Madonna's New 'Rebel Heart' Album is Here

I participated in the Madonna Rebel Heart album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions and experiences are my own. #RebelHeart  #O2O

I was a child of the 80's. I still remember having to go to my friend's house down the street in order to listen to 'Like a Virgin' and 'Material Girl'.

That would not have been acceptable in my house. Madonna was too controversial and not appropriate for my sensitive ears.

But we all listened to it. I think that was even part of the initial thrill.

Mom's rolled their eyes, Madonna's name was always linked to a new scandal. But, soon everyone was humming along and dancing to her music. Who hasn't danced to 'Holiday'?

Somewhere along the way, Madonna became mainstream. But, I don't think the artist herself would agree with that.

I don't think I can even tell you a time in my life that I didn't have at least one of Madonna's songs or albums on my mixed tape, walkman, discman or now iPod. So hearing that Madonna's 13th studio album, 'Rebel Heart' was being released, I had to be first in line to hear it and have my say.

(Of, course this is Madonna... she is always pushing the envelope, so this album has some explicit language and references to sex and drugs. .... I know, you saw that coming didn't you?)

This album includes the usual dance tracks, club songs and "Veni, Vidi, Vici" even gives a nod to some of her more famous past work. If you are a Madonnna fan, you will really enjoy that. The songs vary widely, from her more rebellious and explicit lyrics in some songs, to others that show her more romantic side.

I have to admit that I found several songs I will be adding to my workout/cleaning playlist, but I was not as impressed with her tracks that featured other artists. Though I have enjoyed her past work with artists such as Justin Timberlake, I was not as thrilled with her song featuring Nicki Minaj.

But don't fret, there are plenty of great tracks included in her latest album, including "Living for Love" which is her 44th Number 1 on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.

Rebel Heart Track List

01 “Living For Love”

02 “Devil Pray”

03 “Ghosttown”

04 “Unapologetic Bitch”

05 “Illuminati”

06 “Bitch I’m Madonna” (Feat. Nicki Minaj)

07 “Hold Tight”

08 “Joan Of Arc”

09 “Iconic” (Feat. Chance The Rapper & Mike Tyson)

10 “HeartBreakCity”

11 “Body Shop”

12 “Holy Water”

13 “Inside Out”

14 “Wash All Over Me”

15 “Best Night”

16 “Veni Vidi Vici” (Feat. Nas)

17 “S.E.X.”

18 “Messiah”

19 “Rebel Heart”

You can purchase the newest album by Madonna, 'Rebel Heart', now on iTunes. And why not follow her on Instagram?

Microsoft Office 365, a New Way to Get It Done

I participated in the Microsoft Office 365 campaign on behalf of the One2One Network. All opinions and experiences are my own. #GetItDone

Ready to go anywhere?

Ready to be in your office on-the-go, at a coffee shop or at the park with your kids?

Yes, Microsoft Office 365 is here to make us view our work space differently. Not tied to a desk, but anywhere we want our documents and information. I don't know about you, but I am never at a desk. Today's social media movers and shakers have to be mobile and I love that Microsoft has acknowledged this.

"The 9 to 5 has blurred and today people need modern technology to find balance. From home to the office, and especially on the go, people all around the world are working differently than the past."

Talking about "documents" might be a little too formal. See, I am married to a farmer who basically has 500 acres of office. He keeps track of everything from seed orders to planting and pest management schedules. I run the day to day household stuff including shopping lists, meal planning (above) and everything to do with the children and all of our family appointments. Add in my blog and I probably use two or more of the Office applications daily. We both need to access our saved information constantly, but are not always at home.

I need a better and more flexible way to work.

Here is my husband accessing the cloud on his smart phone. He can get things done even while sitting with the kids.

Office 365 allows me and my husband this freedom. And, instead of all the new versions and upgrades, Microsoft is moving towards a subscription based product. My membership covers up to 5 devices, and since all my information is saved in the cloud on SkyDrive, I can access and work with my lists and information anywhere! And if I'm not near one of my 5 devices? I can still access my docs through Office on Demand. Slick, right?

When my last laptop died I was left without access to my previous files. It was painful! Anything that I hadn't backed up or saved elsewhere was corrupted or lost. Losing so much is something I never want to happen again. Even if this laptop goes belly up, I can get to all the projects and information I was working on on my phone, tablet or desktop. No problem.

Office 356 Includes:

• The latest and most complete set of Office applications: Word, Excell, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access.
• One license for the entire household to use Office on up to 5 devices including Windows tablets, PCs or Macs and Office on Demand from any Internet connected PC.
• An additional 20 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage.
• 60 free Skype world calling minutes per month to call mobile phones, landlines or PCs around the world.
• Future upgrades.
• Automatic save to SkyDrive so everything is accessible on your favorite devices from virtually anywhere.

You will notice with this version that mobile icons are easier to select, installation as always is fast and easy, and the complete bundle (with automatic upgrades) is a great deal.

Microsoft recently declared November 7, Get It Done Day, to start a movement for unbound accomplishers in and around NYC. Even if you don't happen to be ear the fun, you can join in by using the #GetItDone hashtag and through November 21st you can enter to win an all-expense-paid trip of a lifetime in their #GetItDone Contest.

Microsoft #GetItDone Contest 

Show Microsoft how you Get It Done for a chance to win! You and a friend could win a trip to some of the most happening events anywhere. Get it done alongside the most accomplished athletes, filmmakers and musicians around - on a trip to NYC, a journey to Park City, Utah, or a musical voyage to Austin, Texas. Visit http://bit.ly/GetItDoneContest to share and enter to win:

• A February trip to NYC, America's most get it done city - with enough cash to buy tickets to the big football showdown, or catch your favorite Broadway show.
• Slap on your skis and head to Utah this January, where you can get it done in between indie flicks in Park City.
• Fly to Austin in March, where you'll enjoy a boot-scootin' week of living history, live music and interactive in the heart of Texas.

Good luck!

Where would you work if you could access your documents anywhere?

Disney Classics in a Convenient Box Set

*Disclaimer - I am participating in a blog post campaign from One2One Network and Walt Disney Records. All opinions and experiences are my own. #DisneyClassicsBox

How many Disney songs can you hum along to? Do you "Whistle While You Work"?

My kids are just blooming into the Disney Age. Disney Jr. is a staple channel on our TV and we have an assortment of music CDs stocked in the car for trips. I was so excited to hear about this Disney Classics Box Set though, because there are so many classic tunes from my childhood I can now share with them.

I was sent a sampler of the music and I can't wait for the full release November 12th.

There is something about hearing "Under the Sea" from The Little Mermaid that takes me back to elementary school and how exciting it was to watch that movie. Or how singing along with "Hot Dog!" from the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is one of my kids' favorite songs and probably one of the first my daughter could sing-along to.

My first experiences visiting a Disney park were all in Japan. I remember that despite the words all being in Japanese, the songs were still familiar to me and reminded me of home.

Here are all the details about the box set:

• Currently available for pre-order on Amazon.com and
available for purchase in the Disney parks.
• Official release is Tuesday, November 12, 2013 - available for purchase wherever music is sold.
• Suggested list price is $49.98. (Prices may vary
depending on retailer.)
• Includes 4 discs of 94 original recordings and include:

• Disney Modern Classics 
• Disney Theme Park Classics 
• Disney Timeless Classics 
• Disney Television Classics 

This would make a great collection for either a holiday gift or for the whole family to listen to and enjoy while traveling over the holidays. Be sure to pre-order yours today.

What is your all-time favorite Disney song?

Album Review: Court Yard Hounds - Amelita

*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

My introduction to these talented sisters, Emily Robinson and Martie Maquire, was through the fabulous country songs of the Dixie Chicks. I remember loving both the song and video of Ready to Run when it made it's debut. But the sisters have moved beyond just country to a wider audience and have come into their own creating a follow up to the Court Yard Hounds first album. #CYHAmelita

Amelita is something different. It is an album with more confidence and wider style than even their first. With 11 original songs and styles from bluegrass to pop, this album appeals to me now as much as their sounds did when I was younger. I have matured and so have the sisters.

Amelita track listing:

1. Sunshine
2. Amelita
3. The World Smiles
4. Aimless Upward
5. Guy Like You
6. Rock All Night
7. Phoebe
8. Divided
9. Gets You Down
10. Watch Your Step
11. The Road You Take

Hands down I fell for Sunshine, the first track on the album because of it's tongue in cheek name for a person who brings you down. It reminds me of when I call my daughter "Little Miss Sunshine" because of her bad attitude.

I also loved Pheobe, full of twang and gorgeous harmonies. It is a great reminder that these girls can not only sing, but are accomplished musicians. From banjo to fiddle to guitar, they really know their stuff.

Much as I did years ago when I discovered the genius of the Dixie Chicks, I could listen to this album over and over again.

"We’re a band, not a side project. We like our sound, and we’re going to continue to do this, and share something new this time around." - Emily Robison

I sure hope they will have many more songs to sing in the future. I just can't get enough of their sound and energy.

Download your own copy of Amelita by Court Yard Hounds on iTunes.

Connect with Court Yard Hounds on Facebook and Twitter.

Beat the Heat and Bowl Free with AMF Summer Unplugged!

*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions and experiences stated in this post are my own.

Summer is heating up. Well, here in Oregon, last week was a doozie! The temperature kept pushing in the 90's and it was just too hot to take a newborn and two kids outside to play. Unfortunately that leaves my two eldest, and myself, a little stir crazy. This leaves us searching for cooler indoor activities to enjoy together.

My kids love bowling. What is there not to enjoy? Specialty shoes, glitter balls and things to knock over. Add to this a big plate of french fries, music and fun with friends and it is always a hit. As a Mom, I love that they stay engaged, excited and cool in the air-conditioned building.

To make it even more enticing, local AMF bowling centers are again offering Summer Unplugged and Summer Pass programs to get the ball rolling. So why not enjoy an AMF Summer?

So what is the program exactly?

The Summer Unplugged  & Summer Pass Programs run from May 13, 2013 through September 2, 2013 from opening to 8pm daily. Sign up online and then show your membership card at your AMF center or give them your name to play.

Summer Unplugged -  Spare your kids the Summer boredom with two free games daily for youth ages 15 and under. This promotion is good for up to 6 children.. Need to sign up more than 6 kids? Just create another account. Easy peasy. You will still need to rent shoes, but it is still wallet friendly.

Summer Pass - Parents, don't fret, there is Summer Pass program just for you! For $34.95 you can sign up for two free games a day, and bring up to 3 guests aged 16 and up. Shoe rentals, again,  not included.

On a roll and want to play more? This Summer you can "Stay and Play" by paying $1.49 for an additional game. Check out all the details and find an AMF Bowling Center near you.

There are over 250 AMF Bowling Center Locations and a few places around my home state of Oregon, both Salem and Portland are on the list! Search near your home by zip code or city.

Excited to get your bowling on? I know my family is ready to roll.

#Ad Rod Stewart is back with Time (Album Review)

Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to write this review. By posting, I'm eligible for incentives. All opinions & experiences are my own.

As a child of the 80's and 90's, I grew up listening to Rod Stewart on the radio. I am sure we all have our favorite song he sang. I mean, he has been writing and singing for so long it is hard not to have a favorite. I could easily sing along to Maggie May (1971), or Forever Young (1988), but All For Love, written for the movie The Three Musketeers, was one I remember playing over and over in my room.

Yes, it has been 4 decades of music and Rod Stewart is still going strong. Yes, same hair, same tight pants. Time is his first release with new material in almost 20 years. Released earlier this month, 11 out of the 12 tracks were written and produced by him.

"Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head," he says. "Next thing I knew, I had a song called 'It's Over' about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn't done, and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record."

My favorite song off the new album was definitely She Makes Me Happy. Upbeat and fun, it is a great reminder of how good falling in love feels.

Here is the complete list of album tracks:

1. She Makes Me Happy
2. Can’t Stop Me Now
3. It’s Over
4. Brighton Beach
5. Beautiful Morning
6. Live The Life
7. Finest Woman
8. Time
9. Picture In A Frame
10. Sexual Religion
11. Make Love To Me Tonight
12. Pure Love

Download your favorite tracks or the entire album on iTunes or Amazon.

Michael Bublé's To Be Loved - Hits a Sweet Note with Me (Album Review)

Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate this review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Ready to be swept off your feet? Yes, I have been known to swoon for a crooner and Michael Bublé definitely fits the bill. He is here with a new album, #ToBeLoved and I just wanted to sound off that there is so much to love about it!

This Canadian singer may be famous for his covers of well known songs, but this album shows him stepping out with 4 original songs he co-wrote. The original songs like, Close your Eyes and I Got It Easy are soulful and memorable, and draw from the singer's own life and family.

My favorite song on the album was definitely, It's A Beautiful Day though, another co-written by Bublé. It was a great song about being better off without someone. Completely upbeat and fun. I found some of the songs on this album featuring other favorite personalities and singers of mine like Reese Witherspoon and Bryan Adams. After All was another of my favorites. I remember Junior High dances swaying to the ballads from Bryan Adams. Was I the only one?

I still love when he covers the classics I grew up with though. I just love it when he covers Sinatra. Such a great twist to those amazing songs!  Check out his clip of You Make Me Feel So Young. 

"I labored over every song, every note and every arrangement because I can’t resist trying to make each record better than my last one." - Michael Bublé

Of course a smooth voice paired with a classy suit doesn't hurt either, right?

Here is a peek at the track listing:

1. "You Make Me Feel So Young"   

2. "It's a Beautiful Day" 

3. "To Love Somebody"

4. "Who's Lovin You"

5. "Something Stupid" (featuring Reese Witherspoon) 

6. "Come Dance with Me"

7. "Close Your Eyes"

8. "After All" (featuring Bryan Adams)

9. "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" (with Naturally 7)

10. "To Be Loved"

11. "You've Got a Friend in Me"  

12. "Nevertheless (I'm in Love with You)" (featuring The Puppini Sisters)

13. "I Got It Easy"    

14. "Young at Heart"

You can download your favorite tracks or the entire album on iTunes or Amazon

Don't Miss the Premiere of All My Children and One Life to Live on Hulu!

*Disclaimer - I am participating in a campaign from One2One Network and The Online Network. I have not received payment for this post. My participation makes me eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own

The shows you grew up with are back and better than ever!

Starting at midnight, April 29th, Hulu is offering 30-minute daily episodes with a recap on Friday. You can also catch them on-the-go with Hulu+ and iTunes. Plus catch fun guest appearances by Snoop Lion, Riff Raff, and Nervo.

Soap operas have long been loved for afternoon entertainment and we all hate to see the family's we have come to love and hate go away. These are off-network now so the gloves are coming off, is that even possible? and their content will be more mature and not suitable for children. I see these as being a great after hours guilty pleasure for busy moms.

New to these classic soaps? Here is the dirt on All My Children:

All My Children revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley. For nearly forty years, this town has seen the trials and tribulations of its dynamic families. Now your favorite stories are back, and more dramatic than ever!

Plot outline
Since 1970, the residents of All My Children's Pine Valley, PA -- including its most famous citizen, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) have seen their fair share of scandalous hookups, feuds, and devastating murders. Pine Valley luminaries include resident hero Ryan Lavery (Cameron Mathison), Fusion Cosmetics maven Greenlee du Pres (Rebecca Budig), perpetual troublemaker David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry), funnyman Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight), and the unforgettable romantic duo of Angie and Jesse Hubbard (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams).

All My Children actors include returning actors Debbie Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard, Julie Barr as Brooke English,Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster, Eric Nelson as AJ Chandler, Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery, Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald, Ryan Bittle as JR Chandler, Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery, Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney, Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin, David Canary as Adam Chandler, Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre, and Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson will be returning once the soap moves online.

Connect with All My Children on twitter and Instagram.

Check out the All My Children season preview:

Check out the dish on One Life to Live:

One Life to Live follows the complicated lives of three main families: the wealthy Lords, the powerful Buchanans and the strong-willed Cramers. The quiet simplicity of small town living is often interrupted by the drama between them yet despite the struggles, strong family bonds keep them united.

Plot outline

The good people of Llanview, Pennsylvania, lead complicated lives. In a town of questionable marriage ethics, teenagers grow up fast and fall in love quickly. The quiet simplicity of small-town living on the Llantano River is frequently upset by an over-abundance of multiple personalities who disturb the peace. Despite the jealousy, betrayal, and occasional baby-swapping, Llanview is where the Buchanan, Lord, and Cramer families struggle to retain the strong family ties that have always united them.

One Life to Live actors include Corbin Bleu as Jeffery King as well as returning actors Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning. Recurring actors include: Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel, and Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel.

Connect with One Life to Live on twitter and Instagram.

Check out the One Life to Live season preview:

Here are the network links to catch your first episodes starting tonight! 

The Online Network - www.theonlinenetwork.com

AMC on Hulu - www.hulu.com/all-my-children

OLTL on Hulu - www.hulu.com/one-life-to-live

Preparing for Baby - The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep, by Harvey Karp, M.D. #spon

Have a new baby? Know someone with a baby right now? Chances are you have heard all the jokes, advice and opinions on getting sleep with a new baby in the house. There is a lot of information out there, but all we really care about is that elusive good night of sleep...

I am not saying it is easy. Shoot, desperate and sleep deprived parents (myself included) have tried just about everything and anything suggested. As I count down the weeks till my next baby is born I have been reminiscing with my husband about some of the more memorable moments with our first two children.

Sleep, or our sleep-deprived stretches always come up for a good laugh. Though they are funny in hindsight, it is a real problem plaguing many people.

I think it took us over 3 years to really get the hang of a schedule and tricks that worked best for our family. Many were found through trial and error, others were suggested and some even came from reading stacks and stacks of books on parenting, babies and sleep training. I was thrilled to receive a copy of The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep by Harvey Karp, M.D. because a few of my friends had raved about his other books. Reading this was like a flash of 3 years of knowledge contained in one great book. Plus this isn't just about babies, he offers simple sleep solutions for children from birth to 5 years.

Reading it was a great refresher and reinforced some of our best tricks. You better believe I will be pulling these out from day one with baby Elliott.

Why did I enjoy this book so much? Well, there is an overall system, so easy to follow, but it is also breaks down sleeping tips and possible problems by age and stage. So read it through or skip ahead to the section that best suits your needs. Some highlights I have personally used with successfully include: room sharing with a side sleeper, white noise, swaddling and training a baby to sleep through life's normal noises. Hey, I have two older kids, staying silent for a new baby is never going to happen!

Do I agree with everything in the book? No. I am not a fan of pacifiers, but I appreciate that the book mentions we must find what works for us as parents. Often there are several options discussed in each step leaving implementation up to us.

I have never been one for letting my children "cry it out" and these simple tips and instructions don't make parents choose between their tugging heart strings and getting a decent night of sleep.

Harvey Karp, M.D. has done it again with another great book after his bestselling The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Be sure to check out the Happiest Baby website for all the great products and more information.


*Disclaimer - I am participating in a book review campaign with One2One Network. I received this book from Harper Collins for the purposes of reviewing it. I have not received compensation. My participation in the campaign enters me into a drawing for a gift card. All opinions and experiences are my own.

Emmy Rossum's New CD - #SentimentalJourney - Out Now!

I remember the first time I saw Emmy Rossum in a movie. Such a small girl, belting out a big song. Wide-eyed with an angelic voice she captured my heart in The Songcatcher. I followed her voice and acting talent in Phantom of the Opera and knew she would be onto bigger and better things in the future. So much talent!

So, when I heard she was coming out with her first CD, I had to hear it.

The album was released on January 29th and the collection is available right now for immediate gratification. Sentimental Journey consists of 12 songs that each represent a month of the year and span classics through the American Songbook. All were songs I have heard before, and enjoyed. It was lovely to hear Emmy Rossum's spin on each.

Here is the Sentimental Journey Track Listing:

1. “Sentimental Journey” (Les Brown, Ben Homer, Arthur Green)
2. “The Object Of My Affection” (Pinky Tomlin)
3. “I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover “(Mort Dixon, Harry M. Woods)
4. “These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)” (Eric Maschwitz, Jack Strachey)
5. “(I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time” (Albert Von Tilzer, Neville Fleeson)
6. “Summer Wind” (Heinz Meier, Johnny Mercer)
7. “Many Tears Ago” (Winfield Scott)
8. “All I Do Is Dream Of You” (Nacio Herb Brown, Arthur Freed)
9. “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out” (Jimmy Cox)
10. “Autumn Leaves” (Joseph Kosma, Jacques Prévert)
11. “Things” (Bobby Darin)
12. “Pretty Paper” (Willie Nelson)

You can catch the vignette of "These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You) on Youtube.

I had a lovely time listening to the CD. It was the perfect album to listen to during "me" time or while I was relaxing in the afternoon. I recommend giving it a listen and I'm sure you'll fall in love with her voice as well. I think Sentimental Journey was my favorite, but I just love that song to begin with.

Catch Emmy Rossum on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on February 6th. Or connect with her on Twitter.

Grab your own copy on Amazon today.

*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Kylie Minogue's The Abbey Road Sessions Album #Review

Kylie Minogue will forever be a pop princess in my mind, but her most current release, The Abbey Road Sessions, shows she has more heart and soul than previously shown in her work. With a different feel and sound, she radically reworked some of the biggest hits from her 25-year-career.

More mature, more elegant and with her band and a full orchestra the songs are familiar, but just as enjoyable this time around.

Though I will always be a fan of her original arrangements' dance inspired beats, this album is more like the music I listen to after the kids are in bed and I am ready to end my day. Soothing and luscious, but still catchy, I can still sing along with these classics.

Check out this compilation highlighting the album's new sound:

The Abbey Road Sessions Track Listing:

1. All The Lovers

2. On A Night Like This

3. Better The Devil You Know

4. Hand On Your Heart

5. I Believe In You

6. Come Into My World

7. Finer Feelings

8. Confide In Me

9. Slow

10. The Locomotion

11. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head

12. Where The Wild Roses Grow

13. Flower

14. I Should Be So Lucky

15. Love At First Sight

16. Never Too Late

From growing up with Kylie Minogue's music to seeing her show up on my kids' shows like The Wiggles, I am still a fan. So happy to see her spreading her artistic wings and exploring more than just catchy beats. I hope to see much more from her in the future. Maybe a mixture of the two?

You can buy her new album on iTunes, or Amazon for the Deluxe version, or Standard.

*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Hello Better - A New Option for Wireless Service #HelloBetter

Can you even imagine what life would be like without your cell phone?

It is hard for me to remember time before my cell, even though while I was in college not everyone had a cell phone. Now I am faced with purchasing a new phone, comparing features and even thinking about when my kids will have their first phones. (Ahhhh!!!)

Though most days I take for granted being constantly available, when I lose coverage, it is a painful reminder of how lost I am without my phone and the internet. I live in a rural area. Gone are the days of speeding around Tokyo on trains and having cell coverage - anywhere! No, out here where the grape vines and corn stalks outnumber people I am at the mercy of my mobile phone service.

Have you ever blankly starred at your phone hoping to get a glimpse of an available bar or two? I have. Of course checking your provider's service area is handy unless you have to move or are in the middle of a contract. Ugh. Or, in my case the providers graphics don't always cover in reality what they do on paper.

Or what about the time spent trying to get help in a wireless provider's store? My husband and I have put off getting new phones because it is always an ordeal. With bored toddlers in tow we wait... and wait... and maybe after spending half a day waiting we will find out if we can get the phones we want or the help we need.

The cell phones might make my life more convenient, but the service? Well, I try to put off dealing with it unless I really have to.

If you share my frustration I'd like to introduce you to Hello Better

U.S. Cellular wants to encourage people not to put up with it anymore. If you are unhappy with your wireless relationships, then say hello to a better experience. Goodbye neglect, hello respect. Oh, and I am not alone... just check out the infographic for other Pacific Northwest residents:

Here are some things to think about:

• A study conducted by U.S. Cellular indicates that 43 percent of individuals are in the ‘seven year itch’ phase with their wireless provider, noting they are comfortable but suspect they are missing out on something better.
• Out of the 1,208 participants polled across four regions of the country, 56 percent of the respondents admitted to being unhappy with their carrier over the past year but only 35 percent of all respondents have ever broken up with their provider.
• In spite of this overall dissatisfaction, respondents are hesitant to call it quits. More than one-third of respondents say they stick with their current provider because they believe all carriers are the same, it is too much trouble to switch carriers, or they don’t want to sign a new contract.

So what is U.S. Cellular bringing to the table?

 In addition to passionate associates, U.S. Cellular provides customers with unique benefits such as the industry’s only points-based rewards program, no contract after the first contract ends, free incoming calls and texts, free Overage Protection and free Battery Swap for your device.

We deserve better, don't we? Our mobile phones should make like easier, but so should our wireless carrier relationship. U.S. Cellular looks to treat their customers like neighbors, not just numbers. Test your knowledge in the survey below:

For more information check out U.S. Cellular Plans and Rewards for yourself.

*Disclaimer - I participated in this sponsored post campaign as a member of One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own. My experiences may vary from yours.

Frigidaire "Adventures in Clean" - Laundry Tips for You

Here at Adventures in all things Food and Family I know what it is like to have stains.

Spaghetti stains, grass stains, grease, mud or markers... you name it and I've probably seen it come through my laundry room. For better or worse.

Frigidaire has a new Adventures in Clean app to help people like me tackle those pesky stains. When people visit Facebook.com/Frigidaire and share their personal Adventures in Clean, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children, as part of its $750,000 commitment to the cause. Just upload a photo to the app and create your own movie poster. Spread the word and you will be entered to win a new Frigidaire Affinity® washer and dryer featuring Ready Steam™.


Now to make your laundry mountains a bit more manageable, here are some great tips to get you through this messy season.

5 Summer Stain Tips for Frigidaire by Tara Aronson

Smudges, drips, drops and smears – no matter what their source, the key to keeping them from ruining your favorite shorts or T-shirt is to take quick action – before it gets a chance to dry.

For most fabrics, this means blotting up the excess or rinsing the discolored area with cold water (hot can set a stain.) Don’t rub: this spreads the spot and grinds it deeper into the fabric.

Summer spills are especially tough. Here’s how to remove the five most common:

1. Crayon.
Scrape off as much of the colorful surface as possible using a plastic picnic knife. Apply laundry detergent directly on the stained area. Gently rub the detergent into the fabric then let sit several minutes. Launder using the hottest water the fabric can handle - or the Sanitize setting of your Frigidaire Affinity washer. Dry as usual.

2. Iced coffee.
Sponge the stained area with cold water. Apply a pretreater to the blight. Wash as usual and air dry.

3. Grass.
Prewash the garment in warm water in your washing machine –the Rinse & Spin cycle on your Affinity washer – and a laundry detergent containing enzymes. Launder as usual (normal setting) with detergent and chlorine bleach if safe for the fabric. If the garment’s care label instructions advise against it, use oxygen (color safe) bleach instead. Dry as usual.

4. Juice.
Soak for a minute or so in cold water. Remove excess water, and then apply a pretreater directly on the stained area. Wash with detergent as usual. Air dry. Do not place in the dryer until the blight is completely gone – otherwise the stain is likely to set.

5. Chocolate (or chocolate ice cream).
Prewash the garment in warm water with a laundry detergent that contains enzymes using the Affinity’s Rinse & spin setting. Launder as usual, using the washing machine’s Normal setting. Dry as usual.

*Disclaimer - I wrote this blog past as a member of the One2One Network. By posting, I'm eligible for a drawing. All opinions are my own.

Hellmann's Plans to Get Real - Videos and Sweepstakes Opportunity

In the current trend towards eating more natural and healthy food, it is nice to hear that Hellmann's has announced they are going to be using 100% cage free eggs in all their products by 2020.

Yes, chickens everywhere are rejoicing... and so are my taste buds!

They teamed up with Chef Tim Love to create a video series featuring Chef Love and friends sharing some great food secrets from the 30th annual Food and Wine Classic that went on in Aspen last month. Yes, the secrets are being spilled and you can learn what secrets and essential ingredients are in some of America's favorite dishes.

Right now you can visit the brand's Facebook page and enter Hellmann's Real Matters Sweepstakes to win the Grand Prize trip to next year's Food and Wine Classic, or other great prizes.

Best of luck!

*Disclaimer - This information was as a member of the One2One Network. By posting I am entered into a drawing. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Sonos Target Deal ends Today!

Snag this great deal in time to surprise Dad!

Through June 16th at Target you can get a FREE $30 Target gift card with purchase of  a Play:3 unit and FREE $40 Target gift card with the purchase of a Play:5 unit.

Be sure to check out the video to find out more about Sonos. Wouldn't the guy in your life enjoy this?

*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and I'm eligible for a prize drawing.  All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Don't Miss AMF's Summer Programs

How do you plan to spend your Summer? AMF has some great programs to give you deals to enjoy with the whole family. And air conditioning doesn't hurt either, right?

Looking for an affordable activity for the whole family? 

When was the last time you went bowling? Who is the best bowler in your group? I think it is time for my family to graduate from the game console version and head out and grab a lane. I love bowling because all ages enjoy it and there is plenty of time to chat before the next frame.

First check out AMF's Summer Unplugged: Zip, Zero, Zilch for Kids 15 and Under

At select AMF centers, your child 15 or under can enjoy 2 free games of bowling per day. Now bad, right? Shoe rental is not included, but I'm not going to complain.

Here are the details:

• Time: Free bowling until 8:00 PM, 7 days a week.
• Dates: Monday, May 14 through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day).
• Parents go to http://bit.ly/AMFfree to select a participating center (over 250 locations) and complete a simple registration form.
• Free game coupons emailed every week starting May 14 – it’s that simple!
• $3.29 Kids Meals

Also check out AMF's Summer Pass - a great deal for everyone 16 and over.

2 free games, per day for up to four people ages 16 and up (shoe rental not included).


One $29.95 Summer Pass is good for 2 games per day for up to four people all summer long - that's $7.50 per person! (Same dates and times as above.)
Available online at http://bit.ly/SummerPass.


*Disclaimer - I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing.  All opinions stated in the post are my own.

New Rascal Flats Album - Changed #Review

If you are a Rascal Flatts fan, you are probably on the edge of your seat for their newest album, Changed.
Want a taste? Check out the video for Banjo here.

Changed comes from all of the guys being family men now. This is the trio's 8th studio album and they all had a hand in writing songs for it. New label and new priorities in life, these guys are creating some beautiful music together. The 11 songs on the album are:

1. Changed
2. Banjo
3. Hot In Here
4. Come Wake Me Up
5. She’s Leaving
6. Let It Hurt
7. Lovin Me
8. Hurry Baby
9. Sunrise
10. Great Big Love
11. A Little Home

The perfect music to tap your boots to this Summer is available now to download or buy. It is as good if not better than previous albums and one I will be listening to many times.

*Disclaimer - I was provided a CD for review and information regarding this campaign as a member of the One2One Network. All opinions are my own.