Category Archives: New posts

VIPRE Internet Security Review – The Award-Winning Antivirus Sofware That Has It All

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vipre. All opinions are 100% mine.

This review was written by The Mommy Insider editor, Kim.

I am always looking for  great internet security for our PC’s.  Working from home and on a computer all day I need to make sure that I am protected from everything. I found VIPRE Internet Security the other day, downloaded it. It only took me about 5 minutes to get it up and running and and so far its great!!

I have used so many other internet security software programs and by far VIPRE Internet Security is my favorite one. It is really easy to use and it doesn’t slow me down when it is running updates and scans.  Some other programs I have used makes my PC really slow when it would run updates and scans.

VIPRE Internet Security is the award-winning antivirus software that includes a firewall, a spam filter and website blocking into one powerful solution for complete protection against malware. It is packed with sophisticated security features that protect against viruses and other malware threats and it does it without slowing down my PC. I don’t even notice it’s running, even during scans and updates! As of right now VIPRE Internet Security the only antivirus solution to include automatic software patching with the Easy Update feature. Plus, VIPRE also comes with free U.S. based technical support! How great is that?

Did you know…

Out of date software like Windows, Java, Adobe, Skype, iTunes  are the most common cause of PC infections?  VIPRE is the only antivirus to automatically patch these security holes!  Amazing right?

If you are looking for a easy to use, affordable, all in one program I really think that you would like VIPRE Internet Security.  You can find more information at www.vipreantivirus.com

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Get Inspired with Miracle-Gro – ‘The Gro Project’ Inspirations

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

Now that Spring is here and the trees and flowers are starting to bloom I want to plant pretty flowers and make the inside of my house like the outside all pretty with colorful flowers and plants!

I am very inspired by Spring but I have no idea where to begin!! Miracle-Gro is helping me with that this Spring with The Gro Project. The Gro Project helps me to understand that garden projects should not be complicated!  Miracle-Gro is simplify gardening for for people like me and showing  that it can be easy, fun and enjoyable!

 

They have fun garden projects on The Gro Project site to get you started.  Some of the projects are a Toyarium, Ukulele Garden, and Origami Garden.

I really want to try the Toyarium..it looks like something that is easy enough for me to handle.

Make a toyarium

What you need, to get started:

  • Fishbowl or other glass container
  • Your favorite succulents and cactus
  • Miracle-Gro® Moisture Control Potting Mix
  • Plastic toys or figurines from your kid’s room
  • Rocks
  • A spoon

Instructions:

1. Cover the bottom of the container with a layer of rocks.
2. Fill it about 1/3 full with potting mix.
3. Use the spoon to plant succulents in the potting mix, adding more mix to create your landscape.
4. Set the scene with your toys. Careful not to over water! Use a spritzer to moisten only when it gets very dry.
5. Add a little imagination and watch it come to life.

See..that’s not hard right?  Just remember depending on what project you do make sure you use the recommended products like the LiquaFeed All Purpose Plant Food Advance Starter Kit and Shake’n Feed All Purpose Plant Food for your fun garden projects.
For more fun projects and and share gardening stories follow the Miracle-Gro Pinterest page.

 

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12 Year Old Scientist Quickly Raises Over $500 Towards her Goal for her Possum Vision Science Fair Project

possom vision science projectBack in the day when I was a child.. way back, the most significant science project I submitted was probably my bounce shelled egg project.   I’m sure anyone could google “bouncing egg science project” these days and be done with the project in 15 minutes.   In fact, the bouncing egg project appears to be way outdated as kids are now submitted science projects involving UV and IR signals!

A 12 year old girl named Josie who lives in Dayton, Ohio has taken the science fair project to a new level.

Future scientists everywhere can further their research goals using Josie Baudendistel as their model. For the past two years, this Dayton Regional STEM School student has been studying forensic scavenging patterns for her science fair projects in conjunction with Dr. Eric Benbow, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Dayton.

Because Josie is under the age limit for posting a project on FundaGeek, her Dad set up an account and helped her build her project called Possum Vision.

Over the last two years, Josie has observed interesting scavenging patterns within different seasons and different scavengers. She notes that nocturnal Opossum scavenge mainly at night. As she says, “This begs the question of whether or not they detect visual cues using a larger portion of the light spectrum than humans. For instance, do Opossum use ultraviolet or infrared light wavelengths as scavenging signals?”

For this year’s science fair project, her hypothesis is that they may use both UV and IR signals. She plans to set three pig carcasses along the edge of a field where previous activity has been observed. Each carcass will have a tripod with a webcam placed over it that will send images to a website. Each carcass will also have a trail camera placed near it to capture scavenging activity. In addition, she will go to each carcass site and take pictures through a filter that senses UV light as well as IR light to observe any visual changes in the carcass twice a day during the research period. She will then compare the observed visual signals with opossum scavenging activities. If visual signals can be identified, there is a possibility they can be used during forensic investigations.

The University of Dayton will supply webcams, trail cams and 3 pig carcasses. Her family will supply the tripods. Her successful crowdfunding project will help her to purchase a new camera to convert to UV and IR sensitive light as well as software to analyze the pictures. A breakdown of her costs is listed on her project’s page at: http://www.fundageek.com/project/detail/786/Possum-Vision–UVIR-Visual-Scavenging-Signals

As Josie says, “Sponsor me and be included in my work through a special website. Spread the word. Tell your friends. Donate equipment. Anything will be very much appreciated!”

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My science fair projects involved bouncing eggs and paper mache.  Were your science projects this scientific. What is your most memorable science project?

 

My Cleansing Journey – Why I’m Cleansing and What I’m Using

Before I had my son 13 years ago, I weighed 95-100 lbs and never thought about weight.  I was not judgmental about people who carry extra weight in the least.  I never thought a thing of it.  I had small friends, big friends, and very big friends and looked at them all the same.  Long story short, I got down to about 110 lbs right before my son turned 1 and was happy with my weight.  Then I had a car accident when my son was a year old.  That changed my body. I suffered muscular and nerve damage which still affects me 11 years later.  My 6-year-old daughter has never had the experiences that my son had including seeing me hike up Kennesaw Mountain without stopping or swinging her around, or having a jump rope contest.  I have been carrying an extra 15 lbs of weight for a few years now and can’t lose it which makes me pretty miserable.  Clothes don’t fit me right.  Many moms know what I’m talking about.

Side note: I have a type of spinal arthritis that is currently causing me a lot of pain and discomfort. In the last month I have been to my physician, had MRI’s, went to a rhuemotologist, and am now in physical therapy twice a week.  Yay!  Those things are all a step in the right direction.  I can’t walk on a treadmill because any jarring of my neck causes serious discomfort.  I can’t really do any cardio exercise now which I would normally do to loose 10-15 pounds.  I went through menopause at 33 years old which could be why losing this 15 lbs is being more difficult that one would expect. 

I don’t eat many carbs or starches, I don’t snack on cookies, candy, chips, or ice cream, and I don’t drink milk.  What gives?  I just can’t lose this 15 lbs.    I drink a ton of water. I keep a pitcher on my desk filled with water so I can refill my water glass often. I guess drinking a lot of water doesn’t flush extra weight off though.  Bummer.  I don’t eat a lot and often skip lunch – which I believe is one reason why I’m not losing weight.

 

My body cleanse journey

 

I took the leap and started a cleanse this morning!

Today I started David Kirsch’s 48 Hour Super Charged Cleanse.  I received the cleansing kit and a couple of other ‘cleansing’ products that will go into more detail about in a moment, a few days ago.  Every day since, it seemed like it was not a good day to start the cleanse.   I have never done a cleanse before and I am nervous about the idea of not eating food for two days.  Although I don’t eat much, it’s knowing that I CAN’T eat that makes me anxious.

I am doing the David Kirsch 48 Hour Super Charged Cleanse for a few reasons.

  1. I want to start fresh with my body but I’m not ready for a full-on 5 day cleanse
  2. I have heard and read great things about David Kirsch’s products.  I researched several cleansing programs and based on reviews and factual information I chose David Kirsch’s cleanse.
  3. I would like to jump start my metabolism and immune system
  4. The cleanse is supposed to pave the way for clean eating
  5. The cleans helps with energy levels

I don’t have high expectations for the cleanse. I don’t expect to lose even 5 lbs, I just want to feel healthier.  Cleansed, I guess.   During the cleanse I will drink a lot of water and can supplement with Thermo Bubbles which helps to boost metabolism and elevates energy level.

After the cleanse I will replace one meal a day (or add lunch) with a Chocolate Protein Shake for a few days.

It’s 9:49AM and so far I have enjoyed one glass of the lemonade flavored 48 Hour Super Charged Cleanse.  I feel great. I almost feel like I have more energy than I normally would at this time of the morning.  I am going to have to keep very busy today.  I will start packing for our upcoming trip to Florida and I have an appointment to get my nails done with a friend.  My daughter has gymnastics and my son has a test to study for, etc.. so those things will hopefully help keep my mind off of food.

Here’s a summary of what I’m using:

A cleanse isn’t for everyone.. and who knows.. it might not be for me either.  I bought all of the David Kirsch products that I’m using at SkinStore.com because they currently have a 20% coupon code. 🙂  Just visit the site and you will see the code on the right side of the page if they are still offering it.

Wish me luck and I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Have you tried a cleanse?

Alicia

 

This is NOT a sponsored post.  This is a personal story.

Enter to win Cooper Tire’s My Every Day Road Trip Contest.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cooper Tire. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Cooper Tire has been making tires for life’s road trips for nearly 100 years. They have a full product portfolio, fitting most vehicles on the road today; Cooper Tire manufactures quality passenger, light truck, sport utility, performance and winter tires. , Cooper Tire is commemorating life’s every day road trips with an exciting opportunity to earn an entire year of free gas during the Cooper Tire's My Every Day Road Trip Contest.

Starting March 1st, Cooper Tire Facebook fans may submit their not-so-every day road trip stories on by writing a story, or sending in a photo, or a video. Winners will be selected based on criteria such as originality, creativity, and their passion for Cooper tires and compelling content.

The top written story will win a $100 gift card to use toward gas for one week while the highest rated photo entry will receive a $500 gift card to use toward gas for one month.

The top five video finalists will each win a new set of four Cooper tires and advance to the final phase of the competition. In the final phase, Cooper Tire Facebook fans will be encouraged to vote for their favorite Every Day Road Trip video, to help determine the final winner. The video with the combined highest score and most votes will be awarded a gift card for $5,000 toward gas for one year to fuel their daily drive.

How to enter:

Make a video about, take a photo of, or write a story detailing your not-so-everyday, every day road trip.

Share your road trip with Cooper Tire by filling out the form on their Facebook Page and submitting your video, photo, or text story.

·         Videos must be 200 MB or less

·         Photos must be 4MB or less

·         Stories must be 1,000 characters or less

Check back on April 15th to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win a Cooper Tire Road Trip Kit just by voting for your favorite video finalist entries.

Photo and story contest winners will be selected separately and be posted along with the video contest winner on May 13.

Yes..vote and you can earn chances to win a Cooper Tire Road Trip Kit!

Vote once per day and you will automatically receive an entry to win a Road Trip Kit. The prize pack includes a $100 Cooper Tire auto service voucher, a $50 gas card, $50 iTunes gift card and Cooper gear.

Time is running out!  The contest ends March 29th so hurry to their Facebook Page and enter you photo, video, or story today!

Contest Rules:

No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve the likelihood of winning. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C. who are 19 or older. Void where prohibited. Employees and certain other affiliates of Sponsor are not eligible. Entry begins 9:00 am ET on 3/1/13 and ends 4:59 pm ET on 3/29/13. Method of entry: Register below and upload a video, photo, or text story on what makes your every day road trip unique. Only one entry per person (regardless of type of entry). Each entry will be judged based on criteria set forth in the Official Rules. One prize for photo portion: $500 gasoline gift card. One prize for text story portion: $100 gasoline gift card. Five prizes for video portion, each prize: an $800 voucher for 4 Cooper Tires. One grand prize winner from video portion: $5,000 gasoline gift card. ARV of all prizes: $9,600. Video portion finalists’ videos will be posted on Sponsor’s Facebook page for public voting. Contest subject to complete Official Rules available here. Sponsor: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, 701 Lima Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840.

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