Sabra Houseparty A Fun Opportunity for Friends to Socialize While Trying the Brand's Healthy Dips

Good Food

Saturday night at my house was the place to be for a Sabra Houseparty. Sabra provided three different kosher hummus dips I served to friends as well as fun party favors for my guests (including my teens' and my own friends) that included spinning globe silver tone key chains, product coupons, and recipe cards.  I also received a Sabra apron and several other pieces of branded merchandise. As hostess of this brand get together I  purchased guacamole, salsa, and another brand's hummus for comparison*, along with Stacy's Pita Chips, pretzels, and raw vegetables for dipping. 

Kids and Adults Really Enjoyed Themselves at this Party
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

After everyone arrived, we did a blind taste test. I put three different types of Sabra hummus in identical serving dishes, as well as a competitor's product in the fourth. Guests then tried all four hummus types, each identified by a popsicle stick marked 1, 2, 3, or 4 -- without knowing which was which and cast their vote for their favorite.

Blind Taste Test: 3 Sabra Hummus Dips & a Competing Product

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Guess what? The #4 hummus, the competitor's product, did not receive any votes! Interestingly, without even knowing it, Sabra Classic Hummus was the group's favorite. Runner up choices were Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus and Sun Dried Tomato Hummus.

Party Goers, Both Teens and Adults, Enjoy the Buffet
iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Houseparty which organized this opportunity also gave me and all my guests each a pack of five decoders to use online for a chance to enter and win some additional prizes.

My Daughter Helps Me Pass Out Party Favors
iPhone Photo, MommyBlogExpert.com

Tweet


FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I received the Sabra products and prizes for hosting this Houseparty event. However, this blog 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.

Go Green Fundraiser for Your Child's School - America Recycles Day Eco Friendly Contest, Ends 11/15

Fundraising

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  85% of clothing in the U.S. is dumped in landfills. So to commemorate America Recycles Day 2011 which falls on November 15, US Again, a for-profit company that collects and sells tons of clothing and textiles each year that would otherwise end up in dumps, is holding it's first ever Green Video Contest just for students to benefit their schools. The competition encourages kids in grades K-12 to submit short videos of two minutes or less illustrating how their school is positively impacting its carbon footprint by green practices. 

An estimated 1.3 million tons of clothing headed for landfills was recovered for recycling in 2009

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Video entries will be reviewed by USAgain and will be judged on creativity and messaging. Winners will receive cash prizes of $500, $300 and $250. The winning videos will also be featured on the company's website and will be promoted via social media.

Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain explains, "This contest is a great way for schools to highlight their recycling efforts and earn money for their school at the same time. We encourage kids to get creative and have fun with this challenge! which also is educational, raising recycling awareness among youth."

To be eligible, schools do not have to be participating in USAgain's Greenraiser Program, which is another way public and private elementary and high schools can earn funds for their campuses. All video contest entries must be received before November 30, 2011 and contest winners will be revealed on Jan 9, 2012. Visit USAgain for contest information and entry form. 

Image from AmericaRecyclesDay.com

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: I disclose that I am an advocate of eco friendly practices to make Earth greener. However, this blog 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.

Busy Week for Family Friendly Twitter Parties for Moms - Here's Schedule for This Week

Social Media Events

It's turning out to be another busy and exciting week for family friendly Twitter parties. Here is a list of some of the Tweet ups planned through this weekend that you may be interested in attending online. Most of these virtual events have good prizes, not to mention the fringe benefit of meeting other active women and mom blogger Twitter users. You'll also be learning about and connecting with some really great brands, making these online get-together contests worthwhile. 

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

This is a partial list, including some Twitter parties I personally plan to attend.  I'll Tweet  information about any additional appropriate parties I hear about this week, so make sure you are following Mommy Blog Expert on Twitter so you don't miss any of the fun.

Today, Wednesday, November 2

Dove #freshspin Twitter party with Go Fresh prizes. 11/2 @ 7 pm EST.  Info

Mom Spark Media hosts #LandsEnd Winter Warmup Twitter Party with 26 prizes including $50 Lands’ End gift cards and winter accessory kits. 11/2 @ 5-9 pm EST. RSVP

McDonald's #mcDchanging Listening Twitter Tour Party with CEO Jan Fields. 11/2 @ 6-7 pm EST. Info

Thursday, November 3

Mom Spark Media hosts Teflon #WinterPrep Twitter party with Jeff Gordon. Prizes: wiper blades, $50 Advanced Auto Parts giftcard, 2 $50 Sears giftcards. 11/3 @ 8-9pm/EST. RSVP

Join the #healthychild Twitter party. Prizes: $30 ecostoreusa gift certificate and BabyGanics Baby Care Bundle. 11/3 @ 9 pm EST. Info

Clever Girls Collective Hosts Roadtrip Survival Tips Twitter #cleverrepairgal party. Win a gas card. 11/3 @ 3 pm EST. RSVP 

Friday, November 4

Time To Play Twitter #timetoplaylive Party. 11/4 @ noon EST. Info

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so if you find additional Twitter parties going on this week to add to this list, please leave a comment with whatever basic info you have including products, hosts, date & time, prizes, and link to RSVP or more info.  

Good Luck Everyone!

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: As mentioned, I am attending some of the parties listed as a participant. However, this blog 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.

11 Costume & Pumpkin Carving Family Photo Contests to Enter Post Halloween to Win Prizes Thru Nov 20

Halloween

Photo Contests

Congratulations, you've survived the fun and madness of Halloween. Give yourself bonus points for getting through the holiday if you are stressed out parents with kids. Now, it's time to get more mileage from all those great photos you took of that beautifully carved Jack 'o Lantern pumpkin. Not to mention those memorable snapshots of everyone in costumes: adults, children, and dogs, cats and other pets. If you haven't already, why not enter some of the many contests still running? To get you started, here's 11 current contests still accepting digital photo entries with links and prizes. Note varying submission deadlines to be sure you get your entry in on time.

Boxer Puppy Clown Costume
Vintage photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Tera Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest, Prizes: Tera Laptop Bay and other branded merchandise, Ends November 4

NASA Blueshift Halloween Costume Contest,  3 prizes of NASA materials for best space, astronomy, physics, or science-based costume, Ends November 6

Southern Living Pet Costume Contest, Prizes for best dog costume (Harry Parker gift pack valued at $250) and best cat costume (Harry Parker gift pack worth $150), Ends November 4 

One of my daughters in Angel Costume I made
Vintage photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

Costume Works 2001 Kids & Adults Costume Contest, Prizes: $100 grand prize for best homemade costume, Ends November 20

FujiFilm and Rite Aid Picture Perfect Halloween Contest, Grand Prize: Trip to HersheyPark; other prizes include the Fuji Finepix Digital Camera and more, Ends November 8

Honest Tea Kids & Adults Costume Green Halloween Contest, Multiple Prizes: Gift cards to Patagonia, Whole Foods, and Toys 'R' Us

Disney Family Fun Halloween Kids, Pets, Family Costume Contest, Prizes: 2 Xzoom Motorola Tablets and other prizes, Ends November 2

The Children's Place Halloween Child & Family Costume Contest, Grand Prize: $500 TCP Giftcard (1 winner); Category Winner: $250 TCP Giftcard (5 winners); and Finalist Winner: $25 TCP Giftcard (100 winners), Ends November 4

Coastal Mommies Kids Halloween Costume Contest, Prizes: 2 winners, each receives $25 giftcard, Ends November 2

Idolator Pop Halloween Costume Contest, Prize: $50 iTunes giftcard, Ends November 2

Chictopia I Die for DYI Costume Contest, Grand Prize: $300 cash & other prizes; 2nd Prize: $50 Visa giftcard + 200 Chic Points, 3rd Prize: $50 Visa giftcard + 100 Chic Points, Ends November 4

Remember to read the directions carefully of each contest you're interested in before submitting your entry. Also, check out these general tips on how to enter and win Halloween contests. Good luck.

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

How did you celebrate Halloween this year? Did you (or will you) enter any photo contests and if so which one(s)? Please leave a comment a share.

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: Mommy Blog Expert is in no way connected with any of the contests listed. Links are provided as a resource for readers and contest entries are the sole responsibility of the individual.  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.

5 Last Minute Parent Tips for a Stress & Drama Free Halloween Trick or Treating Experience With Kids

Halloween Parenting

If you celebrate Halloween and you have kids, the two variables often equal stress for mom and dad. Right? But, you will find comfort in knowing that you are not the only one with a child who is over stimulated from all the excitement about parties, costumes, jack 'o lantern pumpkin carving, decorating, and other holiday stuff like candy. Combine that with Trick-or-Treating and all the effects of those sugary treats on the shiest, normally sweetest toddler, and what do you get? An out of control kid and unhappy, even grouchy parents.

My brother and I in costumes Mom made for us
Vintage 1962 photo by my Dad

The good news is that it shouldn't and doesn't have to be that way. Don't stress out this year. Instead try these super easy ideas for a calmer, more memorable experience for both you and your children.

Set Out Your Child's Costume First Thing

Whatever you (or your son or daughter) are dressing up as -- a store-bought or homemade costume -- as a mom you'll have more fun yourself and enjoy watching your kids take in all the excitement of the holiday if you get organized before today. Well ahead of trick or treating time, set out the bag or container your child will be using to gather treats. Also, gather all the pieces of the kids' costumes (along with your own if you're dressing up). This includes not only the dress up outfits themselves, but everything you'll need so everyone looks put together: accessories, wigs and hair styling supplies, shoes, makeup, props, etc. 

Special Note: Since it snowed over the weekend on the East Coast, if you live in any region where it's cold or the weather is inclement, be sure everyone dresses appropriately and warmly. Also be super careful walking and driving as sidewalks and roads in these areas are likely to be icy.

Take a Pre-Halloween Nap

You're going to need all the energy you can muster tonight, so indulge yourself in some rest this afternoon, if possible. You don't want to rain (or snow) on your kid's celebration because you are tired, irritable and cranky. Also -- especially if your child normally takes a nap -- make sure he or she is well rested before the big night too. Even if your youngster won't or can't sleep, encourage them to take time out for some quiet time just to relax.

Lay Down Some Guidelines

Clearly go over the basic rules you have about trick or treating and other Halloween celebrations with your child. Before they head out the door, plan out where you will go, how long he can stay out, and also what your children's bedtimes will be. If your child understands what you expect well in advance, there's likely to be less of a struggle as the various stressors of the holiday reveal themselves.

Sit Down for a Relaxed Family Dinner Early Tonight

It's also a good idea to prepare and serve a nutritious but light meal a little earlier than usual that's not rushed. You'll be surprised at how much kids will enjoy a favorite hot soup and some warm bread. The end result: You will all feel energized, ready to don your costumes and revel in some Halloween fun.

Take Lots of Pictures

Don't forget to snap lots of digital photos with your camera or cell phone of the kids in their costumes BEFORE they go outside or get dirty. Definitely don't miss any Kodak moments. Take more pictures than you think you need because thanks to the beauty of today's digital photography you can always delete them later. Years from now, you'll be glad you were a little shutter happy tonight.

These ideas really require just a little effort on your part. Once the holiday is over, thanks to your attention to a few simple strategies, you and your child will have nothing but fun recollections of your Halloween celebration. It's a small price to pay for the memories created that will last your child a lifetime.

Would love for you to add your own thoughts to this discussion, so please leave a comment!

A Halloween prize MBE is giving away

iPhone Photo by Janis Brett Elspas, MommyBlogExpert.com

LOTS of Halloween

Family-Friendly Giveaways!

Currently Being Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert

ENTER Them All HERE

Tweet

FTC Disclosure: This blog 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.