MOM CONFESSIONALS

Wow is grilling season upon us already? ! Boy time flies! I can’t believe that Memorial Day is RIGHT around the corner! I am co-hosting a #ChopInspiration Twitter party with the National Pork Board and The Motherhood – and all these amazing moms:

Crystal, Simply Being Mommy http://simplybeingmommy.com
Ellen, Confessions of an Overworked Mom http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com
Heather, The Fabulous Finds http://www.thefabulousfinds.com
Jackie, Free is My Life http://www.freeismylife.com
Jennifer, Mom Spotted http://www.momspotted.com
Louise, Mom Start http://www.momstart.com
Nichol, KiddiesCorner Deals http://kiddiescornerdeals.com
Stacey, Tree, Root and Twig http://treerootandtwig.com
Victoria, Veep Veep http://www.veepveep.com

– and we’re talking Pork! This meat is like the forgotten stepchild of meats. I even had to sit back and think, wait do I eat pork? Who am I kidding?! I’m Chinese, we eat everything and every part! Two of my favorite dishes are Grilled Pork Chop on rice and sweet and sour pork with all those deliciously crisp morsels of juicy pork and tangy pineapple chunks!

But maybe it’s time I expanded my meal choices! Join us to get recipe inspiration, test your “pork chop personality,” and win some (seriously amazing) prizes!

Here are the deets!

When: Thursday, May 17, 7-8 p.m. ET

Where: The party will take place on Twitter, using the #chopinspiration hashtag.

Who: The National Pork Board (@AllAboutPork) and The Motherhood (@theMotherhood) will be hosting.

Prizes: Five prize packs will be given away throughout the hour, based on responses to trivia questions. They will include $20 in pork coupons, a new Weber grill (oooh la la!) and other items to help unleash the power of the pork chop. (teeeheee!) I wish I was able to enter!

RSVP: Let us know if you’ll be there! Click this link and press the orange button at the top right that says “Count me in!” – http://twtvite.com/chopinspiration

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Oh I am obsessed over my iPad and so are my kids.  A while back I was given the opportunity to review the LeapFrog LeapPad and we jumped at it!   A personalized learning tablet with a 5″ touch screen designed for kids ages four and up, it’s their very own version of an iPad!  We were hooked!  So much so it deserved it’s very own holiday post.  As the trusted leader in educational entertainment, LeapFrog has combined the latest technology, enhanced educational curriculum, and most entertaining characters to fuel a child’s learning in a durable form factor that mirrors popular adult tablets. LeapPad is revolutionizing the way children learn by offering the next generation in learning, digital reading and personal creativity.

Expanding on their already large library, they will now offer more than 100 learning game cartridges, books, apps and videos.  Frugal parents will love this! Expanding the fun across platforms, the existing library of Leapster Explorer game cartridges and apps is cross compatible with LeapPad.  If you’re like this family, we have tons of games already!

Unique to LeapFrog products, games auto-adjust so kids can learn at just the right pace – added value, each LeapPad book app is actually three books in one – offering each story at three different levels.  LeapPad even remembers a child’s progress from game to game and book to book to keep the content challenging and engaging and of course syncs with the LeapFrog Learning Path.  Kids can build a strong learning foundation with phonics skills, mathematics and spelling, and then take learning beyond the basics to geography, world languages, music, creativity, science and life skills such as brushing their teeth.  As they embark on new learning adventures, kids can also practice their writing skills with step-by-step guidance and a child-sized stylus.

Built with 2 GB of memory, LeapPad encourages learning on the go and inspires curious minds to imagine more with a complete suite of innovative creativity tools featuring a built-in camera and video recorder, microphone, as well as art, story, and photo studios. Adding even more fun, kids can stretch, stamp or draw on their pictures to create personalized snapshots. LeapPad’s Animation Studio teaches children how to animate beloved Disney characters. My daughter is obsessed with the Princesses & Mermaids Story Studio app!

With Story Studio, kids create their own stories all about them using the built-in camera, personalized artwork, and even their own voice. This new app offers kids the opportunity to create more than 27,000 story combinations, including imagining what they want to be when they grow up, building their own family tree and more.

We love the LeapPad so much we purchased several more as gifts for my nieces and nephews.  We love it that much!  Since the first day we recieved it, it’s hardly gotten a break.  In the first 2 weeks and we went through 4 battery changes.  Each set lasts about 2 days of non-stop play.  Can you say addicted!  My 4 year old has memorized the songs from the Letter Factory video and her penmanship has improved leaps and bounds after a few rounds on her PetPad.  She ends her days with an ebook that reads her to sleep.
When she’s not learning, she’s taking pictures and videos with the built in camera.  I love downloading all her art and seeing what pictures she’s taken when she thinks we’re not looking.  Best of all, LeapPad allows parents to easily and instantly share their children’s masterpieces with family and friends via email or Facebook.  I think that’s very media mom of me!

While some might think $99 is a lot for a kid’s toy, but it is so much more than a toy.  This is durable — been dropped a few times already, once even on concrete and survived — I wouldn’t be able to say that if it was my iPad that she dropped.  Downloadable apps are priced at MSRP $5.00 and up and game cartridges at MSRP $24.99. LeapPad is now available in green and pink, sold nationwide at major retailers. For details visit leapfrog.com/LeapPad.

GIVEAWAYS: Enter NOW!  From now until December 23rd 2011 you MUST visit this FORM.  ONE (1) lucky winners will win an award winning Tag Reader Gift Set including the Tag Reader and 2 Books!  For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @LeapFrog #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1bE) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 23rd 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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My girl’s growing up!  Here are some of our top picks for girls this year!

Hot on the trail of the feather hair trend, we’re loving the Barbie Designable Hair Extensions Doll.  Using the free design website, girls can create their very own personalized hair extensions printable on any inkjet printer.  For a suggested retail price of $31.99 Ages 6+, it comes with a Barbie doll and 16 sheets of printable hair extensions and 5 hair clips.  Additional printable hair extensions are available for purchase separately.

We love love love the Discovery Kids Princess Play Castle.  At only $33.99,  its a great value.  It pops up in seconds and provides hours and hours of play.  During downtime, it makes a great hideaway for my little girl.  She can often be found with her favorite snuggly and hunkering down with a book any time of day.

For the artist, we’re loving the Seedling Create Your Own Designer Doll Kit which lets your little girl design their very own doll ($40 + Free Shipping – available at Giggle.com and comes in Super Hero Craft kit as well for your boy). Inspire your little one to get creative with this imagination-inspiring make-your-own doll kit! Complete with a cotton doll, embroidery thread, assorted fabrics, and more, this DIY kit makes for the perfect rainy day activity and a unique gift for any occasion.

Babycakes Cupcake Maker is perfect for that budding chef!  I love gifts that can really engage.  Making cupcakes in under 8 minutes, it makes for some fun family time whether it is a rainy day activity or something to do during the upcoming winter break!  The hours you can clock decorating those mini cupcakes!

A gift that can last all year is a subscription to Disney Princess Magazine!  Who doesn’t love to receive mail?!  Disney Princess Magazine is an early-learning magazine which brings together Disney favorites such as Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Belle from Beauty & the Beast, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Cinderella, Mulan, Jasmine from Aladdin, and Pochahantas. Each issue of Disney Princess Magazine is full of magical stories, a collectible poster, a Princess project, and a pull-out workbook full of fun activities. Great for any princess, aged 4 and up, she will receive 8 issues in total!  For the boys, check out Pixar Cars Magazine filled with all your favorite Cars characters! or Disney Junior Magazine, made just for your preschooler! You will get magical storytelling from Mickey and friends as well as Jake and the Never Land Pirates and Handy Mandy. Available at: http://www.disneymags.com/magazinesforkids/

Are your girls ready for a more grown up doll?  Madame Alexander’s 18″ Favorite Friends Play doll fits the bill!  Known for the fine craftsmanship, these dolls are dressed in the latest looks.  They are soft and huggable with bright sparkling open and close eyes.  All Favorite Friends outfits and accessories are removable and fit most other 18″ dolls and vice versa, making this a most welcomed gift for any little girl!

GIVEAWAYS: Enter NOW!  From now until December 23rd 2011 you MUST visit this FORM.  Three (3) lucky winners will win their choice of:

• Madame Alexander’s 18″ First Day of School Favorite Friends [ valued at $44.95 ]
• Copy of Disney Princess Magazine, Disney Junior Magazine and Disney Junior Magazine [ valued at $14.99 ]
• Babycakes Cupcake Maker [ valued at $49.99 ]

For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Girls Holiday #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-19O) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 23rd 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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As quickly as kids grow, it seems like you’re spending money left and right to keep your kids in clothing period, let alone stylish clothing.  One of our favorite shopping destinations has always been H&M kids.  They have not only stylish but high quality clothing at an affordable price!  When they first began to license Hello Kitty, one of my daughter’s favorite characters, we were there constantly stocking up on everything from cute dresses, tees and other Hello Kitty accessories.  From there our love expanded to warm and luxurious hats and mittens for the cold New York winters.  H&M has always been my go-to for cute spring dresses and now adorable french inspired sweater dresses.

I was not surprised to learn that as a global company, they impose the strictest of standards with regard to children’s clothing.  Tests are carried out throughout the production process to ensure that these demands are met.  When one country changes their requirements, they make the change globally.  Just a few of these not so recent changes included:

• detachable hoods on outer garments, to reduce the risk of accidents if a child should become caught by the hood
• no drawstrings with loose ends around necks or hoods, to minimize the risk of asphyxiation
• buttons, ribbons and embellishments must be sufficiently durable to withstand use and washing
• all garments must be checked in a needle detector to detect any foreign metal objects such as broken needles, which may have mistakenly ended up in the
  garment during production
• no treatment with flame retardants, to take account of the sensitive skin of children

Sound familiar?  All recent news worthy issues that H&M has always been on top of!  It makes shopping at H&M a no-brainer!

When they challenged me to maximize $100 and come up with some holiday outfits for my kids, all I could think was, are you serious?!  Easy Peasy!  What did we walk away with?  My darling daughter snagged a gorgeous grey knit sweater dress with rosette detailing, two pairs of knit leggings (to keep those winter breezes in check), a pair of pink pearlescent ballet flats with bow detail and just for fun, some whimsical hello kitty bow barrettes. While my handsome, snagged a a rugged black wool jacket, dress shirt with tie and robotic jeans to go with his new fedora and wooly hat.  Pictures to come!  But here are some from our fun shopping expedition, the little man was really in his element!

GIVEAWAY:  To get your kids dressed in H&M Style this holiday season, the fabulous people at H&M are giving ONE (1) very lucky Mom Confessionals reader a $100 Gift Certificate and a 25% off VIP card good until June 30th, 2012!  To ENTER, from now until December 15th 2011 you MUST visit this FORM and enter (1) one of (3) ways – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional  and @HMUSA and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @HMUSA Holiday Style #giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1b3) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

HOLD THE PRESSES!  There can only be ONE giveaway winner, but ALL readers can get 20% off a single item by signing up for H&Mʼs newsletter http://www.hm.com/us/newsletter.

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Welcome to cold and flu season…it’s time to get educated! In addition to offering medicine that is easy to understand (including their latest launches:  help, I have chest congestion and help, I have a stuffy nose), Help Remedies’ Medical Director David Pompei (Pharm.D) provides the below tips on navigating through the drugstore clutter and other useful information for surviving cold/flu season:

1. PREVENT yourself from needing to visit the drug aisle – wash your hands regularly, exercise, consider getting a flu shot; these basic public health measures do reduce the chance of getting sick.
2. IDENTIFY YOUR SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS. If you do get sick, avoid characterizing your condition using ambiguous terms such as ‘cold’ or ‘flu’. Instead, identify your specific symptoms; do you have a headache, does your body ache, do you have a fever, are you congested, do you have a runny nose, etc. and select product/s with active ingredients that focus on your specific symptoms rather than catchalls that may have medications that you don’t need.
3.  TAKE LESS. Take just the amount of medicine you need. If a small dose relieves your symptom, there is no additional benefit in taking more. Start with a moderate dose – if you need more you can take more, up to the recommended dosage per day.
4. ASK QUESTIONS. The drug aisle can be confusing at times, and the pharmacist is there to help you get the right medication for your needs.
5. DON’T OVERDO IT. While you’re sick, take care of yourself. Rest, use a sick day, drink lots of fluids (including that old remedy, soup).

Whatever (or whoever) ails you this season, Help Remedies has your gifting needs covered with a variety of stocking stuffers:

PROBLEM: You battled a gang of coupon-clutching seniors while negotiating a cart full of gifts through the line at Target’s.
SOLUTION: help, I have an aching body

PROBLEM: Your coworker’s feet are in bad shape after she insisted on wearing “festive” 5-inch stilettos to the office holiday party.
SOLUTION: help, I have a blister

PROBLEM: In an obvious attempt at payback for your misspent youth, the grandparents gave the twins matching drum sets.
SOLUTION: help, I have a headache

PROBLEM: Your brother-in-law’s bear-like snores are rattling the windows. And the family is in town for a week.
SOLUTION: help, I can’t sleep

PROBLEM: Your teenager is far too cool to wear a proper coat. Or hat. Or scarf.
SOLUTION: help, I have a stuffy nose

PROBLEM: Your sister-in-law’s five cats won’t leave you compulsively sneezing self alone.
SOLUTION: help, I have allergies

PROBLEM: Your husband lost the annual family football bowl and pouted for an hour in the backyard.
SOLUTION: help, I have chest congestion

Yes they are niftily designed, and come in cute little pods that I can’t resist but they are just as practical as they are smartly designed.  Personally I hope someone leaves me some help, I can’t sleep in my stocking so I can sooner acclimate to working the night shift.  For additional information on Help Remedies, visit www.helpineedhelp.com. Each Help product is $3.99 MSRP, available at Walgreens, Duane Reade, select Target stores, Soap.com, Pharmaca.com, and other retailers nationwide.

GIVEAWAY:  It’s getting nippy out there!  Just in time for switching into snow boots and helping your feet “weather the storm” or after you’ve insisted on wearing “festive” 5-inch stilettos to the office holiday party, we’re giving away FIVE (5) help, I have a blister kits!  To ENTER, from now until December 31st 2011 you MUST visit this FORM and enter (1) one of (3) ways – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s HELP remedies #giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1a8) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 31st 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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It’s generation TECH and there’s something for everyone this holiday season!  I’ve definitely got some tech-fever with recent post ideas such as “How to survive in a ONE iPad Family” and “Getting my Dancey Dancey on with Dance Central for Kinect”

Just in time for the Holidays, Kinect has really come a long way.  If you don’t have one, add that to the list! We are obsessed with so many of the new releases!  Currently my nephew is clocking some real time with Marvel Super Hero Squad: Comic Combat for Xbox and uDraw.  He is just another budding little artist in the family and this game let’s him draw the Wham! Bam! and Pow! and really be a part of the comic.  Armed with the new uDraw Gametablet with uDraw Studio: Instant Artist – Xbox 360 in HD, the graphics are intensely real!

They just keep finding new ways to make the iPad even cooler!  Of course with my recent acquisition of the iPad, my obsession is fueled.  We’re loving the new Crayola iMarker which makes coloring go digital!  Young artists can choose from the Crayola 64 box of colors and transform their medium to everything from a crayon to markers to paints and coloring pencils.  Using the free Color Studio HD App download which features a huge library of built in art, kids can free draw, play games and create their own custom coloring pages.  The Crayola iMarker is available for $29.99 for Ages 3+.  Don’t fret if you can’t wait until the holidays are upon us to color you happy, this free app includes a pen free mode too aka “finger mode”.

Got a Cars 2 fan in the house?  You should check out the new Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes.  When used with an iPad, the mini vehicles transform the tablet’s screen into an interactive Radiator Springs play mat.  I have to admit I got a little caught up in the action myself.  The vehicles interact with everything on the screen from other vehicles going on missions, to the latest race.  Crash into everything, pick up hub caps as currency and really deck out your ride in style.  Tons of free play for the youngest of iPad users and interactivity for the older crowd.  Whatever will they come up with next?  the Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes are available online at Amazon.com and Apple.com, sold in single and 2-packs.

Have a Nintendo DS and looking for girl’s games?  Look no further than Pinkalicious for Nintendo DS!  It comes with a Pinkalicious stylus, and who doesn’t need more of those!  My daughter is constantly losing them!  It’s a perfect stocking stuffer that your girl would go crazy for!  Pinkalicious celebrates all things pink while teaching the special girl in your life that being yourself is best of all!  We’re also loving Lalaloopsy: Sew Magical! Sew Cute! for Nintendo DS which comes with a mini-LaLaLoopsy too!  My girl is loopsy for all things LaLaLoopsy!

GIVEAWAYS: Enter NOW!  From now until December 15th 2011 you MUST visit this FORM.  Four (4) lucky winners will win their choice of:

• Crayola iMarker [ valued at $29.99 ]
• Disney Pixar Cars 2 AppMATes 2-Pack [ valued at $34.99 ]
• Pinkalicious for Nintendo DS [ valued at $29.99 ]
• uDraw Studio – Game and Tablet for Nintendo Wii [ valued at $69.99 ]

For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Techalicious #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1a1) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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As everyone knows, it’s been a super busy year for me.  Graduating from nursing school to starting a new job.  It’s not surprising to say the least that it’s been a while since I’ve spoiled myself.  The fabulous people at JC Penney wanted to remind me and my readers the importance of pampering yourself this holiday season.  But you don’t need a reason to pamper yourself!  It’s not just a season of giving, but a season of renewal.  So treat yourself, heck, spoil yourself because you deserve it!  Armed with a $50 JCPenney gift card, I checked out their newly launched WRAPT boutique filled with tons of affordable items that made my $50 really stretch.  Spoiling yourself doesn’t have to be something huge.  It just has to be something that makes you happy and glamorous!  For me, a girl who is always on the computer, I had to have the Bling bejeweled mini-mouse on sale for only $12!  Now I’ll be blogging in style!

Shopping for an impossible someone?  There are so many great gift ideas in the WRAPT boutique.  Something for the sweet tooth, the electronic junky, something for the too cool, and even something just to glamour-ize someone.  Just in time for the holiday shopping craze, all the prices a slashed to incredible deals!  So get shopping!

GIVEAWAY: The fabulous people at JC Penney is giving you the chance to win chance to win a pack of 3 Glamour Travel Bags, in addition to a Glamour Tablet Case (to gift, or keep for yourself!) from the Glamour line for sharing how you find time to keep yourself beautiful this holiday season.  To ENTER, from now until December 8th 2011 you MUST visit this FORM and tell us how you find time to keep yourself beautiful this holiday season.
For an additional (3) entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @JCPenney #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1a8) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends.  – 3rd option – subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 8th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

{ disclosure : Mom Confessionals received a $50 gift card to spoil herself, who really needs a reason for that? }

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Holiday cards have come a long way!  As a designer, every year use to be riddled with finding the perfect card, or if I was ambitious enough, to make my own cards.  It was incredibly time consuming and sometimes costly too!  There are so many great and affordable options out there that now I have so much fun finding that perfect holiday card that just feels like my family each year from an amazing selection of designs!  It’s the one time a year I get say “Hi!” and update my dear friends whose lives are just as busy as mine.  I love sending them and receiving them!

This year I stumbled upon MyPublisher.com.  The pioneer in high-quality online Photo Books recently expanded its business with the launch of its own personalized photo card collection, just in time for the 2011 Holiday Season.  With their own printing and manufacturing facility, it gives them a real edge in terms of quality control, speed of delivery and cost.

Gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe them!  Not even luxurious!  They use extra-heavy, extra-thick 130 pound, 17 point archival-quality card stock and over 30 free envelope liners — at a price about 30% below it’s closest competitor!  Let’s not forget FREE Return Address Printing and FREE SHIPPING! With a super easy to use interface, you’ll have your gorgeous, luxurious cards in your hands in no time at all!  Every time I clicked for an additional feature like textured finish or envelope liner, I expected my price to jump up… but NOT AT ALL!  My entire order priced the cards at $1.39 each!

Here’s a sneak preview of our card… you like?

GIVEAWAY: MyPublisher.com is offering ONE Mom Confessional reader a $50 Gift code!  To ENTER, from now until December 1st 2011 you MUST subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  For additional entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @MyPublisher #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-1as) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on December 1st 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

{ disclosure : Mom Confessionals received a $50 gift code to create our own holiday cards, but there was no arm twisting involved.  We were dying to try!  In fact, it was our pleasure! }

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Mathematics illuminates patterns that abound in our lives, providing clarity and structure. Explore surprising aspects of math in the Math Midway, a fun-filled exhibition from the Museum of Mathematics. This traveling exhibition runs from now until January 22, 2010 and provides an interactive, hands-on tour of mathematical concepts, all in a colorful, carnival style.  Looking for things to do this upcoming holiday vacation? Take them to Liberty Science Center’s Math Midway.  It’s the perfect activity to engage the kids and keep their minds fresh!

Guests of all ages will delight in:

• Riding on a square-wheeled tricycle to discover why the ride is so smooth.
• Playing the Wheel of Chance – Pick three cards – which one is most likely to come up when you spin the wheel? Keep spinning until you’ve got a winner!
• Experimenting with the Ring of Fire, using a laser beam to find hidden shapes within shapes.
• Marveling at mind-bending mirrors.
• Creating a giant pattern or “tessellation,” of monkeys in a puzzle-like pattern.
• Getting into the swing of harmonics with the Mysterious Harmonograph, which creates beautiful swirling patterns on paper.
• And more!

Debuting at the 2009 World Science Festival Street Fair in New York City, the Math Midway has since delighted families and school groups throughout the country. It makes math fun for all ages!  From babies playing with the building blocks to adults riding the square wheeled tricycle.  The Math Midway is free with paid admission or membership to Liberty Science Center.

The Museum of Mathematics will have its grand opening in 2012 at 11 East 26th Street in Manhattan. Its mission is to enhance public understanding and perception of mathematics. Dynamic exhibits and programs will stimulate inquiry, spark curiosity and reveal the wonders of mathematics. Through these activities, a broad and diverse audience will understand the evolving, creative, human and aesthetic nature of mathematics. For more information about the ongoing development of America’s only Museum of Mathematics, or to join our effort, visit MoMath.org.The new Math Midway exhibit at Liberty Science Center explores surprising aspects of math, a fun-filled exhibition from the Museum of Mathematics.Experience Ride the Square-Wheeled Tricycle; Spin the Universal Wheel of Chance; Dare to challenge the Ring of Fire; Look at the Mind-bending Mirror!

GIVEAWAY: Liberty Science Center is giving away a Family 4-pack of tickets to one lucky Mom Confessionals family!  To ENTER, from now until November 15th 2011 you MUST subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  For additional entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s @gotsci #LSCmath #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-19z) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on November 15th 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

{ disclosure: photographs provided by Liberty Science Center }

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Jennie Finch, USA Softball Player and Mom, is a Shout stain expert. Jennie has encountered her share stains between her years playing softball years and caring for her 4 ½ year old son, Ace and newborn baby boy, Diesel. Jennie has 27 Lessons for Life: On and Off The Field, offering lessons about life, laundry, play and stains each week on Shout’s Facebook page and Twitter handle.  I got a sneak preview of a few and here is one of my favorite tips to get you worrying less about stains and simply enjoying life:

So what’d you think?  Will you being carrying your camera every where?  I certainly do already!  If you know me, my camera is never far away and my kids know the lens real well.  They’re still young but I love going back and looking at all my photos of them since birth.  I love the ones that capture faces and moments only a mother could love.

GIVEAWAY: ONE (1) lucky reader will win a Shout caddy full of the entire Shout product line, Jennie’s brand new autographed book, and a Shout T-shirt!  To ENTER, from now until October 31st 2011 you MUST subscribe to Mom Confessionals.  For additional entries – 1st Option – If you follow me on twitter @momconfessional and re-tweet this giveaway (I just entered @momconfessional’s Shout #Giveaway and you should too! http://wp.me/pLvfH-18t) – 2nd Option – If you “like” us on Facebook and share the giveaway with your friends. DON’T FORGET to visit this FORM and leave a separate entry for each action. Giveaway only open to those with U.S. addresses and must be 18 years or older. Giveaway ends on October 31st 2011 at 11:59 EST. A winner will be selected randomly by Random.org and notified by e-mail.

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