Tinké  Technology does this using optical sensing technologies, Tinké captures blood volume changes and quantifies your cardio respiratory fitness and stress levels.

I checked my personal cardio respiratory score by selecting the Vita Index that is created by piecing data collected from heart rate, blood oxygen level and respiratory rate. See below my score. It was really easy, I just simply downloaded the Tinké App and then plugged the Tinké into my iPad. Then picked what I wanted to check and placed my finger on the sensors and within seconds I found out my heart rate.

I was really shocked by my score and thought it would have been better but without the Tinké I may have not known. See my score below.

Next I measured my stress level by selecting the Zen Index. Using heart rate variability as a basis, a personalized score for your stress levels is determined from analyzing the rhythm of your heart rate. My says not too bad and I need to relax a little more. Ha ha that doesn’t surprise me I really do need to relax more.

The Tinké device will better help you to know what steps to take to improve your fitness and wellness. Also share your health status on Facebook, add family and friends to your Tinké network and Compare your scores with other Tinké users globally. What a great way in taking steps to getting healthy together!

This is a really unique product and very simple to use with a modern design that is small and compact (42mm x 32mm x 7mm). Available in the colors blue, pink, grey and white. Tinké App is also a free download on the iTunes App Store and made to work with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
Demonstrational Video

Instructional Tips to using Tinké

I highly recommend Tinké to all ages and think this is useful for anyone concerned about their well being or anyone looking for more ways of motivation to live a more healthy lifestyle shop Zensorium today at  shop.zensorium.com.

Be sure to connect with Zensorium www.zensorium.com

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

A BBC News article revealed that over half of the parents

in England admit to taking time off during school term, and more half of those in the survey say that the reasons were to get cheaper holidays. “More than half of those surveyed said they took their children out of school for a holiday because it was cheaper, with a third saying they could not afford a break during the school holidays. 43% of parents believed the cost of a fine was outweighed by the savings made by booking an off-peak holiday.”

There’s no doubt about it, taking holidays as a family during holiday periods are expensive, and it looks as if parents are willing to risk fines and disrupted education to save money. According to another report by the BBC, “pupils in England should spend more hours at school each day and have shorter holidays” the Education Secretary Michael Gove has argued. It’s believed that the current terms are based on 19th century lifestyles and with the demands of modern family living, there is pressure from the government to extend the school day and term.

With the debate continuing over the length of school days and school holidays, parents for the moment, are stuck with regular school holidays during which to keep youngsters entertained. During this economic slump, most parents are finding it difficult to find ways to keep the kids busy without blowing the budget. The Guardian asked Cass Bailey, Jen Walshaw and Becky Goddard-Hill, authors of Frugal & Fun: Enjoying the school holidays, for some thrifty recipes and craft ideas. Their five tops tips included making play date, being organised, making a wish-book, making your own art gallery and geo-caching. Here are some more ideas to have fun without blowing the funds;

Arty party

Put the kids to their most creative use by holding an arty party. This is one to put on outdoors, as things WILL get messy. On invites, stipulate that children - and adults – dress in clothes they don’t mind ruining.

Ask that each guest brings some of arty bits and bobs so you end up with a diverse and extensive selection without the cost. Spread out plain paper as a canvas, have a few buckets for hand-washing, and just let them get stuck in.

Tourist for a day

Looking at your hometown through the eyes of a tourist can be educational, fun, and most crucially, doesn’t need to cost a penny. Pop into your local tourist information office and pick up some maps, area guides and town trails, and see how little you actually know.

Wander about and go into the shops, museums and public buildings you never usually notice. Take lots of photos just as you would on a real holiday, and document new discoveries in a scrapbook. The process of sticking in souvenirs and writing up the expedition is another excellent free activity to fill evenings or rainy afternoons.

Love the library

The local library is a good hub for finding out about community events and activities, they offer free internet access, free book loans and cheap CD, DVD and game hire. During holidays, libraries often run schemes and book clubs – it’s amazing just how addictive, competitive and consuming reading challenges can become.

It’s also worth enquiring whether your library hosts a programme of free or subsidised events and workshops – these might include talks from authors, demonstrations and classes with local artisans, storytelling for various age groups, or special events to celebrate popular novels or characters.

Museums & workshops

It’s amazing how many of the major museums offer free admission. With a free museum, you can dip in and out, taking things at your own pace, and just return another day if the kids get bored or the place becomes busy. During the holidays, most museums have workshops and activities running pretty much all the time, tailored to different ages and interests.

The world on your plate

Spend a whole day on dinner and learn something too. Choose a country and explore the cuisine by planning a themed meal. Let the kids design and print out a menu, make flags, and set the table according to the country’s tradition – for example with chopsticks replacing knives and forks, or a banana leaf as a plate. For props and tableware, scout round local charity shops and global food stores where you’ll also find a wealth of specialist ingredients and probably spend a few wonderfully enlightening, entertaining hours.

Swap shop

The sheer abundance of stuff you’ve accrued as a family becomes ever-more apparent during the holidays when the kids insist on dragging it all out. What also becomes apparent is that lots of toys, clothes and games have been either unused or used to death. Either way, they’re of little interest to your children – but they might not be so to someone else’s.

Everyone’s in the same boat, so get a few families involved, get the kids to round up the things they could live without, and hold a swap shop. You won’t cut down the clutter in the same way as a charity shop sweep, but all the children will go home with things they like a little more than they arrived with, at no cost to their parents. Be sure to stay on hand to sort any squabbles, though.

A lifestyle journalist from London, Kitty Hastings has years of experience writing about home economics, parenting and health and knows a thing or two about how to balance your budget both inside and outside the house. She recommends Eccount Money, a leader in the field of companies specialising in helping families with money problems. Kitty’s articles appear in a wide range of publications – and she loves nothing more than relaxing with a cup of tea and a great book or magazine.

So as a pet owner of 4 cats and a big dog I am always looking for a new ways to get organized and keep things smelling and looking clean. I came a across this company called Gamma2.com that carries several different way to keep your pets food cover and stored in an organized way. I told them about my 5 animals and they were nice enough to send along 2 of their Vittles Vault’s. One to hold my dog Roscoe’s 50lb. bag of dog food and one to hold my 4 cats Baby, Blaze, Angel and Panini’s 25lb. bag of cat food.

For more than 20 years Gamma2 has been designing and manufacturing products that help keep your pet happy and healthy.

The Vittles Vault Select 25 is 8.4″ x 13.25″ x 24.1″ tall and holds a full 25lb. bag of cat food for convenient storage, and the Vittles Vault Select 50 is 17.6″ x 12.3″ x 21.3″ tall and hold a 50lb. bag of dog food. These are really fabulous containers for keeping your pets food airtight and fresh with the gasket lid with locking latch. I no longer have a big bag of cat food sitting in my kitchen next to the wall along with an even bigger bag of dog food. It looked so awful and took up so much space in my kitchen area I just hated it.

Now I have the tall narrow Vittle Vault 25 holding the kitties food and a nice Vittle Vault 50 holding the dogs food and I am extremely happy with them. These containers are perfect for dry pet food, bird seed and hundreds of storage applications. Perfect for space-saving storage for home or on the road. And did I mention the Vittle Vault 50 includes wheels for easy mobility.

These are both great products made with durable plastic that will hold up for the needs of our animals. I highly recommend the Gamma2 Vittle Valuts for all your pet food storage needs!

Be sure to connect with Gamma 2

I was sent a pair of Phiaton Moderna MS 200 earbuds in exchange for my honest opinion. I will say after using these for the last week I am sold! They have very powerful bass tones which is something I always look for in an earbud.  Along with crystal clear sound and no static interruptions. Even when turned up they don’t hurt my ears and the sound of the bass is clear and soft. They are made with something they call “Right Fit” eartips which makes it harder for them to fall off while exercising, biking and more.

They are built with an ergonomic “half in-ear” design that is for providing the best comfort and fit which is something most earbuds don’t have. The Moderna earphones also feature a “Multi-Tune Acoustic Design” with a dual-chamber and 5 tuning points engineered to accelerate airflow. Plus a double-shelled body helps to contain sound and minimizes reverberation.

 Dual Chamber for Rich Sound and Powerful Bass Photo Credits www.phiaton.com

These earbuds are lightweight and built durable with a thick cord that is oval shaped and tangle-free. Also made with a built-in- microphone and carbon graphite-fiber body with a carbon plug. Includes more than enough eartips and a matching leather red and black carrying case to keep your earbuds safe.

If your in the market for a pair of high performance high quality earbuds that will last, then I highly recommend the Phiaton Moderna MS 200 Earbuds. You can purchase the Phiaton earbuds here on Amazon.com.

Includes:

Phiaton Moderna MS 200 Earphones
Leather carrying case
4 sets of soft silicone ear tips (XM, S, M, L )
1 set of Phiaton patented RightFit silicone ear tips
1 Set of Comply Memory Foam ear tips
Owners Guide
Product registration card

Specifications:

High quality dynamic speakers: 14.3 mm
Frequency range: 10 Hz ~ 27,000 Hz
Impedance: 32 Ohm
THD: Less than 1% at 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 100dB at 1 kHz
Maximum input power: 30 mW
Weight: 5.6 g / 0.012 lb (without cord)
Cord Length: 3.93 ft / 1.2 m

Be sure to connect with Phiaton

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Spring has finally sprung with blooming, floral, DIY nail art courtesy of Sally Hansen Nail Ambassador, celebrity nail stylist, and industry expert, Tracylee.  Check out Tracylee’s simple step-by-step tutorials for creating the hottest spring nail trends at home.  Just follow these easy guidelines to draw tulips, roses, or pansies nail art, and you can have A-list nail looks from Tracylee and the leading nail color authority, Sally Hansen.

TULIPS

1. Polish nails with two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in “Sweet Talker” and let them dry for 5-10 minutes.

2. Using a detail or striper brush and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Fuschia Flare” polish, make a tulip shape in the middle of the nail by first drawing a “U” shape on the bottom and a “W” shape on top. Repeat with a second tulip on the side of your nail using Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lightening.”

3. Outline both tulips with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Black Out” using a detail or striper brush and paint on stems too.

4. Using a detail brush and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lickety-Split Lime,” make the leaf shapes and a long, wavy, stem going up the side of the nail.

5. Using the same brush, add touches of highlights in the following order, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Mint Sorbet,” then Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On,” and finally Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Black Out,” on the leaves, stems, and tulips to give them dimension.

6. Use Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in “Debu-Tint” to highlight the side of the wavy stem.

7. Apply a top coat like Sally Hansen Insta-Dri to seal and protect your masterpiece.

ROSES

1. Polish nails with two coats of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Lacey Lilac” and leave them to dry for 5-10 minutes.

2. Polish an off centered chevron shape, also known as a curtain French tip using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On.” This style of French tip is designed with curvy lines and resembles the shape of a curtain on the side of the nail. I only created the curtain on one side of the nail for this look. Start by polishing the left side of a traditional French tip, from the edge of your nail to the center. Polish the remaining white section in a half-moon shape. Repeat on the other side, and this time bring your brush all the way down the very edge of the right side of your nail to form the look of a curtain. Let dry for five minutes.

3. Make the roses on the white tip using a detail brush and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Pink Blink.” The rose shapes are created by making a round shape with three or four bumps radiating out. Draw a few partially on the sides of your nails too to make it interesting.

4. Next add the rose petals and give it dimension by using Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Nails Color in “Kiss of Pink.” Start in the center and make a “C” shape. Then add other “C’s” on opposing sides, within the rose shape. Highlight the rose edges randomly as well. Repeat this with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On.”

5. Using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “Mint Sorbet,” create the leaf shapes.

6. Take Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On” and a toothpick/dotting tool and make polka dots down the curtain side of the nail.

7. Finish by applying clear Insta-Dri top coat to seal and add shine.

PANSIES

1. Polish nails with two coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lightening” and let them dry.

2. Using a detail brush, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in ‘’Fired Up,” and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Fuschia Bling Bling” create the pansies as if they’re growing or hanging upside down from the tip of the nail. This is done by make six polka dots to form a circle and filling in the center with the color. Vary the positioning of the flowers for the best effect.

3. Using a detail brush and Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On” for the orange pansies, and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in “Lightening” for the fuchsia pansies, highlight the center of the flowers.

4. Using the same brush, highlight the very center of the bus with the flower’s original color. So, for an orange flower, draw an orange center.

5. Using a striper or detail brush, polish the stems starting from the tip of the nail and add the leaves.

6. Using a toothpick or dotting tool, add a few random polka dots of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear in “White On.”

7. Apply a top coat of Insta-Dri to finish.

Be sure to connect with Sally Hansen

Sally Hansen sent me the above materials to post on my site. No compensation was received.

APPLELICIOUS GLOSSY LIP BALM ($2.99)

A Juicy lip color straight from the Big Apple. Craving a sweet treat? Look no further than Applelicious Lip Balm from NYC New York Color, an irresistible indulgence for your pout. Featuring a conditioning “core” of moisture, the lush lip balm infuses lips with color, shine and moisture. Each applelicious shade has an apple scent, leaving lips deliciously sweet and temptingly soft.

The hydrating core is formulated with a trio of Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Avocado Oil to smooth, soften and moisturize lips. Never sticky or tacky, the lightweight lip balm keeps lips kissable with soft shine and come-hither color. Give lips what they really want with Applelicious Lip Balm—every pout’s guilty pleasure.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Apple Blossom, Apple Blueberry Pie, Apple Plum Pie, Applelicious Pink, Big Apple Red, Blushing Golden, Caramel Apple, Chocolate Apple, Garnet Gala, Pink Lady

BIG BOLD CURL MASCARA ($.499)
THINK: Create look-at-me-eyes with major lash lift.

One big, bold brush for up to 12X more voluminous lashes. Get gorgeous, glam eyes like never before with NYC New York Color’s new Big Bold Curl Mascara. Designed with an innovative oversized brush to provide majorly eye-catching drama, the breakthrough mascara plumps lashes in a single stroke and delivers up to 99% more curl and lift. With this one-swipe mascara, clumps are a thing of the past—it’s just exponential volume as far as the eye can see.

HD COLOR TRIO EYE SHADOW PALETTES ($2.99)
THINK: Make eyes pop in HD color. Hgh definition shades for high-impact eyes. From 4G to 3D to HD, a girl’s got to keep up with technology today to stay on top of the trends. NYC New York Color makes it easy with HD Trio Eye Shadow Palettes—saturated shades that put the latest technology at your fingertips. Packed with pigment, these high-payoff, long-lasting shadows keep you HD-ready from uptown cocktails to late-night loft parties.

Technophobes have nothing to fear—each palette features a beauty manual that reveals how to coordinate the trio of shades, highlighting which color goes where and how to apply. Each shadow glides on smoothly, illuminating lids with luxurious, velvety color in a soft, silky texture. Whether you go for neutral browns in Bronzed in Brooklyn or urban greys in Skyrise Steel, the palette delivers complementary tones of radiant, rich color that glow from within. The result? Custom-coordinated high-def color for eye-popping effects.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Blues Café, Bronzed in Brooklyn, Central Park Plums, Concrete Jungle, Late Night Latte, Long Beach Sands, Oh Soho Sweet, Skyrise Steel, Streets Paved in Gold, The Liberty Lilacs, Urban Spice, West Vintage

Delivering up to 16 hour wear, Big Bold Curl mascara gives you dramatically fuller, thicker, curvier lashes that last. The formula curls even the straightest lashes and volumizes even the smallest ones to transform any lashes into a full fringe. Smudge-proof, smear-proof and flake-proof, the mascara visibly adds up to 12X more volume. Experience an extreme lash lift with a push-up effect for a wide-eyed lash look with Big Bold Curl Mascara.

THE NEWLY REVAMPED SPARKLE EYE DUST ($2.99)

THINK: Enhance your eyes with sparkle and shine.

Richly pigmented eye shadow with an alluring, pearlescent finish. Accentuate eyes with the newly relaunched Sparkle Eye Dust from NYC New York Color, a dangerously dazzling eye illuminator. Featuring a new, improved formula that delivers more intense color and luminescent pearl shimmer, this radiant eye dust makes it easy to achieve a stunning eye look. The revamped applicator ensures effortless, precise application for a truly eye-opening effect.

The pure, pigmented eye dust instantly illuminates eyes with serious sparkle and true color payoff. The new formula features:

• A redesigned applicator for precise application
• An improved formulation with deeper pigments and more luminescent sparkle
• A wider, updated shade palette
• Modern packaging

AVAILABLE SHADES: Amber Glitz, Amethyst Dazzle, Aquamarine Sparkle, Brilliant Sapphire, Bronze Shimmer, Diamond Dust, Golden Champagne, Opal Sparkle, Pink Topaz, Smokey Topaz

BIG BOLD PLUMPING LIP GLOSS ($3.99)

THINK: Get perfectly plump lips with sultry shine.

WHAT IT IS: A lightweight, ultra-plumping gloss that delivers long-lasting shine and soft, full lips. When it comes to your pout, there’s no such thing as too big or too bold. Show your lips some largess with new Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss from NYC New York Color. Developed with an advanced, non-sticky formula, the gloss delivers an instant plumping effect. Enriched with Vitamin E to defend against free radical damage, the Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss leaves lips looking more lovely and luscious than ever.

Fuller, sexier, shinier lips are yours in a single stroke with this must-have gloss. In fact, the gloss delivers up to 50% plumper, fuller lips. The long-wear formula infuses lips with a high-gloss shine that lasts up to four hours. Non-sticky and lightweight, the gloss goes on effortlessly and evenly. The cushy oversized applicator guarantees precise application and builds even coverage and sultry shine with one effortless swipe.

AVAILABLE SHADES: Big City Blush, Big Is Beautiful Colossal Cacao, Coral to the Max, Extra Large Latte, Full on Fuchsia, Magnified Mauve, Pleasantly Plump Pink, Plumped Plum, Pumped Up Purple, Supersized Red, Voluminous Peach

WHAT IT COSTS: $3.99

Be sure to connect with New York Color

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

In celebration of this week’s release of DOC MCSTUFFINS TIME FOR YOUR CHECKUP on Disney DVD it’s time for some fun! Click on the button below to download free Doc McStuffins activity sheets! Help Doc diagnose her patients with a matching game, see what’s hidden in the stars by connecting the dots, build your own playhouse then kick back with some coloring sheets featuring Doc and her friends!

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Dazzling fashionista Gracie “Twinkle Toes” Hastings will have you on your feet and dancing along to the fun, uplifting tunes. Featuring nine music videos from the hit animated movie, “Twinkle Toes”; four original, exclusive videos; and special performances from Laura Baruch, the Gracie. This video is recommended for ages 5 and up.

9 of the music videos consist of:

-Twinkle Toes Theme
-Dance Studio Dance
-Let Me Fly High
-Get The Future Started
-To The Beat
-Just Wanna Have Some Fun
-Underwater Fantasy Dance
-Shining Stars
-Get The Future Started~Remix

Special Features include:

-Shine(animated)
-Shine( live action featuring Laura Baruch)
-We Got The Beat
-Twinkle Toes Dance Melody

The CD included 5 songs from the music videos: Twinkle Toes Theme, Get The Future Started, To The Beat, Shining Stars, and Twinkle Toes Dance Medley.

And a behind the scenes part which talks about the videos, and the message it gives.

Throughout these videos a story is told; a performing arts school looses it’s funding so the students start a fundraiser to save their school.

With actors, Laura Baruch as Gracie, Stephanie Lemelin as Sporty Shorty, Tom Kenny as Benjamin, Billie Myers as Miss Theodora, Andrea Bowen as Pretty Tall, Eric Lopez as Jordan, Tara Strong as Brittany, and Corbin Bleu as Drew.

I recently had the pleasure on reviewing this video with my niece. And may I say she just adores any movies with singing and dancing. And she was super excited to watch this movie. And boy did she love it! She danced around with some of the songs, and fell in love with the characters. He favorite song is, Shine. I know this because she won’t stop singing it around the house!

The animation was great and colorful, very appealing to younger viewers. The songs are pretty catchy if I say so myself, hahaha.

This videos are family-friendly, fun and positive! Kids and Tweens will get up and dance the days away!

The run time is approximately 35 minutes, and is rated, TV-G.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN A Twinkle Toes DVD
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

http://www.statgeartools.com/

Stat Gear Tools sent me a T3 Tactical Triage and Auto Rescue Tool in exchange for my honest opinion. This tool is built to last and very heavy duty with a spring loaded steel tip window punch and a 440C stainless steel hook blade for seatbelt cutting. A window punch and seatbelt cutter is definitely an essential item for Emergency Service Workers to carry.  The blade on the tool 3 1/4″ long and 1/2 serrated 440C stainless steel and extremely sharp. The complete length of the tool is 5 inches. Also built in you will find a LED light with replaceable batteries. Complete with a Stainless steel belt clip & heavy duty nylon belt carry case that attaches to your belt. The weight is 6.4 oz.

I really think this is the type of tool everyone should have in their car. You never know what could happen and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you end up in an accident this could help you escape a stuck seatbelt or a way to break the window to get out of your vehicle.  This tool can also be used for other things like Rope cutting and cutting twigs, great to take on camping trips.

Must be 21 or older to order. Check federal, state and local laws in your area before ordering. This is not a toy! Misuse or careless use may cause serious injury.

Be sure to follow StatGear

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!”
There’s no time to lose after the greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever!

Can the world’s most extraordinary hero “Kansas City Mickey,” get the magical statue back in time? Only with the help from younger viewers at home….and the right Mouseketools can Mickey journey across the Sandy Dessert, broke the Rushing River and make his way through the Hidden a jungle. But watch out for Pete’s trickiest traps!

This DVD includes five great episodes. Adding up to two full hours.

-Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Quest for the Crystal Mickey
-Donald of the Desert
-Donald the Genie
-Goofy’s Coconutty Monkey
-Goofy’s Giant Adventure

With talented voice actors: Bret Iwan as Mickey Mouse, Russi Taylor as Minnie Mouse, Bill Farmer as Goofy and Pluto, Tony Anselmo as Donald Duck, and Tress MacNeille as Daisy Duck.

I received the DVD in exchange for an honest review. I watched it with my youngest son. Who is quite fond of the Disney Jr. show, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. So he was pretty psyched to watch this movie. We both watched it together while we ate our dinner, which made for good bonding time. I love spending time with him and. Watching family movies together. Especially his wonderful reaction to movies he likes is just priceless.

The five episodes were full of great kid-ish humor and adventure. It kept my son very entertained. The movie actually reminded me a little bit of Indiana Jones. Hahaha. My son’s favorite episode was Donald the Genie, I didn’t really have a favorite. I was there for the whole thing! Hahaha.

This movie is great for the kids on a Sunday afternoon after they’re all played-out. A time to relax and spend some time together all snuggled up on the couch.

The run time is approximately 120 minutes long. Quite awhile to keep those little ones occupied. It’s suggested retail price is $19.99 U.S./$24.99 Canada.

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE AND … REFILL
SEAWORLD DESIGNS NEW CONSERVATION-MINDED CUP TO INTERACT WITH COCA-COLA FREESTYLE
— Custom Technology Engages Guests on a Personal Level –

Orlando, Fla., May 14, 2013 – This penguin-shaped cup may look cute and cuddly, but it has a noble purpose: encourage guests to help the planet, one refill at a time.

In conjunction with SeaWorld® Orlando’s epic new attraction and ride Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™ opening Memorial Day weekend, SeaWorld has created the Cup That Cares™ — a new reusable cup program with a twist of technology. The innovative, interactive cup was designed specifically to connect with Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispensers in the new realm.

The new Cup That Cares engages guests in a personalized manner to reuse materials and reduce their carbon footprint. An RFID chip embedded in each Cup That Cares interacts with software at Coca-Cola Freestyle® dispensers to calculate and tell guests how they are being more environmentally responsible by choosing to reuse.
Plus, SeaWorld will donate $1 from each Cup That Cares purchase to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens® Conservation Fund, a not-for-profit foundation that helps protect wildlife around the world.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Technology embedded in the Cup That Cares calculates the amount of CO2 each guest saves from entering the atmosphere when they choose to reuse the cup for refills at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. With each refill at the designated machines, exclusive software developed by Coca-Cola and SeaWorld serves up an onscreen message that is customized to that guest’s Cup That Cares history. The message thanks the guest for choosing to reuse, tracks how many refills the Cup That Cares has been used for, and calculates the running total of CO2 the guest has saved from entering the atmosphere.
Each refill with a reusable cup prevents the emission of approximately 27 grams of CO2.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE:
There are two options, both available exclusively in the new Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin attraction at SeaWorld Orlando:

• Cup That Cares souvenir reusable cup – available at the two beverage stations inside the attraction for $9.99 – is adorned with photos of Puck™ and his penguin family. Puck is the hero penguin character featured throughout the new realm,
• Create A Cup That Cares – Guests may build their own personalized penguin-shaped character cup by choosing from more than 40 accessories such as eyes, hair, glasses, hats, bow tie, necklaces and even miniature Shamu ice cream bars and SeaWorld shopping bags. The Create A Cup That Cares will be sold in the Antarctica gift shop, and includes a free first fill at the nearby Antarctica beverage stations. Create A Cup That Cares experience starts at $15.95 with the option to add accessory items.

“Just as penguins do within their colonies, humans also can band together to make a big difference through small actions,” said Dan Brown, Chief Operating Officer of SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Parks. “We see great potential with this new program because it encourages guests to be more aware of their actions – and reduce their carbon footprint — in an easy, fun and innovative way. Each step may be small, but it all adds up when we work together.”

Refills throughout the park for both Cup That Cares options are $.99 each.

PLUS — NEW custom Coca-Cola flavor served up only at Antarctica
The Cup That Cares concept was developed in partnership with the park’s beverage partner Coca-Cola, whose Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers offer guests more than 100 different beverage brands. Also only in Antarctica, Coca-Cola Freestyle will offer an all-new, vanilla-infused choice — South Pole Chill™.

For more information, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com

About Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin:
The biggest expansion in SeaWorld’s history, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin opens Friday, May 24 and combines a state-of-the-art family adventure ride with up-close encounters with hundreds of penguins – kings, gentoos, Adélies and rockhoppers.

About SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company delivering personal, interactive and educational experiences that blend imagination with nature and enable its customers to celebrate, connect with and care for the natural world we share. The Company owns or licenses a portfolio of globally recognized brands including SeaWorld®, Shamu® and Busch Gardens®. Over its more than 50 year history, the Company has built a diversified portfolio of 11 destination and regional theme parks that are grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind collection of approximately 67,000 marine and terrestrial animals. The Company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests. In addition to its theme parks, the company has recently begun to leverage its brands into media, entertainment and consumer products. SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a publicly traded company (NYSE: SEAS). Copies of this and other news releases as well as additional information about SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. can be obtained online at www.seaworldentertainment.com. Shareholders and prospective investors can also register to automatically receive the Company’s press releases, SEC filings and other notices by e-mail.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER CONSERVE TOGETHER
These penguin cups may look cute and cuddly but they have a noble purpose: encourage guests to reuse materials and reduce their carbon footprint. With each purchase of its new Cup That Cares™, SeaWorld will donate $1 to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund that helps animals around the world. Plus, technology embedded in each cup calculates the amount of CO2 each guest saves from the atmosphere when they choose to reuse the cup for refills at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in SeaWorld ® Orlando’s epic new attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin ™.

SeaWorld Orlando sent me the above materials to post on my site. No compensation was received.

Complete the form HERE to receive your complimentary Sampler Kit with Laugh-Out-Loud Chapter Books and Weird, Wild and Wonderful:

Laugh-Out-Loud Chapter Books (Grades 2-6)
Imaginative yet relatable plots with loads of built-in reading support.
You’ll receive: 2 Student Books, 2 Teacher Guides, and a Scope & Sequence Guide.

Weird, Wild and Wonderful (Grades 2-5)
Build nonfiction literacy skills with high-interest, standards-based Life Science content.
You’ll receive: 1 Student Book, 1 Teacher Guide, and a Skills Matrix.

In anticipation of Disney Junior’s latest release Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest For The Crystal Mickey on Disney DVD on May 21st, enjoy some fun activities with Mickey and friends! Get ready for fun with friends with Spring Bingo, make your way through the Crystal Maze to find treasure, color in your favorite clubhouse characters then create your very own Crystal Mickey with a special folding craft! Print them below!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest For The Crystal Mickey releases on Disney DVD on May 21st!

Click Communications sent me the above materials to post on my site. No compensation was received.

Did you know that bike riding is the second most popular outdoor activity in America, behind running? Unfortunately, a new survey from Master Lock revealed that more than one-third of riders don’t lock up their bikes, and nearly half of Americans have had their bike stolen, or know someone who has. Regular riding can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50 percent and is a great way to get outside and enjoy the spring and summer months.

With that being said if you own a bike or your kids have bikes it is very important that you be sure to purchase a good bike lock. Spring is here and summer is just around the corner what a perfect time to drag the bikes out and get some great exercise. With Master Lock bike locks you can have piece of mind knowing you have a well made secure bike lock to keep your bike safe all season long no matter where park it.

We received the Master Lock  Steel U-Lock with Carrier Bracket. This lock can resist cutting and prying and has a 4-pin tumbler cylinder for extra pick resistance. This is a solid, heavy duty type of bike lock that is easy to set up and attach to your bike. It doesn’t get in the way while biking either. Lock you bike up anywhere while on the go.

Product Features:

• Fusion U-lock
• Hardened steel body resists cutting, sawing and prying.
• Double locking shackle for superior pry resistance.
• Disc key for superior pick resistance.
• Vinyl coating for weather and scratch resistance.
• Carrier bracket included for convenient storage.

I highly recommend Master Lock to keep your bike locked up and safe at all time. Shop Master Lock today at www.masterlock.com.

Be sure to connect with Master Lock

Disclosure I received products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.

The Great Gatsby: by. F. Scott Fitzgerald. Purchase it here from Amazon.com. Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle and more.

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. This exemplary novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s.

Austenland: A Novel by. Shannon Hale. Purchase here from Amazon.com. Available in Hardcover, Paperback and more.

Jane is a young New York woman who can never seem to find the right man—perhaps because of her secret obsession with Mr. Darcy, as played by Colin Firth in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. When a wealthy relative bequeaths her a trip to an English resort catering to Austen-obsessed women, however, Jane’s fantasies of meeting the perfect Regency-era gentleman suddenly become more real than she ever could have imagined. Is this total immersion in a fake Austenland enough to make Jane kick the Austen obsession for good, or could all her dreams actually culminate in a Mr. Darcy of her own?

The Reluctant Fundamentalist: by. Mohsin Hamid. Purchase here from Amazon.com. Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle and more. Now a major motion picture and Short-listed for the Man Booker Prize New York Times bestseller

What Maisie Knew: by. Henry James. Purchase here from Amazon.com. Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle and more.

After her parents’ bitter divorce, young Maisie Farange finds herself shuttled between her selfish mother and vain father, who value her only as a means for provoking each other. Maisie—solitary, observant, and wise beyond her years—is drawn into an increasingly entangled adult world of intrigue and sexual betrayal until she is finally compelled to choose her own future. Published in 1897 as Henry James was experimenting with narrative technique and fascinated by the idea of the child’s-eye view, What Maisie Knew is a subtle yet devastating portrayal of an innocent adrift in a corrupt society.

Much Ado About Nothing: by William Shakespeare. Purchase here from Amazon.com. Available in Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle and more.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War: by. Max Brooks. Purchase here from Amazon.com.