Mom Most Traveled

Tag Archive for CanCan

I Won! A Heap of Vacation Junk Mail

September 14, 2011 Uncategorized 5 comments

Photo on 2011 09 14 at 12 15

This is the volume of junk mail that I have accumulated from different tourism companies in the US since I entered to win a trip to somewhere random like Daytona Beach, FL.

If you represent any of these destinations, you might want to re-think your PR strategy:

the beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Daytona Beach

Currituck Outer Banks

Callaway Gardens

Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau

Florida’s Space Coast

Southwest Virginia

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

San Diego

Florida’s Charlotte Harbor

Georgia’s Blue Ridge Experience

Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites

Clarksville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Central Florida

Mississippi Gulf Coast

Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Kitty Dunes Rentals

Pine Mountain

Lafayette

Marietta, GA

Pensacola

Villa Rica Tourism Bureau

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

Sarasota and Her Islands

Sandy Springs

Sevierville…Dolly Parton’s Hometown

Gulf Shores

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

Anna Maria Island Longboat Key

St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida. Don’t you know me, St. Pete? I’m your native son!

Gatlinburg

Hospitality Highway

Thoroughbred Country, Aiken, South Carolina

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce

All of this is going in the recycling bin, and there is no way for me to unsubscribe.

Little People Animal Sounds Contest and Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo Review

September 5, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Fisher-Price® is inviting Mom Most Traveled readers to enter into the Little People™ Animal Sounds Contest with help from celebrity Zoologist and children’s television show host, Jarod Miller!

The Little People™ Animal Sounds Contest calls on parents to submit a video of their child demonstrating his or her best roar, grrrr or squawk (oh my!) for the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to Fisher-Price headquarters in East Aurora, N.Y. for a special photo shoot!

Fisher-Price is thrilled to launch a contest of this magnitude that also gives people the chance to submit their entries via an iPhone® or Android™ mobile device and taps into social media trends by encouraging consumers to share their video links on Facebook and ask their friends and families to vote.

Visit the contest website www.animalsounds.fisher-price.com for more details and instructions on submitting videos as well as additional information about the contest – which runs from now until November 30th.

This contest is celebrating the launch of the new Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo. This playset features animal recognition technology that allows kids to place any Little People Zoo Talkers animal on the peg at the hut, which plays the animal’s name and corresponding sound!

The Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo showcases four habitats (Grasslands, North and South Poles, Jungle, Water) with fun activities on both sides and room for multiple children to play at once!

Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo comes with lion, polar bear and gorilla figures – match them to their habitats using the built-in signage. Also includes Zookeeper Zack figure.

My 4-year-old, Deeds, and my 3-year-old niece were both very engaged by the Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo. I found myself wishing for more figures, like the Dolphin or Monkey, just to hear what they might sound like.

My favorite part of the Fisher-Price Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo is the blue twisty slide, which I think is meant for the arctic animals. Deeds found that it was a great ramp for his small toy cars!

Requires 3 “AA” batteries, not included.

Playset has a built in handle, so kids can carry it to different places in the house.

Fisher-Price provided me with one Little People Zoo Talkers Animal Sounds Zoo (ARV $39.99) for the purposes of this review.

Moon Dough Push N’ Pop Breakfast Review

August 26, 2011 Uncategorized 2 comments

We got a happy surprise in the mail today from Team Mom on behalf of Moon Dough.

The Moon Dough Push N’ Pop Breakfast set has cute little Push N’ Pop tools for creating tiny toast, waffles, and pancakes from the the new formula of Moon Dough.

This little set retails for $9.99 and comes with 3 Push N’ Pop tools, a twisty mold, yellow Moon Dough, pink Moon Dough, and a small cardboard play mat with a picture of a plate on it.

Photo on 2011 08 26 at 14 05

Deeds is just-turned-4, and he kept commenting on how very soft the Moon Dough feels. This new formula never dries out, is odor free, wheat free, and less crumbly than previous Moon Dough. Photo on 2011 08 26 at 14 05 2

Deeds could operate the Push N’ Pop molds on his own, but he needed help with the Twisty Mold, so I had my work cut out for me as he ordered strawberries to be made at a quick pace. Photo on 2011 08 26 at 14 04

Deeds opened the package himself, and in doing so ripped off the “mold holders”, little cardboard compartments on the side of the play mat meant to hold the pop molds. It didn’t affect the play value of the set, just something you need to be aware of with zealous little ones.

I will also that that this set is really only big enough for one child to play with at a time. So if you have two kids close in age, go ahead and get more than one set. Trust me. Trust the woman who taught 16 3-year-olds last year.

I haven’t tried it out with Jojo yet, but I think that the non-sticky, non-threatening texture of soft Moon Dough would be a great alternative to play dough for kids with sensory issues (like Sensory Processing Disorder aka SPD) or tactile defensiveness. I can’t wait to see what Jojo thinks of it!

Breakfast Lifestyle HR

What I Wore: CanCan Gets Style From Mom’s Fashion File

August 16, 2011 Uncategorized 12 comments

Remember when I sent out the call for Fashion Help? The big makeover happened on Saturday at BlogHer ’11.

Here is the before shot:

Style consultation from StyleMom.com with lovely clothes from LOFT:
Secret Style Suite 259

Make up tips from miracle-worker Tia Dantzler, with helpful hints from Johnson & Johnson.

Secret Style Suite 18

Hair intervention by Kam from Detour Salon in San Diego:

Secret Style Suite 47

Boom, new Casual CanCan* in some comfy yet hip LOFT clothes!

*maybe you can buy the doll one day Secret Style Suite 2

An amazing beach bag of blessing from Lands End, including flip flops, really cool sunglasses, a beach towel, swim suit, and cover up! Secret Style Suite 37

All natural nail polish by Scotch Naturals, for a super lovely manicure that infused health into my nails!

Secret Style Suite 39

Walking the “red carpet” sponsored by Plum District, check my hot Dr. Scholl’s shoes and Namaste, Inc vegan-friendly purse! Party 26 3 Party 25 3

I love this purse!

I can’t believe that I can look that good! I’m SO grateful for all of the glam that was showered upon me!

My awesome makeover and the Mom’s Fashion File Secret Style Suite party was hosted by:

http://momsfashionfile.com/

http://www.momtrends.com

http://www.savvysassymoms.com

http://www.sassymomsinthecity.com

@sassymomchicago, @momtrends, @savvysassymoms@momsfashionfile

And sponsored by:

Plum District

Johnson’s Baby and Tia Dantzler

Scotch Naturals and manicures by Ginny

Trop50 for their fab lemonade and got the word out about their charity partner Dress for Success!

Happy Birthday, Deeds!

August 15, 2011 Uncategorized 3 comments

Deeds turns FOUR today! August 15, 2011.

Happy Birthday, sweet boy!

We celebrated all weekend, culminating with a visit to Chuck E. Cheese, or Chucky Cheesus, as Deeds calls it.

It was awful. I think it was trashy family reunion night because lots of mommies were walking around in booty shorts. I guess if you are playing skee ball you want people checking out your can.

I’m pretty traumatized, but Deeds had a great weekend.

B. Smart Toys by B. Toys

August 10, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

Remember that “Parents” brand of toys carried by Target? They have rebranded and are now totally chic B. toys!

B.toys have a subtle color palette, high play value, and outstanding quality.

Jojo got You Hue, a fully equipped creation station perfect for the discerning artist ages 2 to 10.

It comes with markers, 3 compartments for keeping supplies within reach, and a lift-up storage compartment just under the work surface.

You Hue is a great workspace for one, but I found my two boys sweetly enjoying it together one morning after breakfast.

Also from B. toys is Alphaberry! This little educational gadget is so engaging, it is a favorite of Deeds as well as myself.

I enjoy pushing the buttons, ok! It makes me feel like a real business lady. Alphaberry

Alphaberry is a PDA that teaches ABC’s! (Clever!)

When you push the Alphaberry buttons, a letter appears & is read aloud. Parents will be grateful that you can control the volume, and it has an auto-off feature.

Alphaberry users can choose 3 screen colors and 4 musical styles of the alphabet song.

Alphaberry feels sturdy and substantial; I’m betting this thing will last through more than one owner.

B. Toys strive to be ecofriendly:

The difference in our packaging goes way beyond the surface. We scrutinize every piece to ensure its impact on our children’s world is as light as possible.

Minimizing.

Using recycled materials.

Packaging toys in bags you’ll love to reuse.

Designing boxes to become pretty trays to hold tiny treasures.

Even making some packages reversible to become gift wrap.

Our inks are soy-based and our varnishes water-based.

Every single bit of our clear plastic is recyclable and marked #1, the most widely recycled plastic available. (Bet your town takes it.)

I’m very impressed with B.Toys!

Learn more about their awesomeness at http://justb-byou.com, Like them on Facebook, and check out @byoutoys on twitter.

What Is The Cheapest No Contract Cell Phone?

August 2, 2011 Uncategorized No comments

I have lived in Asia for 9 years, and now that I’m traveling in the States a lot and relying on strangers to pick me up from airports, I needed a cell phone.

Telling people that you don’t have a cell phone here in America results in a shocked stare, a flicker of disbelief, and then finally a look of pity. I also got the vibe they thought I might belong in an adult daycare. But I could be projecting.

Yesterday, Deeds and I hit the road and visited Boost, Verizon, and AT&T to find a prepaid (slash) no contract cell phone.

I didn’t have an existing number OR phone (this was also confusing for the sales associates).

I wanted something cheap. I already have an iPod touch that I can use around free WiFi spots, so flair like web access via the phone wasn’t really a priority. Ditto for camera and video.

I ended up getting the second-to-cheapest model at one of the above stores, because the $10 phone was one of those flip-open models which reminded me of the 90′s. The $15 was of a simple one piece construction, perfect for the discerning pauper.

Watch the video to see our grand total!

AZO and Brookstone PMS Relief Giveaway

August 1, 2011 Uncategorized 14 comments

Pic pms

PMS. It is pretty awesome, every woman loves it!

But once the novelty of being irritable and bloated wears off, you might want to try new, natural formula, fast-acting AZO PMS.

Don’t put up with PMS. Fast-acting AZO PMS is formulated with natural botanicals, vitamins and minerals to help reduce symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome:

Relieves symptoms quickly.

AZO PMS is not a drug and is specially formulated with natural herbal blends to address symptoms such as bloating, as well as a calming blend of botanicals to reduce irritability.*

Does not contain caffeine like other brands, which could make symptoms worse.

Blister sealed caplets travel easily, and can be taken as needed.

AZO PMS Robe

I know I feel the need for pampering during my PMS pity-parties.

To promote AZO PMS, AZO has put together a wonderful PMS pampering kit that includes a box of AZO™ PMS and a Brookstone® Women’s Spa Comfort Robe made from NapSoft® material, for a total ARV of $90!

I have been wearing the robe a lot, it is super soft! Don’t hate me for not having a photo of myself in it. Just trust me, it is awesome. And when my brother puts the air conditioner on 62, it is just the thing I need.

1.) To enter, visit theAZO website and comment with the name of another AZO product that interests you.

2.) Email subscribers get an extra entry for as long as their subscription is active.

Already a subscriber? Leave me a separate comment on this post to let me know you’re interested in this giveaway.Not yet a subscriber?Subscribe to Mom Most Traveled by Email (Only verified subscriptions are entered for all the giveaways.)

3.) Twitter about this giveaway (include a link to this post, @AZOProducts and @MomMostTraveled) and comment here with your Twitter name. (once daily)

This giveaway is open to US residents only. Contest will close on August 10, 2011, midnight EST.

Check out AZO on Facebook to keep informed about more great AZO giveaways!

Living Muh Dreamz: Episode 1

July 24, 2011 Uncategorized 6 comments

Photo on 2011 07 24 at 16 05

So, you may or may not have perceived that I made some major life changes this year. I’m kind of ninja like that so don’t feel bad if you didn’t notice.

Since January I have:

-stopped eating dairy (yay, no more skin rashes!)

-quit my job (yay, no more emotional and verbal abuse!)

So now is the scary part.

I quit the crap stuff, but now I want to make my way to the good stuff, which involves procuring a steady income while working for myself, and obtaining things necessary for life in America, such as a vehicle, a cell phone, and a place to live that isn’t with relatives. Um. Yeah. So.

In order to escape self pity and to keep my eyes on the prize, I’m going to do a weekly vlog to keep you abreast (HAHAHA! BEWBS!) of my progress.

So far, this journey is LONELY! I would LOVE some inspiration from you in the form of a comment or even (gasp) a VLOG. I know!

Have you been here? Tell me how you did it! Do you want to be here? C’mon in , the water is terrifying!

What I Wore Wednesday: “I Fail At Vests” Edition

July 20, 2011 Uncategorized 4 comments

I’m probably getting predictable, but I’m really into nautical wardrobe elements, and, following the advice of Michael Jackson, my philosophy with nautical accessories is, “don’t stop till you get enough.”

So here I am in all kinds of different shades of blue, with my cool new spyglass necklace.
Photo on 2011 07 17 at 10 28

headband, sweater, shoes: Banana Republic. tank: Old Navy. white (yes white…I’m crazy!) linen trousers: Ann Taylor Loft (I think these are the Loft version of sweats). necklace: etsy. Photo on 2011 07 17 at 10 28 2

Shoes made of jute or something! That totally channels The Sea.

I went to Banana Republic this week and played Dress Up in the fitting room. I’m weird but I love to take pictures in the fitting room, I feel like the photo shows outfit flaws better than the mirror.

Exhibit A, the Paula Poundstone Vest:

This was a really cute pinstriped vest that looked so fun on the hanger…but it transformed me into an 1980′s stand-up Commedianne. I look like a crackhead American Apparel model.

Exhibit B: I thought these fitted white trousers were…too fitted to be white.

C: I actually quite liked this other cut of white trouser…but I was reminded of my white linen pants that are pretty much the same thing in a different type of fabric. (T-shirt, Old Navy, headband, Children’s Place) :

Exhibit D:

I wanted to like this dress but it just didn’t seem right. What do you think? I feel like Banana Republic has some severe vanity sizing going on; do you find their clothes in your normal size to be too loose?