This Full House Reviews

Nominate Your Local School: 2010 Power A Bright Future Grant by Clorox!

I had the pleasure of meeting with representatives of The Clorox Company, while attending BlogHer '10 Conference and learned more about their 2010 Power A Bright Future Grant Program:

• Power A Bright Future is a grant program aimed at providing necessary resources to help support school programs that enrich kids’ lives.

• As part of Power A Bright Future, Clorox is calling on individuals to nominate schools in need for a chance to win a $50,000 grand-prize grant or one of three $20,000 grants to help provide critically needed resources to schools programs that enrich kids’ lives and create brighter futures.

• In December, four schools will be chosen to receive grants and the opportunity to impact the lives of children in their communities.

Raising 4 kids, attending 4 different schools (yes, really!) we are no strangers to the trials and tribulations (mostly, trials) of fighting to keep programs, like art and music, in our school budget.

How can you (and I) get involved?

Thanks for Giving: You Did REAL GOOD, Outback Steakhouse!

Outback Steakhouse Presents $1 Million Donation In Support Of The U.S. Troops Through Operation Homefront

Waaaay back in March (seriously, with the kids home for the summer, it seems like a lifetime ago) I blogged about how Outback Steakhouse is supporting our troops.

Why?  Well, like I said:

To me, "support our troops" is more than just a sound bite on a t-shirt or bumper sticker (my minivan sports a magnet, actually) personally, I understand the sacrifice, dedication and difficult decisions members of our military make, every day, and honor that commitment, by showing my support in little ways -- like, blogging about stuff like this.

My twin brother is full-time Army (GO UNCLE BUD!) so, I personally want to take this moment to thank the brands (like, the generous folks at Outback Steakhouse) who continue to allow consumers (like me) help give back to their communities and support really, really great causes, like Operation Homefront!

You did REAL GOOD, Outback...HOOAH!

© 2010 This Full House Gone Shopping - All Rights Reserved.

Small Gray-ish Print:  No payment, product, or any other consideration was given, other than a chance to share something REAL nice with other families (like mine) was received for this blog post, because nice matters and indifference sucks wet poodle.

American Girl: Shine On Now Initiative and Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED: SHARING WITH JEANE (COMMENT #58) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!

As the first generation girl born in America (both my parents immigrated as teenagers from Hungary in 1956) my 3 girls (and son) look forward to visiting with their grandparents during Sunday dinners and listening to their stories of "the old country."

Although, some of the stories have been repeated (often) and perhaps a bit embellished (probably) the kindness they both experienced, first hand, from total strangers volunteering within the foster families in their newly adopted communities, STILL brings tears to their eyes.

Mine, too..

This, my friends, is one of the reasons I have agreed to partner with American Girl to help promote their Shine On Now program.

So, what is Shine On Now and why should you care?

Calling All BlogHer Moms: Enter To Win $1,000 Shopping Spree, Spa Day & More!

Raise your hand if you need a time-out and/or some quality “me” time!

[raises BOTH hands]

Well, BornFree wants to give one (1) lucky mom going to BlogHer 2010 a well-deserved break, including:

The Ultimate Indulgence Package at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa

• Elizabeth Arden Facial
• Desert Hot Stone Massage
• Olive Oil Manicure
• Olive Oil Pedicure
• Shampoo, Blow Dry, & Finish
• Makeup Refresher
• Spa Lunch

Dinner for you and a friend at The Russian Tea Room ($250) http://www.russiantearoomnyc.com

A $1,000 NYC Shopping Spree

Yeah, I want it, how about you?

Enter Here: http://bornfreemom.com/2010/06/01/attention-all-blogher-2010-moms-you-need-a-time-out/

 

© 2010 This Full House/This Full House Gone Shopping

DISCLOSURE: No payment, or consideration, other than an entry into the contest, was received for this blog post, 'cawse...um...yeah...I really, really want this!

Are You Clueless or Crafty?

In her new book, "Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products," Sophie Uliano demonstrates how women can update their beauty regimen, create an eco-friendly home, adopt a healthier diet and fitness routine, indulge in guilt-free shopping, and more, all whilst making a positive impact on the earth.

So, I took the Gorgeously Green Quiz (only 6 questions) and, as per the results, it seems I, "Need a Bit of Help!"

I know (act surprised, anyway) looks like I also need to get Sophie's book, huh -- go ahead, give it a whirl and maybe even win some pretty prizes, too -- how about you; clueless or crafty?

 

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

FWIW:  NO PAYMENTS, OR CONSIDERATION, OTHER THAN SHARE THE CHANCE TO WIN SOME PRETTY PRIZES, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.

Oprah's No Phone Zone PledgePull Over, Rover!

It's no secret, I love sharing information on multi-functional gadgets that perhaps help make life for families (like mine) a little easier.

Here, in Jersey, it's illegal to drive while talking on your cell phone. 

Still, if I had a dollar for each time I saw someone driving, while holding a cell phone to their ear, well, I'd FINALLY be able to take my kids to Disney...maybe.

I get it.  Maybe you're on hold with the doctor's office, your kid missed the bus, or you've won the HGTV Green Home (DANGIT!) like, my pledge with Mom Sends the Msg says:

"Put...the...cell...phone...down...or, just pull over!"

Today is National No Phone Zone Day and I am very proud to partner with the Oprah Winfrey Show in helping to spread the word about the No Phone Zone campaign:

NWF Mom Update: The Local Impact of Climate Change - Now, With More Itch and A Prettiful Field Bag Too!

You know Emily McKhann, right?  Well, you should, because she and Cooper Monroe founded TheMotherhood.com and, yes, they ARE very, very smart. 

How do I know?

Well, personally, I've been working very closely with The Motherhood Creative for a long time, now (in Gemini years, anyway) and, quite frankly, I feel way smarter, already.

[sound of crickets chirping]

Aaaaanyway, Emily attended a lunch for DC bloggers (Amie Adams, Gayle Weiswasser, Diane MacEaachern), hosted by Jaime Matyas and her great team at the National Wildlife Federation to help them learn a little more about a few NWF programs.   

You can find the rest of the post on my personal blog: (http://bit.ly/bRQOV7)

WARNING:  It's most likely gonna make you itch!

I wanted to cross-post it here on my shopping blog and let you know that you can donate to the National Wildlife Federation today and get a FREE gift, too!

Wanna see?

Netflix Now Available on Nintendo Wii: Complimentary 3 Month Nextflix Membership

[CONGRATULATIONS:  LORI A. (COMMENT #21) PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS!!!]

It's no secret, we love our Wii and I personally have enjoyed working with Nintendo in bringing families (like mine) up to date on the latest and greatest stuff in video gaming.

Why?

In our house, Family Game and Movie Nights are one of the few times we get to spend, doing something we ALL like, together.

Have you heard about the cool new Netflix streaming feature available on the Nintendo Wii system?

Enjoy 20% OFF Courtesy of Saks 5th Avenue

Use code FRIEND4 at checkout at saks.com, or click here to print the above coupon valid from Thursday, April 22 to Sunday, April 25th.

Enjoy!!!

 

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENTS, PRODUCTS, OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO HELP FAMILIES (LIKE OURS) SAVE A LITTLE MONEY, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST.

PBS KIDS GO!: Design Squad's Trash to Treasure Competition Launches Nationwide April 5, 2010

It's no secret, I am a HUGE fan of PBS (figuratively speaking, of course!) my family and I watch A LOT of public television.

Calling all creative kids and young inventors!

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this April, PBS KIDS GO!'s Design Squad is launching the nationwide 2010 Trash to Treasure competition on April 5th at PBSKIDSGO.org/designsquad/contest.

Kids across the country ages 5-19 are challenged by the award-winning series to recycle, reuse and re-engineer everyday materials into new inventions.

Three young innovators will win a trip to Boston to see their designs built and have the process chronicled for an upcoming episode of the engineering TV series.

Here's last year's winner, Max Wallack, 13, inventor of the "Home Dome," a temporary shelter for homeless people and disaster victims:

Max gives some sound advice to this year's entrants:

"Identify a problem and then try to come up with a solution to it. Be prepared to make several attempts at designing before one design jumps out as the right one."

Why?

Because, nice matters and indifference sucks wet poodle -- way to go, kids -- good luck!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED, OR CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE SOMETHING NICE WITH OTHER FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF PBS KIDS GO!

Tips from Crystal Light and The Nature Conservancy for World Water Day 2010

Did you know that March 22nd is World Water Day?  I know what you're thinking -- what's next, National Pond Slime Week -- but, raising 4 children, our house uses a lot of water and, truth be told, we're probably wasting a lot more, than the average family, too.

Here are some quick (and easy) tips to help families (like mine) save water:

• Reduce your shower time by two minutes – save up to 150,000 gallons of water per month

• Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth – save 25 gallons of water per month

• Defrost food in the fridge instead of under running water – reduce water inefficiency and increase food safety

• Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they’re full – save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month

Seriously, it's that simple.

One of my favorite brands is helping, too -- Crystal Light will give to The Nature Conservancy 100 percent of net profits from Crystal Light powdered drink mix products sold that day – no less than $350,000 and up to $750,000.

The funds will support the river and lake projects across the U.S., including:  the Colorado River, Great Lakes Basin, Meramec River (part of the Mississippi river), Potomac River and Southern Rivers.

But, wait, there's more -- wanna see Sheryl Crow?

FREE Craft Month Projects and Events for Families at Gooseberry Patch and Michaels

Did you know that March is National Craft Month? 

[checks wall calendar]

Me, either...dangit...however, it's NOT to late to take advantage of some really cool stuff I found online from two of my most favorite crafty-type places to shop:

Guess what? 

I have recipes printed in Christmas Pantry and Made from Scratch and now Gooseberry Patch has a blog (YAY!)

Their social networking team has started posting terrific craft ideas on their Facebook Page - you can find them here on Gooseberry Patch Note's Page.

However, I still enjoy getting their catalogs in the mail -- sort of like missing that "new book" smell when reading my Kindle -- it's relaxing to be able to leaf through and marvel at the spectacular illustrations inside.

Michael's craft store is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Craft Month with FREE in-store events all month!

Families can visit their local Michaels store for FREE workshops -- here are the upcoming in-store events:

• Saturday, March 13 ( 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.): Beading workshop where customers can make and take four new unique jewelry pieces. Cost: FREE 

• Sunday, March 14 ( 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Customers will learn to transform an ordinary 3” clay pot and saucer into a garden ladybug. Cost: FREE workshop with purchase of $1 clay pot.

• Saturday, March 20 ( 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.): T-shirt decorating with fashion paint and Michaels Birthday Bash celebrating the “It’s My Birthday” kids’ party program. Cost: FREE workshop with purchase of t-shirt. 

• Sunday, March 21 ( 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Easter décor workshop for customers to learn to make an egg-stravagant Easter chick inside a craft egg. Cost: FREE workshop with purchase of craft egg. 

• Saturday, March 27 ( 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Kids can create spring projects like flowers with new Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots. Cost: FREE 

• Sunday, March 28 ( 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.): Wilton® cookie decorating demonstration. Cost: FREE

Did I mention...it rains...a lot...in March...especially, here...in Jersey?  Happy crafting, everyone and wake me up when winter FINALLY ends!

Check out other Weekend Specials and Reader Discount Codes

 

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENTS, PRODUCTS, OR OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE WAYS IN WHICH FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) CAN SAVE A LITTLE EXTRA MONEY, WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST - COURTESY OF MICHAELS.COM AND GOOSEBERRYPATCH.COM

Outback is Supporting our Troops and We Can, Too!

My twin brother (a.k.a. Uncle Bud) is full-time Army and a big part of his job, lately, is to help ready his troops for deployment.  

To me, "support our troops" is more than just a sound bite on a t-shirt or bumper sticker (my minivan sports a magnet, actually) personally, I understand the sacrifice, dedication and difficult decisions members of our military make, every day, and honor that commitment, by showing my support in little ways -- like, blogging about stuff like this.

From March 3rd to March 31st, Outback is offering a special, "Red, White and Bloomin" menu in its restaurants and donating proceeds to support the troops.

Customers can also donate directly to Operation Homefront by texting "HERO" to 50555.

Additionally, Time McGraw is helping to spread the news. A portion of the proceeds from a commemorative Tim McGraw T-shirt sold during his "Southern Voices" tour will be donated to support the cause.

It may NOT sound much to some folks (personally, I don't know of anyone who would say so) but, it's nice to know that even the smallest effort can truly make someone's day!

HOOAH!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED, OR CONSIDERATION GIVEN, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE SOMETHING NICE WITH OTHER FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST

IHOP National Pancake Day: February 23, 2010 - Free Pancakes With Donation to Children's Miracle Network

Mmmmm, pancakes...it's what's for dinner, at our house (a lot!) especially, when supporting of a really great cause!

Join IHOP to celebrate National Pancake Day, TODAY -- Tuesday, February 23, 2010. from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., IHOP will give you one free short stack (three) buttermilk pancakes.

GREAT -- but, what's the catch?

All IHOP asks is that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities.

Now, feel free to go and share some pancake love!

© 2010 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.

DISCLOSURE:  NO PAYMENT WAS RECEIVED, OR CONSIDERATIONS, OTHER THAN A CHANCE TO SHARE SOMETHING NICE WITH OTHER FAMILIES (LIKE MINE) WAS RECEIVED FOR THIS BLOG POST, COURTESY OF IHOP.COM

Heart Health Month: American Heart Association Tells Teens and Tweens to, "Be the Beat!"

"Teardrops On My Guitar" by Taylor Swift performed at 100 beats per minute.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States:

"About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event."

My children are well aware of the terrible effects of heart disease, with a bird's eye view from their stroller(s), while seeing my father through one life-saving procedure after another.

Thanks to his doctors, surgeons and my mother's valiant attempts at maintaining a healthy lifestyle, by keeping his diabetes in check, as well, my father has been beating back the effects of heart disease for quite a few years, now.

[knocking on wood until knuckles bleed]

February is Heart Health Month and, in an effort to help spread awareness, I'm very proud to be partnering with the American Heart Association to tell you about their new "Be the Beat" initiative -- one of the key components of the life-saving resuscitation method involves chest compressions, which they say should be performed at 100 beats per minute -- and focus on fun ways to educate teens (and tweens) on the basics of CPR.

'Cawse, I got a couple of those...too...teens and tweens, I mean.