Boys & Girls Club of America helps teens be #CyberSafe #sponsored

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, June 06, 2014

 I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for BGCA.  I received a promotional item to thank me for participating. However, all opinions are 100% my own.


As a Mom of a teen and a tween, I found this cyber safe initiative compelling because keeping them safe in this rapid fire, digital sharing age is a bit daunting. Teens tend to communicate via electronic devices exclusively. Phone calls are almost extinct. With all their texts, tweets, selfie sharing and snap-chatting, our kids build solid friendships- but there is also lot of room for clichés excluding peers, misinterpretation, hurt feelings and bullying.  

Even though I consider myself a socially savvy Mom who has open relationships with her daughters, I found a wealth of helpful information at BGCA’s website for parents and teens.



About BGCA’s #CyberSafe Futures:

“Talking to your kids about online safety is the first step.” BGCA understands that growing up in the digital age is tough on teens and parents. That’s why BGCA, in partnership with Sprint put together a #CyberTribe of expert teens to help answer questions facing kids online. 

The first thing I did when I visited the BGCA cybersafe site was take the “Are you a Cyber Smart Parent?” quiz .


The good news?  I am a socially savvy Mom.


BGCA#CyberSafe button



Go here to take the quiz yourself. 


After taking the quiz, I checked out the Resource Page. Resource Topics include: Cyberbullying, Social Networks, Mobile Technologies and Online Privacy. 

Here's the link to the Teen Resources page.  Once there, your teen can explore life skills, arts, health, programs and more. 


Next I asked a #CyberTribe Question because if you want insights on teens- who better to ask than a teen. This is a weekly Q & A session,  so head on over and submit your questions.  Plus,  when you ask a question, you are entered to win an IPad mini!


CyberTribe IPad sweeps


Navigating this site is super easy for parents and teens, so I invite you to check it out and forward the link to your teen because as BGCA says: “Every teen deserves a #cybersafe future.”


Please share in comments: Have you or your child experienced cyber bullying or felt unsafe online?


Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be a good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Mid- Year Progress Report time

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Tuesday, June 03, 2014

Hello my dear readers. We have made it to the third day of June, 2014. I shake my head at this phenomenon, not quite believing it. Time really does march on whether we want it to or not doesn’t it?

 As I was flipping yet another calendar page this morning, I started thinking about all my hopes and plans I had at the beginning of this year and I thought it would be a great time to check my progress before the slower pace of summer takes over.

I’m not one to make New Year’s resolutions- but I do make goals and plans and I’m betting you do some sort of evaluation and dreaming for the bright and shiny new year as well.


I’m not going to share my list here, but I will touch on a few key subjects I’ve been paying attention to this year and give myself a grade.





1. Work smarter, not harder.  When I wrote that on a fresh piece of paper way back in January, my goal was to be more mindful in each task and not allow myself to be pulled from one task to another and lose my work flow.   

Grade to date: A


2. Make time for offline pursuits.  As most Bloggers will attest, blogging requires a lot of online time. From posting, to uploading photos to sharing on social channels- there is a lot of moving parts, most all online.

Grade to date: B-


3. Take better care of myself.  Running two small businesses is a sedentary lifestyle that I thought I had a handle on, but the mirror and my activity level said otherwise. I wanted to feel fit again. Okay- maybe not Jillian Michael's fit, but my body type fit again.

Grade to date: C


My mid-year progress report isn’t stellar, but it isn’t all bad either. I see lots of positive progress and room for growth.

Best of all- I see that I still have time. Instead of feeling bad that today is the 154th day of the year and I’m not knocking it out of the park- I prefer to think there is still time to accomplish my goals since there is 205 days until Christmas and 211 days until we start a shiny new year.

If you are feeling rushed, stressed and pulled in too many directions at this point in the year, maybe you should schedule a mid-year progress report time with yourself. Find a quite spot and honestly assess your point in life today. I bet you’ll come away with some pretty solid grades as well.


 Please share in comments- do you make new year resolutions?

Here’s to a happy, stress free summer for all!


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Sweet Summer Sipping with Eppa SupraFruta Sangria

in , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, May 30, 2014

Confession, I’ve gone all my adult life and never tried Sangria until last weekend.  Crazy as it sounds; I am not much of a wine drinker, so passing on the Sangria wasn’t hard. But, I kept hearing from friends how wonderful Sangria is, so when an opportunity to try Eppa’s SupraFruta Sangria free of charge came along, I decided to go for it.  Adding this Sangria to our Memorial Day weekend was a wonderful decision I must say! 




About Eppa SupraFruta Sangria:


chilled #Sangria
Source


Crafted in beautiful Mendocino California, Eppa SupraFruta Sangria is a blend of organic, antioxidant rich superfruit juices and wine made from organically grown grapes.  That sounds healthy and good doesn’t it? 

My husband and I couldn’t wait to try these.  As a Red Wine drinker, my husband was intrigued by the Eppa Red which has Pomegranate, Blueberry, Blood orange and Acai juices.

I wanted to try the Eppa White which contains Mangosteen, Peach, Mango and Mediterranean Blood Orange juices.

After chilling the Sangria’s over night as per the bottles instructions we poured a small serving of each and took turns sipping.


The Eppa Red was a little tart for my taste, but my husband true to form, loved the tart citrusy taste of it.  




#Summer Sipper
Chilled Red Eppa Sangria

We both picked up the hint of berry and orange which balanced beautifully with the red wine. This Sangria is very smooth, not too dry and would pair well with any summer dish. 




The Eppa White was sweet and delightfully fruity! 



#Summer Sipper
Chilled White Eppa Sangria


We both loved the aroma and the taste is a cross between the best fruit juice you’ve ever tasted and a nice white wine. I would serve this anytime!
My friends were right to sing the praises of Sangria. I’m sold on this Sangria and will happily purchase Eppa SupraFruta Sangria’s to share with friends. Now that I'm not a Sangria newbie, the next glass of Eppa Sangria we share will be served over ice so it will be super chilled and I’ll add some fruit for good measure.
I invite you to learn more about Eppa SupraFruta Sangria by visiting their Facebook page and their website  to find out more about Eppa and where you can purchase their products.

For more drink ideas, visit my Drinks tab here. 


In comments please share if you are a Sangria drinker and if so, do you prefer Red or White wine types?






Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be a good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."


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Purex Scent-sational Spring Giveaway

in , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Here's  great giveaway to enter right before May ends! Enter to win a 4- pack of Purex Crystals.




Spring Scents



About the Giveaway:
Scents evoke emotional reactions, awaken fond memories, and enhance moments. Inspiration is in full bloom with the freshness of spring in the air, so now is a great time to introduce some spring into your laundry with these new Purex Crystals.

5 lucky readers will win and entering is easy but hurry: this giveaway ends May 30, 2014 at 3pm CST. 

How to Enter:

Enter to WIN this scent-sational Pinterest Contest by clicking here! 

 That will take you to the Giveaway page where you'll get instructions on entering the Pinterest Giveaway.  Entering is easy-peasy. 


 Good luck!



Disclosure: As a member of the Purex Insiders Blogger team I was given the above information to share with my readers. I was not compensated in any way- but will be entered into a drawing for a gift card for sharing this with my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."



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Wordless Wednesday- May Blooms

in , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Wednesday, May 28, 2014

As May draws to a close, it's time to bid farewell to some of my favorite spring flowers and get ready to welcome in the summer bloomers.




May #flowers
Purple Clematis



May #Garden
Light Pink Peony




May flowering bushes
White Azalea





Red #Roses
Red Rambling Rose


What was your favorite May bloom in your garden?


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Sound more professional & stay connected with Grasshopper #ad

in , , , , , , , , by Linda A Kinsman, Friday, May 23, 2014

 I am really happy to work with our sponsor, Grasshopper today to share this information with you! * Disclosure*  Even though I was compensated to share this company with you via this post with my affiliate links, I only share information I feel is beneficial. 




phone



Want to be out in the sunshine and still sound professional? Now you can get out of the office and enjoy the beautiful weather with Grasshopper ! 


Summer is here, so do you really want to be stuck inside an office taking phone calls and missing out on glorious weather for the next few months? 

Didn't think so.



local calls



 Grasshopper lets you create a suite of business phone numbers to help you run your business using your cell phone.

 Here are some of their other great features:




  • Toll Free or Local Number - local or national presence
  • Unlimited Extensions - for departments & employees
  • Call forwarding to mobile phones - work from anywhere
  • Voice mails via email - play online or on cell phone
  • Manage online or by phone - no hardware to purchase
  • New Feature! - 855 toll free numbers


    • More than 100,000 customers are happily using Grasshopper as their business line, freeing themselves up expand their business beyond the boundaries of four physical walls. If Grasshopper let's you break free into the greater world beyond, why would you choose to be chained to a desk? You can upgrade or cancel your service any time you wish and their customer service team is excellent! Take a look at Grasshopper today.


    Share in comments which feature you would like to try. I'd love to try call forwarding.


    Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be a good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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