Make Dr. Seuss Birthday Cards w/ Kids Using Your Digital Pics & this FREE App

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Dr. Seuss with Me & My Oldest Son at Los Angeles Times Book Festival
Vintage Photo by The Hubbie, MommyBlogExpert.com

Who isn't a Dr. Seuss fan? Or doesn't know a child (or parent) who is? I know our family is crazy about him and I bet yours probably is too.

That's why I've just got to share with you about how you can use your digital camera or images from your computer photo library to make wonderful and whimsical Dr. Seuss Birthday Cards with your kids for all their friends and family -- for FREE and without requiring a purchase.

The complimentary Dr. Seuss Happy Birthday to You! Camera Edition download from Oceanhouse Media includes 11 really cute birthday cards with original illustrations and characters from "Happy Birthday To You!"  which come with such classic Dr. Seuss captions as, "Today you are you!  That is truer than true! There's no one alive who is you-er than you!"

You can even help your children personalize cards using the provided silly and colorful stamps, borders and classic Seussian text.  Happy Birthday To You! Cards can be e-mailed to friends & family or saved to the Photo Library.

Features

• 11 cards based on original artwork by Dr. Seuss
• Use pictures from your camera or images from your photo library
• Enlarge and rotate photos within the card
• Add fun borders and stamps to your cards
• Move, rotate, scale and delete stamps to further customize your cards
• Save cards to your Photo Library or e-mail them to family & friends

Get Your FREE Dr. Seuss Download HERE

What do you think it is that most endears kids (and us big kids) to Dr. Seuss? Please leave a comment and share your insights.


Oceanhouse Media, Inc. is a leading publisher of mobile apps for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) and Android devices.  As of January 2011, the company crossed the one million mark of paid app downloads on Apple’s App Store.  The company has more than 160 apps, many on Top 100 lists, on the App Store in the Books, Games, Music, Photography, Health & Fitness, Reference and Finance categories, ten of which hit the #1 spot in their categories.

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive payment or other compensation 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.

Healthy Kiwi Fruit That Crunches Like Chips - New Kiwi FruitziO Chosen by Food Channel

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Good Food

New FruitziO Kiwi from Crispy Green
iPhoto by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

After my family and I tasted these ourselves, I'm not surprised at all that the Food Channel -- while on the scene at the Winter Fancy Food Show -- named FruitziO Kiwi as one of the best and hottest 11 new snacks for 2011.  

This was the first time we've ever tried any type of freeze dried fruit snack.  Nevertheless, the experience was so positive that I can comfortably say that this brand really delivers on the promise that they're not only natural and good for you, they're also really tasty.

Kiwi FruitziO is the newest variety of freeze dried fruit snacks from Crispy Green.  The packaging is marked Product of China but is distributed throughout the U.S. by Crispy Green of Fairfield, New Jersey.  I'm a Jersey Girl, born and bred, so I really have to add that I think this might be the best thing I've seen to come out of the Garden State, ever.  

In our family's taste test, we all agree that these healthy gems are crunchy like potato chips in texture.  But unlike chips, these are nice thick slices in a pretty shade of green with just the perfect slightly sweet, tart and tangy combination.  These kiwi treats are 100% natural, made with only two ingredients: choice freeze-dried kiwi and a light dusting of natural cane sugar.  

The Complete FruitziO Line Apricot, Apples & Strawberries, Kiwi, Peaches, Strawberries
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

 This delicious take on fresh fruit is a health foodie's dream, too.   Not only are they OU certified Kosher Parve and come in a resealable bag, they also don't contain any preservatives (including sulfides).  As if that's not enough, this brand has a long shelf life (36 months) and also is peanut/tree nut free, gluten free, dairy free, and vegan.  

That's not even to mention that there are only 100 calories per .88 oz (25 g) bag and that these are loaded with Vitamin C (80% of the minimum daily requirement) and they contain natural fruit fiber.  Kiwi FruitziO -- which would be just as good for your child's lunch box as for you to take to work or on a family road trip or camping expedition or even to serve at home as a novel snack for a party -- has a suggested retail price of $3.49 per bag.

One of my girls, all smiles about the FruitziO Apricots
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com
 
Other flavors in the FruitziO line include Apricots, Peaches, Strawberries and Apples,  and Strawberries. We've already tried and enjoyed the kiwi, apricots and peaches Crispy Green sent us.  We look forward to tasting and sharing the other flavors with some of our friends who are coming over this weekend to see what they think.  

The FruitziO product line can be found in the produce and grocery aisles of many American supermarkets such as The Fresh Market, Kings and Whole Foods Markets, and natural and specialty food stores such as Balducci's, Carmine's Gourmet, Garden of Eden, Market Baskets and Sendik's.

FruitziO can also be purchased online direct from Crispy Green.  In fact, right now you can save 20% at their online sale on the entire line (offer expires February 28, 2011) which translates to $2.79/bag (regular $3.49) or $33.50/case of 12 (regular $41.89).

About Crispy Green

Crispy Green Inc. is the maker of Crispy Green Crispy Fruit freeze-dried fruit snacks and the new line of FruitziO freeze-dried fruit snacks. The company was founded in August 2004 with a vision to be the leading provider of high quality, natural food products.  In 2005, Crispy Green introduced its line of Crispy Fruit in the United States.  Every year since then, the company has added one new product per year to meet growing demand.  The Crispy Fruit and FruitziO lines of snacks are made of only the finest fruits available. A sophisticated freeze-drying process removes the water from fresh, sweet fruit, leaving behind the fruit's true essence in a light and crispy texture that's perfect for snacking.

FruitziO Peaches
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Which Crispy Green Fruit or FruitziO flavor appeals to you most?  If you could decide what their new freeze-dried fruit would be for next year, which one would you select?  I look forward to hearing what you think about this.

FTC Disclosure: I received all flavors of Crispy Green's FruitziO products to facilitate this review post.  However, I did not receive payment or other compensation 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.

Her Interactive Launches a New Series of Kids Games: Nancy Drew Radio Mysteries

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When last I wrote, Her Interactive was holding an exciting solve the mystery contest .  Now, Her Interactive has announced a fun new series of videos called Nancy Drew Radio Mysteries.  Episode #1 in this new series is titled The Continuing Adventures of Detective Private iPad P.I.

Nancy Drew and the Mobile Mysteries series is returning to Shadow Ranch in an all new gamebook adventure and she’s getting a little help from the newest detective on the block, Private iPad™.  This hard-boiled, high-tech sleuth has been exactingly built to be the perfect mystery solving partner for the always adventurous Nancy Drew.  Join me behind the scenes now to learn about the thrilling events that led to the partnership between these two unstoppable sleuths in: The Continuing Adventures of Detective Private iPad P.I.

Play the Story!™ Nancy Drew Mobile Mysteries: Shadow Ranch for the iPad™, iPhone® and iPod Touch® will soon be available on the App Store.

In the meanwhile, be sure to follow Mommy Blog Expert now by clicking the subscribe button in the top right corner of this page so that you'll be first to hear Her Interactive news as it happens.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I am an AmbassadHer for Her Interactive. However, I did not receive payment or other compensation associated with this particular 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.

WIN a Pair of Adult Ski Lift Tickets GIVEAWAY - Prize Valued at $130

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Skiing
Contest Ends March 15, 2011

Snow Coated Sierras, Mammoth Mountain, California
iPhoto by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Many of Mommy Blog Expert's readers already know that I just love to ski with my family.  In fact, I have several other posts in the works about my fave cold weather past time that should be up soon.

But, right now, to share that love of this fabulous winter sport and to celebrate all the snow that keeps falling in the West -- even though we headed into spring -- I'm giving away a PAIR OF Adult LIFT TICKETS to one lucky reader.  The winner will get two tickets to ski at Mountain High in Wrightwood in Southern California, the closest ski resort to Los Angeles.

I hope you're listening because Mountain High just received 16-24" of NEW snow recently and all the roads are clear as of publication of this blog post.

This PRIZE includes a pair of adult lift tickets that are good till May 31, 2011 or Close of Season, whichever is first.  Some restrictions apply.  Tickets usually sell for $65/each on weekends, so the value of this prize totals a hefty $130!

Me, my hubbie & 4 kids in Mammoth, 2011
iPhoto by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Here's How to WIN Those Lift Tickets:
 
Just leave one or more comments below this post.  Contest ends March 15, 2011 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only.  Winner will be notified immediately, so you and a friend could be skiing free before you know it.

For the Required (Mandatory) Entry
All you have to do to enter is simply leave a single comment below this blogpost naming your fave ski resort along with your email address, Facebook or Twitter contact info so we may contact the winner.  In the event that you are the lucky one, MommyBlogExpert will contact you for your shipping address.  

For Additional Chances to Win (Optional)

Get extra entries by clicking on each of the links below for following MommyBlogExpert on Twitter and/or Facebook and for subscribing to Mommy Blog Expert 's blog feed

Follow MommyBlogExpert (1, 2 or 3 extra entries)
On Twitter 

On Facebook

Subscribe to MBE's Blog (Subscription button is at top right)

For Even MORE Chances to Win
In ADDITION to doing any or all of the extra entries above, you can also earn one extra entry each time you Tweet the message exactly in the paragraph immediately below (limit 3 separate tweets for 3 extra entries per day).  Don't forget to return to leave a comment on this post with the direct link right after every Tweet you do so you'll receive an entry for all your RTs.
 

SKI Resort Lift Tickets GIVEAWAY $130 Prize Value http://tinyurl.com/4acfqu3 #contest #family #ski #lifttickets RT 2 #WIN

 

Don't forget: Be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert to leave an additional comment after each individual action you do to confirm them so we can record all your extra (optional) chances to win.  Your chances to win multiply the more you enter!  Contest remains open past the deadline, until a minimum of 50 entries have been received.

Good Luck, Everyone!

 

FTC Disclosure:  MommyBlogExpert is providing the ski lift tickets prize for this giveaway.  I did not receive any payment or other compensation 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.

3 Basic Things Moms & Dads Must Know When Considering Family Health Insurance

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Health

By Wendy Nice Barnes

Vice President, Human Resources, eHealthInsurance

Guest Post for MommyBlogExpert.com

Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Are you considering buying health insurance for your family?  Whether you’re covered through an employer or are buying it on your own, the thought of researching a plan and choosing the best option can be overwhelming.

Here are three simple things to think about to get you started:

Consider State Programs

Five million of the eight million uninsured children in the United States are eligible for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program, but have not enrolled.  If you qualify, these programs offer free or low-cost coverage.

Mix and Match

Check all your options.  For example, sometimes it is less expensive for certain family members to be on a separate individual plan than on an employer-based plan. Do the math on separate policies if there are special needs.   It’s easy to price individual and family plans online at sites like eHealthInsurance that allow you to get and compare quotes from multiple health carriers at the same time.

Read the Fine Print

It’s important to know that individual health insurance plans don’t automatically cover maternity benefits. That can be great news if you’re looking to save money and don’t need that type of coverage. But if you are planning on starting a family, or there’s a chance you could get pregnant, be sure to buy a plan that covers maternity care.

By doing a little bit of homework and researching your options, you can find the plan that works best for you and your family.

About eHealthInsurance

Through it's website, eHealthInsurance, consumers can get quotes from leading health insurance carriers, compare plans side by side, and apply for and purchase health insurance.  Offering thousands of individual, family and small business health plans underwritten by more than 180 of the nation's leading health insurance companies, eHealthInsurance is licensed to sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

FTC Disclosure:  The content for this blogpost was provided by Wendy Nice Barnes of eHealthInsurance and edited by Mommy Blog Expert.  MommyBlogExpert did not receive any payment or other compensation 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.