TOMS National Geographic Big Cats Collection Supports Endangered Giant Feline Species

Fashion

This is a sponsored post

#TOMSAnimalInitiative

This week was Big Cat Week on Nat Geo WILD with a full week of programming dedicated to big cats, including lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, panthers and more -- all of which are under threat as their habitats are diminished, mostly by man.

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Since National Geographic, TOMS and non-profit causes supporting the well-being of wild animals are three of my favorite passions, I could not be more thrilled and humbled to tell readers the big news. TOMS Animal Initiative is partnering with National Geographic to support the organization's work through TOMS Big Cats Collection of shoes and fashion accessories.




Inspired by the regal big cats that benefit, the brand has teamed up with National Geographic in support of the non-profit's vast and ongoing protection, education and conservation programs around the world in Africa, Asia and North and South America. The TOMS Big Cats Collection, which was created to help build awareness of these noble efforts, features a stylish line of man-made fashion accessories for women, men and children including shoes, sunglasses and even a backpack. 

Jacob with proud Mom & Dad at Eagle Ceremony, MommyBlogExpert.com

Each TOMS design in the collection features elements which bring to mind the beautiful and amazing big cats that need our care and protection. I've been an animal advocate my entire life and have imparted that love of nature and the world's creatures to all my children. In fact, throughout this post you see my son Jacob who I'm proud to say became an Eagle Scout last year and who is now an East Coast university student modeling on behalf of TOMS Big Cats Collection. He's wearing the uber cool and preppy Nat Geo Men's Lion Paseos canvas lace-up oxfords which he tells me he loves because these shoes are so classic, well-made, comfortable and versatile, taking him from his formal Eagle ceremony to his casual college campus lifestyle with ease.

Stepping out into a new life as a university student, MommyBlogExpert.com

The shoe collection also includes the sleek Nat Geo Women's Jaguar Classics slip on shoe (pictured below), and several different boys and girls styles for kids and youth that mimic the adult big cat versions. So you can outfit your whole family in these shoes: mom, dad and all the kids, knowing you are doing your part to help support Big Cat education, protection and conservation efforts.

In the collection, there are also two absolutely gorgeous pairs of women's sunglasses inspired by leopards in the wild and a tailored, yet Safari rustic styled backpack to choose from. Available on the TOMS website, pieces in the collection range from $36 to $169.

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Click for More Information

• Big Cat Initiative
• TOMS Animal Initiative

To learn more and support the Big Cats Initiative follow Cause an Uproar on Facebook and on Twitter @CauseAnUproar.

FTC Disclosure: I disclose am a National Geographic Blog Ambassador. I received the TOMS shoes featured to facilitate this review but did not receive any other compensation. Opinions here 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.

Romantic Healthy Valentines Recipes Raspberry Cucumber Soup + Butternut Cheesecake

Good Food

Love is in the air and Valentine's Day is right around the corner. So what could be more romantic than a delicious heart-healthy and low cal but elegant dinner for two prepared at home? I can't wait to make these appetizer and dessert recipes by Chef Anthony Stuart, Executive Chef at Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa for my husband. These look really good, so you might want to consider making them both for your own sweetie. Add your loved one's choice of a main dish with your favorite sides for an amazing and memorable meal together.

Recipes

Chilled Raspberry & Cucumber Soup

Appetizer

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh raspberries, washed
• 1 cup seedless cucumber chopped
• ¼ cup seedless cucumber finely diced for garnish
• ¼ cup  apple juice concentrate
• 3 cups water

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a blender (except finely diced cucumber) and blend
• Chill and serve garnish with finely diced cucumber on top

Chef's note: Fresh basil or mint goes nicely with this dish

Crustless Butternut Squash Cheesecake
Dessert

Ingredients

• 1 Grainfield's corn flakes
• ¼ cup apple juice concentrate
• 1 bar cream cheese, fat-free
• ¼ cup cottage cheese
• 1 pkg Silken Tofu or ½ cup skim milk
• ½ cup roasted butternut squash, pureed
• ½ cup Splenda
• 2 tablespoon vanilla
• ½ cup egg whites

Directions

• Grind corn flakes in cuisenart until fine, mix with apple juice and layer in bottom of cake tin and bake for 3 minutes to set crust.
• Mix cream cheese with tofu & cottage cheese in cuisenart until very smooth.  In large bowl mix egg whites, splenda, pureed butternut squash & vanilla with spoon (not whisk).  Add to cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes in a hot water bath.

FTC Disclosure: Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa provided the recipes and images for this story. Opinions are my own and I am not receiving any payment 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.

Morris the Cat Advice on Getting a Good Night's Sleep + A Fun Giveaway for Cat Lovers

Pets

Guest Post

by Morris the Cat

Live Well & Prospurr

9Lives Brand Ambassador

#Prospurr

Continuing our uber popular guest cat post series, I'm pleased to be treating Mommy Blog Expert cat loving readers to more hilarious advice columns from Morris the Cat of 9Lives cat food fame.

Anyway... I'm back with iconic 9Lives cat food spokescat Morris, giving advice to us lowly humans about how to sleep like a pro, and by that I mean, a cat. After all, they do sleep up to 140 hours a week – that's 3.5 times your typical 9-5.

To help on your quest to catch more Zzzs, Morris is also giving readers the chance to win a super-cool, human-sized bed in the shape of Morris himself... because who doesn't sleep better when snuggling up with a cat? Just go to his Live Well & Prospurr website to enter and check out his video with more sleeping tips.

Dear Morris,

I'm a cat but as you know, even animals have 'spirit animals.' Mine is an owl – a night owl to be exact. I love to play "catch the speck of dust" or "chase your tail in the middle of the bed" into the wee hours of the morning. My humans have no idea what they're missing out on. They just lay there snoring and swat at me when I come too close. How can I make them see that daytime is lame, and the real party happens under stars (the stick-on, glow-in-the-dark kind)?

Yours truly,
Hyper Harry

Dear Hyper Harry,

Sadly, this is a case you may not win. Humans need their sleep at night. You get to spend all day snoozing and they only get a few precious hours when the sun goes down. Your humans can, however, make sure that they understand why it is you're pouncing about and provide things to make nighttime more fun. For instance, your humans could consider getting a kitty condo or put out bags or boxes for you to explore. For extra credit, they can hide treats around the house so you can go on a midnight scavenger hunt. Or, if you're really lucky, they'll bring home a kitty best friend for you to play with whenever you please. Other cats might be up at night because they get hungry, in which case their humans could try an automatic food dispenser to provide small meals throughout the night. Remember, the more you let your humans sleep at night, the more energy they'll have to play with you during the day!

Kitty hugs,
Morris

Thanks for the pawesome nighttime tips, Morris! If you missed it, be sure to read Morris' most recent exclusive MBE cat advice column for more entertaining advice. Plus, don't forget to check back for the last installment of "Dear Morris," and in the meantime, check out his official website to see how you can live as well as a cat and enter the giveaway!

FTC Disclosure: Morris the Cat and 9Lives provided the inspiration, content and images for this story.  I am not receiving any payment 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.

Kids TV Safety Guide for Parents to Avoid TV Tip-over Injuries Super Bowl Sunday

Safety

While everyone is thinking about the Super Bowl this Sunday, there's something else that we all need to have in the forefront of our minds whether or not we have young kids ourselves. 

The sad reality is that too many children are being needlessly injured or worse by televisions that tip over. In fact, according to Safe Kids Worldwide and the Consumer Technology Association who brings the tech world CES every January, a child dies from a TV tipping over every three weeks here in the United States. 

It's a good thing these two organizations are marking National TV Safety Day on February 6 (the day before the big game when families will gather around their TV sets) with a public service campaign to educate the community. In addition to educating parents, caregivers and others about the importance of properly securing TVs, TV Safety Day also provides information about removing unwanted TVs from the home and recycling them through the Best Buy free electronics recycling program and others. 



Children younger than 5 years old are at the highest risk for accidents, with this age group accounting for the most TV tip-over injuries. Don't just consider TVs in the family or living room, either, because about 47 percent of TV and furniture topple incidents happen in a bedroom. In fact, I was shocked to learn as you will be that a recent study by CPSC estimates that a CRT TV can fall from an average-size dresser with an impact force of up to a whopping 12,000 pounds.

Top TV Safety Tips

1. Properly place your old TV. If you have a heavier, box-style TV, place it on a low, stable piece of furniture that is appropriate for the TV's size and weight.
2. Secure your flat-panel TV. Be sure your flat-panel TV is properly secured with a mount that has a safety certification by an independent laboratory such as UL, CSA or ETL
3. Recycle your TV. To find a location near your home that safely and responsibly recycles unwanted TVs, go to GreenerGadgets.org.

For more information about TV safety and how to protect your little ones visit SafeKids.

FTC Disclosure:  I am not receiving any payment 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.

Morris the Cat Guest Post How to Get a Good Night's Sleep + Enter a Fun Sweepstakes

Pets

Guest Post

by Morris the Cat
Live Well & Prospurr
9Lives Brand Ambassador

#Prospurr

Continuing our uber popular guest cat post series, I'm pleased to be treating Mommy Blog Expert cat loving readers to more hilarious advice columns from Morris the Cat of 9Lives cat food fame. 

If you ask me, there's one thing in the world that there's just too little of, and it's not love. I'm talking about S-L-E-E-P and I'm always trying to get more of it as well as make the most out of what little face time I do get with my pillow.

So I had a thought... why not ask the master sleep expert himself; someone who spends more time snoozing than most of us spend at work? I'm talking, of course, about the one and only Morris the Cat. For those of you who don't know him -- or who've let sleep deprivation cloud your memory -- Morris is the iconic spokescat for 9Lives cat food who has starred in over 50 commercials. When he's not in front of the camera or chowing down on 9Lives, you can bet he's napping in his trailer. Ahem, I mean carrying case.

He's taken time out of his busy schedule to answer some reader questions about the all im-purr-tant issue of sleep. What's more, he's offering fans the chance to win a Morris-shaped, human-sized plush bed AND a year's supply of 9Lives cat food. After you've read his latest wise advice below, be sure to visit his Live Well & Prospurr website to enter.

Dear Morris,

I've been experiencing difficulties with falling asleep, tossing and turning once my head hits the pillow. I don't get it because I feel tired all day at work; then I come home, brush my teeth, flip on the TV, and just... lie there. I'm hoping I can learn from the expert. Morris, what am I doing wrong?

Sincerely,
Sleepless in San Fur-nando

Dear Sleepless in San Fur-nando,

Your case, unfortunately, is not at all uncommon. When you're going all day long at the speed of a cheetah, it's no wonder your mind darts around like a red laser dot at bedtime. Luckily, as a cat, I spend up to 140 hours per week sleeping and I can tell you there is hope! For starters, I notice you mentioned turning on the TV before bed. Cats don't watch TV -- this is partly because the majority of us can't speak English that well, but mostly because it interferes with our snooze time. Scientifically speaking, the 'glow' emitted by an electronic screen enters the brain and slows the release of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. So next time you want to turn on the tube before bed, try counting sheep instead -- or better yet, mice!

Kitty hugs,
Morris

There you have it! After getting a good night's rest, tune back in for the next edition of "Dear Morris" exclusively here on Mommy Blog Expert. And don't forget to check out this personable cat's Live Well & Prospurr website to enter the giveaway and learn how you can help Morris feed hungry kitties with just the click of a mouse.

FTC Disclosure: Morris the Cat and 9Lives provided the inspiration, content and images for the post.  I am not receiving any payment 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.