Accessorize with Class – Invicta Watches

Timepieces at Tremendous Values

With BlogHer around the corner, I’m reading a lot of blogger concerns about what to wear to this party or that. One of the biggest worries is how to best accessorize without overdoing it. Everyone wants to make a good impression on everyone else and for some bloggers not only will they meet future friends, but there are also opportunities to connect with brands as well. Their concern about accessorizing appropriately is understandable.

Wearing an Invicta watch is the perfect way to top off an outfit. Not only are the watches eye-catching and classy, but their functionality and durability are top-notch. The watches offer superior craftsmanship and attention to detail that will be sure to spark conversation. Invicta offers 20 collections to choose from so the chance of running into another conference attendee with the same one is slim.

If you’re looking for an original, classy, and quality accessory to top off that to-die-for outfit you are saving for BlogHer, visit Invicta watches at ShopNBC. Warning: With over 20 pages of watches to choose from your decision could be difficult – but fun!

Thanks for visiting! Comments are always appreciated!

Pool and Play Safety Tips for Kids this Summer from UL & DVD Giveaway

Keep Kids Safe

Wild About Summer

This summer, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading product safety testing organization, provides useful tips to help keep you and your children safe around play sets and the pool.

After a winter spent indoors, most children can’t wait to run off all their pent up energy – and most need not travel any farther than the backyard. Swing Sets, Playscapes, jungle gyms and pools offer up hours of summertime fun, but can turn potentially dangerous if you do not know what to look for.

When my kids were younger, my husband and I made certain to sign our kids up for swimming lessons. The kids took weekly lessons, and contained even when they went to the YWCA camps and private camps throughout the summer.

Our family always enjoyed taking vacations to local beaches and spent quite a bit of time up at Cape Cod. When my youngest daughter was old enough, she became certified to be a lifeguard, and worked for our local town pools. Many times she was hired by moms to be a lifeguard at backyard pool parties, and also to give private swim lessons.

To keep your family safe while having fun this summer, UL is offering the following tips:

• At any water spot, the 10/20 rule states an observant parent should scan the pool every 10 seconds, and never be more than 20 seconds away from the area. Supervision, along with a basic knowledge of CPR, stand among the staples of pool safety.
• At any playground, watch for enclosed spaces, protruding bolts or tree stumps, and comb through the sand box before your child digs in to help avoid risks presented by glass shards, animal droppings, or other hazards.
• Before installing a play set, find a suitable place for the set free of any dangerous obstacles like cable wires or tree branches and follow the building instructions closely. Laying safety materials (such as mulch or rubber tiles) can help make the entire area more secure.
• To avoid constant worry at the pool this summer, construct a tall fence, keep the area around the pool clear of tree limbs and other debris, and clearly mark all drains and filters. Store rescue devices nearby, drain wading pools after use, and always remove toys from the pool so children don’t try to play with them without supervision.

UL and Disney even produced a cute video featuring Timon and Puumba from the Lion King teaching kids how to stay safe while swimming during the summer, and all year long.

Moomette’s Magnificents is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (4) winners who will receive one (1) hard copy of the Disney/UL Pool Safety DVD!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule: (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Wild About Safety and leave a comment about another fact that wasn’t mentioned in this post.

~ One Extra Entry: Become a Moomette’s Magnificents Facebook Fan and leave a comment on our wall with your thoughts on this giveaway.

~ One Extra Entry: Click the “Like” button on this post (top or bottom) and leave and leave your name in a separate comment

~ One Extra Entry: Follow and Rank Moomette’s Magnificents on Networked Blogs (right sidebar) and leave your name in a separate comment.

~ One Extra Entry: Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect (sidebar)

~ One Extra Entry: Visit my 101 Random Things About Me page (under About) and leave a comment – something About Me, 101 Random Things About Me

~One Extra Entry: Tweet this giveaway and post the link in your comment- (may do this daily) 1 extra/day (50 Followers minimum to qualify for extra entry)

copy and paste to tweet

I just entered to #WIN Disney’s Wild About Safety DVD #Giveaway from @Moomettes http://clicky.me/oQV

This contest will run until July 13, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EDT

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

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

Image Credit: svilen001

Guide For Choosing the Perfect Father’s Day Gift

Gifts To Make Them Smile

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Bliss Living. All opinions are 100% mine.

Father’s Day is just around the corner and you have to come up with some gifts for dad. My husband has been a dad for 27 years now, and sometimes I think I’ve covered idea I could possibly to find him a gift.  Yet every year, there’s always unique and fun things that I find.  My son-in-law has been a dad for three years now, so he has a long way to go before my daughter runs out of ideas for him!

Fathers come in all types of personalities, so if you’re looking for gifts for Dad check out the vast assortment of Father’s Day gifts ideas that Bliss Living has to offer:

Man Cave – There’s a Man Cave Doormat and Man Cave Ultimate Coaster Set! Retro is in and if you want to buy him a cool gift, get him one of these Personalized Man Cave Retro Signs with his name on it!

Personalized Apron – No family comes complete with out a grill guru. If you’re looking for unique gifts online for the grill guru in yours, the Kill of the Hill Personalized Apron may be the answer.

With these gifts for dads, you can come up with that particular thing that will make them smile. Trust me, they’ll be happy not to get another sweater!

Even though it’s almost Father’s Day, don’t want to forget about the Mom in your life!  Check out the awesome jewelry for mom that Bliss Living offers.

Lunchables Team New Initiative: Project Potential Field Trips For All

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Lunchables. All opinions are 100% mine.

Good weather and the end of the school year traditionally means that the kids get to enjoy field trips.  There’s nothing quite like chaperoning groups of small children.  The thrill of introducing these young ones to new experiences is matched only by their eyes as they take it all in.

Over the years when my girls were younger I’ve chaperoned field trips to the Boston Science Museum, Old Sturbridge Village and Quebec City. Hands-on experiences like field trips can help engage children in learning that can open their eyes to the world beyond the classroom. Little legs burn a lot of energy when they’re exploring and their little stomachs require that you feed them often.  We always packed our own picnic lunches and brought plenty of water.

According to a 2009 report from The American Association of School Administrators, it’s estimated that over the course of the current school year, the number of school districts eliminating field trips will increase by 56 percent. That’s more than 30,000 schools.

Lunchables Lunch Combinations wants to help deserving kids across the country go on an inspiring, educational experience with the launch of the program, Field Trips For All.

“Field Trips For All” is the first effort from the Lunchables Team’s new initiative called Project Potential. Aimed at empowering kids with opportunities to help them reach their full potential, Project Potential will provide enriching experiences kids might otherwise not have.

Anyone 6 years of age or older can nominate a deserving classroom by going to http://www.lunchables.com/potential/ and submitting a nomination. From all nominations received, 50 classrooms will be selected to go on an inspiring, educational experience.

If you know a deserving teacher and classroom, take the time to enter them to win this generous award! Help spread the word about this contest!

When children have the opportunity to venture out on field trips, the life experience rewards are plentiful!

Leave a comment about who you think you’d like to enter!

Summer Travel Tips: May is NAVTEQ GPS Map Update Month

On The Road Again

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NAVTEQ. All opinions are 100% mine.

Americans are known for seeking the roads less traveled, especially during summer vacations. In some families, there’s always one child who’s direction-challenged. We have one who thinks every river she crosses in the USA is the Connecticut River. When our daughter graduated college and started in sales, she finally got a Garmin GPS and solved her map-reading problems!

GPS stands for Global Positioning System, which is a navigational aid. There’s a group of satellites orbiting the earth that are constantly providing information to tell us the map location (latitude and longitude) of a car or other vehicle. It also tells us how fast the vehicle is traveling and in what direction.

Global Positioning System tracking information is helpful in that utilizing a GPS system will give you accurate directions for travel. Whether you’re traveling locally, across country, or globally, you will get accurate direction and constant monitoring of your current position.

A GPS is also helpful for baby-boomers or senior drivers in that it helps to take some of the worry out of your elderly parents driving home from vacation or just driving around town. You know where they are and this allows them to be more independent.

However, be mindful that your directions will only be accurate as long as your maps are up-to-date.

This month is NAVTEQ’s Map Update Month. You can update your GPS maps at www.mapupdatemonth.com.

Many insurance companies now offer discounts for vehicles protected with tracking systems.

Don’t be caught short when you’re looking for any new restaurants, rest stops or ATM locations on your summer vacation.

Visit www.mapupdatemonth.com to learn about how to update your in-car system today!

Census 2010: Snapshot of America – Make Your Voice Heard

As a U.S. citizen, I’ve dutifully filled out Census forms every 10 years.

Why is it important you may ask?  Your state receives funding from the Federal Government based upon the population living in your state.  The number of U.S. Representatives sent to Washington from your state to speak on your behalf is determined by the population of your state.

Winter will soon be a memory and family thoughts will turn to spring break and anticipation of summer  vacations. The fact of the matter is fewer Americans than ever before will not be able to take a vacation this year. The number of people finding  themselves taking staycations at home, or not being able to visit with out-of-state family during vacation times and holidays has been trending upward for years now.

House prices continue to fall, fuel and food prices continue to increase and home foreclosures are soaring. The dollar is in a free-fall – Americans lose jobs to overseas markets.

When your rent and utilities are past due and you, your children or your aging parents are hungry and you feel helpless thinking there’s little you can do about it -  you are in a depression. The dirty little secret that no one wants to address is – when some are in a  recession – many are of necessity in a depression

The elderly among us have had to choose between medicine and food; having to pay a portion of their utilities one month while paying their rent the following month.  Children must eat two meals a day at school or go hungry.

A  recession by any definition remains untoward struggle and pain.

Make your voice heard.  Fill out, complete and return the Census Form.

Building A Deck: Keep Railing Safety Ideas and Designs In Mind

Deck-orative Ideas

Spring For A New Deck

Now that the income tax refunds have arrived, many homeowners are making plans to tackle those improvements that have been on the wish list or back burner.  My oldest daughter has plans to add a deck to her home.

I always wanted to add a deck to my home, but we opted instead for a gazebo.

Decks can be your own homeowner oasis while  providing the perfect outdoor space for an individual getaway or an evening party with friends. The fun part of building a deck, to me is choosing the design.

If you have young children though, there’s certain things to you must keep in mind.  My grandkids are now 1 and 3, and I worry that they’ll be able to open the sliding door out to the deck on their own. If you have a raised ranch, the locking mechanism on the door handles is very important to take into consideration, as is what type of railings you’ll have in place.

There are several deck railing design ideas for creating your perfect home deck.

As a parent, deciding on the type of deck railing, though, is perhaps one of the most important decisions in finishing your deck. Railings have the biggest effect on the deck because not only are they the most high profile part of the structure, but a safety feature as well. They can be seen anywhere your deck can be seen. You must, however, plan the railing system before you build the deck, because sometimes they require tying into the post system of your deck.

Once your deck is built, use decorative ornaments with your deck railing. Flower Shows and exhibitions are very popular during the spring.  Flower boxes create a nature paradise on your deck.  If you’re a work-at-home mom, take your laptop outside along with the kids, and enjoy a beautiful day!

Checklist: Prepare Your Home For an Elderly Parent

Sandwich Generation

It’s a fact, as we get older so do our parents, and along with our aging parents can come some problems. I recently did a book review on siblings and caring for aging parents. More and more Baby Boomers are facing tough choices with our aging parents regarding their living arrangements.  Some adult children choose to send our parent(s) to a nursing home or assisted living facility where they’ll get around the clock care; others decide to hire help that can come to the parents’ home; while still others may decide to bring the parent to live with them.

My independent grandmother lived alone in senior citizen housing until she was 95.  As her conservator, I arranged for her to have certain medical alert systems in place.  For example, a service checked in on her every day by phone.  My grandmother also  had a medical alert button that she wore around her neck in the event she fell.

Alternatively, my late mother-in-law lived for many years with my husband’s sister.  As mom grew older, adaptations were made in the house so that she could remain ambulatory.

If you’re considering tucking your parent under your own roof, and that parent is disabled, there’s many things you need to do to prepare your home for their safety.  This isn’t an exhaustive list, but rather a starting point in helping you figure out just what you need to do in order to make your home ready.

With a clipboard in hand, take a tour of your house from the front entrance to all interior spaces and take notes.

Entrance -
Check to see if the walkway is even for ease of walking, that the steps are not too steep, and that the handrail is adequate.  Does the door open easily and is the whole area well lit?  If your parent is in a wheelchair, the walkway needs to be wide enough to accommodate it and you may need to install a ramp.

Kitchen -
Take a look at the electrical outlets and make sure there are several within easy reach.  Keep dishes and utensils within easy reach too.  Pull-out shelves in the bottom cabinetry make for easier access.  Buy small appliances that are made for people with arthritis as they are easier to use.  Are all the bigger appliances accessible?  Can your parent reach the microwave and the controls on the oven?  A fire extinguisher is a must for the kitchen, whether your parent is living with you or not.

Bath -
Make sure your water heater is not set too high as this could cause potential scalding. A single lever faucet may be a better choice to allow them control over the water temperature.  You should install grab bars around the toilet area and shower/tub.  Consider adding a seat in the shower as well.  Put a non-stick surface in the shower/tub and make sure the bathroom flooring won’t get slick and slippery when wet.  Everything they need should be within easy reach.  If your parent is in a wheelchair, create knee space under the sink and insulate the hot water pipe to prevent burns.  Have a nightlight that turns on automatically at night.

Bedroom -
You can install grab bars wherever they are needed.  Consider getting a hospital-type bed if they need some help getting to a sitting position.  Make sure there is adequate lighting and no exposed cords or drapery to trip on. Are the bedroom and closet doors easy to open?  Keep the path to the bathroom well lit and clear of stuff at night.

The decision to have your parent move into your house isn’t an easy one.  Take the time to make your home as accommodating by researching medical alert products and as safe as you can before you lay out the welcome mat.

How Home Staging Can Help Sell Your Home Quicker

Getting Ready to Move

Spring is here and that’s when you’ll start to see all the “For Sale” signs going up around the neighborhood.  Everybody wants to get the kids settled into a new home before the start of the next school year.  My daughter and charming son-in-law had their house on the market for 7 months last year, but decided to take it off, stay where they are and do some home remodeling, and are considering adding vinyl siding and a new deck.

In today’s buyer’s market, Home Staging is often done when you sell your home. Staging a home can command a much higher selling price. A home staging professional can be hired to tour your home and direct you to make the changes that will increase your home’s marketability. Make sure the stager you hire is accredited.

Staging a home is not redecorating it, or improving it by adding replacement windows. Redecorating a home focuses on the seller and their personality. Staging focuses on the buyer. It provides the current home owner with the knowledge to rearrange the furnishings, pictures, accessories, etc. in the best possible manner to enhance the rooms function, appearance and balance.

The seller of a home has a strong emotional attachment and often times lacks the objectivity to know what’s best to enhance their homes looks.

In the high-end market, real estate agents will often hire a stager as part of the selling package because they may be uncomfortable disclosing to the seller that their home needs work and avoid upsetting them.

The main purpose of the staging professional is to help the buyer see themselves and their belongings fit into the home they are viewing. They do this by rearranging the home to appeal to a broad base of purchasers. Stagers can be expensive, so if you want to go it alone please follow the tips below.

The first and most important consideration to prepare your home for sale is to unclutter. Clutter shouldn’t be present anywhere in your home. Go through each room and remove any clutter you see.  Hold a family swap yard sale! Organize toys in decorative boxes that are hidden away in a storage room.  You can always take them out again when you don’t have any booked showings (or send them to grandmom’s house temporarily). Bookcases should be tidy and attractively interspersed with a few decorative curios. Closets should be cleaned out so that only clothes are visible. Remove storage at top and bottom of closets. Out-of-season clothing can be placed in storage.You have to move anyway and you’ll have less to pack when you do move!

Usually the foyer will provide the buyer with the first impression. It should be clean, uncluttered, bright and inviting. If any rooms are dull brighten them up with higher wattage bulbs in lamps. Remove any personal photos from all rooms if possible and replace with prints. The buyer will want to envision the home as “theirs.”

A fresh coat of paint is mandatory. Paint your home in a neutral color (white or beige is recommended).  You can add a splash of color by using pillows,  accessories, pillows, candles or throw rugs.

Bathrooms should be sparkling! Counters should be clear with no personal items visible. Tub tile grout should be clean and shower curtains or glass shower doors should be free of mildew. Hang fluffy, colorful towels on the towel rods.

Kitchens must be spotless. Remove all precious kiddie drawings, notes, magnets, etc. off the front of the refrigerator. Keep counter space clean and clear of all items. Clean out under sinks and organize your pantry. Paint outdated cupboards with a neutral color and put new inexpensive modern knobs on doors for a fresh look. Dishes on the floor for pet food should be eliminated during a showing.

Highlight your most attractive piece of furniture by placing on the wall you see when you enter a room if possible. Tuck away Cd’s, videos, etc. Hang pictures at eye level. Group accessories in odd numbers.  Place a flower arrangement or mantle clock above the fireplace.

Clean those garages, front and backyards.  Placing a potted flower pot on the doorstep or planting flowers in bloom or shrubs in the yard for a welcoming effect will improve curb appeal.  Prune any shrubs you may already have. Don’t leave bikes or toys around the yard. If you have a pool, clean it. The lawn should be cut and watered to give the home a well cared for look. A coat of paint on the outside of the house may also be in order.

If you can afford a stager it is well worth the money. If not, just make sure you clean and unclutter! A spring cleaning will definitely pay off.

In Home Spa Treatment: Pamper Yourself

Me Time

Stress isn’t limited strictly to young families and moms with kids at home, believe me.  People have busy lives and are constantly dealing with stress. Whether you’re a WAHM, stay-at-home mom or corporate execute executive, all of us have important tasks to do on a daily basis and we’re always on the move. As long as we get to have a moment to relax and rejuvenate ourselves so we can start each day refreshed, it’s OK.

What can we do to relax and rejuvenate our minds and bodies? Soaking in a tub can do wonders for the mind and body. No time, you might ask?  Well then create the time! After the house is quiet at night, take at least 30-minutes for yourself, because you’re worth it!

There are all kinds of bath products available for you to pamper yourself with and some of my favorites are listed right here on this site that I’ve done product reviews on in the past. If you enjoy taking a bath, there are soaps, bath salts, bath bubbles, sugar scrubs, which come in variety of scents (my personal favorite is Citrus). Soak away your stress with the bath products of your choice – light a candle or two, turn out your bathroom light, have some soft relaxing music in the background, put your head on an orthopedic pillow and you are good to go. Close your eyes and enjoy the wonderful scent, let it take you to wherever you’d like to be. Try not to fall asleep!

Of course if you can afford a day spa on a regular basis, that’s great, but if you’re like me and most busy women I know,the do-it-yourself spa is just as good as the real one. Here are 3 big reasons why:

You can enjoy a luxurious bath from the comfort of your own home. So if you have little kids, there is no need to hire a baby sitter. Tell the kids or spouse it’s “Me Time” and you have all the time you need for your home spa treatment.

It’s affordable!  As much as we’d like, a visit to a day spa is nice, but it’s definitely not cheap.

If you’re not so much a bath person, then turn your shower into what I call “a relaxation staycation”.  A high pressure shower massage head does wonders and acts as a back pain treatment.

No need to make an appointment! You can set up your special bath time whenever you want.

Now that you’re thoroughly rejuvenated, curl up with a neck pain pillow, and read your favorite book or gossip magazine!

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