AC/USB Wall Outlet Provides Stylish Practical Solution to Countertop Device Charger Chaos

Technology

According to Cisco smartphone usage tripled in 2011 and mobile connected tablets tripled to 34 million devices. Hard to believe but true: by the end of this year it is projected that there will be more mobile-connected devices than there are people on Earth. This doesn't even account for all the billions of other gadgets out there such as iPods and cameras that utilize USB cables for recharging.

Just the tip of the iceberg of my family's wireless collection

For starters my family of six owns at least two smart phones, one cell phone, five tablets, six digital cameras and two iPods. I'm sure I'm missing many more in that count -- remember I have four teens -- so I've lost track of the exact population of tech gadgets that live at our house. If you're reading this post and you have a family with multiple children I'm guessing that you might even have more wireless devices than we do.

That's a whole lot of tech gadgets that you and I need to charge often at the same time while cluttering up our bathroom, kitchen and bedroom countertops. At last, there's a hard wired in-wall solution to this conundrum for charging multiple Apple, Android and other USB compatible devices. It's called the Power2U, a prize-winning UL Listed AC/USB Wall Outlet from Newer Technology, Inc. that you can install yourself at home.

First introduced at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show, this handy tool is essential for every modern well-connected home. No wonder that in the short time since it was unveiled the Power2U has already won multiple awards including the People's Choice Award at the 2012 American Business Awards and the CustomRetailer EXC!TE Award from CustomRetailer Magazine for "Excellence in Custom Installation Technologies and Products."

At first glance you might think that this is just another two socket wall outlet that you could buy at your local hardware store for a few dollars. But look again more closely and you'll see that the Power2U consists of two USB ports for charging devices in addition to two regular electrical outlets. This is truly the merging of today's technology, functionality and design.

Out with the old traditional electrical outlet ...

In with the new Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet ...

As a matter of fact that's the reason this product is accumulating so many accolades -- because it finally provides a stylish practical solution that many of us can't live without. Once and for all helping busy families like ours to get rid of the need for all those pesky charging adaptors that have been multiplying like rabbits while at the same time blending in seamlessly with our continued dependence on standard power outlets.

Keep in mind that this is something that will need to be hard wired and involves taking the old electric outlet out of the wall and replacing it with this. That means it is potentially dangerous and can cause injury or even death -- so if you choose to install this yourself it is a must that you read all the directions carefully first and be sure that you turn the power OFF at your power box. I'd highly suggest watching the product's 20 minute online How to Install video before you start, too. If you're still not comfortable with the do-it-yourself route, you can always call a handy man or electrician to install this for you.

Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet in package

Power2U AC/USB Wall Outlet side view

These are so handy that you'll probably want multiple outlets just like them around your home. Remember, though, before installing it consider the length of the USB cables you'll be using so the Power2U outlet is near enough to the counters or other surfaces where you will be resting your devices while charging. For example, I wouldn't replace your floor level outlets with this new outlet, unless you don't mind leaving your devices on the ground while charging them.

Always be cautious when working with DIY electrical projects

The Power2U does require extreme caution and some patience to install. But once you've hooked this up properly, if you're like me, you'll agree that the benefits of having a product that incorporates both a pair of traditional 3-prong AC wall sockets with two USB ports and that eliminates the on deck mess of cables and power adapters is well worth the effort.

Power2U is available in these 4 colors, Image from Newer Technology

About Power2U
Power2U is one of the newest products from Newer Technology, a company that was an early adopter of technology having formed in 1984. Priced at an affordable $24.95 suggested retail price these are available in the four decorator colors pictured above and may be purchased direct from retailers. NewerTech develops PC, Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad performance upgrades and accessories.

FTC Disclosure: I received the Newer Technology Power2U AC/USB wall outlet to facilitate this review but did not receive payment or other compensation for this post. Thoughts are my own. 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 With Prizes November 11-17

Twitter Parties

Updated 11/16/12 - Includes Sneak Peek at Coming Weeks Too!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Master Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Be sure to check back often every 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 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 and/or by subscribing to this blog right now.

THIS WEEK

Sunday, November 11

Udderly Smooth Twitter Chat at 9 pm with @mmc67 @udderlysmooth. Prizes: NINE (9) winners will each receive a trio of Udderly Smooth products + a pair of cow slippers; Grand Prize is a Pandora bracelet with cow charm. #UdderlySmooth RSVP

Monday, November 12

Libby's Thanksgiving Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @libbystable @resourcefulmom. Prizes: THREE (3) winners each receive a Sculpted Turkey Platter from Pottery Barn and ONE (1) Grand Prize winner receives a Fresco Turkey Platter and 4 plates from Pottery Barn. #LibbysThanks RSVP

Breaking Dawn Twitter Party at 8:30 - 10:30 pm ET hosted by @eOneFilms with @ETCanada @HelloCanada @MuchMusic @TributeMag @UrbanMoms. Prizes include autographed posters, DVDs, prize packs, and a private screening for you and 20 of your friends. #BD2Party RSVP

Workcations Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomof3. Prize: TBA #TMOM RSVP

Tuesday, November 13

Join @AudreyMcClellan for the Olay Beauty Twitter Party at Noon ET. Prizes. No RSVP, follow hashtag #olaycc

Adopt US Kids Twitter Chat at 1 pm ET with @AdoptUSKids @ResourcefulMom. TEN (10) prizes TBA to be awarded. RSVP

Holiday Solutions Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @AmericanExpress @Zipporahs @LisaSamples @StacieinAtlanta @mamamaryshow @centsiblelife. Prizes: American Express gift cards. #HolidaySolutions RSVP

Join the weekly Tech Tuesday Live Twitter Chat at 4 pm ET with @Windows @HPSupport. To participate use hashtag #Win8 #WinChat Details

Disney Pixar's Brave Twitter Party to celebrate Brave 's new Blu-ray Combo Pack and HD Digital with @SocialMoms @DisneyPixar @MommyBlogExpert at 7 pm ET. Prizes: TEN (10) Amazon gift cards for pre-tweeting before the party. At party prizes include TWENTY (20) Winners who will each win the Brave Ultimate Collector's 5-Disc Combo Pack #PixarBrave RSVP

Caress Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @kittybradshaw @cheapchicas @caress. Featuring special guest Lilliana Vazquez. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs that each include a $50 gift card, a statement necklace chosen by Lilliana & a year's supply of Caress Body Wash. #Caress Details

Sun Chips Holiday Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @5minutesformom @SunChips @jennifer_sikora @susancarraretto @janicecroze. Prizes: THREE (3) Sun Chips prize packages and Grand Prize Sun Chip prize package + $100 American Express gift card. #SunChipsHolidays RSVP

Midnight Velvet Dazzle Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @shopMV. Prizes every 10 minutes. #MVDazzle Details Soon

Your Santa Story Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @MomTalkRadio. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners will each receive a gift code to order Your Santa Story DVD. #YourSantaStory RSVP

Funky Monkey Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET talking about coping strategies for fitness, stress and nutrition during the holidays. Prize: ONE (1) winner gets a variety party of Funky Monkey Snacks #Funkychat RSVP

Green Gifts Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @TheEcoChic @EFFBlog @GreenChildMg. Prizes: Lots of green mom, family & baby friendly prizes too numerous to list. #GreenGifts RSVP

MOMentumNation Building Your Brand Twitter Party with @Childhood @kdevito @TJMaxx and others at 9 pm ET. Prizes include a TJMaxx gift card and many others too numerous to list. Follow hashtag #Mybranding to participate. Details

McCormick Turkey Gravy Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @momitforward @jylmomIF @Dadventurous @TroyPattee. Prizes: ONE (1) winner will receive a prize pack valued at $250 including Le Creuset products and $100 Pottery Barn Gift Card plus McCormick Gravy. During party ONE (1) winner will get a prize package worth $50. #gno #McCormickGravy RSVP

Wednesday, November 14

Alexandra Rain App Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Alexandra_Rain @SavvySassyMoms @FashOrganized. $1000 in Prizes from Daisy Guitars, Freshology, Moms Gone Zen and FIFTEEN (15) free Alexandra Rain App downloads. RSVP

Healthy Meals on the Go Twitter Party at 1 pm ET hosted by @Kidfreshfoods @loveandcents @outnumberedmama. Prizes: Visa Gift Cards: ONE (1) $100, TWO (2) $50 and TWO (2) $25 #cbias #KFHealthyKids RSVP

Sandra Brown Author Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @SandraBrown_NYT @ResourcefulMom. FIVE winners will receive a Hachette Book Group tote with 3 Sandra Brown titles. ONE (1) Grand Prize winner receives $100 American Express gift card. #SandraBrown RSVP

World of Eric Carle Twitter Party 7 pm ET with @MomTalkRadio. Eric Carle toys and educational prizes to be given away during the party plus there will be a prize for one lucky person who Tweets before the party begins. #WorldEricCarle RSVP

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET this week discussing preparing for emergencies. Prize: TBA. To be eligible to win RSVP

Tea Collection: Holiday Style Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @TeaCollection @BonBonRoseGirls @CheapChicNrsery @GlamaMom @LilStyleFile. Prizes: FOUR (4) $50 gift codes and ONE (1) $100 gift code to Tea Collection Children's Clothing site RSVP

Thursday, November 15

Making Life Better Twitter Party at Noon ET with @MomBloggersClub @DanielleSmithTV @Crissy. Prizes: FIFTEEN (15) Unilever gift baskets. #BetterTogether RSVP

FashionTweenStas Twitter Party talking about shopping, gifting & giving for tween girls at 1 pm ET with @Kidzvuz @ChildrensPlace @audible_com @Hip2Housewife @BeccaSara @melissaschapman. Prizes: THREE (3) $100 Children's Place giftcards and free audiobook downloads from Audible. Grand Prize: an XBox360 Kinect Bundle, #FashionTweenStas RSVP

Sears Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @smiley360. Prizes: SIX (6) $25 Sears gift cards. #SearsCheer Details

Keeping a Safe and Healthy Home Twitter Party with @_workingmother_ @Safetyathome at 7 pm ET. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 Bed Bath & Beyond gift cards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 Bed Bath & Beyond GC. #WMHealthyHome RSVP

Hershey's Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @HersheysKisses @ResourcefulMom. Prizes: FOUR (4) winners a prize pack that includes a nostalgic apron and Hershey's Kisses cookie cutter and two bags of Hershey's Kisses milk chocolates. ONE (1) Grand Prize winner gets a nostalgic apron and Hershey's Kisses cookie cutter and two bags of Hershey's Kisses milk chocolates + a $50 gift card. #CookieHQ RSVP

Home Depot Twitter Party talking about Fall home style at 8 pm ET hosted by @MomSpark @momsparkmedia. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 Home Depot gift cards and ONE (1) $100 Home Depot GC. #AskTHD RSVP

Family Date Night Out Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @KidsLiveWell @BlogRConnection @LisaSamples @Zipporahs @StacieinAtlanta @RachelFerrucci @RobynsWorld + others. Prizes: $700 in gift cards from some well known restaurants. #KidsLiveWell RSVP

Black Friday Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @ConsumerQueen @KarenElaine75 @Offers @ShermayneC. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 American Express gift cards and ONE (1) Grand Prize $250 Am Ex GC. #OffersBF RSVP

Torani Holidays Drinks Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Torani @Zipporahs @LisaSamples @StacieinAtlanta @jonbonjovious @erinclane @MommaDJane. Prizes include FOUR (4) Mr. Coffee Drink Makers and Grand Prize of ONE (1) Mr. Coffee Drink Makers and ONE (1) case of 12 Torani Syrups #ToraniFlavors RSVP

Girls Night Out Dannon Danimals & Danonino Rally for Recess Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Dannon @MomitForward. Prize: ONE (1) winner will receive a $250 American Express gift card. #gno #rally4recess. RSVP

Friday, November 16

SportsFreak of the Week Football & Turkey Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @clevergirlscoll. $1000 worth of prizes to be given away. #SportsFreak365 RSVP

Weekly Verizon Wireless Twitter Party hosted by @theonlinemom at 3 pm ET. Prizes: A surprise wireless + $125 Verizon gift card or a surprise wireless device accessory -- Both prizes come with a Verizon Insider Swag Bag. To be eligible to win participate in the party, use hashtag #VZWBuzz and RSVP

Mom's Milk Boutique Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @clothdiapergeek @dirtydiaperlaundry. More than $1500 in cloth diaper prizes: ONE (1) year's supply of Rockin Green Soap, stacks of cloth diapers and more. #MMBStacks RSVP

NEXT WEEK

Tuesday, November 20

Burlsworth Trophy Twitter Party at 3:30 pm ET with @JanetGoingCrazy Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 gift cards. #Burlsworth RSVP

Wine with Chicken Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @chickenfarmers. Prizes: TBA. #WineWithChicken RSVP

Eco Sprout Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @ClothDiaperGeek. Prize: ONE (1) winner gets a year's supply of Eco Sprout Soap. #EcoSproutSoap RSVP

Cat in the Hat PBS Kids Christmas SpecialTwitter Party at 9 pm ET with @MomItForward @PBSKids @KateKlimo @JylMomIF @Dadventurous @troypattee. #gno RSVP

I.O. Metro Pre-Thanksgiving Twitter Party 9:00-10:30 pm ET with @IOMetro @ErikaAtBluLabel @BlackandMarried @thedecorista @creategirl. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 gift certificates. #IOMetro2012 RSVP

Wednesday, November 21

It's the weekly @TheOnlineMom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET. Prize: TBA. To be eligible to win a prize RSVP & participate in party with hashtag #TheOnlineMoms.

COMING SOON

Thursday, November 29

First Barely There Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @intimateguide. Prizes and more details TBA soon. #barelythere

Aflac Holiday Duck Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @AflacDuck @RachelFerrucci @MommyBlogExpert. Prizes TBA. Stay tuned for more details and link to RSVP soon

More Twitter Parties constantly be added to this list as soon as they're scheduled so stay tuned by following this blog.

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 Twitter Party 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 others. 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.

Arthur Christmas Kids Movie Review Giveaway

Movies

Giveaway details below review

Last year before Thanksgiving I first reviewed Arthur Christmas when this animated feature film was showing on the big screen. If you missed it in the theater, you're in luck because as of November 6, 2012, this family friendly movie for kids has been released by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment for viewing at your house in three formats all with UltraViolet: Blu-ray 3D/DVD Combo Pack, Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, and on DVD.

Arthur Christmas DVD

MBE partnered with Sony Pictures for this review and giveaway

From the same brilliant and talented team that brought you Chicken Run and The Smurfs, this film from Aardman Animations will have the whole family enthralled and rolling with laughter and holiday good cheer.

For sure this isn't your own childhood's St. Nick. No, this guy in an outlandish red and white suit isn't even old-fashioned. He has gone hi tech and actually has a whole staff of Santas working to deliver presents to kids everywhere. And we all know what happens when there are too many cooks in the kitchen, don't we? Well you just have to see this film for yourself to see all the wacky things going on when there's more than one Santa Claus!

Children's movies are part of Christmas tradition

Even if you and your kids saw Arthur Christmas already in the movie theater last holiday season you're in for a real treat with the new release. That's because there are lots of extras.

DVD, Blu-ray and Combo Pack Bonus Features include

Un-wrapping Arthur Christmas featurette
Five Progression Reels
Elf Recruitment Video

Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack Exclusives include

Third disc with 3D version of the film

Check out the official Sony Pictures Arthur Christmas site for lots of fun stuff

A clip from the movie
Interactive games children will love
Write a letter to Santa activity
Free downlodable coloring sheets
More things to make you smile

As if the news couldn't get any better than that, I'm happy to tell loyal Mommy Blog Expert readers that Sony is providing the prize for an Arthur Christmas DVD giveaway. Read on to find out how you can win this fun and entertaining movie for your child just in time for the holidays.

Arthur Christmas

DVD
GIVEAWAY

Ends 12/10/12

Arthur Christmas DVD

HOW TO ENTER

Just leave a comment(s) below this post. Contest ends December 10, 2012 at 12 midnite PST and is open to legal residents of the continental U.S. only. One winner will win the Arthur Christmas 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 @MommyBlogExpert on Twitter

2. Like @MommyBlogExpert on Facebook
3. Follow @MommyBlogExpert on Pinterest

5. Follow @ArthurChristmas on Twitter
6. Follow @SonyPictures on Twitter

7. Like Arthur Christmas on Facebook
8. Like Sony Pictures 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 to copy and paste:

Join the fun WIN @SonyPictures newly-released Arthur Christmas DVD GIVEAWAY #kids #movie #holidays http://tinyurl.com/b3gcze3

More Family-Friendly
Mommy Blog Expert Giveaways

ENTER Them All HERE

FTC Disclosure: Sony Pictures is providing the prize and shipping for this giveaway. 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.

Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings Toy Review Sweepstakes to Win Trip for 4 to L.A. Ends 12/23

Toys

Win a Trip to L.A. Sweepstakes Ends 12/23/12, Details Below

For generations little girls have believed in fairies like Tinker Bell

Breaking Story just in. Wait. Pardon me while I brush a little fairy dust out of my eyes. Okay, that's better. Here's what's happening right now. We've just learned some unbelievable but true good news about Disney who gave birth on screen to the winged fairy Tinker Bell more than 49 years ago back in 1953.

Tinker Bell, BTW, is based on the fictional character from J.M. Barrie's 1904 Peter Pan play. According to reliable sources it has just been revealed for the very first time that Tink, as her friends call her, actually has a twin sister named Periwinkle. Amazing that the company that invented the theme park was able to keep Tink's secret sibling under wraps this long.

As the news unfolds fans are discovering that Tinker Bell, everyone’s favorite Disney Fairies character is back in all her glamorous and sparkling style. This time she's flying around in Disney Fairies newest movie Secret of the Wings that was just released on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Periwinkle & Tinker Bell Dolls inspired by the movie

In this tale, Tink ventures into the dark and mysterious Winter Woods where her wings suddenly begin to magically sparkle. She meets Periwinkle, a beautiful Frost Fairy, and discovers the truth behind the glow…they are long lost twin sisters and in no time they are also BFFs!

Here's a sneak peek from the Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings movie. The How to Have a Snowball Fight clip from the film you can watch there is the cutest ever and with winter just around the corner couldn't be more season appropriate. There's lots of free games and other fun things to do on the official Disney Fairies site, too, like the Create a Fairy interactive activity that kids will love.

Two BFFs introduce sisters & friends Tink & Periwinkle to each other

This is the perfect sharing toy for 2 sisters or friends don't you think?

Drawing inspiration from the latest fantasy movie, JAKKS Pacific Toys has just rolled out an absolutely magical line of dolls, dress up and role play items that truly brings this animated feature film alive. Some of those new toys and dolls are pictured in this post. Timed to the release of the new movie, girls can relive all of their favorite movie moments as well as play pretend and dream up some of their own fantasies with the full product line.

6 new JAKKS Pacific Toys Disney Fairies offerings include

Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings 9" Classic Fashion Doll Line for ages 4 and up. There are five fairy dolls to choose from: Tinker Bell, Silvermist, Rosetta, Periwinkle and Spike, each decked out in their fashionable winter forest fairy outfits. $11.99 each
Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings Tink & Periwinkle Friendship Forever Two-Pack for age 4+. Since this is the doll set I received for this review I can assure you from actual experience that this beautifully packaged pair of sisters and friends will make just about any little girl or two smile. $24.99

Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings Tink & Periwinkle Friendship Forever 2-Pack

Disney Fairies Sky High Periwinkle for ages 4 and over. Yes fairies can fly as this doll toy complete with launcher demonstrates. Kids will love pulling the string and watching her soar as high as 10 feet. $16.99
Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings Tink & Periwinkle's Light Up Surprise for age 4+. Your little girl can relive the mesmerizing moment from the movie when the fairies first realize they are sisters with these two 4.5" fairies that light up when placed in the snowflake base. $19.99

Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings Light Up Surprise Toy, Image by JAKKS Toys

Disney Fairies Tink and Periwinkle Pixie Dresses for girls 3+. Perfect for that little diva in your life who loves dressing up like an iconic fairy. These pretty Tink and Periwinkle outfits that take their cues from the movie feature removable glittery wings. $19.99 each

Disney Fairies Magical Light Up Wings for ages 3 years and up. This was the other product provided for Mommy Blog Expert's review. Constructed of light weight fabric and daintily laced with fiber optic hi tech magic, these full-size wings that kids can actually wear twinkle and light up, changing into 6 very fairy-like colors. $19.99

Watch this clip to see Disney Fairies Magical Light Up Wings in action

You can also stay up to date on all of Tink and Perkwink's adventures by following @DisneyFairies as well as the official JAKKS Pacific Toys Twitter and Facebook pages.

JAKKS Sisters Sweepstakes Giveaway
I'm also excited to share with my readers -- in celebration of the special bond that sisters and best friends have -- that JAKKS Pacific Toys is holding a fun Facebook sweepstakes. The winner and three guests get an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles as well as a shopping spree and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Disney Toon Studios, the animation studio owned by the Walt Disney company in Burbank. This grand prize includes merchandise and is worth $5,466.99. Plus weekly one Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings multi toy package valued at $145.70 will be given away. To enter this contest all you have to do is Like JAKKS on Facebook and then go to the Celebrate Sisters Contest tab. Contest runs now through December 23, 2012.

FTC Disclosure: This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I received several Disney Fairies Secret of the Wings products to facilitate this review but did not receive payment for this post. Thoughts are my own. 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.

How to Be a Model Mom & Citizen by Voting in Today's Presidential Election

Election 2012

Me in an iPhone self portrait right after I voted today

This morning at 12:01 ten voters in the tiny village of Dixville Notch in northern New Hampshire the first votes of the 2012 Presidential Election were cast. This little town's quaint and unique early poll opening carries on a tradition that goes back to the 1960 election that ended with John F Kennedy being elected as our President of the United States.

But the amazing thing is that this year Dixville Notch's results are unprecedented: Of the ten townsfolk who voted today, exactly half voted for President Obama and the other half chose Mitt Romney. Imagine that, exactly 50-50!

With those kinds of neck-and-neck early results in already as well as the reality that most political analysts are predicting a very close race, this year's election quite possibly could end up being the closest ever on record. Which means, more than any other election, every vote really does count and each registered voter should make every effort possible to cast your ballot before your local poll closes today.

Longer than usual lines to vote today at polling places around L.A.

The old-fashioned punch card method is still used in California

I voted early today right after I dropped my triplets off at high school here in California not only marking my ballot for my choice for President but also selecting various others running for U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative and a few at the state and local levels. I also did my homework in advance so I could vote quickly but intelligently on the many important propositions to be decided in my state this year such as Prop 35 which is aimed at stopping the horrific human trafficking going on here in L.A., as well as in San Francisco and San Diego and other areas around the Golden State.

My polling place at the neighborhood park rec center was all about patriotism

So when your kids come home from school today and inquire, "Mommy, Did you vote today?" You'll be able to say "Yes" proudly and show them that I Voted sticker that you know they're going to be asking about. I know for sure my own children will be checking up on me to make sure I did my civic duty tonight when they get home from school.

Just think about it. You'll be setting a wonderful example for your children by your actions on Election Day that relays to them that you really care about America, your state, and local community and by extension that you are doing your part to create a better tomorrow not only for your own child but for all American families.

My own four children may be teenagers, but still the whistful image below that I captured this morning is my favorite...

A mom brings her young daughter with her to vote in L.A. earlier today

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive payment or 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.

MOMMY BLOG EXPERT

Tab Names + Order