Chevy Malibu Bluetooth Hands Free Calling for the Ultimate Multitasker!

Girlfriend Getaway

Today has been one week since I started to drive the  new 2011Chevy Malibu as part of the CT Girlfriend Getaway Program.  It’s amazing how every year the new car models seem to add and improve features.

The Connecticut Legislature recently enacted laws against drivers using cell phones to emphasize the dangers of texting while driving.  Although I have a headset, I never have felt comfortable using it.  If you’re caught talking or driving on your phone, a violation of the law is punishable by a whopping fine of up to $100, but could be suspended if you present proof of having acquired a hands-free accessory for the phone before any such fine is imposed.

If you’re a mom or grandmom like me, we all know the feeling we get in our  tummys when our cell phone rings when you’re not expecting it. And aren’t all moms and grandmoms always “on call”? You’ll be out and about town doing your errands, singing out along with whatever favorite tunes are playing on the CD or radio, and whammo – you need to make a decision.

• Do you risk breaking the law and answer the phone because it just might be a call where your family needs to get in touch with you LIKE RIGHT NOW?

• Do you pull over to the side of the road and take the call?  By the time you find a safe spot to pull over, you’ve probably missed the call.

Well now my dilemma has been solved.

The new 2011 Chevy Malibu LTZ is equipped with the Bluetooth technology hands-free calling feature!

As a Baby Boomer grandmom, I like to consider myself with-it, and try to keep up with technology and try to be one-step ahead of the curve with my 20-something year old daughters and charming son-in-law.

I do realize though that many Baby Boomers and senior citizens don’t grasp the concept of what exactly bluetooth and hands-free calling is.

What is Bluetooth Technology?

Bluetooth technology is a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car method of communication.  When Bluetooth is enabled for cell phones, it allows mobile users to connect to their hands free headset without using wires.  Bluetooth technology also allows mobile phone users to connect with their hands free kit as well.

As a solution to wireless, Bluetooth eliminates the need for messy cords, keeping everything nice and neat. It’s perfect for those who like to talk on cell phones, as you no longer need to hold the phone next to your ear – which is great for those who travel often.

On the Chevy Malibu, I don’t even need to wear a headset!  Whenever I have an incoming cell phone call, the radio will mute, and I’ll hear a ring tone announcing I have a call.  All I simply have to do is push the button on the steering wheel, and take the call! 

This feature works out really well for me because as a blogger and mompreneur, I have to try to fit as much work into my day during daylight hours as I can!

There’s no need for me to be distracted nor take my hands off the wheel while driving!  Easy Peasy!

At the end of my conversation, I push the disconnect button!

Here’s a video example below.

If you haven’t yet experienced Bluetooth technology, here’s your chance!

Test Drive Promotion August 30-October 3, 2010:

Right now, consumers who visit any of the NEW CT Chevy Network Chevy Dealers and test drive a new Chevy Malibu will receive a $40 SPA Finder gift card – think manicure, pedicure, or facial!

Here’s your chance to check out the New Chevy Malibu for yourself, but Getaway for some Me-Time too!  Bring your girlfriends, daughters, moms, aunts, and anyone who has a driver’s license along too!

Thanks for visiting! Comments are always appreciated!

Baby Bunch | Fun Baby Onesies | Crayon Set | Blog Giveaway

Fun Baby Onesies

Great Finds and Giveaways is holding a blog Giveaway Contest!

I’ve had the pleasure of being able to write again to let you know about unique gifts from The Baby Bunch.

Today I’d like to let you know about the Baby Bunch Crayon Rompers infant onesies.

Co-workers will clamor to contribute, cousins will cry to chip in, grandparents, godparents, and great relations will jump for joy over cute Crayon Rompers. Make a colorful statement with a refreshing alternative to traditional pastel colors and present Crayon Rompers to the new arrival.

To Enter Visit: Great Finds and Giveaways

Contest Ends: September 15, 2010 at 11:00 pm EST

New England Campground: Pawtuckaway State Park – New Hampshire – Wordless Wednesday

Some of Our Favorite Family Activities

Summer Celebrations

Our family just got back from a magnificent long weekend at a New England camping place at Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire.

It was somewhat of a culture shock to me (a city mouse) as I’m used to traditional camping locations, and the NH campground and lake was almost 3 miles into the woods, off the main road!

While there, we held a family reunion with charming son-in-law’s family from Vermont.

There weren’t any lions, tigers or bears, (Oh My!) but I did see a water moccasin snake, and a huge mother-spider on my car!

I really can’t wait to go back again next year!

For more information visit: Pawtuckaway State Park and Campground, New Hampshire

Be sure to check out my Hershey’s Summer Celebrations Series Brand Ambassador post on How to Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip and Campfire Cooking Recipes

Follow Along on Twitter for more Ideas on how to use Hershey’s: #summercelebrations

Does your family go camping?  In a tent?  In an RV?  Tell me about your favorite places to camp!

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

Hersheys Syrup Summer Celebrations: How to Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip

Summer Celebrations

Family Reunion Ideas and Campfire Cooking

This is my summer to celebrate as I’ve been chosen as a Hershey’s Summer Celebrations Ambassador and have written 3-part series on How to Organize and Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip. I’ll be sharing my family reunion ideas and also our family’s favorite campfire cooking recipes that you can prepare to make Hersheys recipe a tradition in your family as well.  You’ll be able to enjoy delicious dessert treats while sitting around the campfire after the sun goes down.

When the sun goes down
we’ll be groovin
when the sun goes down we’ll be feelin alright
when the sun sinks down
over the water
everything gets hotter when the sun goes down

… Kenny Chesney

Our family has been camping since my 20-something daughters were youngsters.  Prior to being campers, we were boaters and traveled throughout the Long Island, Rhode Island and Block Island Sound areas.  Our travels also took us on vacations through the Inter-Coastal Waterway to Fire Island National Seashore.

My in-laws are avid camping aficionados, and we joined the fold at a camping family reunion one year.  As the girls grew older, we spent many a summer in Eastham, Massachusetts (Cape Cod) enjoying the National Seashore beaches.

I have some beautiful photos up on Whrrl of our family reunion camping trip at Cape Cod this past July that I went on with my daughter, charming son-in-law and the grandkids.

I hope you’ll visit and follow my series as well as those of the other Hershey’s Summer Celebration Ambassadors.  Hersheys is more than just an ice cream syrup.  Find some magnificent ideas on what you can do with Hersheys that these ladies are sharing!

Follow on Twitter: #summercelebrations

Visit the Hersheys Summer Celebrations Website: Hersheys Summer Celebrations

How to Plan a Family Reunion Camping Trip

Campfire Cooking Menu

Campfire Recipes and Games and Things to Do at a Cookout

Now tell me, how did YOU celebrate summer?

Scentsy Candle Founding Consultant: Guest Post

Meet My Friend

Direct Selling Consultant

I’d like to introduce my readers to Meet My Friend, Jodi Albertini, whom I’ve met through blogging and  invited to Guest Post on Moomette’s Magnificents.

Jodi immediately wowed me as a work-at-home mom who is dedicated to helping other moms succeed in attaining their goals.  She has been a WAHM for the last 4 years; is a social worker by education; an interior decorator by business affiliation and a direct sales professional by choice.

Jodi has built a team of over 1,200 consultants in two years – which she is responsible for mentoring, and has achieved the highest title in this fabulous company. 

Scentsy just opened “Scentsy Canada” in October 2009. All Canadian Residents and most Provinces are currently approved for joining Scentsy as a consultant.

Additionally, she has spoken at several Scentsy engagements and conventions, as well as participated in training and informational videos for Scentsy.  Jodi has also made several media appearances to speak to her success as a WAHM,  and has recently began writing as an author on www.buzzle.com

With 2 years experience in Direct Sales and a current team of 1,200 consultants, I am frequently asked the “secrets” to my success.   Of course, I could go on with what is required to build a business, elaborating on all the basic motions of growing a successful Direct Sales franchise.  However, I truly believe that there are not too many true “secrets” to building a strong team and a GREAT business.  Rather, I believe that success involves a series of personal choices that differentiate those GOOD consultants from the GREAT ones:

1. Catch a Vision – Develop a vision for your business.  Imagine what it will be like when you have achieved your goals, and then strive to make that vision a reality.  No business is built overnight and big business does not come easy.  However, having an internal perspective of where you want your business to land someday will drive your daily actions that will move you toward success.
2. Share Your Enthusiasm – If you LOVE what you do (and you should), then express your passion for your business on a regular basis.  Passion creates enthusiasm and enthusiasm is contagious.  When engaged in your business, people should see the joy on your face.  Soon those who are watching will want what you have!
3. Be Bold – We often pass up business opportunities due to our own fears or insecurities.  Achieving what we desire often requires taking a chance.  Being bold does not mean that you lack fear.  Rather, it means that you are making choices for the good of your business despite fear.

This list could go on and on.  My perspective is that GREATNESS is not developed completely by what you do, but rather how you do it.  What are some personal choices that you can make to move your business from GOOD to GREAT?

Follow on Twitter: @JJANT

Visit Jodi at: Safe Candle

Jodi Albertini is a SuperStar Director with the Direct Sales Company Scentsy – a wickless, smokeless, flameless and safe candle product (www.safecandle.net).  Jodi has developed a team of 1200 Scentsy consultants in just over two years. She is a Stay-at-Home-Mom, turned Work-at-Home-Mom, with 2 fabulous children and one incredible husband of almost 15 years. Jodi’s formal education is in Social Work and Counseling.  She has learned to take a Psychological approach to sales, recruiting, and mentoring.

If you have a topic of interest that you’d like to share and be a Guest Blogger on Moomette’s Magnificents, please contact me (see Contact tab above).

Chat With Moms Who Returned to College To Get An Online Education Diploma At APU – Learn How They Did It

Living in New England, Moms  can tell that summer’s coming to a close as there’s a chill in the evening air and the stores have started advertising back-to-school sales.    This fall, my youngest daughter will be finishing her Masters degree in Social Work.  I’m so proud that she’s set so many goals for herself and achieved success in her studies.   I believe one of the reasons she’s so focused is that when she was ten, I went back to college to finish my Bachelor’s degree.  My daughter learned through example that I was serious about the value of an education.   If you’ve put your own dreams and goals of returning to school and getting a college degree on hold because you have children, rest assured that there are online education universities to help you succeed.

Believe me, I’ve been there, done that.

I’ve written many posts on Moomette’s Magnificents about how I returned to college and obtained a B.S. in Business Administration, and A.S. in Paralegal Studies, Magna Cum Laude, while I was in my 40s.  It doesn’t matter how old you are, if you’re determined to start or complete a college degree, you can do it. Many of the courses I took to complete my education were accredited college courses that I completed through online course education while the concept was still in it’s infancy.  Online courses enabled me to continue to work full-time while I still tended to my children and family responsibilities.

American Public University (APU) offers Moms a reason to become energized once again about our studies. Through their various, completely distance learning diploma programs of study, Moms can take part in more than 100 degree programs customized to their own schedules, whether that entails after the youngsters’ bedtime or even during a soccer game. By offering class commencements on a monthly instead of semester basis, APU extends greater flexibility than just about any other university. Plus, APU makes it simpler to accomplish your educational goals with some of the lowest tuition rates in the nation: undergraduate classes cost just $750 per 3-credit course.

Besides undergraduate degree offerings, APU also offers an extensive selection of postgraduate distance learning programs of study for those seeking to further their vocations. Over a lifetime, the normal bachelor’s degree recipient can anticipate to earn $800,000 more than a high school graduate, while a graduate who earns a Masters degree  can expect to earn over $1,000,000 more. In addition, a 2008 National Survey of Student Engagement study established that 97% of seniors registered at APU had an exceedingly positive opinion of the university and would select APU once again.

Learn more through live chats about APU and the benefit of distance learning online courses.  Chat with moms who share their experience about going back to school at APU.  Save the Dates!

Helenjene Curtis: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Tuesday, August 24 at 8 p.m. ET

Jenn Deater: Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
Thursday, August 26 at 12:00 p.m. ET

For More Information visit: Study At APU

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of American Public University. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

HPV Vaccine | Digene | HPV Cervical Cancer | HPV Women

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide, yet is easily preventable because we know its cause, HPV.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV acts as a powerful tool to help protect young women from cervical cancer.  However as Moms we must protect not only our daughters, but also ourselves from this disease.

Although HPV vaccines are for girls and young women ages 9–26 to help protect against the two types of HPV that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer, HPV testing isn’t necessary for women younger than 30, because HPV infections in young women usually go away on their own without causing problems. Women under 30 will only have HPV testing if their Pap test is inconclusive.

These vaccines are a powerful tool to help protect today’s girls —
tomorrow’s generation of women — from HPV cervical cancer.

While you’re learning about the HPV vaccine for your daughter, learn about HPV women testing to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

HPV testing can identify if you have one of the “high-risk” infections on your cervix that can cause cervical cancer.  For women 30 and older, the HPV test can be performed at the same time as the Pap test to help doctors identify which women are at greatest risk.  However not all doctors automatically use both tests. Research into cervical cancer prevention shouldn’t stop and start with our daughters.

Women 30 and older  should be  their own health advocates by proactively asking their doctor about receiving the digene HPV test along with their Pap smear.

• If you are age 30 or older, ask your doctor for the digene HPV Test together with your Pap test.

• If both tests come back normal, then the tests don’t need to be repeated for 3 years. But remember to return each year for your annual exam

• If one or both tests come back abnormal, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. It simply enables your healthcare provider to monitor you more closely or treat pre-cancerous cells before cervical cancer develops.

Learn more about HPV testing at www.theHPVtest.com. Here you can watch doctor-produced videos, browse frequently-asked-questions, access tips on “what your test results mean” and download/link to vaccination HPV educational materials.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of the QIAGEN digene vaccination HPV test. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Tips To Set Up Your Facebook Account: Part 1 – Setting Up Your Profile Page

Have You Set Up A Facebook Account Yet? You Should!

Part 1 – Setting Up Your Facebook Profile Page

After reading this line, you must be thinking – Is she crazy?  Everyone does!

Well, that’s not exactly true.  Whether you’re in your 20′s, 30′s or 40′s, some people prefer to be on MySpace, Twitter, or FriendFeed.

My peers (baby boomers and grandparents)  are just starting to set up Facebook accounts out of necessity and finding that because of the transient nature of our society, it’s a great way to keep in touch with kids who’ve moved to take jobs out of state.  My charming son-in-law’s mom just recently set up an account (or I should say, her daughter set one up for her.)  My best IRL friend in New Hampshire recently set up a Facebook account, and keeps in touch with her daughter who’s in Georgia.

I mentioned to her that as a mompreneur,  setting up a Facebook account for her used bookstore is a magnificent way for her to promote her business.

Back in 2008, I wrote this post explaining why I believe it’s important for WAHMs to have a Facebook Account.

Awhile back when I first started I opened a Facebook account for public relation purposes to promote my eBay store, blogs, virtual assistant business as well as Shoppes.  I’d heard that it was advantageous to use for PR and social networking purposes.

Now more than ever before, internet marketing is about building a community.  Whether you offer a forum on your website or you participate in social networking sites, social networking is a valuable traffic generating tactic.  Sites like Facebook and Twitter can be powerful tools for generating links and traffic to your site – create a profile and then post comments, links to your site and ideas which generate conversation.

At the time, I learned through trial and error how to establish and set up my Profile, and I’ve been continually adding and tweaking it, as well as setting up Fan Pages (now called “Like” Pages) for my various blogs.

In this series, I’m going to take you through the process of setting up your Facebook account covering the following topics:  How To Set Up Your Profile;  Adding and Organizing Friends; Profiles and Privacy; Using Your Wall and also offer some Facebook Tips.

Let’s get started!

To set up your Facebook account you will need:

*To have previously created an account at facebook.com
*Information and a photo for your profile

Step 1: Navigate to the Profile Area

Two things to keep in mind when setting up your profile…
1. Your profile is a representation of you – your interests, hobbies, school & work details, etc. This is where people learn more about you so make a good first impression.
2. Even with privacy settings set, there is always a chance that someone may see your posts. Be careful what you choose to publish.
To edit your profile go to your home page. Click “Edit My Profile” in the top left corner. You’ll be taken to the Basic information page where you can tell more about yourself.

When finished, click “Save Changes.”

Step 2: Add Profile Picture

Perhaps, one of the most important things to include in your online website is your picture. While a personal picture is optional, it is ideal. Many internet users enjoy taking to someone that they can see in their minds, without a picture this is difficult.

Be mindful that your profile picture represents you and is viewed by others, so use caution when choosing your photo. Don’t post something you wouldn’t want your Gram, Grampa, the kids or boss to see.

Below the Basic Information bar, on the left, you click “Profile Picture” upload or change your profile photo. Click “Browse” & select the photo on your computer that you want to show in your profile. It will add your photo immediately. You can change your photo any time.

Step 3: Edit Privacy Settings

In the top blue bar, click the account button to show the drop-down choices and click on privacy settings. This allows you to choose who can see the various sections of your Facebook account.

Some information such as your name, profile picture, location, gender, networks, pages and friends lists are always available to everyone; however, there are many sections you can control. Here are two such areas.

Basic Directory Privacy

In addition to your photograph, you may want to include your name.  Now, when it comes to your name, you need to be cautious.  You’re advised against giving your full name, especially if your profile or profile page contains a personal photograph of you.  In addition to your name, you may want to put down your location.  As with your name it’s important to err on the side of caution.  Your picture, your address, and your full name can be dangerous, especially if it falls into the wrong hands.

As much as you’d like to fill your social networking profiles with personal information, you’re advised to think about your safety before anything else.

Click “View setting.” to adjust the basic information privacy.

Read about each feature listed. Click the drop-down box on the right to choose who you would like to be able to see or use each item. Select the appropriate group.

Sharing And Privacy

If you have a mixed group of business, family, and friends, customizing who can see and comment on things you share would probably be a good idea. After all, you probably don’t want everyone, including potential customers, to know your quirks. Some things are just TMI and should be on a needs-to-know basis. Being able to customize your sharing settings comes in handy.

On the main privacy settings page, click on the customize link at the bottom.

Here you’ll find a rather long list of things that you can adjust to meet your privacy needs, including things you share, things others share, and contact information. Simply use the drop-down button to make your choices. In most cases it’s best to be a little cautious than to just let everyone see everything. Think carefully about your choices.

A few settings you should consider using:
1. Friends Lists: We’ll talk more about this in another how-to but this is where you can create private groups of friends that have certain privacy settings.
2. Search Settings: Some Facebook users prefer not to be found when others do a search. For example, teachers may not want to be found by their students. If you prefer not to show in the searches, you would want to adjust these settings to remain private.
3. Contact Info: To avoid spam and giving your contact information to everyone, consider setting your contact details to private.

In Part 2 I’ll cover Adding and Organizing Friends. If you’d like to follow along, Sign Up for my Free Newsletter so you Won’t Miss a Thing!

Send this post to your Mom, Aunt or Grandmom and ask them to follow along with my Series and learn to set up Facebook accounts together!

Follow me on Facebook!

Become a Fan of Moomette’s Magnificents on Facebook!

Photo Credit: Benstein on ‘Flickr

Cape Cod Rail Trail – Wordless Wednesday

25 Miles of Natural Splendor

July, 2010

(I’m the one in Pink)

One of my favorite things to do when we go up to The Cape is to ride the Cape Cod Rail Trail.

It’s a bike path that runs approximately 25 miles and cuts through the Cape Cod National Seashore, from Wellfleet to Dennis.

There’s bikes, rollerbladers and pedestrians of all types!  The scenic vistas of the cranberry bogs, salt marshes and kettle ponds are magnificent!

On this particular trip we rode 14 miles round-trip!

What’s your favorite thing to do on vacation?

Don’t forget to sign the Linky!

For More Info: Cape Cod Rail Trail

Vacation Home Safety Tips: Leaving Your House Unattended

Secure the Fort

Vacation By Owner

It’s been stated that vacations are what we labor for.  We put in time at our workplace, whether as a WAHM or a cubicle dweller, then eagerly look forward to the time we get away so we can travel to shoot the breeze with friends, kinfolk, and occasionally  even venture to an exotic location.  And what with the preparation of the journey and attempting to get all aspects of the imminent holiday planned out, we don’t give much thought to the minor particulars required in exiting our humble abode for any length of time – like making sure you have a housesitter.

We still have a few trips left to take this summer, or at least I do.  My husband usually stays home and minds the pets.  (See 101 Random Things About Me for further explanation.)

If you have yet to take your vacation with what’s left of the summer, or perhaps you’ll be going away over Labor Day weekend or  like to go away in fall or winter,  here’s some home safety tips  on leaving your house while away on vacation – so your house will be in one piece when you get back:

• Assign somebody to be a house sitter for your home while you’re away. Ideally, this should be a neighbor, preferably someone who lives next door to you or across the street and can check your house from their window.  Their job can be to merely keep an eye on matters, but it could be more involved.  Many retirees would be happy to pick up a few house sitting jobs.  Check in with them beforehand to be sure they’ll be home during that time.  Make sure to extend an offer to return the favor when they leave on a trip.  Give them particulars as to where you’ll be, your cell phone, and discuss what they should do or who to contact in the event of an emergency.

• Ask your neighbor to give the house a “lived-in” look by turning on and off lights, and opening and closing curtains or blinds. Make a point to have a spare key made for the house sitter, and double check that it works before giving it to them.  You can also set your lights up on a timer so they’ll turn on at nightfall and off at bedtime.

• The housesitter can also gather your mail several times during the week, and collect any newspapers, door flyers, or deliveries so your home doesn’t emit that “Hello Five Finger Discount, we’re on vacation” look. If you’d rather, you can arrange for your mail and newspapers to be held by the Post Office while you’re away.

• In the summertime, make arrangements to pay an enterprising neighborhood kid to mow your lawn while you’re gone. They can stand the exercise. In the wintertime, he or she can shovel your driveway and sidewalk.

• It’s also important not to let the entire universe know when you’ll be gone. Specifically, don’t blare out your information to all your Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace buddies.  Keep your plans, or at any rate your dates, close to the chest.

• Before you leave, make sure all the windows and doors are secured. Also, check that the toilets have been flushed.  Tykes occasionally draw a blank to do this and it’s not a pleasant sight or scent to come back to.  Take the kitchen trash out to the trash can, and disconnect the Plasma TVs, Keurig coffee makers, laptop computer and anything additional that draws electricity.

If you’re taking a vacation, remember these hints on leaving your house unattended.   That way you’ll have peace of mind while you’re away.  And remember to bring home the salt water taffy thank you gift as a token of your appreciation for Gladys Kravits who’s keeping an eye on the manse.

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