This Full House Reviews

Deal Alert: Listing of 133 Military & Armed Forces Discounts (HOOAH!)

Image via GiftCardGranny.com

This Memorial Day weekend, my twin brother and I will be celebrating our birthday (never mind, which one) along with his graduating military school and continuing his education, throughout the summer, as a newly promoted 1st Sargent and, well, yes, we are ALL very, very proud of Steve!

To help celebrate our men and women of the Armed Forces, GiftCardGranny.com has a list of 133 ways to save by listing discounts to various stores, restaurants and service providers, available to military families, including some of our family's favorites brands:

Hot Topic: Receive a 10% military discount by calling Hot Topic’s customer service number to place your order.

Kohl's: Receive 15% savings on your purchase.

IHOP: Receive a 20% discount with a valid Military ID.

Johnny Rockets: Save 50% when you wear your uniform.

Sears Portrait Studio: Save 20% if you show your Military ID at checkout.

Barnes and Noble: Save 6% off the online price and receive free shipping when you order online. Call for assistance to receive the discount.

Best Buy: Save 10% on your purchase with a valid Military ID.

Lowes: Receive 10% off your purchase.

Michaels: Some locations give a 10% off your purchase on Wednesdays.

Walgreens: You may be eligible for a 15% discount with Military ID on certain days. Check with the store for rules.

View the full list of military discounts, here.

My sincerest thanks to GiftCardGranny for posting this awesome list, with special thanks and congratulations to my twin bro, 1st Sgt. Steve, and in honor of those who risked their lives to protect my family...HOOAH!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend, everyone!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Welcome to Our 82nd Open House Blog Tour, Featuring - #Help4Joplin

My husband, Garth [not his real name] and I love attending open houses - especially, if it's a home that we've admired from the sidewalk, or wondered...you know...what the heck is going on over there?

Same thing with blogs, right?

So please, clean off a chair, sit down and feel free to share your links (PG-13, please) about any blogging events, fundraisers, giveaways, book tours and contests, or if you have a burning blog post and just need to a little shout out (HEY!) go for it!

Okay, I'll start:

Joplin, MO was hit with a massive tornado that destroyed much of the town and left many people without homes.

A community of writers has come together in support of one of their own (Sarah lives in the town of Joplin) and help the families of Joplin, MO put their lives, as well as their town, back together, again.

Bigger Picture Blogs is hosting a charity auction today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday) every hour (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.) another generously donated item will go up right here on their blog. Bidding on each item will start at $10 and increase by increments of $1.

Please visit http://www.biggerpictureblogs.com/ for more information on this super fantastic blogging effort to help the good people of Joplin, MO!

Don’t see anything you want to bid on? There are other ways to help:

• Donate directly to the Salvation Army
• Spread the word about the auction
• Post their button on your blog
• Facebook or Tweet using the hashtag #Help4Joplin

Now, it's your turn, link 'em if you got 'em:

Thanks SO MUCH for sharing and feel free to come back, to see what my blogging friends are up to, next week (there's an open house held every Thursday) we'll leave the porch light on for ya'!

Also, please feel free to clean off a chair, sit down, visit my parenting blog, ThisFullHouse.com and say "Hi," when you have time, of course!

Have a GREAT week, everyone!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Behind the Scenes: Consumer Reports Live Facebook Chat - How Do They Test Gas Grills?

We've had one of the wettest winters and springs (not to mention, weirdest weather patterns, EVER, this year) here, in Jersey (what, you too?)

I am SO ready to get in some serious backyard time, with the kids.

Because, you know, they swear I am a MUCH better cook, in the summertime.

Our grill, however, is borked (as in, so busted I have to use broken words to describe it) and, well, good thing my kids are old enough to roast their hot dogs over our fire pit.

Are you looking for a grill?  Or, do you Facebook?  EXCELLENT!!! 

Tomorrow (Thursday, May 26th) at 1:00 p.m. ET, Consumer Reports is opening their doors (sort of) by hosting a live Facebook chat to take consumers behind the scenes of how they test gas grills.

Do you Twitter, too?  AWESOME!!!

You will be able to interact with Consumer Reports testers and special guest food writer and chef Kenji Lopez-Alt (Managing Editor of Serious Eats) by submitting questions on Facebook and via Twitter with hashtag #CRGrills.

Here is the link directly to the live tab:
http://www.facebook.com/ConsumerReports?v=app_219399580587

For more information click here:
http://news.consumerreports.org/home/2011/05/live-from-the-labs-video-grill-chat.html

Until then, I'll be hitting Google (hard) to see what grill everyone else is using and, you know, liking it, too.  How about you?

[photo credit:  Consumer Reports]

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

DISCLOSURE:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing stuff perhaps other families (like mine) would like, too.

Freshly-brewed at Kmart's Playdate Place: Playdates with Grandparents

Every year the kids and I look forward to spending a portion of our spring break with their grandparents.

Yes, my parents are okay with it because they are also perfectly happy to get outside, even if it’s less than an hour away from our house.

How’s it working out?

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com to read this freshly-brewed blog post and find out.

When you have time, of course!

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/05/playdates-with-grandparents/ 

I'll leave the porch light on for you, thanks!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Take the family to Six Flags with Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists!

We invested in season passes to Six Flags (a.k.a. Great Adventure, if you're from Jersey) for my two oldest girls (17 and 15, respectively) last summer.

A Season Pass pays for itself in less than two visits and the girls can attend concerts with their friends, all summer long, for FREE.

My husband, Garth (not his real name) and I arrange for carpooling, with neighborhood friends, drop the kids off using special drive-thru lanes (i.e. NO parking required!) and then pick them up again in the shuttle parking lot.

MORE WAYS TO SAVE:  If you order 4 season passes by May 30th, you get a Season Parking Pass for FREE -- that's a $50.00 value!

This year, Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists have teamed up with Six Flags to help families (like ours) to your local park with discounts, all summer long - here's how it works:

Polly-O String and Twists (sold in East Coast retail locations, only)

• Take any specially marked Polly-O Strong or Twists package to a Six Flags location on weekdays and receive a free Kids ticket (under 10 years old) with purchase of (1) full price general admission ticket. The offer is good for $15 off full price general admission any day.
• Redemption is easy: Polly-O String and Twist package wrappers can be redeemed directly at the venue; and will be “upcycled” from there to help save our environment!

Kraft String and Twists (sold elsewhere in the United States)

• Take any specially marked Kraft String or Twists package to a Six Flags location and receive $15 off full price general admission any day.
• Redemption is easy: Kraft String and Twist package wrappers can be redeemed directly at the venue; and will be “upcycled” from there to help save our environment!

General ticket discount promotion runs from May 1st through August 31st, but redemptions will be accepted through October 10th.

FULL REDEMPTION DETAILS AVAILABLE AT: www.KraftSixFlags.com or www.Polly-OSixFlags.com.

WIN 20 FREE PASSES FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  www.sixflags.com/twistedsweeps

Good luck and Happy Summer...almost!!!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment, product, or any other consideration, besides a chance to share stuff I think families (like mine) would like, was received for this blog post.

Pictures for Patriots: A Drawing Contest for K-12 Students

Yesterday, my family and I attended an art show, held at a local bank, supporting art in schools, featuring two of my oldest daughter's pieces.

She's 17 and, well, as a mom of 4, it just brought to mind all of the refrigerator art I've proudly displayed, over the years.

Also, I was reminded of an email I received from Operation Gratitude and how our troops LOVE getting drawings and artwork from kids in their care packages, too!

Next week, Operation Gratitude is launching their Pictures for Patriots campaign:

Starting May 25 through June 15 we are inviting students in grades K-12 to draw or paint a picture that expresses their gratitude to our Military.  All appropriate entries will eventually be shipped in our care packages to the troops.

How cool is that, right? But, wait, there's more!  Operation Gratitude will then pick their top ten (10) favorites to be entered in a contest, with prizes including: 

• Grand Prize: $500 Donation to winner's school, an iPod and artwork placement on the Cover of the Operation Gratitude Magazine.
• Second Place: Digital camera and Operation Gratitude t-shirt. 
• Third Place: Operation Gratitude T-shirt and keychain.  
• All 10 Finalists will receive an Operation Gratitude DogTag and will be featured inside the Operation Gratitude Magazine.
• All entrants will receive an Official Operation Gratitude Certificate of Appreciation.

Visit the Operation Gratitude blog for more details about how to enter, official rules and entry form.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  My twin brother is an Army 1st Sergeant, so I have a soft spot for Operation Gratitude and love sharing informaiton about their awesome campaigns.  No payment was received for this blog post.

Deal Alert: FREE Bowling for Kids ALL Summer Long AMF Summer Unplugged!

Yep, that's right, this summer, kids 16 and under can bowl for FREE at your local AMF Bowling Center.

Sounds good, right?

Rainy days, down days, just because days, my kids bowled, all last summer and they like it, too.

It's easy. 

Just register your children to get weekly coupons via email for two (2) free games per child, per day, 7 days per week, until 8:00 p.m., all summer long.

AMF Summer is May 30 - September 5, 2011

NOTE:  Shoe rental not included.

Happy Summer, almost!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  No payment was received for this blog post.  Just sharing cool stuff I find that perhaps other families (like ours) will like, too!

Book Review: Chicken in the Car and the Car Won't Go by Melisa Wells

Thanks to blogging, I had the pleasure of traveling to Chicago many times and it was during BlogHer '09 when I got the chance to meet one of my dearest friends, IRL.

Travel Guide author and Suburban Scrawl blogger, Melisa Wells.

I accompanied Melisa on a walking tour of Chicago and, while taking in the awesomeness of "the bean" and Millenium Park, she played a large part in helping me raise $5,000 for our local Ronald McDonald House here, in Jersey!

Because, it's how Melisa rolls.

It was also during this time when Melisa told me about a little book she's writing specifically for families traveling with teens and tweens:

ABOUT CHICKEN IN THE CAR AND THE CAR WON'T GO:  Within the pages is information on how to get around Chicagoland, the history of Chicago and, of course, the places themselves.  Detailed summaries of attractions -- museums, tours, shops, restaurants, parks and more -- include hours, admission, contact information, and special tips that will make outings even more worth while.

I received my copy, yesterday (thank you, Melisa) and, well, my youngest daughter showed my oldest daughter, who showed it to my middle girl and, well, I haven't seen it since.

That's okay, I personally know that Melisa's newest book (she also penned Remembering Ruby: For Families Living Beyond the Loss of a Pet) is totally worth the wait!

Besides my son has dibs on it next.

MY TAKE:  The name alone makes Chicken in the Car and the Car Won't Go: Nearly 200 Ways to Enjoy Chicagoland with Tweens and Teens worth a second look (you can visit ChickenInTheCar.com to learn more about the book) but, it's Melisa's writing, in her typical friendly and totally conversational tone, that makes this particular Chicago Travel Guide so awesome...just like her.

BONUS:  Melisa created a series of really cute videos for the book launch on May 24th (whoot!) feel free to visit Cruzing Chicagoland to check them out!

FINAL VERDICT:  6 years in the making, Chicken in the Car and the Car Won't Go is truly a work of heart and I am so, so very proud of my friend, Melisa!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House 

Disclosure:  I received a signed copy of this book as a gift from my dear friend and author, Melisa Wells.  However, I chose to write this review, so I could share the awesomeness of Chicken in the Car and the Car Won't Go, with online friends, too.  Contains affiliated links, however, no payment was received for this blog post.

The Help Movie Trailer

Although, it's not scheduled for release in theaters until August (dangit!) The Help was my favorite summer read from last year!

Hearing my excitement, not to mention concern when I first saw the trailer for the summer release of the movie version, my 17 year-old is now reading it, too.

Frankly, I grew very, very fond of Skeeter, Aibileen, Minny and even Hilly (sort of) and I read Kathryn Stockett's awesome book in 2 days (for me, that's quick) so, yeah, I was a little concerned about the casting on this one.

Until, I saw the trailer:

 

Thanks to Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard's fantastic teaser, August cannot get here quick enough.

In the meantime, I highly recommend adding The Help to this year's summer reading list, too.  Go ahead, I'll wait!

Disclosure:  Contains affiliated links -- no payment was received for this blog post.

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Project You Magazine: Summer Camping in Maine

Growing up with a twin brother, summer camp meant riding our bikes, playing basketball and exploring the surrounding neighborhoods, in Central New Jersey, until the street lights came on.

Now, my family and I enjoy spending our summer weekends visiting with my parents on the Jersey Shore, or what all four of my kids lovingly refer to as Camp Mama and Papa.

Today, I'm very happy to share author Danielle Feigenbaum's summer experience in Maine, along with some really great reasons why families (like mine) should consider summer camps, along with Maine Camp Director's Top Picks of favorite spots and activities, in Maine.  Enjoy!

Open publication - Free publishing - More camping

Have you visited Maine, lately?  Do your kids attend summer camp?  Where does your family enjoy spending your summers?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure: This Project You Magazine (www.projectyoumagazine) sponsored post was brought to you by "The Role Mommy Writer's Network."

MyGofer.com Gift Cards Giveaway

COMMENTS ARE CLOSED:  So, so happy to be sharing with Thomas Hoh (#63) and Veronica Garrett (#48) please check your emails for further instructions !!!

I am a featured blogger and Kmart Playdate Parent, which affords me the chance to review and/or share products available at brand stores owned by Sears.

Today, we're featuring MyGofer.com, a FREE online shopping service offering a full assortment of groceries, prescriptions, health and wellness, beauty, everyday items, toys, baby supplies, pet supplies, electronics, appliances, apparel, home furniture and, well, really ANYTHING you need.

Get it the same day through in store pickup at your local Kmart, curbside pickup, or home delivery.

Also, I get the chance to share two (2) $25.00 MyGofer.com Gift Cards with our online friends.

BONUS!

Deal Alert: Coastal Contacts Giving Away 10,000 Free Pairs of Glasses on May 11th (Tomorrow!)

It's true!  On Wednesday, May 11^th starting at 12pm EDT, Coastal Contacts is giving away 10,000 free pairs of glasses to Facebook fans. 

Here’s how it works:

Playdate Place Post: 5 Simple House Rules for Scheduled Playdates

My youngest is turning is 9 and on average I’d say she has a friend over or goes to a friend’s house once every other week, on Fridays (or “no homework” nights) after school.

How’s it working out?

Come by and visit with me at PlaydatePlace.com to read this freshly-brewed blog post and find out.

When you have time, of course!

FIND IT HERE:  http://playdateplace.kmart.com/2011/05/5-simple-house-rule-for-scheduled-playdates/

I'll leave the porch light on for you, thanks!

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Honor a Mom & Give the Gift of Hope$50.00 Charitable Gift Card Giveaway

COMMENTS CLOSED: So, so happy to be able to share this with you Julie L (comment #7) please see your email for further instructions, thanks!!!

One of my mother's earliest childhood memories is the day the Americans shipped a case of peanut butter to her kindergarten class in Hungary. 

Each child was asked to line up and receive his/her ration of peanut butter and, when it was my mother's turn, she shyly whispered into her teacher's ear that she didn't have anything to spread the peanut butter on -- the bakery ran out of their allotment of bread, earlier that morning.

Growing up, my twin brother and I heard stories, like this, all the time -- especially, at the dinner table.

Even today, I'm not ashamed to admit that our lives would be very different, if it were not for the charity of strangers.

Which is one of the reasons I chose to partner with Nestle Family, in telling you about a special Facebook program that helps consumers (like us) honor the special moms in their lives while simultaneously raising donations and awareness for Mercy Housing:

Absolutely the Last Possible Minute Mother's Day Gift Idea, I Promise!

I know, I know, it seems like everyone and their brother is bent on reminding us that, you know, Mother's Day is just around the corner.

Good thing, too, seeing as I may be the only mom, on the planet, who still does NOT have a gift, for my mom.

No worries, we are a lot alike and enjoy simple things, so, I'm framing this picture of us, taken by my 15 yo, during spring break.

Shhhhh...don't tell her...okay?

It's one of the few photos my mom and I have, taken of each other, with each other, in the same photo and, well, we are both usually the ones, on the opposite side of the camera, taking pictures of everyone else.

Hers is pretty beat up and I may, or may not have dropped it at some point, so I suggested to dad that the woman could use a new camera and, since then, I've been sort of elected to, you know, hunt around for one.

Not an easy task (took me nearly two years to save up and find mine) however, this pretty little thing recently peaked my interest.

The cool thing about this camera?  The Samsung SH100 is...wait for it...WiFi-enabled...so, you can instantly share that pic of your husband, sleeping on the couch, with the dog, across your social networks to your friends and families anywhere.

Here's the really fun part, the Samsung SH100 is going on a month-long road trip across America in the month of May:

The mobile team is going to record all the amazing people they meet and the fascinating places they visit with the SH100, and the best photos and videos will be shared on the Samsung USA Facebook page!

(www.facebook.com/SamsungCameraUSA)

Honestly, I think this is a fantastic idea and believe that Samsung is in for a REAL interesting time; here's a quick video explaining this fun campaign:

 

Personally, I'm looking forward to watching Samsung's campaign unfold, in real time and, as a potential customer, I'm very, very interested to see the final outcome, in pictures, as well.

Hopefully, we'll see a funny face, or twenty and maybe even recognize some of the places, this pretty little camera takes us, so, yeah, this should be a REAL interesting road trip, right?

© 2003 - 2011 This Full House

Disclosure:  I was compensated for this opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.  All opinions are my own.