February 2014 – Concert Katie

Never Lose Your Stuff Sweepstakes

Katie February 28, 2014 0 Comments

Welcome to the Never Lose Your Stuff Sweepstakes

Cohosted by Positive Kismet, Memoirs of a Clueless Woman, & Bloggieaway

Sponsored by Bungee Virtual Lost and Found

In today’s busy world, it feels like none of us have a chance to sit back and relax. Business meetings, school functions, and of course, running errands when time allows. With how busy our lives are, we don’t have time for those little emergencies, especially when it is the loss of a cell phone, tablet, or heaven forbid, our purse! When our expensive, personal items disappear, we panic and think of the worst case scenario, when in actuality, it is likely laying where we left it or may have been picked up by a good Samaritan, having no clue how to get your valuable back to you. While name tags may have worked when we were kids, we really don’t want strangers having our personal information. Wouldn’t it be nice though if there was a way they could contact you without giving them such valuable information, allowing you to get your stuff back?

Luckily, something like this does exist – Bungee Virtual Lost and Found! So, what are Bungee Tags? Possibly the most brilliant idea out there! You see, these tags anonymously mark your property and when it’s lost, someone can text the number listed on the tag and report the tag number. From there, Bungee facilitates a conversation between you and the person who found your stuff, via cell phone and/or email so that you can arrange a way to safely get your lost item. Best of all, it works anywhere in the world that has cell phone signal or internet!

To learn more about all of their amazing plans and how they can protect your important electronics and items, make sure to check out the Bungee website. They also set up an amazing deal for Moms, allowing you to save 50% off their coverage plans. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a mom to take advantage of this exclusive offer, just make sure to use this following code at check out.

50% off Promo Code: MOMSRULE

As part of this awesome offer, Mom Powered Media and Bungee Virtual Lost & Found are working together to bring you this awesome giveaway! 1 lucky winner will receive a $100 VISA Gift Card and a 5 Year Family Bungee Pack ($95 value). Another 50 winners will win a 2 year Bungee plan ($19 value). To learn more, make sure to read the rules below and then enter through the Rafflecopter!

Never Lose Your Stuff Sweepstakes

One lucky reader will win a $100 VISA Gift Card AND Bungee Family Pack.
Fifty lucky reader will win a 2 Year Individual Bungee Pack.
Open to US Only.
Winners will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter via Random.org.
Sweepstakes ends March 14 at 11:59pm ET.
Winner will be notified via email.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen.
Budget Earth & associated blogs are not responsible for prize fulfillment.
Must be 18 years or older to enter Rafflecopter.
Only one entrant per household.
Void where prohibited.
Entering the Rafflecopter means you agree to terms above.
Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: This blog did not receive compensation for this giveaway. Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest are in no way associated with this sweepstakes. Prize fulfillment will be handled by sponsor.

Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure this holiday season? See how Mom Powered Media can help! Contact susan.l.bewley@gmail.com to see what we can do for your company!

Product Review

Product Review: KIND Healthy Grain Bars

Katie February 28, 2014 1 Comments

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
KIND Healthy Grain Bars has just launched new super grain-packed granola bars – KIND Healthy Grain Bars and so they want us to talk about our personal Super Hero. My super hero is my mom. She used to take me to physical therapy daily when I was a kid – with my 2 younger brothers being taken along as well. When we found out that my Dad needed a kidney transplant she was tested and found to be a match so she donated her kidney to him. She does a lot for all of us and I’m not sure where we’d be without her!

I shared my KIND Healthy Grain Bars with Mom to get her opinion on them. Each bar contains 18-22 grams of whole grains sourced from a blend of 100% unique whole grains including amaranth, quinoa, gluten-free oats, millet and buckwheat making them the perfect snack for any super hero’s healthy lifestyle.

Flavors include:
Dark Chocolate Chunk
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate
Vanilla Blueberry
Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt
Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut

Over several evenings we tried all the KIND Healthy Grain Bars. Mom’s favorite was Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. My favorite was Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut. I was a bit nervous that being healthy they would be “gross”, but they are not at all. The Oats & Honey in on par with other similar bars I have tried. The other flavors are a bit more unique but all still great.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review

Book Review: Cozy Classics: Jane Eyre

Katie February 28, 2014 0 Comments

I think of all the Cozy Classic books I have read now, this is the only one where I have actually read the classic book before reading this interpretation. But there is really no need to have read the classic because cozy classic because these books give you the idea of the story in 12 easy to read words with 12 super cute felt characters. Seriously, they’re adorable and even if you don’t have kids you’ll enjoy this book. If you do have kids, they’ll love it too.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Give a kid a classic! Cozy Classics is the popular board book series that presents well-loved stories to children aged 0+ through twelve child-friendly words and twelve needle-felted illustrations. Jane Eyre is Charlotte Brontë’s mysterious romance about a young governess who discovers a terrible secret about the man she loves, and is one of the world’s most beloved classics. Now you can share this classic with children of any age. www.mycozyclassics.com

After moving to Thornfield Hall, Jane discovers that Mr. Rochester is hiding a terrible secret. Will she still marry the man she loves?

Book Review

Book Review: Cozy Classics: Emma

Katie February 27, 2014 0 Comments

More Cozy Classics to read! My favorite! This time it re-tells the story of Emma in just 12 words with 12 super crafty needle-felted illustrations. I wish I had half the of the talent of those who have created these. They are amazing, and perfectly tell the story and in just 12 words! Who would have thought that these large classic books could be re-told so quickly and easily? Great for kids or for big baby crafty adults (like me, of course!)

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Give a kid a classic! Cozy Classics is the popular board book series that presents well-loved stories to children aged 0+ through twelve child-friendly words and twelve needle-felted illustrations. Jane Austen’s Emma is a romantic comedy about a young woman who makes mischief through matchmaking, and is one of the world’s most beloved classics. Now you can share this classic with children of any age. www.mycozyclassics.com

Despite Mr. Knightley’s objections, Emma is determined to see her friend Harriet married to a gentleman. Will Emma succeed in making the match?

Music

Independent Music Record Labels

Katie February 26, 2014 0 Comments

Music artists may often struggle break through into mainstream. Talented singers and instrument players often perform in underground clubs and cafes before getting discovered by a scout or someone affiliated with the music industry. Independent record label companies offer great opportunities for emerging artists to begin their professional careers. Such record companies can produce various soundtracks that could be played on local radios. If people like what they hear on the radio, they will demand more great music from new emerging artists that are signed to independent recording studios.

Some record labels specialize only in specific music genres such as alternative rock, blues rock, punk rock and folk rock. Therefore, artists in the general rock category need to carefully select the type of record label that they will work with. Some studios are actually subsidiaries of much larger multimedia companies and major record labels that manage the world’s most famous singers and artists. In the modern internet age, digital music production is very common.

Songs can be released exclusively on digital platforms rather than traditional CD format. Social media sites can also be used to launch marketing campaigns for new music artists that could become future superstars. Independent record label companies have their own websites that include contact information and other relevant resources for emerging artists. Such websites may have “click now” buttons that prompt visitors to learn more about signing a deal. The studios of small independent labels are furnished with digital audio production equipment of the highest quality.

Disclosure: I was compensated by the sponsor of this post. Regardless, the opinions expressed in this post are my own. I only recommend products and services which I believe will be good for my readers.

Product Review

Fiber One Meal Bars

Katie February 26, 2014 0 Comments

Since I am a bzzagent, I got some FREE Fiber One bars to try out and let you know what I thought!

Balanced Nutrition for a Healthier Lifestyle.
You’d love to fit things like protein and fiber into your day, but can you get that order of nutrition to go? With NEW Fiber One Meal Bars, you sure can! And to make your busy day even better, all three flavors taste pretty darn great.

Chocolate Peanut Butter – A classic combo of roasted peanuts plus creamy peanut butter and chocolate flavored chips
Strawberry Greek Yogurt – Roasted almonds are complemented by strawberry flavored fruit pieces and a Greek yogurt coating.
Dark Chocolate Almond – Think delicious roasted almonds mixed with delectable dark chocolate flavored chips.

Plus, each Fiber One Meal Bar packs 10g of protein, 9g of fiber and 40-60% less sugar* – making every delicious bite count!

*Than comparable Special K Meal Bars

I received the Chocolate Peanut Butter and Strawberry Greek Yogurt flavors to try. If you know me, you would guess that I prefer the peanut butter ones, but actually I found the strawberry bars to be better.

When you first open the package of the Strawberry Greek Yogurt bar, you get to smell some delicious strawberry, except that the “fruit pieces” look nothing like strawberry in the bar. That aside, this bar has a great combination of greek yogurt coating, almonds and fruit. Definitely my pick for a breakfast on the go.

I was expecting the Chocolate Peanut Butter bar to be a lot better than it was. The peanut butter taste is more of an afterthought and when I eat peanut butter I want it to be the main event. I wouldn’t say that this bar was bad, or that I wouldn’t eat it again, but I was just expecting more of it.

Book Review

Book Review: How To Be A Better Traveller

Katie February 26, 2014 0 Comments

How To be a Better Traveller is a guide to travel. While I do travel a lot I am not sure that I am actually a “good traveller” so I figured I’d check out this book to see if I could learn any tips and tricks. I found it interesting that the author mentions that people are most focused on non-essentials while traveling – that is your clothing and toiletries – all of which could be replaced (for the most part) at your destination. This book is also written from a British point of view, but I think that it can be read and utilized from people of any country who are traveling.

There is information on why you should always have your passport on you, who to ask for directions, why you should learn key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting, etc. This is a relatively quick read and under 100 pages but jam packed with great information and stories to help make you be a better traveler. Do you research before going to a new country. Read this book and then do even more research on the locations you are visiting based on the information you learn in the book.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

More of a ‘guide to travel’ than a ‘travel guide’, this book helps you to avoid the negative aspects of holidays and travel, providing you with practical tips on safety, saving money, avoiding hawkers and finding your way around unfamiliar places.

How to be a Better Traveller is aimed at readers who want to improve their travel experiences. From package holiday tourists to business travellers, indie travellers to armchair travellers, everyone can learn to travel well. Organised chronologically – like a journey itself – the book follows the stages of planning (packing, preparation and departing) through to the actual holiday (arrival, routines and local knowledge) to its ultimate completion (returning home). Along the way Chris covers general travel information (planning, flights, public transport), but also discusses the routines, the psychological preparation, the behaviours and habits you should adopt so that your whole travel experience becomes richer and more rewarding.

Travelling is one of life’s greatest experiences, it gives you a new lease of life, picks you up when you’re feeling down, helps you make new friends, educates you and gives you long lasting memories. This book ensures you get the most out of all your travels by helping you to become a better traveller.

Goodies Box

Love With Food January Box

Katie February 25, 2014 0 Comments

January’s Love with Food box was another great box of treats! Here are my thoughts on the items:

Banana Split Baby Mama Drama from Mama’s Magic Mix
This low-cal Banana Split mix is as naughty as it is nice!

For something being called Banana Split Mix – it had only a couple of bananas in it. Otherwise it was really good, I really liked the caramel puffs.

Pretzo Change-O and Original Milk Chocolate Squares from Jer’s Chocolates
These bite size treats are great when you need a little something sweet.

I enjoyed both of these, the combination of pretzel and chocolate is great. (Though typically I won’t eat just pretzels)

Chocolate Chip Cookies from Home Free
These cookies are so tasty that it’s hard to believe they are free of gluten, peanuts, tree nuts, egg and dairy!

I was a little nervous to try these because I’ve heard of gluten free things tasting like cardboard. These cookies did not taste like cardboard, in fact they were great! I was sad when the bag was gone.

Superfood Chews from Lovely Candies
The perfect mix of real fruit bits and sweetness makes these candies quite Lovely indeed!

As of the writing of this post, we have not tried these candies.

Columbia Supremo from Caffe Borsa
What better way to wake up than with a perfect cup of pour over coffee!

Another one we haven’t tried as of the writing of this post.

Orange Fruit Bars from Oskri
This low-cal orange bar is a great way to sneak fruit into your diet!

My mom tried this one and said it was “the wettest bar she ever had” despite the fact that it had dried fruit in it.

Organic Berry Berrys Granola Bar from Annie’s Homegrown
The perfect bar for everyone in the family, these 100% organic bars contain 8g of whole grains per serving.

Mom tried this one too, and enjoyed it more than the orange bar.

Lightly Salted Almonds from Blue Diamond Almonds
You can enjoy these almonds without worrying about breaking your resolve to cut down on salt.

Yummy and a great snack.

Multi-Grain Sea Salt Skinny Sticks from Hi I’m Skinny
A grain based snack that brings you a heart healthy treat.

These tasted like one of my favorite snacks – Buggles! Not as fun to play with, but taste just as great and probably a more healthy alternative. (They are sticks and so you can’t make creepy witch fingers with them haha)

Book Review

Book Review: Another Little Piece of My Heart

Katie February 25, 2014 0 Comments

Another Little Piece of My Heart tells the story of Claire. She is a highschool student and dating a guy named Jared. Her parents don’t like Jared and think that he is a bad influence on her. Her mother is dying so she decides to break up with Jared at her mother’s request so she won’t be causing unneeded stress for her mother. Jared ends up becoming a big music star – with a song that seems to be all about Claire and how she left him for a new car. (Not true, though she did get a new car after they broke up.) Claire just wants to move on from Jared and piece her life back together after her dad is out of work and she’s not sure she has any money to go to college with.

The family takes a trip to New Hampshire to see her cousins and it turns out Jared is in town too – hanging out with a friend from highschool that now goes to college at UNH. Claire and Jared try not to let anyone know about their past, which becomes a little bit difficult when Jared and Claire’s cousin seem to hit it off. Will they be able to avoid each other? Or will they end up discussing why they broke up in the first place and be able to at least be friends?

This was a cute story. It is also based on Jane Austen’s Persuasion – which is interesting. I’ve seemed to pick a few books lately that are re-works of her works – so it’s no surprise I have purchased a book with some of her stories that I may be able to read someday. (If I can stop requesting more books to review that is!) Although the book was a bit predictable at times, it was great for a teen harlequin story and I think that high schoolers would really enjoy reading it. It’s a relatively quick and easy read – I managed to knock it out in a couple of hours!

I received a free e-copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

E-exclusive from Harlequin TEEN

What if your devastating break-up became this summer’s hit single? In this rock-and-roll retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, music can either bring you together or tear you apart.

At her dying mother’s request, Claire dumps Jared, the only boy she’s ever loved. Left with a broken family and a broken heart, Claire is furious when she discovers that her biggest regret became Jared’s big break. While Jared is catapulted into rock-star status, another piece of Claire’s heart crumbles every time his song plays on the radio.

The summer after her senior year, it’s been months since the big break-up, and Claire is just trying to keep her head down and make it through a tense trip to the beach with her family. But when Jared shows up, and old feelings reignite, can Claire and Jared let go of the past? Or will they be stuck singing the same old refrain?

“Sweet, sassy and incredibly swoon-tastic! The romance between these two musicians will strum every reader’s heartstrings.” – Jennifer Walkup, author ofSecond Verse

Product Review

Product Review: PicGIF

Katie February 24, 2014 0 Comments

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
PicGIF is an easy and quick GIF maker that allows you to create fun animated GIFs from your photos and videos on Mac OS X. It allows to re-edit your existing GIFs. The program is really easy to use, you can import either photos from your computer or a video. If it is a video – you can only make 300 images from it max, so if there is something funny in the video that is GIF-worthy, make sure that you have edited the video down to just that part. The only images I had on my computer to play with were from Jamaica. After importing the images, you can re-order them and then choose how long each one appears in the GIF. So, below, see my recap of Hanson’s Back to the Island in just a couple of photos. (I probably should have added more, but there’s always my next attempt!)

PicGif allows many file import formats – hundreds of image formats, GIFs, all common video formats. You can customize the size, frame delay, frame order, sequence, etc. Lots of choices! There are also really convenient and easy export and share options.

Regarding video tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z89p_D8Wpc
Check it on App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/picgif/id784260229?ls=1&mt=12

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.