Morris the Cat Guest Post How to Get a Good Night's Sleep + Enter a Fun Sweepstakes

Pets

Guest Post

by Morris the Cat
Live Well & Prospurr
9Lives Brand Ambassador

#Prospurr

Continuing our uber popular guest cat post series, I'm pleased to be treating Mommy Blog Expert cat loving readers to more hilarious advice columns from Morris the Cat of 9Lives cat food fame. 

If you ask me, there's one thing in the world that there's just too little of, and it's not love. I'm talking about S-L-E-E-P and I'm always trying to get more of it as well as make the most out of what little face time I do get with my pillow.

So I had a thought... why not ask the master sleep expert himself; someone who spends more time snoozing than most of us spend at work? I'm talking, of course, about the one and only Morris the Cat. For those of you who don't know him -- or who've let sleep deprivation cloud your memory -- Morris is the iconic spokescat for 9Lives cat food who has starred in over 50 commercials. When he's not in front of the camera or chowing down on 9Lives, you can bet he's napping in his trailer. Ahem, I mean carrying case.

He's taken time out of his busy schedule to answer some reader questions about the all im-purr-tant issue of sleep. What's more, he's offering fans the chance to win a Morris-shaped, human-sized plush bed AND a year's supply of 9Lives cat food. After you've read his latest wise advice below, be sure to visit his Live Well & Prospurr website to enter.

Dear Morris,

I've been experiencing difficulties with falling asleep, tossing and turning once my head hits the pillow. I don't get it because I feel tired all day at work; then I come home, brush my teeth, flip on the TV, and just... lie there. I'm hoping I can learn from the expert. Morris, what am I doing wrong?

Sincerely,
Sleepless in San Fur-nando

Dear Sleepless in San Fur-nando,

Your case, unfortunately, is not at all uncommon. When you're going all day long at the speed of a cheetah, it's no wonder your mind darts around like a red laser dot at bedtime. Luckily, as a cat, I spend up to 140 hours per week sleeping and I can tell you there is hope! For starters, I notice you mentioned turning on the TV before bed. Cats don't watch TV -- this is partly because the majority of us can't speak English that well, but mostly because it interferes with our snooze time. Scientifically speaking, the 'glow' emitted by an electronic screen enters the brain and slows the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. So next time you want to turn on the tube before bed, try counting sheep instead -- or better yet, mice!

Kitty hugs,
Morris

There you have it! After getting a good night's rest, tune back in for the next edition of "Dear Morris" exclusively here on Mommy Blog Expert. And don't forget to check out this personable cat's Live Well & Prospurr website to enter the giveaway and learn how you can help Morris feed hungry kitties with just the click of a mouse.

FTC Disclosure: Morris the Cat and 9Lives provided the inspiration, content and images for the post.  I am not receiving any payment associated with 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.

Master Twitter Party Calendar Jan 31 - Feb 6 Parties w/ Prizes - Continuous Updates

Twitter Parties

Constant Updates, Keep Checking Back + Sneak Peek at Future Weeks


Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Brands: 
See bottom of post to hire Mommy Blog Expert for your next Twitter Party!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A brand new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Blab parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Google+ and/or subscribe now.

The majority of parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.


THIS WEEK

#DoggyDateNight Twitter Party, 2/3/16 from 8-10 pm ET

Sunday, January 31

USAA Pro Bowl Twitter Party at 7:30 pm ET with @menwhoblog. Prizes: TBA. #USAAProBowl Details

Monday, February 1

MOBU Herbals Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @mobulherbalsshop @justphalon and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners get Body Butter of their choice. #MOBUHerbals RSVP

Love Your Walls Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @photosdotcom @thatchicmomblog. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners $150 photos.com credit. #LoveYourWalls RSVP

Tuesday, February 2

Yo-Kai Watch Twitter Party at Noon ET with @crissy @hasbronews. Prizes: SEVEN (7) Yo-Kai Watch toy prize packs. #YoKaiWatch RSVP

True Free Range Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momsmeet @happyeggcousa and others. Prizes: TEN (10) prize packs. #TrueFreeRange RSVP

First 5 LA Twitter Party at 2:30 pm ET with @first5la @first5laparents and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 gift certificates and other family-friendly prizes, see RSVP link for complete prize descriptions. #First5LA RSVP

Cans Get You Cooking Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @jylmomif @dadventurous and others. Prizes: Prize pack ARV $60. #CansGetYouCooking RSVP

Wednesday, February 3

What is Love Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @teleflora @somedayilllearn. Prizes: $850 in VISA giftcards and TEN (10) Teleflora bouquets. #WhatIsLove RSVP

Cashew Craze Twitter Party from 1 to 1:45 pm ET with @sitsgirls. Prizes: THREE (3) $200 Amazon giftcards. #CashewCraze RSVP

The Choice Movie Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @clever_network @thechoicefilm. Prizes: SIX (6) $75 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 VISA GC. #TheChoiceMovie RSVP

Fresh Flavors Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @ofreshproduce @fruits_veggies. Prizes: SIX (6) $25 VISA giftcards. #FreshFlavors Details

eCreamery Love Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @seemomclick @shesaved. Prizes: TWO (2) $100 eCreamery giftcards, ONE (1) $150 eCreamery GC. #eCreameryLove RSVP

Valentine's Doggy Date Night Twitter Party at 8 to 10 pm ET with @miloskitchen @milkbone @pupperoni @caninecarryouts @mommyblogexpert and others. Prizes: TBA. #DoggyDateNight #TreatsForAll RSVP

Thursday, February 4

Hunts at Home Twitter Party 11 to 11:45 am ET with @sitsgirls. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Amazon giftcards. #HuntsAtHome RSVP

Biore Fizz Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @bioreus @kristak2 and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Target giftcard + Biore Fizz prize pack, FIVE (5) $100 Target GCs + Biore Fizz prize packs. #BioreFizz RSVP

Fit With Febreze in Wash Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momscheckin @febrezeinwash and others. Prizes: THREE (3) Febreze fitness kits + $25 Walmart giftcard prize packs, ONE (1) Febreze fitness kit + $100 Walmart GC. #FitWithFebreze RSVP

Dick's Sporting Goods Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @runtothefinish @vocalpoint. Prizes: TBA. #DSGFit4U RSVP

Setting the Beauty Bar Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @clever_network @dove. Prizes: SEVEN (7) $75 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 VISA GC. #SettingTheBeautyBar RSVP

Game Day Food Twitter Party at 6 pm ET with @mapleleafprime @listen2lena and others. Prizes: $1000+ in prizes - Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #GameDayFood Details

Whole Blends Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @sheblogsmedia @kidsumers and others. Prizes: Whole Blends haircare products and $500 in VISA giftcards - Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #WholeBlends RSVP

Game Day Grilling Tips Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @hbpa_barbeque @bbqaddictsjason. Prizes: TBA - Both US & Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #WinterCue No RSVP

No Hair Selfie Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @nohairselfie @thepmcf. Prizes: $500 in prizing. #NoHairSelfie No RSVP, Details

Hallmark at Walgreens Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @savvysavingcoup @vivaveltoro and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 Walgreens giftcards. #HallmarkAtWalgreens No RSVP, Details

Parent's Choice Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @resourcefulmom. Prizes: FIVE (5) $25 VISA giftcards + baby formula bundle, ONE (1) winner each gets a $50, $75, $100 or $200 VISA GC + baby formula prize pack. #ParentsChoice RSVP

Petrend Tweets Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @petrendologist. Prizes: Amazon giftcards, pet gift baskets and other goodies for pets - see RSVP link for complete prize descriptions. #PetrendTweets RSVP

TurboTax ConTurboTaxPuedes Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @dimemedia @latinomarketing and others. Prizes: TWO (2) TurboTax Filing giftcards ARV $79.99, ONE (1) TurboTax Filing GC ARV $79.99 + iPad Air ARV $349, ONE (1) Turbo Tax Filing GC ARV $79.99 + Apple Watch ARV $399. #ConTurboTaxPuedes RSVP

Valentine's Day Gifts Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @adventuresnurse @las930. Prizes: $200 PayPal cash plus $1365 in prizes - see RSVP link for complete list of prizes. #ValGifts RSVP

iRetreat 2016 Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @momtrends @susanwjackson and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 PayPal spending money, iRetreat 2016 ticket ARV $299. #iRetreat2016 RSVP

Starting is Believing Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @heloenterprises @bbabushka. Prizes: iPad Mini 2 ARV $269, FIVE (5) Florida Prepaid prize packs. #StartingisBelieving RSVP

Friday, February 5

KYA Little Touch Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @mommytalkshow @sweeptight and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) prize packs including $100 Walmart GC + product. #KYALittleTouch RSVP

Mobile Entertainment Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @bebizzy and the VZWBuzz team. Prizes: ONE (1) Motorola Power Pack portable charger,  TWO (2) Motorola Droid MAXX 2 smartphones. #VZWBuzz RSVP


NEXT WEEK

#mSpySaferInternet Twitter Party, 2/9/16 from 8-9 pm ET

Sunday, February 7

Avos in Space Twitter Party at Noon to 2 pm ET with @avosfrommexico @jylmomif and others. Prizes: TBA. #AvosinSpace Details

Monday, February 8

Me and My Tea Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @bigelowtea @aleamilham and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard + Bigelow Tea prize pack, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs + Bigelow Tea prize packs. #MeAndMyTea RSVP

Kikkoman Lunar New Year Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @kikkomankitchen @clever_network. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) $150 Amazon GC Grand Prize. #KikkomanCNY RSVP

Care Enough Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @seemomclick @shesaved. Prizes: SIX (6) prize packs including Hallmark Cards + $20 Hallmark Gold Crown giftcard. #CareEnough No RSVP, Details

Tuesday, February 9

MNY Looks to Love Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @maybelline @dawnchats and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs, TWO (2) Grand Prizes including $50 Walmart CG + MNY Looks to Love prize packs. #MNYLooksToLove RSVP 

Halos Crafts Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @halosfun @somedayilllearn. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 VISA GCs, TWO (2) $75 VISA GC and ONE (1) $125 VISA GC. #HalosCrafts RSVP

Safer Internet for Kids Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @5minutesformom @mspycom @mommyblogexpert @tidbitsofexperi @turningclockbac. Prizes: ONE (1) Early Bird Prize for RSVPing before the party including $100 Amazon giftcard + 1 year mSpy Premium subscription ARV $300. During party FOUR (4) prize packs including $50 Amazon GC + 3-month mSpy Premium subscription, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 Amazon giftcard + 1 year mSpy Premium subscription ARV $300 - Both US & Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #mSpySaferInternet RSVP

Save it Forward Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @saveca. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 VISA giftcards, NINE (9) WagJag $15 giftcards - Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #SaveItForward RSVP

Egg Myths Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @burnbraefarms @sjconsulting_ca. Prizes: ONE (1) $250 Spa giftcard, TWO (2) iPad Minis, multiple Burnbrae Farms giftbaskets including $50 VISA GCs - Canada residents only eligible for prizes.  #EggMyths RSVP

SDCV Day Valentine's Twitter Party at 9 pm ET @savings @debtfreespendin and others. Prizes: TWO (2) $25 Macy's giftcards + THREE (3) $50 Macy's GCs + ONE (1) $100 Macy's GC, ONE (1) $25 See's GC, ONE (1) $75 code to Teleflora, ONE (1) $100 Amazon GC, ONE (1) free night at Extended Stay America ARV $125. #SDCVDay RSVP

Wednesday, February 10

VTech Capture the Moment Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @vtechphones @clever_network. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize VM343 Baby Monitor ARV $199.99. #VTechBaby RSVP

Fireplace Mom Talk Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @dentistmel @hpba_ and others. Prizes: TWO (2) Firescreens ARV $200+. #FireplaceMomTalk RSVP

Make it Canadian Beef Twitter & Periscope Party at 8 pm ET with @lovecdnbeef. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #MakeItCDNBeef No RSVP

Thursday, February 11

RF Cozy Spaces Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @raymourflanigan. Prizes: Café mug set, an pair of wine glasses, a wine tool set and a $100 Raymour & Flanigan gift card. #RFCozySpaces Details

Oscar Mayer Balanced Life Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @oscarmayer @clever_network. Prizes: SEVEN (7) VISA giftcards, ONE (1) $100 VISA GC. #OscarMayerNatural RSVP

Canadian Chicken Love Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @chickenfarmers @sjconsulting_ca.
Prizes: TBA - Canada residents only eligible for prizes. #CDNChickenLove RSVP

Friday, February 12

Loving Your Smartphone Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @robynsworld @thetechdad @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

WICV Day Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @winitcanadausa @thecouponnannie. Prizes: A diamond necklace and many other prizes - see RSVP link for complete prize details - Canada residents only eligible for prizes.#WICVDay RSVP

COMING SOON

Friday, February 19

Health & Wellness Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @robynsworld @thetechdad @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP

Sunday, February 21

Le French Book Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @beingthewriter @lefrenchbook. Prizes: eBook copies of the Winemaker Detective series and a complete set of print books of the whole series. #LeFrenchBook RSVP

Friday, February 26

Smartphone Tips & Tricks Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @robynsworld @thetechdad @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz RSVP



About this Weekly Twitter Party List

Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Master Twitter Party Calendar, the most comprehensive, constantly updated Free resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party

to the Calendar

Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis@janiselspas.com with "Twitter Party" in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or

Host Your Twitter Party

Also available, for a nominal fee, to plan, promote, host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, email janis@janiselspas.com for information with "Twitter Party Consulting Query" in the subject line.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a consultant, host, co-host, and/or panelist for others. Except for the 2/3/16 #DoggyDateNight Twitter Party and the 2/9/16 #mSpySaferInternet Twitter Party, I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. 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.

Easy Chinese New Year Recipes Tofu Wonton Soup + Sweet Egg Tarts Perfect for Year of Monkey

Good Food

The Chinese New Year and the Year of the Monkey is right around the corner, starting on February 8th. By popular demand, to help you celebrate with lots of deliciousness, here's the post MBE published last year again with several excellent recipes your whole family will likely enjoy.

MommyBlogExpert.com

Join together in the kitchen to cook and gather around the table to honor the age-old celebration to indulge in a deliciously healthy feast based on nutritious tofu and other products. Try the savory House Foods Tofu Wonton Soup, made with ground beef, mushrooms and spices as an appetizer. Then finish off your festive meal with a sweet original House Foods delight: an easy-to-make Chinese Tofu Egg Tart. Though my own family is not Asian, we love Chinese food so I know both of these will be on the menu at our house.

Chinese New Year decorations, MommyBlogExpert.com

Recipes

Tofu Wonton Soup
Yields 4-6 Servings

House Foods

Ingredients

Wonton:

• 1 pkg House Foods Premium or Organic Tofu Extra Firm, drained & pressed
• 1 pkg House Foods All Natural Small Square Wraps
• 2/3 cup dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted and finely chopped
• 2/3 cup napa cabbage, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, mined or grated
• 1.5 Tbsp ginger, minced or grated
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sake
• 2 tsp potato starch or arrowroot powder

Soup:

• 1 (32 oz.) container low sodium chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 in. piece ginger finely chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Sesame oil
• Green onion for garnish

My daughter Sarah's homemade wontons, MommyBlogExpert.com

Directions
1. In a large bowl, crumble Tofu or mash with fork. Add mushrooms, cabbage, green onions, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, sake and potato starch. Mix well with hands.

2. Add water to a small bowl. Lightly wet edges of wrap. Add 1 tsp of filling to the middle of wrap. Fold wrap in half, forming a triangle. Repeat with all wontons and set aside.

3. Next, prepare the soup using a soup pot. Start by heating the sesame oil, the add the garlic and ginger and saute for a few minutes till translucent. Carefully add the chicken broth to the pot and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Lower wontons into soup with a slotted spoon and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring gently occasionally being careful not to overcook wontons.

5. Laddle into individual soup bowls and garnish each serving with shredded green onion if desired.



Chinese Tofu Sweet Egg Tart
Yields 24 individual mini desserts

House Foods

Ingredients

• 1/2 pkg House Foods Premium or Organic Tofu Soft
• 24 phyllo shells (alternate option: 12 mini graham cracker pie shells)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Directions
1. Combine Tofu, sugar, cornstarch, egg yolk, vanilla and salt to the bowl of a food processor and puree until smooth to form a custard.

2. Fill each phyllo cup with custard about 1/8 in. from the top of the crust.

3. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 20 minutes.

4. Cool and serve either warm or at room temperature.

Happy Chinese New Year

FTC Disclosure: Recipes and some photos provided by House Foods America. No payment or other compensation was exchanged in connection with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual page including this one.