Zulily Site Referral Rewards Program

Deals

For a limited time Zulily, my personal go-to online shopping source for great finds that are not only beautiful and unique but offered with discounts of up to 50% off, is offering you the opportunity to earn unlimited $20 credits (instead of the usual $15) for referring friends to join. 

Once your referral makes their first purchase you receive a credit that can be used toward anything you'd like to buy for yourself or your own family on the site. There is no limit to the number of friends you can introduce to Zulily and you'll earn a $20 credit for each one that results in a first-time sale.

Bubble Gum Pink Flower Crochet Baby Hat - A past Zulily deal item

First, sign up for free for Zulily's daily deals at Zulily.com. After you're registered, start telling your friends about this great site where you can choose from a huge array of creative up and coming boutique designers as well as brand names you'll recognize. Quality and stylish clothing, accessories and more for women, kids and other members of the family even pets -- as well as decorator items for every lifestyle. Every day new deals go live and you'll receive a email with all the latest special merchandise for sale. 

I've been a Zulily member since the site first launched in 2010 and for a time worked as a columnist on the company's blog. My own experience is that the brand's couture bargains are always different and extraordinary and you'll never know what you might find. In fact, I look forward to opening the email alerts I get daily first thing in the morning to see what is new. If I love something I see I usually buy it right away because they often sell out before the deals expire after just a few days.


If you haven't checked into Zulily yet but want access to one of the best sources online of clothing, accessories and even home decor items consider visiting now. I doubt you'll be disappointed because I always have been satisfied with the great treasures I've discovered here. If your experience is anything like mine has been your friends will say things like, "I love that. Where in the world did you get it?" Simply put the Zulily deal site has to be seen if you are seeking a constantly changing, but always refreshing shopping adventure.

Zulily Sign Up

Unlimited $20 Credits

Refer A Friend Program

Offer Expires August 31, 2012

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert did not receive any compensation for this post. However I am a long-time member of this deal site and am eligible for credit whenever MBE readers sign up for Zulily via the link included in this blog post and then make their first purchase. 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.

Fun New Toy Increases Kids and Teens Reaction Time Brain Hands Eyes & Ears Coordination

Toys

Tweet

Good things come in threes. Three's a charm. Even that age-old mom and dad threat, "I'm going to count to three." No I'm not exactly talking about my triplets -- again -- here. Instead, this post is all about Bop It! Smash the third new Bop It! interactive game from Hasbro that I've had the opportunity to review and share with you.

New Bop It! Smash from Hasbro for Ages 8+

After previously testing and writing about the Bop It! and the Bop It! XT I had thought I'd seen it all. Really.


I couldn't imagine that this fun family of battery-operated toys for kids ages 8 and up could get any better in the way of aiding the development of the younger generation's fine motor and thinking skills as well as all of their senses except for smell. Boy was I wrong.

The Bop It! Family from Hasbro

Clearly and simply Bop It! Smash picks up where Bop It! XT left off. 


"All the various Bop It! s work on the same basic concept and also turn off by themselves to save power," my 15 year-old triplet son explains. "However, the earlier two toys in this line rely primarily on ear to hand coordination to play them." 


"The brand new Bop It! Smash is different," he says because it brings the physical and mental interaction with the game to a whole new level that's focused mostly on hand to eye coordination. It's not just about listening and reacting as fast as you can which makes it a bit more challenging and fun. The music, especially, sharpens your auditory abilities because if you don't listen carefully it will confuse you."




My son tries out Bop It! Smash for the first time, Video by MommyBlogExpert


As you can see from the demo video of my teen giving this its first test drive Bop It! Smash does require intense concentration to score well in the game. It can be played sitting quietly and solo as is shown here, either indoors or outside. The volume can be increased and decreased, too, so as to not bother non-players and especially weary moms like me who are in ear shot of the device.


This can also be enjoyed in several other ways. As a pass it style game kids play by sitting or standing in a circle with their friends. Then all they have to do is set the Pass It switch which will automatically indicate when it's time to hand the game to the next player. It can also be switched to another mode called Multiplayer for a rousing competition between 2 to 6 players.




Bop It! Smash's fast-paced lights, sounds & music, Video by MommyBlogExpert


Both my son and I agree that this is a great way to entertain yourself and great option for relaxing after school or when taking a short break from homework. But because of these other player options we think this is really a fun and social game for guys and gals at parties for tweens and teens, too.


Demo batteries are included when you buy this product so you can play a little bit in the store to see how much fun this is prior to purchase. After you get this game home, though, you'll want to put in three new AAA batteries before playing with this for hours on end. Bop It! Smash from Hasbro retails for about $19.99 and is widely available where toys are sold in-store and online including buying it direct from the Hasbro consumer site.


FTC Disclosure: Hasbro Games provided the product to facilitate this review. This blog did not receive any 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 July 9 - July 15 With Great Prizes to Win

Twitter Parties

Tweet

Updated 7/15/12


Family friendly Twitter parties with prizes galore this week!  Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Calendar that lists many of them including specifics on prizes up for grabs and links to RSVP so you can sign up and participate. Remember to keep checking back as new events are added -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. What's more is you'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead.

Be the first to know when Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and/or by subscribing to this blog right now.

THIS WEEK

Monday, July 9

It's the Monday night #TMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST this week talking about what's your healthy travel snack. Panelists @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @CindyRichards @DebMomof3 and @dipaolamomma. Chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card RSVP

Tuesday, July 10

Summer Entertaining with Kleenex Hand Towels Twitter Party at 3 pm EST. Hosted by @CleverGirlsColl $1000 in prizes to be given away including gift cards worth up to $200 #CleverKHT RSVP

Funky Monkey Snack Twitter Party at 4 pm EST w/ @funkymonkeysnck talking about eating healthy. Hashtag to join the chat #funkychat

Get ready for the Unjunked with Unreal at Twitter Party at 8 pm EST that @BookieBoo and @ResourcefulMom are co-hosting. Be sure to follow the hosts and @GetUnreal plus use the hashtag #GetUnreal and RSVP to join the event.

Summer BBQ Cravebox Twitter Party at 9 pm EST hosted by @Cravebox with prizes from the Summer BBQ Cravebox being given away as well as some fully loaded Craveboxes and one grand surprise prize. Special prizes for tweeting and RTing pre-party, too.  RSVP

You're invited to the #Looqiloo Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with moderators @tweetpartynet @makobiscribe @deals4dummies and host @Looqiloo Prizes: THREE (3) $50 Amazon Cards, TWO (2) $25 Amazon Cards, and SIX (6) $20 Amazon Cards RSVP

Join the #MayPAM Twitter Party with @SeventhGen @IplayInc @PregAwareness and @HatchCollection at 10 pm EST. $500+ in prizes Details

Wednesday, July 11

@MomBloggersClub hosts the Reading is Fundamental RIF.org #BeBookSmart Twitter Party at 6 pm EST discussing children's literacy. Prizes: TEN (10) $25 Macy's Gift Cards. RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. Must RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #TheOnlineMoms. 

Join the Finding Conference Sponsorship Twitter Party at 9 pm EST hosted by @BloggyMoms and @CityChiconaFarm. Prize: One Bloggy Moms Conference ticket will be given away. #BloggyCon Details & RSVP

Thursday, July 12

Don't miss it the #IcedDelight Twitter Party hosted by @formulamom and @wahmdiva at 1 pm EST . Talking about amping up your coffee drinks for summer. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Walmart Gift Card and THREE (3) $25 Walmart GCs. RSVP

Live Twitter chat with #FHbloggers in Ethiopia participating at 2 pm EST with a unique prize from Africa every 15 mins. Be sure to follow @FoodfortheHungry. Details

Come to the @AptGuide #YourPicks Twitter Party at 8 pm EST to chat about home decor. Prizes: American Express Gift Cards. RSVP

CouponCabin Twitter Party at 9 pm EST. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Amazon Gift Card code and EIGHT (8) Amazon GC codes. Moderators: @tweetpartynet @makobiscribe @deals4dummies #CabinChat RSVP

You're invited to the #SavingsNation Hot Summer Hot Deals Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with @Savings @Savingsense @savewithshellie @bargainblessing @maritramos and @Savings_Nation Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Grocery Card and TWO (2) $50 Grocery Cards. RSVP

Friday, July 15

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes: Lucid by LG Smartphone  plus $125 Verizon Gift Card or a Plantronics Bluetooth Headset and a Verizon Swag Bag. To be eligible for prizes participate in the party and RSVP

This Sunday: 

July 15 at Noon PST/3 pm EST

Don't Miss the #TeenApps Twitter Party 

Hosted by @MommyBlogExpert
Special Guests: Teen Bloggers @TheTechTeen & @ZevViews8

Lots of Prizes including iTune GiftCards, Verizon Swag Bags & Tech Gadgets!

Details & Required RSVP Now to be eligible for prizes

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday July, 17


Logitech Summer Fun Twitter Party at 9 pm EST with @Girlslunchout and @Logitech hosting. Prizes ONE (1) Grand Prize Logitech UE Air Speaker ($400 val)
and THREE (3) Mini Boombox Speakers ($99 val each)#Logitechmusic RSVP


Wednesday, July 18

Join the Walgreens #RXSavings Twitter party at 2 pm EST with @TheMommyFiles and @simplybeingmom to discuss prescription costs and saving money. Prizes: TWO (2) Walgreens $25 Gift Cards, TWO (2) $50 Walgreens GCs and ONE (1) $100 Walgreens GC RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm EST.  Prize: TBA. Must RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #thonlinemom. Prizes: TBA.


Going to BlogHer in NYC in August and don't have a ticket for the @SocialSoiree event yet? If so you'll want to attend this #SocialSoiree Twitter Party at 9 pm EST where they'll be giving away lots of party tickets. 


Thursday, July 19


Come to the Champions For Kids Spinbrush Twitter Party at 1 pm EST. Panelist @Lilac_the_Bunny @PlusSizeMommy @Sydney_cBias and @Creatvprncss. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 Walmart Gift Cards and ONE (1) Walmat Giftcard #SpinbrushCFK  RSVP 

Friday, July 20

Join the #theonlinemom #VZWBuzz @VerizonInsider for the weekly Twitter Party hosted by @theOnlineMom at 3 pm EST. Prizes: TBA. To be eligible for prizes participate in the party and RSVP

COMING SOON

Friday, August 3


Come to the #LifeLock Twitter Party at 1:30 p EST. Prizes include BestBuy GCs, LifeLock memberships & an iPad. Details TBA




Thursday, August 9

You're invited to the Monroe and Main Fit for You Twitter Party at 9 on EST. They'll be discussion tips and clothing styles to camouflage problem areas to help you find the best looks for all shapes. Prizes TBA. Follow @Monroeandmain and #FitforYou to participate. More details soon.

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 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.

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

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on 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.

The Wiggles Big Birthday Free Movie Theater Tix + Kids DVD Giveaway, Ends 7/30

Movies 
Free tickets plus DVD Giveaway details below review

All images in this post provided by Kidtoon Films

Every weekend in July -- Saturdays and Sundays -- Kidtoon Films family matinees program presents The Wiggles Big Birthday on the big screen at select local Kidtoons theaters nationwide. 

The Wiggles: Big Birthday kids movie features the beloved foursome Murray, Jeff, Anthony and Sam who are holding a mega Wiggly Party. Kids are invited to join in all the live concert fun, along with The Wiggles' favorite friends: Captain Feathersword, Dorothy, Wags and Henry to dance, sing and generally help celebrate. There are so many birthday surprises, jokes and songs for more wiggly, giggly fun. 

That's not all. Kidtoon Films is offering FREE Kidtoons movie theater tickets valid through 12/31/12 to all Mommy Blog Expert readers to celebrate another month's quality family entertainment theater program. Note: Limit of one ticket per family. Kidtoons is also providing a DVD for a give away to one lucky Mommy Blog Expert reader -- see How to Enter below for a chance to win.
  
Don't delay. Enter the DVD giveaway and be sure to grab your free down loadable Kidtoon Films ticket (one per family) good through 2012 at the Kidtoons theater location nearest you. Plus download two complimentary fun coloring pages for your kids at KidtoonFilms.com.

The Wiggles Big Birthday 

DVD Giveaway

Ends 7/30/12 

WIN The Wiggles Big Birthday DVD

HOW TO ENTER

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends July 30, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. One winner will win The Wiggles Big Birthday DVD, selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email. 

Required (Mandatory) Entry

Simply leave a comment below this blogpost saying why you want to win this prize. Don't forget to include your email address, Facebook and/or Twitter contact info in the 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 MBE on Twitter 

2. Like MBE on Facebook
3. Subscribe to MommyBlogExpert

***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 to copy & paste:

The Wiggles Big Birthday @KidtoonFilms Film Review, Free Tix + DVD Giveaway Ends 7/30/12 http://tinyurl.com/6lv3hoo #kids #family #movie

Mommy Blog Expert is excited to be one of the few blogs to be hosting Kidtoons family friendly monthly movie giveaways in connection with screenings for children in selected theaters across the U.S.

Past Kidtoons movie giveaways on MBE include: Spookley Square Pumpkin, Care Bears: Share Bear Shines, Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas, Barbie A Fairy Secret, Little Engine That Could,  Strawberry Shortcake: Sky's the Limit, Olivia and the Great Outdoors, Thomas & Friends: Hero of the Rails, Babar and the Adventures of Badou: Swing Into Summer, Candy Land The Great Lollipop Adventure, Sid the Science Kid, Spookley Square Pumpkin 2011, Thomas & Friends Day of Diesels, Olivia Wintertime Cheer, Dino Dan, Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2, The Gruffalo, and Sid the Science Kid Backyard Camp Out.

Each Kidtoons giveaway is unique, based on the monthly movie offering. But, they're always family friendly and wholesome for children, so don't miss out on entering the current giveaway as well as subscribing to MommyBlogExpert, so you'll be the first to know when next month's giveaway is announced.

About Kidtoon Films
Since 2004, Kidtoons, a division of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Group, has been bringing popular children's brands and entertainment to cineplexes throughout America. The animated family film distributor's focus is on creating a friendly, affordable and interactive co-viewing environment that parents and kids can enjoy as a family together monthly. Each month's big screen program is designed for kids 3-8 and their moms and dads and they're always fun, memorable and one-of-a-kind experiences.

More Family-Friendly Giveaways

Hosted by Mommy Blog Expert

ENTER Them All HERE

Thanks to Online-Sweepstakes.com for including this contest in their directory of current giveaways.

FTC Disclosure: Kidtoon Films is providing the prize and shipping for this giveaway and is offering free movie tickets to MBE readers.  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.

Invention K'NEX Classic Kids Construction Toys Subject of CNBC How I Made My Millions on June 18

Toys

Tweet

K'NEX. A brand of building toy I wasn't familiar with prior to having four kids within a year (big brother followed in quick succession by girl-girl-boy Triplets). That all changed after our oldest received his first set back in 1999. Reflecting back on how much our kids played with these in preschool and into the elementary grades it brought back to mind all the different sorts of things they built with these colorful heavy duty plastic pieces in different interlocking shapes.
 

My 4 kids at K'NEX Special Exhibit, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix, AZ

For sure, K'NEX shares the number one classic toy ranking with LEGO in my family's humble opinion. As enthusiastic as I am about this kid's brand, I couldn't hold this news back. On Monday night, June 18, 2012 at 9 pm, K'NEX will be included in a How I Made My Millions segment on CNBC. 

The program will take viewers behind the scenes of K'NEX to meet and talk with inventor Joel Glickman the wizard who created this childhood treasury box of fun. In the episode Glickman shares his rags to riches story and recounts -- after his idea was passed over by the likes of Hasbro and Mattel -- how he took a big risk and shut down part of his family's injection molded plastic business to realize his dream.

The segment next week also features Michael Araten and includes an on-camera tour of the company's manufacturing facility, the Rodon Group in Hatfield, Pennsylvania.

At 6, our oldest built this K'NEX Rocket & Launch Pad by himself

About K'NEX

Founded in 1992, K’NEX has more than 200 international awards and is celebrating their 20th anniversary in 2012. True to its roots, the family owned business continues its commitment made in the USA products. A blog post for CNBC about the episode entitled Well K’Nected by Michael Araten can be viewed at MyMillions.CNBC.com. 

About The Rodon Group 

The Rodon Group, today a subsidiary of KNEX Brands, L.P., was formed in 1956 and is an ISO 9001-2008 certified plastic injection molder manufacturing billions of parts annually. The company provides materials for diverse industries ranging from consumer products and toys to medical, construction, and pharmaceutical.

FTC Disclosure: My family are big fans of K'NEX. 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.