FREE $16 Scanable QR-Code Dog & Cat ID Tag

Pets

PetHub Giveaway for All, Offer Ends 4/22/12

In the spirit of National Pet ID Week -- which aims to ensure that pets are not roaming the streets without proper identification -- PetHub is giving away at least 10,000 of their digital ID pet ID tags for dogs and cats for a limited time.

The 1.25 inch PetHub tags made of ultra-strong recycled steel featured in this giveaway usually sell for $16 each, but are being given away free with just a shipping/handling cost of $2 per tag from now through Sunday, April 22, 2012.

Get your pet a Free PetHub ID tag like the one pictured above

A basic PetHub membership that links the pet's unique QR-code capable of scanning to your contact information online profile is included in this free offer. There are no other hidden fees for this service. However, people taking advantage of this giveaway still have the option to upgrade to a Silver or Gold subscription for added functionality such as GPS. This promotional offer is good only for U.S. residents and is limited to five pet ID tags per person.

How the PetHub ID Tag Works

With PetHub anyone with a smartphone who finds your lost or injured pet can easily scan the QR-code on a pet's tag or use the unique Web address on the tag's front to access that pet's owner contact information.

Watch this entertaining and award-winning one minute video of a runaway Bulldog named Gabe that skateboards and skis -- among other physical feats while he is on the lam  -- to see the product in action.

This Lost Bulldog Video Clip is adorable...

To reiterate, the above PetHub offer is free to all. Remember this is good only as long as supplies last and when you request your pet ID tag(s) before the giveaway ends on August 22.


ANOTHER GIVEAWAY

In addition to the special pet ID tags giveaway featured in this post for everyone, MommyBlogExpert is hosting a separate giveaway where you can win a hip RedDingo PetHub ID tag with one year Silver Subscription upgrade prize package valued at $54 HERE

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert did not receive any 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.

4 Basics to Prepare for Your New Baby - Must-do Things In the Last Trimester of Pregnancy

Pregnancy

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MommyBlogExpert 's foursome: Newborn triplets plus 1 year-old big brother

What To Do Before Baby Arrives

Guest Post
by Katie Moore, Moore From Katie

Preparing for a new baby is an exciting and emotional time. There are so many baby accessories out there that it can be hard to decide on what is necessary and to stay focused as the time of your delivery draws near. 

To simplify what seems to be a complicated matter, only a handful of things are truly necessary to consider: a place to sleep, food, and safe transportation.

To ease the transition associated with your impending new addition -- Whether you've decided baby will sleep in your room when you return from the hospital or will have a dedicated nursery of his or her own -- you'll want to get to work in advance on preparing that space at home. This can be a fun and meaningful process that helps with feelings of nesting. Also, cleaning the house thoroughly well in advance of your due date will help preserve your energy after childbirth. The important thing to keep in mind is that a new baby needs a functional, safe and clean place to sleep. In addition, it's a good idea to get familiar with the infant safe sleep recommendations provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Toward the end of your pregnancy mothers-to-be should also start thinking about feeding your newborn. For those choosing to breastfeed taking a hospital-approved course, speaking to experienced mothers, and attending a breastfeeding support group are great ways to prepare. A nursing pillow and breast pump are useful for mothers planning to nurse, though they are not necessary. 

Speaking of food, as a new mom you'll also want to plan ahead about how you'll feed the rest of your household during those first few weeks after delivery. Cooking meals and freezing them in advance is a great way to ensure that you and your family will have nutritious foods accessible during the post-partum period. As a mater of fact good nutrition is important in helping you to keep up your own energy levels as high as possible, particularly if you are nursing your new child.

Lastly, but equally important, each baby needs a safe car seat for travel. All newborns being transported by car, as required by law, must be placed in a rear facing carseats that meet established safety requirements. Proper installation of this important piece of equipment can be checked by a car seat safety specialist at your local police or fire station. 

By considering these preparations in advance of your big day, the focus can then be on taking care of the new addition to the family as soon as he or she arrives.

Katie Moore is married with one child and writes the mom blog Moore From Katie.

FTC Disclosure: This guest post was authored by Katie Moore and edited by MommyBlogExpert. 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 Ways for Parents to Teach Kids About Positive Values, Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility

Parenting

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Images in this post provided by Rachel Albert

With the prevalence of everything from cyber bullies to white collar crime these days --  it's never been more important for parents to walk the talk. This is no more true than when it comes to empowering our children to make the right decisions and to act appropriately in the day-to-day situations with which they are confronted.

A mother of four, Rachel Albert is also an author

This post, inspired by the thoughts of Rachel Albert, author of the young adult novel Quest to Telos, offers the key essentials to instilling personal integrity and social responsibility in today's youth.

• Never lie in front of your kids. Most of us have spoken or acted falsely in front of our children or encouraged them to lie. For example, misstating a child’s age to save money on tickets or doing your child's school project or homework and then suggesting the student present it as his own work. These white lies don't gain much in the short run, do they? Worse, they cause long-term damage because they are setting standards for kids to emulate.
• Give your kids a reason why. Mark Twain once said the two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you figure out why. If you fail to tell your kids why they are here, you've missed the opportunity to help them figure out what motivates them and gets them excited. This is the most important key to getting kids’ cooperation and empowering them at the grassroots level to get more involved in their local communities and ultimately make the world a better place.
• Don’t criticize your children. Criticism is generally destructive, yet most parents criticize their kids anyway. In fact, when we focus on what they aren’t, they believe they can’t. In effect we are poisoning our own offspring. The result is angry children who express internalized pain by bullying others. It’s better instead to tell them how you feel rather than what you think of them. Something along the lines of, “I feel frustrated that you didn’t listen to me,” is likely to be better received.
• Don’t speak badly about other people. This is probably one of the hardest things to do, considering we’re a generation that thrives on celebrity gossip. Speaking badly about others teaches kids to look for what they view as the negative in others and to take joy in sharing information that can actually hurt another person.
• Model charity. Actions -- whether donating financially or by giving of your time -- speaks louder than words. When you make sure your children see the kindness and generosity you extend to others, they will learn empathy through osmosis.Besides, can you think of a better way to teach altruism than by bringing your child along when you volunteer at the local food pantry for the poor?

Clearly many of our society's ethics and social problems stem from the serious lack of personal integrity and absence of social responsibility in the world today. But parents can potentially change all that.

Albert says, "Each child is hungry to form his or her identity and make their mark on the world. As parents it is our duty to start at home by providing them with the tools they need to always do the right thing."

Rochel Albert lives in Miami and is a mother of four. Her book Quest to Telos published in March 2012 is a young adult novel where fantasy meets reality and even world peace is possible. It's available on Amazon $13.99/softcover and $4.99/e-book or Kindle.

What ways are you transmitting positive values to your child to help him or her know right from wrong? Feel free to share your thoughts as a comment below.

FTC Disclosure: 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.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week - April 16-22 - for Women & Moms to Win Brand Name Products

Twitter Parties

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Updated 4/20/12

This week's Twitter Party schedule lists parties women and moms will enjoy attending April 16-22.  Be sure to check back as this schedule will be updated frequently all week so you don't miss updates and additions as they become available. Also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up soon in subsequent weeks. Want to be the first to know when next week's Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live? Then consider following MBE on Twitter and Facebook and by subscribing to this blog.
 

THIS WEEK

Monday, April 16

Join @ResourcefulMom and @RBabyFoundation for the #RBABYMoms Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Prizes include GlassyBaby Candle Set valued at $132 each.  RSVP

You're invited to @Travelingmoms weekly Twitter Party with sponsor @layngo at 9 pm EST where they'll be talking about entertaining kids while traveling. Prizes include Four (4) Lay-n-Go LITEs (this ingenious invention retails for $64.95 each)  #TMoms  RSVP

Make a date to attend the @MelissaAndDoug Twitter Party tonight w/ Prizes at 9 pm EST. NO RSVP needed, just use hashtag #mdparty

@5minutesformom hosts 6th Annual Ultimate Blog Party #UBP12 from 9-10:30 pm EST. Grand prize is a Nook Color plus they're also giving away THREE (3) $100 Target Gift Cards and TEN (10) signed copies of the book Hurry Less, Worry Less for Moms. RSVP


Tuesday, April 17

Get in on the fun and join @Staples and @AudreyMcClellan for a Martha Stewart Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. Prizes TBA. Use hashtag #MarthaAtStaples to participate

Come to the @MonroeandMain Twitter Party at 8 pm EST talking all about shoes. RSVP by tweeting #StepIntoSummer and following Monroe and Main. Prizes will be given away every 10 minutes.

You're not going to want to miss @MomItForward and the @FacesofMBC #gno #facesofMBC Twitter Party on breast cancer awareness at 9 pm EST. One winner will be awarded a $250 donation to the breast cancer charity of their choice. RSVP

Join in the fun at the Twitter Party @Savvysassymoms is hosting for @Britax and Bob Trailers Baby Buggies Twitter Party at 10 pm EST benefiting @LoveRecycled #MayPAM. Four (4) prizes will be given away; by participating in this party you have the chance to win a five piece prize pack of Britax & Bob baby gear valued at almost $1,400  RSVP

Wednesday, April 18

Join the #XboxFamily Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. More details to come.

You're invited to the #MomsandBrands Earth Day Twitter Party at 7 pm EST. Prizes from natural band sponsors: Rockin Green Soap, Manitoba Harvest, Bambooee and Love Grown Foods. Follow @MomsandBrands and RSVP

Don't miss the weekly @TheOnlineMom Family Friendly Tech Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Grand Prize is a brand new iPad (3rd Generation). Must RSVP & participate in party to be eligible to win.  

Thursday, April 19

@Champions4Kids @lomargie @MommaDandDaBoyz hosts the #OdwallaCFK Game Day Challenge Twitter Party at 2 pm EST. They'll be talking how to get the kids off the couch. Prizes: 4 Walmart gift cards (3-$25 and 1-$100). RSVP

Join @Momcentral for the #GladBlackBag Twitter Party at 3 pm EST. Prizes include SIX (6) $50 Amazon gift codes + Glad sample will be given away during the party and TWO (2) $50 Amazon GCs + Glad product for pre-tweeting before it starts.  Details

If you or your child loves My Little Pony you must attend the @MyLittlePony #PonyWedding Twitter Party that @ModernMom is hosting at 4 pm EST. SIX (6) My Little Pony prize packs will be given away and the Grand Prize includes a Sony Bloggie, the MLP Friendship Train Express and other cool swag. Opp to Tweet abt the party before party starts too!  RSVP

@SheSpeaksUp invites you to the @StyleUnited Glam Hour Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. $1000 in prizes to be given away including a $50 Zappos gift card, a B. Makowsky Holly Hobo handbag, a CHI Ceramic Flatiron and more; grand prize is a $200 Macy’s gift card. #StyleUnited RSVP

Hot Twitter party hosted by @Spokesmoms and @CalissonInc celebrating @SophieGiraffeUS Big Birthday at 9-11 pm EST. 57 fun prizes for kids and moms to give away. #Spokesmoms RSVP


Friday, April 20

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for their weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom and @RobynsWorld at 3 pm EST. Prizes include a 4G LTE Spectrum by LG and other great prizes. To be eligible to win participate in the party and RSVP

Next Week

Monday, April 23
Thomas & Friends Celebrate Earth Day Twitter Party at 2 pm EST. Hosted by @Babygoodbuys w/ Thomas expert tweeting from @TrueBlueEngine. Prizes include 5 Thomas & Friends Up Up and Away DVDs, Trackmaster R/C toys. #totsyparty


Tuesday, April 24
Join @GrillHappiness @Sears @theBlogFrog and @ShibleySmiles for the #GrillingisHappiness Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Talking about outdoor grilling with Sears. Prizes! Details  


Wednesday, April 25

@MomSparkMedia invites you to the Duda Farm Fresh Foods Twitter Party at 8 pm EST. They'll be talking about how to get your family to #snacksmart. Prizes include FIVE (5) $50 American Express Gift Cards. RSVP
  

Thursday, April 26

Join @shespeaksup at 9 pm EST for the #RecallsPlus Twitter Party. Prizes include $50 gift cards to the stores you shop at for yourself and your kids PLUS a brand new iPad. RSVP #styleunited


Friday, April 27

Get in on the @ShotatLife Twitter Party from 9 am- noon EST celebrating World Immunization Week! #vaccineswork #socialgoodmoms 

Sunday, April 29 
@Resourcefulmom hosts a Baby Shower Twitter Party for @BookieBoo where YOU can win prizes such as Baby Trend Jogging Stroller and a $75 ecoStore baby basket and other great stuff. RSVP


Coming Soon 

Monday, April 30

Join the @Mamavation 12th Mom Boot Camp Launch Twitter Party 8-10 pm EST. Prizes include Omron Pedometers (2 winners), Omron Body Fat Analysis Scales (2 winners), New Balance Tennis Shoes (2 winners) & other healthy lifestyle products. RSVP

Tuesday, June 5

The @FortyliciousCA and @RandomHouseCA Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes: 10 copies of new book Shelter Details

About this Weekly Twitter Party List Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com

Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar please email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your message.

I'm also available, for a nominal fee, to host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party, email janis@janiselspas.com for more information with Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a Guest and also hosts some. However, 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.

Bop It XT Game Toy for Ages 8+ Review

Games

Toy Review and Giveaway

For this review I called on my girl, girl, boy teen triplets to test the product. Having owned and really enjoyed both predecessors to the Bop It! XT -- plus the fact they love action toys that challenge physical and mental coordination -- it doesn't surprise me that I didn't have to twist their arms too much. They were more than glad to oblige and eagerly give me their feedback on the newest version of this fast reaction game that Hasbro just launched.

MBE partnered with Hasbro, post contains affiliate links

My daughter cracks open the new Bop It! XT

The packaging says Bop-It! XT is for ages 8 and up. I think it's worth emphasizing, though, that tweens and teens in particular will get a naturally-induced adrenaline rush with this game that can be played alone at home or with friends at a party. 

Like the earlier models of this battery-operated hand-held reaction challenge game the object is to think as quickly as possible and respond to the commands correctly. My kids are competitive by nature so they've been playing against each other when ever they can fit it in to their already very busy freshman high school schedules. But they've also been challenging themselves to beat their personal best scores, too.

The original Bop-It only had three commands that were delivered by an electronic voice that said "Bop it," "Pull it," and "Twist it" in random order. The second version appeared more sturdy as it was better constructed than the first game was and included a few more bells and whistles. The newest version basically works the same way the earlier generations did using the original commands but it adds three more call outs and more sophisticated actions including "Flick it," "Spin it," and "Shake it." The added action this toy now involves really challenges kids to think and react even more quickly.


Here my teen shows how fun this toy is in action

 

In addition to playing this solo or with just two players taking turns competing against each other, there are lots of other ways to have fun with the Bop It! XT with groups, teams, and at parties. The game now offers four progressive levels of play: Novice, Expert, Master and Pro. Advanced levels of play require gamers to remember the sounds and associated colors as well as the word commands that are delivered more rapidly as you progress to the next tier. My kids -- one now at the Expert level while the other is at the Master level -- are quite coordinated and athletic as well as sharp thinkers. Nevertheless this is really giving them a run for their money and they are working hard to keep moving up in the ranks.

With spring already here and warmer days ahead this is a good game to play indoors or outside that will get boys and girls moving and more physically active.  Encourage your kids to use their imagination for playing this game, I've no doubt that those who get hooked will have no trouble thinking up even more ways to entertain themselves with this.

Bop It! XT from Hasbro is available on Amazon and in stores nationwide where games and toys are sold. Requires three AAA batteries which are not included with the game which retails for $24.99.  

Hasbro BOP IT! XT

GIVEAWAY
Ends 4/25/12

Product image provided by Hasbro Games

HOW TO ENTER

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends April 25, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will be selected at random from all entries and notified via email. 

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying why  you'd like to win this great prize. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the initial comment section so the winner can be contacted.

Optional Extra Entries 
Earn extra entries to win for doing one or more of the easy options listed below. Just be sure to return to MommyBlogExpert (MBE) to leave an additional comment after each individual extra action you do to confirm so we can record all your additional chances to win.

1. Follow @mommyblogexpert on Twitter

2. Like @mommyblogexpert on Facebook

3. Follow @Hasbro Twitter

4. Like @ Hasbro on Facebook

***Bonus Entries***

You can earn even MORE chances to win each time you TWEET the message below, up to 3 times each 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 each of your RTs.

Tweet:

BOP-IT! XT Electronic Reaction Kids Game Toy GIVEAWAY - Enter up to 3x/Day, Ends 4/25 http://tinyurl.com/7bvjy7e RT 2 #WIN

Find More

Family-Friendly Giveaways

HERE

MBE participates in the Amazon Affiliate program and we receive a bit of compensation, at no extra cost to you, when you click on links within this post and make a purchase.

FTC Disclosure: Hasbro Games provided product to facilitate this review. The brand is also supplying the prize and handling shipping to the winner at the conclusion of the contest. 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.