WIN Tickets to See Dr. Laura's Live "In Praise of MOM"
Today I had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Laura Schlessinger on her new book "In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms', for our upcoming 24/7 MOMS Live Web cast show on May 13th. ( you won't want to miss it). In the meantime I wanted to invite you to attend Dr. Laura's Live " In Praise of MOM" that will be showing in theaters across the nation on May 5th and 6th, 2009.
Come See Dr. Laura like never before as she tackles the ultimate challenges mom faces . Buy your tickets now! I am POSITIVE this will be a great night so grab your MOM-Friends , buy your tickets and have a GREAT night out being inspired by Dr. Laura. I can't Wait to attend the Auburn, WA location.
Keep reading because below we are giving away 2 Tickets to see Dr. Laura Live.
Five Reasons You Should Come See "In Praise of Mom" 1. It's a one-time only, LIVE event. You'll be seeing the show live as it happens, from the comfort of a movie theater near you. And this is the only chance you'll have -- It's not going to be on the website, on You Tube or on a DVD.
2. In Praise of Mom is a unique way to celebrate Mother's Day - particularly if you are looking for that "perfect gift."
3. It's a chance to celebrate motherhood with one of the most vocal supporters of family - Dr. Laura has advocated for children and families even when it hasn't been popular to do so.
4. It's a chance to celebrate Moms simultaneously, in a national way, making the audience one like-minded community.
5. It will be an entertaining, fun, inspiring event - a multimedia extravaganza hosted by Mom "cheerleader-in-chief," Dr. Laura Schlessinger.
Click here for more information, including participating movie theaters in your community, and to purchase tickets.
24/7 MOMS and Dr. Laura are giving away TWO TICKETS to one mom to the Auburn, WA. location ( Regal Auburn 17 Theaters). So if you live in the Auburn area or close by enter to WIN 2 tickets, invite a mom friend to join you. Contest will end at Midnight on May 3rd. Winner will be announced on May 4th at www.247moms.com.
To enter for your chance to win, enter your name and email address in the box below and you will be signed up for Dr. Laura's giveaway as well as be added to the 24/7 MOMS E-list (if you are not already a 24/7 MOMS subscriber).
DEAL OF THE DAY-Domino's Pizza will be giving away FREE Bread Bowl Pastas On April 29th from 11Am - 2PM at participating stores . Click here for list or call your local Domino's to see if they are participating.
DEAL Of The Day - Stop in for 31 Cent Scoop Night On Wednesday, April 29th, 2009, at Baskin-Robbins stores across the country t from 5-10 pm to honor America's firefighters. Baskin-Robbins will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents* and create an opportunity for customers to donate to local fire charities. Read more about the NVFC and the National Junior Firefighter Program at www.nvfc.org/juniors.
Have you Ever picked out, ordered and bought your own Mothers Day gift? Well that is what I am doing this year.
I love to wear jewelry that represents something about m world especially my kids.
Ever since those cute little birthstone kids went out of style, I have yet to find another necklace that I can wear to represent all 5 of my kids that I loved. Until, a few days ago While Sitting at one of my sons Little League games I noticed that my girlfriend Kathy was wearing a MOM necklace, which I instantly fell in love with and inquired where she had purchased it. Only to find out she actually creates them and sells them for both Moms and Grandmas.
So, knowing how much I instantly fell in love with the idea of owning my own, I thought I might share these beautiful necklaces with you in case you are interested in Picking out, ordering and buying your own Mothers day gift or if you are on the hunt for the perfect Mothers Day gift for your your Mother, Mother in law, Grandmother or any other mom that you are shopping for. This would also make great birthday gifts and new mommy gifts.
These beautiful MOMMY necklaces sell for : $36 for 16" $38 for 18" $40 for $20" Each necklace include s up to 4 charms - $2 for additional charms (1-4 more).
You can place your order by Contacting my girlfriend Kathy Berry at berryfam@gmail.com
I can't wait to wear mine with 5 charms representing my 5 great kids.
7 days , 168 hours or 10,080 minutes which ever way you add it up is how long SOME of the Novotny's turned their TV's off . The reason I say SOME is that by Saturday night we had a couple Novotny TV Addicts go AWOL on us.
Here is our weekend report:
Friday Afternoon: #1 Son Stephen arrived home from college for a quick 24 hour visit. In which his little brothers interrogated him about his participation in the Novotny Turn off the TV challenge, he confessed he had been watching TV while away at College - Caleb quickly says " Mom, I have a secret to tell you" - I was quickly informed of Stephens breaking of the No TV Challenge.
Saturday Morning: #1 Son asks #3 Son (Nate-no) if he wants to play guitar hero with him, I over hear the conversation but forget that Guitar Hero is considered a video game. Instead I am thinking how sweet it is that this big 19 year old brother wants to play Guitar Hero with his 7 year old brother....bonding time right? About an hour later I hear Stephen head out the front door but still hear Guitar Hero playing, it hits me Nate-no is not supposed to be playing Guitar Hero, OOPS...I quickly sent Savannah off to remind him - the TEARS begin he thinks he has ruined it all and is in BIG trouble. I got him calmed down explained to him that it was OK to play with Big Brother but now that he has gone it is time to turn it off.
Saturday Night: #2 Daughter Savannah arrived home from a long day/night of show performances, starving and wanting to chill. At 11:00PM She announces to me she QUITS and is going to take her bowl of soup to the bonus room and watch TV promising that her brothers will never know. She falls asleep leaving the TV on. Which Caleb then discovered that she was watching TV and broke the Challenge.
Sunday : Caleb announces it is his last day and tomorrow ( Monday) he can begin watching TV again WOOHOO!!!! I do inform him that we will have some new rules about the amount of time our family watches TV. He seems to have adjusted to the No TV and has enjoyed hours of Monopoly, playing outside, helping mom in the kitchen and hanging out as a family. Monday Morning: 5:30 Am we awake to the TV on in the bonus room. Who so you think is up watching TV so early? CALEB. His first question to me is "did he Win the challenge?" "YES" Caleb you WON...Nate was then concerned if he had WON as well. I am still not sure what they think they WON , but I am proud of the Novotny team for their effort this week to turn off the TV and spend more time together as a family even if we had a few AWOL moments.
So, 7 days, 168 hours or 10,080 minutes later the Novotny TV's ( Talking Box) are back on, only this time on a limited basis.
Are you running low on postage stamps, about to purchase some? Our MOM TIP today is to remind you that May 11, 2009 a 1-ounce First Class postage stamp will increase from .42 cents to .44 cents. So, if you are in need of stamps purchase the FOREVER stamps and NOT only will you save a few penny's you will also save time having to go back and purchase penny stamps to mail your First Class letters after May 11, 2009.
Deal of The Day -April 27th, 2009 Is "UNFry Day"! You can Enjoy a free piece of KFC'snew " Kentucky Grilled Chicken" One piece per person at participating KFC restaurants. No Coupon needed just stop in and enjoy. Click here for store near you.
Have you seen the latest " Born Again American " music video? My mom sent it to me and I thought I just had to share it with you along with a fun contest your children might be interested in entering.
The MilkRocks and Declare Yourself—Born American Again Contest
DO YOU WANT TO BRING AN ORIGINAL COPY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE TO YOUR SCHOOL?
The Grand Prize winner will win a special one-day presentation at his or her school, which includes an original copy of the Declaration of Independence as printed by Philadelphia printer John Dunlap the night of July 4th, 1776!
Deal of the Day - Sunday April 26, 2009 is National Pretzel Day - a day to celebrate the art of pretzel making and the history of the pretzel - the world's oldest snack!
Freebie Pretzels at Pretzel Time and Pretzelmaker:
The count down is on 48 more hours of no TV. Will we continue to survive? or maybe it's more like will the parents survive?
Yes, there have been those moments of my wanting these children to go chill in front of the TV, to give me the mom time to finish the laundry, do the dishes or even make a bed without someone saying "Mom can you play______", "Mom can you help us_______ ", "Mom can we______". I have to remind myself each time that this was my idea to turn off the TV and take the challenge.
My goal is not only to survive this week of no TV, it is also to create new rules in our home of how much TV is watched on a daily basis. I figure with Summer just ahead now is the perfect time to set some new rules. My thinking is if they can turn it completely off for a week, the withdraws from here on out will be less and less for the Novotny TV addicts.
How much TV do you allow your kids to watch each day?
The Sound of Music Takes Over Central Station in Antwerop, Belgium
Imagine walking through a Train Station hurrying to get to your train that is about to depart. When all of a sudden a song from your favorite childhood movie breaks out over the loud Speaker.
You hear: " Let's start at the very beginningA very good place to startWhen you read you begin with... ABC...When you sing you begin with do re mi"
Then suddenly people begin to dance to the music and before you know it there are 200 adults and children dancing in the middle of the Train Station.
I am only bummed that I missed it. I spent many hours as a child pretending along with my neighborhood friends that we were The Sound of Music. Singing and dancing our days away.
Watch this amazing performance, which was done as a promotional stunt in Belgium.
More than 200 dancers were performing their version of "Do Re Mi", in the Central Station of Antwerp. with just 2 rehearsals they created this amazing stunt! Those 4 fantastic minutes started the 23 of march 2009, 08:00 AM. It is a promotion stunt for a Belgian television program, where they are looking for someone to play the leading role, in the musical of "The Sound of Music".
Did you make believe you were in the Sound of Music as a Child?
Another day of Survival. My husband and I are enjoying the extra attention we seem to be getting these days from our kids. Now that they are not so occupied with the TV. We have noticed that our two youngest seem to stay pretty close to us around the house moving from room to room with us dragging along their toys. Nothing real exciting to report about Day 4 other then we SURVIVED.
Today is Day 5 with a little league game after school for Nate-no, Savannah's opening night of 42nd Street and #1 Son - Stephen arriving home for the weekend we should be pretty occupied tonight with our family.
My 2 youngest boys are wondering why they are doing this challenge and why other families are not? I guess they have been taking a survey around school and the neighborhood only to now realize there is not a LAW making it mandatory to turn off your TV's for a week. OOPS guess the truth has been revealed, I never actually told them it was a LAW.
Now to plan for the weekend- this might become a VERY long weekend with no Talking Box.
This is also a great idea for those of you who are doing the "no TV Challenge " . LOWES offers fun project building clinics for kids called "Build and Grow Clinics". There are currently two upcoming clinics scheduled .
April showers got you down? Come into Lowe's and build this great looking Hang Glider! - Saturday April 25, 2009 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Bring the kid's into Lowe's and they can build this great planter. It's the perfect Mother's Day gift! - Saturday May 9, 2009 10:00AM - 11:00AM
There is a simple 3 step sign-up process. You do need to do online prior to attending a clinic.
No tears on Day 3. We did have a full day of School, Lego club, Little League game, show rehearsal and homework. I was asked by Savannah "When can we watch TV again" as in how many days are we doing this crazy Turn off the TV challenge in our home? "Monday" was my reply, she accepted it and moved on to chatting about something else.
Day 4 and we are now 1/2 way through our "no TV" challenge WHEW!!!!
Today the MOM needs to create some fun as we don't have such a busy day already scheduled. If it's not raining we can work on the garden, which the 2 younger boys enjoy. However, we do live in Washington and rain is in the forecast. So, plan "B" this afternoon will be helping Caleb put together his Lego project he has been needing help on and more Monopoly. The girls have shopping plans this afternoon then they have events to attend tonight.
The big question might be is HOW is the Dad surviving this? He has attempted to turn on the TV at night in our bedroom to watch the news. I quickly have to remind him that if he turns on the TV how will that go over with our children? TV remains off.
Freebie Reynolds Wrap - Get a FREE roll of 100% recycled Reynolds wrap foil click here for details.
Freebie Jones Soda - If you Live in Seattle - Jones Soda would like to invite you to come down to the Jones Soda Headquarters to spin the wheels On April 22, 2009 . We’re giving away free soda to everyone that participates. Bring in a Jones Soda bottle to recycle and you’ll get even more cool stuff. Five empty Jones Soda bottles gets you a free Jones Soda tee shirt. Earth Day does'nt get much better than this. Can’t come in to the office but still want to participate?
Post a pledge for what you are doing to help conserve, reduce or reuse and we’ll send you a Jones Soda coupon, but only if you promise to recycle the bottle. Click here for more details.
Freebies at the Disney Store - Bring in 3 plastic bottles to any Disney Store and receive a FREE gift on April 22, 2009. Click here for more details.
Freebie at Walgreens - Stop in your local Walgreens on April 22, 2009 and pick up your FREE reusable bag with any purchase and you can also use a free printable coupon for 15% off eligible items. Click here for more details and your coupon.
If you find a Earth Day Freebie - share it with us by leaving a comment.
"Ring, Ring" Went my cell phone while out shopping with daughter #2. The call had arrived from #2 Son Caleb who was calling to beg, plead and even toss in a few tears asking me to allow him to watch TV. I stood strong and gently told him "No", that he needed to go outside and play or find Daddy to help him discover what he could do besides watching TV. The call ended with my still hearing sniff sniff and a sad good bye from Caleb.
Once home Dad reported that Caleb came outside and helped him in the garden, but never said a word about the call. WHEW! we survived with not to many tears...withdraws are never easy.
I did get one more phone call - this one came Son #3 Nate-no " Mom, can we continue our game of monopoly without you?" - "Yes" I told him and as I hung up I was excited that they were discovering on their own what to do with their no TV time.
Today, the boys also got to enjoy their FREE Ben & Jerry's Ice cream on an outing with Dad.
Now, to survive Day 3 - This AM will be interesting as it is a late start school day so typically my children like to watch TV with the extra time they have. After school Caleb has a baseball game so that will keep the boys busy. Savannah has show rehearsal so no time for TV for and Shelby will have plenty of time to run her errands, chores and homework.
Personally, I am loving not hearing that Talking Box in my house this week.
The Novotny's survived Day 1 - well ALMOST that is. Savannah daughter #2 did happen to forget for a few minutes in the AM. She had a late start morning at school so thought she would kick back and watch a little TV , until the MOM heard that talking box and quickly reminder her.
The afternoon was spent walking the dog, helping mom unload groceries, baking cookies, doing homework and playing the Pokemon version of monopoly. I did see a few tears from Caleb asking to watch TV he was tired and ready to chill but I stood strong and got his brain re-focused ( not an easy task with this kid) on baking cookies- which we had a blast learning about measuring, pouring gently , cracking eggs along with eating lots of cookie dough.
How was DAY 1 in your home?
So now onto Day 2 - I will be gone this afternoon taking Shelbi Daughter #1 to an interview and prom dress shopping so it's all up to Dad to stand strong with the other kids.
I have suggested :
* A trip to Ben & Jerry's to get a FREE ice Cream cone ( see yesterdays blog).
* Continue the game of monopoly
* work in the garden ( Little boys love helping dad)
* Practice Baseball.
As for Daughter #2 Savannah, she has a show practice all evening so she is fully occupied away from the TV.
Today's deal of the day : The Old Spaghetti Factory is celebrating their 40th Anniversary by inviting guests to dine with them each Tuesday for lunch or dinner and receive 40% off on their pasta classics meals. Click here to see their special Anniversary menu. This deal is available every Tuesday through May 26, 2009. Dine-in only and one order per guest.
The Challenge has begun today in the Novotny house - No TV for one week.
Today while our talking box (TV) is turned off we will Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies and Begin a game of Monopoly that I am sure will continue all week long.
What are you doing with your regained time while your TV is turned off today?
Stay tuned for my report on how the Novotny's survive Day 1 of No TV.
"Soups on" - I have a new YUMMY soup recipe that I tried out last week on my family. I found it in my Pillsbury "The Slow Cooker" cookbook. This is definitely a 24/7 MOMS approved recipe. Simple, Yummy and Kid loved.
Two - Bean Minestrone Soup Ingredients:
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 medium onion, halved crosswise cut into thin wedges
1 medium stalk celery chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 (14oz.) cans vegetable or chicken broth
1 (19oz.) can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
1 (15.5 or 15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 (14.5 oz.) can Italian-seasoned stewed tomatoes, un-drained, cut up
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Green Giant Frozen Cut Leaf Spinach, thawed
3 oz. uncooked spaghetti, broken into thirds (3/4 cup) Directions:
1. In 3/12 to 4-quart slow cooker, combine all ingredients except spinach and spaghetti; mix well.
2. Cover; cook on low setting for 7 to 9 hours
3. About 20 minutes before serving, stir thawed spinach and spaghetti into soup. Increase heat setting to high; cover and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until spaghetti is tender.
Makes 6 ( 1 1/2- cup)servings.
REAL MOM TIPS:
1. I pre-cooked my spaghetti noodles and placed them in each soup bowl then poured soup over them.
2. I pre- cooked the spinach and only placed it in the bowls of those that wanted spinach in their soup.
2009 National Turn Off The TV Week / Unplug your kids
The Novotny family is accepting the challenge, will you join us? For National Turn off the TV week from April 20th -26th 2009. We are going to unplug the talking boxes in our home and use our time to enjoy a variety of other things as a family.
National Turn off the TV week is an annual campaign to get us to reclaim those lost hours watching talking boxes and take that time to connect with our families, engage in our communities and do things we seem to never have time for.
Stop in this week at 24/7 MOMS and discover who in the Novotny home is suffering from Talking box withdraws and what we are doing daily with our reclaimed family hours.
MOM TIP: Make a plan for the week by creating a list of what you will do each day. Make it Fun. We created a list to help you get started.
10 Alternative TV ideas:
1. Family Game night - Choose a game the entire family can participate in, maybe it's a week long game of monopoly that you play for a set amount of time each night or that game your child received at Christmas you still haven't played.
2. Something New - Make a list of things you would like to learn or would like to teach your children. This can be anything from learning a new card game, crochet, to how to download music to your IPod or teaching your child to tie their shoes.
3. Family Read aloud - Children of all ages love to be read to. Check out a chapter book from the library or grab one off your book shelf that you have been wanting to read to your children and begin a nightly reading time together.
4. Creative Fun - From scrap booking to crafty creations allow the creative side of your family to shine as you do family projects or allow your kids time to just create with left over craft supplies.
5. Kitchen Time - Create a meal together or teach your kids to bake some yummy treats.
6. Volunteer - Choose a Church or Community project that your family can serve together in .
7. Exercise - This is a great time to start a daily /nightly habit of exercising. Start with 20 minutes and add 10 minutes each night to your routine.
8. Plant a Garden - Now is the time to get out and clean up your garden and flower beds. Begin planting so you will have plenty of fresh veggies come summer.
9. Start or finish a project - Begin or finish a project that you have been putting off due to lack of time. 10. Audio Fun - Before the television was invented families sat around a big radio and used their imaginations to picture the fun and adventurous stories that were told over the radio. Why not listen to a book on tape or Cd with your children and allow their imagination to picture what is taking place in the story.
What will you do with your newly reclaimed hours in your day?
I love products that help my MOM world become more organized and simplified. Today I discovered Idea Paint. A paint that creates your walls into dry-erase boards.
Maybe I'll paint my entire school room/office with this new paint so I can write all of my lists on it, and my children can practice their math problems, hand writing and of course create a lot of doodle art - right on the walls. I can see it now my kids having a blast creating art all over the walls with no fear that the MOM will freak out - because it is completely erase-able.
Are you already wondering how you can try Idea Paint out? check out the FREEbie offer below.
IDEA PAINT : Idea Paint is a patent-pending single-coat roller-applied paint that transforms any smooth surface into a high performance dry-erase writing surface.
Inspire the young Einstein by using IdeaPaintto transform children's walls into a larger-than-life canvas for creativity, imagination, and fun.
IdeaPaint isn't just for the kids. IdeaPaint is perfect for organizing a busy family – noting daily tasks, appointments, shopping lists and scheduling important events for the week.
Deal of the Day - One of my Favorite Cleaning products and tools is Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. It has erased a zillion Novotny kid signatures ( marks) left behind by my children to remind me daily that these little people roam my halls and rooms. I have used it on my walls, furniture, baseboards and doors. I keep them in my cleaning supply bucket to easily access when I find ANOTHER kid signature ( marking).
Today we have TWO simple contests in enter for you from DOLE - so be sure to check them both out. Contest #1Win the chance to cook alongside acclaimed chef, Ben Ford. Ben has created four signature recipes with DOLE Canned Fruit and wants to share his culinary tips with you and three of your friends at his latest hot restaurant in Los Angeles. Enter your short essay and you could win a beautiful weekend in Los Angeles in June cooking and sharing a feast with Ben Ford!
Just submit a 200 word essay on “How DOLE Canned Fruit is a part of your pantry” at www.DoleMakeMeAChef.com and you can win the exclusive opportunity to have a cooking experience with celebrity chef Ben Ford, at his acclaimed LA restaurant Ford’s Filling Station. Together with Ford, the winner and three friends will prepare a feast using DOLE Canned Fruit as an integral ingredient in the starter, main side, side dish and dessert.
Contest #2
24/7 MOMS and DOLE are also giving away to one of our 24/7 MOMS enough FREEBIE coupons to refill their pantry with DOLE canned fruit ($25 value). To enter for your chance to win, you must first enter the "Make me a Chef Contest" by entering a 200 word essay right on the DOLE web site. ( It's simple, I did it in 5 minutes) then come back here to 24/7 MOMS and leave a comment letting me know that you entered along with which was your FAVORITE recipe that you saw on the DOLE web site.
I'd LOVE to see one of our 24/7 MOMS WIN this contest , maybe I should make a rule if you WIN the "Make me a Chef Contest" you have to invite ME. ( kidding)
The creation of 24/7 MOMS came out of Trisha Novotny’s passion to Inspire, Equip and Connect MOMS in all stages of mothering. Currently surviving 5 kids from elementary to college, Trisha understands the life and needs of a MOM. Trisha and her husband Steve, reside in Gig Harbor, Washington with their five children: Stephen (19), Shelby (17), Savannah (15), Caleb (9) and Nate-no (7). Connect with Trisha at trisha@247moms.com
24/7 MOMS will celebrate MOTHERHOOD May 1st - 15th, 2009 with 2 weeks of :
If you Live in Seattle - 
