Review & Giveaway ~ Yoplait Delights Gift Package CLOSED

Two yummy yogurt reviews in a row for you guys!

Are you looking for a guilt-free snack that will help satisfy that afternoon sweet tooth? Want to enjoy in a delicious treat with only 100 calories? Then I have the perfect treat for you - Yoplait® Delights, a rich and creamy layered yogurt parfait with just 100 calories!

Did you know?

• Nearly nine out of 10 women experience a mid-day craving and have the urge to snack
• Eighty-three percent of women admit they sometimes feel guilty when cravings take over and they reach for sweets

With Yoplait Delights you can enjoy a delicious sweet treat and feel good about your choice. Available in four tempting flavor combinations Chocolate Raspberry, Triple Berry Creme, Lemon Torte and Creme Caramel - creamy Yoplait Delight is the perfect everyday treat. Right now you can also download a $1.25 off coupon for Yoplait Delights Parfait at: http://bricks.coupons.com/bstart.asp?o=58135&ci=1&c=GM&p=V6gHk2E5

I was sent a fun Yoplait Delights Gift Package that came with a coupon to try the new flavors for free.  I purchased the Chocolate Raspberry and my kids gobbled them up.  They both are typical girls and crave chocolate, so this was a perfect little treat for them.  They felt like grown ups too because you can tell it is geared toward woman :)  If you get that craving, definitely give Yoplait Delights a try!  

On to the giveaway, thanks to My Blog Spark and Yoplait, I have the same gift package to give away to one of my readers.   The "Delight Your Day" gift pack that includes, a spa mask, wrap robe and slippers - all delightful treats for you to enjoy and relax with every day!

To enter ~ Just comment here with what flavors you crave throughout the day.

Extra entries ~ 

• Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)
• Subscribe to my blog or any of my other blogs (email subscribers x 2)
  
• Become a follower here or any of my other blogs (current & new followers count)
• Tweet this giveaway (3x a day)
  

RT Enter to win Yoplait Delight your day Gift @momof2dancers http://bit.ly/beQGj #giveaway #win #contest

• Know another way to promote this blog, just comment here with how & link if applicable
•  Post my button on your sidebar x2 if you also post my contest blog button on your sidebar
• Enter the Slacker Radio Giveaway
  

Contest will end on September 17th

Congrats ~ 

JC said... 23 Email subscriber!
1

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Dark Sky Festival in Harmony Florida ~ Fight Light Pollution!

BE PART OF THE SOLUTION, FIGHT LIGHT POLLUTION!

The purpose of the Dark Sky Festival in Harmony Florida is to expose the general public to the marvels of astronomy and the importance of protecting dark skies - not just for astronomy purposes, but also for the values that darkness provides to area wildlife.

The entire family-friendly festival is held outdoors in low light conditions on the streets, sidewalks and park located in Harmony Town Square.

An important value of gazing at the night sky is the mental rejuvenation that it brings. The evening will include recording artist Jonn Serrie performing his own style of "space music." Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for lawn use in the amphitheatre area. Mr. Serrie's performance outdoors on an unlit stage will provide a perfect setting for minds to wander through the stars.

Due to Harmony's efforts and the support of the County Commissioners, an ordinance now requires new lighting in the County to be protective of dark skies. In a county that includes portions of Walt Disney World and has extensive brightly lit tourist commercial uses, this was a significant event in itself. In addition, all County facilities were retrofitted to better protect the night sky.

Harmony is an environmentally intelligent community located in Central Florida and was chosen as the site for the Dark Sky Festival for several reasons:

• Harmony Town Square, where the event is held, is in an area rated as Class 4 on the Bortle Scale of Light Pollution.
• The developer has commited to protecting dark skies. For example, all street lighting, any park lighting and other public lighting uses full cut off fixtures. Private residential and commercial lighting is also held to this standard.
• The Central Florida Astronomical Society uses Harmony as one of their observing locations in Central Florida.
• The Harmony Institute, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and the primary event sponsor, is located at Harmony and advises the Harmony developer on lighting and other measures to protect natural systems.

I think this sounds like a great event, that would be tons of fun.  Visit the site here to learn all about it, if you near the area, think about going!  If you do, let me know how it turns out.  I would be there if I wasn't all the way up in Michigan!


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Review & Giveaway ~ Yoplait Whips! CLOSED

Since we are still chatting about food, I wanted to do some posts on Yogurt.  This is one of the few snacks, my tween will eat that is actually healthy for her.        

It isn't only good for snacking though, pair some yogurt with toast ~ it makes a great breakfast when you need something quick and nutrisous!

Now, off the back to school topic and back to yogurt as a yummy snack.  Did you know that you can also freeze yogurt?  Thanks to My Blog Spark and Yoplait whips, I got to try this out!

Simply place your favorite Whips! yogurt cup in the freezer overnight and you will have a chilled yogurt indulgence that you don't have to get from the ice-cream truck or at the parlor.  So this summer, before you hit the beach, park or your own backyard, don't forget to stock your freezer with Yoplait Whips! (We suggest removing the Yoplait Whips! from the freezer for 5-10 minutes before enjoying). Of course this is still a great treat at the end of summer, into the fall, then winter, then spring & then summer again.  Can always use some frozen goodness :)

Yoplait Whips! are currently available in a variety of delectable flavors Strawberry Mist, Chocolate, Key Lime Pie, Orange Crème, Chocolate Raspberry, Lemon Burst, Peaches 'N Cream and Raspberry Mousse. Also, try Yoplait Whips! newest flavor Vanilla Creme which just hit store shelves!


There is a downloadable coupon for Yoplait Whips! - where you can save $0.60 when you purchase three cups of any Yoplait Whips! Flavor: Click here to download.

Additionally, right now, new members who sign-up to become subscribers of Betty Crocker's newsletter, will receive a free coupon for Yoplait Whips! **Click here to join.

My tween absolutely loved Yoplait Whips, and she loved them even more frozen.  Her favorites were the Strawberry Mist, Orange Creme & she loved Chocolate frozen.  I was given coupons to purchase 2 whips, but I ended up buying a whole lot more then two :)  My 8 year old, used to not like yogurt until a few months ago, also loved the Whips!


I personally do not like yogurt of any kind.  I'm tempted to try it frozen tough.  It is the texture that makes me not be able to eat it, so being frozen probably wouldn't bother me.  My kids enjoyed them so much though, I never had a chance to get up the guts to try, lol.


**This free coupon is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

Great news ~ I have a "Summer Cool Down" gift bag that includes two free coupons for Yoplait Whips!, cooler tote, popsicle molds and a set of 12 color-changing spoons for one of my lucky readers.


To enter ~ Answer one of these questions ~

What tips they follow when freezing their Yoplait Whips!?

Do they enjoy their Yoplait Whips! ice-cold or softly chilled?

What's their favorite flavor of Yoplait Whips!?

Extra entries ~

Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)

Subscribe to my blog or any of my other blogs (email subscribers x 2)

Become a follower here or any of my other blogs (current & new followers count)

Tweet this giveaway (3x a day)

RT Enter to win a Summer Cool Down Bag http://bit.ly/5u9Pw @momof2dancers #giveaway #win #contest

• Know another way to promote this blog, just comment here with how & link if applicable
•  Post my button on your sidebar x2 if you also post my contest blog button on your sidebar
  

Contest will end on September 16th

Winner ~ 
bleatham said... 39 I follow your blog
bleatham(at)gmail.com

I was provided with some of the above information, gift basket and product for sampling from My Blog Spark and Yoplait Whips.  These are just my opinions.
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Review ~ Memoirs of a Fortune Teller by Gary Turcotte

Memoirs of a Fortune Teller By Gary Turcotte

Rochester, NH, Jan 22, 2009 - Author Gary Turcotte in his book, Memoirs of a Fortune Teller, crafts a tale of a fortune teller who uncovers the secrets of a serial killer.

This book is a journal of the most disturbing readings of a traveling fortune teller. A carnival set-up man and his girlfriend are entertained daily as they watch Mary Ann the fortune teller work on the most resistant customers. They watch her turn the skeptics into believers. They see that she is truly gifted at seeing the future as well as the past.

By chance she uncovers the truth about the carnie couple. He is a traveling serial killer

and as the fair enters the new season the locals are asking the fortune teller to help find a

missing child. Mary Ann is an older woman and is afraid to be involved. She realizes that

many of the local people's reading are entwined.

Soon the killer is convinced that Mary Ann knows too much. Mary Ann doesn't want to

be the next one missing. Mary Ann is 68 years old and she knows that she is no match for

a young psychopathic merciless killer.

About the book:

Memoirs of a Fortune Teller by Gary Turcotte

ISBN: 978-1432733421

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Date of publish: Oct 2008

Pages: 131

S.R.P.: $13.95

About the author:

Gary Turcotte grew up in Dover, New Hampshire, and has earned his living as a General

Contractor. He has written five books. This is the fourth published. There is a sequel to

this book titled Vigilante Witch Hunter.

I was sent this book several months ago.  It went on my review shelf, and to be honest it got overlooked.  I tend to read my library books first, so the books I own never get read.  About a month ago, I finished up my library books and stopped requesting new ones.  I just have to get through the some of the books I own and a ton of review books.


A couple days ago, we were reformatting  my C drive, so I couldn't get online.  I've been trying to read the new Patterson, Trial but have really been struggling with the content.  I happened to look over and noticed Memoirs of a Fortune Teller.  It has a cool cover, is on the thin side, and I figured would make a great book to read in between trying to read Trial. 


I have to admit, when I started reading the book, I got really into.  I couldn't figure out why I waited so long to read it.  I really enjoyed the writings of the character Mary Ann.  The story is basically her journal, which I found interesting.  I quickly read through the entire book, and I can't wait to read the second book told by her daughter ~ Vigilante Witch Hunter.

I was looking at the reviews on Amazon, they seem to be mixed.  Mainly people wish it was edited a bit better and more details.  I personally didn't really notice anything.  I just got into the story and enjoyed a fun book about fortune telling.  


This book also would qualify for the RIP IV challenge!  It is a fun read around Halloween time, check it out!  Let me know if you have read it or if you do, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Guest Post from Author Jacqueline Klosek

Our Right to Know About the Future of Healthcare
- Jacqueline Klosek


As politicians and the public at large continue to debate the future regulation of the US healthcare system, there is one thing that is for certain – we, the people have the right to more information about how this future is being determined. We need to know more about the agencies and officials who are involved with decisions about health care. We need to know with whom they make and from whom they take advice. We need access to White House visitor logs and full disclosure of information about the meetings that our leaders have had with health care executives and others who may have commercial interests in the future regulation of US healthcare.

Access to information held by the government is an essential and fundamental part of democracy. Our right to information is enshrined in the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and equivalent state laws. However, this right is not always easily exercised. Oftentimes, people seeking information from government agencies under the FOIA will face obstacles such as delays and denials. Other times, information that is supposed to be posted online or otherwise communicated to the public will not be made available.

President Obama ran on a campaign of transparency and open government, assuring us that we would have access to more information than we had under the prior administration. While there have been a number of significant accomplishments in this regard, there have also been disappointments and setbacks. In the current debate over healthcare regulation, many would agree that the public has not been afforded enough information.

It is thus an opportune time to reacquaint ourselves with the rights we have under FOIA and similar legislation. In my recent publication, The Right to Know, I provide an overview of the FOIA and offer tips and suggestions on how journalists, activists and citizens can use these laws to obtain information held by the government. To show the important role that the FOIA has played, I also provide examples of case were the FOIA was instrumental in achieving significant revelations in key areas including environmental protection, human health and safety, civil rights, human rights, government corruption and crime. If we continue to exercise our right to know and to push for more information and transparency, we are likely to find ourselves with a government that is more accountable and effective. As President Lincoln wisely advised back in 1861, "Let the people know the facts, and the country will be safe."

Review & Giveaway ~ Celebrate Chocolate Covered Cocoa Almonds

I reviewed the yummy Celebrate Truffles, and I've been asked to now review the Celebrate Chocolate Cocoa Covered Almonds!  Now if you recall from my previous review, the Celebrate Chocolate is an appetite suppressant. 

From the website ~

Celebrate Chocolate Covered
Cocoa Almonds

These start with a lightly roasted almond at the center. Each is then wrapped in the same Celebrate Premium Chocolate (73% Cocoa) that enlivens Celebrate Truffles, including omega-3/DHA and Nutritia 56 Whole Foods. Finally, it is dusted with the rich, never bitter, rare blend of Columbian mountain and Guatemalan lowland cocoa.

Celebrate Chocolate Covered Cocoa Almonds

They satisfy your hunger, while they cut your cravings. If you are quiet, and bite them slowly, you will hear, and feel, the crisp snap of a very thin layer of crystallized chocolate on the inside.  Almonds at the center, a light dusting of dark cocoa powder on the outside, and a lot of Celebrate Premium Chocolate in-between.

A seductive mouthful of pleasure.

Celebrate chocolate cocoa covered almonds taste so exquisite you'll forget they will help control your appetite  you'll not consider they could benefit your heart, nor remember they are chocked full of anti-oxidants and omega-3/DHA.

Celebrate Premium Chocolate + Almonds

You�ll love this perfect marriage of America�s favorite nut � almonds, and the world�s all-time favorite treat � chocolate. They were meant for to be together. While others have tried to marry them, only Celebrate Premium Chocolate makes them with the perfect match of never-bitter, never-too-sweet premium chocolate richness, and barely-roasted-almond�s uniquely satisfying crunch, and distinctive flavor.

Satisfy Your Hunger

To satisfy your hunger, eat a few 20 minutes before a meal. Just make sure you put the bag away after you do.

Why? You�ll be tempted to eat the entire package in one sitting. Then again, even if you are tempted, after enjoying several more � if you savor them slowly � you will find your hunger subsiding, and thoughts of finishing the package will diminish. Celebrate Cocoa Almonds are that powerfully satisfying.

Stop Your Cravings

An hour later you will have to remind yourself you used to have cravings. Your cravings will be gone � a wonderful result from choosing the very best. After just one Celebrate Chocolate Covered Cocoa Almond, nothing else will satisfy in the same way.
Premium hand-made chocolates.
A bounteous bouquet of flavor.

Curb Your Appetite. Stop Cravings.

If you don't put it on, you don't have to take it off.
When I received my chocolate, I quickly opened it.  It is super yummy.  I also noticed it really filled me up.   If you love chocolate & also trying to keep your weight down, I highly recommend trying Celebrate Chocolate products!

Celebate is offering one of my readers a package of the Celebrate Chocolate Covered Cocoa Almonds that I got to try out!

Buy it ~ 

30% OFF Coupon is available for any purchase on Celebrate website. The coupon code is: 30NUTS

Closed ~ Congrats
windycindy
To enter ~ Head over the website, fave this page on ³ShareThis.² This is the Last button located on the
left navigation. They can ³ShareThis² via bookmarking or any social website available in the menu of this button.  Then come back here and tell me what site you shared on.

Extra entries ~ 

• Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)
• Subscribe to my blog or any of my other blogs (email subscribers x 2)
  
• Become a follower here or any of my other blogs (current & new followers count)
• Tweet this giveaway (3x a day)
  

RT Enter to win Celebrate Chocolate Almonds @momof2dancers http://bit.ly/yelvM #giveaway #win #contest

• Add this blog to Technorati Favorites

• Know another way to promote this blog, just comment here with how & link if applicable
•  Post my button on your sidebar x2 if you also post my contest blog button on your sidebar
  

Contest will end on September 15th
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Review ~ TI-Nspire with TI-84 Plus Keypad Math & Science Calculator

I have been extremely lucky in the product reviews I have been able to do the last couple of years through this blog.  I am so thankful to be doing this review on the TI-Nspire graphing calculator from Texas Instruments today.  This little powerhouse is going to help my 7th grader for years to come.  I remember when I was in school I had the TI-83 and loved it.  It was one of the more expansive calculators at the time, and I was one of the lucky few that had one.

I remember my first scientific calculator was the TI-36{TI-36X II}  I loved that thing.  It was so exciting hitting middle school and being allowed to use calculators, lol.  Someone even stole my first one, just left me the case with my name on it, so my poor mom had to buy two of them.  Now though, I have noticed that my kids elementary school had the cheaper of the scientific calculators right in the classroom for everyone to use.  It is amazing the way technology has progressed over the years.

Anyway, through the Family Review Network, I was one of the extremely lucky bloggers that had a middle/high school student to be sent a the TI-Nspire to test out and review here.  When I got my package, I was pretty amazed at all the improvements and new features on these calculators.  Not only do you get the Nspire, but you also get an interchangeable keypad to chance it to the TI-84 version of the calculator.

Using the TI-Nspire handheld as a TI-84 Plus will give you access to these built-in calculator software applications (Apps):
•	Cabri Jr.
•	Inequalities Graphing
•	LearningCheck
•	Periodic Table
•	Probability Simulations
•	Science Tools
•	StudyCards
•	Transformation Graphing
•	Vernier EasyData
With the TI-84 Plus keypad inserted, educators and students can continue:
•	Using the TI-Navigator classroom learning system, version 3.0 software or later.
•	Collecting data using TI’s CBR 2™ motion detector and CBL 2™ data collection device, as well as Vernier Software and Technology’s EasyTemp® temperature sensor and EasyLink® sensor interface.
•	Transferring data back-and-forth between student TI-Nspire handhelds and the teacher’s classroom computer using TI Connect™ software.
Some unique features of TI-Nspire technology let you: View multiple representations of a problem on a single screen Grab a graphed function and move it to see the effect "Link" representations: Manipulate the properties of one and observe instant updates to others without switching screens Create, save and review work in electronic documents, like a computer Activate the handheld's Press-to-Test feature to block access to certain geometry features not allowed on state exams Experience identical functions on the handheld and TI-Nspire Computer Software (Windows© or Mac©). Your students can use the software independently or in tandem with the handheld for work in and out of class Project a full interactive handheld alongside a large handheld screen to demonstrate concepts to your class usingTI-Nspire Computer Software - Teacher Edition
There are just so many benefits to buying this model, if you can budget it, I wholeheartedly recommend it to your high school students.  It will last many years, if taken care of ~ you should be able to use it for more then one child.  I know, I still use my TI-36 from years ago.  I sadly lost my graphing calculator, but no longer have to worry about that {thank you  Family Review Network and Texas Instruments}

I was also send a nice big fat TI-Nspire For Dummies (For Dummies (Math & Science) book to help my daughter use the calculator.  That is a godsend because she struggles in school.  The easier to understand Dummies book will be lifesaver for her as the years go on.  

That TI-Nspire handheld is unlike any math tool you’ve ever seen! Much more than a calculator, it’s a learning aid for mathematics from pre-algebra to calculus. TI-Nspire For Dummies walks you through every amazing feature, showing you how to use this remarkable learning technology. In plain English, you’ll learn everything from how to load the batteries and create a document to how to perform geometric calculations and construct statistical graphs. You’ll be able to:

• Set up your TI-Nspire, get familiar with the keypad, use the d, e, /, x, c, and b function keys, and configure system settings
• View graphical, algebraic, numeric, geometric, and written formats
• Grasp mathematical concepts more easily through multiple and linking representations
• Recognize how different concepts are linked by watching how a change in one representation appears in others
• Work with the calculator menu, tools, forms, and variables
• Create documents, add problems, configure page layout, and save your work for assignments or class notes
• Use the graphing functions in the analytic view and work with geometric objects in the plane geometry view
• Create and manage lists and spreadsheets and use this application with others for statistical calculations
• Install the corresponding software on your computer and connect the handheld device to your PC

Written by a math teacher, TI-Nspire For Dummies helps students and educators alike take full advantage of this outstanding tool for teaching and learning math.

From the Back Cover
You'll be inspired by this low-stress guide to a high-tech math learning tool!
Your TI-Nspire is unlike any mathematical tool you've ever seen, so you'll really appreciate this plain-English guide to what it can do and how to do it. From loading the batteries and creating a document to performing geometric calculations and constructing statistical graphs, you'll see how to use the TI-Nspire alone and with your PC.

• Start here — set up your TI-Nspire handheld, get familiar with the keypad, use the function keys, and configure system settings
• You need representation — grasp mathematical concepts more easily through multiple representations and linking representations
• Document problems — create documents, add problems, configure page layout, and save your work for assignments or class notes
• Be calculating — work with the calculator menu, tools, forms, and variables
• Graphic or plane — use the graphing functions in the analytic view and work with geometric objects in the plane geometry view
• List the spread — create and manage lists and spreadsheets and use this application with others for statistical calculations
• Link up — connect the TI-Nspire handheld to your computer

Open the book and find:

• How to connect your TI-Nspire handheld to your computer
• Basics of entering and evaluating expressions
• How to conduct data collection experiments
• How to use CAS (Computer Algebra System) in algebra and calculus
• Different methods of graphing a function
• How to construct geometric objects
• Steps for creating dot plots, histograms, box plots, and scatter plots
• What the Notes function provides and how to use it

You can purchase the Texas Instruments TI-NSpire Math and Science Handheld Graphing Calculator at Amazon, along with many other office supply stores.  It currently retails for $179.99 and is being sold for around $140 on Amazon at time of posting. 

This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Texas Instruments, who supplied the product for review
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Haven't joined Swagbucks yet? Now is the time!

If you haven't joined swagbucks yet, now is the time.  Not only do you earn points for searching, now if you download the new easy to use toolbar, you will have a chance to earn swagcodes to get you even closer to prizes!

When you download the brand new toolbar, they will give you codes over the next month to increase your points!  What are you waiting for, head over and register.  Then click on the toolbar tab and download the new toolbar.  I use mine in firefox & love it!
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