12th Anniversary September 11th Pictorial Memorial - May G-d Continue to Bless America

Remembering

If you're 18 or older, you likely remember exactly where you were when the news first broke. Today marks the 12th anniversary of that terrorist attack, the worse ever to ever take place on American soil.

One of many frontpage news stories I've collected, MommyBlogExpert.com

On the 10th anniversary I attended the dedication of Beverly Hills September 11th Memorial and just before the 11th anniversary I made my first visit to the World Trade Center Memorial in New York, a day when --appropriately enough -- it rained symbolizing the many tears our nation has shed since that unforgettable day twelve years ago.

Let's not forget that tragic day and all those who were lost and injured -- including their families and friends. Let us also remember to support our U.S. service men and women that continue to fight terrorism around the world and to keep the USA safe. Above all, just like the Freedom Tower has risen like a phoenix at the former World Trade Center site, so too we must all look to the future with our heads held high. 

The world comes together after tragedy strikes, MommyBlogExpert.com

Beverly Hills 9/11 Memorial, MommyBlogExpert.com

My visit to World Trade Center Memorial, New York City, MommyBlogExpert.com

The new Freedom Tower rises in NY, MommyBlogexpert.com

May G-d continue to Bless America, MommyBlogExpert.com

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive any payment or compensation for this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Virtual Piggy Teaches Kids Financial Literacy Thru Online Wallet Service Parents Control

Parenting

This is a sponsored post

TIME Magazine reports that American kids get $780 per year in allowance on average and almost none of it is saved. A 2012 digest of figures compiled by StatisticBrain.com points out that 25.6 million U.S. teens spent $208.7 billion in a single year.  Other studies indicate that 24% of 6-10 year-olds shop online alone (PlayScience Survey) and 73% of teens do at least half their shopping via the Internet (Teenage Shopping Habits).

Kids and money, they're quite a pair, MommyBlogExpert.com

These economic implications are obviously huge and are an impetus for modern parents to take an active role in teaching smart money management habits to kids early in life. In fact, JWT Intelligence says that 88% of parents already believe that knowing how to handle and spend money properly is the second most important factor to a child's eventual success as an adult.

My 4 tweens, vintage photo, MommyBlogExpert.com

So, wouldn't it be great if there was a no-cost private kid-friendly online bank account, debit card, or similar type of virtual wallet service that you could set up at home for a child? One that's low maintenance for you, but suitable for a son or daughter who is old enough to understand the basics of selecting and buying something they want? A resource that gives young people the freedom to shop online within the limits you've designated while at the same time educating him or her about how to save, budget and spend cash? 

Well, there's good news. There already is such a secure and family-friendly financial management tool that promotes handling money responsibly. It's called Virtual Piggy.

My son built this K'nex Virtual Piggy, MommyBlogExpert.com

I had the chance to get acquainted with and learn more about this innovative company and the valuable services they provide while in Chicago this summer immediately following the BlogHer conference.

Candy Bar, Virtual Piggy style, MommyBlogExpert.com

Sweets in the company's official color, MommyBlogExpert.com

Come to think of it, one of my favorite private events during the whole trip was the lovely and informative Virtual Piggy Sunday brunch that I enjoyed with the brand and a select group of other invited top mom bloggers who cover technology. The party location was none other than The Signature high above the streets of the Windy City. Aren't these skyscraper views above from the top of the John Hancock Building event venue stunning?

Delicious food at the brunch, MommyBlogExpert.com

Giant Virtual Piggy in Chicago made of K'nex, MommyBlogExpert.com

Beautiful table centerpieces, MommyBlogExpert.com

Completely free to use, accessible via a desktop computer or smart mobile device, and void of any sort of fees, Virtual Piggy functions as an online family wallet that empowers kids and teens to be savvy about managing personal funds. At the same time, it still gives parents the ability to stay in control, to monitor activity and set limits on how much kids can spend and where they shop. Importantly, the service is certified by the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) which specifically protects privacy of kids using the Internet who are under 13. 

Virtual Piggy helps nurture and develop youth financial literacy through an easy-to-use dashboard. Once a parent sets up an account, a child has safe direct access to budget, save and spend their allowance and any other money that is deposited into their online account. This isn't just another garden variety tech company with the next best idea, either. This is the real deal. Recently, Virtual Piggy received some very prestigious consumer industry recognition: the 2013 Dr. Toy's Top 10 Best Technology Award as well as being among those chosen for this year's Dr. Toy's Top 100 Children's Products list.

Watch this video to see real-life mom and actress Sela Ward, known for her role as Teddy Reed on the TV series Sisters, explain some of Virtual Piggy's benefits...



Setting up a Virtual Piggy account for your child is easy and fast. All you have to do is follow the prompts at VirtualPiggy.com to sign up, adding the payment source information and a mailing address.  Next, enter a profile for each child and set a monthly allowance and spending controls such as which stores they may shop at. 

That's it -- the account is now ready for your youngster to use to buy at approved stores all by himself by using just their username and password. As the parent, you still get final approval on all purchases as well as have a way to unobtrusively track their spending, requests and Wishlist.

Your child can shop now at any store you've approved, among more than 80 online retailers kids love. Places like Claire's, K'Nex, Aeropostale, Barnes & Noble, Sephora, Walmart, Gap, Toys 'R Us, Fandango and many others already accept Virtual Piggy payments -- with more coming soon. Girls and boys also have the ability to make charitable donations to more than 250 non-profits, too.

About Virtual Piggy
Based in Hermosa Beach, California, VirtualPiggy.com was created to provide a platform where kids and teens up until the age of 18, under the watchful eyes of their parents, can shop safely online. The company promotes a culture of teaching young people to spend wisely and save for the future. In addition to offering the free virtual wallet service, the company provides many more free money management resources, helpful links and tips for parents and fun quizzes for kids on their website. Follow Virtual Piggy and Twitter and Facebook to stay up on the latest news.

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation and other goodies to facilitate this post. In addition, I was a guest of Virtual Piggy at their hosted brunch in Chicago and received a goody bag. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

DreamWorks Art Class to Draw The Croods Characters

Movies

This is a compensated post

Yesterday I spent the day at DreamWorks Animation for The Croods Global Media Day learning all about the backstory and technical making of this blockbuster film that will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 1st.

DreamWorks Topiary, MommyBlogExpert.com

During the event a select group of invited bloggers, including me, also got to do some really fun and creative interactive activities with the team of professionals that actually worked on The Croods.

My drawing of Belt, Guy's Accessorizing Pet, MommyBlogExpert.com

One of the highlights of the day for me, for sure, was the Master's Art Class taught by one of the movie's animation artists. During the hour we worked at our easels sketching with no eraser allowed and learning step-by-step from the pros how to draw some of the most beloved characters from the film. 

In this post you can see the pencil drawings I did of Baby Sandy and Belt. I also did one of the Mousephantbut that drawing didn't come out so well, so I'm sparing you from having to look at it. Keep in mind I am not an artist, I'm a writer, so if I can do it you can too.

Here's the picture of wild hair baby Sandy I sketched, MommyBlogExpert.com

In an upcoming MBE post you'll be learning more about how you or your kids can learn to draw these and other member of The Croods brood from one of the extras that's included on the forthcoming Blu-ray and DVD. You'll also find out where to download a fun app that will be launching soon that allows you to not only to create and color your own scenes from the movie but also to draw this cave age family and the movie's menagerie of whimsical creatures on your favorite tablet while you watch the film.

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I disclose that I am a Fox Home Entertainment Insider brand ambassador. In addition I received lunch, a The Croods goody bag and Ugg Australia boots for participating and covering this event. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.