Busy Mom Reviews

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and LG Text Ed

Teens and texting.

They go together like...like...I don't know, but they often go together these days.

At least they do in my house with 2 teens, Busy Girl (16) and Busy Boy (14).

We've been fortunate to have not had any really significant issues with the phones, but as we all know, navigating these waters can be tricky, especially for younger teens, and the online safety talk is a big one.

With older kids, you have the added issues of sexting and responsible driving, so that makes it even more fun, but you have to do it.

I'm a part of LG's Text Ed campaign, and as part of the program, I am going to interview my 2 teenagers about texting-related subjects such as phone etiquette and savvy, sexting and bullying, and I need your help.

Will you please submit questions that I can ask them related to texting and such?

Because this topic is so important for our kids and their futures, BlogHer really wants to get the conversation about texting, sexting and safety going – both with our kids and among parents.

It will match LG’s donation of .50 to dosomething.org for every comment on this post, so please give me your suggestions on questions for my kids.

Dosomething.org will get a $1.00 for each and every one, so, please ask away and help me with questions to ask my teens about texting and give a $1 to a worthy cause when you do!

The holidays are upon us, and for many people that means travel, and possibly a hotel stay or two.

The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), well-known brands such as Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaze, Intercontinental Hotel, Hotel Indigo and Staybridge want to make your holiday travel a little easier this year by helping you cut travel costs:

* Check it Free – Travelers can get up to $50 toward their first checked bag on any airline when they spend a weekend at any IHG hotel across the U.S. between now and Dec. 30, 2010.

* Sweet Dilemma - IHG is offering a flexible choice for any traveler who stays twice at any IHG property from September 20 to December 31, 2010 - free nights, double reward club points or miles.

The giveaway

IHG also wants your travel to be easier by offering a chance at a “Travel Made Easy” gift basket.

The prize: A “Travel Made Easy” gift basket that includes: a new carry-on bag, decorative cosmetic bags, a travel pillow, headphones and a $25 Visa gift card. ($125 value):

1. (Required): Leave a comment here and share a tip to make holiday travel easier.

2. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest (I'm @busymom), and be sure to leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.

2. One (1) winner will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.

3. Contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older

4. Winner(s) has 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.

5. Hurry! Contest ends December 13, 2010 at 10pm CST.

I received a set of the items as described above. No other payment or consideration was given for this post

One cup coffee machines are great for giving everyone what they want, or making one cup of fresh coffee at a time.

The good folks at Tassimo make some great one cup coffee machines, and with the Brewbot, you can be your own barista, it's almost like having your own espresso machine that can make hot chocolate and tea as well.

I was sent a Tassimo Brewbot for review. It's a solid machine made by Bosch, and at about 8 inches wide it doesn't take up a lot of room on the counter top.

Sadly, it's not really a robot, but the Brewbot can make over seven different varieties of beverages such as coffees, lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, hot chocolates and coffee cremas at the touch of a button in about a minute:

The Tassimo Brewbot uses T discs size coffee capsules like this:

The Tassimo Brewbot comes in three models (T20, T45, T65), with prices starting at $129.99. There are more than 40 beverages from brands including Milka, Gevalia, Maxwell House, Twining’s®, Seattle’s Best Coffee® and Starbucks.

I've really enjoyed the Brewbot, it's been fun to use and we've all been able to enjoy different drinks quickly. The reservoir holds about 7 cups, so you don't have to refill all the time. The only drawback is that I wish the T DISCS, though you can get them online, were more readily available and in a bigger variety in the stores (or at least the stores near me).

The Brewbot is available on Amazon and from retailers such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Target.

The giveaway

Want to check one out for yourself?

The prize: a Tassimo (model T20) Brewbot coffee maker

1. (Required): Visit Tassimo and leave a comment here telling what variety of T DISC you'd like to try.

2. For an extra entry, tweet about this contest (I'm @busymom), and be sure to leave a separate comment with a link to your tweet.

2. One (1) winner will be picked randomly via Random.org from the comments.

3. Contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older

4. Winner(s) has 24 hours to get back to me, otherwise another winner will be drawn.

5. Hurry! Contest ends December 16, 2010 at 10pm CST.

Be sure to check out the Brewbot Facebook Fan Page and Tassimo on Twitter.

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a Tassimo T20 Brewbot online here: http://bit.ly/Tassimo25 and save $25 and get 2 free T DISCS!

No other payment or consideration other than the sample as describe above was given for this post

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

In-dash navigation units can be found in cars all over the country. They're really handy and can save countless hours of driving time if you're going someplace unfamiliar, or if there's a traffic jam ahead. I love our navigation system, it's been invaluable as I've driven all over the country for my daughter's volleyball games.

But, in order for these navigation systems to work, the maps have to be updated. Construction changes roads and landmarks every day, and an outdated map can't help you get where you're going!

NAVTEQ is a leading provider of maps, traffic and location data, and a map update  by NAVTEQ would make a perfect present for the traveler in your life, a new driver or even for yourself. An in-dash navigation system can help you navigate an unfamiliar part of town, lead you to landmarks, restaurants or your hotel on the road.

It's always useful, it doesn't take up space, and it's never the wrong size. How many other gifts are that awesome?

What are you waiting for? Go find out more or order a NAVTEQ  map update for that someone who has everything.

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and LG Text Ed

A while back, I called for your questions to my teens about texting-related subjects such as phone etiquette and savvy, sexting and bullying, and you came through for me!

Here's Busy Girl with some answers because Busy Boy is studying for his exams. Trust me, he doesn't need to stop what he's doing.

1. Have you ever sent a mean text you regretted?

If a friend and I get into a fight, we usually talk it out over text. I try not to put things in writing I would regret, but I have sent an occasionally rude message.

2. Do you sleep with your phone on, and do you wake up for texts?

I sleep with my phone on the table next to me. I usually silence my phone and check it in the morning. But, if I'm waiting for a message, I'll check it when I hear it.

3. Do you want your parents to communicate important things to you via text?

Important reminders through text are easier to remember because I will see it and put it on my calendar.

4. How would you handle it if a friend texts and drives?

I'd offer to type for them or ask them to look at their pictures or something so they couldn't text.

5. Do people think it's rude if you don't respond to texts right away? Are they understanding if you say you were driving?

It's rude not to reply if you're in mid-conversation, but if you just say you were driving, it's no big deal.

6. Have you ever allowed someone else to send a text from your phone?

Yes, if their phone dies or they just want to goof around, but I know what they're sending.

7. Do you have friends that have engaged in sexting and regretted it?

No, most people think sexting is dumb, and people make fun of it.

8. Do you feel that some of your friends have engaged in sexual activity they would not have if there were no cell phones?

No, I don't think so.

9. Do you think that it would help your relationships if you texted less and sat on questions/thoughts/concerns longer?

No, I think people are more honest over text because it's less awkward and you can be straightforward.

Have you had a conversation with your kids (or nephews/nieces, grandchildren) about texting, sexting and safety?

Maybe another reader will have the perfect suggestion for how you can get your conversation going. It’s important for all our families, and dosomething.org will get a $1.00 for every comment, question or suggestion.

SWAGG is a free mobile app (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.

For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) , up to $125,000.

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

This year, I got to give my daughter an awesome birthday gift. She turned 16, and we were able to give her a car.

Now, hang on a minute, I know what you're thinking: "Duh, of course a car is an awesome gift, tell me something I don't know."

Yes, of course it is, and we're very fortunate that it worked out how it did, but it wasn't a given.

Without going into a huge explanation, to make our schedule work, she really needs a car. The plan was for her to get my car and for me to get something new, However, it didn't look like it was going to happen, so we prepared her for this reality.

I had a suspicion that she thought we were making up some elaborate story to make her believe it wasn't happening, only to turn around and surprise her on the big day. So, I had to sit her down, and tell her that there was no car, and that we were very sorry, and perhaps it would be more feasible later. She was understanding, but very, very down about the whole thing.

Things changed, and it looked like we'd be able to get another car after all, but it was very close to her birthday, and we didn't have much time. Now, a car is a car, and would be a big deal no matter when you got it, but you only turn 16 once, so we really wanted to make it possible for the big day.

We found a car for me, but we had to hide it in order for her to be surprised on her birthday.

It's harder than it sounds to secretly make arrangements to buy a car, pick it up and keep it hidden until you need it. At one point, the logistics were complicated enough that we had to sit down and make a diagram to get everyone and everything where it should be.

Our neighbors were kind enough to hide the new car, and after dinner, I walked down the street to get it while the kids were watching TV. I drove it in our driveway expecting everyone to run outside. Only? No one noticed, and I had to sit in the driveway and honk.

That got their attention, and the whole thing was very worth it:

.

**********
SWAGG has partnered with non-profit Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to SU2C up to $125,000. Awesome, right?! Visit the SU2C site for more info http://www.standup2cancer.org/

And, there's more!

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a lucky pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! The sweepstakes is offered exclusively through the Clever 1000, and it has a pretty kick butt prize, including:

* 2 night/3 day stay at Yarrow Hotel in Park City Utah (Jan 21 - Jan 23, 2011)
* Ground transportation to and from hotel to airport in Park City, Utah
* Dinner for two at Tao Lounge, including 2 nightclub passes
* All access to The House of SWAGG Gifting Suite
* 2 tickets to a movie premiere on Saturday, January 22nd -- movie tbd
* $4,000 value

Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.

Need a gift idea?

Now, through Dec. 24, U.S. Cellular, recently recognized in a survey by Consumer Reports as the best wireless carrier in the country, is offering its extensive lineup of cutting edge phones free (online only) while supplies last, including Android phones.

U.S. Cellular is also topping it off with a $100 credit to new customers purchasing a smartphone or existing customers adding a new smartphone line.

All devices are backed by U.S. Cellular’s high-speed nationwide network and the valuable benefits of The Belief Project, which include faster phone upgrades, overage cap, discounts for autopay and paperless billing, and “no contract after the first.

Hurry! Offers end December 24, 2010.

No payment of compensation was received for this post, I just thought you'd like to hear about some free phones. That's all.

SWAGG (has sound) has launched a new app that deals with the troublesome problem of how to deal with the overabundance of gift cards, loyalty & membership cards that clutter up your wallet or handbag.

The SWAGG app lets you load all those gift cards, loyalty points, etc into your iPhone or Android mobile device. Voila, now you can shop from your phone.

Did I mention the app is free?

Another cool thing is that the app allows you to "give or get." You can give a gift card directly from your mobile device. You can also enter your zip code upon downloading and get offers that are redeemable at stores in your area.

And if giving and getting aren't enough, the very download of the app gives back. SWAGG has partnered with the non-profit organization Stand Up to Cancer.

Every time you download the app between now and December 31,2011, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up to Cancer – up to $125,000.

The Download Drive

As a SWAGG Brand Amabassador, I'm part of a contest, and that could benefit you!

The Brand Ambassador who gets the most “I downloaded SWAGG” comments will receive a SWAGG GIFT bonus, plus a $100 SWAGG GIFT prize for one reader.

1. Required: Download the SWAGG app.

2. Required: Leave a comment below telling me you did it.

3. Optional: Tweet about this contest – RT @busymom Download @swaggmobile app & benefit @su2C PLUS a chance to win $100: http://goo.gl/tnXrB #cleverswagg

And don’t forget to leave a comment below saying “I tweeted about downloading SWAGG!”.

4.IF I win, I will randomly draw a winner from the comments here (ends December 31, 2010)

Here's another great reason to download the SWAGG app:

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

Be sure to check out SWAGG on Twitter and SWAGG on Facebook.

I was selected to be a SWAGG Brand Ambassador by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. This is a compensated program, but all of the opinions I share are my own.

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Jimmy Dean, however the opinions and feelings expressed here are my own.

I am a notoriously poor breakfast eater. Even as a child, I was never hungry in the morning when I got up, and then by the time I was hungry it was that awkward time between breakfast and lunch ("brunch" on a weekend) when you don't know what to eat, so you end up eating whatever is around, and that's not always the best choice.

It's not that I dislike breakfast, I'm just not ready to eat it when the rest of the world is ready, so sometimes I'll grab something small, but it ends up being something small like a cereal bar, or something lying around work like doughnuts. Both of those types of choices always leave me hungry later, and I end up eating more than I would have had I just had a decent breakfast to start with.

As an adult, it's still something I have to work on since I can't always stop in the middle of the work day and go get breakfast.

I'm not sure I'll ever be ready to eat when I wake up, but I'm working on eating something good for me at a more normal hour to start my day off right and keep my eating habits from getting way off schedule, and derailed with junk food. If I start the day off with junk, I tend to crave junk.

I've always read how important it is to have protein at breakfast, it keeps you feeling fuller, longer and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. I've finally decided to take it to heart, and you know what? It works. Who knew? I'm not as hungry and I make better food choices throughout the day.

I have a refrigerator in my office at work, and I've recently stocked it with some good breakfast foods to a. make myself eat them, and b. keep myself from going out and buying stuff. I need to eat healthier overall, and I'm trying to get geared up to make that commitment for the New Year.

Jimmy Dean's Sausage D-lights line is lower carbs and made with turkey sausage that's lower in fat and calories, as well. We've actually been buying the Canadian Bacon Honey Wheat Muffin. Busy Girl needs the protein for early morning volleyball games, and they're quick to microwave in a hotel room which is where we usually are. I've also started keeping them in my work fridge:

I'm getting better at the breakfast thing, and a commitment to eating meals on time and starting the day with some protein is going to be a great start for me to make other healthier changes in my life for the New Year.

If only protein could exercise for me.

The giveaway

Prize: $100 Visa gift card

How to win: Leave a comment telling us about what "Better Breakfast, Better You" choices you plan to make for the New Year.

Rules:

1. No duplicate comments.

2. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.

3. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older.

4. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail.

5. Sweepstakes dates are 12/28/10-1/30/11

5. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Be sure to visit the Exclusive Offers section for even more chances to win!

This is a compensated review by BlogHer.

You do know that BlogHer isn't just a conference, right?

BlogHer is an entire community full of information and content on lots and lots of topics from food to career to life to politics. There's groups and discussions, articles from BlogHer editors on all sorts of topics, and even exclusive offers where you can learn about new products, get coupons and samples, and enter to win prizes.

You can also find blogs on most any topic you desire in the Blog Directory, and be sure to submit your own and find new friends and readers.

If you haven't been there in a while, it's got a spiffy new design, do go check it out, and see what’s new and be sure to visit this week's Sweepstakes post on BlogHer.com for a chance to win a full conference pass to BlogHer Food '11 in Atlanta, GA.