  All you need to do to enter is click Facebook and fill out the form.  It’s really that easy to enter and the prizes are pretty cool so what do you have to lose?  Um Nothing!

Good Luck!

I Disclose




Last Minute Mother’s Day

May 9, 2012 by

Speaking from a mom’s perspective I’m going to say that gifts don’t need to be expensive or elaborate to be appreciated. Handmade Gifts are number one on my list but I’m never one to turn down a well thought out practical gift that I will love. Here’s a quick list of some last minute and reasonably priced Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Tervis Tumblers – Is mom a runner, dancer, survivor?  Choose a Tervis tumbler in almost any design to hold hot and cold drinks. Made in the USA

tervis tumbler, personalized cup for mom, mothers day gifts

Kitchen Canisters– Give mom’s kitchen a pop of color with these yellow and metal canisters from Pier One.

mothers day gift, kitchen canisters

Beach Bag-With summer right around the corner beach bags that accommodate families with lots of stuff would be very handy.  This vibrant bag from Old Navy is large enough for towels, sunscreen and more.

beach bag for families, mothers day gifts, last minute gifts for mom

Magazine Subscriptions-who doesn’t like to take a few minutes along to leaf through a magazine.  Subscribe to mom’s favorite magazine or one that you know she would love.

Mixed Tape-Long gone are the days of actual mixed tapes but a new playlist could speak volumes. Download mom’s old school favorites, high energy dance tunes or emotional love songs for a gift that lasts forever.

Beauty Products-Women in general love to feel beautiful.  Let them indulge in a fragrant, silky or moisture rich beauty or bath product that they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves like the many choices from Philosophy.

What’s on your wishlist for Mother’s Day this year?  This happened to catch my eye, wonder if I need to give Rob a couple hints.




On to Week 2

May 8, 2012 by

Week 1 down and I’m kicking ass. Well that’s what I told myself last night. I have a habit of quitting when it comes to exercise and weight loss. If it isn’t easy than I’m done before I’ve even gotten a chance to see a huge change. BUT this week is starting better. I finished the entire day’s program. I started off strong, that’s probably my problem. Usually by the 20 minute mark I start to get some pain in my ankle calves I kept going whether it was walking or running.

I’m not one to keep time but Rob gave me these from his #Couchto5K app.
2.24 miles
13.5 minute pace (per mile)
30 minutes

This time Boy Wonder joined us. He starts football camp in the summer so it’s time to get his butt into shape too. He kept pace the entire time, skipping, jumping, hitting trash cans and kicking rocks. I’m proud of him.

I feel great after I’m running but during I just want to die. I literally ache the entire time, I’m that out of shape.
bloggers running, training for 5k, running as a family
There is a local 5k coming up, early June. We haven’t signed up yet but I’m wondering if we keep up this modified regimen would we be ready.

I Disclose




Do You Know How To Keep Your Dog Cool During The Summer?

May 7, 2012 by

Pet owners love to spoil their pets. They indulge them in decadent treats, buy toys that keep them entertained when they are ready to play and accessories that keep them comfortable when they are ready to take a nap. And now that the summer months are upon us, more dog owners are looking for ways to keep their dogs cool while they are away at work during the heat of the day. With some specially designed dog supplies, pet owners are now able to keep their dogs comfortable while they are outside during the blazing summer heat.

Here are six ways you can keep your dog cool and healthy this summer while you are at work or away from the house.

  1. Doghouses with a fan – Buy a doghouse with a fan for the backyard. To keep it energy efficient, use the power of the sun to cool your dog with a solar-powered fan built into the back of this house.
  2. Dog doors – Give your dog free rein to be outside during the cooler early morning hours or inside during the hot afternoon with a special door just for them.
  3. Doghouse with an air conditioner – If you live in an extra-warm community, keep your dog at a more comfortable temperature, even when he or she is outside, with a doghouse that has its own private built-in air conditioner.
  4. Elevated dog beds – If you have enough of a shaded area, provide your dog with an elevated dog bed to keep away from the heat of the ground, and in a place where he or she can enjoy a breeze to naturally stay cool.
  5. Cooling dog accessories to lie on – Either in the doghouse or on the dog bed, provide a cooling mat that your pooch can lie down on to cool off. Technology that monitors the temperature of your dog’s body can help adjust the mat to meet your dog’s cooling needs. Most of these accessories are nice and soft too, so your dog stays comfortable while cooling off.
  6. A fresh water bowl – Hook a special bowl up to your outside faucet and make sure your dog stays hydrated with fresh water throughout the day.

Stop worrying whether your pet is staying hydrated and cool while you are at work this summer. Instead, pamper your pet and keep him or her comfortable with dog supplies made especially to keep pooches cool in the summer heat.

I Disclose




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